EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Biomed Databases Asset software Manufacturer

Does anybody still use Optim software and if so is it still available? can anyone recomend a suitable alternative.

Optim is still available via Philips but back up service is outsourced to Integra which is a one man show!

On the whole Optim is a very good product (claimed to be the best on the market) but the after sales service needs to be improved drastically or Philips need to seriously think about taking this back in-house where it can have better control on it.

Optim may very well be a well-presented, polished product. But does it do all that you want it to do? And at what price?

Meanwhile, I know some excellent, committed “one man shows” who hack out database programming projects for bed and board only. Beat that if you can!

Hi Geoff

I only made that comment as some users claim it is the best, I don't hence why I put it in brackets (I really must start using emoicons).

I think Optim is let down by price and lack of support, any department using it will know how difficult Mr Stanbury of Intergra is to get hold of especially when on long holidays to Portugal.

Philips/Integra is you are reading this is a view felt by most of the User Group.

Hi Geoff

How do go about getting a demo copy of optim and how does the price compare to other s/ware packages.

Contact Jonathon Davis at Philips or his colleague Matthew Roberts on 07775 705970.

Pricing is dependent on no of users and modules required.

Hi Wayne

I can’t remember what system you have at Stoke Mandeville ( ... home-grown in dBASE?), but my own views on this issue have been oft stated. First, get your data as perfect as you can (eg, 100% error-free). These days it doesn’t really matter what you use to do this (and the ubiquitous Excel spreadsheet is as good as any). And then develop your own system!

If you can find me a place to stay near SMH I’ll come and have a go for you!

For those who remember happy days at the MOH in Riyadh, they used to have a set of data standards that every maintenance contractor was supposed to follow (the idea being so that data could be interchanged easily). It was an extensive list of data fields, with all the usual suspects. It was known (somewhat clumsily) as MAMISS (for Minimum Acceptable Maintenance Information System Standard). Maybe we need an agreed data set for sharing information amongst ourselves here on this website? Now, there's a thought!

how about some information from hecs and sems users if possible and any direct comments from optim and emat users would be appreciated.

Wayne,

We use HECS here in Brighton. We have used this since 2000. It has proved to be extremely stable with hardly any software problems. Like most datbases, it has some excellent features and also some poor features. One poor area is the reporting system. You need to use ODBC or other third party report generator to make the most of it.
PLease e-mail me if you would like any more details?
Brian.

We use EMAT and the Trust is extremely pleased with its features. It has been developed to be used by Medical Equipment Management Departments and has good technical support.

It includes all the user training modules (in line with CNST requirements- This is my opinion and not CNST), and a comprehensive down to patient name / unit number library module.

I think your decision should be based on what the Trust needs, and not your individual departments. Does your Trust know who you are and what you do? Are they interested in the information you collect and your day to day activity, if so, then cost will not be an issue.

Alex
Head Of Medical Physics
Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust