BoxPicker Automated Pharmacy Storage System

BoxPicker from Swisslog Healthcare delivers intelligent robotic medication storage and retrieval, replacing traditional static shelving and manual picking with automated systems that virtually eliminate picking errors while dramatically improving pharmacy workflow efficiency. The modular design accommodates ambient, refrigerated, and dual-temperature storage requirements, with configurable workstations enabling simultaneous multi-operator access.

Product Overview

Hospital pharmacies traditionally rely on static shelving requiring technicians to physically locate, retrieve, and verify medications—a process prone to selection errors, time inefficiencies, and workflow bottlenecks. BoxPicker transforms this paradigm: medications store in a high-density automated system, and robotic retrieval brings the correct box to the operator rather than operators searching shelves.

The system enforces medication safety through controlled access—operators see only one box at a time—combined with mandatory barcode scanning for every medication movement. This scan-in/scan-out approach provides complete audit trails and virtually eliminates the mis-picks common in manual pharmacy operations.

Key Features

BoxPicker’s single-box-access design from Swisslog Healthcare virtually eliminates picking errors through mandatory scan-in/scan-out barcode verification, with modular ambient and refrigerated storage configurations and FDA clearance.

• Intelligent Robotic Picking: System retrieves medications three picks ahead of operator, eliminating wait time
• Single-Box Access: Only one medication box accessible at a time, preventing selection confusion
• Scan-In/Scan-Out Verification: Barcode scanning required for all medication movements
• Modular Temperature Control: Ambient, refrigerated, or dual-temperature configurations
• Multi-Operator Capability: Multiple workstations enable simultaneous operations without bottlenecks
• Expandable Design: Add modules and workstations as storage needs grow
• USP <797> Support: Pass-through workstation option for cleanroom environments

Technical Specifications

BoxPicker from Swisslog Healthcare presents one medication box at a time with password-protected operator access, scan-in/scan-out barcode verification, ambient or refrigerated temperature options, and full inventory access during power failures.

Configuration Options

Standard Configuration

Single-sided workstation with ambient storage for typical pharmacy operations. Operators request medications via integrated software; the system retrieves boxes for verification and dispensing.

Dual-Sided Configuration

Workstations on both sides of the BoxPicker enable multiple technicians to work simultaneously. This configuration also supports USP <797> compliance by placing one workstation inside the anteroom—staff retrieve compounding supplies without leaving the cleanroom environment.

Refrigerated Modules

Half-module or full-module refrigerated configurations eliminate the need for separate pharmacy refrigerators. Temperature-sensitive medications store within the automated system alongside ambient inventory, maintaining cold chain requirements while benefiting from BoxPicker’s access control and tracking.

Dual-Temperature

Combined ambient and refrigerated storage in a single system, automatically routing medications to appropriate temperature zones based on drug database requirements.

Clinical Applications

Central Pharmacy Operations: BoxPicker serves as the primary medication storage system for inpatient pharmacies, handling thousands of SKUs in minimal floor space while ensuring accurate dispensing.

Compounding Support: Dual-sided configurations with anteroom workstations enable sterile compounding workflows where technicians retrieve supplies without contamination risk.

Controlled Substance Management: Password-protected access, complete audit trails, and single-box presentation support DEA compliance for controlled substance storage and dispensing.

High-Volume Dispensing: Multi-operator capability eliminates workflow bottlenecks during peak dispensing periods, with robotic picking maintaining speed regardless of volume.

Integration Capabilities

BoxPicker integrates with:

• Hospital Information Systems (HIS): Receives dispensing orders automatically
• Pharmacy Management Systems: Synchronizes inventory and order status
• Medication Cabinet Vendors: Coordinates with BD Pyxis and other automated dispensing cabinet systems
• Pharmacy Manager Software: Swisslog’s enterprise inventory platform manages BoxPicker alongside other automation

When paired with Swisslog’s Pharmacy Manager platform, medications stored outside BoxPicker can also be managed—creating unified workflow where orders route to the correct storage location (BoxPicker, refrigerator, shelving) for optimal efficiency.

Workflow Example

1. Order Receipt: Pharmacy system transmits dispensing order to BoxPicker
2. Pre-Staging: Robot retrieves required medications, staging three picks ahead of operator
3. Presentation: System presents single box to operator workstation
4. Verification: Operator scans barcode confirming correct medication selection
5. Dispensing: Medication removed from box; system records transaction
6. Return: Box returns to storage; next box presents automatically

Regulatory Status

Frequently Asked Questions

How does BoxPicker compare to carousel storage systems?

Traditional carousels require operators to wait while shelves rotate to the correct position, creating workflow delays. BoxPicker’s robotic picking works ahead of operators—three picks staged before the operator reaches the workstation—eliminating wait time. Single-box presentation also prevents the selection errors possible when multiple medications are visible simultaneously on carousel shelves.

What happens during a power failure?

BoxPicker maintains full inventory access during power failures. While robotic picking pauses, the system provides manual access to stored medications, ensuring pharmacy operations continue during emergencies.

Can BoxPicker manage medication expiration dates?

Yes. The system tracks expiration dates for stored medications, supports first-expiry-first-out (FEFO) picking strategies, and generates reports identifying soon-to-expire inventory. When paired with Pharmacy Manager, expiration management extends across all pharmacy storage—not just BoxPicker contents.

How long does BoxPicker installation take?

Installation timelines vary by configuration size and facility requirements. Swisslog provides turnkey implementation including site assessment, design, installation, software integration, and staff training. The modular design allows phased deployment if needed.