END USER INSIGHT END USER INSIGHT
Will , CTO at UKSH Gesellschaft für IT Services mbH . “ Dynamic Segmentation is a huge advantage , simplifying our network design , automating access controls and saving infrastructure complexities .”
The solution also includes AirWave network management and Aruba Mobility Master for coordinating all the controllers .
An ambitious schedule achieved with Zero Touch Provisioning
UKSH wanted 19,283 ports to be up and running in Kiel by June 2019 . This was significantly enabled thanks to the Zero Touch Provisioning ( ZTP ) capability of the Aruba switches .
This meant that no prior configuration or programming was required . Switches would simply be unpacked and connected into the network . This saved a lot of time and cost for UKSH and AirITSystems . The same applied to the Aruba access points which can be added onto the network and their configurations are automatically monitored and updated .
“ Zero Touch Provisioning allowed us to deploy semi-skilled electricians to install the switches on site . We then recorded the serial numbers with a manual scanner and used scripts to create , and then apply configurations ,” said Will .
Avoiding the need for expensive new cable installations
While the hospital ’ s work continued as normal , the existing data centre network infrastructure was migrated . AirITSystems also managed the integration of technologies supplied by three different partners into a single solution , including HYPROS , a location-based service already being trialled by UKSH .
UKSH WANTED A NETWORK
ARCHITECTURE THAT COULD
ADAPT .
Today , the new buildings in Kiel and Lübeck are open , with work continuing on renovating older buildings . Where new cabling has proved too costly or time-consuming to install for temporary facilities , Will says the combination of Aruba switches , controllers and ClearPass have delivered a real advantage .
More energy to focus on optimisation and innovation
The result is a network architecture that is flexible , open , scalable and robust . UKSH has a single view of network health across its wired and wireless environments and can manage a broad range of users and usage . It means UKSH needs to spend less time on network management , said Dück , and has more energy to focus on optimisation and innovation .
In effect , the Aruba solution creates a single smart hospital across one region and multiple buildings . “ For instance , Aruba access points allow for the use of Bluetooth tags , opening up a range of new applications using a real-time location system ,” said Dück . “ This makes it possible to detect a patient ’ s precise position in an emergency , ensuring that help arrives as soon and as effectively as possible .”
The HYPROS location application is certified to work on the Aruba network . By tagging via Bluetooth to the Aruba access points and additional Bluetooth gateways , it monitors the movement of patients and clinicians throughout the site . The system can then identify bottlenecks , misalignments between actual and needed staffing , time and motion improvements , and patient and equipment scheduling . It creates a contextually adaptive ‘ connected clinic ’. In addition , the capability of asset tracking allows the application of resourceconserving just-in-time logistics .
Effective mobility for patients , doctors and devices
Mobile monitoring technology will play an increasingly important role across the hospital . From the clinical perspective , patients are free to move around the hospital campus while wearing networkconnected Philips heart-rate monitors . From the logistics perspective , it is possible to monitor the transportation of medication that patients need to take at a specific time .
If there is an issue , or a missed step in the process , the relevant clinician is automatically alerted . “ We can react much earlier in the process and safeguard treatment ,” said Dück .
UKSH can also be smarter in the way it uses ‘ fixed ’ resources . The new building does not have transitional wards , meaning that beds need to be collected , cleaned and made available on a just-intime basis . This makes it crucial to know the exact time of patient discharge and patient admission .
Driving operational efficiency
The Aruba engagement drives operational efficiency . It helps to improve the quality of treatment by ensuring that patient-centred processes are more targeted and efficient . There is a more dynamic approach to appointment scheduling with wayfinding around the two campuses , meaning fewer patients are late for appointments . Both contribute towards shorter waiting times . There is also greater use of technology that patients will recognise out of a hospital setting .
Strengthening data security
As a hospital , holding huge amounts of sensitive personal data and a critical part of national infrastructure , UKSH must meet strict security criteria . Will says ClearPass is critical in providing a secure environment and protecting patient data .
“ ClearPass has more options for identifying and verifying connected network devices , irrespective of whether they are wired or wireless ,” said Will . “ The solution is significantly more extensive and takes our security to a whole new level , compared to our previous system .”
“ We believe that with our new network architecture , we have a solution fit for the years ahead ,” said Dück . ◊
www . intelligentdatacentres . com Issue 21
49