Identification and Control Equipment - Portable Data Terminals

Portable Data Terminals

Portable data terminals are versatile, hand-held computers that can be used to scan and collect data for uploading, on a batch basis, to a host computer system. They come with optional integrated laser scanners and are available in batch or radio frequency (RF) versions.

Batch: These are designed to collect data and store it in memory until they are connected to a communication cradle and the data is uploaded to a host computer in a batch operation.
RF: RF terminals offer real-time communication. As data is entered it is immediately communicated via radio frequency to a host computer.

Basic Terminals Configurations are:

PDA-style

These devices are like personal computers, but are designed to be carried around and operated by touching the screen with a special pen as opposed to using an external keyboard.

Handheld

These are designed to be carried by the operator, similar to holding a flashlight.

Wearable

It is worn on the index finger and activated by pointing the finger at the bar code.

Character

These devices have a text display and a keyboard for data entry.

Vehicle/Fixed-Mount

These are installed into housing, physically installed to/in forklifts, trucks, and other mobile types of machinery and are powered from the device.

Biometrics/Card Readers

It combines smart card technology and live fingerprint scanning. When the card is inserted into the terminal, the cardholder is prompted to place a finger on the integrated fingerprint scanner to determine if the live scan and the information on the card match.

Article

Below is an extract article from Product News Network,

PDA or PDT? The Best of Both with New WPA1200 from Wasp Barcode Technologies
10 December 2007

Latest technology in highly portable scanning device ideal for asset or inventory tracking
PLANO, Texas - Oct. 29, 2007 - The latest addition to Wasp Barcode Technologies' portable data terminal line up sets a new level of convenience, comfort and out-right features. The new WPA1200 portable data terminal is a compact, PDA-sized device designed to give small businesses and departments of larger businesses an easy-to-handle, lightweight yet rugged mobile device. Its integrated laser scan engine and large, vibrant screen make the WPA1200 ideal for collecting data for asset or inventory tracking applications. Available immediately, the Wasp WPA1200 sets a new standard in portable scanning capabilities.
The WPA1200 is a powerful mobile device designed with a long-lasting battery, a laser scan engine that reads all popular linear (1D) barcodes, a large and colorful thin-film transistor technology (TFT) touchscreen, 64Mb of SDRAM, rugged IP64 rating and built-in Bluetooth wireless connectivity. An available SDIO slot provides room for up to 1 Gb of added memory or to add an 802.11 b/g wireless SD card. The WPA1200 comes with either the Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 operating system or Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system.
The WPA1200 is available as a standalone device or combined with Wasp's highly acclaimed asset and inventory tracking applications. Paired with Wasp MobileAsset for asset tracking, the WPA1200 is ideal for use in government, education, healthcare or business environments to track IT assets, equipment or any company asset. With Wasp's new InventoryControl inventory tracking software, the WPA1200 provides an attractive data capture form factor in light manufacturing, smaller warehouses, stock rooms or inventory-carrying mobile vehicles such as installation trucks.
"With the WPA1200, asset tracking and inventory control are managed with a unit that feels more like a PDA," said Steve Coffman, president of Wasp Barcode Technologies. "Its form factor is smaller and more compact than most portable data terminals, which may be an added plus for end-users who prefer the ergonomic yet highly functional form of the WPA1200."

Thus this article shows us the usefulness of Portable Data Terminals. One of the main advantages is that procedures are automated to increase productivity and reduce human error.
With PDT, warehouses outfitted with wireless networks and a suite of scanning devices and printers suddenly become accessible and manageable.

One of the portable data terminals is Biometrics. Smart card is used with the cardholder because of the advantages:
· Provide the most secure and convenient storage for high value digital credentials.
· Provides the best protection against theft or impersonation.
· Can be read on any standard smart card reader.
Thus Portable Data Terminals become a very significant device in the world.