Summary
High volume, automated prescription fulfillment environment supporting more than 112 million prescriptions annually. To maintain and expand production capacity, improve safety, and replace aging automation, the VA requires the installation of a new, fully integrated Tablet and Capsule Automation (TCA) system and a redesigned loop sorter area. The initiative focuses on improving throughput, eliminating single points of failure, and ensuring seamless integration with the existing Pharmacy Operating System (POS) and National CMOP data infrastructure. The new TCA system will provide automated dispensing for low- to medium-volume prescriptions, thereby relieving load on existing high-volume TCA equipment. Required capabilities include automated labeling, accurate tablet/capsule dispensing, imaging, weighing, capping, sealing, and routing supported by robust audit trails and error prevention mechanisms. The equipment must deliver 5,725 completed vials per shift, maintain a maximum reject rate of 2.1%, and support at least 350 unique NDCs. Additionally, the system must ensure 100% product selection accuracy and incorporate multiple patient safety safeguards, including barcode/RFID validation, real time exception management, and pharmacist verification tools. The project also requires the design and installation of a new loop sorter area capable of handling combined throughput from low-, medium-, and high-volume TCA equipment with an additional 20% growth margin. This includes new conveyors, de pucking systems, routing mechanisms, integration with current puck packing stations, and complete replacement of legacy conveyance hardware.