ExamWRITER System Requirements

The following sections explain the system terminology, describe the minimum software, hardware, and network specifications, and illustrate the implementation methods required by OfficeMate®/ExamWRITER®:

These system requirements are routinely reviewed and updated. This page was last updated February 20, 2023.  View a printer-friendly version of these requirements.

The requirements outlined on this page represent the minimum system specifications required to effectively use the OfficeMate/ExamWRITER software. Failure to meet these requirements will noticeably degrade the performance of the software.

Overall performance is predicated on four areas of hardware:

  • Memory
  • Processor utilization
  • Hard drive speed and space
  • Network speed and throughput

Monitor these system resources and upgrade them before they reach 80% of capacity.

In addition to these requirements, review and adhere to the requirements and recommendations provided by your other software and equipment vendors. For example, ECR Vault requires a dedicated server with its own specifications.

IMPORTANT: Eyefinity® highly recommends employing certified technicians to install and manage your computer systems. Eyefinity does not provide support for your computer systems.

System Terminology

Certified Technician

An individual or service provider whose primary business is providing computer hardware, software, and network support services to small and medium businesses. Certified technicians have practical experience supporting and maintaining Microsoft Windows Server, SQL Server, Terminal Services, and wired or wireless networks. Certified technicians maintain a working knowledge of current and changing technologies.


You should always employ certified technicians to set up and manage your practice technology, and those technicians should be certified for the technology they are managing. For example, the certified technician who manages your database should be certified in Microsoft SQL Server.

Client or Workstation

A computer that is connected to the server and relies on the server for data files and network connections.

CPU

The CPU or central processing unit and is also known as the processor or microprocessor. It's the "brains" of the computer and responsible for running all of your computer software.

Dedicated Server Network A network in which one computer is designated as the server and only handles network administration tasks. Other computers, or clients, are dependent on the server for network connections. A dedicated server is recommended for large networks with more than three users. Dedicated server networks are fast and can handle multiple users.
Network A physically interconnected group of computers running software that allows them to share files and resources.
Operating System (OS) The computer program that runs other programs and applications on your computer. It ensures that different programs and users running at the same time do not interfere with each other.
Peripheral An external hardware component added to your computer to extend functionality. Peripherals can include printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, cameras, and more. Peripherals may be wired or wireless.
Print Server A computer (either a client or a server) that has a printer physically attached to it. Other workstations may print to the printer via the network, but print jobs are controlled by the print server.
RAM RAM is the memory that allows your computer to quickly respond while multitasking, running multiple programs, or clicking between tabs and accessing the internet. Open up Task Manager to check your memory usage.
Server A computer running administrative software that controls access to the network and its resources. The server acts as the network’s file cabinet, providing data files to other computers on the network.
SQL SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is the standard language used to communicate to a database where information is stored.
Terminal Services

Terminal Services allows a user to access OfficeMate/ExamWRITER on a remote computer over your network.

If the workstations in your practice (single or multiple locations) access the OfficeMate/ExamWRITER applications via a network connection to a central server, you may have a Terminal Services environment.

If the OfficeMate/ExamWRITER applications reside on individual workstations in your practice (single or multiple locations), you have a non-Terminal Services environment.

Software Requirements

Software Requirement Notes
Server Operating System Operating System Supported Editions Unsupported Editions
Windows Server® 2022 or 2019 1 Standard Datacenter
Windows Server 2016 2 Standard Datacenter
 

1 Requires OfficeMate/ExamWRITER 15.3 or later.

2 Requires OfficeMate/ExamWRITER 14.0 or later.

Install the latest service pack and critical updates for your operating system. Ensure that your computer is certified for the operating system that you are using.

Workstation Operating System Operating System Supported Editions Unsupported Editions
Windows® 11 3, 5 Pro
Enterprise
Basic
Education
Home
Mixed Reality
Windows 10 4, 5 Pro
Enterprise
Basic
Education
Home
Mobile
 

3 Eyefinity supports OfficeMate/ExamWRITER 15.3 on Windows 11 Pro Edition and Enterprise Edition. Earlier versions of OfficeMate/ExamWRITER are not supported on Windows 11.

