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Updated 2:12 p.m., Jan. 8, 2010.

DUBLIN, Ohio — Cardinal Health has introduced Connect System — an inventory management software system that uses product bar codes and scanners to reduce the time laboratories spend on ordering supplies.

The Web-based software is supposed to help hospital and independent labs simplify inventory management, and better control and track spending on supplies so they can save money and free up staff to focus on patients, Cardinal said in a press release.

“Cardinal Health’s Connect System has helped us significantly improve staff efficiency and product availability,” Olive Miranda, clinical laboratory manager at Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch, Calif., said in the release. “Because the ordering process is so much quicker and more efficient, it’s also helped us save money by nearly eliminating the need for rush orders, greatly reducing our excess inventory and saving significant staff time.”

Cardinal supplies pharmaceuticals and medical products to more than 40,000 hospitals and independent labs. Many of these labs manually place electronic orders through purchasing systems. Not only does manual product ordering and tracking take time, it also can lead to mistakes that cause excess inventory or empty shelves.

Connect System, which is specifically designed for labs, uses scanners and bar codes to minimize ordering errors, and creates a standardized ordering system that tracks supplies and costs.

Labs can use their own computers to operate Connect System and Cardinal sells the scanners and bar codes, said Tara Schumacher, director of media and corporate public relations, in an e-mailed response to a reporter’s questions.

“Pricing options vary based on the size and specific needs of each lab,” said Schumacher, who declined to specify those options. “We offer pricing options that allow customers to either purchase the system in one ‘upfront’ payment or via a monthly ’subscription.’ Both options are cost effective and allow labs of all sizes to use the system.”