Head-to-head · Pharmacy Software
Apotec CRM vs Z Dispense
Apotec CRM leads on 0 checks, Z Dispense on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreApotec CRM · 8.1/10
Apotec CRM scores higher on our rubric for pharmacy software: 8.1 against 7.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.
Apotec CRM is the better fit for multi-branch community pharmacies using NHS workflows. Z Dispense is the better fit for community pharmacies handling paperless e-prescriptions.
- Apotec CRM fits best
Multi-branch community pharmacies using NHS workflows
- Z Dispense fits best
Community pharmacies handling paperless e-prescriptions
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Side by side
| Feature | Apotec CRM 8.1/10 Visit ↗ | Z Dispense 7.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.1 | 7.1 |
| Ranking | #3 in Pharmacy Software | #5 in Pharmacy Software |
| Best for | Multi-branch community pharmacies using NHS workflows | Community pharmacies handling paperless e-prescriptions |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | — | Not published |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Support | Phone, Email, Tickets | |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 4 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Apotec CRM 3/4 · Z Dispense 3/4 | ||
| Prescription management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inventory tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Point of sale | Not published | — |
| E-prescribing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Pharmacy type | Community | Community |
| Deployment | Cloud | Not published |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Apotec CRM is a cloud-delivered patient medication record system for community pharmacies. Its focus is paperless dispensing and shared patient records across branches, making it relevant to pharmacy organisations that need NHS workflows… Read the review → |
Z Dispense is pharmacy dispensing software for community pharmacies, with a focus on paperless prescription workflows. It supports general, private, and other script types while showing patient medication history and medication details… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Apotec CRM — where it wins
- Manages patient records across pharmacy branches
- Supports NHS EPS and NHS App integration
- Connects with Meditech and BD Rowa dispensing systems
Where it doesn't
- £495 per outlet each month is a substantial recurring cost
- Activation is a separate per-outlet charge
- Designed for community pharmacy workflows, not a broad clinical suite
Z Dispense — where it wins
- Processes e-prescriptions through token scanning, StoreQ, or Active Script List
- Combines script history, MIMS information, pricing, and stock details
- Supports electronic-script queues, batch dispensing, and repeat-token messaging
Where it doesn't
- Point-of-sale is not included in Z Dispense
- Pricing requires a sales enquiry rather than self-serve plans
- Small and mid-market fit may not suit large pharmacy groups
- Apotec CRM8.1/10 · From £495/mo
A branch-focused pharmacy system with NHS workflows, robot links and a £495 monthly subscription per outlet.
Visit ApotecFull verdict → - Z Dispense7.1/10 · Pricing on request
Detailed dispensing and e-prescription workflows for community pharmacies; POS is separate.
Visit Z DispenseFull verdict →
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All pharmacy software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Guides on pharmacy software
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- 5 Free Pharmacy Software for Small Businesses in 2023: A Historical ComparisonAug 2026
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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