TECHNOLOGY
There are a range of tracking technologies available today. Many systems are based on radio signals (RFID, WiFi, GPS), while others are based on ultrasound or infrared light. The signals are detected via ID systems, e.g. mobile phone and bar codes. The choice of technology and Identification Tag (ID Tag) depends on what needs to be tracked and where.
TECHNOLOGIES ARE CHOSEN BY THE HOSPITALS
The solution is uncoupled from the choice of tracking technology, which means an individual hospital can focus on finances and user situations for which the technology will be used.
Some of the factors that can be crucial in making the choice are:
- Installation costs
- Cost per unit
- Precision
- Does the technology support press buttons, displays and sensors?
- Need for ID Tags?
Systematic is happy to help in the decision process to ensure the solution meets the specific hospital's requirements and user situations.
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WiFi
The strength of WiFi signals can be used to determine distances, which can be used to determine specific positions
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Barcode
Visual identification that determines a position using laser scanners and camera-based readers.
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Ultrasound and infrared
Suitable for positioning in rooms and enclosed spaces because they are dependent on signals that can be easily blocked by walls
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Bluetooth
Bluetooth is widely used for data transfers over short distances and can measure both proximity and distance
STANDARDS
| Columna Service Logistics follows the international standards from GS1, which among other things ensures unique identification of tracked items. The use of common international standards also removes barriers at the operational level. |  |
Everyone benefits from the use of international standards. Healthcare is an international field of business, and this makes it important that national barriers with regard to products or information are done away with. If not, it is impossible to ensure such important processes as the traceability of items like medical devices. It is pivotal for many processes used in hospitals that a product is traceable and visible from its inception until it is used for a patient. That’s the only way to ensure patient safety. And that’s why we’re pleased to see solutions like Columna Service Logistics from Systematic, which uses GS1 Standards in all processes.
CONTACT
For further information please contact servicelogistics@systematic.com
