The Right Medicine: Netcel adminster EPiServer CMS website for National Pharmacy Association

Printer-friendly versionPDF version

Netcel, the UK’s EPiServer experts, have completed the first phase of a new content managed website using EPiServer CMS for the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).

The NPA wanted to transform their old content-heavy site into a dynamic, interactive, more useful and easy-to-access portal enabling them to better deliver vital information and benefits to members and stakeholders.

The new website uses EPiServer CMS to allow web managers at the NPA to administer and update all aspects of the website. Furthermore, the EPiServer Composer plug-in allows website editors to change the structure of pages simply using drag-and-drop. This saves time and money for the NPA, allowing its staff to focus on ensuring the website meets its audiences’ needs rather than grappling with the technical infrastructure behind it. The site also incorporates EPiServer Mail which means that subscribers can sign up for automated newsletters.

The new site, www.npa.co.uk, has revolutionised the user experience with improved page layout, user journeys and navigation. Visitors can now find the information they need quickly, as well as more easily mining detailed content. The site was met with enthusiasm by a pilot group of members in a three month study prior to site launch. Much of the site is open access, but there are also member-only areas. For example, members can log into the NPA information database to find out about medicines and other pharmaceutical products. They can also access other protected member only resources such as a personalised calendar for events and training, as well as news and pharmacy documentation. Members can also use the NPA’s specific ‘Build your own website’ tool, already used by more than 300 pharmacies, to create a simple website.

Jennifer Law, E-Business Manager at the NPA, said: "Phase one of the new website has revolutionized our user experience. Previously the site could be quite confusing. Feedback from members on the new version has been very positive over all. It has made my life much simpler by streamlining the processes of editing and uploading content. I’m expecting to save some money as well."

The NPA will judge the success of the new site after six months by looking at a number of key performance indicators. Targets include a 20% increase in daytime traffic, a 10% increase in the uptake of some services, a 25% increase in repeat visitors, and a reduction in bounce rates.

Tim Parfitt, Managing Director at Netcel, commented, ‘Netcel were the perfect EPiServer partner for NPA, as we possess considerable EPiServer CMS and CRM integration experience. The new site now provides the NPA with a great platform for future development, and the ability to promote the NPA brand whilst also offering a support community for its members. We look forward to completing the next phases of the project and to continuing our relationship with the NPA.’

Phase 1 of development is now complete and Phase 2 will follow shortly. This will see the integration of the NPA’s information and member databases, allowing even better access to NPA’s services.

For further information contact, Sophia Robertson on 01727 736020, www.netcel.com

About NPA:
The NPA is the UK’s trade association for community pharmacy owners. Its core purpose is to represent, support and protect the interests of all community pharmacy across the UK to ensure its members prosper commercially and professionally. Members range from independent community pharmacies to major high street chains, in more than 12,500 locations.

About Netcel:
Netcel is a leading digital agency that designs and develops websites and digital solutions. Established in 1995 and based in St Albans near London, we are an accredited EPiServer Premium Solution Partner and Microsoft Gold Partner, with over 40 corporate clients. We specialise in developing solutions using EPiServer and currently support over 25 EPiServer websites. Netcel holds the Investors In People standard for investing and supporting staff development.