As a result, many healthcare authorities are now increasingly turning towards information technology in their battle to reduce costs, to keep the careful records necessary to fight litigation and to maintain or improve patient care. These systems can be used to control prescribing, control the logistics pipeline for hospital supplies, monitor procedures and plan staffing levels accurately.

But all such IT systems rely for their effectiveness on fast, accurate data entry. Progressive healthcare authorities are installing systems using barcode technology and radio frequency systems to replace key entry and traditional wired network systems.

Barcode and radio systems are finding their way into a number of applications such as
· Prescription control
· Laboratory sample identification, tracking and tracing
· Tracking and tracing of implanting devices
· Waste management
· Control of hospital supplies including pharmaceuticals

These systems give paybacks in periods often less than one year (according to a study conducted by the European Article Number (EAN) association) through
· Lower stocks
· Less stock write-offs
· Less order entry and order chasing
· Less fraud
· Fewer invoicing errors
· Quicker replenishment
· Fewer errors in drug administration

Symbol Technologies USA is the world’s undisputed leader in mobile data capture products and solutions, while Zebra Technologies USA is the world #1 is desktop, Industrial and mobile printing systems and products. Using their expertise, Scan Infotech brings information capture right to the patient’s bedside.