Approach
1. Mapping requirements
Together with ZAS, the capacity of the current system was measured and future capacity was calculated according to the desired expansions. In addition, the expectations of new technical requirements were mapped, including auto-unload receiving stations and multi-send sending stations.
2. Supporting the award procedure
Möbius formulated the technical requirements that were included in the tender specifications. Once the tenders were received, Möbius supported in the objective evaluation to ensure a well-founded partner selection.
3. Monitoring the replacement process
During the installation phase, Möbius monitored progress by scheduling weekly coordination meetings with all stakeholders. During these meetings, progress, bottlenecks and next actions were discussed. This ensured that the project remained on schedule or that the planning was adjusted according to reality. Moreover, decisions could be taken quickly by the essential stakeholders when needed.
4. Substantive support
Möbius' support was not limited to monitoring progress: Möbius helped determine where extra stations would be placed, the number of tubes needed per station, which connections had priority, whether a transfer unit would be opted for etc. .
5. Commissioning
During the commissioning phase, we checked whether everything was installed as agreed. This was done on the basis of a tour of the lab and in all hospital departments, during which all stations, tubes, racks, roofs, baskets and signal lights were thoroughly checked. The required functionalities were also extensively tested.
6. Transfer
As there would be other changes in the future, all documentation was finally transferred to ZAS. This allowed them to follow up themselves the introduction of additional types of tubes or new stations in new departments.
Results
During the project, the old tube mail system was successfully replaced. In the first phase, the system with 25 stations and 3 lines was fully updated, and departments with a lot of shipments got extra multi-send stations. A transfer unit was also added to connect the 3 lines, making the system more flexible and reducing waiting times by half.
In the second phase, the system was expanded with new stations in departments that didn’t have tube mail yet. Extra stations were also added in the lab building to connect more lab departments. Many of these new stations can unload automatically, which speeds up processing and links directly to the analysis line.
