Tag Archives: all-in-one computers

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More With Less: Cut Back On Cost Using Technology

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Organizations see the wisdom in deploying technology that allows them to do more with less. Forging an IT strategy that helps you cut back on cost using technology does not have to be a time-consuming endeavor. In many cases, awareness about the available and emerging technologies helps businesses manage their IT budget efficiently and gain a competitive edge.

A study by Accenture estimates that IT spending is 1%-15% of total corporate spending, and suggests the steps to minimize it:

  • shift the focus from short- to long-term goals
  • coordinate goals throughout the organization
  • optimize for efficiency
  • future-proof IT investment
  • drive IT-enabled business value

With that in mind, let us look at the ways technology can help you cut back on cost and improve your bottom line, long-term.

Energy Efficiency

Unregulated energy consumption is wasted money. Managing power consumption across a distributed infrastructure is a challenge. As you acquire new equipment, make sure to go for Energy Star-certified computers. These have extensive power management capabilities backed by automation and remote management. Deploying Energy Star equipment and power management tools with ample customization and automation features allows organizations to cut back on power consumption.

Energy efficiency goes beyond power management. For example, powered carts are known to have issues with batteries – they often fail and require frequent replacement. The batteries in BYOD tablets and smartphones do not last the full shift, requiring untimely recharging, which leads to the loss of productivity. This aspect is seldom accounted for when the IT spending is calculated. However, if you calculate the cost of downtime due to the lacking batteries in your cable-less devices such as powered carts, tablets, laptops and smartphones, you can bet the price is high.

Basing acquisition decisions solely on the initial purchase price of a computer is a short-sighted strategy. If calculated correctly, the costs of such decisions outweigh the initial gain. So, when assessing potential acquisitions, spend due diligence researching the battery capacity, durability, lifespan, and certifications.

With Windows business tablets and all-in-one computers with internal batteries, energy efficiency and uptime rely on several cornerstones:

  • certified according to industry standards, industrial-grade batteries with a long lifecycle
  • reliable uptime
  • hot-swap feature with the second set of batteries and charging station
  • proven track record of low failure rate

Cable-Free Operations

Accommodating the energy needs of new equipment is expensive if you need to create additional power outlets. If some of your operations rely on mobile solutions, self-powered all-in-one computers offer the flexibility and feasibility you need. As the charging station can be positioned near any power outlet, your computers stay mobile and reliable.

More so, with our revolutionary AIO computer that powers itself and peripherals – printers, barcode scanners, and others. You no longer need a nearby power outlet or a bulky UPS, as the computer powers itself and peripherals.

Device Convergence

Converging multiple devices into one has unprecedented savings potential. All-in-one business or industrial computers and business tablets now integrate peripherals, which have been external traditionally. The customization is key, so you can choose the configuration you require. Embed barcode scanner, RFID reader, Imprivata SSO, Smart Card CAC Reader and enjoy the durability of industrial grade build.

Improve Connectivity of Remote Workers, Control Data Plans

Business tablets are not locked to any Internet or phone service provider, so you can use your current plan, and manage costs accordingly. Irrespective of whether you use GSM or CDMA, 3G or 4G, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, your field workers will be connected; your data plan – controlled.

Future-Proofing

Implement systems and devices that can grow with you. Opt for computers that offer:

a) advanced customization options to accommodate your current needs,
b) extensive upgradeability to future-proof your investment

For example, many computers and most laptops in use at healthcare organizations required replacement because they could not handle the operational load of EHR software.

If you rely on resource-hungry applications, your computers and tablets must be able to accommodate them now and in future. You must be able to add memory and expand storage.

If you rely on visually intensive applications, it makes sense to opt for 4K UHD all-in-ones instead of HDTV monitors. The image processing applications and capturing devices are capable of working with increasingly higher resolutions, so limiting that potential to already dated technology now means you will have to buy newer monitors tomorrow when everyone else is already running 4K.

Safeguard Against Liabilities

In most industries, regulations governing employee/patient safety and data security lead to significant liabilities in fines, audits, license suspension or revocation. Bad publicity adds to the cost count associated with data breaches or safety-related accidents.

On the safety front, devices that adhere to industry standards and come with corresponding certifications do the job. Be it electric, radiation safety, or antimicrobial safety, waterproof IP protection, rugged MIL-STD build, and components – depending on your environment you must choose the corresponding hardware. Consumer-grade computers and BYOD might seem like an attractive proposition, but they are not made to work 24/7. They have a high fail rate when used in resource-hungry industrial, healthcare or business environments.

Protect Your Devices and Data

On the data protection front, you can protect your physical and digital assets with advanced authentication, timely updates, patches, remote administration, and troubleshooting.

The keyword is remote. With the current shortage of skilled IT and cybersecurity pros, you need to equip them with tools and functionality that make them productive. Remote administration and maintenance of business computers and tablets reduce downtime, service costs, and pressure on the IT staff. Faster and better service translates into lower costs (and satisfied users).

Data leaks and privacy breaches are costly and damage brand reputation. Cybersecurity is considered an expensive area, but it is not if you follow best practices, and if your hardware allows it. For example, Windows-powered business tablets or all-in-one computers allow organizations to:

  • manage devices remotely – patch, update, troubleshoot, locate, wipe
  • enable advanced authentication – native Windows + RFID Imprivata SSO, Smart Card or CAC Reader, biometric reader/fingerprint scanner
  • encrypt the hard drive
  • use end-to-end data encryption
  • Windows business tablets let you encrypt data on external hard drives
  • customize hardware and OS features – disk imaging, disabling app store, webcam, or microphone
  • whitelist and blacklist apps and connections, disable access to public WiFi, deploy corporate VPN and more.

