2024: A Year of Client Success and Collaboration

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible milestones we’ve reached in partnership with our clients. At Penguin Location Services, we’ve always aimed to go beyond delivering solutions—we strive to make a real difference by solving meaningful challenges. This year, our journey has taken us farther and deeper into this mission than ever before.

Delivering Solutions That Matter

2024 has been a year of growth and innovation, driven by the needs of our clients. Here are a few highlights:

• Expanded Navigation Coverage: We’re proud to have extended our navigation solutions to cover over 15 million square feet, moving beyond traditional indoor navigation to include campus-wide capabilities. This growth allows our clients to offer seamless navigation experiences that truly enhance user satisfaction.
• New Offerings to Meet Emerging Needs: In response to client feedback, we introduced digital kiosks, workforce safety solutions, and hand-hygiene compliance tools. These additions reflect our commitment to evolving alongside our clients and addressing the challenges they face.

Global Reach, Local Impact

This year, we strengthened our ability to deliver meaningful results:

• By serving clients across four continents, we demonstrated our capacity to adapt to diverse operational environments and challenges.
• With new offices established in five countries, we’re now closer to our clients than ever before, providing localized support and ensuring smooth project implementation.

Raising the Bar in Technology

Our clients rely on us to innovate, and in 2024, we delivered. We developed the world’s most accurate Bluetooth-based, sub-meter, room-level RTLS solution, setting a new standard in our industry. This advancement enables us to address critical pain points with precision and reliability.

One client shared that we’ve “restored [their] faith in BLE as an RTLS technology,” a recognition that inspires us to continue raising the bar.

A Partnership-Driven Approach

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. Their trust and collaboration push us to innovate, refine, and deliver solutions that matter. This year has reinforced the power of partnership and the shared commitment to achieving great outcomes.

To our clients: thank you for trusting us with your challenges and for allowing us to be part of your journey. Your successes inspire us every day.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, we’re excited about what lies ahead. We’re ready to tackle new challenges, deepen our collaborations, and continue driving innovation that makes a difference.

To the Penguin Location Services team: thank you for your dedication, resilience, and hard work. Enjoy your well-deserved time off this season—we have another exciting year ahead!

Here’s to building on this year’s momentum and achieving even greater things together.

Infection prevention is crucial in healthcare, protecting both patients and staff from harmful germs. Healthcare-Associated Infections, sometimes called Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)have been found to affect approximately 750,000 people in the United States annually, causing thousands of preventable deaths and costing US healthcare providers billions of dollars.

Here are some of the top priorities we’ve identified for healthcare facilities:

Top-Quality Hand Hygiene Products

Hand hygiene is the first defense against infections. Using high-quality products like alcohol-based sanitizers and antimicrobial soaps helps keep hands clean and reduces cross-contamination. These products are essential for maintaining a hygienic environment, ensuring that pathogens are eliminated effectively with each use.

Reliable PPE Usage

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns is essential for protecting healthcare workers and patients. It’s vital to ensure a steady supply and consistent use of PPE to prevent infections. Proper training on the correct use and disposal of PPE further enhances its effectiveness, creating a safer environment for all.

Touchless Restroom Dispensers

Touchless dispensers for soap, water, and paper towels cut down on surface contact, reducing the spread of germs. They’re convenient and help keep everyone safer. This technology not only minimizes the risk of cross-contamination but also promotes better hygiene practices among staff and visitors.

Convenient Hand Hygiene Stations for Staff

Placing hand hygiene stations throughout facilities makes it easy for staff to clean their hands before and after patient interactions, helping to stop the spread of infections. Strategic placement of these stations ensures that hand hygiene becomes a seamless part of the healthcare routine.

Accessible Hand Hygiene Stations for Patients and Visitors

Having hand hygiene stations in high-traffic areas and patient rooms encourages everyone to keep their hands clean, contributing to a safer environment. Clear signage and easy access help to promote regular use, making hand hygiene a shared responsibility.

Enhanced Disinfection Practices

Regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces, equipment, and patient rooms with EPA-approved disinfectants keeps the facility clean and safe. A rigorous cleaning schedule, combined with the use of advanced disinfection technologies, ensures that potential pathogens are consistently eliminated.

Monitoring Hand Hygiene Compliance

Using technology to track hand hygiene compliance helps ensure everyone follows best practices. Real-time data from RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems) technology can provide valuable insights. Penguin’s digital platform, for example, combines sensor-equipped dispensers with real-time tracking of staff locations, offering comprehensive oversight and proactive monitoring.

Accelerating Safety Compliance with Digital Platforms

Integrating digital monitoring platforms accelerates safety compliance by providing real-time tracking and measurement. This technology ensures that staff adhere to hygiene protocols, with sensors in dispensers tracking usage and staff movement. Such systems allow for immediate corrective actions, maintaining high standards of hygiene.

