By Joseph Gucciardi, MS, CCE

At the 2025 AAMI eXchange in New Orleans, I co-presented a session titled “From Reactive to Proactive: Enhancing Medical Device Safety in the CMMS,” a topic that strikes a nerve with HTM professionals facing increased expectations—from faster repairs and tighter compliance to a stronger role in patient safety. 

Our goal was to show how the CMMS can become more than a logbook for work orders. With the right workflow design, it can be a proactive tool for managing clinical risk.

Why Now?

Healthcare organizations are under mounting pressure: aging medical devices, staffing shortages, cybersecurity threats, and increased regulatory oversight. HTM teams are expected to do more with less—and ensure that medical equipment is not only functional but also safe, documented, and ready to support care.

Yet most CMMS tools still rely on basic intake fields and reactive workflows. Tickets often lack context. Safety issues go unnoticed until audits—or worse, until patient care is delayed. HTM teams know the data is there, but they haven’t had the tools to act on it.

A New Approach to CMMS Design

The session introduced a patient safety–oriented redesign of CMMS workflows. While the examples are based on recent implementation experiences, the strategies discussed aren’t vendor-specific; they’re grounded in concepts any HTM team can begin applying.

We focus on five key areas:

1. Structured Intake: Forms and digital tools can be designed to capture clinical impact upfront. Questions like “Was patient care delayed?” or “Is the device currently in use?” help flag potential safety risks at the point of intake.
2. Risk-Based Triage and Assignment: Instead of triaging by ticket order, workflows can use device attributes, service history, and clinical location to assign and escalate based on risk. Predictive models and rules-based logic can enhance this approach.
3. Dashboards that Surface Safety Issues: Dashboards can highlight unresolved work on high-risk devices, show Service Level Agreement breaches, and spot recurring safety-related patterns. These aren’t just metrics—they’re conversation starters for compliance reviews, department meetings, and capital planning.
4. Integrations with Other Systems: Tying the CMMS to cybersecurity tools, incident reporting platforms, and recall management systems closes the loop. When device-related risks are flagged in multiple systems, HTM can respond faster and document the full picture.
5. Patient Safety as a Workflow Outcome: Medical device safety isn’t just about preventing downtime. It’s about embedding safety logic into how work orders are created, prioritized, routed, and resolved.

Practical Takeaways for Any HTM Team

Any HTM department can begin shifting its CMMS toward safety outcomes by: 

• Adding structured intake questions related to patient care impact 
• Using existing asset fields (location, criticality) to guide routing 
• Creating dashboards that highlight unresolved issues tied to high-risk devices 
• Collaborating with risk management, cybersecurity, and informatics teams to share data

These small changes lay the groundwork for a more proactive CMMS—one that not only tracks what’s broken but also helps prevent the next issue from happening at all.

The Road Ahead

As HTM takes on a larger role in clinical safety, our systems must evolve with us. Whether you’re customizing an existing CMMS or exploring new platforms, think beyond the next PM schedule. Ask how your data, workflows, and reporting can help your team surface and act on safety risks—before they reach the bedside.

Author Bio: Joseph Gucciardi, MS, CCE, is a business process consultant with Optimum Healthcare IT and a certified clinical engineer. He previously served as a senior regional clinical engineer with the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Disclosures: The author consults on healthcare workflow design and implementation. This article reflects general principles and does not promote any specific product or platform.

ID 113077722 © Dreammasterphotographer | Dreamstime.com

Related Read:

This guide compares several CMMS currently available to HTM teams, highlighting key aspects such as implementation time, training formats, security features, and pricing structures. HTM teams can use this guide to assess which systems align with their operational needs.

EQ2 HEMS by TMA Systems – HEMS (Hospital Equipment Management System)

TruAsset – TruAsset

FSI – FSI

MediMizer Software – MediMizer Software

MediMizer Software – iRequestManager

Renovo Solutions – RENOVOLive

Phoenix Data Systems, Inc – AIMS 3

Brightly Software – TheWorxHub

Last updated June 2025.

Information for this guide is based on data submitted by CMMS marketers. 24×7 strives for accuracy in all data but cannot be held responsible for claims made by marketers. All CMMS marketers get one listing at no charge. Advertisers are offered multiple listings. All CMMS platforms may not be included. Email editor@24x7mag.com to be considered for the next update.