4 Eyefinity supports OfficeMate/ExamWRITER 12.0 on Windows 10 Pro Edition and Enterprise Edition. Earlier versions of OfficeMate/ExamWRITER are not supported on Windows 10.

5 Windows 11 and Windows 10 do not support TWAIN, which is currently required to scan documents into eDocs.

Install the latest service pack and critical updates for your operating system. Ensure that your computer is certified for the operating system that you are using. OfficeMate/ExamWRITER runs in 32-bit and 64-bit environments.

SQL Database Server Number of Users Database Size SQL Database Server
1–25

 
10 GB or less SQL Server 2022 Express
SQL Server 2019 Express 6
SQL Server 2017 Express 6
SQL Server 2016 Express SP2
10 GB or more SQL Server 2022 Standard
SQL Server 2019 Standard 6
SQL Server 2017 Standard 6
SQL Server 2016 Standard SP2
25 or more Any size SQL Server 2022 Standard
SQL Server 2019 Standard 6
SQL Server 2017 Standard 6
SQL Server 2016 Standard SP2
  6 Microsoft SQL Server 2022, 2019, and 2017 are supported by OfficeMate/ExamWRITER 15.0 and later.

On seeking the appropriate version of Microsoft SQL Server that best fits your needs, we recommend consulting a Microsoft Certified Technician. There are two versions of Microsoft® SQL Server:
  • Express, which is free
  • Standard, which supports more users and bigger databases
The version required depends on two factors: the size of your database and the number of users—doctors and staff—in your practice.

New or upgraded servers also require SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). For more information on downloading and installing SQL Server Express and SSMS, go to the knowledge base.
.NET Framework Microsoft .NET Framework and 4.8 You can download .NET Framework for free from Microsoft.
Web Browser Microsoft Edge You must also download and install the WebView2 Runtime from Microsoft.
Word Processor Any word processor capable of opening rich-text format (RTF) files Microsoft Word, Microsoft WordPad, or OpenOffice Writer are all suitable word processors. Such web-based word processors as Google Docs will not work with OfficeMate and ExamWRITER.
XPS XPS Document Writer v4 XPS is required to print certain documents like claims. XPS is installed as part of Windows and Windows Server. Ensure XPS is installed and enabled. Ensure that you have the latest version installed on each workstation.

Workstation Requirements

Refer to the System Requirements section for a complete list of supported operating systems.

Note: Eyefinity highly recommends employing certified operating system and networking technicians to install and manage your computer systems. Eyefinity does not provide support for your computer systems.

OfficeMate/ExamWRITER does not support emulated environments, including such emulated BIOS environments as Bootcamp.

Hardware Minimum Best-Fit Workstations
Workstation Processor Intel® CoreTM i3-8100 or better Dell™ OptiPlex™ 3000 Series

Lenovo® ThinkCentre®M710 Series

HP EliteDesk 705 Desktop Mini

Think Smart Vision Series Workstations
Workstation Memory 4 GB or higher
Workstation Hard Drive 60 GB or higher with at least 8 GB free for the software
Video Adapter and Screen Resolution 1280x1024 pixels (24-bit) or higher
Monitor 17-inch or larger

Peripheral Requirements

Peripherals are components that you attach to your computer to add functionality. Peripherals may include printers, scanners, and backup media. Although Eyefinity outlines the following requirements for peripherals, not every peripheral is required.

Peripheral Requirement Notes
Document Printer Business-grade laser printer that supports PCL 5 Multifunction, bubble jet, and ink jet printers may not operate properly and are not recommended. Eyefinity tests its products with HP LaserJet® printers. Use PCL 5-compatible printers; some forms will not print correctly on non-PCL 5–compatible printers.
Patient Label Printer

DYMO LabelWriter 450

Requires the DYMO 8.6.6.11 software. Later versions are not supported. Download the driver.

The DYMO LabelWriter must be attached to a computer that is connected to your practice’s local network or connected to the practice's network through a VPN. For more information, go to Setting Up DYMO LabelWriter with Terminal Services.

Officemate/ExamWRITER 15.3.4737 or later.requires the DYMO Connect software. Refer to this chart to determine the DYMO Connect version compatible with your operating system.

