Five Unbeatable Benefits of Switching to Cloud-Based Veterinary Software

Picture this: Your server goes down on a busy day (aren’t they all?). There’s no way to access your medical records for your next appointments. You begin fumbling through your notes to remember what you recommended the last time you saw Fluffy. The server gets fixed by the end of the day, but now you have to stay late to enter your medical notes—after paying the IT guy (Jim, who you know by name because he just fixed your server not that long ago) for the repairs.

Sound familiar?

As a veterinary practice that operates with server-based practice management software (PIMS), switching to a cloud-based PIMS can seem like a big step. However, the transition is not as intimidating as you might think—plus, the cloud has many vet-friendly benefits.

The following are just a few of the benefits you’ll gain when switching to cloud-based practice management software. 

#1: Cloud-based veterinary software is more cost-effective than server-based software

Simply put, cloud computing software delivers services on demand using a pay-as-you-go model. Your monthly fees are based on your practice’s software needs and are, therefore, predictable. In comparison, server-based software requires some hefty upfront costs for installation and hardware. Any hardware and software upgrades you might need down the road can also cost a substantial amount, likely be unexpected, and negatively impact the practice budget. On the other hand, cloud-based software operates on a subscription model and generally does not have unexpected fees. Also, cloud computing providers absorb any purchase, management, and replacement costs, distributing them across all users, so the fees are almost non-existent.

Veterinary practices can enjoy cloud-based veterinary software at an economical price, with no upfront installation or hardware fees. Plus, many cloud-based software companies also offer deals that include a free trial period.

#2: Cloud-based vet software is accessible anywhere, anytime

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night, agonizing over a case, wishing you could go back over the lab results for a difficult diagnosis? With a cloud-based PIMS, you can access your patients’ medical records from anywhere, at any time. As long as you have internet access, you can log into your system, look at that CBC again, review radiographs, make notes, add prescriptions, and tackle any other task you may want to handle immediately. Also, rather than staying late or heading back into the clinic to finish your medical records for the day, you can complete them from the comfort of your home on a tablet or laptop.

Or are you a practice manager and want to check the schedule, review inventory levels, or send a mass announcement to your clients with appointments scheduled tomorrow because the evening news reported a storm is on the way? No need to return to the practice. The cloud offers you all of your capabilities whether you are in the practice or are already settled in at home. 

#3: Cloud-based practice management software is secure

As a veterinary professional, you handle sensitive information about your clients and patients. Most veterinarians, or practice owners, are not IT wizards with extensive knowledge about encrypting files and keeping data safe, and that’s okay. Luckily, there are IT services that serve the veterinary industry specifically, such as Lucca Veterinary Data Security and I.T. Guru. These IT experts recommend cloud-based veterinary software because of its enhanced security protocols. 

Cyber security is complicated and ever-evolving, which makes constant server updates costly and tedious. With cloud-based software, your service provider takes responsibility for security management, which is usually deployed through software updates. IT specialists continue to advocate for cloud-based software programs because of existing data security measures already in place.

In addition, you don’t need to worry nearly as much about data loss with a cloud-based program. Your server sitting in the back room can be susceptible to power outages, fire, floods, and other disasters that could result in the irretrievable loss of all your data. The distribution of cloud-based resources means that if one server goes down, your practice’s data is not lost, and your service is not interrupted. 

#4: A cloud-based PIMS can easily be scaled to meet your needs

As your practice grows, your software must keep up with additional clients, patients, and users. With server-based software, you will need additional hardware, which can be pricey. Depending on the size of your practice and its needs, the cost to purchase, upgrade, and maintain servers can be vastly more than cloud-based software that does not require a physical server. Cloud-based programs typically implement a pay-per-use or pay-per-user model that can easily be changed to meet practice demands.

#5: Cloud-based veterinary software offers automatic updates

When you update your server-based software, your practice may need to halt operations during the update. Server updates can be long, tedious, and potentially difficult to implement without an in-house IT person. With cloud-based vet software, you no longer have to wait for the update loading bar to reach 100%. Cloud updates are automatic and fast, which means no downtime for your practice. Also, you don’t need anyone on staff with a computer technology background since the software provider handles any technological issues and ensures you have uninterrupted service. Woot Woot! 

Changing computer software for your veterinary practice can seem daunting, but can also bring many benefits. Migrating from server- to cloud-based veterinary software can increase your practice’s efficiency, lower out-of-pocket IT costs, and minimize administrative headaches. To see how cloud-based software can help streamline your vet practice management, schedule a demo with Shepherd Veterinary Software today.