Support
Awarepoint is dedicated to providing the best possible user experience. For detailed technical questions or assistance, please contact us at 1(888) 860-FIND (1-888-860-3463) or send an email to support@awarepoint.com
Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions about the Awarepoint solution.
Pricing | Installation | IT
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "Real-time Awareness Solution?"
Awarepoint’s Real-time Awareness Solution is a combination of technology and services that provide accurate, timely information about what is happening inside your facility at any given time. Enabling medical centers and healthcare facilities to map resources, monitor activity and measure performance to more effectively improve patient care and business processes - managers and users can see and analyze movement patterns and status of people and equipment. It can be used to improve patient safety, patient flow and clinical engineering while preventing “missing” equipment, reducing equipment rental expense and increasing equipment utilization. For more information, click here
Do I need this? I'm doing fine without it now.
It is often said that you can't manage what you can't measure. Knowledge is power, and without truly understanding what is happening inside your facility at any given time, it is difficult to identify and correct problems and take action to improve business processes. The industries most likely to benefit from the use of a Real-time Awareness Solution are those with large facilities that have an abundance of people and equipment with a high volume of interaction each day.
How does this relate to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)?
A Real-time Awareness Solution consists of several parts including data capture, user application software, alerts and reporting/management tools. RFID and RTLS are two of several technologies that can be used for data capture. The data capture layer is just a small part of the overall solution to help solve real problems and make better decisions. For more information, click here
What makes the Awarepoint solution unique?
The Awarepoint solution is easy to install because no hardwiring or additional access points are required, making installation simple and non-invasive. Furthermore, the dust-free installation does not require or interfere with existing wireless (WiFi) networks nor threaten the security and stability of current data networks. The combination of easy implementation and patented network compatibility allows Awarepoint to offer an elegant yet powerful solution which minimizes the impact on both IT and facilities. For more information, click here
What makes the Awarepoint technology unique?
The use of ultra-low power radio technology (IEEE standard 802.15.4) enables Awarepoint to provide a solution that is easy to install and offers an excellent balance of long battery life and frequent location updates. Employing this technology also makes Awarepoint Sensors inexpensive to deploy and they can retrofit easily into existing buildings. Most importantly, they co-exist with other hospital infrastructure technologies, such as LANs, WLANs (WiFi) and the growing variety of network-enabled and wireless medical equipment. For more information, click here
What does Awarepoint actually provide? Software, hardware, services?
Awarepoint provides a fully managed service to solve real hospital operational issues. Awarepoint provides the location technology, hardware, software application, data collection, reporting, 24/7/365 remote system monitoring, service and support. This allows hospital partners to have single vendor point of contact for any system issues and a vested strategic partner to support your business process initiatives, system expansions and system updates in a continually changing hospital environment.
What software is provided?
The Awarepoint software includes the patented Awarepoint engine for calculating the location of tags, managing historical data, generating alerts and reports, a web-based user application that can be accessed by any computer securely connected to the network, and a real-time status monitoring system that runs on an off-site server so Awarepoint can monitor and maintain the solution remotely.
What hardware is provided?
The hardware includes small battery powered Awarepoint Tags that can be attached to equipment or worn by people, wireless Sensors that communicate with the Tags, Bridges that can be placed in network closets and other convenient locations and an Appliance that includes the Awarepoint engine with user applications. Awarepoint also provides touchscreens, any training or in-services necessary for all departments
How do I search for a person or a piece of equipment?
Hospital staff can use any network-connected device to search for a particular piece of equipment or person by using Searchpoint. Simply open the Awarepoint browser on any hospital desktop computer, the Awarepoint touch screen, a cell phone or PDA and you are just one click away from finding the item or person you wish to locate (no client software is required).
Can I search for a particular person or by equipment make or model?
Yes. The Awarepoint Tag has a unique identifier that is securely associated with the person or equipment to which it is attached. An advanced search option also allows search by specific location (floor, area, room) or unique asset identifier (department owner, type, manufacturer, model number, asset control number or EIN).
