Abstract: A remote data collection system for use with a photo-minilab includes an on-site data collector and a host computer. The on-site data collector controls collection of data and information regarding operation of the apparatus and communicates with the host computer to download data from the on-site data collector to be stored into pre-designated data tables. The on-site data collector allows for manual entry of data and control commands via keypads and accesses on-site monitoring devices by program control to gather production data and quality control information.