The global central fill pharmacy automation market is expanding rapidly as healthcare systems strive for greater efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. According to Stratistics MRC’s Central Fill Pharmacy Automation – Global Market Outlook (2019–2032), the sector is witnessing strong growth fueled by rising prescription volumes, labor shortages, and the push toward digital-first healthcare operations.
Central fill automation doesn’t just streamline prescription processing — it also reduces costs, improves patient safety, and allows pharmacists to focus on clinical care. Here are four companies at the forefront of this transformation.
Omnicell is a market leader with comprehensive automation platforms that integrate robotics, analytics, and workflow management. Their solutions help large health systems handle high prescription volumes while maintaining strict compliance standards.
Market impact: Omnicell’s focus on end-to-end digital medication management aligns with market drivers identified by Stratistics MRC, such as the need for accuracy, efficiency, and integration across care settings.
With BD’s acquisition of Parata Systems, the company has strengthened its presence in central fill pharmacy robotics and adherence packaging. Their technologies enable pharmacies to improve operational efficiency while supporting patient adherence programs.
Market impact: According to the Stratistics MRC report, the adoption of adherence packaging is a key growth driver — making BD | Parata a strategic player in this expanding segment.
McKesson approaches the space with its Central Fill as a Service (CFaaS) model, offering scalability without the heavy capital investment. This service-oriented approach is particularly attractive to regional chains and health systems looking for rapid deployment.
Market impact: The Stratistics MRC analysis highlights that flexible service models will be essential as pharmacies balance cost pressures with rising prescription demand — a niche McKesson is filling.
ScriptPro combines central fill automation with tightly integrated pharmacy management software, giving operators visibility from the store level to centralized hubs. Their systems excel at exception handling, which is a critical challenge in automation.
Market impact: Stratistics MRC forecasts strong growth in solutions that reduce errors and streamline verification processes. ScriptPro’s integrated approach directly addresses these trends.
Market Outlook: Where the Industry is Headed
According to Stratistics MRC’s Central Fill Pharmacy Automation – Global Market Outlook (2019–2032), the market is projected to grow steadily due to:
- Rising prescription volumes driven by aging populations and chronic diseases
- Labor shortages pushing pharmacies toward automation
- Demand for adherence packaging and personalized patient care
- Technology advancements in robotics, software, and AI-driven verification
However, the report also notes challenges, such as high upfront costs and the need for seamless integration with existing pharmacy systems.
Final Thoughts
The central fill pharmacy automation market is on a strong upward trajectory. Omnicell, BD | Parata, McKesson, and ScriptPro are not only responding to the demand for efficiency but also actively shaping the future of pharmacy operations.
For investors, healthcare providers, and industry professionals, the Stratistics MRC Central Fill Pharmacy Automation – Global Market Outlook (2019–2027) provides in-depth forecasts, market sizing, and strategic insights to navigate this evolving landscape.