Save on Software, OS Licenses

Business tablets and all-in-one computers provide compatibility with your professional software and hardware. They run on Windows or Linux, so can accommodate the needs of any professional software, and you can use the already purchased licenses. You can order the free disk imaging and avoid time-consuming deployment, as the bloatware gets removed.

Additionally, Windows and Linux have the world’s largest pool of free, open-source software, which becomes increasingly popular among savvy business users due to frequent updates and community audits, which mean functionality and security – at no cost.

Compatibility with Legacy Hardware

On the hardware level, opt for maximum compatibility with legacy systems. Compatibility comes through the availability of serial ports you can customize, and computers’ and tablets’ ability to interface with HMI, MMI and automation processes.

Some organizations have successfully integrated their legacy equipment into modern systems with our all-in-one PCs and extended the lifecycle of the otherwise dated hardware.

Regain Data Visibility, Purge Obsolete and Control Vital Data

Recent research indicates that more than 50% of corporate data is dark data. It means organizations do not know what they store, where, if that data is protected or has value. Some of the dark data has value; some is obsolete or redundant. Yet, organizations spend substantial storage and maintenance budgets on servicing the data nobody has accessed in three years.

Regaining data visibility is important not only from the cost but also from the compliance perspective. As data protection regulations become more stringent (think GDPR), companies will face liabilities for failing to manage employee, customer and partner data properly.

Data visibility is only possible through corporate control of devices and software used by employees. BYOD does not offer feasible ways of streamlining corporate control and data visibility. Corporate-owned computers and tablets do.

Contact Cybernet today to learn more about how business grade all-in-one computers and tablets help organizations cut costs.

Benefits of Power-over-Ethernet Computers in Healthcare Settings

Benefits of Power-over-Ethernet Computers in Healthcare Settings

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A typical healthcare environment is a complex system of devices, networks and people working in-sync, but modern hospitals are increasingly pressed to find cost-saving solutions. Energy efficiency is one of the focal points in health care budgeting.  Reducing energy consumption is a priority, but so is digitization and patient satisfaction. The latter two are direct contributors to regulatory compliance and reimbursement. One of the technologies that help hospitals address the issue of adopting high performance, modern IT solutions, digitize and cut costs and energy use at the same time is Power over Ethernet.

Power over Ethernet, PoE, is a set of networking standards. It enables a four-wire Ethernet network cabling to provide electrical power and data to a device. IP phones, IP surveillance cameras, and Wi-Fi access points are widespread applications of PoE.

Energy Efficiency

One of the key benefits of PoE-enabled computers is the long-term cost saving effect they have on the power consumption. A typical All-in-One PC that is frequently found in POC wall-mount kiosks in hospitals consumes 65+ watts. A PoE-enabled computer consumes less than 30 watts. That is 50% less than a standard AIO machine. When you calculate the savings an entire facility can generate, the advantage becomes apparent.

More to the point of energy efficiency, PoE-enabled computers are turned off completely when they are off, i.e. no adapters or switches remain powered on, passively consuming energy when the device is not in use.

Installation & Scalability

PoE, unlike USB or Firewire, allows much longer cable lengths. If USB or Firewire allow up to 5 meters/15 feet, PoE supports up to 100 meters or ~300 feet cable length. The advantage here is the ability to mount a PoE-enabled device in places where conventionally-powered devices can’t fit due to cable length restrictions, or where electric outlets are hard to reach or add.

Depending on the Ethernet cabling, PoE can support a higher wattage of up to 25.5 watts per device, allowing the devices to meet their power requirements.

Introducing new equipment is expensive and time-consuming due to how challenging it can be to adjust the existing architecture. Scalability of PoE systems is much greater than that of the conventional systems and allows for a simpler and more effective installation and distribution of network connections on the network.

It is cheaper and simpler to deploy Ethernet cable data points than to mount additional AC outlets, as a typical electrical installation of a single device is $200-$750 on average.

There is less need for additional circuit breakers, transient, harmonics and surge filters and maintenance for Power-over-Ethernet devices. There is a variety of manufacturers of network switches with PoE+ support, so local network administrators can handle the installation, add mid-span injectors between a non-PoE switch and PoE network devices. The majority of managed PoE injectors and switches allow the admin to monitor power consumption or recycle it to individual ports.

Flexibility

Flexibility and ergonomics are critical for many settings. PoE-enabled computers are not tethered to an electrical outlet, so can be located where they are needed most. Relocating a PoE-enabled computer is equally easy.

Standardization

Standardization is another benefit of PoE. Since PoE is standards-based, interoperability across brands is guaranteed. Another aspect of standardization is consolidating the fleet of devices on a standard network. This is equally important for hospitals and industrial environments alike when a single, secure network infrastructure facilitates deployment, maintenance, and control of a large fleet of devices. This enables greater reliability, manageability and translates into seamless collaboration and improved quality of service across a facility.

Reliability

PoE-enabled computers provide greater reliability, as power and data come from a central, universally-compatible source instead of being dependent on a mix of distributed wall adapters. Such systems enable seamless device control, so when the need arises you can reset or disable a device remotely.