Ongoing Staff Education and Training

Educating healthcare professionals on infection prevention is vital for maintaining safety in healthcare settings. Proper training gives staff the knowledge and skills they need to effectively prevent infections. Training programs cover a range of topics, including proper hand hygiene(wash-in and wash-out), PPE usage, and environmental cleanliness. Continuous education keeps healthcare workers updated on the latest guidelines and practices, helping them stay prepared for new challenges.

Encouraging Good Hand Hygiene

Recognizing and rewarding staff for good hand hygiene practices boosts compliance and promotes cleanliness. Easy access to hand sanitizers and soap dispensers throughout the facility is key. By acknowledging those who consistently adhere to hygiene protocols, facilities can foster a culture of excellence and care.

Conclusion

By focusing on these measures—like using quality hand hygiene products, reliable PPE, thorough disinfection, and advanced monitoring systems—healthcare facilities can significantly reduce infection risks. These strategies create a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff, allowing facilities to deliver care confidently and safely. Accelerating compliance through digital platforms enhances these efforts, ensuring that hygiene standards are met consistently and efficiently.

At Penguin Location Services, we offer cost-effective solutions for monitoring hand hygiene compliance.

Every hospital can benefit from better practices in patient flow—even minor improvements can make a meaningful impact. Here are tips for improving patient flow and creating a healthier, happier, and safer facility. Here are 4 tips to help hospitals improve patient throughput:

1. Increase Communication and Goals Across All Hospital Departments

Patient throughput must be addressed on a whole-hospital level. Every part of the hospital is connected, and the cause of a patient flow issue or bottleneck may occur several steps before its noticeable effect. For instance, a patient flow problem in the inpatient units may result from issues with discharge procedures. Therefore, all hospital staff members, including nurses, physicians, and administrators, must understand the objective of improving patient flow and the processes required to accomplish related goals.

The first step to improving patient flow is to create a team with representatives from every department. This team will identify issues, set goals, and oversee changes. They can start by drawing a patient throughput diagram to map the current design and measure performance, asking questions such as:

• Are there any bottlenecks with the current patient flow process?
• Are all the steps in the current flow necessary?
• Can some of the steps be completed simultaneously?
• Is there a better way to sequence the steps?
• Can someone with fewer skills perform a particular step?
• What technology can be used to make steps easier?

After identifying problem areas, the team should set goals. For example, the hospital can adopt technology like Penguin’s RTLS-enabled Workflow applications to improve communication and streamline processes. Location-enabled workflow solutions consist of wearables for staff, patients, and medical equipment, providing real-time data and integrating with other healthcare technologies to automate clinical processes.

2. Tighten Up Non-Clinical Services That Support Patient Care

Non-clinical staff members significantly impact patient flow. These include staff in transportation, housekeeping, billing, and administrative tasks. Management should evaluate non-clinical activities and find ways to improve their speed and efficiency. Here are tips for non-clinical services:

3. Uncover Blind Spots With Real-Time Location Data

Healthcare professionals often use data from systems like EHR to determine how long each step takes and improve workflows. However, this approach can create blind spots by failing to account for time between patient steps. Penguin’s Workflow Solutions can help uncover these blind spots by automatically collecting real-time patient throughput data. RTLS badges worn by patients provide real-time arrival-to-discharge data, allowing staff to modify processes as they happen.

Examples of Healthcare RTLS benefits:

• Ambulatory Practice: Real-time queuing creates an orderly, compliant registration and rooming process.
• Entire Patient Visit: Patient Tracking Systems measure patient wait times and notify staff of extended waits, enhancing efficiency.
• Radiology and Imaging: Real-time knowledge of patient arrivals maximizes service delivery and minimizes wait times.
• Operating Room: RTLS Insights measure OR turnaround time accurately, notifying team members when rooms are ready and updating patient families automatically.
• Communicable Diseases: Healthcare RTLS supports workflow redesigns to limit pathogen exposure and enables virtual waiting rooms with contactless check-in and self-rooming.
• Contact Tracing: Healthcare RTLS provides data for efficient contact tracing and follow-up actions for staff and patients.

4. Track and Streamline Cycle-Time Measurements

Cycle time measures the duration of any process in the hospital, such as patient registration to discharge. Efficient cycle times improve patient throughput and reduce the need for additional resources. Leaders should follow the patient journey through the ED, using RTLS to gather real-time insights automatically. This data helps identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, enabling hospitals to make informed adjustments.

Additional tips to reduce cycle time:

• Staff to meet demand: Ensure the ED has enough staff during peak times to meet patient demand.
• Ensure supplies are easy to find: Use asset tracking to show staff the exact location and condition of critical resources.
• Improve registration: Reduce check-in time by minimizing questions and using self-check-in/registration technology.

