Tag: medical vending machine

Keep Controlled Substances Contained and Under Your Control

Posted on by John Van Horn

These days, many hospitals and other medical facilities find themselves in a similar predicament regarding the storage and tracking of emergency medical supplies. These supplies may include anything from controlled substances and oxygen tanks to scrubs and uniforms. In many facilities, a hospital manager may need to be present in order for an EMS or other hospital employee to obtain the inventory needed from the facility’s stock. And other inventory tracking systems, such as employee ID logs and card readers, can (and sometimes are) abused.

Fortunately, there is a way for medical facilities these days to keep the controlled substances and other pharmaceutical supplies that they need safely contained and tracked. Specifically, custom vending solutions may be the way to go.

How Do Medical Vending Systems Work?

While on the surface, a vending machine may not seem like the most secure means of dispensing valuable hospital inventory, the fact is that technology has made it possible for these custom vending machines not only to dispense items, but to do so securely.

Specifically, a custom medical vending system can be programmed to work with a medical facility’s existing security measures. Whether the facility relies on employee access codes, card readers, fingerprint readers, or a combination of these, the machine can be designed and programmed to require that same input before dispensing any supplies to the user.

Another great feature of these systems is that each transaction is carefully tracked; therefore, once an item is dispensed, the facility’s inventory is automatically updated to reflect this. If desired, the system can automatically order more inventory when the system determines that the supply of a particular item is low. As a result medical facilities save time and money when they convert to such a system.

Medical Vending Systems and Security

Of course, the ultimate priority of any medical facility dealing with pharmacy inventory (especially controlled substances) is making sure that nothing falls into the wrong hands. Fortunately, custom medical vending systems are more secure than any other system currently available.

Specifically, these systems track, catalog, timestamp, and regulate the dispensing of all supplies. In fact, it’s even possible to set the system up so that a manager receives an automatic e-mail any time inventory is dispensed from the machine. This e-mail can contain information about what was dispensed and who requested it. This not only adds security to the process and cuts down on instances of theft but also saves facilities the time and money required to have a manager on site every time inventory is requested by an employee.

Furthermore, these vending systems are available not only for hospital inventory, but for employee uniforms such as scrubs and other medical retail as well. Whether a medical facility is in need of a few simple vending machines for the cafeteria or something as secure as a controlled substance vending system, the options are available. These automated medical inventory control options can save medical facilities a great deal of money in the long run.

More Hospitals are now Investing in Scrub Stocked Vending Machines, ScrubTrak

Posted on by John Van Horn

There are more than a few ambulatory surgery programs that have become burdened with overwhelming overhead expenses, especially when it comes to proper apparel and inventory management in the workplace. As a solution, many of these programs have opted for controlled dispensing of scrubs and other apparel. Surprisingly, though, there are many expenses that can go along with dispensing scrubs. Is there a solution? Of course, there is, and it comes in the form of ScrubTrak.

Deciding if Scrub Vending Machines Are Right For Your Health Care Facility?

Are your hospital employees required to wear scrubs? If yes, then a vending machine which dispenses all different types of scrubs will likely do very well in your office. For medical centers that do require scrubs, ScrubTrak provides your workers with the ability to purchase or rent scrubs out of a vending machine which can boost employee morale as well as productivity levels; this in return can lead to better patient care.

With a scrub vending machine, your medical office will enjoy many benefits and a quality solution to inventory shrinkage in relation to uniforms and scrubs. You can have your ScrubTrak machine customized to meet your specifications. For instance, you can have it set up so that each employee can rent two pairs of scrubs for free. For each additional pair that they want, they will need to return one of the free pairs. If they don’t have a free pair to return, they will have to pay for any additional scrub rentals.

Another excellent feature of ScrubTrak is that scrubs can be separated by color and size, making it exceptionally simple to rent or purchase a pair of scrubs. And with a return slot, the typical scrub return area is no longer needed, giving you optimal space to treat even more patients.

To learn more about ScrubTrak and the many advantageous features that it offers, contact Intelligent Dispensing Solutions today. We offer a variety of vending options that are ideal for any healthcare setting, including ScrubTrak, healthy vending machines, and even retail vending. We take the headache out of vending contracts, making sure that you aren’t hit with any surprises. We are here to exceed your expectations by providing you with today’s latest vending technology.

