Penguin Location Services™ and ZulaFly™ Announce Strategic Partnership

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Tag: RTLS

Penguin Location Services™ and ZulaFly™ Announce Strategic Partnership

Posted on by Adam Peck

Penguin Location Services and ZulaFly Announce Strategic Partnership for Healthcare Innovation

[Irvine, CA & Fargo, ND], [April 2, 2024]

Penguin Location Services, a leading AI/ML enabled IoT provider, and ZulaFly, a leading enterprise cloud workflow application provider, announce a strategic partnership. Specifically, this collaboration aims to offer healthcare end-to-end, best-in-class, location-based workflow, real time asset tracking and safety solutions.

Advanced Healthcare Location Technology Integration

First and foremost, Penguin offers a comprehensive portfolio of  location-based healthcare products. Specifically, these support enterprise navigation systems, real-time locating services (RTLS), and healthcare safety applications for medical facilities. Moreover, Penguin’s proprietary AI/ML in healthcare technology allows the use of any 5.1 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled device to be leveraged as a high-performance location transponder and healthcare tracking system.

Additionally, in many healthcare applications, location update speed is within milliseconds. Furthermore, location accuracy is consistently at the sub-room level, providing bed and chair-level precision. Consequently, this ensures optimal patient monitoring and real time asset tracking.

Meanwhile, ZulaFly is a leading enterprise healthcare software provider offering a cloud-hosted RTLS solution. Notably, it supports over 100 healthcare workflows and clinical use cases for healthcare organizations. Moreover, ZulaFly has hundreds of satisfied healthcare clients with deep experience. Specifically, they have successfully partnered with RTLS providers and other healthcare technology vendors. As a result, they deliver location-enabled healthcare solutions for large health systems in North America and globally.

Industry Leadership Perspectives on Healthcare Innovation

Industry leaders are enthusiastic about this strategic partnership. For instance, Stephanie Andersen, Founding Partner at ZulaFly, shared her perspective:

“We were amazed by the performance and accuracy of Penguin’s technology. Moreover, with very limited hardware, we could validate high-velocity location updates and room-level accuracy out of the box. Therefore, we are excited for the promising future ahead with this partnership.”

Similarly, Mohammed Smadi, PhD, CEO of Penguin Location Services, expressed his enthusiasm:

“We are enthusiastic about the combined end-to-end workflow solutions we can now commercialize with ZulaFly. Furthermore, their extensive first-hand experience and successful deployment and management of workflow, safety and environmental monitoring solutions can help accelerate the proliferation of location services in healthcare.”

Revolutionary Healthcare Workflow Solutions

Importantly, the ZulaFly and Penguin strategic partnership marks a new generation of location-enabled workflow solutions using AI/ML in healthcare technology. Specifically, Penguin’s easy-to-install and low-cost standard BLE 5.1 technology combined with ZulaFly’s industry-leading healthcare workflow applications creates a powerful solution. Consequently, this means that enterprise-class visibility solutions and healthcare automation systems are now more accessible and affordable for healthcare systems and medical facilities worldwide.

About Penguin Location Services: Healthcare RTLS Innovation Leaders

Penguin Location Services™ improves enterprise operational efficiency, visitor experience, workflow and safety. Specifically, it uses the world’s most advanced location engine supporting BLE 5.1 and above infrastructure. Moreover, Penguin’s AI and ML powered location algorithms support high velocity updates and sub-room level accuracy across the entire enterprise. Additionally, Penguin is on a mission to make location services more accessible and simpler to manage on a global scale.

Learn more: www.penguinin.com

About ZulaFly: Healthcare Workflow Software Excellence

ZulaFly is an industry-leading software solution company that collects, processes, and analyzes critical enterprise data. Furthermore, it presents the output in a customizable, unified dashboard user interface. Specifically, ZulaFly supports many operational and safety applications. These include Workflow, Patient Wander, Locating & Wireless Alerting, Asset Management, Environmental Monitoring, Staff Safety & Locating, Staff Rounding, Hand Hygiene, Mobility and many others.

