VADDS Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does ATC/VADDS differentiate itself from other large software companies?

A: ATC is committed to a client-centric model that prioritizes your productivity and profitability. We intentionally maintain a client base that allows us to be deeply familiar with each customer's operation. When you call us, you speak with a team member who understands your specific laboratory workflow, enabling us to provide faster, more effective, and personalized support. Your satisfaction and loyalty are our highest priority.

Q: Is VADDS scalable?

A: Yes. VADDS is highly scalable and can be deployed for environments ranging from a single-user workstation up to a large university or state department of agriculture with 500+ users. Any computer that has access to the application server can run VADDS.

Q: What standard modules are included when I purchase VADDS?

A: Many essential modules that are often charged as add-ons by other LIMS providers are standard in VADDS, ensuring a complete solution without hidden costs. Standard included modules are:

Accessioning
Resulting
Inventory Maintenance
Custom Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
Custom VADDS Reporting and Analytics
General Accounts Receiveable /Billing Package

Q: What is included in my annual maintenance fee?

1. Unlimited Technical Support

You receive unlimited technical support from our highly trained staff. This includes:

Troubleshooting: Assistance with system errors, application issues, and performance problems.
Guidance: Help with general LIMS functionality, configuration, and workflow questions.
Access: Support requests can be submitted via email.

2. Software Updates and Enhancements

Your fee guarantees that your system is always running the most current, stable, and feature-rich version. This includes:

Major Version Upgrades: Access to all new releases, which often include significant new features and modules.
Minor Updates/Patches: All bug fixes, security patches, and operational fixes released between major versions.
Regulatory Compliance Updates: Timely updates to ensure your LIMS remains compliant with evolving industry standards and government reporting requirements (e.g., NAHLN).

3. System Maintenance and Optimization

This coverage ensures the underlying performance and security of your VADDS system:

Remote Maintenance: Scheduled or as-needed remote checks to ensure optimal system performance.
Security: Access to the latest security protocols and protection against new vulnerabilities.
Data Integrity: Measures to maintain the health and integrity of your data.

Q: What items or services are not included in the standard technical support package?

A: Standard technical support does not cover services related to customization, development, or personnel training. These items are typically handled as separate billable services:

Development or configuration of new procedures, test groups, or tests
Creation, modification, or delivery of custom reports
Design, development, or programming of new custom screens
Training of new personnel or re-training of existing personnel

Q: What type of support does ATC offer?

A: ATC offers tiered support to ensure all client needs are met, from routine questions to system emergencies:

Standard Support Hours: Available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM EST to 6:00 PM EST, for general technical assistance via phone, email, and live chat.
Emergency Support: Available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a Year, for critical system failures and urgent operational issues to ensure business continuity.
Featured Documentation: Continuous access to a comprehensive knowledge base, user manuals, and technical guides.

Q: What types of training does ATC offer beyond the comprehensive training included in the initial contract?

A: ATC offers comprehensive training options at an additional cost to help you master new and advanced features of the software:

Interactive On-Line Training: Flexible, self-paced, and live-session virtual training.
On-Site Training: Personalized, hands-on instruction conducted at your facility, tailored to your team's specific workflows.

Q: Can ATC convert my data from a previous system?

A: Yes. ATC provides professional Legacy Data Migration Services to ensure a smooth transition to your new software. We convert critical data from your current software package including:

Client & Patient Records
Full Historical Data
All Financial & Accounting Data

Our process includes extraction, transformation, and validation to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and usability of your essential records in the new system from day one.

Q: What advanced search and data mining capabilities does VADDS LIMS offer?

A: VADDS is a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) designed for in-depth data analysis, making it a powerful tool for retrospective searching. You can easily run complex queries on both administrative and accessioning data, including:

Sample Source Demographics: Search by species, breed, age, sex, client, or submitting doctor.
Test Results & Procedures: Query on procedures performed (critical for product recall tracking) or procedures not performed (ideal for identifying patients due for annual check-ups).
Text/Keyword Search: A robust word search function allows you to quickly locate specific comments, findings, or diagnoses within the system.

Furthermore, VADDS includes a powerful Custom Query feature, giving end-users the flexibility to define exactly which data fields should be displayed on their analytical reports.

Q: Can I print a statement after the month has ended?

A: Yes. You can always reprint a client statement for any time period specified whenever you choose.

Q: Does VADDS have a collections system?

A: Yes. VADDS comes standard with an Accounting Collections system that allows you to track and report on past due accounts and accounts which have been turned over to collections.

Q: Will I have to duplicate the data entry into another accounting package at the end of the month?

A: Whether you need to duplicate data entry depends on your preferred workflow. You can certainly continue using your existing accounting system and manually create summary entries from VADDS at month-end. This is an option for clients who are comfortable with their current setup. However, for a more integrated and efficient approach, VADDS offers a General Ledger add-on that seamlessly connects your financial data. Many of our clients find this integration to be a significant time-saver and well worth the investment, as it eliminates the need for manual duplication and potential errors.

Q: What type of security does VADDS offer?

A: VADDS offers a multi-tiered security module which can be applied to any module or screen on the system. This module comes standard on the system.

Q: Can I track revenue?

A: Yes. VADDS comes standard with over 200 different reports that will help you monitor the financial health of your laboratory. Some of these include:

Performance Evaluation Reports by Lab Personnel (including analysts, managers, and submitting staff)
Performance Evaluation Reports by Department
Financial Summary Reports
Procedure Analysis Reports

Q: Does VADDS offer a web portal for clients to access results?

A: Yes. VADDS offers an optional client web portal called Web Suite. This portal allows you to make results reports available to your clients in real time. This functionality provides your clients with immediate, secure access to the same official reports they would receive via fax or email. Web Suite also offers e-requisitions, allowing clients to submit requests electronically.

Q: Can VADDS integrate with my laboratory instruments?

A: Yes. VADDS has been successfully interfaced with over 85 different laboratory instruments.

Q: Can VADDS interface with other Practice Management Systems (PIMS)?

A: Yes. VADDS is designed to be compatible and can successfully interface with various third-party Practice Information Management Systems (PIMS) for seamless data exchange.

Q: Does VADDS support a laboratory with multiple locations?

A: Yes. VADDS is designed as an enterprise-level Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and fully supports laboratories with multiple locations or branches, centralizing data and workflows across all facilities.