Automated Pharmaceutical Dispenser Software and Hardware Solutions

Posted on by John Van Horn

UCapIt uses the latest technology to control inventory access to pharmaceutical supplies, including first aid medical supplies and emergency medical supplies. Ramp up employee accountability and reduce supply waste with state-of-the-art software and hardware solutions.

Software Solutions for Pharmacy Inventory

SD5000-EMS_UVendThe Controlled Access Pharmaceutical (CAP) dispenser includes a proximity card reader, bar code scanner, biometric reader, secure networking and real time reporting via the Internet. Its tracking technology works 24/7. Customized usage reports can be set to be sent daily or weekly. This way, pharmacy inventory can be managed, monitored, and tracked. All withdrawals of pharmaceutical supplies are cataloged, time stamped and regulated. In addition, EMS health care workers have immediate access to emergency medical supplies and can restock their units 24/7. Once staff ID is recorded, the CAP dispenser can be programmed to ask for a vehicle number or second ID before dispensing restocked items. Lockers can also be added to record and control access to oxygen, narcotic kits and laptops. Storeroom pharmacy inventory can also be tracked with expiration codes. With its real time reporting feature, usage reports can even be integrated with the company billing software. This software solution is innovative, revolutionary and works 24/7.

Hardware Solutions for Pharmaceutical Supplies

UCapIt offers the CAP 5 and CAP 3 dispensers along with lockers for add-ons that accommodate larger items, such as trip bags and oxygen tanks. Each comes with a refrigerated option to keep pharmaceutical supplies at optimal temperatures for a longer shelf life.

UCAPITThe CAP 5 allows for full control over a wide variety of packages and products. It has an intelligent control system for 24/7 real time reporting of transactions. Constructed of 20 gauge steel with welded seams and internal bracing, it’s built to last and deliver reliable service. Standard LED lighting provides high visibility for dimly lit areas. Multiple interfaces are available, including biometric reader, bar code ID scanner, proximity card reader and pin number. Bulky packages are easy accessible through its extra-large delivery port. The CAP 3 is a smaller version of the CAP 5 with the same great features. Door Lockers are available in three or 12 compartments and different colors like red, white and blue.

All of UCapIt dispensers are engineered for high reliability and easy maintenance. Computer controlled machinery is used for its construction, and each machine is checked for optimal performance before installation.

IDS Medical Vending Machines Will Shine During 2015 FDIC International Conference

Posted on by John Van Horn

April 20-25, 2015, Intelligent Dispensing Solutions will place one of their newest creations on display to firefighters and EMS personnel during the FDIC International Conference. For ages, first responders and medical staff have faced a common problem in the course of duty; how to properly store and secure supplies, especially supplies classified as controlled substances by the FDA. Furthermore, Intelligent Dispensing Solutions will launch ScrubTrak medical vending machines for greater control and accessibility to scrubs throughout a variety of medical settings.

ScrubTrak

In most medical settings, all staff have access to scrub supply rooms, which results in many pairs of scrubs being taken, used, or even thrown away without accountability. ScrubTrak enables managers to control which employees have access to scrubs, how many pairs may be checked out at one time, and the current inventory of the EMS vending machine.

ScrubTrak Knows Who Gets Scrubs

ScrubTrak can be set to identify who accesses the machine through the use of personalized pin codes, mag stripes, or a unique barcode.

Multiple Locations

In traditional scrub storage locations, staff would be faced with ensuring enough scrubs are in stock with respect to sizes, styles, and staffing needs. In addition, most facilities keep scrubs in one central location for each unit. ScrubTrak allows managers to use multiple machines and control inventory from one central location without the need to physically count numbers of scrubs each day. The data for inventory control is kept in a central, cloud-based operating system as well.

Inventory Control

ScrubTrak functions as a specialized form of inventory control as well. Intelligent Dispensing Solutions notes that this vending machine can be customized to keep track of all inventories and applies to the following situations in addition to ScrubTrak software.

Controlled Medications

Managers must keep track of current inventory of controlled medications within medical facilities.  However, this often involves multiple staff used to count medication numbers multiple times throughout the day. Furthermore, a low supply can result in many patients being in pain or unable to be cared for properly.  In some cases, such as different level staff, staff may be granted access to certain medications while others are not. For example, a Licensed Practical Nurse will be unable to access medications required to be dispensed by a Registered Nurse.