Moreover, these critical applications can be managed at a single facility or across multiple campuses in a cloud-hosted environment. Notably, hundreds of satisfied customer sites are enjoying the benefits of ZulaFly’s enterprise-class visibility solutions.

Learn more: www.zulafly.com

  • Penguin Location Services™ is a trademark of Penguin, Inc.
  • ZulaFly™ is a trademark of ZulaFly, Inc.

7 Ways RTLS Software Improves Healthcare with Application Interoperability

Posted on by Waed Os

Benefits of RTLS in Healthcare: 7 Key Advantages for Interoperability

As the healthcare sector continuously adopts new technologies to improve care, a careful examination of digital advancements becomes essential. Moreover, amid this review, the convergence of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) healthcare benefits, automation, and application interoperability emerges as a transformative influence. Consequently, this redefines the operational landscape of healthcare facilities.

What is Interoperability in Healthcare RTLS Benefits?

In healthcare, interoperability denotes the capacity of diverse information technology systems and software applications to communicate, exchange data, and utilize shared information efficiently. Consequently, this maximizes the benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

Specifically, this involves the seamless sharing of health information among various healthcare systems. For example, these include electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical devices, and other health information technologies. Therefore, these enhance RTLS healthcare benefits.

The Integration of Location Services

The incorporation of location technologies, real time tracking, status, and sensory data into existing technological frameworks proves key for achieving improved location accuracy. Additionally, this helps realize the full benefits of RTLS in healthcare. Moreover, this integration serves as a central requirement. Consequently, it facilitates the efficient coordination of diverse components within the system.

Furthermore, by strategically merging location data with pre-existing technological investments, healthcare facilities can optimize operational processes. As a result, they enhance the experience of caregivers and improve patient care through comprehensive RTLS healthcare benefits.

With this foundational understanding, let’s delve into the pivotal role that healthcare RTLS systems play within this framework. Specifically, we will highlight the top 7 benefits of RTLS in healthcare. Therefore, this affirms its significance within the broader context of interoperability and its transformative impact in the industry.

1. Unified Integration Standards

A healthcare RTLS system should smoothly sync with and enhance current technologies and IT infrastructure in healthcare settings. Moreover, it ought to seamlessly meld into the existing IT framework. Consequently, this creates a fluid and engaging partnership with other technological components. Therefore, this ensures a seamless exchange of information among diverse healthcare systems. As a result, it streamlines the often-tricky process of integrating data in healthcare environments and maximizes RTLS healthcare benefits.

2. User-Friendly Adoption

Streamlining workflows becomes more than a convenience when healthcare RTLS applications prioritize user-friendly features. Specifically, this accelerates adoption. Moreover, by minimizing training periods and creating an environment favorable to technology acceptance, healthcare staff can efficiently incorporate healthcare RTLS solutions into their routines. Consequently, this leads to increased productivity and satisfaction through the benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

3. Resource Optimization

Beyond its real-time tracking capabilities, effective healthcare real time location services address the challenge of resource optimization. Specifically, by providing insights into asset utilization, staff allocation, and equipment availability, healthcare facilities can minimize unnecessary expenses. Therefore, this ensures a more efficient allocation of resources. Additionally, it demonstrates clear benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

4. Real-Time Patient Data Access

The automatic integration of location data with Electronic Health Records (EHR) stands as likely the most critical of all RTLS healthcare benefits. Specifically, this integration empowers healthcare providers with timely and accurate information. Consequently, this enables them to make informed decisions promptly. Moreover, through received signals in real-time, they bridge the gap between RTLS healthcare systems and EHR. As a result, this further enhances patient care and contributes to more efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

Furthermore, this advanced integration can also automatically populate billing and coding needs natively. Therefore, this saves administrative time and ensures invoicing accuracy. Ultimately, this showcases significant benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

