Computer systems

Re: Computer systems

Bob Russell — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:15:41 GMT

I agree. I think it is taking the p**s to charge support and then charge you when things go wrong. Support was far from cheap anyway.

We have very elderly Dell computers built like tanks. You can buy them for a few quid on ebay and get a local friendly computer engineer to upgrade the RAM and hard disk. We have had one of these running in our operating theatre for a couple of years without a problem.

I would only suggest this option if you are on a real budget but you can have a couple of back up machines in the loft for under £100 for emergencies!! Ours were bought new about 8 years ago and still going strong. The local bank still use them as does the local hospital so they must be tough. The server was new with EzVetPro (again Dell) and touch wood not caused any problem.

Re: Computer systems

James Allsop — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:59:41 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]

One of the main causes of friction with Jupiter was the idea that we should pay for support and pay again should a site visit be required (was about £100). Having made a lot of fuss I don't remember actually being charged this!

They could never get the software working to allow them to dial in directly.

Support was either very good or very bad. This was a few years ago so I am probably very out-of-date now.

[/quote]

most of the minor stuff can be done by dialing into the system online (if your broadband is up to it). Hardware normally needs a site visit - now £150+VAT i think which seems unreasonable when you are paying a contract for support IMHO. The only items that have required a site visit have been hardware failures with DELL who seem to use cheap components especially with RAM and HDD to make their systems seem price competative. If you are happy to install HDD and RAM yourself then you can eliminate most of the site visits they recommend but it requires somebody in the practice to have a little interest in computers, or phone a friend.

Re: Computer systems

Bob Russell — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:24:20 GMT

[quote user="James Allsop"]

in 2006 we decided to upgrade from a 1996 install of midshires. The practice manager at the time shortlisted Telios and Jupiter Enterprise. I found both fairly easy to get on with on the demo's provided but found Enterprise more intuitive for staff familiar with windows and MS office. Enterprise was chosen and the install was uneventful. Had a couple of hardware failures over the time - largely due to the Dell systems recommended at the time and cheap components - RAM and HDD but the system has not had a single full day offline since install. Ive found the enterprise support OK depending on who answered the phone. If they have to do a site visit ive found that expensive and the hardware parts are very expensive once the dell waranty expires. The hardware is showing its age now and really needs updating a little. also a lot of the little flaws in Enterprise have apparently been addressed in Voyager (but i think that voyager looks more complicated for somebody less IT experienced). Having set up Enterprise myself with the stock codes etc I find it works well, the assistant vets and all the other staff have got on well with it and picked it up very quickly. New staff also seem to get the hang of it quickly.

If you can DIY the hardware or get a local firm to supply and support it then i think that Jupiter would still be a good prospect as after several years it has been fairly robust.

[/quote]

They could never get the software working to allow them to dial in directly.

Support was either very good or very bad. This was a few years ago so I am probably very out-of-date now.

Re: Computer systems

Ian Mostyn — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:16:28 GMT

[quote user="Nathalie Declunder"]Both Jupiter and Teleos gave the specs for the hardward they're going to install and being sceptical about them buying hardware, a few weeks ago I looked at the DELL website and it took a while to enter all the data but then it looked as if the hardware is supplied at cost (they probably make a profit as they're an organisation and not an individual purchasing the system). .[/quote]

I have never been overly impressed by Dell hardware, they seem to be cutting corners at the cheaper end of things and I am not sure I would buy Dell again in a hurry. I have had many HP computers, some going strong 8 years on with very few reliability problems. I always buy from the business line rather than home use PC's and would recommend them to anyone - sturdy, reliable machines. The business machines don't normally have fancy graphics cards which you don't need but are easier to upgrade hard drives & optical drives.

The other hardware I have used are the small form Acers, Revo & Inspire. Nice and small to hide in reception and using a terminal server system, no problem at all with the spec. I am also using some Wyse thin clients in the consult rooms - low power, small footprint, no fans so silent, no upgrades needed, reliable. Reliability seems to be the key with hardware - go for a proper business PC.

As for software, I have used Robovet in the past and had no end of problems with it. We have now used Teleos for almost 8 years and it is generally a very reliable system. The weak point of our system is actually the broadband link between sites but we have redundancy built in and back-up systems in place.

My biggest tip, whatever system you use, would be BACK UP & REDUNDANCY for any mission-critical systems - have spare routers etc.

Ian

Re: Computer systems

Michael Woodhouse — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:03:43 GMT

Does SPVS still run its IT days where they get all the companies together and you can play with a number of systems?

Re: Computer systems

Nathalie Declunder — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:39:42 GMT

I have used RXWorks (or renamed at the practice RX-doesn't-Work) for nearly 10 years. The system itself is OK be it a little slow at times and the management option is certainly easy to use. I looked at Teleos and despite it seeming to do everything I need, the outlay at the outset is offputting as it's so basic and clients can actually see the screens in the consult rooms. Staff liked the demo session.

With Jupiter systems, the start screen looks quite complex if you're used to have choices of clipboards to choose from in RX Works. This system looks appealing for as long as they can transfer the data OK. They're doing this for free (data conversion)!