Safety and Uptime

Safety of PoE computers is another key advantage, as PoE delivery is intelligent and protects the network equipment from incorrect installation, under powering or overload. Such systems are backed-up by an uninterruptible power supply, which means your computers are up and running 24/7, irrespective of the power outages. A single, central UPS eliminates the need for an individual UPS per each device so that the fleet of devices remains operational.

Data Protection

Security and privacy of EHR systems are a serious consideration. Protecting EHRs from unauthorized access is an important part of HIPAA compliance for hospitals. Again, PoE computers have an advantage, as they have a network switch controlled remotely. Since there is only one power input source, PoE computers can be turned on only if the network permissions are correct. The administrator can turn on or shut down individual computers or systems remotely via Wan or LAN, adding another layer of protection, and preventing unauthorized access.

PoE computers that come with an integrated barcode scanner, RFID reader, biometric reader, CAC or Smart Card reader make use of advanced authentication methods that restrict the access to confidential information to authorized personnel only.

More so, the network can be configured to monitor and record where and when PoE computers are used. A detailed log of device usage creates a wealth of actionable data that can be used to boost security.

The optimal PoE computer is Windows-based, though, because Win OS offers the most of what modern-day encryption and privacy filter technologies can provide. It is highly recommended to encrypt the data end-to-end, at rest and in transit, in the cloud and locally, as well as on external carriers.

Performance Requirements

Power-over-Ethernet computers operating in healthcare facilities must provide high performance, HD video, and a powerful graphics processing card. EHR systems are demanding, so the machines must be powerful enough to run them beside the patient infotainment systems.

Ergonomics matters. Compact size, minimum footprint and wire clutter, flexible mounting options must be backed by an all-in-one build that incorporates all discreet parts of high quality and 24/7 reliability for 5+ years. Thus, the components must be MIL-STD certified. The collateral effect of a minimized wiring and MIL-STD certifications is the increased patient safety, as there are no wires to trip over, and electrical or radiation hazards are addressed.

In order to address the issue of nosocomial infections and make PoE computers suitable for near-patient use, these computers must have an antimicrobial casing, easy to disinfect (do not confuse with simple cleaning).

With all considerations addressed, a PoE computer becomes a cost-effective enabler of modern hospitals’ transition to digitization, EHRs, greater patient satisfaction, safety, security and compliance. Significant installation, deployment, maintenance and energy savings paired with a low failure rate of less that 2% make the TCO of a Power over Ethernet medical PC a deal breaker.

Responding To Budget Cuts In The Healthcare Industry Through Technology That Serves A Dual Purpose

Responding To Budget Cuts In The Healthcare Industry Through Technology That Serves A Dual Purpose

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The financial climate in the US healthcare is currently termed as “an acute funding crisis.” With severe budget cuts in hospital payments, the healthcare system is under a great pressure. On the one hand, the Affordable Care Act urges facilities to adopt healthcare IT such as EMRs and increase the digitization of the workflow. Medicare & Medicaid are shifting from fee-for-service to value-based incentives rewarding cost-effective patient care and high quality. On the other hand, the budget cuts aren’t helping hospitals make the necessary investment in healthcare IT. Hospitals are seeking ways to reduce spending, comply with the regulations and provide better healthcare at the same time.

Science and technology are key enablers in finding ways of improving the quality and efficiency of care and reducing cost. The effective use of technology helps hospitals tackle the budgeting challenge with the all-in-one, multi-purpose devices. Traditional, consumer computers and laptops are giving way to medical all-in-ones while the advent of mobile technologies sees a wide adoption of medical mobile devices.

Installation

Medical all-in-one PCs are transformers of sorts, so no wonder healthcare facilities are solving the problem of space constraints through ergonomic solutions. A computer that has been designed for medical use can be mounted on a wall, on a cart, on the desktop, or at the patient bedside, in operating rooms, intensive care units. Standard VESA holes allow for the easy installation in most hospital areas in a simple, affordable manner.

Deployment

Hardware providers are looking to cater increasingly customizable solutions. Healthcare facilities can order no cost disk imaging, so their computers are shipped with their operating system of choice complete with their enterprise license. This also means the computers come with zero bloatware and the complete productivity suite already installed. It significantly reduces the strain on the overloaded hospital IT staff, reducing the time and cost of the deployment of new devices.

Integration, Interoperability

A medical all-in-one computer or tablet gets naturally integrated into the existing ecosystem of a healthcare facility, further cutting the deployment costs. For example, integration with EMR charting systems such as EPIC, eClinical, Cerner, Meditech and Nextgen, or anesthesia applications does not require additional resources.

A seamless integration also suggests the device’s compatibility with legacy hardware. Support for legacy equipment brings a unified, connected data flow to a medical computer, and when used in conjunction with cloud sync, it provides the personnel with a timely access to critical information about all episodes of care and relevant tests, conditions and reading from the legacy equipment.

Staff Training

It is one thing when decision-makers introduce new technology with the aim to cut a facility’s spending, but it is a different story when the end user on the front line has to make that device work. From that perspective, Windows-based all-in-one computers and tablets require a minimum investment of time or funds. The touchscreen technology has been in the arena for quite a while now, and healthcare workers have been using their personal devices for work during the past few years now (BYOD). Windows-based touchscreens in all-in-one computers and tablets are easy-to-use. They represent the touch-based variant of their traditional desktop computers, so the only aspect requiring additional instructions would be the use of integrated peripherals and biometric authentication.

