Historically, non-profit organizations and emergency services have lagged behind their corporate counterparts in adopting information technology (IT). Usually lacking the budgets to invest in the latest and greatest systems and software tools, these organizations have made a habit of “making do,” managing patchwork networks of old and new elements that often don’t work well together. At the same time, dependence on these networks to manage donor information, communicate with constituents, keep track of volunteers, perform accounting, and handle various other tasks continues to grow. The reason is clear--the cost savings and productivity advantages of secure, reliable, and high-performing IT networks are simply too great to ignore.
The Client
Harrison EMS (HEMS), located in Harrison New York. They have the most state-of-the-art equipment on board all of their Ambulances and Paramedic Response Vehicles. All of their Paramedics must be trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support, which most agencies do not hold to this standard of care. They operate 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. They rely on IBM File Server with 4 workstations.
The Problem
In early 2004, frustration with HEMS IT network had reached a critical point. Computers of various kinds were using three different versions of the Windows operating system. Connections to and from servers were often slow and unreliable. Network security was in question and HIPPA Regulations for patient data was not being managed. Problems, both major and minor, were occurring at an unacceptable rate.
To fix problems, HEMS depended mainly on a outside vendor to handle issues. Sometimes, volunteers also offered assistance. The help they received sometimes made things worse not better. We needed a more effective service.
Here comes PairM
PairM’s first task was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the organizations IT assets, identifying issues that needed immediate attention, listing long-term needs, and establishing priorities.
Since then, key PairM contributions have included:
More standardized and stable IT environment by upgrading older computers and adopting Windows 2003 on the Server and Windows XP Pro throughout the network
Higher and more reliable levels of day-to-day technical skills and experience
Special sensitivity to cost issues and training staff to solve minor IT problems so they're less dependent on outside support
Strategic planning and long-term budgeting to anticipate and accommodate future requirements
The Results
PairM has delivered dramatic results for the old Harrison Volunteer Ambulance Corp – now Harrison EMS. IT systems have been upgraded, software is being standardized, network connections both within the office are stronger and more efficient. Downtime has been significantly reduced, and a clear plan is in place for future development.
IT Challenges Can Be Overwhelming
In recent studies:
Enterprise Management Associates reported that 80% of organizations don’t know what IT systems or software they have installed or how to manage it
The Gartner Group estimated that poor IT management alone increases the total cost of IT ownership by 7–10% a year
It’s little wonder then that Gartner and other research firms estimate that the right IT partner can reduce the product selection, procurement, implementation, maintenance, and management costs of small organizations by 20–30%.
