Asteres :: Automated Pharmacy Pickup Technology

Asteres is a specialist in automated pharmacy pickup technology, focusing on secure self-service kiosks and lockers that enable 24/7 access to pharmacist-filled prescriptions and healthcare products. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company has established itself as the market leader in this niche, with more systems deployed worldwide than any competitor. Asteres develops solutions that allow pharmacy staff to retain full control over prescription filling and verification while the automated systems handle storage, tracking, pickup, payment, and retrieval.

The company’s flagship offerings revolve around the ScriptCenter platform. These systems integrate directly with major pharmacy management and point-of-sale platforms, using sophisticated barcode scanning, biometric authentication, and real-time monitoring through the AsteresCentral browser-based interface to ensure accurate, secure handoff of medications.

The ScriptCenter MX Kiosk is designed for mid- to high-volume environments, typically handling 500 to 1,500 prescriptions per week. It features a large footprint and robust capacity for prescriptions of varying shapes and sizes, including refrigerated items when equipped with auxiliary columns. Key hardware specifications include dimensions of 85 inches high by 56.9 inches wide by 51.63 inches deep, a weight of 1,350 pounds, front and rear staff access for loading/unloading, and support for cold storage. Patients interact via a streamlined touchscreen interface that supports fingerprint scanning, photo and signature capture, credit/debit/FSA/payroll deduction payments, and text/email notifications. The kiosk can dispense multiple prescriptions in a single transaction and includes a drop-off slot for returns.

The ScriptCenter Locker System (LS) offers a more compact, modular alternative suited to space-constrained locations or lower-to-moderate volumes. Available in standard configurations of approximately 20, 40, or 60 lockers, it uses individual or batch loading with barcode technology for secure storage in different sized lockers. Typical applications include hospital satellite facilities, corporate worksites, retail outlets, and discharge programs. It supports front staff access for loading and returns-to-stock, operates in standard indoor temperatures, and maintains the same high level of tracking and security as the MX kiosk.

Both systems emphasize compliance with state boards of pharmacy, privacy standards, and integration capabilities such as video consult, ID verification, and multi-language support. They incorporate industrial design elements for patient privacy, cameras, and single-use claim checks. Pharmacies benefit from automated return-to-stock, detailed audit trails, promotional screen capabilities, and the ability to focus staff on higher-value clinical counseling rather than routine pickup transactions.

Asteres serves a broad range of customers including retail pharmacies, health systems, Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs facilities, corporate sites, specialty and university clinics. Real-world results include a 15% increase in prescription volume after installation at Vanderbilt and more than $3.3 million in PBM cost savings at Hackensack Meridian Health. The company reached a major milestone with over 1,000 ScriptCenter units installed across 38 U.S. states. It maintains strong regulatory expertise and has secured approvals in more than 30 states for self-service locker systems. The technology supports contactless pickup, extended hours, and improved patient convenience while enhancing operational efficiency in environments facing staffing challenges.