Voice Plans Are Going the Way of the Dinosaur…Think VOIP!

So the iPad and iPad2 have been all the rage the last year or so. In addition, many have opted for their iPhone or Droid as well as a MiFi device to be “always connected”. It can become confusing quickly with your briefcase getting heavier, but your wallet lighter. One option to consider if you haven’t taken the plunge yet is the following:

1) Opt for a Wifi-only iPad
2) Get an iPhone or Droid w/ hotspot plan activated
3) Subscribe for a Google Voice # (free)

Unless you really want to pack a ton of video, the 16GB iPad or 32GB should be more than enough (especially if when you can get an extra 2GB for free via DropBox). With the hotspot option “on”, you’ll save some money overall vs. getting a separate MiFi device. Finally, a G-Voice # will follow you and save you that $20/mo texting plan.

Sales Rep or Inventory Specialist…Which Are You?

“Phasers on stun!”  The reality is, that’s what most medical device sales reps I’ve talked to think when tasked with scanning inventory.  For some, really many, it is a necessary evil.   Carrying a barcode scanner at all times is a burden.  The list of challenges is long:

– One additional hardware “accessory” a rep must carry
– Liability if the scanner is lost or broken and downtime
– Technical issues (bluetooth setup/sync, scanner not working, etc.)
– Noise…I’ve heard some of these scanners and they are very loud
– Surgeon or OR tech perception of rep as just an inventory specialist

The pace of technology is such that the days of the traditional barcode scanner in the hands of the sales rep are numbered.  With the advent of 8 megapixel camera smartphones in the marketplace and advances in chip technology for speed, the day will soon come where scanning will be done via “point and click”.  Consumer mobile apps such as “RedLaser” prove my point.  Mind you, I don’t believe scanning will go away anytime soon, but I do think the burden can and should be lessened substantially by leveraging the latest technologies.

Industry Solutions in Healthcare Supply Chain

It almost sounds like taboo, but more and more medical device companies, providers, and other stakeholders in the Healthcare supply chain are contemplating the previously unthinkable.  As healthcare reform has forced the industry to reconsider its operational model, some previous schools of thought are changing…collaborating with competitors to provide healthcare providers a holistic supply chain solution and deliver product at the lowest viable cost.  Some thoughts as to why industry is taking baby steps towards this:

Social Media in the Medical Device Industry

I’ve noticed recently article after article with lists of trends.  There are trends for practically everything now, much, I believe, instigated by Twitter and Facebook, and the multitude of web 2.0 analytics sites (e.g. Trendrr.com) that have sprouted.   These tools are the nascent building blocks, which will inspire companies in a broad set of industries to dip their toes into the foray in a big way.

Just as with many other technologies before, social media is going through its various stages of adoption and change.  It is right around now, that companies are beginning to “pilot” and “test” these tools.  Many times it is by one or two techno-evangelists within the sales and marketing organizations that will push this forward in a very controlled, “skunkworks” way.  I think the time is NOW for medical device businesses to sincerely consider making calculated investments in this space and here’s why:

Must-Have RSS Feeds

RSS - Internet News Standard

Really Simple Syndication (aka RSS), has been around now for several years.  It is the internet standard used for individuals to subscribe to web-based news content all from one central location.  It is a great way to have all your news “delivered” to you electronically via a “news reader” or “rss reader”.  There are several readers out in the market right now any many are free.  Personally, the one I like the most is Mobile RSS.  It is available for the iPhone and iPad in both free and paid versions.  RIM and Android phones have RSS readers in their own app-stores as well.

GS1 … A Common Language For the Health Care Industry

The Global Language of Business

There is currently a wave of change happening not only within the Medical Device industry, but throughout the entire healthcare sector.  Global standards are being pushed by the FDA that impact everyone in the supply chain.  If you have not been asked by your customers yet if your company is prepared, it is just a matter of time.  GS1 is a global organization with local offices in over 100 countries across the globe.  This body designs global standards and services to improve supply chains and is the most widely used standards system in the world today.  There are two critical components of the GS1 standard that you should familiarize yourself with.  First, there will be a globally unique number for legal entities, functional entities, and physical locations known as the GLN (Global Location Number).  Secondly, there will be a globally unique number for products & services known as the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number).

Is iPhone 4.0 Right For Me ?

WWDC 2010 - Steve Jobs

As a mobile professional, every couple of years, or maybe even more frequently, you are in the market for a new phone.   In today’s environment, more likely than not it will be a smartphone choice. And oh, there begins the dilemma. With the myriad of choices, which one is right for me?   Given the pace of the market, how do I know that my investment won’t totally be obsolete the second I walk out of the showroom?   Well, I am sorry to tell you but your choice will most likely be obsolete, if not within days or weeks, definitely months. What we are left with is choosing a smartphone that will be a useful tool for at least the next 18-24 months. The other key item is knowing your geography and wireless carrier reception in your local area.

Note: the iPhone is still only available for ATT at this time.

Dropbox, A Virtual Tool To Put In “Your Bag”…

More and more we are all relying on mobile devices and connectivity to make it through our daily lives.  For the typical med device rep, their office is their car and their life-blood their phone!  Forget about carrying files and trying to manually sync-up files that sales management and the marketing department says you need to have.  You’ve got limited space on your phone to top it off and who wants to carry a laptop (an iPad on the other hand is another story).  Well, the solution you’ve been looking for has been around for a while now and it’s called Dropbox.  I tweeted about Dropbox today and let me tell you, it is an amazing tool.  Imagine having 2 GB of free (yes, free) space in the cloud for all of your collateral materials, videos, pics, and whitepapers.  Also imagine having it accessible from wherever you are from your mobile phone.  The mobile Dropbox app comes in almost all flavors (the BBerry version is coming soon) to suit practically any smartphone user.  The great thing about it as well is that you can easily email a link to a specific item in your personal Dropbox to anyone else right from your phone.  This works great as you won’t clog-up anyone’s inbox with potentially huge files.  There’s even a “Public” folder linked to your account where you can store items and share 24/7.

I am curious to hear from anyone who uses it and how it’s come-in handy for them.

Carpe Diem! Huge Opportunity For Medical Device Professionals

For anyone that has been keeping up-to-date with technology and the health sector, you know social media and the use of technology is making its way into the industry in a huge way.  Sites like Sermo.com and others are catering to HCPs and they are gaining ground. This blog is part educational, part news, and hopefully part entertainment as you and I try to keep up-to-date with the latest in technology that is pertinent to the medical device industry.  Whether you are a distributor, manufacturer, or provider; a sales rep or distribution person, there is no doubt that our industry is changing quickly and pressed from all sides.  I’m looking forward to everyone’s feedback and helping us achieve success in this space.