How Integrating MCE Courier Data with Other Information Systems Can Make Your Life Easier

If you’re managing medical courier operations for a clinical lab, you know how chaotic things can get. Between specimen tracking, courier management, and making sure everything is updated across different systems, it can feel like you’re juggling a million things at once. One of the most common questions we get from our clients is, “Can we integrate MCE data with other systems in the lab?” Well, the good news is: Yes! 

Medical Courier Elite (MCE) is designed to work hand-in-hand with other tools you’re already using, like Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms (such as Salesforce). Thanks to a feature called application programming interfaces (APIs), MCE can share data across all of these systems so that your team doesn’t have to worry about double-checking or re-entering data all the time. 

In this post, we’ll dive into how you can connect MCE with your lab’s existing systems, the benefits of doing so, and how you can automate workflows to make your life a whole lot easier.  

So, What Exactly is an API? And Why Should You Care? 

If you’re not familiar with APIs, don’t worry — they’re easier to understand than they sound. Think of an API like a bridge that allows two different software systems to talk to each other. It’s a way for one application to request and receive information from another, all without needing you to manually copy and paste data between systems. 

For example, MCE collects courier pickup and delivery data that can be shared directly with your LIS or CRM system through an API. That means, instead of entering the same information multiple times, MCE automatically sends the data to the other system for you. It’s all done behind the scenes, so you don’t have to worry about it. 

Basically, APIs help different systems work together, saving you time and reducing the chance of making mistakes. 

How MCE Can Integrate with Your Lab Systems 

MCE has several APIs available that let you easily connect to and share data with other software platforms. Let’s take a look at how MCE’s APIs work and how they can benefit your lab. 

1. Sites API: Keep Your Locations Organized

The Sites API is great for managing all the locations you’re picking up from or delivering to. With this API, you can: 

• Create New Sites: If you add a new pickup or delivery location, MCE’s Sites API lets you automatically update your LIS or CRM system with that new information. 

• Update or Remove Sites: When a location changes or isn’t needed anymore, the API updates those changes in all systems at once, so everything stays consistent. 

• Share Site Info: You can easily pull up any site’s details and share them across your systems, so everyone is on the same page. 

• Manage Contacts: You can add or update contacts at each site, ensuring that the right people are always in the loop. 

The Sites API makes sure all your location data is tidy, current, and accessible across all your systems. It cuts down on the need for manual updates and helps keep things running smoothly. 

2. Site Visits API: Stay on Top of Pickups and Deliveries

With the Site Visits API, you can track all the pickups and deliveries happening at your locations. It’s perfect for keeping everyone updated in real-time. Here’s how it works: 

• Filter and Retrieve Visits: You can apply filters to get a list of specific site visits or see everything happening across your system, making it easy to track what’s going on at any given time. 

• Site Visit Updates: This API provides site pickup and delivery information to other systems, so there’s no need for anyone to manually log the information again. 

The Site Visits API keeps all the logistics in check, ensuring you never miss a beat when it comes to specimen movement. 

3. Routes API: Track Your Routes with Ease

Keeping track of courier routes is easier than ever with the Routes API. This API lets you: 

• Share Route Information: When you have updated route info, you can easily send it to other systems to keep everything synchronized. 

If you’re managing multiple routes or trying to stay on top of any delays, the Routes API will help you make sure things run on time. 

4. Specimens API: Track Your Specimens in Real-Time

Tracking specimens is a big deal in labs, and with the Specimens API, it’s never been easier. This API helps you: 

• Retrieve Specimen Lists: Want to know which specimens have been picked up or are still in transit? The Specimens API gives you an up-to-date list, so you’re always in the loop. 

• Track Geolocation: You can track the real-time location of specimens, ensuring you know where they are at any given moment. 

• View Geolocation History: The API can also show you where each specimen has been, which is helpful for keeping track of long journeys. 

With the Specimens API, you can rest easy knowing that every sample is accounted for — and you’ll always know exactly where it is. 

5. Dispatching API: Manage Dispatches in Real-Time

With the Dispatching API, you can create and manage dispatches without having to manually enter data multiple times. Whether you’re adding new dispatches or updating existing ones, this API keeps everything in sync between MCE and your other systems. 

• Create and Manage Dispatches: Dispatches are added or updated automatically across your systems. 

• Share Dispatch Data: This ensures everyone has access to the most current data, so no one’s left guessing. 

This API makes it easier to stay organized and ensures that your dispatching process is smooth and efficient. 

6. Additional APIs: Always Improving

MCE is constantly working on new APIs to improve lab operations. If there’s something you need that’s not covered by the current APIs, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re always open to discussing custom solutions and new ways we can make your life easier. 

Why Should You Integrate MCE Data with Your Lab Systems? 

By now, you’re probably wondering, “Why should I bother with all these integrations?” Here’s why: 

1. No More Redundant Data Entry: With MCE APIs, you won’t need to enter the same data into multiple systems. Everything syncs automatically, saving you a ton of time. 
2. Accurate Data, All the Time: No more worrying about outdated or incorrect data. With automatic syncing, you can trust that everyone is working with the most current information. 
3. Increased Efficiency: Automating tasks like specimen tracking and dispatch management means your team can focus on what really matters. The less time spent on manual entry, the more productive your team can be. 
4. Real-Time Updates: With live data sharing between systems, you can stay on top of pickups, deliveries, and specimen statuses in real-time. 
5. Better Compliance and Reporting: With accurate data at your fingertips, it’s easier to stay compliant and generate reports when needed. 

API Consideration: 

While API’s, in the long run, can simplify workflows, getting started will require IT expertise, middleware programming, and time to test that connections are formatted properly and work.  It can be a large project, but with big payouts if it creates efficiency in your courier operations.  

 Let’s Chat: Schedule a Demo 

If you’re curious to see how MCE’s APIs can work with your lab’s existing systems, let’s set up a personalized demo. We’ll show you how easy it is to integrate MCE with your workflow and how you can start tracking specimens and managing couriers like a pro. 

Contact us today, and we’ll schedule a demo that works for you. We can’t wait to help you streamline your lab operations and make your job a little easier!