Swisslog Healthcare Unveils New Complementary Features for AutoPack Automated Oral Solid Packager

U-Canister and Variable Heater boost efficiency, allowing pharmacists more time for patient care

BROOMFIELD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Swisslog Healthcare, a leader in pharmacy and transport automation solutions, introduces new complementary features for the AutoPack™ Automated Oral Solid Packager. The U-Canister and Variable Heater enhance the AutoPack's efficiency in hospital pharmacies, freeing up pharmacists for more patient-centric care.

The AutoPack, an automated oral solid packager, addresses several key challenges faced by hospital pharmacies. AutoPack supports up to 480 medications in a single packager. It can operate with or without hospital information system integration, enabling pharmacies to pre-package tablets for unit dose dispense or fill orders on demand. The new complementary features support the automation abilities of the AutoPack.

"These new features upgrade the AutoPack, creating a more comprehensive packaging solution to improve efficiency and address critical workforce shortages in hospital pharmacies," said Connie Vigil, Business Analyst at Swisslog Healthcare. "These pharmacy automation additions save time, reduce costs, and improve organization and accuracy in medication management."

The U-Canister accommodates up to 280 tablets, including halved tablets and those with special shapes, benefiting long-term patients with complex medication regimens. Its larger internal chute allows for packaging of bigger tablets, while preventing more than one tablet from being packaged at a time. The U-Canister also features a swappable internal cup, simplifying the process of changing dispensed tablets. This design enables the packaging of tablets not already stored within an AutoPack canister, increasing flexibility in medication management.

The Variable Heater, now standard with all AutoPack units, allows technicians to customize output package sizes to meet desired lengths. Available package lengths include 50 mm, 56 mm, 65 mm, 75 mm, 85 mm, and 95 mm. Decreased package sizes facilitate easier integration with cartfill/ADU workflows, boosting overall pharmacy efficiency.

AutoPack comes in two styles with nine capacity options, ranging from 244-480 canisters, to fit various pharmacy needs. Its design allows for easy replacement of the main frame packaging unit, reducing downtime and boosting productivity. The packager includes a standard Special Tablet System (STS) Tray and AutoCanisters™, which handle half tablets, infrequently used tablets, and tablets with special shapes.

The added AutoPack features are now available for hospitals across North America. More information can be found at https://www.swisslog-healthcare.com/en-us/products/pharmacy-automation/autopack-automated-oral-solid-packager.

About Swisslog Healthcare:

Swisslog Healthcare provides pharmacy workflow automations through robotic solutions and operational technology that enable hospitals and health systems to assist providers in treating patients across the continuum of care. Integrating transport and pharmacy automation, value-added services, and intelligent software, Swisslog Healthcare enables healthcare providers to respond to patients' needs quickly and with greater accuracy. The company minimizes many sources of operational waste, so providers achieve higher levels of productivity to impact the well-being of patients in positive ways. For more information, visit www.swisslog-healthcare.com.