MedWrench (MedWrench.com) is a resource and sharing network for users of medical equipment. It is an online community where those who use, service, and maintain medical equipment can get answers, find information and read what others think about the equipment they use. It is free to join and easy to keep informed.
MedWrench users can build their own digital workbench and add equipment, categories or manufacturers to their “My Bench” area and then they are given an intelligent feed of information from other professionals as they help each other troubleshoot and solve problems. The “My Bench” page can also help users:
- Manage bookmarked equipment and adjust how they are notified about new information;
- See what other professionals in their discipline are using;
- Ask questions and get answers about equipment;
- Talk to industry experts and manufacturers directly about issues;
- Contribute to the community by providing accurate information about medical equipment; and
- Connect with other medical equipment professionals and find out how they use their equipment effectively.
TechNation interviewed the experts at MedWrench to find out more about the company and the services it offers to those in the medical equipment industry.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the company’s history?
A: MedWrench was first launched in 2009 by MD Publishing and LabX as a product support network where technicians, purchasers, manufacturers, nurses, doctors and industry experts could connect and discuss equipment that they use or service every day. With an end goal in mind, the first year was dedicated to product research and data entry by a team of product specialists. They helped to bring a pool of information to each product page that included product descriptions, features, specifications, photos, manuals, articles and much more. In 2010, and with more than 2,000 members and 10,000 monthly visits, MedWrench was introduced as the industry resource at it’s first MD Expo in Napa, California. With hard work and dedication, MedWrench has grown to include more than 75,000 members, over 80,000 monthly visits and 10,000 product pages.
Q: What are some advantages that your company has over the competition?
A: We like to think that we do not have competitors. However, we can sometimes be confused with listing sites. The difference with MedWrench is that we feature products by providing product information. This not only gives our users a platform to easily discuss specific equipment, but it allows for us to provide a database of product knowledge without having to constantly “manage inventory.” Our main goal is to be the go-to resource. We want our users and visitors to go to MedWrench and be able to find all the information needed to perform a specific task or to make a purchasing decision, without having to go anywhere else on the web.
Q: What are the company’s core competencies and unique selling points?
A: We provide many resources to both visitors and members. One of MedWrench’s main, and most used, resources is our Q&A forums. Our forums provide a platform for members to discuss equipment that they are working on or have an interest in. It’s a great way to connect with others in the industry and solve tough medical equipment problems.
Another great feature of MedWrench is the ability to add categories, products and/or manufacturers to your My Bench. This allows for MedWrench members to build a digital bench of products that they have an interest in or are servicing. Adding products to your My Bench gives access to instant email notifications alerting you of discussions, new product resources, videos and much more.
MedWrench also has a bulletin board, where visitors can read our weekly blog, find expo/event information, continuing education opportunities and a job board.
And of course each product page provides an array of product information, articles, resources, videos and the option to request a quote.
Q: What product or service are you most excited about right now?
A: We launched a new ‘Ask the Expert’ resource about a year ago. These articles are designed to educate readers on a specific topic or piece of equipment from an industry expert. Topics range from PM tips/servicing to training to advice on implementing new programs. The best part about these articles is the ability to ask the expert directly by filling out the question form at the bottom of each article.
Q: Can you tell us about a time that MedWrench “saved the day” for a customer?
A: One of our favorites is when a MedWrench member came up to me at a conference. He shared with me that “MedWrench helps to save lives.” He told me about a time that he was working internationally with limited resources. He said that he turned to MedWrench for support and within minutes received an answer to his question and was able to solve his problem and help a hospital in need.
Until then, we never actually thought about how we help to save lives. Hearing his story made me feel extremely happy to be part of a company that helps to bring industry professionals together, worldwide, and allows them to solve problems together and, ultimately, save a patient’s life. Medwrench is doing bigger things than we could ever imagine and it took his story to put it into perspective for us.
Q: What is most important to you about the way you do business?
A: We find it most important to listen to our users’ needs. Without them, MedWrench would not be where it is today. We welcome suggestions from our users and have even developed and grown MedWrench based off of those suggestions. I find it important for our growth and future success.
For additional information and to join the MedWrench community, visit www.medwrench.com.
linkedin.com/company/medwrench