Increase Patient Flow in Hospitals With Penguin

When patients visit a hospital, they should feel cared for, safe, and appreciated. Staff should feel confident they have the resources, skills, and time to provide the best care possible. Technology like Penguin’s Healthcare RTLS helps reduce stress and simplify tasks for staff so they can focus on what matters most: patient care.

Hospital managers considering RTLS should reach out to Penguin. Penguin offers robust, easy-to-implement Clinical Workflow Applications to improve patient throughput and employee satisfaction. With Penguin, hospitals can reduce costs and increase efficiency as patient volumes continue to grow. To learn more, request a demo or contact us today.

Navigating large indoor spaces like hospitals, airports, shopping malls, and corporate campuses can be challenging. Traditional signage and maps often fall short in these complex environments, leading to frustration and inefficiency. This is where advanced indoor navigation solutions come into play, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to provide real-time, accurate directions within buildings. Let’s explore the key components that make up an effective indoor navigation system.

Key Components of an Effective Indoor Navigation Solution

1. Mobile Application with Indoor Positioning SDK

A mobile application is essential for housing the indoor positioning SDK, which utilizes various technologies to determine users’ precise locations within a building. These technologies include:

Radio Signals: Utilizing signals from Wi-Fi and other radio sources to triangulate the user’s position.

Magnetic Fields: Using the unique magnetic signatures within a building to provide location information.

Despite the availability of these technologies, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Beacons remain the de facto standard due to mobile operating systems’ limitations. BLE beacons emit signals detected by smartphones, providing accurate and reliable positioning data.

2. Detailed Maps in Multiple Formats

Effective indoor navigation requires detailed maps in different formats, including raster and vector. Raster maps are pixel-based and offer high detail, while vector maps are composed of paths and shapes, allowing for scalable and interactive features. Both formats are essential for providing comprehensive navigation assistance.

3. Robust Map Engine

A robust map engine is crucial for handling maps and providing user-friendly interactions. The map engine should perform zoom, pan, and rotate operations smoothly, ensuring users can easily navigate and interact with the map.

4. Advanced Routing Engine

The routing engine calculates the shortest path to a destination, considering various factors such as user profiles and abilities. This includes accessibility requirements for individuals with mobility challenges and providing alternative routes when necessary. The routing engine ensures users receive the most efficient and personalized navigation assistance.

5. Comprehensive Content Management System (CMS)

A content management system (CMS) is vital for maintaining and updating the navigation system. The CMS allows administrators to:

Change points of interest

• Update routes
• Modify maps
• Perform other configuration and data viewing tasks
• The CMS ensures the navigation system remains accurate and up-to-date, reflecting any changes in the building’s layout or points of interest.

Enhancements for a Superior User Experience

While the components mentioned above form the foundation of an indoor navigation solution, several add-ons can further enhance the user experience:

1. Location-Based Messaging

Location-based messaging can be used as an infotainment or monetization tool. This feature allows administrators to send targeted messages to users based on their current location within the building. For example, users can receive promotional offers when passing by specific stores in a mall or important notifications about events.

2. Analytics, Dashboard, and Reporting

Analytics and reporting tools built on the navigation system’s data provide valuable insights into user behavior and system performance. A dashboard can display real-time metrics, helping administrators understand how the system is used and identify areas for improvement.

3. Integration with Outdoor Maps and Routing

Supporting seamless home-to-office navigation, integration with outdoor maps and routing allows users to transition from outdoor navigation (e.g., Google Maps) to indoor navigation seamlessly. This ensures a consistent navigation experience from the user’s starting point to their final destination within the building.

4. Integration with Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)

Integrating the navigation system with MaaS platforms provides users with comprehensive travel options, including public transportation schedules, ride-sharing services, and other transportation modes, enabling users to plan their entire journey efficiently.

5. Augmented Reality (AR) Integration

Integrating augmented reality (AR) can enhance the user experience by overlaying digital information onto the physical environment. AR can be used for positioning tasks, such as visualizing the route directly on the user’s smartphone screen, and providing interactive elements that guide users to their destinations.

Conclusion

An effective indoor navigation solution comprises several key components: a mobile application with an indoor positioning SDK, detailed maps, a robust map engine, an advanced routing engine, and a comprehensive content management system. These components ensure accurate, real-time navigation assistance within complex indoor environments. Additional enhancements such as location-based messaging, analytics, outdoor map integration, MaaS integration, and augmented reality can further improve the user experience and provide valuable functionalities. By leveraging these technologies, indoor navigation solutions significantly enhance the efficiency and convenience of navigating large indoor spaces.

Ready to transform the way people navigate your building? Contact us today to learn more about our advanced indoor navigation solutions and see how we can help improve efficiency and user experience in your facility.

