Top 8 Companies in the Global Central Fill Pharmacy Automation Market

The global central fill pharmacy automation market was valued at USD 613.4 million in 2023, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and the need for automation in the pharmacy sector across the globe. It is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period of 2024-2032 to achieve a value of USD 1662.2 million by 2032.

Central fill pharmacy refers to a service where a central pharmacy takes care of the orders that are generated from another pharmacy also said as originating pharmacy. The central pharmacy keeps dispensing all the drugs and requested items that are mentioned on the prescription generated by the originating pharmacy. Central fill pharmacy automation is a service where automation of the drug delivery system is performed. The delivery of the drugs is done by the central pharmacy which provides the service to another pharmacy to operate without having to have a storefront. The central fill pharmacy receives the order from the origination pharmacy, packs, and delivers the medications directly to the patient.

The central fill pharmacy automation market has been growing steadily in recent years and is projected to continue expanding. Key drivers of this growth include the rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as cancer and immune disorders, as well as a growing demand for automated dispensing systems to reduce medication errors. In October 2023, JVM, a subsidiary of Hanmi Science, launched its advanced automated drug dispensing machine, "MENITH," in Europe. The system, featuring a robotic arm, was introduced through a supply agreement with Brocacef in the Netherlands, a company operating large-scale dispensing pharmacies.

Major Companies Shaping the Central Fill Pharmacy Automation Market in 2024

1.    McKesson Corporation

McKesson Corporation, based in Irving, Texas, is a leading pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare services company. It provides a wide range of pharmacy automation solutions, including medication management systems, central fill pharmacy automation, and inventory control systems. McKesson's innovations aim to streamline pharmacy workflows, reduce medication errors, and optimise drug delivery. Its robust solutions are integral to improving healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency across pharmacies. With ongoing growth in automation, McKesson’s market position is set to strengthen in the coming years, especially as healthcare providers seek cost-effective, error-reducing solutions in an increasingly automated environment.

2.    Omnicell, Inc.

Omnicell, headquartered in Mountain View, California, is a leader in pharmacy automation and medication management solutions. Its portfolio includes systems for central pharmacy dispensing, robotic medication dispensing, and medication adherence. In October 2023, Omnicell’s Central Pharmacy Dispensing Service was adopted by Baptist Health, a Kentucky-based health system, to address labor shortages and improve clinical outcomes. The service uses robotics and dispensing optimisation tools to streamline workflows, enhance safety, and improve dispensing accuracy. This adoption reflects a growing trend in automating pharmacy tasks, a trend expected to continue driving market growth by addressing labour challenges and enhancing operational efficiency.

3.    Arxium, Inc.

Arxium, based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, is a leading provider of pharmacy automation solutions, including advanced central fill systems. Arxium’s portfolio focuses on automating the medication preparation and dispensing process to improve accuracy, reduce human error, and increase pharmacy efficiency. The company’s solutions are widely used in hospital, retail, and long-term care pharmacy settings. As the demand for automation continues to rise due to labour shortages and the need for improved safety, Arxium’s offerings are poised to play a critical role in meeting these market demands, driving future growth in the central fill pharmacy automation sector.

4.    RxSafe, LLC

Based in Carlsbad, California, RxSafe provides advanced pharmacy automation systems designed to streamline medication dispensing, inventory management, and central fill operations. Its product offerings include automated dispensing systems, RFID-based tracking solutions, and prescription packaging systems. These technologies are designed to reduce medication errors, optimise inventory, and improve operational efficiency. As healthcare providers increasingly adopt automation to combat labour shortages and improve safety, RxSafe’s solutions are positioned to become more integral to the market. Its advanced, user-friendly systems are expected to drive growth in the central fill pharmacy automation sector in the forecast period.

5.    Tension Packaging & Automation

Tension Packaging & Automation, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, specialises in custom packaging and automation solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. The company provides automation systems that support medication dispensing and packaging for central fill pharmacies. Tension’s systems are designed to optimise workflows, reduce costs, and increase accuracy in medication dispensing. As demand for pharmacy automation rises in response to labour challenges and the need for enhanced efficiency, Tension's solutions are poised to contribute significantly to the growing central fill pharmacy automation market, particularly with innovations in packaging and dispensing systems.

6.    Parata Systems, LLC

Parata Systems, based in Durham, North Carolina, offers cutting-edge pharmacy automation solutions, including medication dispensing systems, packaging solutions, and central fill pharmacy automation technology. In July 2022, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) completed its acquisition of Parata, expanding its pharmacy automation capabilities. The acquisition allows BD to offer a more comprehensive set of smart, connected care technologies, addressing critical trends like clinician shortages, pharmacy centralisation, and increased clinical demands. As part of BD’s Medication Management Solutions business, Parata’s portfolio will help drive growth in the central fill pharmacy automation market by supporting pharmacies in streamlining operations and improving patient safety.

7.    Providen Logistics Ltd.

Providen Logistics Ltd., based in the UK, provides innovative logistics and automation solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, including central fill pharmacy automation. The company offers solutions to streamline inventory management, medication dispensing, and delivery systems. With a focus on improving supply chain efficiency, Providen’s technologies are designed to reduce operational costs and improve accuracy in medication management. As more pharmacies look to centralise and automate their operations, Providen’s solutions will play a pivotal role in the market, driving further innovation and growth in the central fill pharmacy automation sector.

8.    ScriptPro LLC

ScriptPro LLC, based in Mission, Kansas, is a leader in pharmacy automation solutions, offering systems for medication dispensing, medication synchronization, and central fill pharmacy automation. The company’s products are designed to automate the medication dispensing process, improving accuracy, reducing errors, and enhancing operational efficiency. With an increasing demand for automation due to the rising costs of healthcare and the need to address labour shortages, ScriptPro’s technologies are poised to contribute significantly to the growth of the central fill pharmacy automation market, providing pharmacies with solutions to streamline their operations and improve patient care.