The world of work is moving to the cloud.
Nearly three-quarters of managers said their organization is opting for cloud-based solutions when upgrading or purchasing new technical capabilities, according to a 2022 cloud computing study by Foundry.1
Although 39 percent of businesses surveyed said replacing on-site legacy systems was a key reason for switching to the cloud, fewer veterinary practices are prioritizing technology.1
When surveyed by KS&R and Covetrus, just 31 percent of veterinary software decision-makers at practices around the United States viewed using “technology to improve business operations” as “very important.”2
Unsurprisingly, 47 percent of the survey group reported using the same practice management software (PMS) for more than a decade.2
If you’ve been using the same solution for years, here are three compelling business reasons to consider a cloud-based alternative now.
Secure
Practice technology needs to remain adaptable to ever-evolving threats. According to a recent survey by the Small Business Administration, 88 percent of small businesses reported feeling vulnerable to a cyber-attack.3 Yet smaller veterinary practices often lack the means to hire IT staff, have limited time to protect against a cyber-attack, or they don’t know where to begin to protect their data.
With a cloud-based infrastructure, you and your practice personnel aren’t the only line of defense; an army of IT security experts can defend and protect the integrity of your data. Some 94 percent of businesses that switched to cloud-based technology reported an improvement in security, according to RapidScale.4
Integrated
In 2021, when KS&R and Covetrus surveyed 514 veterinary software decision-makers at US-based veterinary practices, 61 percent of respondents said a system’s ease of use was the most important criteria when considering a PMS.2 Another 52 percent said it must improve workflow and processes.2
Cloud solutions offer an integrated platform for patient records, appointments, prescriptions, payments, and more. Using an all-in-one system translates into fewer screens and fewer clicks, streamlining workflow and processes.
When Deerwood Animal Hospital switched to a cloud-based solution, it gained back valuable time. Record updates and in-system documentation tasks that used to take 3- to 5-minutes took half the time or less with the cloud-based platform.5
Connected
For many veterinary practices, a cloud solution is the right fit because it offers greater flexibility and 24/7 access from any internet-enabled device—and doesn’t require additional hardware needs.
When your practice team is caring for patients primarily outside the hospital setting, 24/7 on-the-go access to your practice data is an absolute must. And having that access without the need for expensive hardware makes cloud solutions very affordable.
For corporate practices or those with multiple locations, using a single platform to manage operations and data across multiple sites allows all hospitals in the network to collaborate in real-time.
The best practice management software
There is no universally best type of practice management software. Every veterinary practice has unique needs and goals, whether that’s streamlining operations, improving the level of care, ensuring a better client experience, or growing the practice.
Choosing the type of technology that will work best to manage your veterinary practice may seem daunting. But if you consider your practice needs and goals, updating your technology isn’t as hard as it appears.
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