How a programmable calculator saved us thousands of dollars.(A Light-Hearted Look back at 50 Years of Management)(Cover Story)

Advancing technology keeps marching along. One company develops what it thinks is a better mouse trap for the market, and before it is off the drawing boards, some other company has come out with a better model. It is getting very difficult trying to keep up with all the new concepts being born today. As an example, my company has just purchased a small calculator that will automatically convert Imperial measurements to Metric, and vice versa. I do not know how long this little gem has been in incubation, but I get the feeling it is being offered at the right time, at the right place, and at about the right price. We will be making very good use of this machine very shortly.

Large advances have been made by computer manufacturers over the years. It seems whenever someone has a problem, the first reaction is to think the computer can help. But this is not always the case. There are many small companies that cannot afford the luxury, (necessity?), of a computer. Anyone who has had anything to do with these machines knows very well how much they cost.

Even though we had a large computer at the time, we came across a machine being marketed by a calculator company a few years ago, and had an application for it. We purchased that machine; and it saved us thousands of dollars in short order. This article will tell you how we did it.

Despite the advances made by computers, there are some situations that demand mechanization, but for one reason or another, cannot be placed on the computer. It could be too expensive, or programming talent is not available, or perhaps you don't have a computer available.

If you find yourself in a situation where a lot of repetitious calculations have to be done, and a computer is not available, you might look into the programmable calculator idea.

Without plugging anyone's product, I will say that two or three calculator companies have theirs available. By calling some people listed in the Yellow Pages, you will turn up the leads you are looking for.

What does a programmable calculator do?