Here's a little-known fact and interesting footnote in computer
history: the very first production example of a multiuser,
multiprocessing computer, based on microcomputer software, was used in
northeast Thailand, in the field offices of oriental leaf dealer Adams
International Ltd.That's according to Adams International, and
while IBM or some other computer giant may challenge our little-known
fact, we believe it to be true. The tobacco industry, after all, is
innovative. And certainly among the world's leaf dealers, Adams
International Ltd, is among the top.
Managing Director Wing F. Chung
strives for cost-effective efficiency and placed his faith in
technology early on.
His partnership with computers began more than
a decade ago, spurred by the rigors of managing some 40,000 farm
families who grew oriental leaf tobacco for his company. Chung knew
only computerization would smooth the edges of his operation, and so,
with his solid background in operations analysis, he surveyed
available technology.
Dissatisfied with what he found, he contacted some friends at American Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL).
JPL informed Chung that it had designed a new computer that could
be used by many people at the same time (a "multiuser"
computer). The new computer was built by combining the small
"microprocessor" computers that were just beginning to make
their appearance in the personal computer revolution. For Chung and
Adams International, the find was a major turning point, a Eureka in a
maze of budding new technology.
Chung promptly commissioned JPL to
build the new computer for his company. The result: Adams received the
first multiprocessing, multiuser computer based on microcomputer
technology and the current microprocessor software. With state
of-the-art equipment at hand, Adams quickly moved to integrate
computerization into its everyday operations.
Soon after, the
Computer Revolution spawned maturing technology, and by 1987-88, Adams
International was prepared to take technology out of the office and
into the field.
The new system was based on a larger computer with
software to expand and better control tracking of Adams' operations.
Better tracking of materials distributed to farmers via a unique
"custodial" inventory system was introduced. General detail
tracking of farmer activity and status was enhanced.
But probable
the most significant element of this new system was the incorporation
of computers in tobacco buying. This included "regrade" (a
kind of receiving inspection), green inventory tracking and final
processed product tracking.
Through the old system, there was a hung
amount of data entry. Forms detailing the buying sessions in the field
had to be keyed into the machines. This was a slow, expensive process
that involved two shifts of data entry personnel, and even then
personnel could fall weeks behind during a busy buying season. Worse,
data that was entered under pressure was error-prone, and data quality
suffered.
So a radical step was undertaken. Considerable engineering
effort went into developing complete and portable computing sets that
could go with buying teams to buying stations out in the field.
As
tobacco purchases were made, the bale data was keyed into the field
computers, which immediately printed the purchase documents (in
effect, the invoice) on the spot for each farmer.
The data was
stored and at the end of the day, recorded on tiny, floppy diskettes
that return to the factory to be fed into the central computer,
bypassing the tedious keypunch operation entirely.
Henceforth, data
turnaround was available the same day. And data quality was very
high-it reflected information acquired on-the -spot. Because data is
used to generate a settlement with the farmer, all ambiguities and
problems could be resolved immediately.
The new system created the
most accurate record of what was purchased, from whom, and for how
much, and because it was "untouched by human hands" from
that point on, chances of further error were vanishingly small.
Creating the field computer system was not a small task. Every part of
the portable computers was to some degree custom-built, because it was
necessary to have nothing less than highly reliable, rugged equipment.
High reliability because interruptions in the smooth flow of tobacco
buying would be disruptive. Rugged because field conditions are harsh.
Temperatures soar to more than 45 degrees Celsius (112 degrees
Fahrenheit), and field buying stations are dusty and remote, reached
in most cases only via poor secondary road. Electricity is unreliable
or nonexistent.
The field buying system, now in its third year, has
achieved much success. Along with Adams' new OOP system, Thailand's
innovative oriental dealer has zipped tobacco growing and buying
technology well into the 1990s.
