Abstract: A stock monitoring system, for monitoring items of stock in one or more storerooms, includes a portable device including a first processor and a first wireless transceiver for short-range communication. The first processor is operable for receiving a user ID of a second user via the first wireless transceiver and transmitting to the remote system via a second wireless transceiver, at least item data, associated with the user ID. An intermediate unit includes a second processor and a reader and a wireless transmitter adapted for short-range communication. Upon reading the user ID from an ID card of the second user by the reader, the user ID is transmitted via the wireless transmitter, e.g. for a predetermined period. The first processor receives a user ID of a second user via the first wireless transceiver. A method, portable device and intermediate unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stock monitoring system, for monitoring items of stock in one or more storerooms for stock items. The system includes a portable device (e.g. PDA), the portable device including a first processor and, coupled thereto, a first wireless transceiver for short-range communication, the portable device being adapted to receive user inputs from a first user. A second wireless transceiver is coupled to the first processor, the second wireless transceiver being adapted for long-range wireless communications (e.g. 3G) with a remote system. The first processor is operable for receiving a user ID of a second user, and receiving one or more further inputs, at least a first input being received via the first wireless transceiver and including item data corresponding to an item, and at least a second user input being from the first user and associating the item with the second user.

Abstract: A method of determining the damping factor of a shock absorber includes attaching an accelerometer to one of a first and a second part of the shock absorber. The first- and second parts are displaced relative to one another at least once and the acceleration of the parts relative to each other is measured by reading a signal from the accelerometer. The damping factor is then determined by analysis of the measured acceleration. A shock absorber monitoring system for use in the method includes an accelerometer for generating an acceleration signal. A processor is connected to the accelerometer and reads the acceleration signal from the accelerometer thereby to calculate a damping factor of the shock absorber when the first- and second parts of the shock absorber are displaced relative to one another. An indicator, responsive to the processor, displays a value representative of the damping factor of the shock absorber.