Improving Workflow with Electronic Medical Records
Recently, when discussing EMR with a colleague, I was asked about customization of different electronic medical records systems. Some of the systems available today highlight ease of use, or perhaps that templates aren't required. This more modular approach could be sufficient within some special practices, but overall this solution seeks simplicity at the expense of ability. Sure, it would be great to have patient records in electronic format, but it may not be any easier to derive valuable meaning from the information, or use it practically.The field of ophthalmology requires a robust EMR system able to document both SOAP-notes and high resolution drawings and images. Several years ago we talked with an IT firm developing an ophthalmology EMR system; we ended up working with them in developing a beta test site, thinking that if the system would work in ophthalmology it could also function within other specialties. Unfortunately, the system wasn't quite ready for prime-time then, and as a result we became immersed in growing amounts of basic programming work. Unfortunately, our previous EPM vendor didn't have another appropriate product available for the field of ophthalmology then, although a strong competitor in the overall market.
When customizing, the consequence to consider is the need to apply more time and effort to system modifications. Many systems are ready for basic set-up out of the box; however, the true potential of these systems resides in their ability to modify overall operations to the individual needs of the physicians and practice. To move the basic EMR system into an enhanced work flow tool at the practice, some modifications are necessary. The best way to do this, we have found, is through the use of mind-mapping software.
Mind-mapping software allows members of a group to 'think out loud' in the visual sense. Participants can actually see the workflow diagram, from the entering of patient info, to the selection of an open examination room, to billing and check-out. By examining the overall flow of the examination process, we have been able to modify the electronic medical records to better fulfill our needs. This process has helped up find places where workflow can be improved, streamlining the process and creating a more efficient system at the practice.
Nesting Technology Leader Optimation Helps Millerbernd Fabricator Speed Up Production
Optimation offers benchmarking against any other method of part nesting; recent benchmarks have show improvements up to 15% in material efficiency alone. As lean efficiencies are essential, the most advanced nesting technology guarantees the most important parts are always nested in the next available machine, providing advanced information to integrated costing, labor reporting, and material inventory systems. Because Optimation is strong financially and has the most advanced technology; the company offers direct financing from its own capital resources.
Millerbernd was established in Winsted, Minnesota in 1933 as a small town automotive and farm repair business. When a local creamery sought help with a special equipment project, Millerbernd not only met the immediate challenge but also set its sights on a much larger market. Today, the company is recognized nationally for the design, manufacture and installation of process equipment systems for the dairy and cheese industry.
Recently, Millerbernd installed a Trumpf 3030, 3800-watt laser, primarily for working with stainless steel for food processing and handling systems. With such a high percentage of production being JIT, the company selected Plug&Lase™ , both because of the time it could save in programming and because automatically generated nests could be easily modified "on the fly," if needed. In addition, Plug&Lase™ automatically provides Unattended Common Cut and Grain Constraint Control, both of which dramatically reduced cycle times and cut waste.
Michael D. Lundy, P.E., President & CEO of Optimation noted that, "Another key factor was immediate availability. The complete Plug & Lase package, including computer, was installed and operational within just three weeks of the order being placed. With intricate patterns like those required for this commercial kitchen grade stainless steel auger, powerful Plug & Lase features like automatic Unattended Common Cut can speed up cycle times and reduce waste significantly." Lundy added, "Although Millerbernd does catalog some items, most projects are custom, build-to-suit solutions. Plug & Lase's ability to program nests quickly - combined with the flexibility to adjust those nests "on-the-fly" - help the company stay on top of its customers tight delivery schedules."
With the high cost of stainless steel, reducing scrap and improving material utilization is particularly important to Millerbernd's profitability. Plug&Lase™ provides automatic Grain Constraint Control to help eliminate the risk of waste as well as Combinatorial Full Shape Nesting to help determine the most cost-effective utilization. For 30 years Optimation® has been the world leader in Part Nesting for Optimized Material and Labor utilization. Consistently providing product advancement leadership to industry, the company's new Nesting Technology, AxiomVE make previous nesting methods obsolete. The new technology, Vision Emulation™, allows the system to "see" the shape of parts, just as human eyes would view them. When a person looks at a part, they see the whole shape and any special features on the part. This information is then used to determine if the part will fit in an area of the nest. Vision Emulation eliminates excessive trial and error as well as excessive rotation.
Optimation offers benchmarking against any other method of part nesting; recent benchmarks have show improvements up to 15% in material efficiency alone. As lean efficiencies are essential, the most advanced nesting technology guarantees the most important parts are always nested in the next available machine, providing advanced information to integrated costing, labor reporting, and material inventory systems. Because Optimation is strong financially and has the most advanced technology; the company offers direct financing from its own capital resources.
Millerbernd was established in Winsted, Minnesota in 1933 as a small town automotive and farm repair business. When a local creamery sought help with a special equipment project, Millerbernd not only met the immediate challenge but also set its sights on a much larger market. Today, the company is recognized nationally for the design, manufacture and installation of process equipment systems for the dairy and cheese industry.
Recently, Millerbernd installed a Trumpf 3030, 3800-watt laser, primarily for working with stainless steel for food processing and handling systems. With such a high percentage of production being JIT, the company selected Plug&Lase™ , both because of the time it could save in programming and because automatically generated nests could be easily modified "on the fly," if needed. In addition, Plug&Lase™ automatically provides Unattended Common Cut and Grain Constraint Control, both of which dramatically reduced cycle times and cut waste.
Michael D. Lundy, P.E., President & CEO of Optimation noted that, "Another key factor was immediate availability. The complete Plug & Lase package, including computer, was installed and operational within just three weeks of the order being placed. With intricate patterns like those required for this commercial kitchen grade stainless steel auger, powerful Plug & Lase features like automatic Unattended Common Cut can speed up cycle times and reduce waste significantly." Lundy added, "Although Millerbernd does catalog some items, most projects are custom, build-to-suit solutions. Plug & Lase's ability to program nests quickly - combined with the flexibility to adjust those nests "on-the-fly" - help the company stay on top of its customers tight delivery schedules."
With the high cost of stainless steel, reducing scrap and improving material utilization is particularly important to Millerbernd's profitability. Plug&Lase™ provides automatic Grain Constraint Control to help eliminate the risk of waste as well as Combinatorial Full Shape Nesting to help determine the most cost-effective utilization. For 30 years Optimation® has been the world leader in Part Nesting for Optimized Material and Labor utilization. Consistently providing product advancement leadership to industry, the company's new Nesting Technology, AxiomVE make previous nesting methods obsolete. The new technology, Vision Emulation™, allows the system to "see" the shape of parts, just as human eyes would view them. When a person looks at a part, they see the whole shape and any special features on the part. This information is then used to determine if the part will fit in an area of the nest. Vision Emulation eliminates excessive trial and error as well as excessive rotation.