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Kamwo Meridian Herbs – Groundbreaking ground-up digitization of a legacy industry
Case Study V1
Background
For many years after the advent of digital technology, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) had continued to ply their trade through legacy practices. Efforts at introducing automation into the processes had come to nought. Compared to other systems of medication, on account of the largely manual processes, like using emails and phone calls to place an order for raw herbs and granules, TCM continued to struggle with low volumes and delays at each step in the value chain. Practitioners seemed to have started believing that the “traditional” in TCM meant that they could only use traditional processes for plying their trade.
For example:
- There were no web applications that allow practitioners to submit Traditional Chinese Medicine raw herbs and granules to herbal dispensaries
- There was no online presence of formulating remedies of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicines).
Kamwo partners with Alegra Labs
An unlikely partnership between New York-based Kamwo Meridien Herbs and Germany / India based software solutions provider Alegra Labs revolutionized the landscape for participants in the TCM value chain.
Located in New York’s Chinatown, Kamwo is a family-owned enterprise and has been in the business of supplying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) products, including Chinese herbs, acupuncture supplies, and natural wellness products, since 1973. Its dispensaries also offer the services of TCM physicians, making it a one-stop shop for all things TCM.
Younger members of the family have been able to envision combining the knowledge of Western pharmaceutical practices with the ancient healing arts, and innovating to set up a new standard in TCM dispensaries. It is no surprise that Kamwo has continued to be the largest dispensary on the east coast.
Started in 2016, Alegra Labs has established itself as a reliable provider of cutting-edge technologies, specializing in web applications, SaaS (Software as a Service), Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions.
It became the first software development company to penetrate into the Chinese Medical Industry, leading to the development of a full cycle application, from clinic to online store, for Kamwo (http://www.kamwo.com), creating a platform that integrates seamlessly with a practitioner's workflow and enables real-time communication.
The Solutioning Process
The task involved establishing a business-to-business eCommerce hub encompassing an online store, search engine optimization, marketing, profit sharing, and robust security measures. Moreover, it was necessary to incorporate herbal dispensary functionalities catering to Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, enabling them to formulate herbal remedies for their patients.
During the inception of this platform, no existing reference could be utilized. The prerequisites were distinctly within the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine, an industry with no online presence. Therefore, every aspect of the solution had to be crafted and developed from the ground up, ultimately setting a benchmark within the industry.
The Result
Today, thanks to the transparent, digital process offered by Kamwo, doctors can prescribe medicines online and get all the traditional Herbs and other ingredients from the site. Doctors can also order them as granules, globules, capsules etc., with the provision of the medicines being directly shipped to the client.
During the inception of this platform, no existing reference could be utilized. The prerequisites were distinctly within the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine, an industry with no online presence. Therefore, every aspect of the solution had to be crafted and developed from the ground up, ultimately setting a benchmark within the industry.
Practice management solution
Consisting of:
KAMWO E-Script Pro Shop – the most advanced Rx/supply ordering system for granules, raw herbs, pre-cooked vacuum packed prescriptions & clinic supplies
TcmSuite – the best Traditional Chinese Medicine electronic medical record.
Practitioner Listing
A nation-wide database of natural health professionals, to showcase their services and help match them with potential patients in their area.
Herb Guide
A free, comprehensive reference for herbs, formulas and herbal products. Available on the website and as a free app for Android or iOS.
Herbal Dispensary Management System
A software for your school dispensary that provides superior record keeping, tracks inventory and user activity and minimizes human error in dispensing herb formulas.
