Automation options for inpatient pharmacy dispensing and medication preparation continue to evolve. Technologies exist that can automate unit dose dispensing, oral solid packaging, and even include several robotic devices for IV admixture and chemotherapy compounding. Effective deployment depends on a variety of factors, including hospital logistics, staffing, financial resources, the existing technology platform, and most importantly, the desired goals associated with the automation need. Given the limited resources of most hospitals, it is the responsibility of pharmacy leadership to plan, prioritize, and select automated systems that enhance workflow and overall department efficiency. This presentation will outline the most common types of automation available, summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each, and review considerations surrounding optimization, maintenance, and patient safety. The elements of a successful justification and return on investment analysis will also be discussed. It is important to evaluate automation choices carefully, because decisions in this area often have a lasting impact on the department and can significantly affect hospital staff and patients.

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