DYMO LabelWriter 550

The DYMO LabelWriter 550 requires Officemate/ExamWRITER 15.3.4737 or later.

Requires the DYMO Connect software. Refer to this chart to determine the DYMO Connect version compatible with your operating system.

Barcode Printer SATO WS408TT
(Part# WT202-400NN-EX1)

SATO CG408TT (Discontinued)
You will also need these cables:
  • USB-A to USB-B cable for setting up the CG408TT printer and for troubleshooting all printers
  • Serial (RS232 DB9) Male-to-Female Null Modem cable
  • Serial-to-USB Adapter for operating the printer
For the best quality print, Eyefinity highly recommends using paper labels, such as the Arch Crown TT368 paper thermal transfer tags. Other label materials, such as polyester or mylar, often produce illegible results.
 
Document Scanner Business-grade TWAIN Compatible Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft no longer includes native TWAIN drivers. Check with your scanner manufacturer for TWAIN-compatible drivers for your version of Windows.

Eyefinity does not recommend a specific scanner brand or model; you can use any scanner that can create an electronic document with the OfficeMate and ExamWRITER eDocuments feature. Some TWAIN-compatible network scanners that are part of multifunction machines may not work.
Barcode Scanner Datalogic Gryphon GM4132 Wireless (Part# GM4132-BK-910K1)

Datalogic Heron HD3130 Wired (Part# HD3130-BKK1B and Part# HD3130-WHK1B)
 
You can use any barcode scanner with a keyboard-wedge interface that is programmed to read the Interleaved 2 of 5 format with OfficeMate.
Fax Modem (if needed) 3Com, US Robotics External 56k If your electronic claims clearinghouse requires a phone-line modem, you will need an internet connection and fax modem separate from your business-grade, high-speed DSL or cable connection.
Uniterruptible Power Supply (UPS) UPS on database and file servers Electric power is not always delivered to your outlets in perfect condition. Fluctuations can impact your computer’s performance. A total loss of power can damage your data if your system was running at the time of a power loss. A UPS with line conditioning capabilities can help control the level of power coming to your system. In the event of a power loss, a UPS contains a backup battery to keep your computer running long enough to safely shut it down.

Server Requirements

Notes:

  • Eyefinity highly recommends employing certified operating system and networking technicians to install and manage your computer systems. Eyefinity does not provide support for your computer systems.
  • Overall performance is predicated on four areas of hardware: memory, processor utilization, hard drive speed and space, and network speed and throughput. Monitor these system resources and upgrade them before they reach 80% of capacity.
  • Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition may be required if the SQL database is 10 GB in size or larger.

Server hardware requirements vary greatly depending on the number of users. Refer to the hardware requirements that best fit your user group:

1–5 Users Dedicated Database Server

Refer to the Software Requirements section for a complete list of supported server operating systems and supported SQL server versions and editions.

Dedicated Database Server
Minimum Requirement Best-Fit Server
CPU Quad-core Intel Xeon® E3-1230 v2 Dell PowerEdge T130
Lenovo ThinkServer TS150
HP ProLiant ML30 Series
Think Smart Smart Server 8
Memory 8 GB
Hard Drive Capacity

146 GB SCSI or
SAS (15 K rpm) or
Enterprise-class SATA (10 K rpm)

8 GB minimum available space

Hard Drive Redundancy RAID 5, three drive minimum (software RAID not supported)

6–20 Users Dedicated Database Server

Refer to the Software Requirements section for a complete list of supported server operating systems and supported SQL server versions and editions.

Dedicated Database Server
Minimum Requirement Best-Fit Server
CPU Quad-core Intel Xeon E3-1230 v2

Dell PowerEdge T330
IBM Lenovo TS440
HP ProLiant ML110 Series
Think Smart Smart Server 9

Memory 12 GB
Hard Drive Capacity

146 GB SCSI or
SAS (15 K rpm) or
Enterprise-class SATA (10 K rpm)

8 GB minimum available space

Hard Drive Redundancy RAID 5, three drive minimum (software RAID not supported)

1–25 Users Combined Database Server/Terminal Server

If you have more than 20 users, we highly suggest using OfficeMate/ExamWRITER in a Terminal Server environment. Noticeable performance issues arise if you have more than 20 users in a non-Terminal Server environment. Using a Terminal Server in your practice offers many benefits:

  • Easier software upgrades. Installing and upgrading software is easier on a Terminal Server because, in most cases, the software does not have to be loaded on individual workstations.
  • Lower cost of ownership. The cost of a Terminal Server license is one-tenth the cost of a new workstation that meets the OfficeMate hardware and system requirements.
  • Easier Access. Terminal Server allows you to remotely access applications like OfficeMate ExamWRITER from anywhere internet access is available. OfficeMate/ExamWRITER in a Terminal Server environment.

