USING ALPHA THUNDER TAGS IN A HOSPITAL
You’ve probably already read several articles on how Alpha’s Thunder Tags can help your hospital stop the potential of computer/tablet theft. I don’t need to detail how great the tags are and how this simple solution can be a cost effective means at securing the hospitals technological investment. What you don’t know is the practical application and the logistics of setting up a retail EAS system in a hospital! That’s why I’m here.
Along with the tag itself, you’ll also need two other pieces of technology. First is an antenna. The N10 antenna is the best fit for this job. The second is a deactivation key, such as the Alpha S3 key. I’ll detail both a little further down this article, but first, let’s explain what each does.
The Thunder Tag is similar to any security device you’ve probably seen in stores. Think of those little white tags that are on high end pieces of clothing. The tag emits a certain frequency and can be deactivated at the cash register at the time of purchase. If the tag is not removed (if someone attempts to steal an item secured with a tag), it causes an alarm to sound at the exits. What causes that sound?
Think of the last time you went to the grocery store, or perhaps a big box retailer. Think about when you entered the store, you more than likely walked through a set of towers. You’ve probably even seen/heard these towers before. Those towers work in unison with tags throughout the store. If a cashier doesn’t remove a tag from a high priced item, it causes those towers to sound an alarm. It essentially lets the store know if someone is stealing (in basic terms). The N10 antenna is a much, much smaller version of these towers. You still get the same quality and performance of those big towers, but in a much more compact design.
The most practical application is use in the emergency room. As more and more ERs transition from paper charting to tablets, the potential for theft grows. In my local ER, patients are given a tablet by the receptionist upon entering the ER. The patient then sits in the waiting area and fills out the appropriate questions on the tablet, and based on the honor system, gives the tablet back to the receptionist. We all know how busy and hectic a hospital can be. In one glance, a thief posing as a patient can easily steal the device. Using an Alpha Thunder Tag and N10 antenna can prevent this from happening.
In addition to the tags and antenna, you will also need to have a deactivation key, such as the Alpha S3 key. This tool allows you to disarm the tag. In most retail stores, this key is tightly controlled and only accessible to store leadership, which should also be the same in a hospital. Access to the S3 key should only be granted to those in leadership roles. The key itself should also be kept in a tightly guarded location, perhaps even with hospital security. This eliminates the possibility of a thief gaining access to the device.
The Alpha Thunder Tag is a great investment, as it will provide a substantial return on investment. Not only will you be able to protect the financial investments of the hospital, you will also keep patient data safe and out of the hands of criminals. Hospitals have an obligation to its patients as well as its shareholders to reduce costs in order to provide better services to the sick. The Alpha Thunder Tag delivers on that obligation with minimal impact on operations and just a fraction of the cost of other technologies and software that may be less effective to a thief.
For more information about Alpha Thunder Tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
You’ve probably already read several articles on how Alpha’s Thunder Tags can help your hospital stop the potential of computer/tablet theft. I don’t need to detail how great the tags are and how this simple solution can be a cost effective means at securing the hospitals technological investment. What you don’t know is the practical application and the logistics of setting up a retail EAS system in a hospital! That’s why I’m here.
Along with the tag itself, you’ll also need two other pieces of technology. First is an antenna. The N10 antenna is the best fit for this job. The second is a deactivation key, such as the Alpha S3 key. I’ll detail both a little further down this article, but first, let’s explain what each does.
The Thunder Tag is similar to any security device you’ve probably seen in stores. Think of those little white tags that are on high end pieces of clothing. The tag emits a certain frequency and can be deactivated at the cash register at the time of purchase. If the tag is not removed (if someone attempts to steal an item secured with a tag), it causes an alarm to sound at the exits. What causes that sound?
Think of the last time you went to the grocery store, or perhaps a big box retailer. Think about when you entered the store, you more than likely walked through a set of towers. You’ve probably even seen/heard these towers before. Those towers work in unison with tags throughout the store. If a cashier doesn’t remove a tag from a high priced item, it causes those towers to sound an alarm. It essentially lets the store know if someone is stealing (in basic terms). The N10 antenna is a much, much smaller version of these towers. You still get the same quality and performance of those big towers, but in a much more compact design.
The most practical application is in the emergency room. As more and more ERs transition from paper charting to tablets, the potential for theft grows. In my local ER, patients are given a tablet by the receptionist upon entering the ER. The patient then sits in the waiting area and fills out the appropriate questions on the tablet, and based on the honor system, gives the tablet back to the receptionist. We all know how busy and hectic a hospital can be. In one glance, a thief posing as a patient can easily steal the device. Using an Alpha Thunder Tag and N10 antenna can prevent this from happening.
In addition to the tags and antenna, you will also need to have a deactivation key, such as the Alpha S3 key. This tool allows you to disarm the tag. In most retail stores, this key is tightly controlled and only accessible to store leadership, which should also be the same in a hospital. Access to the S3 key should only be granted to those in leadership roles. The key itself should also be kept in a tightly guarded location, perhaps even with hospital security. This eliminates the possibility of a thief gaining access to the device.
The Alpha Thunder Tag is a great investment, as it will provide a substantial return on investment. Not only will you be able to protect the financial investments of the hospital, you will also keep patient data safe and out of the hands of criminals. Hospitals have an obligation to its patients as well as its shareholders to reduce costs in order to provide better services to the sick. The Alpha Thunder Tag delivers on that obligation with minimal impact on operations and just a fraction of the cost of other technologies and software that may be less effective to a thief.
For more information about Alpha Thunder Tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