5. Facilitated Communication

Integrating functionalities such as nurse call systems and staff duress alerts with the RTLS network adds an additional layer of communication efficiency. Specifically, through the use of active RFID tags and RTLS for urgent care, this ensures that healthcare staff can promptly respond to patient needs or emergencies. Moreover, RFID tags communicate via infrared IR. Consequently, this further enhances the overall responsiveness and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Therefore, this highlights key benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

Notably, one study showed that the majority of a nurse’s time, specifically 38.6% (equivalent to 214.2 minutes), occurs at the nurse station. In contrast, less than one-third (171 minutes) goes to the patient room. Therefore, this highlights an opportunity for healthcare RTLS software to play a crucial role in optimizing a nurse’s time. Consequently, it redirects their efforts towards more valuable actions and demonstrates the practical benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

6. Proactive Security Measures

In healthcare settings, health and safety RTLS systems should make security a top priority. Specifically, they safeguard both staff and patient information. Additionally, they keep tabs on activities and offer administrators improved visibility. Furthermore, this enhanced visibility empowers administrators to take proactive measures. Therefore, this ensures comprehensive safety and adherence to data protection standards. Ultimately, this represents critical RTLS healthcare benefits.

7. Strategic Investment

Viewing RTLS for healthcare solutions as strategic investments involves aligning them with the long-term vision and goals of healthcare facilities. Moreover, beyond immediate gains, this approach considers the scalability, adaptability, and future-proofing of the technology. Consequently, this ensures that the investment continues to add value as the healthcare landscape evolves. Therefore, it maximizes the benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

Technology Talks: BLE 5.1 in RTLS for Hospitals for Simplicity and Affordability

At the core of the user-friendly and cost-effective nature of RTLS healthcare applications lies Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 (BLE). Specifically, this technology not only guarantees technical robustness but also ensures compatibility with ease. Moreover, BLE 5.1, with its array of versatile RTLS tags, minimal power consumption, and extensive compatibility, serves as the foundational element. Consequently, this enables healthcare RTLS applications to seamlessly integrate into healthcare settings.

Furthermore, this harmonious integration testifies to the interoperability that BLE 5.1 facilitates. Therefore, it provides both technical excellence and adaptability within the healthcare environment. Ultimately, it delivers comprehensive benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

SEE ALSO: Ultra-Wideband (UWB) vs Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.1

Penguin Location Service ™

In the realm of healthcare, the thoughtful application of real-time tracking can make a significant impact on staff and patient safety. Additionally, it affects operational efficiency. This is where Penguin steps into space. Specifically, we offer a thoughtful approach to healthcare. Moreover, PenTrack, a family of products and mobile devices, receives careful design to provide not just prompt but also cost-effective results.

Furthermore, we offer the necessary hardware and software along with our advanced AI-powered location engine. Consequently, this ensures efficiency and precision. Additionally, our solutions seamlessly integrate into physical and software environments with minimal disruption. Therefore, they align perfectly with diverse settings.

Discover the thoughtful future of healthcare with Penguin.

📧 Book your free consultation today: [email protected]

References 

  1. Hendrick A, Chow M, Skierczynski B, and Lu Z. A 36-Hospital Time and Motion Study: How Do Medical-Surgical Nurses Spend Their Time? The Permanente Journal. 2008;12(3):25–34.

 

RTLS – Minimize the Risk of Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI)

Posted on by Waed Os

RTLS Solutions for Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention

Healthcare facilities constantly strive to enhance patient safety and minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Moreover, Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) have emerged as a valuable technology in this quest. Specifically, they offer innovative solutions to monitor and manage various aspects of hospital operations.

The Burden of Healthcare-Associated Infections

HAIs pose a serious threat to patient well-being. Furthermore, they add to the complexity and cost of healthcare delivery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 31 hospitalized patients in the United States acquires at least one HAI [1]. Additionally, these infections not only compromise patient recovery but also strain healthcare resources.

Read more about the CDC guidelines

How do RTLS Solutions Operate? And which technology is the most suitable?

