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6 Things Nurses Want In A Computer On Wheels (COW)

6 Things Nurses Want In A Computer On Wheels (COW)

Nurses are essential to providing high-quality patient care in the hectic world of healthcare. Technology has become a crucial component of their everyday activities in order to increase productivity and streamline workflows. The Computer on Wheels (COW), otherwise known as Workstation on Wheels (WOW), one of the numerous tools at their disposal, has shown to be a game-changer.

As we push forward into 2023, nurses have highlighted a number of essential qualities they seek in a COWs, making it an essential tool in modern healthcare settings. In this article, we’ll look at six features that are important for computers on wheels for nurses and how they’ve changed over time.

6 Things Nurses Want in COWs

Quiet, Light, and Maneurvable

Gone are the days of bulky, cumbersome workstations. In fact, one study found, “Nursing staff…identified several negative features of WOWs: lack of stability and difficulty in maneuvering…noise, unstable cart wheels, large footprint that made it impossible to walk beside…’” It should come as no surprise that nurses prefer a mobile workstation that can move silently, safely, and pleasantly at the patient’s bedside. 

Nurses require COWs that are lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver. With advancements in technology, nurses can now access patient information and update records at the point of care, saving valuable time and increasing efficiency. Compact COWs equipped with robust wheels and ergonomic handles enable nurses to navigate busy hospital corridors effortlessly.

“Just Right” Size vs. One-Size Fits All

Aside from being small enough to fit into small patient rooms, COWs must also be flexible enough to have the right size, not just one-size fits all. These computers on wheels need to move past curtains and tables, and visitor chairs and stay a safe distance from medical equipment like IV machines and monitors. 

There is such a thing as being too little, though. In a recent survey, nurses claimed that certain WOWs weren’t big enough to handle all the tasks they needed them to. Finding the COW size that is “just right” for the healthcare setting your nurses work in is crucial since it must be neither too big nor too little to be effective.

Excellent Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their environment and how to design that environment to reduce the risk of injury. When it comes to COWs, there are a number of ergonomic factors that need to be considered, such as height, weight, size, and design. By considering these ergonomic factors, healthcare facilities can help to ensure that COWs are used in a way that protects nurses’ health and safety.

Ergonomic features such as adjustable height, keyboard tilt, footrests, and swivel capabilities allow nurses to position the computer at their preferred working height and angle, reducing strain on their neck, shoulders, and wrists as well as making it a comfortable workings position. Additionally, the wheels should be easily maneuverable, enabling smooth navigation through crowded hospital corridors and tight spaces. 

Seamless Integration with Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

In the past, compatibility issues between COWs and EHR systems were a significant concern for nurses. However, in 2023, seamless integration with EHRs has become a top priority. Nurses demand COWs that can sync seamlessly with their facility’s EHR platform, enabling real-time access to patient records, medication administration, and documentation. The integration of COWs and EHRs ensures accurate and up-to-date patient information, facilitating safer and more efficient care delivery.

Intuitive User Interface and Touchscreen Technology

Nurses value COWs with user-friendly interfaces and intuitive touchscreen technology. In 2023, they seek COWs equipped with large, high-resolution touchscreens that can display detailed patient information, lab results, and diagnostic images. Furthermore, intuitive interfaces and customizable workflows enable nurses to navigate through applications seamlessly, reducing cognitive load and ensuring a smoother user experience.

It’s crucial that this work is as simple as possible for nurses to do because they spend between 26.2% and 41% of their time documenting. Nurse fatigue and frustration are decreased by EHR systems and mobile workstations that are simple to use, allowing nurses to devote more time to providing high-quality patient care.

Dependable, Lasting Battery Life

There’s nothing more frustrating than having a COW that can’t stay charged. The need for COWs with long-lasting battery life has become increasingly crucial for nurses. Continuous usage throughout a demanding shift should not be hindered by frequent charging interruptions. 

