Future-Proof Your Hospital Technologies with Early EOL Planning

Hospital systems and technologies typically have a projected lifespan of around ten years, which is similar to advanced solutions in other sectors. While hospital IT and facilities managers are generally aware of their systems’ end-of-life (EOL) projections, many continue to put off updates and replacements until the posted EOL or, in some cases, beyond EOL when a system begins showing signs of impaired performance. 

Lack of advanced planning poses serious operational risks, including the following: 

• Increased downtime requires staff to revert to manual workarounds, which may require on-the-spot retraining.
• Slower performance have a negative ripple effect on the entire process, delaying critical services to patients. 
• Reduced compatibility with newer software inhibits performance and increases vulnerability to cyberattacks, and performance anomalies. 
• Limited parts availability means a hunt for older system parts which is not only expensive but can impair performance. 

Pharmacy automation system performance must be future-proofed to maintain ongoing efficiency. 

Hospital IT and facilities managers need to develop a replacement strategy at least three years before a system reaches EOL. One area where this is especially important is pharmacy automation technology. A pharmacy automation system consists of several components and each may have a different EOL. That requires a concerted effort by IT and facilities management teams to ensure that each piece is regularly evaluated well in advance of EOL deadlines. When components become compromised, they impact the efficiency of the entire system. Proactive planning and future-proofing operations helps maintain uninterrupted service to patients, optimize system efficiency to support the work of pharmacists and technicians, and help ensure overall best practices.

Six areas of focus to consider

• Distribution Strategy. Evaluate centralized, decentralized, hybrid, and consolidated service models to identify the approach that best aligns with future-state vision.
• End-of-Life (EOL) Transition Strategy. Access best practices and recommended tools directly from subject matter experts to ensure a smooth system transition.
• Timeline and Milestones. Create a timeline outlining phases from site preparation and assembly to go-live. This will help plan each step with greater accuracy and confidence.
• Infrastructure Readiness: IT, Space, and Staffing. Review the foundational elements required for a seamless transition, including system integration, facility planning, and workforce alignment.
• Data-Driven Insights and Decision Support. Assemble and review inventory analytics and time studies. Use cost modeling to understand the nuances and risks of an equipment transition. This will help enable more proactive mitigation of common challenges that occur.
• Regular tune-ups. Conduct tune ups at pre-determined intervals to evaluate system performance. Regularly reviewing components will identify slow downs or anomalies that can be corrected before they become problematic. 

These are all areas in which Swisslog Healthcare assists users of our pharmacy automation solutions well before EOL. Ask your supplier about their EOL planning tools. They will partner with you to provide this level of assistance.

Use your EOL tools and resources to make early planning easier and more effective. 

We recommend requesting the Swisslog Healthcare Replacement Guide, or similar documents created to support EOL planning efforts and help hospitals transition to new equipment with confidence. It is designed to guard against the risks of outdated technology while turning a necessary replacement into a strategic opportunity to foster innovation and growth. 

What’s your EOL plan?

Hospital technology EOL transitions can be complex, but they are a necessary part of ongoing maintenance to ensure performance integrity and that your hospital equipment and systems continue to meet optimum standards of performance.