Abstract: A data system for gathering and processing data from a production line includes a central processing unit connected to a plurality of addressable data terminals respectively disposed at the work stations of the production line, each terminal having stored therein coded signature data indicating the identification of the work station and the operator. Each work unit being processed on the production line has associated therewith a punched data card containing coded signature data identifying the work unit for insertion in a card reader in the data terminal at each work station to enable a data transmitter therein. When the data terminal is addressed by the control processing unit, the transmitter is actuated for transmitting the work unit, work station and operator signature data to the central processing unit for use through appropriate data retrieval means.