Pharmacy Automation System Eliminates Manual Steps in Preparing Unit Dose, Bar-Coded Meds

Swisslog's PillPick System greatly reduces the manual steps in packaging medications in bar-coded, unit dose form, then automating all processes up through point of dispensing to the hospital patient.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) August 11, 2005 -- Swisslog, a leader in hospital pharmacy automation systems, is continually developing solutions that reduce the potential for human error through total automation to achieve the highest level of patient safety.

The PillPick® System greatly reduces the manual steps in packaging medications in bar-coded, unit dose form, then automating all processes up through the point of dispensing to the hospital patient.

The PillPick process begins when bulk solids are manually placed in canisters which are electronically coded. This is the last step requiring human intervention in the PillPick process. The canisters are then automatically placed in a module to be loaded into the packaging unit, which inserts each unit dose into a bar coded bag for dispensing or into storage. Liquid cups, syringes, ampoules, vials and blisters are over-wrapped and loaded automatically into the packaging machine as well.

Once in storage, unit doses are kept until ready for dispensing. The high-density storage unit also purges expired medications, automates returns, credits returned medications and supports complete inventory control. Unit doses are then dispensed to Swisslogs patented PickRing for patient-specific administration or to drawers in cart exchange units. All steps are fully automated from packaging to dispensing to reduce the potential for human error.

To learn more about Swisslogs pharmacy automation solutions, visit our website at: http://www.swisslog.com/hcs-index/hcs-systems/hcs-pharmacy.htm.

Swisslog offers two brochures that detail the complete PillPick system. Both brochures can be downloaded in PDF format by visiting our healthcare solutions Literature Downloads page on our website, www.swisslog.com. The PillPick System Overview brochure describes the complete system, and the new PillPick System Index brochure details each component used in packaging, storage and dispensing. Printed copies can be obtained by calling Swisslog toll-free at 800-764-0300.

About Swisslog:

Swisslog is a global provider of integrated logistics solutions for warehouses, distribution centers and hospitals. The comprehensive portfolio ranges from building complex warehouses and distribution centers including Swisslogs software, in-house logistics solutions for hospitals as well as software and consulting services in the field of supply chain management. Swisslogs solutions optimize the customers production, logistics and distribution processes in order to increase their flexibility, responsiveness and quality of service, while minimizing logistics costs. Headquartered in Buchs/Aarau, Switzerland, Swisslog currently employs 1,850 staff in 23 countries.

Swisslog is a world leader for healthcare logistics automation having installed material transport and pharmacy automation systems in more than 2,000 hospitals and pharmacies around the world. To learn more about Swisslogs healthcare solutions, visit our website at www.swisslog.com and click on Healthcare Solutions.

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