How to byte ice-cream

Press, 22 June 1989, Page 39

How to byte ice-cream

By

LEEZA MILLER

Computers have come out of the office and into a fleet of trucks which deliver ice-cream throughout New Zealand. Orders are keyed into a hand-held computer by sales representatives on the job, with a larger computerised printer in the truck producing a sales invoice noting the quantity, price, discounts and GST. The New Zealand retail fleet for Tip Top Ice Cream has been equipped

with the system. It is similar to one which has been installed in 10,000 delivery trucks for an American snack food company, said the marketing representative for Fujitsu New Zealand, Mr Geoff Facer. The hand-held computer also processes inventory data so accurate records are kept. _ Fujitsu New Zealand spent six months tailoring the system to suit Tip Top and other companies in

the Goodman Fielder Wattie Group. Tip Top’s information services manager, Mr Brian Tolsen, said sales representatives were accompanied by instructors at' first but the simple design of the system meant they were able to work alone within a few days..

Drivers can also look forward to another device, a bar code wand that will end the need to key in product numbers.