FSI, a provider of healthcare CMMS, announced the launch of FSI Inbox, a new mobile app built on top of its application, CMS. Inbox is designed to offer a simplified mobile experience focused on helping technicians boost productivity related to work order completion.

As FSI explains, changing dynamics in the healthcare workforce require a focus on building software tools that meet users within their requirements and drive efficiencies. The combination of an aging workforce and an influx of newer tech-savvy technicians mean that software tools need to accommodate both sets of users. In addition, these tools must help hospitals mitigate broader challenges like budget cuts and resource constraints by providing technology solutions that drive efficiency. 

“Technicians seek a faster, easier way to complete their work orders,” says Chris Lang, vice president of product and strategy at FSI, in a release. “FSI Inbox focuses on delivering an experience similar to checking one’s email—giving technicians an opportunity to get in and get out so they can focus their time on doing the work they need to get completed.” 

FSI Inbox serves as a companion app to Tech, FSI’s mobile application that provides full-service access to FSI’s CMMS. Upon logging into FSI Inbox, users see an email-like interface which gives them an option to sort work orders in a way that supports how they manage their day. With minimal clicks, users can complete work orders, log time, and add any additional notes in seconds. 

“Our customers often have less resources, which means they need to find opportunities to be more efficient,” says Shawn Hewitt, senior product manager at FSI, in a release. “And in doing less with less, our application needs to meet them at a place where they can focus on the work—meaning, using software that has fewer clicks, less time training, and more time doing. That was our goal in building FSI Inbox.”  

FSI Inbox in Action

In the months leading up to the release of Inbox, the FSI team met with several current customers as part of an Early Adopter Program. The FSI product team utilized feedback to develop the final product, ensuring an easy-to-use tool that checked the boxes for technicians in the field.

“Inbox is FSI’s next step in simplifying the work order flow process for technicians, providing for faster data entry by the field technician while maintaining data integrity for leadership evaluation of KPI’s and benchmarking metrics,” says Paul Kitzmiller, facilities system analyst at Penn State Health, in a release. 

Hewitt adds, “At the end of the day, it’s about much more than simplifying the interface; it’s about empowering technicians to focus on the work itself, not managing the software.”

FSI Inbox is now available for free to all FSI customers on the Apple iOS and Android App stores. 

Photo caption: FSI Inbox

Photo credit: FSI

TMA Systems, specializing in enterprise asset and maintenance management software, today announced the acquisition of EQ2, a provider of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) tailored specifically for healthcare organizations to manage their clinical assets and facility equipment. 

The acquisition combines the two companies to expand technology and solutions that support operational efficiency, compliance, and safety in healthcare facilities worldwide.

The combination of TMA Systems’ enterprise asset management platform with EQ2’s healthcare-focused HEMS platform will introduce new capabilities for how hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities manage their assets, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.

“We are thrilled to welcome EQ2 into the TMA Systems family,” says Mark Simner, CEO of TMA Systems, in a release. “With EQ2’s deep expertise in clinical equipment management and our cutting-edge EAM and CMMS technology, we are poised to set a new industry standard for facility management in hospitals and medical institutions. This acquisition underscores our commitment to providing our clients with the most advanced and reliable solutions available.”

EQ2’s flagship platform, HEMS, has been trusted by leading healthcare organizations to streamline operations, improve patient safety, and ensure regulatory compliance. By integrating EQ2’s clinical engineering capabilities with TMA Systems’ advanced asset and maintenance management technology, customers will benefit from a suite of solutions designed to optimize performance, reduce costs, and enhance patient care.

“Joining forces with TMA Systems represents a powerful opportunity to expand our impact in the healthcare sector,” says Navneet Agarwal, general manager and chief technology officer of EQ2, in a release. “Our shared commitment to innovation and customer success makes this partnership a natural fit, and we look forward to delivering even greater value to our clients.”

EQ2 represents TMA’s fifth acquisition since 2021. 

Photo credit: EQ2

Further Reading for You:

Healthcare CMMS provider FSI announced the hiring of Suzanne Rahall as director of sales to support the company’s growing user base of hospital facilities across the United States. 

Rahall joins FSI with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare space, most recently as the industry director, healthcare at Johnson Controls. Previously, Rahall was responsible for growing the healthcare vertical with a portfolio of solutions that ensured safe, secure, efficient, and compliant facilities. 

