Frames Data announced that FlexScanMD, an inventory software by Kestrel Software, is now compatible with Frames Data IDA (Immediate Data Access). This integration will allow users of FlexScanMD, who also subscribe to the Frames Data service, to access a database of frames over the internet to populate their product inventory.
Frames Data IDA, which launched late last year, transfers detailed frame information to the user’s software via a web service. “We update our database daily with new frames and price changes,” says Tom Doyle, director of key accounts at Frames Data, “An integration with our IDA product means you can access those updates nearly as soon as we have them. It’s a huge change when you consider that a year ago subscribers were required to wait for a physical disc in the mail.”
Similar to other Frames Data products, Frames Data IDA allows users to forgo hours of manual data entry of product information. According to Doyle, in the short term it’s a labor intensive task that is nearly eliminated, but in the long term, also has ramifications for the practice as a whole.
“Sometimes practices never fully make use of their frame inventory and reporting features of their software for the simple fact that keeping inventory updated can be such a hurdle,” he notes. “When you consider what it takes to hand-enter 100 twelve-digit UPC codes—and how easy it is to enter a long string of numbers like that incorrectly and make errors—you get a sense of what practices are up against. But if you have the data in your system and it’s accurate, you can jumpstart the process from the beginning. This product has the effect of helping practices fully use functionality that they can use to better manage their businesses.”
FlexScanMD focuses on inventory for medical practices, as well as optical dispensaries. “We’re really excited to have completed this integration,” says Stephen Lacy, FlexScanMD’s vice president. “Tracking inventory in an optical dispensary is key to improving profitability, and FlexScanMD is a powerful tool with a wide range of features that can help eyecare professionals do that. Adding the Frames Data integration now makes it even better.”
FlexScanMD is the second software to integrate with Frames Data IDA, joining My Vision Express, an integration that launched in October 2013.
