Hanmi Pharmaceutical has introduced Countmate, a fully automated vial dispensing robot designed for the Canadian and U.S. markets. Developed by Hanmi’s affiliate, JVM Co., Ltd., Countmate marks a shift from the pouch-based dispensing systems commonly used in South Korea to a vial-based system that aligns with North American pharmacy practices. The system automates the entire dispensing process, including drug counting, labeling, image verification, and vial discharge.
To support its expansion in North America, Hanmi Pharmaceutical collaborated with McKesson Automation, its regional distribution partner. Countmate was officially introduced at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear 2024 Conference in New Orleans, an event that gathers pharmacy professionals to discuss medication management, regulatory compliance, and industry advancements.
Countmate is configurable with either 84 or 168 canisters and can process up to 160 prescriptions per hour. It incorporates advanced technology, including automatic drug counting, an orthogonal robotic system for precise vial labeling, and image verification for quality control. Additional features include automatic vial sorting, label attachment, patient-specific vial discharge sorting, and a space-efficient design.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical stated that Countmate’s advanced functionality and competitive pricing position it as an appealing choice for pharmacies adopting automated dispensing technology. The company developed the system in collaboration with JVM, tailoring its design to the pharmaceutical requirements of Canada and the United States.
Image: Hanmi Pharmaceutical and McKesson Automation representatives pose for a commemorative photo at the ASHP 2024 exhibition in New Orleans, USA. Pictured from left: McK Kevin Cloutier (Vice President of Sales & Business Development, McKesson Pharmacy Automation, USA), Yves Blanchette (Vice President of Technology Solutions, McKesson Canada), Hanmi Pharmaceutical Overseas Sales Team Leader Lee Ji-hyun, and McK Steve Dennison (Vice President and General Manager, McKesson Canada Automation).