Nurses need COWs equipped with advanced battery technologies that can sustain them for extended periods, eliminating the need for frequent recharging and ensuring uninterrupted access to patient data. This could be a point to decide if powered or non-powered computer carts on wheels are best. 

Since these computer carts can offer different industries the tech they need, both are equally beneficial. Each provides specs and features that are important to any industry. Here at DATACART™, all our powered and non-powered carts are completely customizable and adjustable and offer easy “hot swap” battery monitoring. 

Know Your Priorities

As we venture into 2023, the demands of nurses regarding the features and functionality of a Computer on Wheels (COW) have evolved significantly. Not all capabilities of COWs are equally significant to nurses utilizing the workstations or equally advantageous to the hospital paying for them. Additionally, there are times when a nurse’s needs can be met by a cart feature but not by another. 

Stick to your priorities and do your research. DATACART™ is committed to our customers. We are here to help you find the best COWs for your staff. We have carts to match all your needs and accessories to help customize specific features. Contact us today!

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5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Telehealth Workstation

5 things to consider when choosing a telehealth workstation

With the rapid advancement of telehealth technology, healthcare providers are embracing telehealth workstations as essential tools to deliver quality care remotely. These workstations provide a versatile and efficient platform for healthcare professionals to expand their service.

With many telehealth workstation options available today, how do facilities choose the right solution and implement it successfully? In this blog, we will explore five considerations to guide you in selecting the right telehealth workstation.

Ergonomics and Mobility

A telehealth workstation should prioritize ergonomics to support the comfort and well-being of healthcare professionals during telehealth sessions. Look for workstations with adjustable height features, ensuring compatibility with various healthcare settings and accommodating healthcare providers’ preferences. Additionally, prioritize mobility with workstations that offer smooth maneuverability, enabling healthcare professionals to move effortlessly between patient encounters.

DATACART™ features four telehealth carts and three telehealth kits, with many accessories to choose from. Our carts provide the ability to place your work materials down while also being able to take them with you anywhere throughout the day. Additionally, all of our carts feature adjustable monitor/table mounts, and seamless sit-to-stand capabilities.

Integration with Telehealth Technology

Ensure that the telehealth workstation seamlessly integrates with your preferred telehealth technology platforms and applications. Compatibility with video conferencing software, EHR systems, and other telehealth tools is essential for efficient communication and data management. DATACART™ products, renowned for their seamless integration capabilities, provide reliable compatibility with a wide range of telehealth software applications.

Audio and Video Capabilities

High-quality audio and video are essential for clear and effective telehealth consultations. Opt for workstations equipped with built-in speakers, microphones, and high-definition cameras. These features enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients, fostering a more engaging and comprehensive telehealth experience. 

Security and Privacy Measures

Protecting patient information is of utmost importance in telehealth consultations. Select workstations that prioritize data security and privacy. Look for features like secure login, encrypted data transmission, and compliance with industry standards such as HIPAA. DATACART™ telehealth carts ensure patient confidentiality and maintain compliance with healthcare regulations that are integrated within the actual design or customization of our carts. 

Storage and Organization

Efficient storage and organization of essential equipment and peripherals are vital for seamless telehealth consultations. Opt for workstations with ample storage space for accessories like medical devices, headsets, storage containers, and cables. Workstations with integrated cable management systems help maintain a clutter-free environment and minimize the risk of accidents.


Our DATACART™ telehealth carts can be fully customized to fit your facility’s needs and offer integrated cable management. They are ideal for providing cost-effective technology solutions to assist efficient and proper remote diagnosis in any clinical setting. Our company provides top-of-the-line telehealth carts that offer healthcare professionals the technology they require and desire. Contact us today to discuss telehealth carts and accessories that best fit your needs.

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How To Optimize Your Clinic’s Workflow

workflow optimization

As a healthcare professional, you want to provide the best possible care to your patients. However, the efficiency of your clinic’s workflow can have a significant impact on your ability to provide high-quality care. Health data and patient information are frequently segregated, unstructured, and challenging to access, which hinders efficient decision-making and creates workflow bottlenecks.

