A brief overview of dictation and transcription software.

Often, we get calls inquiring why there is such a price difference between a professional dictation device or transcription kit and their "consumer grade" counterpart.  The answer is often where you would least expect to find it.  In the little round disk included with your product.

Dictation and transcription software, at its most basic level, is simply a program that facilitates the download, transfer and playback of a voice file using a foot pedal to control the playback.

But is that really all that is going on?

In a short answer - no.

Professional recorders such as the Philips DPM 8000 and the Olympus DS-7000 are packaged with software designed to maximize security, minimize user interface, and offer multiple methods of transferring the files from the doctor, lawyer or business pro to the person tasked with converting the voice file to usable typed documentation.

Consumer level equipment is really only designed to allow transfer of  voice files via your existing network.

Lets look at the key differences:

Security:

Professional

• Allows automatic encryption and decryption of sensitive patient and client data requiring no additional steps from the users.

Consumer

•  Typically no encryption options.

Voice File Transfer:

Professional

• Voice files can be automatically sent to the typist via network to shared folders, email, or FTP

Consumer

• Limited to network mapping.  Sending files via e-mail or FTP requires manually saving the files, finding them, attaching or uploading them, and manually receiving them for transcription.

Scalability:

Professional

• Multiple transfer options and compatibility options for Citrix and Terminal Server allow integration into almost any workflow configuration.

Consumer

• Not scalable 

Speech Recognition Integration:

Professional

• Voice files can be automatically run through Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional, Legal and Medical so that the typist automatically receives a Word document to which the voice file is attached, for simple editing and corrections. There is no direct interaction by the person dictating.

Consumer

• No direct speech recognition integration available

When asked the question as to which way to go, I typically respond with the question "What is your time worth?".   A one time investment of a couple of hundred dollars can easily save a user hundreds of hours over the life of the product.  Add in the removal of user frustration, and security, as well as the vastly superior hardware, and the answer is usually "Professional."

For any questions or clarifications, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-866-408-1383.  We are here to help.