Why It’s Time to Upgrade Your Barcode Scanners
From positive patient identification and medication administration to electronic medical record access and inventory management, there are many applications for barcode scanners in healthcare. Caregivers work with them in patient rooms, nurses’ stations, the pharmacy, lab, and other settings throughout every shift. A scanner that delivers trouble-free results improves efficiency and streamlines workflows, but one that’s hard to use or unreliable can cause serious problems. That makes it critical to ensure that your barcode scanners are fully up to every task.
Today, manufacturers such as Zebra engineer and build barcode scanners that are purpose-built for healthcare environments and applications. The latest models are packed with performance-boosting features that can enhance productivity and reliability. They almost always scan faster, more accurately, and at longer ranges than older models. So, if your existing scanners have been on the job for a while or just aren’t delivering the results you need, here are some benefits of upgrading to consider.
Easier to clean
In healthcare settings, it’s always been critical to keep devices clean to prevent the spread of infection, but that’s really come into focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since barcode scanners are often used by several different staff members throughout a single shift or shared by caregivers across multiple shifts, a key consideration should be how well the device stands up to frequent cleaning when they’re used in healthcare applications,
That’s why Zebra’s healthcare scanners feature a purpose-built housing that helps offer protection against the spread of bacteria. Some include a crevice-free surface that helps eliminate places where germs can hide, and every Zebra healthcare scanner features durable materials that are engineered not just for heavy duty cycles, but also to withstand repeated exposure to common antiseptic cleaners.
Longer battery life
Cordless barcode scanners offer a lot of convenience, but the benefits disappear if the battery can’t keep up through an entire shift. In fact, one of the top reasons to consider upgrading your cordless scanners is simply because the batteries don’t perform.
Today’s newest healthcare scanners are designed with long-lasting batteries that far outperform previous generation devices. For example, Zebra’s cordless DS8178-HC comes standard with a PowerPrecision battery that’s capable of capturing over 75,000 barcodes in a single charge. That’s a lot of wristbands, specimen labels, and medical records!
More adaptability
Over time, your workflows change; if you’re barcode scanners don’t offer the flexibility or performance needed to keep up with the changes, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade.
You’ll find that next-generation scanners are often packed with features that make them easy to adapt and integrate into your everyday processes. Cordless options really open up the possibilities to improve workflows and maximize efficiency. And simple features like the ability to mount the scanner on a mobile workstation or a built-in work light that eliminates the need to switch on the lights in a darkened patient room can make a big impact on usability. Many of the latest scanners also offer advanced options, like adding radio frequency identification (RFID) capability, that you might not find on older models.
Zebra CS60-HC Healthcare Series Companion Scanner
The Zebra CS60-HC barcode scanner is a great example of the options available when you upgrade to the latest barcode scanning technology. It offers an ultra-versatile platform that easily adapts to any clinician workflow. The groundbreaking design easily converts between corded and cordless operation and can be used in handheld or hands-free applications. That makes it the high-performance scanner you can buy today with the ability to meet new workflow challenges tomorrow.
Also, since Zebra’s CS60-HC scanner is suited to a wide range of healthcare applications, you won’t need to purchase different models for different applications. That will simplify the accessories you need, make it easier for your IT staff to configure and manage the scanners, and lower your operational costs.
SK&T has the expertise and insight needed to help you evaluate all of your barcode scanning solutions. Contact us today to learn more about Zebra’s industry-leading lineup of purpose-built healthcare scanners.