At the recent HIMSS 2023 conference, topics relating to optimization in health system efficiency and solutions to workflow challenges were heavily discussed. Research supports the idea that a well-optimized workflow can help save time, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction. In this blog, we’ll discuss some tips on how to optimize your clinic’s workflow.

medical workflow

Optimize Clinical Communication

According to a study published in the Journal of Healthcare Management, an average 500-bed hospital loses more than $4 million each year due to communication inefficiencies.

Integrations with leading electronic health records provide streamlined workflows, standardized processes, and smooth data transfers, unlocking greater potential to improve patient care. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients’ medical records. Using EHRs can help you streamline your workflow by reducing paperwork and manual data entry. EHRs can also help you track patient data over time, monitor clinical outcomes, and provide more accurate diagnoses.

In the United States, 1 in 4 hospitals still use pagers, and 90% still use fax machines. These technologies formerly made hospital communication simpler, but they are now obsolete for effective healthcare workflows.

Healthcare businesses now have access to quicker and more effective communication tools. Hospitals can further expedite processes and patient capacity, enhance patient safety, produce better clinical outcomes, and lower costs by bringing healthcare communication into the twenty-first century. 

Automate, Automate, Automate 

Data normalization and interoperability tools, along with cutting-edge health technology powered by AI and NLP, can offer crucial insights that can assist health administrators in reducing waste and inefficiencies while also enhancing the quality of care decisions. 

Enhanced patient automation and self-service through engagement outreach and accessible health content make care more personalized and optimize the time and efforts of clinical staff. Healthcare automation can go a step further and incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning processes.

Using an online appointment scheduling system can help you optimize your clinic’s workflow by reducing the time it takes to schedule appointments. Patients can book their appointments online, which eliminates the need for phone calls and reduces the risk of errors. Automated appointment scheduling can also help you manage your schedule more efficiently by allowing you to block off time slots for specific types of appointments.

Patient reminders can help you reduce missed appointments and improve patient outcomes. Using automated patient reminders can help you optimize your workflow by reducing the time it takes to send reminders. Automated reminders can also help you track patient compliance and improve patient satisfaction.

Healthcare automation gives patients the freedom to stay where they are most comfortable while enabling better diagnosis and monitoring. It also reduces the time and money needed for physical processes that can otherwise be automated, increasing resources to go into different areas. 

Telehealth Services & Training

Telehealth services can help you optimize your workflow by allowing you to see patients remotely. This can help you reduce the amount of time patients spend in your clinic, as well as, reduce the risk of infection. Telehealth services can also help you reach patients who live in remote or underserved areas.

Telehealth is widely used at many healthcare facilities and is starting to see many improvements. Telehealth utilization has stabilized at levels 38X higher than before the pandemic. The increased use of telehealth has created a need for healthcare professionals to receive adequate training to effectively and efficiently provide care through telehealth platforms. 

Workstations on Wheels (WoWs) have significantly improved healthcare ergonomics and optimization, which can help staff and patients alike. With increased mobility and efficiency at the top of the benefits list, medical facilities can accomplish their goals faster than ever. 

DATACART™’s telehealth carts and other medical computer carts are specifically made with our healthcare and IT specialists in mind. All our powered and non-powered carts are completely customizable and adjustable, and offer mobile storage for all professionals! 

Electronic Platforms to Increase Personalized Care

Advancements in medical technology and software allow clinical teams to detect and diagnose health complications earlier. As mentioned before, the use of AI and automated processes is extremely useful in healthcare, specifically in streamlining services and offering very personalized care. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) and Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), which use technology to monitor health indicators and identify potential problems, frequently make this possible.

Any change in a patient’s vital signs can be automatically reported by RPM technology. Clinical professionals can perform diagnostic procedures without upsetting the patient thanks to wearable technology like remote cardiac monitoring systems. Patients can perform these diagnostic tests at home when wearable technology and RPM are combined. When specific elements or symptoms are identified, the data is automatically logged and shared with doctors.

