Every industry has employees using paper-based logs sheets for data logging, control, monitoring and inspection.

The approach varies from the 'back of a cigarette packet' to completing quality-controlled documents on a clipboard. However, paper-based data collection has long been recognised as a major resource drain. The actual collection still has to be done but, as long as the data remains on paper, it is of limited use.
Data entry via keyboard to PC-based software is time consuming. It assumes the data collected on paper is actually legible in the first place and validation and exception reporting usually only takes place on data after it has actually been entered - sometimes long after inaccuracies should have been noticed and rectified.
To solve these problems Terrington Systems has released Transform, a new data collection software package.
Hand-held technology can prompt users for the data required and validate the data entered at the point of capture. This includes warning the operator that the data entered is either incorrect or outside predetermined limits. Because the data is entered at the point of collection it is guaranteed to be legible and does not have to be re-entered to PC, simply transferred via a serial link. Time which is usually lost re-entering data is recovered and the data is immediately available for analysis,
As data collection forms used in industry are wide and varied, Transform includes a form creation tool that allows any type of data sheet to be replicated regardless of function - whether it is inspection, fault logging or maintenance instructions. These forms can be filed electronically Widows-style or the can be calendar schedules to instruct the users what inspection needs to be completed and when.

ENQUIRY No 37

Terrington Systems Ltd is based in York, UK. www.terrington.co.uk