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) employ various technologies to implement location-based solutions. Notably, each technology has its merits and drawbacks. Specifically, these primarily stem from the accuracy at cost tradeoff, including both initial investment and operational costs. For example, RTLS technologies include Ultra-wideband (UWB), Ultra-sonic, Infra-Red and RFID.

In our pursuit of an optimal solution, Penguin developed its own RTLS solution using Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 (BLE 5.1) with healthcare in mind. Today, Penguin’s sub-meter positioning accuracy serves as the underlying enabler for the HAI prevention solution that Penguin offers.

Learn more: BLE 5.1 vs UWB

RTLS Applications for Minimizing the Risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Asset Tracking

First and foremost, RTLS systems assist in monitoring the movement and usage of medical equipment. Consequently, this ensures that healthcare facilities properly clean and disinfect devices between uses. Moreover, by maintaining a digital record of equipment locations and usage, healthcare facilities can implement strict protocols for equipment hygiene. As a result, this reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

People Tracking

Second, real-time location tracking of patients allows healthcare providers to monitor their movements throughout the facility. This proves particularly crucial in quarantine scenarios. Specifically, in these cases, healthcare providers must isolate patients with contagious diseases. Furthermore, RTLS systems enhance the ability to implement effective isolation measures. Therefore, this limits the spread of infections within the hospital environment.

Staff Monitoring

Third, healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in preventing the transmission of infections. Moreover, RTLS systems enable the tracking of staff movements. Consequently, this ensures that staff adhere to hygiene protocols consistently. Additionally, this includes monitoring hand hygiene compliance and optimizing workflows. Therefore, this minimizes unnecessary exposure to infectious agents.

Workflow Optimization

Finally, RTLS technology helps streamline hospital workflows. Specifically, it provides real-time insights into the movement of patients, staff, and equipment. Furthermore, by optimizing the flow of people and resources, healthcare facilities can reduce congestion. Additionally, they can improve response times. Ultimately, this enhances infection control measures.

Penguin Location service: Your Partner in HAI Prevention

By leveraging the capabilities of real-time location tracking, hospitals can implement proactive measures. Specifically, these measures reduce the risk of infections, improve patient safety, and enhance overall operational efficiency. This is where Penguin comes in.

Moreover, our adopted technology (PenTrack) receives expert design to ensure swift and affordable solutions. Furthermore, we provide the hardware and grant access to our state-of-the-art algorithms. Consequently, these ensure efficient and accurate results. Additionally, our solutions integrate seamlessly into physical and software environments. Therefore, we accommodate our solutions with near zero-overhead.

Get Started Today

📧 Get a free consultation today: [email protected]

Discover how Penguin can help your healthcare facility reduce HAIs and improve patient safety.

References

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Healthcare-Associated Infections Statistics.

Healthcare Asset Tracking with RTLS: ROI-Driven Patient Safety Solutions

Posted on by Waed Os

RTLS Healthcare ROI: Use Cases and Financial Benefits

Introduction

As we address pain points that RTLS healthcare solutions can solve, we naturally focus on healthcare problems. In today’s world, having a well-structured digital foundation is vital. Moreover, the use of real-time location systems healthcare gradually becomes an essential addition to every healthcare facility. Specifically, it prioritizes patient safety and optimizes services. Additionally, it ensures smooth operations where mistakes stay minimal.

This article provides insights into the important use cases of RTLS in healthcare. Furthermore, it highlights the quantifiable RTLS healthcare ROI it brings.

Key RTLS for Healthcare Use Cases

Asset Management and Optimization

First and foremost, RTLS enables precise tracking and management of crucial medical assets. These include infusion pumps, wheelchairs, and monitoring devices. Moreover, by efficiently locating and monitoring these assets in real-time,

healthcare facilities experience reduced downtime. Additionally, they minimize equipment loss and increase asset utilization rates.

