Hanmi Pharmaceutical expands global reach with automated vial dispensing solution

Hanmi Pharmaceutical is making significant strides in the North American pharmaceutical industry with its latest innovation—Countmate, an automated vial dispensing system designed specifically for Canadian and US pharmacies. As part of its global expansion strategy, Hanmi has introduced this advanced prescription dispensing machine to optimize efficiency, improve patient safety, and enhance pharmacy workflows.

Developed by Hanmi’s affiliate JVM Co., Ltd., Countmate represents a major shift in Hanmi’s technology offerings, which had previously focused on pouch-based medication dispensing. Unlike South Korea, where pharmaceutical dispensing predominantly involves pre-packaged medication pouches, the Canadian and US markets primarily rely on vials—plastic bottles that store prescription medications. This key market difference prompted Hanmi to develop a specialized pharmacy automation technology solution to meet regional demands.

What Makes Countmate a Game-Changer for Pharmacies?

Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s Countmate introduces a fully automated system that streamlines the entire prescription process, from drug counting and vial preparation to labeling, verification, and final dispensing. By leveraging automated vial dispensing technology, pharmacies can significantly reduce human error, enhance workflow efficiency, and improve prescription accuracy.

The system is designed to process high prescription volumes while ensuring precision. With configurable options of 84 or 168 canisters based on a pharmacy’s size and demand, Countmate can process up to 160 prescriptions per hour, making it a valuable addition to high-traffic pharmacies. The prescription dispensing machine integrates multiple innovative components, including an orthogonal robotic arm for precision labeling, a built-in image verification system for quality control, and an automated vial sorting function to ensure patient-specific dispensing.

Beyond its efficiency, Countmate is designed for seamless integration into existing pharmacy environments. Its one-sided operation enhances space utilization, while its low-noise technology ensures minimal disruption in busy pharmacy settings. The inclusion of safety sensors helps prevent operational hazards, reinforcing Hanmi’s commitment to both pharmacy staff and patient safety.

How Is Hanmi Pharmaceutical Strengthening Its Market Presence in North America?

To successfully enter the Canadian and US markets, Hanmi Pharmaceutical has forged a strategic partnership with McKesson, a leading distributor of pharmacy automation technology in North America. McKesson’s extensive distribution network and deep market expertise provide Hanmi with a robust platform to introduce and expand Countmate’s adoption across hospitals, retail pharmacies, and healthcare facilities.

The official unveiling of Countmate took place at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear 2024 Conference in New Orleans. As the largest gathering of pharmacy professionals in the United States, the ASHP Conference serves as a vital industry event where pharmaceutical technology advancements and regulatory trends are discussed. Hanmi leveraged this high-profile event to showcase Countmate’s capabilities, emphasizing its role in advancing automated vial dispensing solutions.

Hanmi Pharmaceutical is confident that Countmate’s introduction will accelerate its global pharmacy automation expansion, particularly in North America, where the demand for prescription dispensing machines is growing due to increasing prescription volumes and regulatory requirements for medication safety.

How Does Countmate Improve Pharmacy Safety and Efficiency?

The rise of pharmacy automation technology is largely driven by the need to enhance safety and operational efficiency in drug dispensing. Countmate is engineered to address common pain points in traditional pharmacy operations by reducing the risk of human errors and improving medication accuracy.

One of Countmate’s key advantages is its image verification system, which captures and analyzes top and side images of each vial before dispensing, ensuring that labels and prescriptions are correctly matched. This feature significantly reduces labeling errors and enhances quality control, which is crucial in high-volume pharmacies.

In addition to safety features, Countmate prioritizes hygiene in the dispensing process. The system ensures contamination-free vial handling, adhering to industry standards for pharmaceutical cleanliness. The automated nature of the machine also minimizes direct human contact with medication, reducing the likelihood of cross-contamination.

With an intuitive interface and user-friendly operation, Countmate enables pharmacists to optimize their workflows without requiring extensive retraining. The seamless transition to automated vial dispensing allows pharmacies to allocate resources more effectively, focusing on patient consultations and improving overall service quality.

What Are Hanmi’s Long-Term Plans for Global Expansion?

Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s CEO, Park Jae-hyun, has emphasized that the company remains committed to expanding its pharmacy automation technology footprint worldwide. With Countmate, Hanmi aims to capture a significant share of the North American market, building on its reputation for innovation and quality in pharmaceutical automation.

The development of Countmate was driven by Hanmi’s strategic focus on understanding and adapting to market-specific needs. By tailoring its solutions to the unique pharmaceutical practices of Canada and the US, Hanmi has positioned itself as a leading provider of automated vial dispensing solutions.

Moving forward, Hanmi intends to strengthen its partnerships with global distributors and explore additional markets where prescription dispensing machines can enhance pharmacy operations. The company’s long-term goal is to drive technological advancements that reshape pharmaceutical automation, making drug dispensing safer, more efficient, and increasingly adaptable to different healthcare systems worldwide.

As Countmate gains traction in North America, Hanmi expects a surge in its international sales, further solidifying its position as a key player in the global pharmaceutical technology landscape.