SPONSORED BY GREATLAB
How Halo Dental Lab Transitioned
From Paper To Digital

Welcome! Reading time: 600 words… 5 min.

In a world where digital transformation is becoming the norm, Halo Dental Laboratory's journey from a manual system to a digital one is both inspiring and practical.

Linda Sutton, who has been with Halo for 17 years, shares her experiences and the significant changes that have come with adopting GreatLab's lab management system.

Key Takeaways

• Transitioning from paper to digital can save time and improve organisation.

• A supportive onboarding process is crucial for staff adaptation.

• Accurate data setup is essential for a smooth transition.

The Journey Begins

Linda Sutton, the face behind Halo Dental Laboratory, has witnessed many changes in her 17 years there. 

Based in Birmingham, Halo is a crown and bridge laboratory with a team of 15 members, including technicians, administration staff, and drivers.

Before embracing digital transformation, the lab relied on a simple book and pen system for 16 years.

The Challenges of a Manual System

The biggest pain point for Linda and her team was locating work.

Everything was scattered across pages in a manual book, making it time-consuming to find jobs.

When dentists called, they often had to call back because they couldn't quickly locate the information.

The lack of a search feature meant finding a job was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

The Shift to Digital

When they switched to GreatLab, the biggest time saver was the organisation of files.

Now, everything is stored digitally, allowing multiple team members to log in and see the status of each case.

They can track where a job is in the lab, when it’s due back, and even if it has been dispatched. This level of transparency has transformed their workflow.

Overcoming the Learning Curve

Adapting to the new system was a mixed bag.

Some technicians embraced the change, while others found it challenging.

Linda emphasised the importance of support during this transition. "Holding their hand" through the process helped many staff members get comfortable with the new technology.

Now, they rarely have questions, indicating a successful adaptation.

Support Makes a Difference

Linda expressed her appreciation for the support provided by GreatLab.

With hundreds of calls and messages exchanged, the assistance was crucial in ensuring a smooth transition.

The team felt supported, which allowed Linda to help her colleagues more effectively.

Recommendations for New Users

For those considering GreatLab, Linda suggests spending time on the initial setup.

Getting the base data right—like customer information and product codes—is critical.

If the foundation is solid, the system will work brilliantly.

Features That Matter

One of Linda's favourite features is the barcode scanning.

It simplifies tracking and locating jobs, making the process much more efficient.

While she mentioned that all the necessary features have been addressed, she also noted that every lab is different.

The flexibility of the system allows labs to pick and choose what works best for them.

Conclusion

The transition from a manual to a digital system at Halo Dental Laboratory has been a game changer.

With improved organisation, time savings, and a supportive onboarding process, Linda and her team have embraced the digital age.

For any lab considering a similar transition, focusing on accurate data setup and providing support during the learning curve can make all the difference.

Ultimately, it’s about making the workflow smoother and more efficient, and Halo Dental Laboratory is a shining example of how to do just that.

Thank you for staying connected with Dental Lab Tips.  We look forward to bringing you more exciting updates from the world of dental technology.