The new systems billed by Parata as the next generation of pharmacy automation are called Parata Max and Parata Mini. Both systems have been engineered to operate more autonomously than its first-generation systems. Both the Max and Mini use an innovative two-sided design that segregates inventory and dispensing activities to increase productivity and reduce bottlenecks.

Parata Max allows a full day's supply of caps and vials to be dumped into the unit at one time and can hold up to 232 finished prescriptions. Parata increased the cell capacity by 30% to reduce replenishment frequency and support bigger pills and larger fills. According to the company, the improved cells set new benchmarks for counting accuracy, at about 10 times the industry standard of 1 in 1,000 pills counted.

The Parata Mini, a semi-automated version of the same core technology, eliminates cell exchanges, making it easier for new pharmacies to open their doors with automation. The Mini automates counting for a pharmacy's top 49 movers, typically about 30% of its prescription volume. The pairing of Mini and Max creates a scalable path from entry level to full automation.

Commenting on the new generation, Tom Rhoads, executive VP for the company, says, "Where first-generation technologies require you to adapt how you do things in order to use them, next-generation technologies adapt to how you use them, for a more intuitive and satisfying experience."