ScriptWriter Offers Low-Cost Alternative for Forms Entry

If your major application is forms data entry, there may be a low-cost alternative to the current crop of pen computers. This is the Scriptwriter from Data Entry Systems of Huntsville, Alabama, a company that got started in the pen-based computer business before the term “pen-based” even existed.

Founded in 1984, Data Entry Systems began production in 1987 of its ScriptWriter portable data entry clipboard, a pressure sensitive digitizing pad, which allows you to fill in hard copy forms with a pencil or ballpoint pen overlaid on top of the pad. The ScriptWriter stores the data in its 128 Kbytes of memory (an additional 128 Kbytes is optional) and provides functions for transferring the data to an MS-DOS based computer using either a modem or RS-232 cabling. The unique feature of the system is that it produces both a hard copy of the form and an electronic version in the same data entry process.

The primary work area of the four pound ScriptWriter is an 8-1/2 by 11 inch pad with a pressure sensitive surface that can be programmed to accept data in specified locations on the pad, corresponding to fields on a printed form. The system includes an MS-DOS program called Form Builder for programming the pad for specific forms. Each field is divided into character blocks specifying where the characters must be entered and the maximum character length of the field. It is also possible to specify areas on the form where graphic images appear with locations for data entry.

A Two Line LCD

The ScriptWriter includes a two-line by 40-character LCD display at the top of the pad which verifies the characters as they are entered into the form. The number of forms that can be entered in “portable mode” (when the ScriptWriter is disconnected from a host PC) depends on the size of the form and the memory configuration of the Scriptwriter. With 256 Kbytes, up to 100 forms can be stored, according to product literature. The pad also includes a command area where programmed control functions can be accessed (executing file transfers, operating a modem or bar code reader, and so forth). Software is included for setting up custom command functions.

Database Utility

In addition to the Form Builder program, the Scriptwriter comes with a database utility for converting the data to common PC database and spreadsheet formats such as dBASE and 1-2-3, for example. A Screen Builder program is also included for designing screens on the host computer that correspond to the hard copy form used with the ScriptWriter (in this way, forms entered in the field can be transferred to the host PC and appear on the screen in the same format).

On the hardware side, the ScriptWriter comes with a charger/interface unit for recharging the system and connecting to the RS-232 port of the host PC for data transfer. The charger unit is about the size of an external half-height floppy disk drive housing. The ScriptWriter uses rechargeable NiCad batteries and has a battery life of about 12 hours. In addition to the extra memory, other options include an internal 1200 bps modem and a barcode wand.

Uncle Sam Likes It

The retail price of the ScriptWriter is $1495 and volume discounts are available. According to Tom Teates, president of Datakech, Inc., a government reseller of the ScriptWriter based in Rockville, Maryland, the federal government has become a major customer for Data Entry Systems. The Federal Railroad Administration is using the ScriptWriter for railroad inspections. Other federal offices using the ScriptWriter include the Veterans Administration and the Defense Department. Ford Motor Company is using the system for quality control audits on its production lines.

The bottom line is that the ScriptWriter is designed to do one specific task — electronic forms entry with hard copy retention. If that’s your business, the ScriptWriter is worth checking out.

Data Entry Systems
701 Pratt Avenue, Suite 101
P.O. Box 2127
Huntsville, AL 35804
205-539-2483

International customers should contact:
ScriptWriter International
312 N. San Mateo Dr.
San Mateo, CA 94401
415-344-5625