Spirit puts Stapletons on the right track for data capture

Spirit Data Capture Limited, the independent mobile computing and data

capture consultancy, has supplied new Intermec CN3 Personal Digital

Assistants (PDAs) to Stapleton's (Tyre Services) Limited. The devices

have already enhanced Stapleton's stock control and customer account

control.


Stapleton's was previously using PDAs in its delivery vans to provide

point of delivery control and also used them for stock control in the

company's warehouses. However, the PDAs needed to be upgraded as they

lacked sufficient functionality. The company's IT Department started

looking for robust and reliable devices that also had a GPS tracking

capability.


Alex Biggs, an IT Support Technician in Stapleton's IT Department, says:

"We searched the Internet to find a suitable supplier and eventually

chose Spirit Data Capture Limited. This decision was based on two main

factors: value for money combined with their ability to support the

devices in the future."


Stapleton's opted for Intermec CN3 PDAs. These compact but powerful and

rugged mobile computers incorporate a range of communication

technologies and have integrated GPS functionality and a colour camera.

They have been designed specifically for use by mobile workers.


The new Intermec CN3 PDAs are already being used for point of delivery

stock control. They are installed with Stapleton's bespoke software.

This uses GPRS to talk to a server which manages the interface between

the Intermec devices and the company's stock databases. Stapleton's

also has GPS tracking software and remote control software for device

maintenance.


Alex Biggs reports: "The new devices have already made a difference.

They provide us with better stock control and more effective customer

account control. As we can monitor the drivers' movements in real time,

we can also control the efficiency of the delivery process much more

effectively."


He adds: "We have been very pleased with Spirit. They pay good

attention to detail throughout the order, supply and repair processes.

We have an on-going programme of works within the IT Department and will

continue to include Spirit Data Capture as one of our key suppliers in

the future."