Abstract: To stay ahead of the competition, medical device manufacturers must find ways to speed product development, create manufacturing efficiencies, and increase the effectiveness of sales and marketing investments—while addressing product safety and regulatory compliance. Read about a solution that incorporates best practices while maintaining the flexibility to support the evolving needs of your growing medical device company.

Abstract: The US Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 was enacted to grant employees family and temporary medical leave, under certain circumstances. Thus, employers are at risk of losing costly court battles if they are failing to ask the right questions about their corporate leave procedures. Are your policies really protecting your organization from FMLA litigation?

Abstract: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires pharmaceuticals and medical device companies to comply with numerous standards. Medical device manufacturers have long embraced enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM), but primarily use them to achieve operational efficiencies. However these systems can play a significant role in their abilities to comply with strictly FDA regulations.

Abstract: In the medical device manufacturing industry, errors can cost more than money—they can cost lives. In order to meet safety regulations, manufacturers are turning to enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. Discover the five features any medical device manufacturer should look for in an ERP system in order to meet compliance requirements, produce high-quality products, operate efficiently, and maximize profitability.

Abstract: For today’s medical device manufacturer, today’s world is complex. The convergence of technology and implanted medical devices has led to some of the most innovative and effective new medical therapies in history. Unfortunately, that convergence has created tremendous complexities in the development, manufacture, and implantation of those devices. One area that continues to undergo transformation is patient device tracking (PDT).

Abstract: It’s crucial to define the scope of an electronic medical system implementation, as well as to outline each stage of the project and the resources that will be needed. A failed implementation will paralyze the operational capabilities of a health care organization, but the right methodology will help ensure a successful implementation.

Abstract: Health care organizations have special needs to consider when deciding what type of electronic medical record (EMR) system to implement. This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of on-demand and on-premise EMR systems.

Abstract: Electronic medical records (EMR) serves a niche market. This software caters specifically to health care professionals working in clinics, private practices, and hospitals. EMR software came about to increase overall patient care and communication between health care staff and departments.

Abstract: President Clinton has announced plans to ensure the privacy of patient medical records. This initiative will prove to be extremely expensive, and will pose a number of technology challenges. How can vendors get a piece of the pie? Who will administer the security of such a large infrastructure development and what products will be used? What organization is best positioned to evaluate the products such a project may require?

Abstract: US manufacturers spend over $25 billion every year on product warranty claims. For medical equipment manufacturers, complex government regulations play a large part in the rising costs of warranty. Learn how manufacturing technology can help improve product quality and minimize the burden of warranty costs by creating records that can be tapped by lawyers, or by the companies themselves, when faced with warranty issues.

Abstract: In our new “wired” world, software is no less important than other products and services in our everyday lives. But people are generally more used to buying other products and services than software. In many ways, however, selecting software is similar to selecting other products and services. Find out the key factors and criteria you should include—and what you should leave out—when you’re in the market for a new software solution.

Abstract: Predictions of the death of software are overstated. In reality, businesses are becoming more reliant on technology, not less. What’s changing, however, is the number of options available for managing, delivering, and paying for software applications. Many independent software vendors recognize the benefits of offering software as a service--a delivery alternative that can present long-term benefits for all parties.

Abstract: After dealing with the over-hype of Y2K, companies have started to reconsider the best of breed as a viable solution to satisfy their software needs. This comes as a shock to the corporate systems culture when user communities were told that fully integrated software such as ERP, SCM, and EAM were the only way to meet their software needs. After developing a level playing field, this article examines the pro’s and con’s of one alternative over the other. Read on to see if you agree with the merits of the best of breed or fully integrated software approach to software selection.

Abstract: The Delphi technique—drawing wise counsel from senior and experienced software developers—can help you prepare estimates for software development projects. With this method of software estimation, project specifications are given to a few experts, depending on their availability. Learn about the essential steps involved in this software estimation methodology for more accurate estimates of software development effort.

Abstract: Software developers need a powerful tool to control and plan the quality of their software applications. With a solution that offers project analysis, testing, and bug administration, you have options that can help increase the quality of your software products. Read about a software test tool that has administrative functions to help you more effectively plan, control, and evaluate your software as it’s developed.

Abstract: Secure transmission of health care information is critical to your medical organization and your clients. Volumes of critical medical data are sent to you every day, making it imperative that the information be sent quickly and safely. Fax servers are easy-to-use point-to-point systems that provide secure transmission of confidential information—saving you time and money while protecting all your sensitive data.

Abstract: The requirement that enterprise software vendors deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI) has never been greater than right now. Customers are demanding that ROI analysis be a critical factor in their decisions to acquire new enterprise software. Without a demonstrable return, few customers are willing to invest scarce capital and human resources in new enterprirse software. A more complete analysis of return can be had by looking at the overall payback that enterprise software can offer to a company. Enterprise software payback includes not only quantifiable improvements in bottom and top line functionality, but also more qualitative measures-—such as new business opportunities, improved customer and partner relations, and improved time to market—-that contribute significantly to the success of a company's enterprise software implementation and use.

Abstract: Having just completed implementing your enterprise-wide software, you are about lean back, put your feet up on the desk, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Not so fast! While you were completing your implementation project, a new release of the software may have already hit the street or, for sure, there is one in the pipeline. Now you are faced with the decision as to if and when to take on the new release. Maybe now is the time to look at how a new class of software tools, enterprise process improvement (EPI), can assist you in the upgrade decision.