Abstract: A method includes performing, by a processor: providing a database that contains records corresponding to a plurality of drug product packaging systems, the records in the database being accessible through a common database management system, receiving a packaging order for at least one drug product, evaluating at least one criterion for fulfilling the packaging order, and identifying one of the plurality of drug product packaging systems to package the at least one drug product based on evaluating the at least one criterion.

Abstract: An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes at least one offload location; at least one tote to receive the vials at each offload location, the tote assigned for distribution to a remote pharmacy location; at least one sensor to detect the presence or absence of the tote; and at least one sensor to detect a fill level of the vials in the tote.

Abstract: A method includes performing, by a processor: providing a database that contains records corresponding to a plurality of drug product packaging systems, the records in the database being accessible through a common database management system, receiving a packaging order for at least one drug product, evaluating at least one criterion for fulfilling the packaging order, and identifying one of the plurality of drug product packaging systems to package the at least one drug product based on evaluating the at least one criterion.

Abstract: A method includes performing, by a processor: providing a database that contains records corresponding to a plurality of drug product packaging systems, the records in the database being accessible through a common database management system, receiving a packaging order for at least one drug product, evaluating at least one criterion for fulfilling the packaging order, and identifying one of the plurality of drug product packaging systems to package the at least one drug product based on evaluating the at least one criterion.

Abstract: An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes at least one offload location; at least one tote to receive the vials at each offload location, the tote assigned for distribution to a remote pharmacy location; at least one sensor to detect the presence or absence of the tote; and at least one sensor to detect a fill level of the vials in the tote.

Abstract: A method includes performing, by a processor: providing a database that contains records corresponding to a plurality of drug product packaging systems, the records in the database being accessible through a common database management system, receiving a packaging order for at least one drug product, evaluating at least one criterion for fulfilling the packaging order, and identifying one of the plurality of drug product packaging systems to package the at least one drug product based on evaluating the at least one criterion.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles includes a dispensing bin having a solid pharmaceutical article storage chamber therein, and a sensor system. The sensor system includes a sensor having first and second electrodes in the storage chamber, and a controller coupled to the sensor. The sensor is configured to generate a detection signal indicative of a capacitance. The controller is configured to detect a presence of one or more solid pharmaceutical articles in the storage chamber based on the capacitance indicated by the detection signal. Related methods and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes at least one offload location; at least one tote to receive the vials at each offload location, the tote assigned for distribution to a remote pharmacy location; at least one sensor to detect the presence or absence of the tote; and at least one sensor to detect a fill level of the vials in the tote.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device includes activating a sensor of the network device to receive data. The data from the sensor is analyzed to determine physical location information indicated thereby. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the physical location information indicated by the data from the sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of operating a detection system includes receiving a detection signal representing aggregate light emission received from a plurality of optical emitter elements at an optical detector, and determining, from the detection signal, respective light emission received from one of the optical emitter elements based on a respective signature thereof in the detection signal. The respective signature is independent of an emission wavelength of the respective light emission. Related detection systems and automated pill dispensing systems are also discussed.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device includes activating a sensor of the network device to receive data. The data from the sensor is analyzed to determine physical location information indicated thereby. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the physical location information indicated by the data from the sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device including an optical sensor includes activating the optical sensor of the network device to generate data representing an image in view thereof, and analyzing the data from the optical sensor to determine image information represented by the image. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the image information represented by the image in view of the optical sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of operating a detection system includes receiving a detection signal representing aggregate light emission received from a plurality of optical emitter elements at an optical detector, and determining, from the detection signal, respective light emission received from one of the optical emitter elements based on a respective signature thereof in the detection signal. The respective signature is independent of an emission wavelength of the respective light emission. Related detection systems and automated pill dispensing systems are also discussed.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device including an optical sensor includes activating the optical sensor of the network device to generate data representing an image in view thereof, and analyzing the data from the optical sensor to determine image information represented by the image. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the image information represented by the image in view of the optical sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.