Resources: FAQs

RadarFind's Real Time Location System (RTLS) is a technology that combines hardware, software and services to accurately track and display the location of any tagged device or patient throughout the hospital. This information is also stored as historical information and can be analyzed later to better understand utilization, movement patterns and workflow.
 

RadarFind's RTLS is the only system specifically designed for the hospital environment. The RadarFind RTLS is easy and non-invasive to install because it does not require the addition of disruptive hardwiring or costly WiFi APs (access points) to your existing hospital network. Also, since it does not require or interfere with wireless (WiFi) networks, the security or stability of your existing data network is not threatened.

RadarFind further offers four-tier system architecture, unique in the industry. Using an idealized mix of tags, readers, and other system components, the same RadarFind system design can easily scale from the smallest rural outpatient care facility to the largest of urban critical-care hospital.
 

You will require tags for tracking devices and patients, readers, collectors, and a server depending upon the size and configuration of your hospital.

RadarFind hardware includes small battery powered tags that can be attached to equipment or worn by patients, wireless and power line readers that communicate with tags, and collectors placed in network closets, electrical closets or other unobtrusive locations. There is generally one server, which includes the RadarFind Software Suite.
 

The RadarFind software suite includes the RadarFind database, location engine and reporting software. This suite collects and stores data in an open source database. It also calculates and stores the locations of device or patient associated tags, manages real-time and historical data, and provides web-based applications that include comprehensive reports and alerts. It is accessed by secure web enabled computers or hand held devices anywhere in the hospital (no software is installed on end-user computers). This system is ANSI HL7 compatible, therefore meeting standards for interoperability, and is HIPAA compliant, meeting privacy and security standards.
 

Yes, RadarFind RTLS is highly interoperable. The open source database information is shared via XML Web Services APIs, by simple import/export configurations and HL7 compatible messaging.
 

Installing a RadarFind RTLS is non-disruptive to hospital operations and provides an extremely accurate system that automatically adapts to changing environmental variables. It is this changing environment that so easily disrupts WiFi and typical radio-frequency systems.

The RadarFind Status tags are unique to the industry by providing real-time and archived status information. For example, if our status tag is placed on an infusion pump not only is location data provided but the system knows when a device is in use, available or needs to be cleaned. The RadarFind tags are intrinsically safe, permitting safe operation in oxygen rich environments, and are tamper resistant. The RadarFind RTLS has bidirectional tag communication facilitating positional accuracy and transmission of telemetry data.

Our graphical user interfaces provide not only applications for complex analysis and reporting of data but also extremely user friendly touch screen appliances important for rapid pace, high acuity areas and areas where the staff is less comfortable with computers in the workplace.
 

RadarFind Status and Nonstatus Asset tags have an industry-leading lifespan of up to 8 years, while the RadarFind micro tag, designed for very small assets, is designed with a replaceable 24 month power cell, for nearly unlimited use.
 

The RadarFind RTLS interface is available from any web enabled computer or hand held device within the hospital that has secure network privileges. Simply click the RadarFind icon and search for tagged equipment or people. QuickView and MapView are easy intuitive interfaces that display the location and status of requested items or individuals. No client software is required. ReportView provides comprehensive real-time and historical data analysis. The suite supports toggling between presentation views. DashView is a unique interface for busy executives and managers that allows users to monitor selected parameters either graphically or by alerts.
 

Yes. Every tag placed uniquely identifies the person, or equipment to which it is attached.
 

RadarFind RTLS position calculations are customizable, based on the needs of the facility. The location of the tagged person or asset can be updated several times a minute, or every few minutes, as needed.
 

Since the installation is so effortless, it is easy for the hospital’s staff to install with RadarFind oversight.

The hidden costs of patient care disruption do not exist with RadarFind RTLS. Installation of readers can be done with the patient in the room. Infrastructure installation can be completed in a matter of weeks. Power line or wireless readers require no additional infrastructure. Collectors plug into Ethernet ports on each floor or zone.

Indeed, you should look at all of the RTLS technologies that are available on the market, and then compare them for functionality and cost. To get the same location resolution provided by a RadarFind system, for example, the ‘equivalent’ WiFi system would cost considerably more, and ironically, would no longer work all that well as a data transport solution. Remember, WiFi was not designed to be a tracking technology, but rather as a wireless Ethernet replacement.

Also, with a WiFi RTLS, you don't get reporting of status (clean, dirty, available) of tracked-devices, which is required for user satisfaction and to establish a reliable hard ROI.

Lastly, industry analysts agree that within 36 months of adoption, more than three-quarters of current WiFi users will have converted their networks to the new 802.11n standard.  Because legacy 802.11b devices force a massive slowdown of 802.11n network throughput, the pressure will be great for IT departments to rapidly sunset their 802.11b devices.  All WiFi RTLS tags are 802.11b devices. If thousands of RTLS tags become obsolete before they even have their first battery replacement, it will be difficult to justify writing off these expensive and costly-to-change-out assets.