Through the keyboard
Entering data through the keyboard is similar to operating a
calculator. As you press a key on the PTC’s keyboard, the
corresponding number or letter appears on the display.
Pressing the ENTER key stores data in the PTC’s memory.
With a bar-code reader
A second method of entering data is with a bar-code reader.
When you pass the reader across a bar code the PTC is
programmed to read, the PTC and reader interpret the data
and store it in the PTC’s memory.
Via cloning or downloading
A third method of entering data into the PTC-860 is by
receiving (via cloning or downloading) the data. In cloning, one
PTC sends a duplicate copy of its programs and data to another
PTC via a data cable connected directly to both PTCs. In
downloading, a host computer sends data to the PTC either
directly (using a data cable) or over the telephone lines. When
sending data over the telephone lines, an optional accessory
such as a modem is used. The modem is connected to the PTC
with a data cable.
Once you enter data into the PTC, it is stored in files in the
PTC’s memory. Each file holds a separate group of application-
related data. For example, a PTC used to collect many types of
data (sales orders, inventory changes, and employee hours)
would store all data relating to sales orders in one file, all data
relating to inventory changes in another, and all data relating
to employee hours in still another.
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Communicating data
After collecting the data, the PTC must either transmit the
data to a host computer for processing or send it to a printer, or
both, to make the data useful to you and your organization.
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