1. Big Data Keeps Consumers, Manufacturers, and Medical Equipment Connected
The benefits of connecting equipment through the internet of things (IoT) hold big promise for the healthcare industry. Not only do patients have greater access to their personal health information, manufacturers stay connected to their equipment and customers: “As these technologies evolve and IT infrastructures improve, so will the number of medical devices that are linked to them, making them ‘smarter’ and better at optimizing treatment,” said Qmed in their coverage of Big Data in the medical device space. The Qmed article highlights Big Data as one of the top five tech trends driving medical devices forward.
2. Increased Access to Data will Drive Manufacturer Efficiency in 2015
IoT sensors provide an endless flow of data from device to manufacturer. In addition to keeping manufacturers, customers, and equipment connected, this influx of data reveals insights into how equipment can be modified or upgraded as well as when it needs service or maintenance work. According to the Industrial Distribution article, 6 Key Predictions for Manufacturing in 2015, the Internet of Things will fuel the use of data to make strategic decisions, particularly in manufacturers’ and dealers’ ability to decide how to make equipment better and more efficient for the customer: “2015 will see that data put to use in a smarter way that makes things operate more efficiently. Even smaller companies in the industry will invest more in 2015 to improve their software operations.”
3. Internet of Things Makes Preventative Maintenance a Priority
With data delivered by the IoT, medical equipment service departments can repair equipment before problems occur. IoT sensors in equipment activate a work order automatically when a part isn’t working right. As the work order is generated, the system orders parts and schedules a preliminary service call. When the parts arrive, a service truck is dispatched to the site to perform the PM. Each of these steps is done automatically in seconds since no human interaction is required. Today’s Medical Developments echoes this trend of predictive maintenance in its 2015 article: “U.S. manufacturers will make big investments in predictive maintenance technologies in 2015. The proliferation of better and less expensive sensor technologies combined with the trend of connected factories will allow greater opportunity to implement predictive maintenance systems that will cut downtime and boost bottom lines.”
4. Mobile Apps Empower Technicians to Stay ConnectedWith renewed focus on product support, equipment manufacturers and dealers are turning to mobile service management apps to improve service results, build loyal customer relationships, and keep service techs connected in the field.
Top service apps give techs the tools to:
- Capture inspection data.
- Document time reporting.
- See into the back office.
- Track inventory, parts, and tasks.
- Automatically receive work orders and set statuses throughout course of work.
- Access customer equipment asset contract and warranty coverage.
- Capture photos & signatures in the field.
- Record work with our without wireless connectivity.
5. Manufacturer Sales Models are Shifting to Include Service Contracts
Today’s medical device customers expect more than just a piece of equipment. They also want strong service agreements and a lasting maintenance relationship to go along with it. MD+DI highlights how buyers of med devices are shifting their priorities: “Hospital administrators and payers are exerting greater influence and increasingly focusing purchase decisions around clinical and economic value. These new economic stakeholders require different sales approaches, including comparative effectiveness studies, outcomes-based contracts, and bundled purchasing models.” By expanding device sales strategy to include service contracts, med equipment manufacturers can capitalize on loyal customer relationships after the initial sale.
6. Mobile Imaging Market Expands
Healthcare facilities in need of interim medical equipment solutions while a hospital is being renovated or when demand is too high are turning to mobile imaging trailers: “Mobile units are available from a variety of companies that can deliver imaging equipment on wheels,” said the staff at Medical Dealer Magazine. “Mobile units typically include devices from major manufacturers and consist of scan rooms and workstations. The units sometimes include a staff of managers and technicians.” These mobile imaging trailers present new sales and service opportunities for medical equipment manufacturers. Medical facilities investing in or renting mobile equipment like these trailers can’t afford for them to be out of commission, and OEMs can take advantage by selling service contracts to keep the equipment in the trailers up and running while it’s stationed at the hospital.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of this Year’s Opportunity in Service with the Right Technology
As connected technologies continue to provide more data than manufacturers know what to do with, you’ll need the right tools to organize that data and take advantage of your opportunity in service. As medical devices become more complex, establishing regular preventive maintenance programs will become even more important. Industry experts and research firms have found that service automation software and mobile apps are giving techs the tools they need to drive successful service programs in 2015.
