More About Us

We carry out intensive, ongoing research in the pen computing industry on behalf of our clients. We develop comprehensive and customized pen computing solutions by transforming the information we collect into knowledge. Our services include hardware integration, software development, and implementation management.

We began in 1992, as many entrepreneurial ventures do, by solving a real-world problem. In '92 it was portable maps, in '93 it was the elimination of large paper-based logs, '94 saw the integration of peripheral devices like survey instruments etc... and so it went. The hardware integration and database connections built to the point that we were really providing "black box" expert systems to the field. The primary architect of the Pen Systems' suite has been Nigel Leith, who continues to steer the architectural direction of the solution; of course this now includes a team of developers, all of which have designed major components of the Pen modules.

Our team, family, company; is a group of highly talented people all with extensive and strong experience within the IT industry. Combined we recently calculated we've over 75 man-years of industry experience under one roof. The company averages 1.5 undergrad and 0.4 postgrad degrees per person (Computer Science & Engineering). We make it our business to ensure that everyone in-house is aware of 100% of the ongoing business; ensuring rapid response and informative feedback to our clients. With the hugely successful Palm product-line, this need for holistic knowledge throughout a company becomes more important as the user-base becomes larger.

In the 2000's, success in mobile computing depends on the software. A new generation of software dedicated to solving individual problems that corporations face - an increase in the resolution as well as the ease of collection of data. This software must be designed to completely eliminate the paper form in the field and replace it with an efficient tool which captures exactly the required data on the spot, and relays it to the host computer systems immediately. This software allows the entire operation to have more timely data than they have ever had, in exactly the format they want it, collected and analyzed in (virtually) the same manner it was historically - thereby eliminating the "learning curve" so costly to a company. These systems also integrate directly with the existing computer systems, preserving the companies existing investment.

So successful has this philosophy been that now we can train most users in a matter of an hour or two, rather than the traditional longer learning times.

The Rule-of-thumb around here is: "If it works in a mine, it will work anywhere!". This is a very accurate sentiment: there are few rougher or harsher environments anywhere in the world than in a mine. From our early days in mining - we have now developed a spectrum of solutions for various industries, all of which have improved productivity figures from between 30% to over 200%. The observation that a geologist could be more productive if he could use AutoCAD (drafting software) underground, led to more projects which eliminated paper; subsequently proving that software was the key which unleashed the true potential of the "blue collar computer".

Once return on investment to our clients was realized, and the "future shock" element of the technology was eliminated, the clients of PSI embraced these "electronic etch-a-sketches" as bona-fide tools.

PSI has gone through five complete software generations. Without going into the details of software engineering, this simply means that they are established developers, equal in expertise to a typical Large Scale (F500) development department. This, too, is an unfair comparison: we probably have more years of straight mobile development under our belts, with more qualifications and man-hours of experience than any average department - but, then again, we've got longer hair also!

Recently we have been concentrating on City-Wide software which allows building/fire/health inspectors to integrate with the home-LAN, a highly effective solution for remote users. With our new municipal suite of solutions integrated with existing city-wide enterprises the architecture is proving itself in the field. Over the coming months we will be releasing similar functionality within the Medical industry, specifically for the Emergency Room and the electronic patient record.

Having spent more than 10 years consulting to industry and developing software for the various divisions which make up the "industrial process", PSI has an in-depth understanding of the needs and requirements of these multi-billion dollar industries as well as how to create high levels of acceptance among the workforce.

PSI are currently staffed mainly at the Sudbury office, made up of programmers and analysts as well as science and support specialists. Active partners and developers for Pen Systems can be found in Australia, Africa, South America and the US. Our sales facilities are located in Ontario and British Columbia.

How? Simple: we ensure you NEVER have to change the system you've already invested in - we compliment it and feed off it like a swarm of parasites that are virtually un-noticed by the existing network. Now how many other providers of IT solutions can (or would) tell you that, hmmm ?

It's happening all around you - the convergence of mobile solutions and technology - they're everywhere - there's only one thing missing: the link from the field to the enterprise, the replacement of the paper with real, connected, databases... The solution is real and it's here...now.

Pen and mobile wireless solutions are being used around the world in a wide range of industries. Our company, however, is exclusively devoted to this technology sector. It's where we came from. It's what we know. It's what we do best.

---Spot The Programmer---