Integrated Medical Systems International, Inc. (IMS) is recognized by the healthcare industry as the leader for instrument-ready solutions that ensure patient safety and surgeon satisfaction. With more than 1,100 employees nationwide, IMS provides surgical device and instrument management, as well as clinical consulting—all designed to extend the useful life of surgical and endoscopic devices.
The Problem
IMS fields a fleet of mobile repair technicians who travel to medical facilities on a regular basis to repair and restore medical instruments. In the course of these duties, the mobile technicians use an application called OnLocation, which requires access to an IMS-hosted database via cellular network connectivity.
OnLocation is a web-based application and required a consistent wireless connection which cannot be guaranteed for IMS technicians working the field.
The Approach
Teksouth met with IMS to learn how field technicians go about their business. It became apparent that IMS would benefit if OnLocation could function while disconnected from the IMS corporate network. It was also evident that key punch errors were sometimes introduced into the service records by techs using laptop computers in the field.
The Solution
Teksouth enhanced the OnLocation application by providing technicians with the ability to quickly enter error-free order information at any time and without access to the corporate database. Data entered off-line can now be uploaded to IMS corporate servers when wireless connectivity is available.
As it is needed, relevant data is downloaded to the technician’s laptop from IMS servers. Data downloaded is limited to the specific technician’s customers with additional filters applied based on the tech’s IMS network login ID and permissions granted within their system. Most of the application’s navigation and data entry is automated through use of a handheld scanner and bar coded sheets. Technician are now able to enter much of the information without use of their laptop keyboard.
Results
The revised OnLocation application provides—
Improved efficiency
- Use of bar code scanners and bar coded sheets to enter service order information is much faster than key punching.
- Service details and account information cached within OnLocation allows techs to work seamlessly on- and off-line.
Improved accuracy
- Use of bar code scanners and bar coded sheets virtually eliminates data entry errors.
