Omnicell Introduces New Omnicell Packager With WorkflowRx Software for Improved Pharmacy Efficiency

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug 03, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Omnicell, Inc., (Nasdaq: OMCL) a leading provider of system solutions to acute healthcare facilities, today released the new Omnicell packager with award winning WorkflowRx software. The next generation of packaging technology supports bar code medication administration (BCMA) and increases unit dose packaging efficiency and dispensing accuracy. Integrated with the latest WorkflowRx software, version 7.0, this high-speed packager prints highly legible unit-dose labels improving barcode scan recognition and patient medication dispensing times.

WorkflowRx streamlines pharmacy operations by integrating product labeling as part of the receiving, stocking, picking and returning activities. Hospital pharmacies can re-label medications as needed or use the packager to label larger quantities of medications. Compliant with GS1 and HIBC Standards, WorkflowRx 2D barcode support auto-populates vital information that is embedded in barcodes.

"By ensuring all medications are bar coded and scanned prior to leaving the pharmacy, hospitals can greatly reduce the risk of medication errors downstream," said Marga Ortigas-Wedekind, Omnicell vice president, global marketing and product development. "Omnicell's new packager combined with WorkflowRx 7.0 will allow hospital pharmacies to run a complete integrated solution that helps prevent medication errors by correctly identifying, labeling and bar coding all medication before it leaves the pharmacy."

WorkflowRx software integrates with three medication carousel vendors currently in the market as well as two high-speed packaging systems, allowing hospital pharmacies to maximize their initial hardware investment by choosing WorkflowRx for their inventory management requirements. KLAS, a prestigious independent healthcare research firm, recently named Omnicell's WorkflowRx and Carousel as the 2010 Category Leader for Pharmacy Automation Medication Carousels.

"The clarity of the new Omnicell packager's bar code printer has significantly improved scanning recognition time, shortening medication dispensing time at the bedside," said Larry Nelson, pharmacy clinician and information technology coordinator at Peterson Regional Medical Center, Kerrville, Texas. "We were using WorkflowRx software with our previous packager and since the new packager utilizes updated WorkflowRx software, the installation and implementation were very straightforward. Additionally, the adjustable package size capability helps with cabinet replenishment, allowing us to maximize our cabinet drawer space."

Pharmacy Purchasing & Product Magazine's 2009 State of Automation survey found that one-third of hospitals were utilizing a BCMA system. Among those surveyed, another 25 percent planned to implement a system within the next year and 32 percent within the next two years. As more hospitals prepare to adopt BCMA technology, the survey found that the main pharmacy is a key player in the BCMA implementation process with 90 percent of pharmacies highly involved in preparation planning of BCMA.

About Omnicell

Omnicell, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMCL) is a leading provider of systems to enable healthcare facilities to increase operational efficiency, enhance patient safety and allow clinicians to spend more time with their patients.

Founded in 1992, Omnicell's medication-use solutions include complete automation systems for the central pharmacy, anesthesia workstations for the operating room, dispensing cabinet systems for nursing units, and safe, secure medication transportation and verification systems to the patient bedside. From a medication's arrival at the receiving dock to its dosing to the patient, Omnicell systems store it, package it, bar code it, order it, issue it, and provide information and controls on its use and reorder.

Omnicell supply product lines provide a healthcare institution with comprehensive supply chain solutions that result in fast, effective control of costs, capture of charges for payer reimbursement, and timely reorder of supplies. Products range from high-security closed-cabinet systems and software to open-shelf and combination solutions in the nursing unit, cath lab and operating room.

For more information, visit www.omnicell.com.

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SOURCE Omnicell, Inc.

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