“FSI predominantly serves healthcare, which allows us the privilege of focus. I am looking forward to helping our customers realize their missions and visions and working with the people who make the buildings work as part of the care team that contributes to the overall health of communities,” says Suzanne Rahall, director of sales at FSI, in a release. “It’s about providing the services that people have come to expect and making all the systems required to do so disappear into the background—magically working without interruption.”

Rahall will work collaboratively to create strategies that expand product and service penetration to help health systems achieve better outcomes for their facilities, patients, and staff. 

“Investing in our sales leadership ensures our expanding customer base is set up for success,” says Joe Zimmer, vice president of revenue at FSI, in a release. “Suzanne and her team work towards a shared goal of helping facilities and HTM professionals use our suite of CMMS solutions to help them achieve their compliance and management goals.”

In an evolving industry, more healthcare systems are adopting newer technologies to streamline operations and more effectively care for patients. FSI prioritizes staying dialed into customers’ evolving needs, developing their CMMS to grow alongside users and enable a seamless workflow experience.

Summary:

FSI, a healthcare CMMS provider, has appointed Suzanne Rahall as director of sales to support its expanding hospital facilities user base across the U.S. Rahall brings over 25 years of healthcare industry experience, including her previous role at Johnson Controls, where she focused on optimizing healthcare facility operations. In her new role, she will work to expand FSI’s product and service reach, helping health systems enhance compliance, efficiency, and management of critical hospital infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

• FSI Expands Leadership Team – Suzanne Rahall joins as director of sales to support the company’s growing presence in hospital facility management.
• Industry Expertise – Rahall brings decades of experience in healthcare facility solutions, previously leading healthcare initiatives at Johnson Controls.
• Focus on CMMS Growth – FSI continues to enhance its CMMS solutions to meet evolving healthcare facility needs, ensuring seamless operations and compliance.

ID 359006193 © Iryna Kushnarova | Dreamstime.com

24×7: How does your CMMS ensure seamless integration with other critical healthcare systems, such as cybersecurity platforms, real-time location systems (RTLS), and enterprise resource planning tools?

Gresch: AIMS 3 facilitates smooth integration with essential healthcare systems by providing a comprehensive audit trail to track actions and ensure compliance. AIMS 3 offers customizable notifications and alerts for real-time updates, along with a wide range of reports. The system’s unique automation feature, tailored workflows, and secure connections with ERP tools as well as RTLS, and cybersecurity systems support efficient, secure interoperability across healthcare networks. Phoenix collaborates with our customers to determine the best strategies for streamlining operations, saving time and labor dollars, and enhancing patient safety.

Lang: FSI prioritizes seamless integrations with other solution providers as a key pillar of operational efficiency for CMMS users. Customers can access FSI’s public API to create their own integrations – like the rounding integrations that have been created with Veoci and Sentact—or leverage out-of-the-box integrations with FSI partners. Currently, FSI offers seamless integration with PartsSource for sourcing and ordering materials, Fluke Biomedical OneQA for device testing, and Cynerio for device security workflows, with more in development. Plus, integrated RTLS with FSI’s View tool keeps asset locations accurate and visible in real time on dynamic digital floor plans.

Sable: EQ2 integrates with each of those types of applications as well as many other types. Most integrations use an EQ2 developed Application Programming Interface that enable a bidirectional interface for a robust experience. With the bidirectional interface, our HEMS One CMMS can push data to the external application and can receive real-time data from the external application such as security risks on specific devices and networking information, asset locations, or parts and price information. Essentially, EQ2’s HEMS One CMMS becomes the client’s asset management hub which collects and distributes data and can perform actionable events such as work order creation or email notification.

Moser: TruAsset seamlessly integrates with various cybersecurity platforms, enabling alerts to flow directly into the system. This allows technicians to efficiently open work orders to document necessary actions or dismiss alerts that are not applicable. Additionally, our RTLS data is stored at the asset level and updated dynamically through bi-directional integration. TruAsset also offers integrations with a range of other platforms, including test equipment automation, FDA recall systems, service request programs (though we also provide our own ticketing system), and a comprehensive document database.

