Distributed Delivery Networks recently launched its first Automated Product Machine (APM), which is touted to revolutionize the "will-call" process for pharmacy customers.The APM will provide a fast and convenient way for customers to pay for and pick up their refill prescriptions without standing in line at the pharmacy window.

Aside from the innovations providing simplicity of use and assurance that each customer receives the correct prescription, other APM features should appeal to the store management. For example, the APM has the capacity to store >1000 packaged prescriptions of 4"x 6"x 1". Because most prescription packages in a pharmacy "will-call" area contain prescription vials larger than this size, the APM is designed to store >500 packaged prescriptions of the most common sizes. Also, the APM is designed to be freestanding, or to be built into the pharmacy wall, allowing access to the front of the unit by customers receiving their prescriptions and to the rear by pharmacy personnel refilling the machine.