Pneumatic Tube System Maintenance and Software Updates for Hospitals
Ongoing maintenance prevents tomorrow’s emergencies.
Most hospitals rarely think about their pneumatic tube system maintenance plan, and that’s completely normal. Your TranspoNet tube system was built to be dependable, so it’s easy to assume it will keep running smoothly on its own.
Just like any essential part of your hospital infrastructure, even the most reliable tube system needs planned maintenance. When you’ve planned and implemented a modern system, it’s important to maintain the “logic layer” (in addition to the physical equipment) to support updates.
Impact of skipping software updates
Using outdated software or relying on quick fixes creates technical debt that compounds over time, resulting in:
- Slow routing
- Delays at peak times
- Bottlenecks creating long delays per sample
- Disruptions to ongoing operations
- Needlessly replacing the entire system
For optimum hospital transport operations, software tube system maintenance involves planning for regular patches and version updates to benefit from
- New features
- Cybersecurity improvement
- Bug fixes and performance enhancements
A modernization path: steps for a phased-in tube system update
If your tube system runs on TranspoNet 5.3 software or older, it’s time to upgrade your software. When the system software is out of date, it could be a top security risk.
Upgrades involve moving to an entirely new major software version, for example, going from 5.3 to 6.7. Updates involve applying patches or minor revisions within the same version, for example, moving from 6.7.5 to 6.8.
| TERM | WHAT IT MEANS | EXAMPLE | WHY IT MATTERS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade | Moving to a new software version with significant change or new capabilities | 5.3 -> 6.7 | Enables access to new features, performance improvements, and long‑term support |
| Update | Applying patches, fixes, or minor revisions within the same version | 6.7.5 -> 6.8 | Keeps the system secure, stable, and compliant without requiring a version change |
1. Upgrade to the current TranspoNet software release before December 31, 2026
- TranspoNet 5.2 (or earlier) software: the system will be unsupported, resulting in operational and cybersecurity risks.
- TranspoNet 5.3 software: when patches or security fixes are needed, an update will be required to receive support.
Software upgrades include
- Control Application Runs on Windows Service
- Browser-Based User Interface
- Individual Accounts
- System Control Monitoring Tool
2. Install software updates regularly
- Maintains security
- Optimizes operational performance
- Safeguards compliance
FAQs
What does pneumatic tube system maintenance include?
Three steps for maintaining the software and hardware of your pneumatic tube system
- Use the latest software release, which is compatible with the newest Windows OS versions. A tube system server on an older or outdated OS is a vulnerability.
- Install updates and patches immediately. Our ongoing updates address issues identified in the field, ensuring the TranspoNet software continues to reliably and safely control your tube system.
- Create a plan for rolling out hardware and firmware updates. Instead of updating every component such as stations, diverters, and transfer units at once, focus on replacing discontinued hardware to ensure all current devices remain up to date.
Why is it important to keep pneumatic tube system software updated?
Relying on outdated tube system software weakens security and leaves your system without critical patches and protections. Keeping software updated ensures your system stays protected, stable, and compliant.
If attackers gain access to your network, they may also be able to interfere with your pneumatic tube system. Failing to install software updates increases the risk of a cyberattack that could disrupt or delay critical transport across the hospital.
When the system isn’t secured through a browser-based platform, staff must access the control server directly. That direct access creates an entry point that cybercriminals can exploit by locking the system and demanding ransom to restore operations.
How often should pneumatic tube system software be updated?
What happens if pneumatic tube system software is not updated?
Can outdated pneumatic tube systems pose a cybersecurity risk?
How do software updates affect pneumatic tube system hardware?
What is the difference between planned and reactive maintenance?
Who is responsible for pneumatic tube system maintenance—IT or facilities?
Both. IT keeps the system smart, connected, secure, and up to date. They are responsible for software management and updates; network connectivity and system communication; cybersecurity and access control; user interface support; and data, logs, and analytics.
Facilities keeps the system running physically with airflow, mechanics, and infrastructure. They are responsible for maintenance of hardware components; preventive maintenance and inspections; repairs and replacements; physical installation and upgrades; and environmental and operational safety.