RELATED: HTM Expert Roundtable: The Issues Driving HTM in 2024

24×7: How customizable is your CMMS to accommodate the unique workflows and priorities of HTM departments across various healthcare facilities?

Lang: FSI’s CMMS offers customization capabilities for the flexibility that HTM teams need. Users can build custom reports and dashboards, create custom default inputs, and set up standard naming conventions to keep data organized and clean. One of the latest additions to the platform is the ability to configure custom CMMS workflow automations with the Flow tool, allowing teams to set up automations that address their unique needs, supporting data integrity and adding efficiency where they need it most. Additionally, FSI offers ongoing customer support from in-house experts for personalized help identifying how to make the most of the platform in alignment with existing operations.

Sable: HEMS One is very customizable. For example as part of the CMMS implementation process, the EQ2 implementation team works with the HTM department to design workflows and management of regulatory compliance to ensure that both are able to be executed in the most optimal manner possible on a daily basis.

Even within a large healthcare system, it’s possible to have different workflows, work order priorities, or PM scheduling, especially when the healthcare system is across different states or regions that have different regulatory requirements. So customization is possible to accommodate those differences or to harmonize the work order priorities, PM scheduling, and PM procedures across the enterprise.

Gresch: AIMS 3 is highly customizable to align with the specific workflows and priorities of an HTM department. AIMS 3 provides automation to simplify repetitive processes, custom forms designed for particular workflows, and filtering options at both group and individual levels to ensure users only see the information that is relevant to their roles.

Moser: TruAsset offers a wide range of customizable settings and views across all areas of the platform, including notable features like the dashboard, workflow view screens, and service request module. As a TruAsset client, you’ll have access to a dedicated service and support team to assist with the setup and customization of your desired workflows. Additionally, this team is available to help with any modifications or process adjustments you may want to make at any time after the initial setup.

24×7: What specific cybersecurity features or partnerships does your CMMS offer to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in connected medical devices?

Sable: HEMS One provides HTM professionals with the ability to store IT information for each asset along with defining a network risk profile for equipment models. HEMS integrates with cybersecurity solutions via an Application Program Interface for cybersecurity vendors such as Armis, Asimily, Cynerio, Medigate, and Ordr. These interfaces can automatically populate the IT fields in the system and workflow rules can be established to create work orders for affected devices or send email notifications to the proper personnel.

HEMS One can filter inventory based on any of the IT fields should your security information officer question a device’s ownership when malicious activity is detected on the hospital network. Additionally, the HEMS One ECRI interface can select inventory affected by a cybersecurity risk.

Lang: FSI’s CMMS partners with Cynerio to streamline device security workflows. This integration automatically creates a work order when vulnerabilities are detected in devices connected to the network.  FSI has also built integrations with Asimily to streamline monitoring of connected assets and save our customers time.

Gresch: AIMS 3 integrates with cybersecurity platforms like Medigate, Asimily, Zingbox (Palo Alto Networks), and others to improve the visibility of medical device data. These integrations automatically update missing information, deliver real-time alerts, and generate work orders to address cybersecurity risks, enabling rapid mitigation of vulnerabilities in connected devices.

Moser: Currently, TruAsset integrates with Asimily, Palo Alto Networks, and Claroty (formerly Medigate). We are expanding this listing as client requests dictate.

24×7: Does your CMMS provide offline capabilities and mobile-first solutions to enhance the productivity of biomeds working in the field or remote locations?

Lang: FSI’s product suite is cloud-based for core access, however, we also offer a dedicated mobile-first solution that does function both on and offline to access and utilize the CMMS while in the field. FSI will also be launching a streamlined mobile app in 2025 for a straightforward on-the-go CMMS experience.

Gresch: AIMS Mobile is designed for offline use, enabling users to access and update information when in the field or remote locations without requiring a continuous internet connection.

Sable: EQ2 created the HEMS Remote mobile offline Android/iOS application for technicians working in the field or remote, non-networked, locations. When in areas without connectivity, technicians can work in offline mode with all work order information, updating each work order as they go, and then sync back to the main system later once online again with those updates.

HEMS Remote is optimized for both 2D and QR barcode operation where technicians can scan the equipment and retrieve the work order and they can find/edit/update existing work orders and create on-demand work orders. Additionally, HEMS Remote can be used to add new inventory into the HEMS One CMMS along with automated workflow to create the incoming inspection work order. And if the technician is in Wi-Fi range, reports and equipment history can be retrieved on the smartphone or tablet in the field.