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are computer-based tools that help healthcare professionals make more informed clinical decisions. CDSS can help you optimize your workflow by providing you with real-time clinical data and treatment recommendations. This can help you make more accurate diagnoses, reduce errors, and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, using electronic prescription refills can help you optimize your workflow by reducing the amount of time it takes to refill prescriptions. Electronic prescription refills can also help you reduce errors, track medication usage, and improve patient compliance.

Continuously Monitor & Improve Workflow

Optimizing your clinic’s workflow is an ongoing process. It’s important to monitor your workflow regularly and make adjustments as needed. This can help you identify areas for improvement and implement new strategies to streamline your workflow.

Standardizing processes is critical to ensuring the consistent delivery of healthcare services. It involves defining and implementing standard procedures, protocols, and guidelines for various clinical and administrative tasks.  

Healthcare providers should track key performance metrics such as patient wait times, appointment scheduling, work efficiency, care timeline, patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction. These metrics can provide insights into areas where workflows need improvement and help healthcare providers identify opportunities for process optimization. 

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5 Ways Technology Can Help With Healthcare Workforce Challenges

Technology can help with healthcare workflow challenges

Nursing professionals today are concerned about a variety of workforce concerns that have an influence on outcomes for patients, clinician experience, and safety. The aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and a shortage of qualified workers are just some of the issues that must be addressed. 

Recently at the HIMSS Conference 2023, the topic of “Technology to Help Workforce Challenges” was discussed by an amazing nursing forum panel. They discussed the importance of utilizing digital technology and how nursing informatics professionals are addressing hurdles and encouraging nurse innovation. By leveraging technology-focused care delivery and management practices, the healthcare world can improve the health of doctors, patients, and caregivers.

Here are some ways that healthcare organizations can utilize technology to help with their workforce challenges:

medical technology advancement image

Automating Workflows & Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help healthcare organizations optimize staffing and workforce planning. 

Hospitals spend a lot of money, time, and human resources doing administrative tasks. It is essential to free medical workers from paperwork and leave enough time for patient care.

AI and Machine Learning (MI) can analyze data on patient demand, staffing levels, and workforce capacity to help healthcare organizations make more informed decisions about hiring, scheduling, and resource allocation. AI can also be used to automate routine tasks, freeing healthcare professionals to focus on more complex patient care.

Additionally, there are some studies already suggesting that AI can perform as well or better than humans at key healthcare tasks, such as diagnosing diseases. Algorithms already surpass identifying cancerous tumors and advising researchers on how to create cohorts for expensive clinical trials. However, we think it will be a while before AI is considered (if at all) in replacing humans in large medical process domains. But the promise of automation in healthcare and other obstacles should streamline its quick adoption. 

Increasing the Quality of Care

How do we ensure that patients receive the attention and support they need? Essentially, medical providers have to change their goals when it comes to raising the standard of care in healthcare. Patients who, for instance, are more likely to catch an infection following surgery or contract a hospital-borne illness need more care. The quality of care can be greatly improved by putting the patient first in the healthcare system.

As mentioned above, the healthcare industry will start to look to AI and ML to increase aspects like this. Patient monitoring has evolved as a result of AI. Numerous health parameters can be successfully and consistently tracked by AI software. There are many smartwatch apps with AI functionality that can be used to monitor daily activities. Similar apps can help with in-the-moment monitoring and alert doctors as needed.

The need to improve the quality of care comes with the fact that technology has changed tremendously even within the past 5 years, and the healthcare industry is trying to keep up with that pace. 

Improving Healthcare Access

Modern healthcare must be accessible to everyone. The uneven distribution of healthcare access results in problems with geographic accessibility and timely delivery. Patients must have access to medical resources and services, wherever they are. Whether it be a serious accident or a chronic illness, a patient must also be able to act quickly when faced with a medical problem. 

