In light of recent NHS England updates around accelerated digital maturity, the rollout of Scan for Safety, and trust-wide efforts to meet net zero targets, the need for agile, intelligent software has never been greater. That’s where SMS Technology steps in
With the NHS navigating a critical period of transformation—amid workforce challenges, sustainability mandates, and the push toward interoperability— many Trusts are struggling to balance regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and staff wellbeing.
Now GS1 Approved and listed on the G-Cloud 14 framework, SMS Technology’s operational management software offers a streamlined, future-proof platform that directly supports the NHS’s most pressing goals.
What’s holding Trusts back?
Administrative burden and workforce pressure
As highlighted in recent parliamentary reports and BMA surveys, frontline NHS staff—particularly nurses—continue to lose hours each week to repetitive, paper-based tasks. Manual compliance logging, audits, and asset tracking are draining time and morale. For many Trusts, this is translating to thousands of lost hours and growing burnout.
CQC compliance under the microscope
With renewed CQC inspection frameworks rolling out in 2025 and a greater focus on digital documentation, Trusts face the ongoing challenge of proving compliance without the risk of paperwork errors or gaps in audit trails.
System fragmentation and poor data visibility
Disconnected IT systems remain a core barrier to efficiency. Siloed tools and limited integrations mean operational data is often incomplete, inconsistent, or inaccessible—slowing decisions and risking duplication.
Supply chain gaps & scan for safety adoption
The NHS’s Scan for Safety programme, backed by GS1 standards, aims to deliver full traceability of supplies and improve patient safety. Yet many Trusts lack the infrastructure to adopt barcode scanning or connect that data to broader operational tools.
The sustainability mandate
With all NHS organisations now tasked with achieving net zero by 2045, reducing paper use, consumables, and Scope 3 emissions is no longer optional—it’s operational. But without digital systems, tracking and reducing waste is nearly impossible.
How SMS Technology solves these challenges
Up to 4.5 hours a week returned to each nurse
Our digital platform eliminates paper- based tasks and audit processes, saving clinical staff up to 4.5 hours per week—the equivalent of 70,000+ hours per year in a 100-ward trust, or freeing up 34 full-time nurses for clinical care.
Real-time CQC compliance monitoring
We take CQC auditing fully digital. Our software delivers live internal compliance dashboards, audit trails, and alerts that help Trusts monitor and improve their CQC position continuously—not just before an inspection. That means fewer surprises and a stronger, more confident approach to quality care.
Breaking down data silos with open API integration
SMS Technology’s open API allows seamless data sharing across Trust systems. Whether it’s pulling from NHS data lakes or syncing with existing platforms, we offer customisable dashboards that consolidate real-time operational insights—improving communication, reporting, and cross- team coordination.
GS1 approval & scan for safety support
As a newly GS1 approved solution, SMS Technology supports full integration with scan for safety.
Our platform enables Trusts to:
- Track inventory, medical devices, and medications via barcode
- Monitor stock in real-time
- Prevent product errors and streamline recalls
This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about patient safety, supply chain resilience, and measurable savings.
A real impact on sustainability
By replacing paperwork, printing, and disposable forms with digital workflows, SMS Technology helps Trusts meaningfully reduce their carbon footprint.
• No Scope 3 emissions from our operations
• Built-in analytics to track your carbon savings
• Verified alignment with NHS Green Plan targets
A Trust currently using our platform has saved an estimated £2 million annually in time and materials. With a modest investment, payback is often seen within one month.
Quick, compliant procurement via G-Cloud 14
Now available on G-Cloud 14, SMS Technology can be procured quickly and compliantly by NHS Trusts:
- No lengthy tendering
- Pre-approved by Crown Commercial Service
- Transparent pricing and security standards
This dramatically shortens the procurement cycle, allowing Trusts to implement solutions in as little as 6–8 weeks, with minimal downtime and only 1–2 days of staff training.
Why it matters now
In 2025, the NHS is shifting decisively toward digital-first models to address workforce strain, decarbonisation targets, and regulatory complexity. With new guidance emphasising smart supply chains, interoperable systems, and automated assurance, Trusts need partners that are already delivering.
SMS Technology isn’t just ready—we’re proven. We’ve helped NHS partners like Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust achieve measurable improvements in staff time, compliance, and environmental impact—and we’re ready to support more.
If you’re looking for a solution that aligns with your Trust’s digital, safety, and sustainability ambitions, we’re here to help.
This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
