Children's Hospital of Orange County in Southern California is one of RIVA's users. Rita Jew, executive director of the pharmacy, that RIVA helps reduce wasted medication and errors and will give pharmacists more time to work with doctors and nurses.

It's also a good investment, according to Doherty, who said RIVA buyers should be able to earn a return on their investment within two to three years.

While RIVA could threaten some pharmaceutical jobs, Doherty noted that it helps pharmacists avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, a major drug hazard. It can also relieve much of their stress, he said.

"This takes a weight off the shoulders of pharmacists, who tell me, 'Every day I go home and think, is this the day I made a mistake?'"