The increasing use of telemedicine/telehealth and e-visits enables healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely. Geographic accessibility and care timeliness difficulties are being addressed via mobile phones, laptops, computer carts, and tablets. 

It is anticipated that broadband projects, coupled with technological advancements and their applications, will help address the problem of healthcare access. It can have a huge impact on a person’s health, especially if they have limited mobility or live in remote or hard-to-reach places that are often underserved by healthcare providers. With telehealth, patients can receive medical consultations, diagnostic tests, and follow-up appointments from the comfort of their own homes. This can reduce the need for in-person visits and save time and money for both patients and healthcare providers.

Reducing Inefficient Processes 

Administrative costs are primarily to blame for rising healthcare prices. In fact, it has been determined that in the US, nearly half of the money allocated for healthcare is wasted. Reducing these inefficiencies is necessary in order to address many of the key problems facing the healthcare industry. One procedure that requires modernization is the sharing of patient records. 

The improvement of electronic health records (EHRs) allows healthcare providers to access patient records from anywhere with an internet connection. This means doctors and nurses can access patient information, test results, and treatment plans from their computers or mobile devices, reducing the need for paper records and physical storage space. The fact of the matter is that paper records must eventually be transformed into digital ones.

One such approach would be to use blockchain to store and distribute patient records. Blockchain has the potential to improve interoperability, help EHRs standardize their practices, and safeguard patient privacy. The technology behind blockchain data access and exchange does present some difficulties, though.

Mobile applications can help healthcare professionals stay connected and access information on the go. For example, mobile apps can provide real-time updates on patient conditions, allow healthcare providers to communicate with each other, and provide access to medical research and reference materials. Mobile apps can also be used to improve patient engagement and education by providing patients with access to educational materials, appointment reminders, and medication reminders.

Everchanging Ergonomic Integration  

Powered workstations on wheels (WoWs) allow you to bring power anywhere that it is needed and ensure that a charge is only a moment away when it is needed with mobile battery charging stations. This saves doctors and nurses an ample amount of time by eliminating the need to continually swap out uncharged equipment. A great example of this is battery swap stations.

WoWs also can help reduce trips back and forth for power sources, which is one way powered carts limits fatigue. DATACART™’s powered medical carts also integrate a push-button for electric sit-to-stand adjustments. Research suggests that prolonged standing at work has been associated with various potential health problems, such as lower back and leg pain, fatigue, and cardiovascular problems. 

It is important that medical carts continue to adjust and adapt to the advancements in daily services. That is why DATACART™ tries to constantly improve our non-powered and powered medical cart features. Our goal is to provide ergonomic functionality while providing security and customization that are greatly needed for our healthcare clients. 

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2023 Trends For The Future Of Workstations On Wheels For Healthcare

Workstations on wheels (WoWs) have revolutionized accessible healthcare to efficiently serve patients. The workstation on wheels industry is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of healthcare organizations and their staff. As society continues to advance the way companies operate, the WoWs industry is becoming more adaptive to meet the needs of the future. 

What Are the Driving Force Behind These Changes? 

Updates to WoWs are generally focused on the ever-changing needs of healthcare professionals, design modifications, use cases, and technology. Here is the general breakdown fueling where the industry is headed: 

  • Changes in Needs: As the population in the USA is getting older, there is an increased focus on chronic disease management. Healthcare providers require more flexible, mobile workstations that can be used in a variety of settings. There is also a growing need for workstations that can integrate with telehealth platforms and enable remote consultations.
  • Changes in Design: Computer carts in general are becoming more lightweight, ergonomic, and customizable. They also feature better cable management and improved battery life to enable longer use times.
  • Changes in Use Case: WoWs are now being used for a wider range of applications, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education. They are also being used for longer periods, as healthcare providers are spending more time documenting patient information and accessing electronic health records.
  • Popular Models and Types: There are a wide range of WoW models and types available to healthcare providers. Some of the more popular types include units with adjustable height and tilt, battery-powered units with long battery life, and units with integrated telehealth capabilities.
  • Keeping Up with Technology: WoWs are incorporating new technologies, such as larger high-definition monitors, high-quality camera systems, and voice recognition software. They are also being designed to integrate with electronic health record systems, barcode scanners, and other technologies to streamline workflows and improve patient care.

