Abstract: A portable data collection device includes a FT-NIR spectrometer operable with a direct current (DC) power input, a hand-held probe having a large sampling area, a portable computer operable with a DC power input and configured for operation of the FT-NIR spectrometer; and a portable electric power source for providing a DC power output. The components of the portable data collection device are contained within a portable carrier. The portable data collection device is used onsite to obtain a spectra from a material sample. The spectra is sent by the portable computer of the portable data collection device to a remote computer/server. Application methods stored in a remote database analyze the spectra to obtain desired trait results for the material sample. The obtained results are stored on a remote database and can be displayed on a screen of an on-site mobile device.