Medical Supplies

Aside from medications, the use of medical supplies represents one of the greatest costs medical facilities incur throughout the course of business. According to Health Services Research, supplies and devices accounted for 24.2% of costs resulting increased average cost of medical services. This occurs when staff do not properly document supplies used for patients. As a result, the medical facility tries to make up for these costs through increased costs. Our systems track what was removed and which staff member removed supplies. Furthermore, it can be programmed to track which patient each supply is for.

As Intelligent Dispensing Solutions moves forward with greater inventory control through the use of medical vending machines, more medical facilities will face the challenge of ensuring optimum operational efficiency. Ultimately, managers and supervisory staff will have the chance to see first-hand how IDS vending machines will save them time and money at the FDIC International Conference this month.

IDS Will Attend The 2015 CleanShow | ScrubTrak

Posted on by John Van Horn

IDS has recently announced that it will be attending the 2015 CleanShow event, taking place from April 16 to April 19, to exhibit its new ScrubTrak line of medical vending machines. The ScrubTrak is powered by a state of the art inventory control software that is designed to put managers back in control of the disbursement of necessary resources across a medical facility.

CleanShow 2015 is taking place at the beautiful Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The show has recently expanded its format to allow for additional days over previous years, which was a move made in part to give people in attendance more time to take in new exhibits, attend educational sessions and network with other people in the industry that they work in. The ScrubTrak scrubs vending machine is just one of the many technological advancements that will be on display all throughout the show.

CleanShow 2015 is an event designed for people in the laundering, dry cleaning and textile services industry. People come from all over the country to take in live demonstrations, educational sessions and engage in bold networking opportunities that they are unlikely to find anywhere else. During the 2013 show alone, 422 different companies traveled to New Orleans and utilized almost 200,000 square feet of booth space to show off their latest innovations to the industry.

IDS’ ScrubTrak machines have a large range of technological advancements that can’t be ignored. They operating system that powers these machines is cloud-based, for example, meaning that they are always connected to an active Internet connection at all times. This means that all ScrubTrak machines that are in use by the same company are always connected to one another and sharing information, regardless of where in a building they’re located or if they’re spread across multiple facilities.

Each time scrubs are dispensed or returned to the machine, its operating system is updated to reflect this information. A camera can be added onto the unit to record video of each transaction, making sure both that only authorized individuals are using the machine and to help track down lost resources whenever possible.

The same easy to use, sleek graphical user interface also allows facility managers to manage “pick lists” for warehouse distribution, employ dynamic routing to get scrubs where they’re needed the most and more. All of this comes in a machine with a relatively small footprint, allowing ScrubTrak to fit in effortlessly in any sized facility. IDS will be giving live demonstrations of the latest models at the show for all four days.

EMS Today 2015 Welcomes Intelligent Dispensing Solutions

Posted on by John Van Horn

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, the industry-leading medical vending machine manufacturer and solutions provider, is proud to announce that it will be attending the 2015 EMS Today Show. IDS will use the popular event as an opportunity to showcase the state-of-the-art locker systems and medical vending machine systems that it has been providing to healthcare facilities of all types around the country on a regular basis.

The 2015 EMS Today Show will take place in Baltimore, Maryland from February 25 to 28, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The event is a yearly opportunity for professionals in the healthcare industry to get together to share information, talk about the latest topics and collaborate on solutions that will take the industry into the future in 2015 and beyond. Manufacturers and other EMS suppliers have an opportunity to get together with EMS professionals looking for everything from emergency vehicles to airway management equipment to training and simulation solutions and more.

The CAP 12 door locker system from Intelligent Dispensing Solutions features 12 individual compartments that can be used to store EMS medical supplies  from oxygen tanks to radios to back boards, regardless of their shape and size. Not only do these lockers allow healthcare facilities to increase efficiency by allowing easy access to these types of items, but they’re also great for security purposes to help make sure that only people with an appropriate access level can obtain the items inside.

A smaller locker system available from IDS is the CAP 3 door locker, which includes three separate compartments in addition to all of the features that the CAP 12 provides. Both of these solutions come with adjustable back panels, energy efficient high intensity LED lighting and more. They are available in black, blue or red, though custom colors are also available at an additional charge to help make sure that the door locker fits in with the current visual design of the healthcare facility it will be installed in.

Access to the versatile locker systems can be controlled through a few different methods depending on the preferences and needs of the healthcare facility in question. A PIN number can be used, for example, which can be assigned in the form of an individualized identification number, a stocking number or even a trip number. The systems are also compatible with proximity card readers and can easily be adapted to work with your current proximity card issued for access to other areas of the facility.