Introduction

The healthcare landscape is in constant flux, demanding adaptability and innovation to maintain high standards of patient care and operational efficiency. As we look ahead to 2025, IoT-based asset tracking stands out as a game-changer for hospitals. By harnessing BLE 5.1 technology and standard tagging systems, hospitals can anticipate needs, address challenges head-on, and drive continuous improvement.

IoT Asset Tracking: The Future of Healthcare Operations

IoT asset tracking, powered by the advanced BLE 5.1 technology, offers real-time insights into the locations of assets, staff, and patient movements within a hospital. This lower cost, standardized infrastructure ensures a more future-proof investment with lower TCO. By providing precise tracking with “off the shelf” hardware, hospitals can safeguard the continuity of system maintenance and can always have a reliable location platform to improve efficiency and reduce cost of care.

Enhancing Resource Management with Healthcare IoT

The usage of IoT transforms healthcare to being more proactive and less reactive. Predicting resources in advance allows for better PAR-level management and always having sufficient supplies and equipment to care for patients. Having this foresight allows healthcare facilities to better allocate future resource needs, streamline workflows, reduce equipment downtime, and significantly boost operational efficiency. Embracing this proactive approach not only enhances patient outcomes but also improves their overall experience, ensuring healthcare facilities stay ahead of the curve.

Benefits of IoT-Based Medical Asset Management

IoT-based asset tracking offers numerous advantages to multiple stakeholders within the healthcare ecosystem:

Building Smarter Hospitals with IoT

Utilizing data from IoT systems, healthcare organizations can assess their preparedness, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance their ability to navigate disruptions and anticipate future challenges. This commitment to adaptability and continuous learning ensures that healthcare facilities remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Conclusion

IoT-based asset tracking, underpinned by BLE 5.1 technology and standard tagging systems, empowers healthcare organizations to withstand disruptions, anticipate resource needs, and optimize operations efficiently. Learn more from about Penguin’s BLE 5.1 Technology to make your hospital smarter with an affordable, future-proof RTLS.

In healthcare, a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is essential for day-to-day operations. CMMS allows hospitals to meticulously monitor assets requiring maintenance, ensuring their safe and efficient operation. It also empowers staff to quickly generate work orders and compile lists of assets awaiting preventive repair and maintenance. Additionally, CMMS can help health systems plan equipment lifecycles and gather valuable insights. But how can it be enhanced with Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)?

The Missing Piece: Limitations of Conventional CMMS

While CMMS enhances hospital asset management, it often lacks real-time location and status information about equipment. A CMMS might display the department assigned to a specific piece of equipment but not its exact location, leading to time-consuming searches when the equipment is needed urgently. This gap in information results in wasted hours and increased labor costs.

Given the dynamic nature of hospitals, it’s surprising that many CMMS systems are not yet integrated with RTLS. Initially designed to optimize efficiency and management, CMMS systems are significantly hindered when equipment location remains a challenge for staff.

Enhancing CMMS with RTLS Integration

Many hospitals have optimized their CMMS systems by integrating RTLS. This integration allows staff to quickly locate equipment due for preventive maintenance, saving substantial labor hours. The seamless RTLS integration enhances productivity and key performance indicators, ensuring critical maintenance tasks are completed on time.

Integrating RTLS with CMMS streamlines the maintenance process and reduces the risk of missed maintenance, which could lead to costly equipment downtime and disrupted patient operations. Furthermore, an AI-RTLS-enabled CMMS offers real-time location information, equipment insights, predictive maintenance, and more. Staff can instantly locate and remove malfunctioning or recalled equipment, reducing potential hazards and ensuring a safer environment for patients and staff.

Maximizing ROI: A Win-Win for Efficiency and Safety

Integrating RTLS-based intelligence into your CMMS system can secure a substantial return on investment while creating a safer environment for patients and staff. This fusion of CMMS and RTLS is not just a technological enhancement; it’s a catalyst for efficient healthcare management and elevated patient safety. Hospitals adopting this integrated approach can better manage resources, improve patient care, and enhance operational efficiency.

Conclusion

In the dynamic healthcare landscape of 2024 and beyond, integrating RTLS with CMMS is essential for achieving operational excellence and superior patient care. This powerful combination allows hospitals to overcome the limitations of conventional CMMS, providing real-time visibility into asset locations and status. By enhancing maintenance processes and optimizing resource utilization, hospitals can significantly reduce labor costs, prevent equipment downtime, and ensure a safe environment for patients and staff. Embracing this technological integration is a strategic move that positions healthcare facilities at the forefront of innovation, ensuring long-term sustainability and a commitment to exceptional patient outcomes.

Ready to enhance your hospital’s efficiency with integrated RTLS and CMMS? Contact us today for a demo and see how our solutions can transform your operations.