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.