Serving Multiple Purposes & Streamlining Workflow

Big Data

The use of data in and of itself is a great enabler of healthcare modernization through:

  • boosting medical automation
  • meaningful use of EHR
  • remote patient vitals monitoring
  • reducing errors and avoidable overuse such as duplicate tests
  • advancing telemedicine and as a result reducing readmissions and preventable admissions
  • providing connectivity and timely access to data

Security, Tracking, Automating

The technology that serves multiple purposes integrates a few more cost effective solutions:

  • integrated biometric readers/fingerprint scanners that safeguard sensitive records
  • integrated RFID reader for enhanced patient and inventory tracking
  • integrated CAC/ smart card reader for secure user authentication
  • integrated Barcode reader for a multitude of applications

While biometric readers and smart cards serve the purpose of secure user authentication, RFID and barcode technology has a significantly wider adoption in healthcare – from medication tracking to patient identification, anti-abduction and anti-elopement, counterfeit programs and much more.

Mobility, Patient Monitoring and Involvement

Medical mobile tablets push the boundaries even further. Because they are rugged, they are mounted in ambulance vehicles and used on the go by the first responders. In hospitals, they empower doctors and nurses via a meaningful use of EHR and patient vitals tracking. A medical tablet is widely used by doctors for patient tracking and EMR, and by patients for infotainment, which has proved to increase patient satisfaction significantly.

Through the use of HELP and Apache applications and an integrated barcode scanner in medical mobile tablets, doctors reduce prescription and diagnostic errors, enhance medication prescription and dispensing, as well as streamline prescription issuing.

Fail Rate, Cost of Ownership, Lifespan

The true ROI of healthcare IT is best seen in the long-term perspective, the so-called cumulative impact or “productivity paradox of IT.” Medical computers and tablets that are at par with the industry requirements have a lifespan significantly longer than that of the consumer counterparts used in healthcare.

The increased lifespan is possible due to the low fail rates of medical all-in-ones and tablets, less than 2%. Quality, military-grade components ensure the durability and dependable MTBF of the discreet parts. In some cases, a fanless build adds even more to the equation by eliminating moving parts and deploying a passive cooling system.

Hence, the low fail rate and long lifespan of medical all-in-ones reduce maintenance, repair and replacements costs otherwise inevitable with consumer-grade computers.

Compliance, Liabilities

HIPAA, HITECH, IDC et al. add more strain on the hospitals’ budgets – compliance and liabilities stemming from non-compliance. Data protection and prevention of nosocomial infections are high on the agenda for healthcare facilities. Failure to deploy adequate means of data protection such as encryption and proper user authentication may result in significant fines. Likewise, high rates of hospital-acquired infections account for the bigger part of hospital readmissions. Not to mention how they affect the patient satisfaction.

Medical computers and tablets now address both of these nagging issues. Data security – through integrated biometric or CAC readers, nosocomial infections – through antimicrobial housing and touchscreen.

Even though the cost of delivering quality healthcare is spiraling, the effective use of ergonomic technology that serves multiple purposes helps hospitals reduce costs in both short- and long-term perspective.

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Touchscreen Computers: Where Are They Headed?

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Touchscreens are to present day computing what Google has been to the internet as we know it today. On the face of it, a touchscreen may be seen as a cosmetic overlay on a fully functional system, but fact is – no tablet or smartphone is accepted as modern without a touchscreen as its user interface. Touchscreen computers constitute the present, and in all probability the future, of the computing experience.

In the world of enterprise grade computers, user interface is more than just the look and feel of a device, playing a vital role in its usability and efficiency as well. For instance, high performance industrial PCs and tablets are used extensively in business scenarios, where they handle processes at every tier of the system. They are also used by medical personnel handling challenging tasks and critical situations. The chief function of these PCs in both cases is to reduce the time and effort that would be required to conduct the same tasks manually. As such, user interface is integral to how employees and personnel respond to their PCs, making touchscreen computers the clear choice.

An intuitive interface, however, is not the only factor responsible for making touchscreen computers the success that they currently are in industrial setups and the business world. Of course, by eliminating the need for add-ons such as buttons, pointing devices and other peripherals, they make for simpler operation than a legacy machine would have allowed in the past.

But an associated benefit of this elimination of clutter is the fact that touchscreen computers have a smaller footprint than legacy machines. This opens up endless possibilities for them to be used as embedded devices in complex machinery. They can act as the ‘brain’ of an MRI scanner, for instance, serve as the control device in a medical emergency vehicle, or greatly reduce the space requirements of a cash counter in a retail outlet.

The minimal algorithm of the touchscreen technology brings a number of cost benefits to an organization. Besides reducing the time and cost of training personnel to use these computers, it also minimizes the cost of upgrading. Touchscreen computers are software centric – hardware being limited to processing gear and a screen. As such, any new functions and updates can be added to these computers, provided the configuration supports them.

In a medical setting, for example, this attribute has immense value. Thanks to touchscreen technology, hospital beds, emergency vehicles and procedure rooms can be fitted out with standard medical tablets, needing just the occasional software upgrade. Most of these tablets today run on Android, an OS that has evolved hand-in-hand with touch technology. Android programs and applications assume touchscreen to be a device’s default interface, thus adding to the ease with which it can be integrated into an organizational setup – including medical, business, industrial and retail.

Touchscreen computers have already placed information at our fingertips – literally. The stage is now set for more sophisticated developments wherein intuitive, intelligent operation is a given. Capacitive touchscreens are already becoming mainstream, allowing devices to identify different operators and track their usage sessions. Upon perfecting the trifecta of accessibility, adaptability and security, touchscreen computers may very well be destined to become the heart and soul of businesses and medical establishments.

