Portable data terminals

As computers have become more pervasive it is also clear that they have demanded new standards of attention from us and given rise to radically different training needs. Nowhere is this more evident than in the area of data input: data demanded for computer analysis is now greater than ever before. At the same time, there has been a growing requirement for data of high quality and precision. Unfortunately, the quality now being sought is often well beyond the capability of the average (unaided) human operator. A relatively new piece of equipment overcomes many of the problems associated with data input by effectively recording data where they are generated. In fact, PORTABLE DATA TERMINALS (or hand held recorders) are just another example of a computer function being transferred from the hands of the specialist to those of the user. Of course, this is highly desirable as long as the user is properly trained to operate the new equipment. Unfortunately, as we have seen in so many related areas of technology, this does not always occur. The result is that standards do not improve, and may actually worsen. Hence, it is critical for all concerned that training in the use of portable terminals should be properly understood. Before we analyse training needs in 3 below, we first examine how terminals are currently being used (in 1) and comment on some of the useful ancillary equipment (in 2).