File Transfer is an important element of CAD/CAM system in modern laboratory. We have received many inquiries from milling centers and lab technicians about 3dO Case Collaboration services. Services which provide better information, faster and more secure transfer. Services which can be automated and do not require manual intervention.

Digital images are considered private dental records transfered over public network and it is very important to ensure security of transmission as well as a quality of forwarding information. When choosing the transmission method a special attention should be paid to the following issues:

1. Security of patient records,
2. Speed of large file transfer,
3. Cost of network bandwidth,
4. Reliability of information transferred

Lets review strength and weaknesses of the transfer methods which are available to laboratory today:

* Email attachments.
* FTP Services
* 3dO Collaboration Services

Email attachments are easy to use, but they are not always reliable since they do not handle well large files. Besides attaching file takes time and may be interrupted due to network or computer problems.
Upload timing issue persists with FTP services too and in addition they are often target for unauthorized security attacks. Also FTP service do not provide an easy identifier of file belonging to one or another customer.

3dO Collaboration Services provide crown and bridge laboratory with the ability to follow familiar process of filling up the prescription form, attaching model, pictures or any other instructions to it and “shipping” it to milling center.

Ortho labs transfer file utilizing 3dOFolders – scheduled service, which transfers files to orthodontists seamlessly overnight. 3dOFolders makes laboratory and dental offices fill like they are located at the same place.

File “Receiving” is actually scheduled process which happens at night and does not require human supervision. The files are transferred over secured network to milling center or orthodontists where they are sorted and presented to the operator together with the prescription.

3dO Collaboration services combine email easiness of use with FTP speed providing additional services such as security encryption and transfer scheduling.