EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Biomed Databases Databases

We have, at last, secured the funding for a replacement database. We are currently using the older version of SEMS.
Has anyone moved away from SEMS to one of the other databases, if so, any probs?
We need to complete the trial and buying process within the next 6 months.

Cheers
Mark

Hey Mark, all will be well as long as you remember the first maxim of database work – “garbage in – garbage out”! Regardless of whichever system you go for, you really need a guy doing nothing else for three months or so to transfer, enter, edit etc. all the data.

Hi Mark,

We've already converted numerous HECS/SEMS databases over to E-MAT - as Geoff says: garbage in = garbage out.

We would normally do as many "dry-runs" over your data as necessary until such time as you sign-off to say you are happy with what has been converted into E-MAT .

We then recommend running E-MAT in parallel with your old system prior to your *LIVE* date to ensure no major problems when you switch the old system off for good.

Regards,

Paul Stockton
Barwick Systems
http://www.barwicksystems.co.uk
ISO 9001 Registered Firm

Thanks mates,

We have been using HECS database and ECRI IPM procedures for the past 5 years . HECS is ok if you would like to use it as a static database without graphical statistical analysis, dynamic alerts, online requests, etc.We searched a lot of available databases in the market like GE Sophie 9000 System, Shire database from UK and the like but nothing matched our in-house development. Since I have got 13 years experience in the Biomedical Engineering field, I designed the whole database incorporating Equipment information, Warranty, contract alerts,critical equipment down alerts, test equipment calibartion expiry, repeat work orders alerts and then Management reports on down time, labour time,response time, purchase request and spare parts transactions, etc. Our new package generates Graphical representation of repair and ppm work orders completed Vs pending, type of repairs like : user errors, general, electrical, mechanical,etc for any given year and month. Basically, the package we developed in-house was in Oracle and web browser based with PDA, bar coding compatability. We are marching towards e-biomed which will happen in 2006. Our package is called MEMIS - Medical equipment management information system ( A gate way to e-biomed ).

Should any one be interested to know more about developing in-house Biomedical database for the hospital or for field service engineers and service transactions, I would be more than happy to assist and / guide you.

Cheers
Sen

Yes, e-biomed is the way to go, Sen! Nice to have the resources that you must have, though (I assume). Are you guys thinking of selling your system, then? I could name more than one “industry standard” system that began in very similar circumstances to the one you describe.

Thanks Geoff,

MEMIS is my brain work but developed in Oracle database by our ITD team . So, the royalty should come to me ...... I don't mind sharing my pie with anyone who wants to get me a business ....ha...ha..ha....

Sen

We had SEMS now using OPTIM Interested to hear your views on this one.

I was speaking to the EBME manager at Bedford this week who recently (This summer) switched from HECS to E-mat. They are very pleased with the way it operates, but especially with the reporting side of things. One point made was how responsive Barwick are with tech support.

OPTIM is a good database but the aftersales support needs to be improved!! This is outsourced by Philips to a guy who is only contracted to work on it for 20% of his time!!!

In addition I would like to add that one of the key reasons we chose Barwick over the Optim (Philips) system (and others) is because of their second to none responsiveness & Customer Support (after sales).

All the Barwick team have a very good work ethic in this regard, I have learned.

We were constantly chasing Philips, even when we had capital money busy burning a hole in our pockets. That was frustrating, so imagine, we mused - how will they be when we have paid the money and have a techie problem? Hmmm.

Past performance is the best indicator of future performance.

I have never been disappointed with our current provider, in fact Barwick have exceeded my (rather stringent) expectations.
I just cannot fault them.