Moser: TruAsset is a web-based platform that operates on any device with an internet connection. While an offline version is not currently available, data can be exported from TruAsset for use in situations where an internet connection is temporarily unavailable. As technology advances, internet connectivity is becoming more reliable and widespread, making this limitation increasingly rare. The advantage of working online is the ability to access updated information in real time.

24×7: What is your approach to ensuring a smooth implementation process, and what ongoing support and training do you offer to HTM professionals after deployment?

Moser: TruAsset is committed to providing a smooth and convenient onboarding experience for its clients. We offer various methods for data import, setup, and training, all tailored to ensure a seamless transition. Our goal is to minimize downtime, enabling clients to move from their previous system to TruAsset efficiently. In many cases, clients can close their old application on a Friday and begin using TruAsset, complete with fresh user training, by midday Monday. The onboarding process is then customized to align with the client’s specific needs, timelines, and feature requirements.

Lang: FSI prioritizes thorough implementations and ongoing support whenever it is needed. Implementations are conducted in-house with teams focused solely on the needs of healthcare teams, backed by the expertise of staff with hands-on biomed backgrounds who know what HTM departments need for success. FSI customers can leverage assistance from our dedicated Customer Support and Customer Success teams, monthly training webinars, and includes direct in-app training and documentation for learning more about the platform or refining existing skills.

Sable: EQ2 has 100%-U.S. based support and implementation teams and uses a phased approach to the implementation process to ensure a smooth transition from the prior CMMS to HEMS One. In the assessment phase, EQ2 and the HTM professionals discuss the critical information regarding regulatory compliance, reporting needs, nomenclature, workflows, and scheduling to name a few processes.

Additionally, HTM presents their intended desires for HEMS One along with all integrations with other information systems. Essentially, communication between HTM professionals and the EQ2 implementation team is the key in the assessment phase which allows EQ2 to build a mutually agreed upon project roadmap to meet the requirements set out by the HTM professionals. 

The training requirements are also discussed in the assessment phase, and EQ2 performs staff training in the test environment, so managers and technicians can use a system with their data. Each training session focuses on the tasks developed in the assessment phase for each group of workers. Afterward, EQ2 will conduct a follow-up training session for the groups after the implementation and after the users have started using HEMS One. Finally, EQ2 addresses training issues as part of their support, so the HTM professionals can always reach out for clarification or direction with program usage.

After implementation, support for the product is provided by our US based team via email, phone, video conference, screenshare, etc, depending on the particular support request/need.

Gresch: Phoenix ensures a smooth implementation process by providing in-house project managers from the Phoenix team, all of whom have extensive industry implementation experience. They assist with workflow processes and data conversion. We conduct a current state assessment before implementation and take a consultative approach, applying industry best practices. Our customer support is industry-leading, and we offer tailored training before, during, and after implementation, customized to the specific roles and needs of HTM professionals.

24×7: How does your CMMS assist in meeting evolving healthcare regulatory requirements, including tracking compliance metrics and preparing for audits and inspections?

Gresch: Phoenix is committed to staying up-to-date with evolving healthcare regulatory requirements by tracking the latest updates, participating in compliance-focused forums and industry events, and sharing best practices with customers. AIMS 3 helps track compliance metrics, provides tools for audit and inspection preparation, and offers dedicated support during these processes. Additionally, Phoenix’s VP of HTM Consulting leads several sessions each year through AAMI’s Expert Insights program, titled “Mastering HTM Accreditation Compliance: Stress Less, Achieve More,” where proven methods for using CMMS to achieve compliance are shared.

Lang: As a healthcare-centric CMMS, FSI understands the role regulatory compliance plays in biomed operations and the challenges it can present. One of the tools that all FSI customers can use are the dedicated compliance reporting within the CMMS, eBinders. These dashboards display each element of compliance along with visual indicators to monitor their status and stay inspection ready. For an added level of ease for compliance, the eBinders solution offers organized, searchable digital binders with the ability to quickly print reports with exactly what surveyors need—no need to spend time sifting through bulky physical documentation.

