Hardware Requirements

If you just want to try the system out, you will need:

• an Android tablet to use as a client (ideally a Sony Xperia Z2 tablet)
• a computer to use as a server (any Windows, Mac, or Unix computer)
• a wifi network that both the tablet and server can join

Android tablet

We use Sony Xperia Z2 tablets. These work well because they are water-resistant, have a great screen, and come with a reasonably new version of Android.

To get started or just to try out the software we recommend you at least use a 10" tablet. The Sony Xperia Z2 would be ideal, but you could try another one (e.g. a Nexus 9 or Nexus 10).

To actually use in the field, we then put the tablets in the special Project Buendia cases, which add an extra layer of waterproofing and chlorine solution proofing, wireless charging, RFID readers, better grip for users wearing gloves, and extra battery life. We also use custom wireless charging docks for the tablets in the cases.

We haven't designed for or tested with other devices. If you choose to use other devices, you should make sure you have considered the following:

• The software is designed to work at 1920 x 1200 resolution. Does your device support this?
• The software is locked in portrait orientation, as this was found to be easier to use in PPE.
• How are you going to disinfect the device between patients? You should test robustness.
• How are you going to charge the tablet without introducing an infection route?
• Is the tablet comfortable to hold in full PPE?
• Does it have the required battery life in your required environmental conditions? You should test this.

Server

The server is the computer where your medical records will be stored. It doesn't have to be very powerful, but it must be at least capable of running:

• OpenMRS
• Java
• Tomcat
• MySQL Community server

If you don't know what this means don't worry. Almost any modern Windows, Unix or Mac laptop or desktop will work fine, just to try it out. If you already use OpenMRS you should be good too, as we are no more demanding than a normal OpenMRS system.

In the field you also will need to make sure that:

• The server has a good reliable power supply. When your server has no power, then the Android devices won't be able to talk to each other.
• The server has a reasonably accurate clock that doesn't reset in a power cut.
• You have a way of getting updates to the server.
• You have a way of getting data off the server.
• You provide reasonable physical security. OpenMRS does no encryption, and relies on physical protection of the server for the confidentiality of the medical records.

For the server we use an Intel Edison board in a custom case with some extra custom circuit boards. This gives it excellent robustness and battery life. It also allows some extra networking functionality. Because they are so small and cheap, it is easy to have spares in the event of failure.

We use a Debian Linux installation, and package everything as standard Debian Linux packages, so the server software is easy to upgrade and backup using standard tools.