Enhanced Patient Safety

Second, with RTLS, patient safety takes center stage. Specifically, hospitals can monitor patient movements and prevent elopement incidents. Furthermore, they can optimize patient flow. Real-time alerts and notifications ensure timely responses to emergencies. Consequently, this fosters an environment of enhanced patient security and care.

Streamlined Workflows

Third, RTLS optimizes staff movements and streamlines workflows and resource allocation. As a result, this leads to reduced wait times for patients. Moreover, it improves staff productivity. Ultimately, this creates better patient experiences.

Contact Tracing

Fourth, RTLS plays a critical role in maintaining infection control protocols within healthcare facilities. Specifically, by tracking the movements of medical staff and patients, hospitals can quickly identify and contain potential outbreaks. Additionally, RTLS data helps analyze patterns of contact and potential transmission. Therefore, this facilitates targeted interventions to prevent the spread of infections.

Hand Hygiene Monitoring

Finally, hand hygiene compliance is vital for patient safety. Specifically, RTLS enables real-time monitoring of healthcare professionals’ handwashing practices. Consequently, this ensures adherence to protocols and reduces healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Moreover, immediate feedback promotes a culture of awareness and enhances patient outcomes. Additionally, analyzing compliance trends aids staff training and elevates patient care with Penguin’s comprehensive RTLS solutions.

Therefore, discover how RTLS revolutionizes hand hygiene for North American healthcare facilities.

RTLS Healthcare ROI Drivers

Cost Savings from Asset Utilization

Research in North American hospitals highlights the substantial financial impact of asset theft and loss. In fact, multiple studies demonstrate that the annual cost of hospital equipment losses can range from $4,000 to $12,000 per bed. Consequently, this translates to annual losses that could range from $400,000 to $1,200,000.

Increased Patient Throughput

By minimizing patient wait times and optimizing bed turnover, RTLS helps hospitals accommodate more patients. Notably, a 15% increase in patient throughput appears in several case studies. As a result, this could lead to potential annual revenue growth of $2 million per facility.

Avoidance of Legal Liabilities

Implementing RTLS in elderly care units led to an 80% reduction in patient elopement incidents in North American healthcare facilities. Importantly, this reduction ensures patient safety and mitigates potential legal liabilities. Therefore, this protects hospitals from substantial financial consequences.

Penguin Location Service: An Affordable Healthcare RTLS Provider with a Simplified Managed System

Penguin takes pride in offering a cost-effective and user-friendly RTLS solution. Specifically, our solution caters to the specific needs of healthcare providers. Moreover, our simplified managed solutions (PENTRACK & PENNAV) ensure seamless integration into existing infrastructures. Consequently, this eliminates the need for complex and costly installations.

Through our advanced tracking technology, healthcare facilities can optimize asset utilization, streamline workflows, and enhance patient safety. Additionally, they achieve significant cost savings. Furthermore, with Penguin as a reliable RTLS partner, hospitals can focus on delivering top-notch patient care. They can remain confident that their operational efficiency and ROI stay maximized.

Read more about our process to align with “CBAHI” Additionally, learn how we help our clients achieve regulatory compliance in our in-depth article.

Conclusion

The RTLS healthcare ROI in the healthcare industry is undeniable. In fact, North American healthcare facilities experience substantial cost savings, improved patient care, and optimized hospital operations.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, RTLS emerges as a transformative solution. Specifically, it brings precision and efficiency to healthcare operations. Moreover, Penguin’s affordable RTLS offering, coupled with a simplified managed system, positions us as a leading provider in the market. Therefore, we empower healthcare organizations to unlock the true potential of RTLS. Ultimately, they can thrive in an era of precision healthcare.

Furthermore, with a multitude of use cases, RTLS becomes an indispensable tool. Consequently, it elevates healthcare services to new levels of excellence.

With Penguin as your trusted partner, we deliver innovative and tailored RTLS solutions for your indoor positioning and tracking needs.

Contact us today to enhance your indoor positioning capabilities.

Learn more about our solutions here

Source: Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) to improve fall detection

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