Abstract: To keep tab of a rolling or moving inventory loaded onto a moving transport such as for example a train, a number of upload/download workstations are dispersed among the various train stations of the transport network. Each of the workstations is communicatively connected to a centrally located host server. A portable terminal in the form of a point of sale (POS) unit is provided to each service agent assigned to one of the trains that travels a given route along the network. The POS unit is connected to a workstation at the commissary where inventory is removed for stocking the train to download data relating to the amount of inventory removed from the commissary. During the trip, the POS unit is used as a cash register as well as a recorder of all transactions that take place. At the end of the trip, the POS unit is removed from the train and connected to an upload/download workstation located at the destination train station.

Abstract: To keep tab of a rolling or moving inventory loaded onto a moving transport such as for example a train, a number of upload/download workstations are dispersed among the various train stations of the transport network. Each of the workstations is communicatively connected to a centrally located host server. A portable terminal in the form of a point of sale (POS) unit is provided to each service agent assigned to one of the trains that travels a given route along the network. The POS unit is connected to a workstation at the commissary where inventory is removed for stocking the train to download data relating to the amount of inventory removed from the commissary. During the trip, the POS unit is used as a cash register as well as a recorder of all transactions that take place. At the end of the trip, the POS unit is removed from the train and connected to an upload/download workstation located at the destination train station.