The minimum requirements to run any web application are roughly the same: a decent computer with an up-to-date browser and high-speed Internet. These basics will have you up and running with AMSHub also. But there are some other options to consider to get the most out of AMSHub. Here are a few things to think about:
- Dual or ultra-wide monitor(s) – The efficiency increase of having dual monitors has been well documented. Most studies show active computer users gain over 50% productivity with a second monitor. An ultra-wide monitor is a happy medium where one wider screen can support multiple applications side-by-side.
- Laptop or tablet – If you find yourself often having to move materials to your computer to scan them in, consider a laptop – our preference is something like the Lenovo Yoga that converts from a laptop into a tablet – or an actual tablet that’s compatible with your scanner.
- Scanner – There is no specific scanner needed to work with AMSHub. You can choose from various options such as wired, wireless Bluetooth, wireless Wi-Fi, etc. We’ve heard that wired scanners present the most reliable option, but find the option that works best for your facility. The scanner itself needs to be able to scan 1D, 2D, QR and Matrix barcodes. Nearly all modern scanners meet these criteria, but make sure to check their specs to be sure. By default most scanners add a carriage return after any barcode is scanned. AMSHub requires this in order to work easily. Typically scanners come with a small instruction sheet that has barcodes you can scan to enable/disable certain features. Check default options and configure as needed.
- Multiple systems and scanners – If your lab has multiple areas that process inventory, you might consider having a second system to work from, including a second computer and scanner.
- Stickers – It’s a low tech solution, but using color-coded stickers for things like expiring items, is an easy way to create visual cues to help flag physical inventory for specific use. We also recommend stickering items if doing a mass scan of existing inventory… rather than stopping the process when you have an item that doesn’t scan, or has some other issue. You can simply sticker it and keep going. This will allow you to keep the rhythm of adding items until complete and then return to the stickered items to address separately.
- Use Chrome or Firefox – Most any newer browser will work with AMSHub, but it is a browser-intensive application, and we’ve rated Chrome as the highest-performing browser in testing, followed closely by Firefox. We don’t currently recommend Edge.
- Internet Speed – We move a lot of data in AMSHub. We’re shuffling thousands, in some cases tens of thousands, of items from the cloud down to your local computer. Having a fast and reliable Internet connection is critical to those operations. Fast Internet will help with our application and most others you may use such as scheduling and EMR.