Product Design Portfolio

IntelliCab™ Will-Call System

Vancouver-based GSL Solutions needed a design partner to create an intelligent new RFID-based prescription will-call system that benefits pharmacies worldwide, bringing unparalleled safety and efficiency to the identification, tracking, and storing of prescriptions.

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As a start-up, this literal napkin sketch idea would go on to full scale production and onto the market with the help of Timberline Product Design.

For successful launch of this groundbreaking new product, GSL needed help at every stage of the product development process, from defining marketing requirements to conceptual design, prototype development and testing, electronics integration and and manufacturing startup. Timberline provided expert project management throughout the entire development process.

In doing so, both Timberline and GSL each found a new long-term partner. Together, we went on to create a full family of products for the IntelliCab system, including the IntelliCab, the Gen 2 IntelliVault, the IntelliSys Cab-top-server, and the IntelliPad basket reader.

In addition, Timberline also provided GSL with ongoing production engineering and new product development, ensuring the continued success of the IntelliCab product line.

The Result:

All of the GSL Solutions IntelliCab products have successfully entered the market in recent years. The IntelliCab is the system of choice for huge pharmaceutical groups including Kaiser Permanente, Safeway, OHSU, and many others. Timberline and GSL Corporation have been collaborative partners for more than 12 years.

Learn more about the GSL IntelliCab.

Intuitive Ion Control Console

Intuitive had the technology, but needed a partner that could help them bring everything together in a seamless package. The company selected Timberline because of our extensive experience with industrial and injection mold design, as well as our design validation and test expertise.

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What It Is:

A surgical control panel for Ion, a robotic assisted surgical platform for peripheral lung biopsy. The system features an ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter that allows navigation far into the peripheral lung to perform minimally invasive biopsies.

How it Works:

This incredibly cool surgical tool uses software to read a patient’s CT lung scan in order to create a navigation pathway that allows physicians to reach far into the lung through small and difficult-to-navigate airways and reach all 18 segments of the lung. Once a pathway has been designated, it is exported to a USB flash drive which is then inserted into Ion’s controller to complete the biopsy. The controller uses hand-controlled navigation to control the catheter and complete the journey to the designated biopsy area.

Why Ion Chose Timberline:

Ion had the technology but needed a partner that could help them bring everything together in a seamless package. The company selected Timberline because of our extensive experience with industrial and injection mold design, as well as our design validation and test expertise.

What Timberline Did:

Timberline first put our industrial design chops to use to create a controller that could provide a high level of user control with minimal distraction. We selected a hand-controlled navigation scroll wheel to allow the operator to easily navigate the designated path as well as a navigation ball that provided movement within a 180 degree range.

This included the design of an injection mold to create the controller’s outside panels and provide an elegant and modern look. Finally, we provided electromechanical design and electronics integration within the enclosure.

The design included heat sinks and venting to manage heat during operation using natural convection, thereby negating the necessity of including a forced air system for ventilation. Thermal analysis was completed to ensure the design would operate as intended.

The Result:

The Intuitive Ion is available now for surgical professionals, and the response from medical professionals has been extremely positive, providing a high level of reach, stability, and precision for increased accuracy and minimal invasion for patients.

IntelliPad USB

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What It Is:

The IntelliPad RFID pad reader is an indispensable component of the GSL IntelliSys product line. The reader can be positioned anywhere in the pharmacy to manage prescription tracking without restricting or reducing work space.

How it Works:

Using close proximity RFID technology, the new IntelliPad “reads” IntelliSys SmartBaskets. These are uniquely identified baskets with locking lids to provide real-time, hands-free tracking throughout the pharmacy.

Why GSL Chose Timberline:

Following the success of the first generation IntelliCab prescription storage system, GSL knew Timberline had the skills and experience to tackle the next generation of the product line and further enhance the user experience of the products. This included a more modular design approach to provide added flexibility in the systems’ configuration. It also meant new features for the IntelliPad pad reader.

What Timberline Did:

Impressed with Timberline’s industrial, mechanical, and electronic design of the original IntelliCab systems, GSL again selected Timberline to assist with the next generation of IntelliSys products. Because GSL was familiar with our project management expertise, we were also tasked with managing the project and its many partners, in addition to providing mechanical design of the IntelliPad RFID pad readers and the integration of the products’ sophisticated electronics.

The new version of the IntelliPad included a USB connection for added flexibility of placement in the lab. New lights and sounds were also added to provide helpful operational cues for users.

The Result:

The new IntelliSys products have proven hugely popular for pharmacists and technicians. It is the system of choice for huge pharmaceutical groups including Kaiser Permanente, Safeway, OHSU, and many others.

IntelliSys Cab Top Server (CTS)

Timberline was a natural choice for GSL, having successfully completed the full design of the Gen 1 IntelliCab system. For the new version of the server, GSL wanted an attractive, streamlined design that would make operation and maintenance easier.

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What It Is:

As the name implies, the IntelliSys Cab Top Server is positioned atop the IntelliSys cabinets. The server acts as the brains of the entire system, recording and storing all prescription information, transactional and user activities, as well as controlling locking and identification capabilities.

How it Works:

As medicines are received, all are recorded by the IntelliSys RFID readers and assigned a unique identifier. All information is stored in the database and updated in real time. All users are likewise provided a unique ID badge. User roles are designated to provide appropriate levels of access. The IntelliSys products combine RFID tags with GSL’s proprietary RFID readers, lock-able electronic cabinets, and real time tracking software to make will-call operations more accurate.

All of these features are controlled by the IntelliSys Cab Top Server. The server also includes a thermal printer pharmacists can use to print out patient reports.

Why GSL chose Timberline:

What Timberline Did:

For the new servers, we first revisited the enclosure itself, designing a new injection molded cover that provided a more seamless look with the rest of the system. Utilizing largely off-the-shelf electronics, Timberline provided all electronics configuration and integration. Once design was complete, we then helped GSL navigate the sometimes confusing UL certification process, thereby ensuring the new servers were market-ready and safe to operate.

The Result:

The new servers have made an excellent addition to the new IntelliSys products, providing additional functionality and capabilities with a new, modern look.