FAQ

Do PTS and ABC interface with our hospital's information system, ADT and clinical order entry systems?

Absolutely! Our products adhere to the HL7 standard for sharing data, and will interface with any system and environment capable of producing or receiving HL7 formatted transactions through your HL7 gateway.

How are PTS and ABC accessible throughout the hospital?

Any terminal services client PC on the same LAN can access PTS or ABC. This is useful with our optional Order Entry sub-system, which allows ancillary units or the floors to request their own trips online. We are currently developing browser based versions of ABC and PTS which will result in fast application execution, low bandwidth requirements, low maintenance burden, client platform independence and easy user accessibility. PTS and ABC can accept HL7 formatted information directly from the hospital mainframe systems through your HL7 gateway. Both product offerings can send alphanumeric pages directly to transporters, housekeepers, managers, bed controllers, pharmacy, dietary, and any other service providers. There is also an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) component for both systems, called Automated Dispatch Plus (AD+). With this feature, users can access PTS and ABC from any phone.

What network and operating systems do PTS and ABC require?

Both PTS and ABC are Windows-based applications and run under Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows 2003. The hospital provides a Microsoft SQL Server backend as the data storage tool.  Although compatibility with older operating systems like Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT has been demonstrated, they are old enough that we no longer guarantee compatibility.

Do PTS and ABC require dispatchers?

Both products can function without dispatchers or coordinators. By design, PTS and ABC are proactive management tools and, as such, should be used by the dispatchers and coordinators to maximize their own, as well as the entire departments’, efficiency and productivity.

How does PTS help improve productivity?

PTS implements industrial engineered standards unique to your facility. Your campus is segmented into zones with travel time studies performed between all zones. These "dry runs" take into consideration your hospital's pre-determined drag factors for various types of equipment as well as equipment find and put away times. In addition, ancillary unit drag factors are taken into account. When a trip is dispatched, PTS knows approximately how long the trip should take regardless of its beginning and ending zone. This creates a standard unit of work against which actual performance can be compared.