Both Jupiter and Teleos gave the specs for the hardward they're going to install and being sceptical about them buying hardware, a few weeks ago I looked at the DELL website and it took a while to enter all the data but then it looked as if the hardware is supplied at cost (they probably make a profit as they're an organisation and not an individual purchasing the system). All in all they both look cost efficient and it's more the support I am interested in for a new system.

I looked at some of the other systems in this thread. The internet based one must be great for assistants to use but it's not a great looking system as it doesn't integrate any practice management systems. Will see what Jupiter comes back with. Looked at Midshires and AT systems before starting with RXWorks but they weren't appealing as systems go.

Re: Computer systems

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:59:43 GMT

Many vets don't like being drawn into the computer savvy world, and for simplicity just go with a straight up package. I don't particularly agree with this, as hardware can (and does!) get expensive; but it's lumped in with "management" and "finances" and "administration" that one doesn't dirty one's fingers in. :p

Or they just get caught up by a smooth "limited time big discount offer".

Or C, (not naming names) one practice management software company who wants a lot of money to migrate your own data to new servers.

Easy to get trapped.

Re: Computer systems

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:50:37 GMT

I'm really quite surprised that people get their hardware all in a package along with the software. I'd expect to buy my computers and peripherals myself, as I needed them, and set up my network (if any) when I wanted to, and go out and see what software was best (assuming I wanted any).

Re: Computer systems

James Allsop — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:38:02 GMT

If you can DIY the hardware or get a local firm to supply and support it then i think that Jupiter would still be a good prospect as after several years it has been fairly robust.

Re: Computer systems

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:25:12 GMT

[quote user="Chris Reichmann"]

We have vet-one. It's web based running on Mac in our practice but can run on any PC. Very easy to learn and operate. All you need is good broadband. I used RX, Ventana, Jupiter and a few others and wouldn't want to go back. Jupiter is too expensive and they try to sell you their hardware. RX and most others need an expensive server again sold by them. Vet-one has been fantastic, I just hope they can cope with the mad rush of new customers once everyone finds out about them :-)

[/quote]

Interesting. Do you see any drawbacks to its web-based nature (apart from those occasions of inexplicable loss of internet connection)? When you say "good broadband" - how good? We sometimes get very slow...... probably when everyone is arriving at work and logging on, also on Sunday nights which I imagine is because that's when servers are taken down for maintenance. But we are most definitely at the end of the wire from the exchange.

Re: Computer systems

Chris Reichmann — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:59:27 GMT

Re: Computer systems

nikki — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:08:13 GMT

we have Jupiter and it is very easy to use. It has some glitches which are a bit annoying and the whole thing appears to crash whenever anyone tries to do a statement run but other than that it's pretty good and support is generally good.

Re: Computer systems

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:36:20 GMT

As a user Teleos is easy to use and very quick and intuitive to learn. You also own the hardware and can run it off any PC or laptop

Re: Computer systems

Mark Rowland — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:06:19 GMT

I use Jupiter and have been happy with it. More importantly, its easy for new vets and nurses to learn quickly. I dont like all its functions but then none are prefect. I would go for Jupiter again though if I had the choice. Backup is quite good also

Re: Computer systems

Bob Russell — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:02:42 GMT

As always I second Ezvetpro. Dull but extremely competent. No hassle to learn and absolutely bombproof. I have tried many others. Robovet was pretty but needed q lot of fixing (done efficiently though). Jupiter had very ropey support for a bit but I gather this has improved. It has changed considerably over the years so best talk to a practice that is more up to date.

At least give EzVetPro consideration but do not be put off by the total lack of a sense of humour from them. They have a system that works and works well. You will rarely have to call for support!!

Re: Computer systems

Anonymous — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:38:22 GMT

Used RxWorks for 2 years and hated it with a passion (I'm normally a fairly calm, level-headed chap, but came close to physically abusing a monitor on a number of occasions, even though I know that wouldn't have helped...), but perhaps the Practice set-up was not very good and may have been under-investment in hardware issues etc also.

Used Teleos a few years ago and wasn't a big fan at all, but in my current practice am finding it quite fine - possibly this has something to do with being much better set-up using more features like integration with internal and external lab results, VetEnvoy for PetPlan insurance forms etc.

Never used Jupiter, but used a variety of other systems and my overall preferred one to date (if you're going for a Windows-based system, which many would consider an inherent design flaw) has been EzVetPro (I initially thought it was easy used but that was because it didn't have many features, but discovered that it actually did everything other systems did, just in a straight-forward fashion).

I'm an assistant, and can't comment on the value-for-money of the various set-ups. I sometimes wonder how much of the problem with 'bad' systems is the system and how much is bad use of it by a practice that isn't that IT-smart.

Re: Computer systems

Rachael Winder — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:12:43 GMT

I haven't used rx works but the histories we get from other practices never seem to read very easily. We have teleos and I actually think it's very user friendly. The big problem we've had has been reliability. It is rather good at doing wierd things for no apparent reason... Having said that, it's easily the quickest system to learn that I've ever come across.

Re: Computer systems

Mark Holmes — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:50:08 GMT

I've used rx and telios and would definately chose the former over the latter.

Re: Computer systems

J G Wray — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:31:03 GMT

This is ancient and free

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/VCU/

JGW