Hi,

I recently posted requesting comments on open source CMMS (post #43687) but after some investigation/developements we might be considering the purchase of the above stated system.
We have had an onsite presentation, and access to the hosted demo site, and on the whole we're quite impressed. Can anyone comment postively, or negatively, on Medusa?

Thanks,
Martin

SoftPro was an exhibitor at the recent seminar, but unfortuately I missed out on chatting with them.

All I know is that they are a Swedish company whose website is currently down (or so it would seem)!

... minutes later ... OK, it's up again now!

Hi Geoff,

Yes, he did mention the recent seminar.

Apparently, Medusa is currently running at the following hospitals - North Bristol, Nottingham University, Basildon and Thurrock, Royal United Bath and Cardiff Hospital. Ive had some very positive comment from Basildon and Thurrock. Outwith the UK they have Medusa running in ~140 sites.

Not that I want this thread to go too off topic but I would be interested to hear of any close alternatives to Medusa as well.

Thanks,
Martin

Hi,

Given the limited response to Softpro Medusa can anyone recommend an alternative solution?

Thanks,
Martin

Hi,

We use HP's Service Centre which, I have to say, is excellent, at least from a users point of view (can't speak for the IT guys who control/customise it). The reporting function and detail allowed as well as the ability to programme PM actions works for me !!

Not open source I'll grant you but....

See here for some info.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the recommendation. I wasnt aware that HP had such a system. On first inspection it does appear to be worth investigating further.

It seems to be very biased towards IT equipment however. How well does this integrate into a medical equipment environment? I take it the system has a fully customisable front end interface to allow these modifications?

From the brief list of current customers I suspect this system is likely to be more expensive than the others mentioned?

Can you suggest a UK point of contact from HP?

Many thanks for your time.

Martin

Hi Martin,

Can't say I have ever looked at it in it's "virgin" form but only as adapted by our IT guys for use in the biomed environment. That being said, I guess equipment is equipment.

I do think it is a a very powerful tool. It has great abilities in scheduling, asset management (inc integration of the ECRI models tables), repair job logging and tracking, client web interface, quoting, orders, etc, etc , etc. We also use it to do things like time sheets, expenses, leave, and all of that HR/pay office stuff. The reporting (via Crystal Reports) and search functions are, for me as a manager, a dream (and no, I'm not a HP sales rep !!).

I have, in the last two weeks, been through two external audits at client hospitals. When I take the auditors through what we do via SC, they are, frankly, stunned. I can walk into any audit in full confidence that we have a system that works, really works.

Perhaps the one weakness that I could state is that we run a separate programme for doing the logging of PM data but, A/ this is linked in the background so the data is shared and B/ because it is necessary to have the PM programme available while not "logged in" so that data can be entered while on the wards etc.

With the combination of these two systems we are able to run paperless (there are no filing cabinets in our office !!)

It's from HP so I don't imagine it's low cost or anything but "ya gets what ya pays for"

Dave

... especially when stuff comes free of charge!

Hi Dave,


Again, thanks for your detailed input.

You seem quite impressed with SC and I can see why. My only concern at present is this comment regarding PM data. Im not entirely sure why you have chosen to use the third party programme for this. Is this a weakness in SC or a workflow issue?

Thanks,
Martin

This is true and to be honest opensource would be my preferred choice. After trialling some of the mentioned solutions i'm convinced that 80% of the functionality can be obtained from opensource systems i've used. This additional cost is of course partially justified due to the ongoing developement and support you wouldnt get from opensource. Its easy to underestimate the time required to administrate/configure/bugfix opensource software and of course time for these duties is minimal...

Thanks,
Martin

Yes ... it's an ongoing commitment (labour of love, whatever).

We use a separate programme (written in-house) because SC is a server based programme so unless you are on the network you cannot access it. This is not practical when on the wards (unless you had a good wireless system of course). At the end of the day or whenever the data is synchronised with a central server and then, in the background, transferred into SC.

Have to say I'm pleased to see that you are taking some account of the costs involved in customising "free" software. This is a matter that is so often ignored and can in fact end up costing a great deal. Sometimes it's actually cheaper to let others do the work/development and pay them for their specialist skills.

Thanks for the clarification. I foolishly assumed you would have a WIFI network. We are lucky enough to already have a fully operational and supported WIFI network so this negates the issue with synchronising.

Your absolutely right about open source software. However, I think its a phenominal resource which is highly underestimated. It really depends on the software in question though and perhaps something as 'critical' as a CMMS should be left to the specialists. This general ignorance of open source seems to stem from a reluctance to move away from Microsoft - even if it was only occasionally and when theres clearly better/cheaper solution at hand. In time it will change...

Thanks,
Martin

Hi

Agree with you regarding the limitations of open-source software.

Have a look at www.infohealth-solutions.com and their product F2.

I think there has been a previous forum thread on the product too under biomed databases.

Thanks

Hello Martin
We have been users of Medusa since March 09 and have been very happy with the system and SoftPro's support. Give me a call if you want to come and see it working!
Paul

It's worth looking at them all.

Medusa
F2
Backtraq
EMAT

Paul has offered for you to see Medusa, I will offer to show you EMAT (just up the road from Paul).

- Joe

To be honest, if anyone wants to see our database in action they are welcome.

Often its not down to the package entirely but the usage as people will set up the configurable programs in different ways.

Many differing softwares work well for the individual because we take time to customise it. I know Paul would support this as he has done the same for Medusa

I do feel that we have got it right though (the configuration side of things) but would always welcome outside opinions and value their input.

So if anyones passing sunny Lancaster and fancies a look give me a shout.

Cheers
Joe

Is this the same Medusa that has origins (was developed by a bloke) in the Royal Air Force?

"Medusa" came up by chance during a conversation in a Dark Side Shed* during the week (when some Old Sweats were reminiscing [shooting the breeze ... swinging the lamp] as some [all] of those guys tend to do whenever/wherever they congregate [muster ... or, indeed, laager-up]).

On a similar tack ... does any ex-Arte et Marte type have any info about the fate of the in-house database which was [may have been] developed some [many] years ago at Bielefeld - probably by some old Tiffy or other? No - that can't be right:- it must have been some old Tech or other (as the Tiffy wouldn't have had the time, what with all that other BS he would have been fielding).

* OK, "Industrial Unit" if you like.

We are also happy Medusa Users for the last 2 years.

and no Geoff I dont think it has RAF origins as its an acronym in Swedish....
:O)

Nothing to do with a snake-head who liked seeing other folk get stoned, then?

Geoff, I believe that ABRO started using the RAF Medusa software, recall seeing it in 2001/2 as a fairly comprehensive package.

ABRO? What's that then, Joe?

Not yet another military acronym that's been changed half a dozen times since I turned to the right, saluted ... then fell out, and got away in double quick time!