What’s the Difference: Robotic Dispensing Systems v Original Pack Dispensing Automation

When most pharmacists consider automating parts of the original pack dispensing (OPD) process they usually consider systems that store and dispense medications – commonly called robotic dispensing systems. However other original pack dispensing automation is also available that offers pharmacies further efficiencies throughout the entire OPD process. Let’s take a look at the differences.

Pharmacy Robotic Dispensing Systems

Robotic medicationdispensing systems are a well-known solution and are already widely adopted in hospital pharmacies. We’re now seeing a growing trend for these robots in the community pharmacy market. Generally speaking, robotic dispensing systems are designed to help you to automate stock management and picking of original packs.

• Sort and fill:Most solutions offer “fill” functionality which allows you to empty your tote delivery from the medication wholesaler onto a hopper/conveyor belt. From here it is automatically sorted and loaded into defined locations in the robot using barcode technology.
• Picking: Integration with the PMR means that orders are sent through to the robotic dispensing system and a robot “arm” or picking head will pick the required medication from a defined location within the robot and then dispense it from the robot so it can be collected by a dispenser or pharmacist to fulfil an order.
• Location and size: A robotic dispensing system can be used in either a stand-alone pharmacy or a central pharmacy hub. There are standard-size solutions as well as configurable solutions which are modular. However most solutions are larger than MDS technology so pharmacists wanting to install a robotic dispensing system in their pharmacy branch will need to ensure they have the floor space.

Original Pack Dispensing Automation

Original pack dispensing automation is a newer type of technology and it is growing in popularity. This solution was developed by Centred Solutions and is a semi-automated version of the traditional pack to patient central fill model. Because it is scaled down it means this type of technology is now accessible and affordable for all pharmacy groups, regardless of size. It automates all elements of the original pack dispensing process for repeat prescriptions and takes 50% of total dispensing volumes out of store.

• Checking: Integration allows clinical and accuracy checks to be done up front in the PMR by branch pharmacists. Orders are then sent through to the hub warehouse or central fulfilment branch. FLOWRx software ensures the pharmacy branch has full visibility of the patient prescription and its order status at all times.
• Picking: At the hub, the FLOWRx software creates a picking list so operatives can batch pick medication for multiple patients in one go. The software can also be integrated with a robotic dispensing system, so a combination of picking processes can be used.
• Labelling: Packs are placed onto the FLOWRx Automated Labelling Unit (ALU). The pack barcode is scanned, matched to the relevant patient in the software and the ALU then labels the pack. The ALU will label up to 25 packs per minute.
• Sorting: The labelled packs are scanned and the software guides the operator to sort medication into patient specific baskets at the sort station which uses guiding light and RFID technology.
• Bagging and Toting: Completed patient baskets can then be bagged at the automated bagging station. The software then directs the operator to place the patient bag in the delivery tote for the relevant patient store.
• Deliver and Dispense: Bagged and labeled medication is then delivered back to the pharmacy branch. Any exceptions that have not been fulfilled by the hub (eg controlled drugs) can be processed at the store using FLOWRx software which guides the pharmacy team through the dispensing process.
• Location and Size: This solution has been designed for groups of pharmacies rather than stand-alone stores. The solution is fully modular/scalable and can be introduced in stages but is still larger than an MDS robot and will require space at either a central hub or at a larger pharmacy branch.

NOTE: Any anomalies in the dispensing process (eg., no barcode to scan) are flagged by the software. The relevant patient basket is placed into a quarantine state and cannot be processed until it has been cleared by a pharmacist.

Pharmacy Automation By Centred Solutions 

At Centred Solutions, we offer a range of pharmacy automation software to support your pharmacy. Whether you are a pharmacy looking to streamline your operations by receiving medications directly from wholesalers or  need support in setting up your own hub, we have the solution for you. 

Take a look at the workflow for our FLOWRx Manual Hub and FLOWRx Auto Hub.

Contact us today to arrange a demonstration of any of our products.