HOW MCE WORKS

MCE is a cloud-based software and mobile application that helps outreach medical laboratories and hospital systems efficiently manage internal courier operations and reduce lost specimens. MCE consists of a web-based administrative site, a handheld mobile computer/scanner, the MCE mobile app, and barcoded specimen bags. Learn more in the video below.

courier management

MCE’s Administrative Site

As a cloud-based software system, courier managers have access to MCE’s administrative website to setup their system and manage daily operations.

Initial setup. Courier administrators must initially set-up MCE to run courier operation. Initial setup consists of: administrative user rights and functions, customer locations, static courier routes, and other customized functions for specimen and supply tracking. What is setup in the administrative site will determine what couriers will see in the mobile app in the field. 

Daily operations. Courier administrators will work from the MCE administrative site on a daily basis to: locate couriers in real-time, create dispatches, create dynamic routes, edit static routes, view specimen/supply pickup and delivery information, and send messages into the field.

Reporting. Reports for route history, driving speed, stops, customer specimen counts and more can be printed from the administrative site. Reports are designed to help lab administrators make informed decisions for improved lab and courier operations. 

Mobile Computers/Scanners

Mobile computers/scanners with cellular service are used to access MCE’s mobile app to scan/track barcoded specimens and supplies from pickup to delivery. Medical couriers are heavily dependent on a working mobile computer and it’s ability to quickly scan hundreds of barcoded sample bags and supplies. Because couriers have such heavy scanning loads, MCE recommends purpose-built mobile computers that are specifically designed for intensive scanning applications. Although MCE can work on select smart phones, the benefits of using a purpose built mobile scanner is significant. Below is a pros/cons chart:

Purpose-built device

Smartphone

Initial cost may be higher, but long-term ownership can be less

Lower cost in some cases, but overall cost to own and operate may be higher.

Provides a greater level of obsolescence -proofing with special agreement between device manufacturer and Google

Higher risk of obsolescence since typical smartphone mainstream support is 18 months.

More durable than smartphones

Less durable than purpose-built device

Ruggedized devices provide higher tolerance to drops, which are common in the fast-paced world of a courier

Smartphones are by design less tolerant of drop events.

Good choice if you want to have ultimate control of your fleet of devices

Works well if you would prefer that your couriers bring their own devices

Has high-performance scan engine which is crucial if your couriers have many samples to scan. Able to scan damaged barcodes.

Requires the use of the built-in camera for scanning barcodes. This may be ok if your couriers only have few barcodes to scan. Much more difficult to scan damaged barcodes.

Hardware service agreement which provides break-fix service and sustainable parts.

Broken device must be replaced, perhaps with an entirely different model depending on age.

Using Mobile Device Manager (MDM) we can lock-down the device and also see and control device while on the cellular network

While we can add smartphones to our MDM, we have reduced functionality. If your couriers bring their own devices, we may not be able to add them to our MDM.

Replaceable batteries

Built-in batteries. If battery becomes exhausted, then the device must be replaced

Android only

Android and iOS

 

MCE Mobile App

The MCE mobile app is accessed by couriers using a mobile computer. MCE’s mobile app displays couriers daily routes, provides driving directions, notifies couriers of STAT dispatches, and keeps track of all customer pickup/delivery information.  The mobile app provides GPS tracking and is how courier administrators can track and report on courier activity, specimen activity, supply deliveries, and communicate in real-time. It also provides courier accountability through detailed documentation of customer visits.

Barcoded Specimen Bags & Supplies

Barcoding specimen bags and supplies allow couriers to verify pick-up and deliveries electronically. Barcodes are an effective way to associate specimens with patients without having to collect patient data and to ensure supplies are delivered.

There are 3 barcoding options to ensure specimen bags are properly barcoded.

  1. Printed barcodes on patient requisition forms – MCE’s recommended method.
  2. Pre-printed barcodes on hazmat bags – MCE can recommend a vendor if you do not have one.
  3. Printed barcodes on adhesive labels – This is a more labor intensive option, but has more flexibility for where a barcode can be placed (requisition, specimen bag, patient log etc.). Several adhesive label options are available and can be printed by you, or purchased through MCE or your preferred vendor. 

Download our informational sheet about specimen barcoding.

Supplies can be tracked using barcodes already associated with the package or by adhering new labels to associate a tracking code.

Contact MCE today and schedule a short web demo of how MCE works. 

 

Let Us Know How We Can Help

Thanks for your interest in Medical Courier Elite! If you're interested in learning more about our solution and how it can help your business, we'd be happy to schedule a demo, provide a quote or answer any questions you may have.

181 East Evans St. | Florence, SC, 29506
Phone: 843-656-2084 or 877-331-7427
www.medicalcourier.com
contact@medicalcourier.com