What is a WOW Cart?
To put it simply, a WOW Cart is exactly what each letter stands for, it’s a Workstation on Wheels. These carts are sometimes referred to as MCC (Mobile Computer Cart) or COWs (Computer on Wheels). WOW carts offer staff the power and flexibility of a Personal Computer, with the added ability to take their work where they need to go. Besides being mobile in design, they are constructed ergonomically to carry a computer and additional items an employee may need to perform their duties while on the go.
What are the main components of a WOW Cart?
Mobile Base: The key component of a WOW cart is its mobile base. The set of wheels allows a worker to comfortably push it from place to place as needed. The wheels have a set of brakes that allow an employee to lock the cart in place to remain stationary.
Work Surface: A large, flat work surface attached to the cart functions like a standard workstation desk. This surface can support a computer, a monitor, a mouse, a keyboard, paperwork, medication dispensing systems and other necessary devices, such as a compact size AMBIR Document/Card Scanner, or an AMBIR Barcode Scanner.
Power Supply: Some carts will carry an integrated power supply close to the cart’s base to make pushing easier. Carts that are non-powered require rechargeable batteries that swap in and out of the computer itself.
Storage Compartments: Used to store any devices and tools a worker may need during their shift. For example, in a healthcare setting, WOW carts are used to dispense medication and each patient’s medication can be in its own compartment drawer.
Ergonomic Features: Design features like height adjustment, adjustable monitor mounts, and the ability to support a standing or sitting position are important for comfort. In addition, the use of lightweight, durable materials like plastic or aluminum reduces the overall weight of the cart and makes it easier for the worker to push.
How is a WOW Cart used in Healthcare?
WOW carts have become vital to modern healthcare workflows, serving multiple critical functions throughout daily operations. During patient rounds, nursing staff use these mobile workstations to record vital signs, update EMRs (Electronic Medical Records) and review test results directly at the bedside, eliminating the need to travel back to stationary computers. This enables the nursing staff to maintain better patient interaction and increases patient satisfaction. With nurses having access to EMR and electronic communication at their fingertips, paperwork within an organization is significantly reduced. With a WOW cart and the proper equipment, your personnel can access the Internet, their organization’s database, resources, and required work programs, all while being mobile throughout the building. Furthermore, WOW carts are used to store and distribute medicine during rounds. WOW carts are available with secured locking drawers for safe medication storage. With the growth toward remote healthcare, the carts are used for telemedicine to facilitate off-site patient care and consultations as needed. In this case, the WOW cart would be equipped with a webcam and other peripherals along with the computer.
Tools that can improve user adoption and performance of WOW Carts
Add an AMBIR Barcode Scanner to elevate your workflow and efficiency.
Efficiency: Providers can access patient EHRs (Electronic Health Records) as they move from patient bed to patient bed while using integrated AMBIR barcode scanners to administer medication. Check out our line of AMBIR Barcode Scanners here. Barcode scanners are used to scan patient wristbands, medicine bottles, labels, inventory and more. AMBIR barcodes scanners are highly durability with shockproof and drop-resistant qualities. Staff can be sure to promptly capture even the most challenging barcodes that may be small, damaged or curved. Elevate your WOW cart with an AMBIR Barcode Scanner to reduce scan time and boost productivity.
Add an AMBIR Duplex ID Card & Document Scanner to enhance your workflow.
Workflow Enhancement: WOW carts improve efficiency by allowing healthcare professionals to access patient information and perform tasks quickly and easily. Add an AMBIR Card & Document Scanner to improve patient registration, scanning/collecting insurance information, scanning authorization forms, treatment plans, and more. A high-quality scanner is crucial to capture high-resolution images for clinical decision making, patient safety, and financial reimbursement. AMBIR’s model DS490-AS ImageScan Pro 490i Duplex ID Card & Document Scanner with AMBIRscan is cost effective and has the ability to be bolted down onto the flat desktop surface. Check out model DS490-AS here. This item works on any WOW cart with a USB connection. The AMBIR model DS490-AS scans both sides of documents and ID cards with one pass through, it’s lightweight and compact; about the size of a 3-hole punch. It has a highly compatible TWAIN driver, ensuring functionality with thousands of software applications and hardware systems. It also comes with a 2-year warranty. AMBIR solutions are integrated and/or compatible with All Major EMR/EHR systems.
Additional Benefits to a well-equipped WOW Cart
Space Optimization: WOW carts eliminate the need for fixed workstations at every location, saving valuable space for other critical equipment—especially beneficial in space-constrained environments.
Infection Control: the specific design, materials, and features of healthcare-focused WOW carts are engineered to prioritize easy cleaning and disinfection, making them a more hygienic choice compared to standard desktop computer settings.
Optimize Equipment: A single worker with a WOW cart can cover multiple worksites/duties. Using well-equipped WOW carts means that each worksite doesn’t require a dedicated computer, saving money on surplus equipment.
Healthcare providers increasingly rely on WOW carts as fundamental tools that facilitate numerous important processes in day-to-day patient care. These mobile computing platforms have emerged as indispensable components of contemporary medical practice, and adding an AMBIR unit raises the bar.
About AMBIR
AMBIR is a manufacturer of digital capture solutions for businesses and consumers. Headquartered in Chicago, IL and founded over 25 years ago on the premise of creating the highest quality hardware backed by hands-on support. AMBIR provides a variety of document and card scanners, eSignature pads and barcode scanners for various industries including healthcare, financial services, legal and more. We are known for being a hands-on organization who supports its clients with an internal team of dedicated professionals who know their clients by name. AMBIR is considered a market leading solution in the healthcare space due to it’s wide selection of products that integrate with leading EMR/EHR systems.
