Productivity enhancements using hand-held computers: a case study

In closing, the benefits of computerizing the equipment control information system have been assessed qualitatively and, to an extent, quantitatively. We have seen a drastic improvement in the operation of the clinical engineering department. Equipment repair and inspection results are readily accessible for technician use. Equipment service reports are typed and easy to read. Accountability of repair parts are immediately available for restocking and financial needs. Feedback reports are generated on a regular and timely basis. We have shown a reduction of around 12 minutes in the inspection procedure. This time has been directly linked to the automation of the inspection process using hand-held computers. The cost of automation was inexpensive, as the hand-held computers cost around 500 dollars per unit. Currently, the devices are used by any technician who performs inspections outside the department. The units time the inspection process and record the inspection result. We have interfaced the units to portable bar-code printers that produce an inspection label on-site. In the future, bar-code wands and guns will be used to streamline the data entry process of the inspection. A reduction in the number of incorrectly typed ECNs will improve the integrity of the database. The use of bar-codes will eventually spread to the parts' system. This will improve tracking, ordering, and inventorying repair parts. The plan is to improve the documentation of these parts and ease the analysis of new equipment needs, manufacturer reliability, and contract evaluations. At the present, we are addressing the problem of preparation time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)