Have you been tasked with finding ways to streamline processes and reduce costs in your oncology unit? It’s an important job, with the potential to create improvements that resonate across your entire organization.
When it comes to improving your unit’s operations, there probably isn’t much low-hanging fruit to be found. Every detail has already been evaluated many times before in attempts to tighten budgets and maximize efficiency.
But what if there was a single upgrade you could make that would bring meaningful positive changes throughout your organization? Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can be that difference-making factor.
Implementing ERP software is like finally turning the lights on in a dark room, opening up access to real-time data that enables faster, better-informed decision-making.
In this guide, we’ll cover some healthcare ERP basics and review the steps involved in selecting and implementing ERP software in your oncology unit.
What is Enterprise Resource Planning Software?
ERP software is a type of business management software that helps organizations to manage and automate various financial and administrative processes. ERP systems have been around since at least the early 1990s, first used by manufacturing companies.
While enterprise resource planning is not strictly a healthcare concept, companies like Harris Integrative have developed healthcare-specific ERP systems. Similar to the use of ERP in other industries, healthcare teams use this type of software to integrate various operations and improve cross-department communications.
Hospital administrators and staff use ERP software to track patient data, manage materials inventories, analyze financial data, administrate human resources, and more.
How Can ERP Software Benefit an Oncology Unit?
ERP software may be used to manage various parts of an organization, such as financial planning, supply chain administration, and many others. However, the key value of an ERP system is its potential to integrate different business functions into a single platform.
An ERP system establishes a centralized location for managing patient data, billing and invoicing, human resources, and much more. This enables staff from different departments to more effectively communicate and share data, eliminating the headaches that come from the varying use of different platforms and file types throughout an organization.
The specific uses of an ERP system may vary from department to department. ERP is used to automate a variety of tasks, from data entry to supply orders. ERP is also used for accounting, generating reports, storing massive amounts of data, and numerous other functions in accordance with an organization’s specific needs.
What Features Should You Look For In an ERP System For Your Oncology Unit?
Most ERP programs can perform numerous functions, but there are some key features that you should look for. While any ERP software you explore will likely be able to perform the key processes that you need, the goal is to find a system that is user-friendly and excels in your particular areas of need.
The essential features for your oncology unit’s ERP system will likely include:
- Tracking and managing patient data
- Automation for frequently-performed tasks such as billing and invoicing
- Communication streamlining across different departments and staff levels
If you’re considering a particular enterprise resource planning software program, ask the provider for a demonstration so that you can see your most needed features in action.
How Do You Implement an ERP System in Your Oncology Unit?
ERP adoption begins with selecting the right system for your organization. This decision will likely be based on budget, features, and overall quality.
Next, as with any major software change, staff will require training before the system is fully rolled out. Your vendor should be able to provide guidance on how to facilitate training.
Once your team is ready, the system can go live. If old software is being replaced, IT professionals may be needed to assist with data migration as well as ongoing training.
Implement an ERP Software Solution at Your Oncology Unit
If your oncology unit is ready to embrace enterprise resource planning, Integrative, a Harris Healthcare company,
can help. Our Accounting & ERP software solution helps healthcare teams function more effectively, equipping leaders to make better-informed administrative and financial decisions every day.
Our solution will help your team reduce costs, streamline communications, and improve operations in these areas:
- Financial management and financial decision support
- Supply chain management
- Human capital management
- IT systems management
To learn more, contact Integrative today to schedule a product demonstration.