Here are some possible trends for the future of workstations on wheels in healthcare for 2023:

Powered Carts and Improved Battery Life 

The standard powered computer cart has already started to be incorporated into healthcare settings (and is here to stay). The future focus on these workstations will be improving their overall specs, like more lightweight designs, improved rechargeable batteries, and easy “hot swap” battery monitoring. 

Traditionally, healthcare professionals would have to disrupt their workflow when they needed to swap power supply or restart their PCs from another power source. Today, the rechargeable battery that powers WoWs offers continuous battery life and quick “hot swap” switching of batteries to streamline workflow without disruptions. 

As healthcare is looking for ways to keep up with long shifts, battery life will need to be optimized to keep up with these needs. Additionally, battery life tracking directly on the battery will be a much-needed update (if not already implemented). 

Increased Focus on Mobility and Ergonomics

Workstations on wheels for healthcare will continue to become more mobile and ergonomic, with a focus on reducing nurse fatigue and increasing ease of use for healthcare workers. This will lead to lighter materials and more adjustable designs to accommodate different users and situations.

The main features that allow decreased fatigue and increased ease of use include electric lifts, which allow the height of a cart/keyboard to be easily adjusted with just a push of a button. Additionally, there is a focus on redesigning WoWs to be able to rotate 180 degrees or more without disrupting service. This would allow full-on triangular care between the user, patient, and cart. 

UV Disinfectant and Other Germ Fighting Features

It isn’t a secret that hospitals come into contact with some of the worst germs and diseases. In some healthcare facilities, UV light cleaning robots are already cleaning hospital rooms. UV radiation is a “known disinfectant for air, water, and nonporous surfaces,” according to the FDA. This UV disinfectant technology may be the next “germ-fighting” improvement that WoWs implement, depending on who sees it as a beneficial add-on. 

Currently, some mobile workstations are adding UV light disinfection technologies straight to their charts. Adding this UV light brings on another issue of cable and space management on the actual cart. Will the workstation industry start to patent and implement their own UV lights straight onto their carts in the future? It’s not certain, but some businesses, including  DATACART™, supply UV Clean Infection Light attachments. This automated chemical-free disinfecting technology attachment is your second line of defense against the spread of infectious microorganisms by dispensing germicidal UV-C light at low levels. 

Enhanced Security Features

With the growing concern over cybersecurity, workstations on wheels will incorporate enhanced security features to ensure patient data is protected. This may include biometric authentication, encryption, and other security measures. Additionally, with remote workstations and telehealth systems, cybersecurity efforts will need to focus on protecting remote workers even more than before. 

Other security features WoWs could focus on physical security improvements like locking laptops, locking carts, and security cables. 

Fleet Management and Artificial Intelligence (AI): 

The management of a fleet of WoWs dispersed around the campuses of healthcare facilities can be challenging for hospital IT teams. Many hospitals are required to maintain carts at off-site sites without on-site tech help. Remote fleet management software has to improve in order to meet those challenges. 

With the use of this program, users may access live information on cart location (which functions like GPS), battery life, availability, and user data. It aids in the proactive decision-making of the IT department. Without real-time data from fleet management software, I.T. might be pushed to purchase more carts, which would increase costs, add more devices to maintain, and cause annoyance with out-of-service carts. DATACART™ powered carts include fleet management software called Mobile Power Manager Software. This software allows for real time information and alerts in different views to keep your fleet of DATACART™ carts going strong.

In addition to remote IT support, workstations on wheels will begin to incorporate AI capabilities, such as natural language processing and machine learning, to assist healthcare workers in their tasks. This could include automating documentation, providing clinical decision support, and helping to manage inventory.

