Medical imaging has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare. Hospitals and clinics rely on PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) to store, manage, and share medical images like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Traditionally, these systems have been hosted on-site, relying on local servers and dedicated workstations. While this setup worked in the past, modern radiology demands speed, flexibility, and scalability—needs that traditional PACS often struggle to meet.
Enter cloud PACS, a new approach to medical imaging that is transforming the way hospitals and clinics operate. Among cloud-based solutions, Nandico PACS stands out for its performance, simplicity, and reliability.
This blog explores the differences between traditional PACS and cloud PACS, and explains why Nandico is leading the change in radiology technology.
Traditional PACS: Strengths and Limitations
Traditional PACS systems have been the backbone of radiology departments for decades. They rely on on-site servers to store images, with software installed on local workstations for viewing and reporting.
Strengths:
- Established and familiar workflow
- Direct control over servers and data
- Local image storage ensures immediate access in case of network issues
Limitations:
- High infrastructure costs (servers, storage, maintenance)
- Limited accessibility—radiologists must be on-site or use complex VPN setups
- Scalability is difficult and expensive
- Slow performance with large imaging volumes
- Complex IT support required
While traditional PACS works, it often struggles to keep up with modern demands for speed, remote access, and large-scale imaging.
Cloud PACS: A Modern Solution
Cloud PACS moves image storage and processing to the cloud, allowing radiologists to access studies through secure web interfaces. This approach addresses many challenges of traditional systems.
Benefits of Cloud PACS:
- Access images from anywhere, anytime
- No need for expensive servers or local installations
- Automatic updates and maintenance
- Scalable to handle growing imaging volumes
- Secure, encrypted data storage
By removing hardware dependencies and streamlining workflows, cloud PACS empowers radiologists to focus on interpretation rather than managing technology.
Why Nandico PACS Stands Out
While cloud PACS is a great concept, not all platforms deliver the same value. Nandico PACS goes beyond basic cloud hosting with features designed specifically for modern radiology.
1. Lightning-Fast Image Access
Large imaging studies, like CTs and MRIs, can contain thousands of slices. Traditional PACS often slows down under such loads. Nandico’s optimized streaming technology ensures:
- Fast loading, even on standard internet connections
- Smooth navigation through images
- Consistent performance across devices
Radiologists can work efficiently without waiting for scans to load, increasing productivity and reducing stress.
2. Unified Workflow for Reporting
Traditional PACS often require multiple systems for viewing images, accessing patient data, and writing reports. Nandico combines all these functions into one platform:
- View DICOM images
- Access prior studies and patient history
- Structured and free-text reporting
This reduces switching between applications, streamlines workflow, and supports accurate reporting.
3. Remote Access and Teleradiology
Modern hospitals rely on teleradiology to cover multiple locations and provide 24/7 service. Nandico makes remote reporting simple:
- Secure web access from anywhere
- No VPN or complicated installations
- Real-time collaboration between on-site and remote radiologists
Traditional PACS often fails in this area due to network limitations and local server dependence.
4. Scalable for Growing Workloads
Traditional PACS requires costly upgrades to scale for higher imaging volumes. Nandico cloud PACS automatically adjusts to:
- Increased number of studies
- Multiple hospitals or clinics
- Growing storage needs
This ensures radiology departments remain efficient without major infrastructure investments.
5. Strong Security and Compliance
Data protection is crucial. Nandico PACS protects sensitive patient information with:
- Encrypted transmission
- Secure cloud storage
- Role-based access control
- Detailed audit logs
Traditional PACS may require additional measures to achieve similar security, often adding complexity and cost.
6. Cost Efficiency
Traditional PACS requires heavy upfront investment in hardware, software licenses, and IT support. Nandico reduces costs by offering:
- Minimal on-site hardware requirements
- Subscription-based access to cloud services
- Lower maintenance and upgrade expenses
Hospitals can redirect resources from IT management to patient care.
Real-World Impact: Faster, Smarter Radiology
Cloud PACS, and Nandico in particular, transforms radiology by:
- Reducing report turnaround time
- Supporting flexible working models
- Improving collaboration across teams
- Enabling high-volume imaging without performance issues
Radiologists spend more time interpreting studies and less time dealing with technical obstacles.
Conclusion
The choice between traditional PACS and cloud PACS is no longer just about preference—it’s about meeting modern radiology demands. While traditional systems remain functional, they are limited in speed, flexibility, and scalability.
Nandico PACS leverages the power of the cloud to deliver fast, secure, and scalable imaging solutions. With unified workflows, remote access, advanced reporting tools, and robust security, Nandico empowers radiologists to work smarter and hospitals to operate more efficiently.
For healthcare organizations ready to modernize their imaging workflows, Nandico PACS is not just a replacement—it’s the future of radiology.
FAQs :
Traditional PACS relies on on-site servers and local workstations, while cloud PACS stores and manages imaging data securely in the cloud. Cloud systems offer remote access, better scalability, and lower infrastructure costs compared to traditional setups.
Hospitals need faster performance, remote reporting, and easier scalability. Cloud PACS eliminates hardware limitations, reduces maintenance costs, and supports growing imaging volumes without complex upgrades.
Nandico uses optimized cloud-based streaming technology that loads large CT and MRI studies quickly. Radiologists can scroll smoothly through images without delays, improving efficiency and report turnaround time.
Yes. Modern cloud PACS platforms like Nandico use encrypted data transmission, secure storage, role-based access control, and audit logs to protect sensitive patient information and meet compliance standards.
Absolutely. Cloud PACS allows secure remote access from anywhere without complex VPN setups. This makes it ideal for teleradiology networks, multi-location hospitals, and 24/7 radiology coverage.