SYNERGIX EXPLORES A RANGE OF APPLICATIONS FOR CASIO HANDHELDS

Casio mobile devices revolutionising the way we work

By Bruce Barbour

As the need for better security measures increases and new applications for barcode, RFID and mobile printing are discovered Synergix, the auto-ID and barcode division of Square One notes the diverse areas where Casio handhelds are currently being employed.

Synergix stocks a catalogue of Casio products and amongst them is the Casio IT-800 which has been transforming certain parts of the healthcare sector. For instance West Suffolk Hospital (WSH) in Bury St Edmunds, England has been using the Casio IT-800 to remove any element of risk in matching blood types with transfusion recipients. The National Haemo Vigilance Scheme identified that a major risk area was during the journey from the storage fridge to the site of transfusion, to the right patient. To address this, stored blood is identified by a barcode and can only be released when this matches a patient identification barcode. It is then matched with the barcode on the patient’s wristband.

Ashley Lewis, IT project coordinator at WSH commented: ‘In the past, we used to rely on staff diligence and a system of manual checks and cross-checks. It was always a concern though with over 350 staff requiring access to the blood bank that room for human error was always there. We wanted a watertight system that not only tracked that the correct blood was collected for the correct patient, but also that it was given to the correct patient and that it would alert the nurse if the recommended time out of controlled temperature storage was exceeded.’

Gilda Bass, blood transfusion specialist at WSH added: ‘We had a number of key criteria that we worked closely with IT on when commissioning the handheld PDAs. Reliability and robustness were obvious essentials working in this high pressure environment. Plus with the units being spread across several high blood use wards, we were looking for a truly mobile system that allowed seamless Wi-Fi connection.’

The integrated wireless feature of the IT-800 therefore, came into its own, enabling staff to exchange data between the bedside, operating theatre or anywhere in the hospital, and the Blood Audit Release system.

With the system running effectively, Ashley Lewis commented: ‘We can envisage further applications for the Casio IT-800. Secure drug dispensing is one such area, as is tracking of total patient care plans from time of admittance to discharge from our care.’

Casio handhelds are suitable for many tasks, hence why Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has employed the DT-X30 to revolutionise its parking enforcement provision. Since choosing the device, the council has seen increased efficiency in administration, improved recovery rates and a fall in challenges.

Martin Beard, parking services manager at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council commented: ‘We now have full capability to enforce all Regulation 10 “drive away” offences, which had not previously been possible, and the introduction of cashless parking earlier this year couldn’t have been easier and is already proving to be a very popular payment method.’

National Express West Midlands has recently issued its inspectors with the Casio IT-3100 to enable them to operate more efficiently. Inspectors use the device to instantly identify whether or not a ticket is valid and to issue on-the-spot penalty fares. Of the devices reviewed the IT-3100 was the only one in its class to feature a printer, and a fast one at that. Printing at 28 lines per second, the result is faster issue of tickets and therefore faster inspections and increased productivity.

Synergix also stocks the Casio DT-X8 which was designed for everyday use in a warehouse environment. The shape of the device allows for users who need to hold and operate the terminal for long periods whether left-handed or right-handed, while the placement of the buttons reduces finger movement to a minimum. Being both extremely robust and ergonomic, it is cited by many as the first choice for warehouse logistics, service, industry, and trade.

Synergix can also provide a wide array of Casio accessories including communication and charging cradles, battery packs, cables and other peripherals. Visit www.squareone.ie to find out more or call 01 274 3070 and ask for the latest product guide.