Maintenance

What You Should Be Aware of When It Comes to Maintaining Your All-In-One PC

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The popularity of all-in-one computers has made it the perfect option for professionals who are looking for a device that is versatile enough to address a host of work-related tasks. The powerful graphics system, touchscreen technology, and versatile mounting options of an all-in-one PC make it extremely adaptable to a diverse amount of working conditions. Purchasing an all-in-one computer is one thing but keeping it in good condition is a different proposition. You want to make sure that you get to use the device for an extended period of time. Maintaining your all-in-one PC will ensure reliability from your device. Let’s take a look at some of the things that you have to be aware of when it comes to maintaining an all-in-one computer.

Backing up Your Data

Purchasing an all-in-one computer is pretty straightforward. More often than not, the device will be ready for use right out of the box. Over time, there may be some concerns that you have to address as far as maintaining your device goes. One of the more basic ways of maintaining an all-in-one PC is to check your hard drive space regularly to ensure that you have enough storage available for your files. Keeping your computer system’s files backed up is a great way for you to keep your data secure. These basic steps aren’t enough to ensure that you get to avoid tricky maintenance operations. If you want to install a bigger hard drive or additional memory in your all-in-one computer, you need to gain access to the internal components of the device.

Technical Knowledge

The biggest thing that you have to resolve is the level of technical knowledge that is required to work with the internal components of a computer. If you do possess the technical know-how to replace components like the CPU, hard drive, and memory, then this isn’t really a concern. If you don’t know how to manipulate the parts of your all-in-one computer, make sure that you are able to send the unit back to the manufacturer for repairs.

Enclosed Systems

You need to be aware of the fact that some PC manufacturers design their devices to have an enclosed system. PCs that have an enclosed system prevent you from opening it up without voiding the warranty. You need to have your PC shipped to its manufacturer if you want to have it repaired or if you want to replace specific parts.

Opening Your PC

In order to secure easy maintenance options, make sure that you are able to open the PC without voiding the warranty. Having easy access to the internals of your all-in-one computer will allow you to do simple repairs by yourself. Ideally, the manufacturer of your PC should be able to send you the parts that you need for maintenance operations. Having access to the internal components of your computer can allow you to immediately address issues like long boot up times and slow computing operations. By opening up your computer and installing a faster hard drive or more memory, you can easily upgrade your system to run in a more efficient fashion.

The Cybernet Advantage

Cybernet manufactures all-in-one computers that allow users to easily access the inside of our PCs. Users can upgrade the device’s RAM, CPU, and hard drive without having to deal with an enclosed system. If you encounter issues that require a more extensive repair operation, Cybernet can diagnose troublesome hardware and software issues and resolve them immediately. With fast turnaround times and a responsive service team, you won’t have to deal with the lengthy downtime associated with typical maintenance and repair procedures.

EMR

How EMR is Changing the Face of Healthcare

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The extensive use of devices like all-in-one computers and medical tablets has re-shaped the way certain industries operate. The medical profession has seen startling shifts when it comes to patient care and treatment due to the use of these devices. The genesis of these changes comes as a result of several factors. Beyond the immediate accessibility of hardware, certain improvements like electronic medical records (EMR) have drastically contributed to the changes that have moved through the medical profession over recent years. Essentially, an electronic medical record is the electronic equivalent of a patient’s medical chart. Within the electronic medical record, a patient’s case history can be accessed by every medical service provider that he comes across for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment. Let’s take a look at some examples on how electronic medical records have changed the very face of healthcare.

Reducing Errors in Record Keeping

Before electronic medical records came into the picture, the management of a patient’s case history had to be handled using manual methods. This inevitably meant amassing a voluminous amount of records that could not easily be stored in a single location for the purpose of easy access. This system exposed medical records to the vagaries of human error. Some of the common errors that were present in the previous system of handling records included misspellings, conflicting terminology, and illegible handwriting. The use of electronic medical health records has significantly reduced (if not eliminated) the mistakes brought about by human error. As the use of electronic medical records becomes more widespread, it won’t be long before medical practitioners get to standardize the way a patient’s health record is managed.

Managing Loss of Data

A significant difference between the physical copies of a patient’s health record and an electronic medical record is the susceptibility to data loss of physical patient records. The chance of a possible loss of physical records is considerable when you begin to take into account the hazards that are brought by natural disasters. Instances of hospital records being compromised in the wake of floods, earthquakes, and fires are numerous. On the other hand, electronic medical records can be stored forever without being exposed to the threat of natural disasters. Vital bits of data that patients tend to forget overtime (like previous illnesses and medications taken) can be easily recalled by bringing up electronic medical records.

Consolidating Information

Storing physical copies of a patient’s health record is taxing due to their sheer volume. It is virtually impossible for healthcare administrators to store these records in a single physical location. The practice when it comes to managing physical copies of health records would be to store them in different locations. The attempt to access these records required administrators to invest a significant amount of time and money. The ability of electronic medical records to consolidate data in a single place has eliminated the need for administrators to invest valuable resources just to track them down. The use of EMRs also enables healthcare practitioners to implement a consistent sense of continuity when it comes to patient care. Treating a patient after they have been discharged from a hospital becomes easier through the use of electronic medical records. Implementing the use of electronic medical records can translate to a significant increase in managing patient follow ups and implementing action plans post discharge.

