From the December 2015 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
In cooperation with the hospital, general contractor and project managers of the OEM, they define rigging paths for MRs, CTs and other heavy equipment. These logistics experts have access to industry networks and can obtain the right crane equipment and experienced rigging crews, proper forklifts and even obtain the required city permits, all while maintaining a focus on the project schedule. During the installation process, they provide constant project updates to the appropriate parties and swiftly intervene if delays occur.
Outsourcing installation to a service and logistics company is not always the least expensive solution. However, the end result is almost always a safe and efficient installation with minimal interruption to a hospital’s normal operations — a key element in today’s “patient-focused” environment.
For a moment let’s also discuss how important the customer satisfaction or the customer’s experience is in the overall project. There is no magic formula for this, however, in a very competitive marketplace, the slightest differences between imaging vendors are highlighted by the customer, based on their positive or negative experiences. If it is an efficient and professionally-handled project, the stakeholders have less to worry about, and confirm that they have made the right equipment purchase decision. So what value do you put on excellent customer satisfaction? If the business goal is to secure repeat business or enhance the customer’s experience, then one has to make sure the very best logistics vendors are contracted to handle the job.
When it comes to de-installation and relocation of used medical equipment, including de-installation for resale, the experience gained by logistics companies that work with OEMs provides expertise that can help make even the most difficult de-installs go smoothly. In addition, they carry extensive insurance coverage that is compliant with market standards.
In many cases, the particular system and its components require special transportation devices and frames for de-installation, and specialized logistics companies will have these items. Far too often, extensive and costly damage occurs due to negligence and lack of experience with various systems, especially Biplane, CT or MR systems. One thing to remember when you are arranging to hire a deinstallation logistics company is ask your colleagues in your region for referrals. And start early. You don’t want to begin looking for a de-installer the same week you want the job done. Send plenty of photographs of the equipment and its location to prospective deinstallers so they can see what the job might entail. Get quotes from several companies, but don’t go by price alone — a lowball offer might be attractive but could cost you dearly in the end.