DATACART™ Is Committed to Our Customers

Overall, the workstation on wheels industry is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of healthcare providers. As technology advances and the healthcare landscape changes, workstations on wheels will continue to adapt and improve to support patient care.

In terms of specific models or types becoming more popular, there is no one-size-fits-all solution in the workstation on wheels industry. Instead, healthcare organizations are choosing workstations based on their specific needs and workflows.

In this quickly shifting environment, one thing is certain: DATACART™ will keep developing cutting-edge mobile computing solutions to meet the changing needs of our clients. Contact us today to learn more! 

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How To Decide Between A Non-Powered or Powered Computer Cart?

powered vs nonpowered cart

Before powered computer carts were on the market, non-powered computer carts were the one (and maybe only) option. Now that powered computer carts provide portable power supplies, deciding to invest in either depends on the needs of your staff and facility. 

Since these computer carts can offer different industries the tech they need, both are equally beneficial. Each provides specs and features that are important to any industry. Before weighing your options, you should ask yourself these questions: 

  • Do you need to move around constantly at work? Or are you stationary?
  • Do you need continuous power to get the job done? 
  • Do you need portable power? Are outlets hard to come by in your workplace?
  • Are you looking for desktop, laptop, dual-monitor, or tablet compatibility?
  • Do you need to bring power to devices used on the cart? 

Generally, powered carts provide a much longer-lasting power supply, while non-powered carts are limited to the battery in the laptop/tablet. Since a large number of devices have USB capabilities, your decision may solely depend on how long you need to function before charging your tech. When choosing between a non-powered or powered computer cart, there are several benefits to consider:

secure laptop cart
Rectangle Laptop Cart Maple

Mobility

If you need a workstation on wheels (WoWs) that can easily be moved around the facility, both a powered and non-powered computer cart offer the same smooth mobility. Both of these carts are typically lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for use in a variety of care settings. However, if you need a workstation that can be used for extended periods without the need for frequent charging (or an actual outlet), a powered computer cart might be a better choice.

power on cart

DATACART™ powered carts have a long-lasting Lithium Iron Phosphate portable battery that can be recharged at night and ready to power through the entire day. So essentially, when it comes to mobility, you need to consider if you don’t mind plugging in your non-powered cart vs. not having to search for an outlet with a powered cart. But if being stationary and charging isn’t an issue, non-powered carts may be of best interest. 

Power/Charging Needs

As stated above, power and charging needs are also crucial benefits to consider. If you plan to use power-hungry devices, such as large monitors or powerful CPUs, a powered cart might be necessary to ensure that you have sufficient power to run the devices for extended periods. On the other hand, if you are looking to use a simple laptop or tablet device, a non-powered cart may be the best option. This isn’t to say that a non-powered cart can’t house large dual monitors or CPUs, it’s just that a powered cart would offer more efficient power usage for a longer time. 

secure cart image 1
DCT-SFF-AA-W-FRONT2

DATACART™ non-powered carts offer plenty of cable and power cord accessory holes to ensure everything that needs power, gets power. While the Small Form Factor carts provide dedicated cable management capabilities for tangle-free maneuverability and charging. 

Workflow

The workflow and productivity factors are similar to mobility needs. If your staff needs to move frequently between rooms or care settings, a non-powered cart might be more practical. However, if your staff needs a workstation that can be used for extended periods without the need for frequent charging, a powered cart might be necessary. 

The great thing about each of these carts is that their storage and security accessories can help increase overall productivity. When your staff has everything they need at their fingertips, on their computer carts, it cuts down unnecessary time spent searching for essential items or worrying about the security of important documents. 

Ergonomics

Lastly, consider the ergonomic needs of the professionals who will be using the workstation. When it comes to being ergonomic, there isn’t much of a difference between these carts besides sit-to-stand capabilities and other fatigue-limiting specs. Not all non-powered carts have these features. DATACART™ powered and non-powered carts can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of individual users, so you won’t have to sacrifice comfort. 