Sable: EQ2 is a member of AAMI, and regularly attends AAMI and other HTM conferences and webinars where our team keeps up on the latest requirements for regulatory compliance. HEMS One can be configured to meet each health system’s regulatory requirements for alternative equipment management or manufacturer-recommended procedures along with the required preventive maintenance intervals.

With the rules configured in the CMMS, the regulatory report and dashboards track the department’s compliance with the dashboards providing a real-time view as regulatory work orders are being completed. Using dashboards and accompanying reports, the HTM professional can easily demonstrate their adherence to the regulations along with the ability to present the schedules or AEM versus OEM inventory. HEMS One can also create PDF books to present completed work orders for a single department, especially for [College of American Pathologists] inspections.

Moser: We provide a variety of setup options within our CMMS to accommodate different levels of data, offering the flexibility needed to meet compliance requirements for regulatory agencies such as Joint Commission, DNV, CMS, and state accrediting bodies. The system can be configured to generate specific alerts, such as for CNL issues or consecutive back-to-back repairs. Additionally, certain functionalities can be automated to align with the client’s established procedures. A customizable dashboard allows each user to monitor KPIs relevant to their role, while automatic system notifications support goals related to service response times, parts inventory management, and technician PO requests.

24×7: What role is AI playing in CMMS both now and into the future?

Sable: AI is gaining attention with HTM professionals and database administrators, and EQ2 is listening to their needs and actively developing AI into HEMS One. Natural Language Processing (NLP) will make interacting and using HEMS One more user-friendly by interacting with the CMMS via voice or text. NLP will assist HTM professionals with report generation or with the HELP system.

Moving into the future, AI will be able to assist with identifying trends in preventive maintenance readings or creating schedules based on service history. Additionally, AI can optimize spare parts inventory management and predictive maintenance, so a medical device can be serviced before failing. AI will continue to play a role in CMMS moving into the future, and EQ2 will continue to enhance our use of AI in HEMS One.

Lang: FSI is currently developing AI capabilities, and as with all of our product and development efforts are doing so in collaboration with our customers. We see AI playing an integral role in accessing, evaluating, and reporting on asset performance as well as team productivity now and in the future. Additionally, we envision AI playing a major role in revolutionizing workflows and ushering in a new era of intelligent solutions which will lead to remarkable customer experiences and contribute to our partners’ continued success.

Gresch: Phoenix understands the growing importance of AI in CMMS, utilizing it for predictive maintenance, advanced analytics, and analyzing historical repair data to optimize workflows and enhance decision-making. We anticipate that AI will increasingly contribute to notifying users about equipment location, availability, and utilization. It will also provide recommended solutions for equipment failures and offer easy access to remote technical experts—all seamlessly integrated into your CMMS.

Moser: AI implementations could encompass various applications, such as predictive maintenance, automated workflows, duplicate reduction, compliance monitoring, and data-driven insights. Even straightforward solutions, like minimizing duplicate vendors and manufacturers, can significantly reduce administrative burdens. This allows for more time spent working on equipment and less time tied to a computer.

Key Takeaways

• Streamlined Workflow and Increased Efficiency: The integration of OneQA with EQ2’s HEMS automates the flow of information, reducing manual data entry, and enhancing operational efficiency for healthcare technology management professionals.
• Enhanced Accuracy and Standardization: OneQA standardizes test procedures and eliminates human error in manual data entry, ensuring consistent and reliable data across systems, while embedding supporting documentation directly into the procedures.
• Improved Compliance and Security: The integration provides a consolidated platform for managing compliance-related activities and ensures data security using AWS and Microsoft Azure, protecting sensitive healthcare information.

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EQ2, a provider of CMMS solutions for healthcare, and Fluke Biomedical announced their latest integration to optimize access to medical device test data by HTM professionals performing their daily duties. The integration is part of a long-standing relationship between the two companies

The integration will be on display through demonstrations at the EQ2 booth #737 during the 2024 AAMI Exchange event in Phoenix from June 14-16.