A bar code scanner is also available, which reads the ID information embedded in your current system’s bar code badge or ID. Biometric readers can also read a person’s fingerprint and allow access based on their authority level, providing for the most comprehensive security solution possible at all times.

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions to Attend West Region EMS & Trauma Care Council in February

Posted on by John Van Horn

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, one of the world’s top medical vending machine manufacturers, is pleased to announce that they will be attending the West Region EMS and Trauma Care Council event to take place on February 20-22, 2015. These events will allow IDS to exhibit some of their state-of-the-art medical vending machines for pharmaceutical control, as well as their revolutionary new EMS locker systems.

One of the many topics of discussion that IDS will engage in during the events has to do with their medical vending machines, which allow a greater level of both security and control to healthcare professionals. Intelligent Dispensing Solutions designs their vending machines to allow professionals in the healthcare field to instantly access and restock certain medical items using standardized access protocol. Features, such as iQ software allows an organization to catalog and time-stamp all withdrawals, as well as regulate access to medical supplies to people with a certain authority level in order to reduce theft and to improve the efficiency of the facility as a whole.

EMS locker systems are designed to add additional infrastructure to medical facilities of all sizes, giving them the ability to control access to larger EMS supplies like back boards, radios, oxygen tanks, safety clothing and more. EMS locker systems come in a few different varieties, like the CAP 12 Door Locker and the CAP 3 Door Locker. Each unit includes adjustable back panels, LED lighting and other features that make it a versatile solution for all medical storage needs. Custom colors are also available to help an EMS locker system fit in with the existing design aesthetic of a healthcare facility.

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions has long been seen as an industry-leading vending machine manufacturer, as well as a solutions provider for vending operators and businesses of all sizes. One of the company’s current focuses involves promoting vending machines that are designed for an office  and retail environment that enable businesses to safely and securely store and organize various types of office supplies.

The West Region EMS and the Trauma Care Council event will take place on February 20-22, 2015 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center in Ocean Shores, Washington. Now in it’s 30th year, the event is designed to bring healthcare professionals involved in emergency care together for an educational conference designed to share information, empower people with new technology and alert them to the types of solutions that will help them do their jobs better on a daily basis.

New Social Commerce: Vending Machines

Posted on by John Van Horn

TweetShirt-02It’s no secret that social media is more popular than ever. Twitter in particular is taking the world by storm, boasting hundreds of millions of dollars and a true billion dollar valuation to its credit. It seems that Twitter users can’t get enough of the “micro blogging” service and companies in many different industries are finding bold new ways to meet that demand. One possibility for social media interaction in the not too distant future has to do with the pairing of the vending machine manufacturer and social media-enabled vending machines.

Brands like Old Navy and Nike have zeroed in on an idea that is brilliantly simplistic. Patrons can walk by a Twitter-enabled vending machine, post a tweet about a product or service that the company offers and get some type of reward for their trouble. Old Navy has already begun rolling out these social commerce twitter vending machines in Japan to great success. After posting a tweet about Old Navy brand flip flops, users of the vending machines can actually get a pair of those flip flops to call their own.

Old Navy has had similar success with these types of campaigns in the United States. In years past, the brand had installed 28 machines in strategic locations in major cities like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Not only did the company get promotion via the tweets, but the media attention also funneled directly into its big summer sale.

According to Evigo.com, these types of digital media vending machines accounted for 3,500 different tweets and 12 million impressions. Though that may not necessarily sound like much for a social networking site with hundreds of millions of users, it’s important to keep in mind that these campaigns were limited in their scope to this initial roll-out. Representatives from the companies involved were very clear that driving traffic wasn’t the goal – building excitement and displaying true innovation in the realm of social media is the prize that they were after and it’s definitely a prize they seem to have obtained.

These social media vending machines are a true example of “out of home advertising” and taking marketing campaigns and word of mouth to bold new heights in a digital age. One of the major factors that brands love about Twitter is that it is a great way to get customers involved in their marketing campaigns. Tweets can be seen by millions of people all over the world, creating the type of brand awareness in an instant that most companies only dream of. If social media campaigns like the type that Old Navy, Westin Hotels and other major brands like Nike are any indication, “social commerce” isn’t an idea that always seems to be just over the horizon – it’s one that is already here.

