Strecker noted that the labels—such as those adhered to bags and bottles—that Data Label will manufacture match up with widely used computer software systems put in place by software vendors catering to health-care, such as SunQuest, Cerner and Meditech.
While Data Label is somewhat new to the medical arena, one of its distributors—Celtic Marketing, Centerville, Ohio—has been selling to the market for 20 years. Celtic President Mark McKinney, who is also executive vice president of IBSA, is thrilled with the Novation contract, forecasting that independents can reap many rewards as a result. "For instance, we're beginning to sell a lot of specialized laser wristband products for identification purposes," said McKinney. "In time, most hospitals will require this type of bar-coded ID for its patients as standard procedure. It's another new product to look for since so many doors are opening to independents."