HEMS Integration with OneQA

Fluke Biomedical’s Ansur and medTester have integrated with EQ2’s HEMS for years. The addition of OneQA, a biomedical equipment quality assurance platform, brings these new benefits through workflow automation:

• Streamlined Workflow: Integration automates the flow of information between the CMMS and OneQA, reducing manual data entry and increasing operational efficiency.
• Standardized Test Procedures: Using OneQA, test procedures can be standardized, allowing for supporting documentation (pictures, notes, tips, tricks) to be embedded into procedures, standardizing work performed and knowledge. Administrator changes are automatically sent out to the entire team, ensuring all HTM members are following the correct workflow.
• Enhanced Accuracy: Eliminates human error from manual entry of test values from biomedical testing instruments, ensuring data across systems is consistent and reliable.
• Time Savings: Manual test documentation is eliminated from relying on tactics like Word, PDF, a written notebook, etc.), saving precious time.
• Real-Time Data Access: With immediate access to the latest data, it allows for quicker decision-making and improved workflow times.
• Increased Productivity: Automates routine tasks providing staff more time in their day to focus on more critical aspects of their job. 
• Enhanced Compliance:  Provides a consolidated platform for managing all compliance-related activities, including test equipment calibration dates and electrical safety standards.
• Cost Savings: By automating workflows and eliminating manual data entry, labor costs and the potential for expensive errors or redundant work are reduced.Customizable Reports: Advanced reporting capabilities can be customized to meet the specific needs of each individual healthcare facility.
• Enhanced Security: Provides data security measures to protect sensitive healthcare information using AWS on the OneQA side and Microsoft Azure on the EQ2 HEMS side.

EQ2 HEMS CMMS Software

The EQ2 HEMS CMMS software was developed for and is sold exclusively to hospitals for managing their medical and facility assets. HEMS is available as a SaaS subscription service or for license installs on hospital-owned servers. HEMS is a CMMS product for HTM/biomed, facilities, EVS, and IT departments.

Key Takeaways:

• The integration with Equiptrack allows TruAsset clients to manage FDA recalls efficiently, ensuring timely action on relevant asset inventory issues.
• TruAsset’s CMMS solution centralizes maintenance management, offering accessible asset data across devices to support independent service organizations, HTM, and plant operations/maintenance teams.

TruAsset announces an integration with Equiptrack to improve U.S. FDA recall processing and streamline patient safety processes.

Enhanced Efficiency with Equiptrack through TruAsset

Equiptrack integration will allow clients to receive notifications for FDA recalls within the CMMS and open work orders to address the recalls that are relevant to their asset inventory. The integration aims to help clients remain on top of patient safety and efficiency.

Equiptrack features FDA Recall data and maintenance reports for buyers and resellers of used medical equipment. Equiptrack is an equipment buyer-focused medical equipment maintenance report database available with Equiptrack Reports, online medical equipment store apps, and FDA Recall API services.

TruAsset CMMS Solution

TruAsset is a CMMS solution designed for independent service organizations, healthcare technology management, and plant operations/maintenance teams, centralizing maintenance management and providing access to asset data via computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.

“We can confidently say this was our most successful User Conference yet,” said Zachary Seely, CEO of FSI. “This year’s agenda offered something valuable for every healthcare system professional – both for facilities and HTM departments. Our customers really value the opportunity to come together in person and forge connections with their peers from all over the country.”

The User Conference agenda featured a variety of educational sessions, beginning with a keynote address by Lindsey Brackett, chief empower officer of Legacy FM on the topic of retaining and mentoring talent.

Additional sessions were delivered by FSI staff, industry experts, and FSI customers and included:

• Building a Successful Mobile Device Program
• Capital Planning & The Uniformat Model
• Emergency Management
• Utilizing Data for Productivity and Staffing

“The User Conference is a unique opportunity for us to hear from our customers directly, ensure they are set up for long term success, and provide them resources moving forward,” said Claire Salinas, director of ​customer success at FSI. “We heard from many attendees that this year’s agenda delivered valuable insights that appealed to the widest range of our user base.”

The conference also featured pre-conference sessions held before the official start of the conference. These additional sessions include an all-day bootcamp for an in-depth look at tips and tricks for both new users and those looking for a refresh, a life safety workshop, and data and analytics training.

In addition to educational sessions, the conference awarded the first-ever FSI Customer MVP Awards across four categories and featured a dinner cruise for all attendees.

