Product, Facility, & Safety Identification Solutions

CliniTech provides LAN links, voice data applications, and custom programming for computerized medical records. With every service they provide, the goal is seamless data communications delivery, according to Eric Meyer, Network Services Project Manager at CliniTech.

"Doctors want the system to work - when they boot up their computers and log on, they just want their applications to open so they can get the information they need to provide high quality healthcare to their patients," Meyer said. "That includes a good up-time and a solid back-up system."
 
Because they work in a variety of office environments, both new buildings and older facilities, the CliniTech engineers and field service technicians (FSTs) have found the 606A standard to be a valuable tool, and the Brady labeling and documentation system helps them build that tool into every location.

"We're in an environment where we're trying to upgrade our locations. You can't live without the 606A standard; it's where you need to be in order to project reliability in your network. The NetDoc software guides us in that direction, because it automatically ties us into the 606A standard," Meyer said.

The ANSI/TIA/EIA 606A Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure, commonly known as the 606A standard, creates a universal standard for telecommunications cabling systems documentation and labeling. This includes all cable and endpoints, plus horizontal and backbone cables, pathways, faceplates/outlets, and termination hardware/assets.

Clear labeling and documentation in accordance with the standard allows end users, consultants, contractors, installers, administrators and others to know precisely what components exist in the system, where they are installed, and how they are connected. This information is invaluable when it comes time to upgrade, repair, replace, or move any voice or data equipment. Simply knowing which cable leads to what can avoid hours in downtime when repairs are required.

According to Meyer, "When a facility is built or a department is moved from one building to another, we have to build the communications space. The NetDoc product fits right in with that - helping us build the profile - from the horizontals, the faceplates, and the devices at the other end - it works great."

The CliniTech team uses NetDoc in conjunction with Visio software to create easy-to-read, visual diagrams of networks and floor plans that help them more effectively create and install datacomm systems.

"Visio works with NetDoc to help us create system floor plans and identify voice and data locations. This way, when we make a design change, the installing FSTs know exactly what goes where," Meyer said.

In addition to network documentation, the 606A standard calls for a standard labeling format that indicates the type, location, and purpose of all cables and endpoints, plus color-coding for faster and easier identification of all elements. To comply with the standard, all labels used should meet these requirements:

• Labels must be easily visible and readable
• Label materials must be resistant to the location's environmental conditions
• Labels must have a useful life equal or greater to the component being labeled
• Label printing must be done by a mechanical device and not handwritten

The CliniTech team uses the Brady IDXpert Handheld Labeler and self-laminating wire marking labels. The IDXpert printer is portable, so the FST and engineer in the field can create labels as needed during installation, and the Brady self-laminating labels wrap around themselves to protect the printed information from abrasion.

Used together, all of the elements of the labeling and documentation system have helped the CliniTech team to improve and build upon the IT infrastructure at all of the clinic locations they support.

"When we started, you walked into a closet and it was a spaghetti room. Over time, we started to clean up, reorganize, add new infrastructure - we wanted to build upon that," Meyer said. "What better way to inject reliability into your network than when your IT department has a good handle on what cable goes to what device. If there is downtime we can fix it quicker."

In addition to the integrated Brady software, printer, and labeling solution, CliniTech also takes advantage of Brady's Support Services. This allows the CliniTech team to stay current on any software updates, in addition to training and support for all the Brady products they use.

The CliniTech team found this especially helpful when they started using NetDoc, according to Meyer: "When there's an update to an application, they line us up with the latest and greatest, and as a resource for training - How do you do this or that? - they're right there, and that was really helpful in the beginning."  

For more information about Brady NetDoc® Network Documentation Cable Management Software, the Brady IDXpert^TM Handheld Labeler, Brady Self-Laminating Wire Marking Labels, or Brady Support Services, call 1- 888-250-3082 or go to www.bradyid.com.