Project management Healthcare sytems

HIMT-370

Milestone #10 – Systems Design: Systems Architecture

Purpose

In this milestone you will translate the logical design of the system into the physical design blueprint for the system architecture needs. Designing the systems architecture requires consideration of servers, clients, processing methods, networks and related issues. As an analyst you will make a network design recommendation for Universal Wellness Group (UWG).

Background

The UWG partners accepted your interface, output, input, and data designs and your recommendation to install a server and desktop computer clients on a local area network. At this point, you review your notes and plan the architecture for the UWG system.

UWG has four primary care physicians, one nurse practitioner (NP), four physical therapists, one registered nutritionist, eight nurses, and eight support staff. Each of the physicians, NP, therapists, nutritionist and support staff has their own workstations. The nurses work from one of three nurse stations that should have at least three computers at each station. Each nurse station will have a high-volume network laser printer for label printing and a scanner attached to one workstation. The check-in/checkout area will have an impact printer for multipart forms and a network laser printer. The network will include an online backup service, Internet access via a cable connection with a local cable company.

The partners want you to ensure the physical network is scalable, and able to handle the electronic medical record phase after the business support system is implemented. The electronic medical record phase will require a computer or thin client to be installed in each exam room and procedure room. They will also use portable computers and tablets to access patient information as the providers move from room to room around the clinic.

The hardware requirements are only part of the final installation plan which you must develop. You should start by reviewing the DFDs and object-oriented diagrams that you prepared in the systems analysis phase, and the ERDs and table designs that you created in the systems design phase. Then, review the system architecture checklist at the beginning of this chapter. With this information, you should be able to prepare a system design specification.

Tasks

1. Draw a simple floor plan for UWG and include the placement of all network nodes including the placement of a server, and network equipment. How many ports will your switch need to accommodate? Microsoft Visio is a great application to draw your network diagram. Other tools include: LibreOffice or Lucidchart. However, if you don’t have access or expertise in these applications, you can draw your design by hand, scan it in and submit it as an attachment.

2. Given this information, what network topology would you recommend for UWG? Explain your answer. Be sure to explain your reasonings for the placement of printers, workstations, scanners, for end-user workflow. Justify the design of your network and placement of shared devices.

3. What would be the benefits of using a wireless network? Are there any disadvantages?

Format

Task 1)

No template is provided. Be sure to draw your diagram to satisfy the network needs of UWG.

Task 2)

Network Topology Recommendation	Why
Star network	One central hub is used to communicate and transmit messages. It has a better network performance because of the way it’s designed. It sends data to the specific network device that it is intended for. It allows other devices to be connect with interrupting the network.

Task 3)

Wireless Network Benefits and Disadvantages

Benefits	Disadvantages
The are usually cheaper to install	Security concerns
Users are not anchored to specific workstation	Range could be limited
Cable free connection for a better appearance	Can be slower than a wired connection