Kalidor Teams with PenFact for Pen-Based Factory Applications on Rugged Pen-Based PCs

May 15, 1995 — Kalidor, manufacturer of rugged pen computer systems, and PenFact, Inc., provider of pen-based computing solutions for industry, today announced a new data collection product, “Inspect-Write(TM),” a hardware/software product offered under the PenFact label, enables portable electronic data collection for inspection, maintenance, and calibration.

“Partnering with PenFact, Inc. provides mobility for manufacturing users and assurance that data collection in the field is available to headquarters, even in adverse environments,” said Fred Gladney, vice president of Kalidor. “The combination of PenFact’s expertise in pen-based software for factory data handling, combined with the rugged versatility of Kalidor’s line of pen-based computers, provides a solution for factory, field, and lab managers which assures increased productivity.”

A complete Inspect-Write system allows for documented inspection of everything from products and calibrated gauges to field inspection of power generation facilities. Procedure writers define inspections and store them on a personal computer or network. Operators take their Kalidor pen systems, slide them into their docking stations and transfer the information to their portable, ruggedized systems. At the end of the day, the operators transfer the collected data, and other workers analyze it, seeking trends that are then detailed in reports.

“Those file cabinets of hand-written inspection forms that collect dust can go away, replaced by a completely electronic filing system – including electronic signatures,” said Matthew Keith, president of PenFact. “Companies save money by eliminating redundant data entry. They also get better data with instant conversion of hand-written data to text, option-al bar code input, and on-line graphic analysis. Some companies plan to use our systems for paperless inspection in an ISO 9000 certified facility.”

The Kalidor pen-based PC is easy to use. It accepts handwritten numbers and words and converts them to text. In-spect-Write’s user friendly interface provides data base driven selection lists, check boxes, handwriting and touch screen typing, and toolbars.

The combination of PenFact’s software application and Kalidor’s rugged pen-based system enables users to collect data in “hostile” environments. The machines withstand shock, humidity, dust and heat and still operate reliably without sacrificing the small size and weight required for mobile applications. Kalidor rugged pen-based computers incorporate a rugged design philosophy from component to final assembly.

Kalidor offers a 486-based 2100, available with rugged hard drive or solid state IDE flask disk. Kalidor’s pen-based systems include 6″ x 4.5″ VGA pressure sensitive display, local bus video tetherless pen, up to 16 MB RAM and use nickel metal hydride battery technology. Retail prices start at $ 3200. With a weight of 3.3 lb. including battery pack, the machine offers pen-based-application users an attractive solution for the field.

Inspect-Write is a series of Microsoft Windows application modules that use Microsoft’s Access data base for data storage. Most modules run on standard desktop Windows PCs. Some run on Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing systems, including Kalidor’s K2100.

Complete Inspect-Write systems including a Kalidor K2100 computer, begin at $ 19,995. Accessories include additional K2100 computers, bar code readers, extra docking stations, network versions, training, and installation support. PenFact also enhances Inspect-Write by adding new reports, duplicating existing forms, and customizing the product’s other applications.

Headquartered in Boston, MA, PenFact, Inc. develops and markets portable, wireless, and pen-based solutions for factory, field and laboratory environments. For additional information on Inspect-Write or other products or services, contact PenFact at 121 Beach Street, Suite 405, Boston, MA 02111; 617.482.6900; Fax 617.482.5155.

Kalidor designs and markets durable portable computing products designed to improve the data collection, customer-service, sales and decision support systems of enterprise-wide networks. Kalidor, a privately held U.S. company, is a subsidiary of Alps Electric Ltd., a $ 3 billion Fortune International 500 company based in Tokyo, Japan. Kalidor is headquartered at 400 N. Mountain Ave. Suite 310, Upland, CA 19786. For more information on Kalidor rugged pen-based systems, call 909.931.3888 or 800.2.KALIDOR; Fax 909.931.3885.

CONTACT:
Kalidor, Upland
Fred Gladney, 909/931-3888; Fax 909/931-3885
or
SSSmith & Associates Public Relations, Waynesville, Ohio
Sally S. Smith, 513/897-0654; Fax 513/897-0655;
MCI 435-2592
or
PenFact, Inc., Boston
Matthew Keith, 617/482-6900; Fax 617/482-5155