LARGO, Fla. — PharmaLink Inc. has rolled out Encore, its next-generation software platform for handling inventory preparation and processing of pharmacy returns.

The company, which provides pharmaceutical reverse logistics and disposal services to pharmacies, manufacturers and wholesalers, said Thursday that it released Encore to more than 4,000 customers this week, marking it its largest software deployment to date.

Encore is designed to streamline pharmacy staff interaction with the pharmaceutical returns process while fostering visibility to key data elements that can enhance inventory performance, according to PharmaLink. The platform has three interfaces, each with specific functionality for various entities throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.

PharmaLink noted that the solution has dedicated applications for chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies and manufacturers.

"The navigation of the returns process has always been an issue because of the number of partners in the process and the amount of data involved," stated Hilmer Beckers, chief executive officer of PharmaLink. "Encore brings the data and processes to the user. We are excited to be pioneers of new technology in logistics and helping our supply chain partners to make intelligent decisions around their return processes."

PharmaLink added that it will showcase Encore this week at the 2013 NACDS Total Store Expo in Las Vegas (booth No. 2401).