Web Portal Provides Real Time Access to Imaging Equipment Service Data

A secure, online web portal has been developed to help customers oversee and manage the productivity of Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany) imaging equipment.

Providing a direct online connection between Siemens and its customers, this enhanced portal allows customers instant access to real-time service information, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Using best practices in web design and information sharing, LifeNet 2.0 allows users to view crucial information directly from the home page, but also provides access to tools for in-depth analysis. Customers can review a list of open service requests and see the details and latest updates for those requests. Alternatively, by browsing through the equipment page, users can review a list of their equipment, service status, service agreements, and planned maintenance events.

The LifeNet 2.0 reports page includes a variety of service management reports, including asset management, service activity, equipment maintenance and compliance; as well as equipment performance reports regarding uptime, utilization management, and the Guardian Program (remote monitoring) events. Customers can program LifeNet 2.0 to automatically deliver those reports to a designated e-mail address every week, month, and quarter.

Another important feature of LifeNet 2.0 is that it accommodates different user preferences within each facility. The user can select the systems they are responsible for, then track and query only information pertaining to those systems. The "my equipment” feature allows users to save only the systems they are interested in on "my equipment list.” Each user is also able to specify the dashboards that are displayed from choices such as "equipment status,” "uptime,” "planned maintenance calendar,” and "contract expirations.” They can also set performance thresholds for these dashboards, identify favorite reports, and indicate the systems that should be displayed on the home page.

"Siemens LifeNet is a functional interactive snapshot of our entire operation,” said Margaret King, chief operating officer, Wake Radiology (Chapel Hill, NC, USA). "Being able to access planned maintenance schedules, view equipment status, and access service and billing records makes this ‘at-a-glance' software a positive and time-saving experience.”

Additionally, customers have access to a compliance resource page, with details about how Siemens is helping to ensure regulatory compliance on all of their Siemens equipment, regardless of service level. It also contains links to relevant industry websites to make it easier for customers to find up-to-date information they need. The service history and billing page provides a list of service activity and includes service reports and invoices for each service event. The service and support page displays all open service calls in real time.

The portal provides role-specific information such as dashboards, messages, and alerts to help customers focus on items that need immediate attention. Equipment maintenance records and performance reports guide facility and department managers in asset management and capital budget planning. Moreover, biomedical staff will feel confident that their equipment is always in compliance and is fully covered.

"This Web-based portal is designed for individual user needs,” said Rick Legleiter, senior vice president of Customer Service, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. "LifeNet 2.0 helps record equipment maintenance for compliance, know which rooms require immediate service attention and allows the customer to focus on imaging patients.”

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