Case Studies
Technology Plan Reduces Practice Operation Costs
and FTEs
QPS
had been hired by a practice to support its workstations
and printers. Since the practice had grown and merged
with other primary care practices, there was no consistency
in types of workstations, operating systems, memory, etc. Each
computer had different virus protection software, and some
none at all. Although the practice was perfectly happy
with QPS taking care of their everyday computer problems,
the information systems group at QPS knew that with some
simple changes in technology over time, they could save their
client support costs, and downtime in the practice.
Since
computer viruses were often the cause of workstation problems,
implementation of the plan started with a consistent server-based
virus protection program. The same anti-virus
program was installed on each workstation, and virus definition
updates were pushed out to each computer on a daily basis. This
strategy alone reduced support calls significantly.
Operating
systems were updated on all networked PCs, and remote access
was installed requiring fewer on-site visits and travel
expenses. Stand-alone computers were given
a lower priority because they would have to be analyzed and
fixed onsite anyway. This helped the practice with
cash flow in their technology transition.
As
workstations were retired, they were replaced with Windows
Terminals at ½ the cost of a new workstation. These
terminals have had virtually no operating issues, and require
very little on-site support. As the plan progressed,
QPS also implemented consistent network cards, memory, anti-spyware
and a consistent IP scheme by location. The new IP
scheme took the guesswork out of supporting the practice,
and allowed easy remote support.
As
the practice continues to expand, new terminals or workstations
are easily added to the network with the consistent standards
implemented by QPS. The number of full-time employees
needed to support the practice systems was reduced by ½,
as well as support costs.
Back to Case Studies |