Improving Quality of Healthcare

Electronic medical health records increase a physician’s ability to track patient data over a period of time. This feature is a great boon for patients who are dealing with heart conditions or diabetes. These specific cases run the risk of collapsing and having attacks during inopportune moments. Tracking and identifying patient data allows physicians to respond to emergency cases faster and increases their ability to save a patient’s life.

The Cybernet Advantage

The use of electronic medical health records drastically improves the quality of patient care within the medical practice. The effective implementation of electronic medical health records requires hospital administrators to purchase devices that respond to emerging professional needs. Cybernet manufactures devices like medical tablets and all-in-one computers that are compatible with a host of Electronic Medical Records software. The effective use of these devices will determine how quickly the modern day healthcare practitioner can easily adapt to the demands of a fast paced profession.

This paragraph doesn’t really speak to why our EMR solution is better than our competitors’ EMR solution. If you have information on this, please include it in this section. If not, I will get with the sales team and get some feedback. Thanks!

Support

The Importance of U.S. Based Tech Support Services for Your All-In-One PC Issues

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Several industries have adopted the use of electronic devices like all-in-one computers and tablets to boost the efficiency of their business processes. Before you can finalize the purchase of a number of electronic devices, it is important for you to become aware of the quality of the support that is available long after you have bought the products in question. When it comes to purchasing electronics, having the services of a well trained tech support team at your disposal cannot be underemphasized. If you encounter PC hardware or software issues somewhere along the way, the services of the available tech support team will be the factor that determines whether the challenges are resolved in an efficient manner or if you end up running into more complications.

U.S. Based Tech Support VS. Overseas Tech Support

The first thing that you have to do is to make sure that the tech support team assigned to your all-in-one computing device is based in the U.S. The service that a U.S. based tech support team provides is drastically different from tech support operations that are outsourced to other countries. Outsourcing has become a trend that a number of operations have resorted to in an effort to cut back on operational costs. Outsourced tech support teams might be cheaper from the manufacturer’s perspective but there are a few consequences that consumers are exposed to as a result of this trend.

An Outsourced Tech Support Team

Outsourced tech support operations can prove to be taxing for consumers who are looking for a clear cut solution to the issues that may be compromising their electronic device. Typically, the biggest source of difficulty for consumers deals with the language barrier. Outsourced tech support operations may not be staffed by people who use English as a native language. As a result, communication problems and misunderstandings can happen between the consumer and the tech support representative. Phone connection issues are also something that you have to consider given the fact that the calls that you’ll be making are overseas phone calls. Having a call cut in the middle of a critical repair situation can be frustrating and professionally compromising as well.

Advantages of a U.S. Based Tech Support Team

It would be best for you to look for a manufacturer with a U.S. based tech support team to bypass challenges that are brought about by communication problems and phone connectivity issues. If a manufacturer does house a tech support team that they personally employ, then this might be an indicator that the tech support staff has a solid grasp of the ins and outs of the device that you’re concerned about. It is deeply vital for you to be able to know about the level of knowledge that a manufacturer’s tech support staff has before you purchase electronic devices from them. The best tech support team should have a keen understanding of the technology that an electronic device uses and should know how to repair hardware issues and resolve software glitches personally. Outsourced tech support teams usually handle services for several companies and the solutions that they offer are less intuitive and rigidly scripted. Make it a point for you to look for dedicated tech support services to ensure that you get to address every perceivable problem that you might encounter somewhere down the line.

The Cybernet Advantage

When it comes to purchasing electronic devices for your industry’s specific needs, Cybernet products provide you with advantages that become more apparent long after you have taken possession of the item. Part of Cybernet’s edge stems from the strength of its U.S. based tech support team. With a dedicated tech support team at your beck and call, you can be assured that possible product issues will be addressed in a quick and efficient manner.

Customers who call in with product specific issues are guided by well trained tech support specialists. Each representative of our customer service team is trained by Cybernet’s engineers. This factor differentiates Cybernet’s customer service team from other companies. Every customer service representative possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the workings of each device and how to resolve possible errors and glitches. More often than not, customer issues can be resolved over the phone through responsive troubleshooting approaches. 50% of the time, Cybernet’s customer Service team is able to resolve product issues over the phone. When clients run a comparison between Cybernet’s success rate in resolving customer issues against the competition, the advantage clearly lies with the former.

For product issues that cannot be resolved through troubleshooting methods, Cybernet issues a Return Merchandise Authorization Number and a call tag to the client. The Return merchandize Authorization Number is designated to the device that needs to be returned for repairs. If the client is covered by the device’s warranty period, the product is serviced at zero cost. The call tag includes packaging that the client can use to return the unit for service. After a call tag has been generated, an email is sent to the client who reported the issue with the device. The email allows each client to track the progress of the unit that is being serviced giving them a concrete timetable of the progress that is made as things develop.

The biggest takeaway that clients can glean from Cybernet’s customer service team is their expedient turnaround time. Cybernet services units within a 24 – 48 hour window. When stacked against the competition, where 6 – 8 week waiting periods are par for the course, Cybernet’s expedient turnaround time is nearly miraculous. The robust build quality of each Cybernet product coupled with its responsive and efficient customer service team provides clients with an unbeatable package of quality and reliability.

