Asset tracking solutions are not an option anymore and have proven to be necessary to ensure efficiency in healthcare facilities. Asset tracking enables hospitals to quickly and precisely locate people and things – so-called assets – within their facilities using tags or labels in combination with other technologies.

Traditionally, assets are located thanks to a unique code or number that is labeled on each item. Tracking is then made possible thanks to scanning tools such as barcode scanners. New methods use battery-powered tags placed on the asset that communicate its location directly to an IoT hub or platform. The data collected is then accessible online.

While these new asset tracking methods make tracking simpler and more automatic, several aspects have to be taken into account before choosing an option.

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An easy to onboard solution

First, solution providers should be part of the initial phase that consists in sketching out the hospital’s needs and opportunities. These might include existing components in the facility that could be adapted to the current situation. Then, the solution provider will have to guarantee a smooth and seamless set-up. The absolute priority here is to prevent any disturbance in daily hospital life.

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Follow up support is key

After installation and start-up, follow-up support will ensure that the customers and healthcare professionals are confidently and efficiently using the new solution.
Asset tracking works with tags, the quality of which is paramount. A higher rate in replacement and/or maintenance will generate more work and higher costs. The battery life of the tags should be no less than 3 years. Training of healthcare professionals is also key in successfully implementing the right solution.

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Leveraging data insights

Finally, asset tracking solutions should be designed to collect and process valuable data generated by the increasing number of ever more sophisticated medical assets. Data analytics helps address many of the challenges of major healthcare organisations in terms of managing the quality of medical assets overtime to increasing transparency in procedures.

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On the path to the Smart Hospital, no doubt that easy to onboard solutions including both a great technology and an optimal customer support will set solution providers apart.