By Alan Gresch

Every year, 24×7 publishes a CMMS Roundtable, wherein representatives from various healthcare CMMS providers discuss important aspects and attributes of a CMMS for HTM. They are always well thought out and provide readers with valuable information regarding the things one should be looking for in a CMMS. There are also opportunities for each of the contributors to hold up the things that may differentiate their product from the others. They talk about integrations to cybersecurity platforms, RTLS solutions, ERP systems, and IoT devices. There is often discussion around the importance of mobility for easier use and increased productivity, a myriad of reporting and dashboarding capabilities, and the virtues of a cloud-based SaaS solution vs. an on-prem solution.

Certainly, all these features are important but they are something that any CMMS provider in this industry can provide. While the features and functionality of a CMMS will help you achieve the core requirements of regulatory compliance and likely include tools to enhance efficiency, will they drive significant change to your business to increase the value and recognition of your department within the organization you serve?

Many years ago, I created the HTM/HFM Maturity Curve to show the steps to take you from being a basic PM/break-fix department to one that is engaged in total lifecycle management of equipment. As you move up the curve, you will increase the value and recognition within your organization, along with your operational effectiveness.

Step 1 involves creating a clean and consistent data structure, along with a mechanism to keep your data clean and consistent. There’s an old adage that you can’t improve what you can’t measure. Without ensuring that all the devices in your database follow a standards-based nomenclature relative to the manufacturer, model, and device category, as well as a consistent and well-defined set of work order codes, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to move any further up the curve.

This step also means ensuring that your staff documents everything they do so you can identify and reduce wasted time. The failure of almost all CMMSs comes from the failure to implement this first step. Garbage in, garbage out. Does your CMMS partner provide the ability to clean and normalize your data, equip you with a proven methodology to keep it clean, and offer mechanisms for ensuring accountability for complete and accurate documentation?

Step 2 is about centralizing and standardizing all your processes, policies, and procedures. Once you’ve reached the point where everything means the same thing, you ensure that everyone is doing the same thing. This step gives you all the information you need to benchmark internally and identify opportunities for improvement. Does your CMMS partner have the deep HTM or HFM experience, background knowledge, and software capability to help you centralize and standardize your workflows and processes and hold your staff accountable for following them?

When you have the data from completing Steps 1 and 2, Step 3 allows you to develop a set of meaningful KPIs. These are target metrics you track and report throughout the year, and they extend well beyond the information contained in a typical EOC Report. They will include things like cost savings and cost avoidance, cost of service ratio (overall, by department, by technician, and by modality), response times, turnaround times, uptime, and staff productivity.

I would even go so far as to say that you should publish these to your customers in the form of committed service level agreements (SLAs) so they know what to expect and that you are constantly working to improve your levels of service to them. Can your CMMS partner help you develop and track these metrics and show where you stand compared to the rest of the industry?

Step 4 is about intentionally raising your visibility and accountability within the organization. You are no longer hiding out in the basement. Instead, you are letting your clinical and administrative leadership know that you are going to do everything in your power to provide the best level of service at the lowest possible cost. This means you will take on anything relative to optimally managing your fleet of equipment throughout its lifecycle, including capital replacement planning (leveraging objective data from your CMMS) and getting the most out of your equipment at the end of its lifecycle through sale or redistribution. Taking this step will give organizational leaders the confidence that you are committed to minimizing cost and maximizing equipment availability.

Does your CMMS partner walk that journey with you? Do they understand what it will take to get you there and work with you to provide whatever integrations, interfaces, or reporting you will need to achieve that end? Do they consult with you to assess your current state operations and provide recommendations for cost savings, time savings, and overall process improvements?

Lastly, Step 5 is about driving your customer’s satisfaction to the highest level possible. The two most important metrics in our business are the cost-of-service ratio and customer satisfaction. If you direct every aspect of your business to nail those two, everything else takes care of itself. Does your CMMS partner have the background knowledge and expertise to help you devise a process workflow that keeps customers apprised of equipment status? Can they help you design and implement regular customer satisfaction surveys that will drive improvements in the service you deliver to your customers?

I keep referring to CMMS providers as “CMMS partners,” and that is what they should be. In my time working as a system director of clinical engineering in a large IDN and as vice president of capital equipment services in another, I would always strive to do business with people who were as invested in my success as I was. Yes, I had the drive and determination to make us the best we could possibly be, but the right partners made it a lot easier for us to achieve our end goal.

Alan Gresch is VP of HTM Consulting at Phoenix Data Systems.