By reducing overhead in manpower, stationery and storage space and by increasing transaction speed, computerization multiplies the profitability of the institution.  Hence it leads to increased customer satisfaction and reputation of the institution.

        Pharmacy is a major profit generating department in a hospital. But due to a good many reasons, profit is not reaching the stakeholders. In a computerized pharmacy, we can seal all possible means of profit-leakage.

        The major part of computerization is selection of a reliable software. Suitable hardware and qualified operating personnel are the other requirements. As the software has to be used for several years, the relationship between the hospital management and the software developer should be long term. The developer must have the capability of undertaking the project from start to completion. They have to give advices and guidelines in selection and installation of proper hardware and have to impart training to staff.  Also they have to extend support in enhancing and modifying the system as per future requirements.

        Once a dependable software developer is identified, empower them by giving the authority to execute the computerization. Frequently communicate with them to make the automation system a correct fit to the hospital system and procedures.

 

Desktop Installation

        Computer: Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz / 1 GB DDR II RAM / 160 GB HDD / DVD RW / 17" WTFT

        Printer: 80 Column Dot-Matrix

        Power supply: 600 VA offline UPS with external battery

        (4+ Hr. backup)

 

Network Installation

      For networks having more than 3 terminals, one dedicated Server computer is required and for small networks (up to 3 terminals), the server may be used to run the software.

 

Server

      Big networks (Above 6 clients):

              Intel Xeon 3.x GHz base server (Dedicated)

              2GB RAM / 250 GB HDD (2 No.s; 1 hot-swappable ) / DVDRW

      Medium networks (4 to 6 clients):

              Core 2 Duo Desktop 3.x GHz (Dedicated)

              1 GB DDR II RAM / 160 GB HDD (2 No.s) / DVDRW

      Small Networks (2 or 3 clients):

              Core 2 Duo Desktop 3.x GHz (May not be dedicated)

              1GB DDR II RAM / 160 GB HDD / DVDRW/ 17" WTFT

 

Client(s)

      Pentium Dual Core / Celeron 2.x GHz / 512 MB DDR II RAM / 80 GB HDD / 17" WTFT

 

Operating System - Windows 2003 Server; Windows XP Professional

 

RDBMS - MS SQL Server 2000.

 

Printers - Billing - 80 Col. Dot-Matrix. Reports - A4 Inkjet / Laser

 

Network switch - (For networks having more than 2 terminals) 8 port, 16 port or bigger (100 mbps speed) according to the No of clients.

 

Cabling - Should be installed by professional network engineers through separate channels. Special attention has to be given to avoid electrical signal interferences. Network Switch should be fixed near the server. Cable length is a significant factor in network performance; shorter the better.

 

Power supply - 1 KVA Online UPS with external battery (4+ Hr. backup) for the server and 600 VA offline UPS for each terminal.

 

        One resident server administrator having knowledge in computer hardware and networking is highly recommended in the computerized hospital. Day-to-day operations such as data entry, backup, report generation, stock maintenance etc. should be performed by the staff. On expiry of the warranty period, the client may optionally engage in an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) with the developer to ensure continued support.