Developing the request for proposal

A well thought-out RFP can serve a variety of purposes in the selection of a pharmacy computer vendor system, including a planning document, a means of communication, a framework for vendor selection, and a lever for postinstallation vendor accountability. Considering the magnitude of the investment, the importance of a viable computer system to the overall departmental operation, and the potential impact of a poor decision choice, the RFP is well worth the investment of time, energy, and thought required.