Frequently Asked Questions

Is Helix Pharmacy System based on the Windows operating system?
What about the comments that I hear about Helix being a DOS program?
Is RNA a Microsoft certified partner?
What is Oracle, how does it work with Helix, and how does this affect my pharmacy?
Does Helix interface with other vendors for robotic packaging or software?
How are drug price updates and clinical updates handled by RNA?
What is involved in a data conversion of my current pharmacy system?
How long does it typically take for a data conversion?
Who does the data conversion work?
What type of support do you provide?
How is RNA’s software support different from other vendors?
Once I become a customer can I access my data to develop my own reports?
How can the Helix Pharmacy System be deployed for my pharmacy?
What is the ASP hosted solution? 
Is ASP well accepted and reliable? 
What are the advantages for using ASP for my pharmacy?
What is a data center and is my data safe? 
Why should I consider RNA over a local computer service company for my hardware?
Our pharmacy doesn’t have time or staff to manage computers, how can RNA Help?

Is Helix Pharmacy System based on the Windows operating system?
Yes.  Helix can only be deployed on a computer that is running a Windows Server operating system for the database server and Windows XP Professional for your workstations.  Currently we recommend Windows Server 2003.

What about the comments that I hear about Helix being a DOS program?
In the mid 1990’s our previous products utilized the DOS operating system like many other pharmacy system vendors.  By 1999 the RNA Eagle Pharmacy System was developed as a windows system that used Windows 2000 Server and was keyboard command driven for fast order entry.  Today the Helix Pharmacy System is fully designed to utilize the Windows 2003 Server with intuitive program screens and has developed a good balance between the keyboard for fast data entry and the familiarity of a mouse.  In other words, it’s your choice on how you want to enter your data.

Is RNA a Microsoft certified partner?
Yes.  RNA became a Microsoft Certified Partner by demonstrating a high degree of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies.

What is Oracle, how does it work with Helix, and how does this affect my pharmacy?
Oracle Database is a reliable database system that has strong security and is virtually unlimited in its ability to grow as your pharmacy succeeds.  Helix utilizes the Oracle Database as one of the core foundations along with Windows.  Oracle is considered “under the hood” of the Helix Pharmacy System.  This means that you do not have to have any database experience or a database administrator for your pharmacy.  In fact, Oracle is completely embedded into Helix for the integrity of your pharmacy data and all data is accessed through Helix.  In short, you get a very strong pharmacy system with reliable data.

Does Helix interface with other vendors for robotic packaging or software?
Yes.  Over the years RNA has developed many interfaces for packaging systems, wholesalers, eMARs, facility software systems, e-prescribing, as well as many others.  Just give us a call to discuss your needs.

How are drug price updates and clinical updates handled by RNA?
Drug pricing and clinical updates are applied weekly and automatically during your down time in the pharmacy.  This information is provided by First Databank®.

What is involved in a data conversion of my current pharmacy system?
First, data from your current pharmacy system is captured and RNA specialists convert the data into the Helix Pharmacy System.  Next, the data is converted for doctor, drug item, customer, facility, vendor, prescription information, and, usually, medical records.  Lastly, your accounts receivable balances are transferred over to Helix.  The data is verified in your pharmacy side by side with your current system the week prior to going live.  RNA will also be onsite during the go-live week.

How long does it typically take for a data conversion?
The implementation is typically a six week process.

Who does the data conversion work?
RNA performs the data conversion and verification work in-house by RNA data conversion specialists and guarantees the data conversion.  We do not outsource this work to a third party vendor.

What type of support do you provide?
Every Helix Pharmacy System comes with 24/7 no-hassle unlimited telephone support. After hours you still get an experienced customer support representative.

How is RNA’s software support different from other vendors?
RNA has taken the hassle factor out of support.  We do not nickel and dime you for support.  Every Helix system comes with unlimited telephone support and is included in your flat rate regular monthly license support fee.  This will save you money. We provide an 800 telephone number for support to reduce customer costs. Online chat sessions with support for quick answers can be directly accessed through Helix’s Help section.

Once I become a customer can I access my data to develop my own reports?
Yes, in fact we consider it your data, you have access and as a customer we supply you with the data table fields.

How can the Helix Pharmacy System be deployed for my pharmacy? 
You will need to decide, do you want your computer server in the pharmacy or do you want to access the server over the internet?  Helix can either be deployed at your pharmacy with the database computer residing onsite or you can utilize our ASP hosted solution.

What is the ASP hosted solution? 
ASP stands for Application Service Provider.  This is a business that provides computer-based services to customers over a network. Software offered using an ASP deployment model is also sometimes called on-demand software or software as a service (SaaS).  Helix can be deployed using RNA’s hosted solutions in Dallas, Texas.

Having Helix hosted at a datacenter affords your pharmacy all the benefits as if you had your own IT department to manage your system, apply updates, and backup the system, all of which help keep you focused on growing your business.

Is ASP well accepted and reliable? 
Yes, today’s internet service providers are very reliable and more and more businesses are moving to a hosted solution to reduce operating costs.

What are the advantages for using ASP for my pharmacy?
Through ASP, the complexities and costs of such software can be cut down.  In addition, the issues of upgrading have been eliminated for the pharmacy by placing the responsibility on the ASP to maintain an up-to-date system, 24/7 technical support, physical and electronic security and built-in support for business continuity.

What is a data center and is my data safe? 
A data center is an off site building that houses your data with IT and communications facilities in a safe, secure environment.  Your data is very safe and is backed up daily both at the main data center in Dallas, Texas as well as on our servers in Dayton, Ohio.

Why should I consider RNA over a local computer service company for my hardware? 
We can provide you a complete turnkey project for your new pharmacy system to minimize startup costs.  We can supply all of your workstations, database server, scanners, and printers.  As a Dell reseller we have favorable pricing and every computer sold comes with RNA’s First Call Service for hardware support. 

This means that if you have a problem with some of your hardware, you simply call RNA first rather than wondering who to call.  With our many years of experience, we can often resolve issues quickly without having to spend time on the phone with the hardware manufacturer or another third party.  However, if support from a third party is required, an RNA support representative will be available on that call with you.  In fact, we will often arrange a conference call from our end.

Our pharmacy doesn’t have time or staff to manage computers, how can RNA Help?
RNA’s system monitoring and administration service includes: pro-active system monitoring, anti-virus protection and management, Windows updates, surrogate IT staff and discounts on on site rates.