See the Cap5 Medical Office Vending Machine from IDS at the 2014 Texas EMS Conference

Posted on by John Van Horn

The EMS Conference in Texas is coming up from November 23-26, allowing EMS workers to see the latest tools and equipment in action. During the conference, attendees can experience workshops and hands-on sessions, lectures, and pre-conference classes. Some of the perks of this event, besides the large amounts of information offered, is the fact that attendees will receive free coffee, free lunch, and be able to attend an awards ceremony where EMS workers are honored for their contributions.

This year, Intelligent Dispensing Solutions will be in attendance showcasing two exciting medical office vending machines; the Cap 5 and the Cap 5 Refrigerated.

IDS VedingIn the realm of custom vending machines, staying updated on the latest technology is essential, which is exactly what IDS does. When it comes to vending machine manufacturers, IDS understands the industry like no other. Below is more information about the two medical office supply vending machines on display by IDS at this year’s Texas EMS Conference.

CAP 5

The CAP 5 provides users with full control over a large number of medical packages and products. This vending machine offers secure storage for all items that are necessary to perform in the EMS field. It offers an electronic display and an intelligent control system to ensure that all transactions are monitored.

CAP 5 Refrigerated

The CAP 5 Refrigerated vending machine allows full control over a large variety of medical packages and products in a refrigerated environment. This provides maximum longevity for essential products that are needed on a daily basis. This machine offers a number of exciting features, including an intelligent control system, which allows for a 24-7 real-time reporting of any transactions. It also offers durable shelves, a high-security lock, and an extra-large delivery port.

Who can the CAP 5 help?

The CAP 5 technology is a type of innovative service that has been created by Intelligent Dispensing Solutions to help ensure that pharmaceutical products and other medical products are available in an easy and efficient manner for EMS, Veterinary, and other medical professionals. No more digging through unorganized cabinets for the right item. With the CAP 5 and an ID badge, EMS and other medical workers can easily and quickly access the product they need. Managers can also easily keep track of the materials being used and by whom with built-in tracking.

When it comes to medical vending machines, having efficient and effective equipment is essential. The CAP 5 and The Cap 5 Refrigerated provide any medical organization an effective way to dispense pharmaceuticals and other medical products, even in high-pressure situations. For anyone who wants to see the CAP 5 in action, attending this year’s Texas EMS Conference is a must.
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Customer Convenience with ‘Will-Call’ Technology

Posted on by John Van Horn

will-call

In the world of business, convenience translates into money. The fewer steps necessary to get from point A to point B, the faster you can supply a demand, the more revenue can be generated each business day. This is why ‘Will Call’ Technology is the answer to the needs of many companies.

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions has found an innovative way for many businesses to supply their customers with what they need without running into unnecessary expenses. With state of the art vending machine technology, vending can be broadened into all types of product dispensing. Using custom vending machines to help distribute products to your customers can cut down on costly payroll additions and human resource issues.

Who Can ‘Will Call’ Help?

‘Will Call’ Technology is an innovative service created by Intelligent Dispensing Solutions to help companies make their products available to customers in the easiest, most cost effective way. ‘Will Call’ is most beneficial to companies that deal primarily with online orders which customers need to pick up. Any customer who has ever experienced the long lines at traditional pick up centers can tell you, the old days of waiting in line and dealing with tired, annoyed pick up employees is not ideal. ‘Will Call’ technology uses retail vending machine lockers which entirely eliminates the need for an additional employee at the station as well as wait lines. ‘Will Call’ Technology is also beneficial for larger companies for use in supply dispensing. Employees can order supplies and pick them up when they are ready. This new innovation eliminates the need for extra employees to disperse supplies.

How Does It Work?

When an individual’s order is ready for pick up, they are notified through email or text and they are given a security code. Only this code will open the ‘Will Call’ Locker holding their order. This ensures that each order only gets to the person who ordered it. The customer simply puts in their code at the pick up station, retrieves their order and the transaction is finished. The locker is now available to be filled with the next order for the next customer.

Is It Safe?

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions is among the top vending machine manufacturers today. Their products are custom built to ensure that each client receives a machine that will suit their individual needs. IDS understands that each company is different and one machine can not fit all. That is why from idea to completed product, IDS works tirelessly to make sure the vending machine you wind up with is exactly the product your company needs to solve distribution issues in the most convenient and cost effective way.