Hospital Central Services Association (HCSA) is a commercial healthcare laundry serving the Puget Sound Region in Washington since 1967. Russ Matsenbaugh, Director of IT at HCSA, sat down with us to provide insights into their laundry and operations over the years. Matsenbaugh originally managed the implementation of LinenMaster in 2003 and uses it in his day-to-day operations.

In the early 2000s, HCSA faced a critical challenge relying on traditional pencil-and-paper methods to manage their laundry operations. They relied on fax machines, which were error prone, disrupting processes and delaying ordering and deliveries. 

After evaluating options of creating an in-house solution, the expense and complexity of this endeavor prompted a reevaluation of their strategy. Recognizing the need for a robust and flexible solution, the company explored LinenMaster as an alternative solution to streamline their laundry management.  

In 2003, LinenMaster was installed manually as a hardware solution. The implementation included setting up a comprehensive system that involved inputting customer data, assigning SKU numbers, and establishing a robust foundation that remains beneficial today. 

In 2011, LinenMaster’s solution went cloud based and HSCA migrated to the cloud and .NET. Matsenbaugh explained that the move to the cloud was a game-changer as it reduced manual maintenance efforts and made it much easier to do system updates.  

HCSA continues to leverage LinenMaster extensively, specifically calling out the use of the invoicing, billing, and ordering functions. Online ordering transformed the shipping department, introducing computer-enforced deadlines and eliminating error-prone fax orders. 

The facility uses barcoding for garment tracking but are on the path to implementing RFID with LinenMaster for improved tracking capabilities. With RFID, HCSA will be able to determine when items are picked up, when they arrive at and leave the laundry, and how many times the items have been washed, facilitating a transparent and clear view for their clients to see the status of their items.  

HCSA is leveraging the Business Intelligence (BI) Connection, which integrates into other data sources. The BI tool is driven by LinenMaster data and has allows Matsenbaugh to create over 100 real-time reports accessible by various departments. The reports provide insight into things such as cost per usage, soil received, clean shipped, pieces ordered and delivered, shortages, employee overtime, seasonality trends, and much more. The integration allows their management team to make data-driven decisions and understand critical business metrics such as revenue data, utility usage, and production balance. 

HCSA uses LinenHelper to manage linen inventory and distribution. LinenHelper enables mobile ordering, revolutionizing the way HCSA’s customers can order from them. With LinenHelper, they set up a replenishment format, establish a par, and form an inventory list so their order will be calculated for them. Russ explained, “this is a huge benefit to our customers, as it drives the cost per patient day and pounds per patient day down” in the acute care arena. 

Along with improving operational efficiencies, Matsenbaugh is impressed with the level of support he has received throughout the 20 years as a customer. “When I’m in trouble, I can get help. Even late at night or on the weekend. When the wrong thing breaks, it’s terrifying and LinenMaster has always been there.”  

LinenMaster continues to play a transformative role in revolutionizing HCSA’s laundry operations and linen management. From the foundational setup in 2003, LinenMaster has proven to be a reliable and innovative partner and solution throughout the years.  

As Matsenbaugh affirmed, “You can’t do this on your own. It’s too big. The maintenance, the innovation, and the development. You need a proven product that is flexible and can do the heavy lifting for you. To me, there is no other comparison to LinenMaster.”