Managing computer systems. Developing the proposal.

The major components of a thorough proposal to computerize pharmaceutical services are described. The components of the proposal are (1) the introduction; (2) description of current and proposed systems; (3) hardware, software, and supplies; (4) vendor selection; (5) implementation; (6) interface; (7) justification of need; (8) risk analysis; (9) contract; (10) summary; and (11) appendices. Special emphasis is given to justifying the pharmacy system on the basis of decreased cost for personnel, drugs, charging for services, and equipment. Additional justification is based on the benefits of increased production, decreased problems, and increased capacity to produce. A life-cycle cost analysis and engineering economy formula is described that can be used to calculate the number of full-time equivalents that must be reduced in order to offset costs of the system through personnel reduction alone. Because the decision to computerize pharmaceutical services constitutes a major and permanent change, it is important that the proposal be logical, factual, thorough, and organized.