With live chat, phone, and e-mail support services available at your disposal, consumers are able to tap into varied channels to address a raft of product related issues. For clients who want to have a clearer picture of each product’s features before they make a final purchase, Cybernet can send a demo unit for the purposes of configuration free of charge. Once the client has configured the unit to his desired specifications, Cybernet takes the demo unit and delivers the client’s purchased devices pre-configured to his preferences right out of the box. Cybernet solutions are the best option for industry leaders who are looking to secure their professional interests in a quick and efficient fashion.

Cybernet Hardware

How Cybernet Can Help Solve IT Problems

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Striving to improve quality of care has been at the heart of medicine since antiquity. Famously inscribed in the Hippocratic Oath – the words, “Whatsoever house I may enter, my visit shall be for the convenience and advantage of the patient”. The history of western medicine, ostensibly a testament to science and progress, is sadly peppered with well-intended mishaps and some flat-out horror stories. It’s not till the 1900’s that the practice of medicine became regulated and models in medicine were heavily scrutinized.

Post-WWII US saw the rise of the “quality movement” in medicine that gave birth to our modern health care system. Physician led infrastructures were set in place, such as peer reviews and scientific evidence-based approach to tackling medical and behavior problems. Incentive programs spread protocols and best practices. Although, the movement had modest roots in academia, by 1965 Federal government validated ‘quality movement’ values by establishing Medicare and Medicaid programs – insuring access to quality care for economically challenged and elderly populations. When the bill was passed, the US had 17.5 million people over the age of 65 – two-thirds had an income of less than $1,000/month and only 1 in 8 had health insurance. Increases in the cost of living, and health care costs were rapidly outpacing growth in the incomes of older Americans. 3 years later, 20 million Americans enrolled in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

The Dawn of Federal Regulation in Health Care

With a new class of insured Americans, the health care system sprung into action to meet supply and demand. Hospitals, new long term care facilities, and pharmaceutical companies were all hungry for Medicare dollars. Arguably this was a major economic boost in the health care industry. In an effort to regulate how federal money was being spent – Congress established the “Conditions of Participation.” These regulations set the standard of how hospitals should operate. Staff credentials, 24-hour nursing services, and employment of peer reviews became the norm, as they are today. By way of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Federal government became the prime director of health care standards and by-laws.

2010 marked another pivot in the US Heath Care system – adaption to modern technology and data utilization. “Meaningful Use” is a Medicare and Medicaid incentive program that aims to convert paper patient records to electronic health care records (EHR). The ultimate goal of “Meaningful Use” program is to leverage the data gathered from health care records and discover ways to improve the quality of individual care and the health care system as a whole. The incentive program is broken into 3 stages: Stage 1: Data capture and sharing, Stage 2: Advance clinical processes, Stage 3: Improved outcomes.  Leveraging ‘big data’ is a strategy often used by corporations to find efficiencies in their business or service models. Applying the same principles in the practice of medicine and the role of the government in health care has been criticized. Although opinions vary on the subject of “Meaningful Use,” one thing is for sure, the program created a new economic opportunity similar to that of Medicaid and Medicare acts of 1965 – this time within the health IT infrastructure.

The Pervasive Use of Electronic Devices and Electronic Medical Records

The changes that meaningful use has imposed on the healthcare industry are numerous. The need to access Electronic Medical Records has forced healthcare administrators and industry leaders to re – envision the systems and processes they previously used to address patient care concerns. The biggest development to have emerged from the focus on “Meaningful Use” is the need for the entire health care sector to use devices like medical computers and medical tablets. This allows patients and healthcare service providers to easily access Electronic Medical Records.

Advantages and Specifications

The rapid adoption of these measures has resulted in a number of advantages. If the whole healthcare industry is able to adapt to the tenets of meaningful use, the quality of healthcare services, the way these services are delivered, and the safety of each patient should improve. The main thing that administrators need to keep in mind is to adopt an informed approach towards using specific technological tools to achieve all of these objectives. Not every electronic device available on the market is in alignment with the standards of meaningful use. Before you decide to purchase an all – in – one computer or a medical tablet make sure that they possess the specifications required to run Electronic Medical Records software.

Software Requirements

Hospital administrators need to be familiar with the software platforms that can process Electronic Medical Records. The main thing that you need to do is to purchase computers and electronic devices that come bundled with Epic, Cerner, and Allscripts software. Certification is also a concern that hospital IT administrators need to address. Before you can work on devices that run on Epic software, you need to go through the training program that Epic provides in their own headquarters. Once you have demonstrated a certain level of proficiency in each module of the training program, your company will be able to use devices that run Epic software.

The Cybernet Advantage

In order to address the requirements that have emerged from an increased sense of focus on meaningful use, it is essential for healthcare service providers to work with companies that can respond to their IT-related needs. You have to look for companies that manufacture all-in-one computers and medical tablets that are EPIC certified and tested with Electronic Medical Records software. Make sure that each device you purchase is included in Epic’s approved list of vendors as well. Meaningful use will have far reaching effects on the healthcare industry and the best way for you to maintain your competitive edge is to use devices that conform to these new standards.

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How Is Telemedicine and IoT Shaping Healthcare?

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The technology in healthcare industry continues to evolve rapidly. Many of the changes over the last decade involve the use of devices like medical tablets and all–in–one computers to track health records and diagnostics. The next degeneration in medical devices, leverages connectivity and data in a profound new way. Dubbed, the Internet of Things (IoT), WiFi or connected devices have given healthcare providers new tools and approaches to addressing patient care. In turn, IoT provides a patient with a platform that allows for easy access of information, treatment and convenience. For example, some hospitals have begun implementing “smart beds” that can tell if a patient is trying to get up or adjust to make the patient more comfortable without manual controls. Another example is medication dispensers that automatically record Rx use or a pill that alerts the doctor when swallowed.

