Innovation, IMA North America announce partnership

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — Innovation on Tuesday announced a new, non-exclusive partnership with IMA North America that’s aimed at bringing high-volume dispensing technology to central fill and mail order pharmacies. Under the partnership agreement, Innovation will be able to integrate its high-volume pharmacy systems with IMA’s Model 340-DRS EKC Automatic Pill Counter.

“Helping the industry’s central fill and mail order facilities achieve their prescription throughput and patient safety goals is one of our top priorities,” Innovation COO Tom Boyer said. “Our partnership with IMA for use of their EKC technology helps take our high-volume systems to yet another level of quality and productivity. We’re looking forward to integrating the EKC system into our highest volume customer sites to take advantage of the technology’s tremendous accuracy, automated replenishment, and extremely fast counting rate.”

The 3410-DRS EKC is a high-speed counting device that forms part of an integrated tablet counting and filling system where multiple EKC units are commanded by a central controller. The latest version provides high counting accuracy and the company said it is virtually immune to pill dust. Its canister replenishment technology can help pharmacies achieve continuous operation, as well as accuracy in replenishing inventory.

“We believe this partnership offers the industry the best of both worlds: IMA’s expertise in tablet counting technology and Innovation’s proven track record with fully integrated, high-volume systems, IMA North America automated pharmacy product manager Chris Comeau said. “Working together, we can provide high-volume pharmacy production sites with high-speed dispensing specifically tailored to their unique requirements.”