Technology in the Office

CHAPTER 8


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Technology in the Office




Over the last decade, the veterinary profession has benefited from the advances made in computer technology, including faster processors, increases in the amount of information that can be stored, and greater networking capacities. The prudent selection of technology equipment is a major component of veterinary practice productivity and efficiency. The ultimate goal is to develop an effective automated information and processing system that can evolve with practice growth and that will be able to utilize new technology as it is developed.


Computers are used to maintain the functions of the practice on several levels. The electronic office is a workplace where computers and other electronic equipment carry out many of the office’s routine tasks. This equipment also provides more options for gathering, processing, displaying, and storing information. Box 8-1 gives some examples of applications of technology that are used on a daily basis in veterinary practices.



The technology revolution that led to the information age has had a profound effect on the business office. The use of electronic office technology in the veterinary practice allows the team to be more efficient and organized. It can help automate routine tasks, improve cash flow, and increase accuracy. Today, a patient’s radiograph can be sent virtually (i.e., by computer) to a specialist as soon as it is taken and before the client leaves the practice. This results in improved patient and client care, increased productivity, and reduced stress on team members.



INFORMATION SYSTEMS


An information system is a collection of elements that provide accurate, timely, and useful information. To understand the procedure of an information system, one must understand the basic terminology related to the concept. A glossary of terms, definitions, and pictures helps define electronic office equipment and is useful when selecting products (Box 8-2).



Box 8-2   Technology Terms




Backup Device: Device that copies information from the CPU and stores it for retrieval in the event of computer malfunction. Backup devices can be either internal or external.


Broadband: High-speed Internet connection that can transmit information 40 times as fast as telephone and modem connection.


Card Reader/Writer: A card reader/writer is useful for transferring data directly to and from a removable flash memory card. Examples of flash cards are those used in a camera or music player.


Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer; located in the main unit.


CD: Device for storing data; stores approximately 650 to 700 MB (megabytes) of information.


CD/DVD Drives: Newer computers are built with a DVD drive than can read CDs or DVDs. CDs or DVDs cannot be recorded or written over; they can only be read by the driver. If one plans to write music, audio files, or documents onto a CD or DVD, then CD/RW or DVD/RW should be considered. RW stands for rewritable. This allows the CD or DVD to be rewritten once the information has been recorded once. A DVD has a capacity of at least 4.7 GB (gigabytes) versus the 650 MB capacity of a CD. Drives can be either internal or external.


Desktop: Computer that sits on the top of a desk; not considered a portable unit.
































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Oct 1, 2016 | Posted by in EXOTIC, WILD, ZOO | Comments Off on Technology in the Office

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