Field automation is where it’s happening according to Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc (formerly Poqet Computer Corp – CI No 1,849) and will provide the best opportunity for parent company Fujitsu Ltd to make an inroad into the personal computing market – an area that contributes less than 10% to its overall income at present. According to Ron Leigh, Managing Director of Fujitsu Personal Systems UK Ltd, the company, known for its 1.2 lb Poqet XT portable and pen-based PoqetPad is well placed to make inroads into the mobile personal communications field. The company is particularly interested in wireless communications (at the moment it markets a 3.3 lb portable computer with a radio modem to field workers using the Ardis network in North America) and pen-based systems. It promises that a range of more sophisticated pen products is in the offing – but acknowledges that it will take time for sufficient technological advances to be made before a market offensive can take place. In the meantime the company is content to nurture partnerships with resellers to develop applications for the PoqetPad, now manufactured at Fujitsu’s Kawasaki plant. A system has been devised, for example, for air hostesses selling in-flight duty-free goods. In a series of strokes (the computer is operated by touching a stylus against its pressure sensitive LCD screen) the operator can select the names, quantities and prices of items, and calculate their total cost in a variety of currencies. A pilot system has also been developed, with Jaguar Ltd, for factory inspectors. This provides operators with a series of images and menus, enabling them to put together a swift record of any faults found in vehicles rolling off the production line. More negotiations are under way with a major retailing chain for yet another device – but it is too early for details.
