Any information regarding equipment, supplies, recommendations, vendors, and similar information, are provided for your convenience only. Hann's On Software makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of the information or suitability of these items for your use.

What equipment will we need?

Ascend software speed and storage capacity will vary from site to site based upon the equipment/network in use, pharmacy workload, census, other network traffic, and similar variables. Therefore you may find that your results/needs differ from our estimates. The recommendations are "best estimates" and should not be taken as a "guarantee" of performance/capacity. They are based upon a "reasonable" benefit vs. cost ratio, and will change from time to time as higher performance equipment becomes available at lower prices. If you have questions, please contact our office.

View hardware requirements

Other Factors To Consider:

Database- HOS requires one of the MS SQL Server database versions for use with its products.  The recently released SQL Server "Standard" and "Express" versions are typical SQL options which meet the needs of most of our customers. In general, the "entry-level" SQL Server Express version may be used if you will be using 1 to 3 workstations and will not be providing access to the database for other purposes (e.g., electronic MARs or the like). Facilities employing more than 3 stations, remote workstations, using facility-wide (shared by other departments) servers, and those providing physicians, nurses or other departments with software/electronic-MAR access, should use the "higher-end" SQL Server Standard version.  Microsoft's "Enterprise" SQL version can also be used if needed.  A "mid-range" SQL Server Workgroup version is also available from Microsoft; however we have no experience with this Workgroup version as of 4/2006. Please contact HOS regarding compatibility if you currently use an older version of SQL.

SQL Server operates under the Windows 2003/2000/NT Server operating systems. SQL provides a high degree of database stability, offers excellent security (i.e., to meet HIPAA requirements), minimizes network traffic, provides greater data storage capabilities, and can be scaled upward to support increasingly larger numbers of database connections. "Scaling up" to a more powerful version of SQL Server may be necessary at some time to maintain/improve performance and/or meet growing needs (e.g., Express-->Workgroup-->Standard-->Enterprise). 

Dedicated Server - HOS recommends using a dedicated server with SQL Server for optimal performance. Some users may prefer to use SQL Express and non-dedicated servers to reduce costs.  

Network security during Ascend-IP installations, updates and routine use - 

For installation of Ascend-IP clients (workstations): Administrator authority is required since the PC registry is affected. This is a one-time network security requirement for initial Ascend-IP client installations. 

For software/database updates: Users do not have to be network administrators to run the Ascend-IP Workstation Update because they rarely  need to update the registry.

For interface engine updates: Administrator authority is required at the interface computer since the PC registry is affected. Interfaces are rarely updated once they have been installed and tested, so this security requirement will rarely be required.

For routine use: Users do not require administrator status to use Ascend-IP

To increase the speed of your equipment/network - 

We generally recommend: (1) Switch from SQL Server Express, or older Access/MSDE databases, to a SQL Server Standard version (2) Make servers dedicated (3) Switch slower networks to 100 Base-T or faster network equipment (4) Add more RAM to workstations (5) Add more RAM to servers (6) Use faster microprocessors in workstations/servers  (7) Reduce/filter unnecessary network traffic. (8) Replace faulty hubs/switches.  (9) Turn off or reduce unnecessary network logging/auditing functions  (10) Use SQL Server backup feature to back up database (which  simultaneously cleans up database records and reduces the size of the SQL log file).  (11) Locate interfaces on a workstation rather than a server. (12) Maintain plenty of free hard disk space on the server. 

What type of labels will we need?

Ascend can print labels for IV-solution/IV-admixture orders (a.k.a., "IV" labels), non-IV orders (i.e. , med-cart delivery type meds; a.k.a., "unit dose" labels), outpatient prescriptions, admission/patient labels, and floor stock labels. Most users employ two label stocks to accommodate these label formats, and dedicate at least one printer to each different label stock.  In Windows, each printer's properties are configured with the label stock dimensions. Then, in the Ascend software, each label type (e.g., IV) is assigned to a default printer. If the Ascend program is unable to fit everything on one label, it automatically uses a second label. You should dedicate each label size to a separate printer. Some printers also have label height/width  minimum requirements. 

For "IV" solution orders/labels: Ascend requires an absolute minimum label width of 3 inches. A wider IV label (e.g. 3.5 inches or more) will provide more flexibility, room for margins, and help accommodate printer variations.  Most users find the ideal length of  IV labels to be 2.5 to 3 inches in height. 

For non-IV orders  (i.e., "unit dose") orders: Ascend requires an absolute minimum of 3.5 inches in width. A wider label (e.g. 4.0 inches) will provide more flexibility, room for margins, and better accommodate print variations.  The ideal length of the "unit dose" label is 1.5 to 2 inches in height.  Admission labels, floor stock labels and outpatient prescription labels can usually fit on either the stock "unit dose" or "IV" label and can be directed to the appropriate printer containing the desired stock label size.  

Labels for thermal printers: Hann's On Software recommends thermal label printers. Zebra Technologies provides Zebra and Eltron  "direct thermal" (recommended) and  "thermal transfer" printers. All thermal printers require special thermal labels. The "thermal transfer" versions also require ink-film whereas the "direct thermal" printers do not require ink-film.  Thermal  label sources include (other vendors are likely available):  

Zebra Technologies:  http://www.zebra.com/PA/Supplies/category_labels.htm.  

Shamrock: http://www.shamrocklabels.com/sss01.htm    

Corporate Express Imaging: http://imaging.cexp.com/   

What kind of report or MAR paper will we need?

A fast laser printer must be used for reports when using Hann's On Software's Windows programs. A printing speed of 10 pages/minute (or faster) is essential for printing large reports such as medication administration records (MARs). Standard white laser printer paper is ideal for most single-copy reports, including Ascend-IP built-in MAR reports. 

For facilities that require a multipart MAR, the Ascend-IP program can be configured to print multiple copies of each page. Special 2-part carbonless  "NCR"-type laser paper can be obtained for "2 part" MARs.. Alternating page colors (e.g., white/yellow) are possible. [e.g., When you write on the top (white) copy, the print goes through to the second (yellow) copy]. Some users find it easier to use the same color for each copy to eliminate color sequencing problems, or to print 3+ copies of each MAR page. 

Hann's On Software customers told us about two companies that offer 2-part carbonless paper with alternating page colors. Other manufacturers/suppliers are likely available:

Xerox, 2-part carbonless. 1 carton=5000 pages=2500 "sets" Xerox paper is available from: Corporate Express www.corporateexpress.com  [As of 8/2002, cost=$180.00 per carton of 5000 sheets/2500 sets.  Order#=XER3R12130]

NCR, 2-part carbonless (white/canary). 1 carton=5000 pages=2500 "sets". NCR paper is available from: Paper Plus 4300 Stine Road  Bakersfield, CA 93313  [As of 8/2002, cost=$231.70 per carton of 5000 sheets/2500 sets].

Do I need to buy equipment from HOS?

No, this is not necessary. Equipment should be obtained from and installed/configured by other vendors of your choice. Hann's On Software staff will be happy to advise you or your vendors regarding our software requirements/setup with regard to computers, printers, networks, and similar equipment.  View hardware requirements