WATSON: IBM supercomputer in Healthcare

March 3, 2011 Topic: Uncategorized 


Versus releases mobile application for healthcare RTLS

February 2, 2011 Topic: Uncategorized 

US-based Versus Technology, which specialises in real-time location systems (RTLS) for enterprise patient tracking, bed management, asset tracking, and nurse call automation, has released its Enterprise View Mobile (EVM) application for customers using the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad at no additional charge. Versus customers will now be able download the Versus EVM app from iTunes.

The Versus EVM provides users access to patient, staff and equipment locations on mobile devices as it is synced to the Versus Advantages Real-time Locating System (RTLS). This provides a unique user experience based on user login credentials, and enables on-the-go access to any existing Versus floorplan as well as a badge-centric list view optimisd for the mobile device experience.

Licensed directly from Versus, Versus EVM is available to customers with an Enterprise license.


Avery Surgery Center Links Benefits to Location Tracking

November 15, 2010 Topic: Uncategorized 

This summer, the Avera Surgery Center opened its doors to their new, state-of-the-art facility. Located on the fourth floor of the new Avera Cancer Institute, the Surgery Center has a separate entrance and is also connected via skywalk to Avera McKennan hospital. Here, Avera implemented an automated patient flow module from Versus that helps patients progress through their visits in a timely, well-structured fashion. It also enables greater communication among staff — while requiring less effort.

“Staff and patients really appreciate the locating system,” explains Daren Smith, Director, Avera Surgery Center. “”It just gives them a feeling of control. Everyone knows when you have surgery, you have so little control. So this gives patients and loved ones an opportunity to see what’s happening and it gives us an opportunity to run a more efficient process because we always know where patients are at, too.”

The original RTLS implementation from Versus has been a catalyst for efficiency and improvement throughout the organization. In addition to the existing applications, Avera is currently extending the outpatient Surgery Center workflow tools to the hospital’s main operating room. In 2011, they plan to implement RTLS-based workflow management within the ED, and, once Avera finalizes plans for the Cancer Institute, they are poised to add automated patient flow functionality to the patient care areas that would benefit from process automation.

The Versus Advantages solution at the Surgery Center was featured in the Avera Medical Minute produced by ABC-affiliate, KSFY. The video can be viewed here. “Our relationship with Avera is deepened by our mutual commitment to the patient experience,” says Paul Timmerman, VP, Versus. “After seven years with Avera, Versus is still preeminently positioned as a safety and satisfaction tool within their care environment. What better way to demonstrate our dedication to healthcare?”

Notably, Avera was recognized by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine as a 2010 “Most Wired” and “Most Wireless” facility. They are the only health system to receive this recognition each year since the award’s inception.

[Avera Surgery Center Links Benefits to Versus RTLS] via MarketWatch


Onsite Managed CCTV Recording: MASSIVE Savings for Businesses

October 15, 2010 Topic: Benefits & Outcomes, Outcomes in the News 

Onsite Managed CCTV SolutionFirst Signal has begun researching vedors to provide our customers the latest and most affordable CCTV Security Solutions. For more information on this exciting new technology, please contact Joe Stitgen atjstitgen@firstsignal.com.

The MVS software is solely focused within the video security and surveillance industry. Through the use of secure web-based applications this solution is revolutionizing the manner in which video security and surveillance is deployed, utilized and managed.

The MVS solution utilizes the customer’s present broadband connection to transmit fulltime, live streaming video over the internet to the MVS bank of video servers where the video is stored safely and securely and archived (7 days – 6 months). Live and recorded video from single or multiple locations is easily accessed via a single web-browser (username and password required). Any combination of cameras and locations will appear on a single viewing screen.

1. Cost effective solution for high quality video requiring 6 or less cameras.
• By utilizing the present internet connection, the customer can save thousands of dollars
by not having to invest in a DVR and monitor configuration.
2. Critical camera back-up for DVR’s.
• While the DVR continues to record all cameras locally, a subset of the cameras can be transmitted
over the internet to the MVS video servers where it will be saved for later playback should
the DVR fail, get destroyed or be stolen.
3. DVR upgrades.
• Easily and economically upgrade a customer’s antiquated, analog system and receive all of the
benefits of digital technology without having to replace the present DVR or cameras.

The MOVR provides the solution when the application requires large numbers of cameras, extended archiving periods or high frame rate requirements.

The web application provides a variety of benefits:

  • No software to install, manage or update
  • Access cameras through any internet connection in the world
  • A single user-interface whether the system is a single camera at a vacation home, dozens of cameras in retail environment, hundreds of cameras in a manufacturing facility or a combination of them all
  • Easy to use (100% point-and-click control)
  • Highest security – 128 Bit Encryption
  • Device monitoring (IntelliSoft)
  • Automatic notification of alarms and events
  • Compatible with all analog and a variety of digital cameras

The MOVR incorporates an added level of security through the use of its IntelliSoft Pro technology.
In addition to monitoring all external devices (cameras, internet connection, router, modem, etc)
it also monitors all internal components such as hard drives, motors, fans, and power connections.
Should anyone attempt to defeat the MOVR by unplugging it or turning it off, an alert will be transmitted notifying the appropriate persons.

The MOVR also has the ability to transmit video offsite for redundancy. Therefore, with proper placement
of a camera you have the ability to view, record and archive the actions of someone who turned the MOVR off. Additionally, if someone were to steal the MOVR, you could have the video of the actual theft stored offsite, even though the physical unit was stolen.


‘Most Wired Hospitals’ for 2010 named

August 30, 2010 Topic: Outcomes in the News 

The Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking study, conducted annually by Hospitals and Health Networks, has named the “Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems” for 2010. And several First Signal partners have made it onto the list! Congratulations to all our Most Wired customers, and we hope to help keep your facilities on this list year after year.

Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Fayetteville: Most Wired
Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta: Most Wired
Palmetto Health, Columbia: Most Wired

Want your system to win awards? Find out how First Signal can help!

[Most Wired for 2010] via HealthCare IT News