Refer to the Software Requirements section for a complete list of supported server operating systems and supported SQL server versions and editions.

Combined Database Server/Terminal Server
Minimum Requirement Best-Fit Server
CPU Octa-core Intel Xeon E5-2609 v4

Dell PowerEdge T630
IBM Lenovo TD350
HP ProLiant ML350 Series
Think Smart Smart Server 9

Memory

12 GB plus ½ GB per user

Hard Drive Capacity

146 GB SCSI or
SAS (15 K rpm) or
Enterprise-class SATA (10 K rpm)

8 GB minimum available space

Hard Drive Redundancy RAID 5, three drive minimum (software RAID not supported)

 

26–100 Users Dedicated Database Server and Terminal Server

Refer to the Software Requirements section for a complete list of supported server operating systems and supported SQL server versions and editions.

Dedicated Database Server
Minimum Requirement Best-Fit Server
CPU Octa-core Intel Xeon E5-2609 v4

Dell PowerEdge T630
IBM Lenovo TD350
HP ProLiant ML350 Series
Think Smart Smart Server 9

Memory

16 GB

Hard Drive Capacity

146 GB SCSI or
SAS (15 K rpm)

8 GB minimum available space

Hard Drive Redundancy RAID 5, three drive minimum (software RAID not supported)

 

Dedicated Terminal Server
Minimum Requirement Best-Fit Server
CPU

Two Octa-core Intel Xeon E5-2609 v4

Dell PowerEdge T630
IBM Lenovo TD350
HP ProLiant ML350 Series
Think Smart Smart Server 9

Memory

12 GB plus ½ GB per user

Hard Drive Capacity

146 GB SCSI or
SAS (15 K rpm)

8 GB minimum available space

Hard Drive Redundancy RAID 1, two drive minimum (software RAID not supported)

101+ Users Dedicated Database Server and Terminal Server

Refer to the Software Requirements section for a complete list of supported server operating systems and supported SQL server versions and editions.

Dedicated Database Server
Minimum Requirement Best-Fit Server
CPU

Octa-core Intel Xeon E5-2609 v4

Dell PowerEdge T630
IBM Lenovo TD350
HP ProLiant ML350 Series
Think Smart Smart Server 9

Memory

12 GB plus ½ GB per user

Hard Drive Capacity

OS: 146 GB SCSI or SAS (15 K rpm)
Data: 146 GB SCSI or SAS (15 K rpm)

8 GB available minimum space

Hard Drive Redundancy

OS: RAID 1, two drive minimum
Data: RAID 10, six drive minimum (software RAID not supported)

 

Dedicated Terminal Server
Minimum Requirement Best-Fit Server
Terminal Server One dedicated Terminal Server for every 100 users

Dell PowerEdge T630
IBM Lenovo TD350
HP ProLiant ML350 Series
Think Smart Smart Server 9

CPU

Octa-core Intel Xeon E5-2609 v4

Memory

8 GB plus ½ GB per user

Hard Drive Capacity

146 GB SCSI or
SAS (15 K rpm)

8 GB minimum available space

Hard Drive Redundancy

RAID 1, two drive minimum (software RAID not supported)

1–25 Users Virtual Machine Host Server

Refer to the Software Requirements section for a complete list of supported server operating systems and supported SQL server versions and editions.