How often is location information updated?
The system detects movement so the location of the tagged person or asset can be updated in real-time.
Does the Awarepoint solution time-stamp movement?
Yes. Every location update is time-stamped and stored in the Awarepoint analytics engine, Infopoint. To register for an Infopoint demonstration, click here
How can the Tag be worn by a person
Small, battery-powered Tags (less than 1.5” squared) are securely attached to equipment. Patient and staff Tags can be attached via belt clip, lanyards, badges, or ID bracelets.
How does the tag attach to equipment?
Tags can be attached with tamper resistant contact strips, screws or non-conductive plastic straps. A tamper resistant mechanism can be used to send alerts on removal.
How long do the Tags last?
The Awarepoint Tag has a guaranteed three year active life, although the expected life span is nearly 10 years.
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Pricing Questions
How is the Awarepoint solution priced?
Because of Awarepoint's simple method of installation, we can offer a variety of payments structures, such as month-to-month rental, so you can experience the value of Awarepoint solutions without a large capital purchase or long-term commitment:
- Inclusive 24/7/365 Fully Managed Service
- Entire Health Center Facility Coverage
- No Up Front Costs
- No Hardware Costs
- Per Asset Service Fee Per Month … Period!
To generate a value calculator for your specific hospital, please contact us.
What is the cost to add another user application license?
Awarepoint provides a site-license for unlimited users at no additional cost.
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Installation Questions
How long does installation take?
The Awarepoint solution can be installed in most facilities in days, not weeks or months. For more information, click here
Who does the installation?
Awarepoint or one of the Awarepoint Partners performs the installation.
Is installation disruptive to daily operations?
No. The facility does not need to close or limit access to any part of the facility during the installation. Recognizing the complexity of installation in the hospital environment, our patented rapid-impact implementation model provides wireless Sensors that simply plug into electrical outlets to form the self-healing Awarenet wireless mesh network - ensuring no disruption to your daily hospital operations.
Is any construction or hardwiring required?
No. Wireless Sensors require no additional infrastructure. Awarepoint Bridges plug into Ethernet ports, typically one per floor. The Sensors form the Awarenet wireless mesh network so Bridge placement is very flexible.
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IT Questions
What are the facility's IT responsibilities?
The facility IT requirements are minimal and consist of the following items: one rack space in the server room with ethernet, power and internet access, one ethernet port per Bridge and an IP address for the Appliance (static) and Bridges (DHCP).
Who maintains the Appliance?
Awarepoint maintains the Appliance at no additional cost.
Who monitors the Awarepoint solution?
Awarepoint constantly monitors its system remotely form the Network Operation Center and provides 24/7/365 full service & support, including backup and recovery.
Does Awarepoint interfere with 802.11 (WiFi)?
No. The Awarepoint solution forms an independent network that operates on an IEEE standard 802.15.4. communication protocol. The radio frequency does not overlap with WiFi. White papers on compatibility between 802.15.4 and other wireless equipment such as 802.11/Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cordless phones are available upon request. For more information, contact us
How much bandwidth does Awarepoint use?
No more than 1 Mbps at the server, which is negligible.
Can Awarepoint integrate with other software applications?
The Awarepoint Appliance supports many XML Web Services Application Programming Interfaces (API) or by simple import/export configuration, thus allowing any application to become “location aware.” These interfaces can provide access to all asset attributes, including current and historical locations, as well as information about the covered facility. Hospital inventory systems, bed management systems, billing systems, and many others can be augmented and enriched through real-time location information. For more information, click here
Are there network security risks?
No. The Awarepoint solution operates on its own patented mesh network and is a standalone system, there are no security concerns relating to HIPAA regulations and standards. Tags and Sensors are the only wireless clients allowed on the network and they have limited communication capabilities. The only data transferred is proprietary to the Awarepoint system.