Although sit-to-stand capabilities are important, they aren’t the only factors that affect ergonomics. Think about how these carts move around from place to place—are the wheels operating smoothly? What type of wheeling technology is used? Caster wheels are very important. DATACART™ uses high-performance casters—both single and dual wheels. These caster wheels provide smooth gliding motion for all of our carts alike. The ability to move a cart easily is limited by how good the wheels are. 

Which is Right for You?

The decision to invest in powered or non-powered computer carts will ultimately depend on your needs. Here at DATACART™, all our powered and non-powered carts are completely customizable, and adjustable, and offer mobile storage for all professionals! 

Need help deciding what you need? Contact us today to discuss options! 

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The Value Of A Powered Computer Cart

A powered computer cart is a versatile and valuable piece of equipment that can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, IT departments, and schools. These carts are designed to hold and power a computer and other electronic devices, making them an ideal solution for workstations on wheels

There are many benefits to using powered carts in everyday operations. Here are some of the top considerations that will add value to your workspace: 

Value Of Utilizing Powered Computer Carts

example of powered computer cart

Portable Power 

In a perfect world, our technology would stay powered 100% of the time without any need to recharge. With a powered computer cart, you can achieve this standard for a longer period of time. Traditional medical carts rely on power cords or extension cords to remain powered up. With a powered computer cart, you can bring power anywhere that is needed without continually swapping out equipment.

DATACART powered carts are powered by a highly efficient power solution giving exceptional battery life. The high-quality innovative design ensures that the battery pack is a perfect combination of maneuverability and ergonomics in a compact design. Additionally, each cart has backup integrated power cords in case you run into any issues with the power supply. 

Information In One Place 

Being able to easily maneuver a computer cart from place to place is a lifesaver in many situations. Whether you’re working in the medical field or a home office, you have a million tasks to tackle. Documents, data, and tools all need a specific place to be stored. With our carts, you can have compartments to allow for document storage, cable management, and accessory additions

Limit Fatigue 

Reducing trips back and forth for power sources is one way powered carts limits fatigue. Our powered medical carts also integrate a push-button for electric sit-to-stand adjustments. Research suggests that prolonged standing at work has been associated with various potential health problems such as lower back and leg pain, fatigue, and cardiovascular problems. 

After walking and being on your feet all day, it’s highly beneficial to be able to bring your workspace down to a seated level with just the push of a button. Many of our computer carts feature this quick sit-to-stand ability but it is even more efficient on our powered carts that are practically self-serving to any professional needs. 

Multi-use Areas 

The multi-usability of powered carts takes all of the benefits and applies them in many different situations. DATACART powered carts are made to tackle many environments including hospitals, IT departments, and schools. There are many custom-powered cart configurations regardless of the profession and the benefits can be broken down like this:  

Hospitals 

In hospitals, powered medical carts provide a convenient and efficient way for medical staff to access patient information and perform other tasks while on the go. These carts can be easily moved from room to room, allowing doctors, nurses, and other staff members to keep up with their work and stay organized. They can also be fitted with specialized medical equipment, such as EKG machines, making it easy to collect patient data at the point of care and reducing the need for patients to be transported to another area of the hospital.

IT Departments

In IT departments, powered computer carts can be used to provide mobile support for computer systems. They can be equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to troubleshoot and repair computers and other electronic devices. This can save time and resources by allowing IT staff to quickly respond to issues and provide on-site support.

Schools 

In schools, powered computer carts can be used to provide students with access to technology and telehealth services. These carts can be equipped with laptops or tablets, and easily be moved from room to room. It allows students to have increased access to telehealth services to help students, faculty, and staff alike stay or become healthy without the need to travel for an appointment.

In summary, powered computer carts provide a convenient and efficient solution for mobile computing needs in hospitals, IT departments, and schools. They can be easily moved and equipped with the necessary tools, allowing staff to stay organized and productive while on the go. If your staff could benefit from a powered computer cart, contact us today to see how we can customize a cart to your needs.