Virtual Machine Host Server
Minimum Requirement
Number of VMs

Two: One SQL database server and one application Terminal Server

OS

VMWare vSphere 7 Standard or later (licensed for two physical CPUs)

CPU

Two Octa-core Intel Xeon E5-2660 or better

Memory

64 GB (30 GB assigned to each VM, 4 GB reserved for the virtual host)

Hyperthreading Active
Hard Drive

OS: Two 146 GB SCSI or SAS (15 K rpm), RAID 1
VM: Six 300 GB SCSI or SAS (10 K rpm), RAID 10

Network Requirements

Eyefinity highly recommends employing certified operating system and networking technicians to install and manage your computer systems. Eyefinity does not provide support for networks. Your network connection should experience no more than 5 ms latency round trip with no packet loss to perform optimally.

Network Item Requirement Notes
Internet Connection Business-grade, high-speed DSL or cable connection Business-grade, high-speed DSL or cable modems are recommended for internet access and OfficeMate training and support. If your electronic claims clearinghouse requires a phone line modem, you will need a separate internet connection and 56k fax modem.
Wireless

802.11ac business-grade router and 802.11ac wireless network card

802.11n may be used in a Terminal Services environment

Enable wireless security.

Purchase your wireless access port and wireless network card from the same manufacturer.

Wireless networks offer significantly lower performance and reliability than wired networks; therefore, Eyefinity recommends hard-wired networks in environments where high performance is necessary.

Cables Category 5e ethernet Category 6 or 6e recommended.
Cards Gigabit ethernet  
Switches Gigabit transfer rates Eyefinity does not recommend using hubs.
HP Jetdirect   Use the HP Jetdirect service for Jetdirect printing. Use the TCP/IP protocol and 9100 default port.
Remote Desktop
Protocol (RDP)
50 Kbps bandwidth connection or better per RDP client

Use Remote Desktop Connection to access OfficeMate/ExamWRITER running on a Terminal Server in single and multilocation practices.

Use RDP to connect client workstations to a terminal server. Use the TCP/IP protocol and 3389 default port.

Name Service   Use the Name service for file and printer sharing. Use the NetBIOS protocol and 137, 138, and 139 default ports.
EFSync Service   Use the EFSync service for data transfer between desktop and cloud software. Use the HTTPS protocol and 443 default port for this service.
SQL Server   Use the TCP/IP protocol and 1433 default port for this service.
SQL Browser   Use the SQL Browser to find SQL Servers on client computers. The SQL Browser listens for incoming requests for SQL Server resources and provides information about SQL Server instances that are installed on the computer. Use the UDP protocol and 1434 default port.

Backup Requirements

Eyefinity recommends using multiple back up methods and backing up your data to multiple files in case one backup file is corrupt. Work with your data backup provider or certified operating system and networking technician to determine which solution is best for you. For more information about backup media, refer to the “Backing Up and Restoring Data” document.

Backup Method Recommended Solution
Online

iBackup Powered by DataHEALTH
800.269.3666 or sales@eyefinity.com

Practice Shadow by Think Smart Group, Inc.
800.941.4913.

Local For SQL databases: Veritas Backup Exec with Agent for Applications and Databases
http://www.veritas.com

Installation Requirements

The OfficeMate Suite installation requirements are listed below. Adhering to these requirements will greatly improve the OfficeMate Suite installation process.

Note: Eyefinity/OfficeMate highly recommends employing certified operating system and networking technicians to install and manage your computer systems. Eyefinity/OfficeMate does not provide support for networks.

Requirement Notes
Remote Access We recommend Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for remote access through Microsoft Terminal Services.
Administrator Access Privileges  
Microsoft Terminal Services Access Terminal Services access must be enabled and tested before installing OfficeMate.

Implementation Methods

You can implement the OfficeMate Suite in a terminal services or standalone environment. See the printable copy of these requirements to view the illustrations of the main components and data flow of OfficeMate using the terminal services and standalone implementation methods.

The features of using terminal services and standalone implementations are detailed in the table below so that you can properly set up the implementation environment of your choice.

Feature Terminal Services Standalone
Software Updates Server only Each client
Additional Terminal Server Licensing Yes No
VPN Network Required Recommended No
Higher-End Workstations Required as Clients No, but the workstations must meet remote desktop system requirements. Yes
Thin Client Support Yes No
Peripherals Support Yes, through third-party applications. No

This Health IT Module is compliant with the ONC Certification Criteria for Health IT and has been certified by an ONC-ACB in accordance with the applicable certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This certification does not represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.