Cool Technology for Pharmacy – BoxPicker

The Swisslog BoxPicker is an automated alternative to carousel technology for drug storage and retrieval. Unlike the open shelf architecture of automated carousel storage the BoxPicker offers access to medications via a single-opening/loading drawer process.

Once you get past the name, the technology is impressive. The most interesting thing about the Swisslog BoxPicker however, is that it is available in dual-temperature and refrigerated models. The “dual-temperature ™ option for BoxPicker allows automated storage and picking of temperature-sensitive drugs requiring refrigeration and room temperature storage within one automated compact unit.” And the “BoxPicker refrigerated option eliminates the need for pharmacy refrigerators and increases security with automated storage and dispensing of refrigerated medications.”

In addition, the BoxPicker is clean room compatible with positive pressure. The pass-through capability is a very nice feature for an automated storage unit featuring refrigeration. It prevents staff from moving in and out of the clean room environment to retrieve equipment or medications necessary for compounding.

According to Swisslog:

BoxPicker, Swisslog’s pharmacy storage and retrieval system, is a cost-effective alternative to vertical carousel storage and retrieval in the hospital pharmacy. BoxPicker provides higher speeds than vertical carousels, averaging 5 picks per minute and up to 200 transactions an hour. A two-workstation configuration allows for simultaneous production. Drug access is secured in the BoxPicker by limiting user access to one medication bin at a time with a single-box access port. The software adds security by tracking inventory and user access. View our BoxPicker Component document for further information and specifications.

A unique single-opening loading feature provides added security by limiting access to the specific items requested using controlled access drawers. Medication and supplies are stored in individual bins on an internal racking system. To load or dispense, an authorized user enters the order using the keypad or barcode; or via interface messages with wholesalers, health information systems, or cabinet replenishment systems.

Features and Benefits
1. Secure and limited access to medications
2. Limits access to one medicine at a time
3. Picks more than 3 bins to 1 when compared to carousels
4. Software tracks inventory, access and interfaces directly with hospital information systems
5. Unique single-opening loading feature reduces wrong location placement

That’s some cool technology for pharmacy.