Automated dispensing speeds vary, but can be as little as three or four seconds per item for a single picking head, and 15 seconds for monitored dosage system pouch packaging. Standard models might range from 300 items an hour for a smaller machine, to 1,200 items an hour. Capacity can be increased on a modular basis so that the largest machines can cope with 100,000 items a day.

Systems can pick multiple packages at a time, or have a second picking head to further increase speed. Many machines are modular and can be linked to increase dispensing capacity. Systems can have two dispensing modules in the same machine, one stocked with fast-moving lines, and a second with slower-moving lines.

Other factors to consider include:

• Minimum and maximum package dimensions and weight that the picking head can deal with
• Power supply requirements and energy consumption, both in operation and in resting phase
• Optional extras such as a second picking head, input belt, cleaning module, refrigerated unit, system back-up, and fully automated stocking.

Fully automated goods stocking facilities will sort items tipped out of the wholesaler’s tote box into the sorting bay. Machines can read 2D codes for expiration and batch management at a rate of 600 packs per hour and sort the packages with ‘chaotic storage’ to maximise storage space efficiency.