WaveMark, Inc. is working with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to provide a real-time inventory management solution as a subcontractor to HP Enterprise Services under the Real Time Location System (RTLS) Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) 11 contract. In February 2012, the HP team, including WaveMark, began deploying a RTLS solution for VA hospitals in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan (the VISN 11 VA healthcare network). The VISN 11 RTLS pilot is one part of the VA’s multi-site, multi-year effort to integrate different locating technologies into a seamless Digital Hospital. This fully integrated solution tracks mobile assets, consumable assets, and sterile product processing. The goal of the first-of-its-kind solution is to ensure patient safety, reduce costs, and streamline workflow across the VA healthcare system. WaveMark provides the consumable asset tracking solution in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Labs that integrates seamlessly with the overall Digital Hospital solution provided to the VA by HP in VISN 11.

The WaveMark solution is being used to track supplies in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Labs in VISN 11 facilities in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Indianapolis. The WaveMark solution combines RFID “smart cabinets” that read their contents automatically and RFID enabled point-of-care stations to capture usage. WaveMark’s sophisticated supply chain software helps patient safety by improving product availability and automating the tracking of expired and recalled items. The Cath Labs in VISN11 are beginning to reduce costs by right sizing inventory, reduce write-offs, and improve patient documentation through hands-free capture of high value supplies at the point of use. WaveMark integrates seamlessly with other leading solutions to enable an integrated Digital Hospital Suite where the VA staff has one place to go to look for an expiring stent, a missing wheelchair, or an IV pump that needs cleaning.

The WaveMark solution went live in the Ann Arbor VAMC in February 2012. “What the system has really given us is better communication which leads to the Veteran having the right item, in the right place, at the right time. This is everyone’s responsibility and that’s what it comes down to,” reports Angie Hernandez, Logistics and Supply Manager.

Leading manufacturers are beginning to apply RFID tags to their products before they are shipped to the VA which greatly simplifies the receiving process. High-value supplies are easier than ever to access. Staff gains visibility into inventory and are able to see all items that are stored, removed, returned, and nearing expiration. By running more meaningful reports, staff (including doctors) gains insight into usage, ideal par levels, supply chain efficiencies, procedure-specific cost, and doctor preferences.

According to Justin Cooke, current Biomedical Engineer for the VA National CMOP (Pharmacies) and former VISN 11 RTLS program manager, “WaveMark has provided the VISN 11 Healthcare Network with industry-leading smart cabinet technology that leverages truly intelligent software to identify inefficiencies in our Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory supply chain and ultimately optimize the delivery of our nation's veterans healthcare through high-frequency RFID. The initial implementation has been received with such resounding enthusiasm that it has already inspired our healthcare providers to explore expanded applications of the system in an effort to more completely utilize WaveMark's supply chain management tools.”

“As the strategic systems integrator for the VA RTLS project, we’re looking forward to extending the early RFID solution results achieved at the Ann Arbor VAMC with WaveMark across the VISN 11 hospital network,” said Deborah Elgot, RTLS Solutions Portfolio Manager, U.S. Public Sector, Enterprise Services, HP.

John Wass, CEO of WaveMark noted that “WaveMark’s best in class solution and market leadership position were instrumental to being selected by HP and by the VA as a critical part of this important program to better serve our veterans. We are excited to be a part of this innovative program that is quickly becoming a model for the industry.”

About VA

Guided by its vision to provide veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned - and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship, the VA operates the largest integrated health care system in the country. With a health care budget of more than $50 billion, VA expects to provide care to 6.1 million patients supporting 920,000 hospitalizations and nearly 80 million outpatient visits this year. VA’s health care network includes 152 major medical centers and more than 800 community based outpatient clinics.

About WaveMark

WaveMark is the market leader in Real-Time Healthcare Supply Chain Innovation. WaveMark solutions drive innovation from point-of-manufacture to point-of-care enhancing patient safety and regulatory compliance, while improving the economics of healthcare. Our solutions leverage RFID, cloud, and mobile technologies to bring quality, financial, and operational transformation into the healthcare supply chain. From real-time smart cabinets in hospitals to mobile apps for global medical suppliers, WaveMark’s flexible technology portfolio solves critical challenges in healthcare.

For more information go to www.wavemark.com.