The technological developments that are used within the healthcare industry have changed its paradigm to such an extent that the interaction between a patient and healthcare service providers is rapidly being overtaken by electronic intermediaries.

A Patient–Centric Model for the Delivery of Healthcare Services

The reason why IoT technology flourishes within healthcare is because improving quality in patient care is at the heart of modern medicine. One ground breaking application is tech allowing people to access quality healthcare services in spite of distance. Think of a rural town hours away from a medical specialist. Telemedicine and the use of sensory equipment is filling the distance gap. A company called Medpod brings the doctor’s office to the patient. Medpod, backed by Henry Schein, is a revolutionary cloud-based “Virtual Health Clinic.” The mobile office integrates nurse-assisted physical medical access points with remote physicians. Medpod connects the patient, remote intake clerk, on-site nurse and remote physician via a live two-way video and medical data broadcast. Doctors can read vital signs in real-time and treat the patient accordingly, while the patient is able to communicate their concerns and medical history. Cybernet provides the All-in-one Touch Screen, CyberMed C22 that is the true portal between patient and doctor. Clearly, the shift has begun to take on a more patient – centric model.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Analysts predict that the shift towards a more personalized approach when it comes to healthcare will proceed at a steady pace. This prediction will wield negative consequences for healthcare administrators who refuse to use these technological platforms to improve the way they deliver healthcare services. It is a given fact that people are more invested in taking more responsibility for their own health concerns. The importance of this development is reflected in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care act specifically states the need for healthcare administrators to use certified Electronic Healthcare Technology to increase the efficiency of the delivery of healthcare services and promote more consistency when it comes to patient care.

The Need to Purchase Devices

The more you become aware of the impact that IoT has on the future of the healthcare industry, the importance of purchasing cutting edge technological tools becomes more pronounced. There is a need for healthcare administrators to direct their attention on purchasing medical computers and medical tablets to respond to evolving healthcare trends. The steady progress of IoT innovation is far too important for healthcare professionals to ignore. While the shift from a person-to-person interaction to the use of medical tablets and other devices may be startling at first, there are also advantages that are made available. An increase in the accessibility of healthcare services is something that IoT and Telemedicine are capable of producing. These platforms can also mean more affordable options for people who were previously hampered by cost concerns. Time will only hasten these developments so in order for healthcare service providers to maintain a competitive edge, they need to explore ways by which they can use cutting edge technology to accommodate processes and systems that are based in the internet of things.

IP rating classify the degree of protection against dust and water

Ingress Protection Markings and All–in–One Computers

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Ingress Protection Marking

All-in–one computers have proven to be cost-effective within several industry sectors. For professionals who work within environments where space is a scarce commodity, the space saving qualities of these devices provide a measure of respite from cramped spaces. Price is also a factor that increases the value of all–in–one computing devices. Durability is always an interesting topic when it comes to electronics.

All–in–one computers come with various specifications that attest to their ability to withstand a variety of potentially compromising incidents. A chief specification that savvy shoppers should hone in on when it comes to all–in–one computers is the presence of an ingress protection marking (IP). Let’s take a look at the specifics of this certification and the importance that it wields over the device you choose to buy.

Fundamentally, ingress protection markings (IP) point to the level of durability that a device possesses. The life span and reliability levels of an all–in–one computing device can be ascertained through the presence (or lack of) an IP marking. The main goal of an IP is to provide consumers with a definitive way of gauging the durability of a device in tangible terms. This proves to be a stark departure from some of the vaguer terms that buyers encounter like “shock proof” and “water proof.”

Ingress Protection Indicators

Devices that possess an ingress protection marking will typically possess specific indicators that are indicative of its ability to withstand specific conditions. If a device comes with an IP of 0, it possesses no protection against incidents that could potentially damage the device in question.

Protection against Solid particles, Liquid Spills, and Exposure to Drops

There are a number of areas where an IP marketing could be present. The marking charts protection against a number of factors like the sudden intrusion of solid, liquid, and mechanical elements into the device in question. Acquainting yourself with the ingress protection marking against solid particles for example, can give you a solid idea of whether the computer you purchase can withstand the pervasive presence of dust particles and other solid objects within your native working environment. For healthcare practitioners, the levels of liquid ingress protection that a device possesses should be scrutinized to determine whether the computer could hold up under instances where it is exposed to sudden spills. Ingress protection can also be used to determine whether the item is capable of withstanding drops from varying height levels.

IP is a great way to determine whether your device can withstand a host of accidents like exposure to foreign objects, liquid spills, and accidental drops. When it comes to purchasing an all–in–one computer, the presence of an ingress protection marking provides consumers with a measure of assurance as far as product reliability and durability is concerned. You need to make sure that the device you’re purchasing conforms to the standards that are responsive to your working environment’s needs before you finalize your investment decision.

Cybernet manufactures all-in-one computers that come equipped with IP65 certification that tracks the level of protection that is afforded against ingress of solid particles and other accidental incidents. The significant levels of durability that Cybernet all–in–one computers possess make them the device of choice for professionals who operate within unpredictable working environments. To learn more about how Cybernet’s all-in-one computers can address your professional needs, visit us at www.cybernet.us.