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“Backward Compatible” is a term you often hear in reference to computers or video game systems. Backward compatible refers to the ability of a system or technology to work with older versions of itself or older hardware. It can also mean a piece of existing hardware can be upgraded with a new feature but ensures the equipment can still uses older versions of tools, systems, or files without issues.
When Supply Chain staff is researching new equipment for a medical facility, backward compatibility is rarely considered as it is not a common feature for medical devices, despite the large investment required. Purchasing committees should take into account if an equipment manufacturer designs their new features and accessory options to be backward compatible. Compatibility offers several benefits such as cost savings, easier workflow and staff training transitions, and environmental sustainability.
Oftentimes when a manufacturer releases a new feature or operating system it requires users to purchase new hardware or equipment to implement that new option. However, if the company designed the new option to be backward compatible then users have the ability to upgrade their existing devices to utilize the new features. This can provide significant cost savings for an institution to avoid having to purchase all new equipment.
Eliminating the need to purchase new equipment also reduces waste. If new equipment has to be purchased each time a new feature is made available, then the current equipment is obsolete and become waste. Many organizations have sustainability initiatives and backward compatible products are a great way to support these efforts.
Backward compatible solutions also allow facilities to stay with a standardized brand of equipment and not disrupt workflow when a new feature is available. For example, if a new feature becomes available for a hospital’s frequently used product, such as a scale, the staff can upgrade those scales with new features without having to buy all new scales and then have to retrain staff.
Health o meter® Professional Scales regards backward compatibility as a large part of its design philosophy. The company purposely develops new features and accessories to be backward compatible to scales already in use in the field. Whether it is a height rod accessory or a connectivity option, the objective of any new product development is to allow it to work with existing scale models, saving customers implementation time and costs, while preserving the organization’s equipment investments.