The small device the size of a pocketbook has proven to be a jack of all trades. The red, blue or grey outer casing houses high-end technology or a mobile computer. Interfaces for LAN, WLAN, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, RFID, barcode reader, GPS and Bluetooth are also included in the MoPad. A long battery life means almost 300 hours of stand-by operation and more than 8 hours of continuous operation. Data recording of any kind is where the device's real strength lies, helping to simplify logistical processes and other processes. The birthplace of the MoPad is Ermsleben in Saxony-Anhalt. At this year's CeBit in Hannover, new variations will be being unveiled with an integrated colour camera, a quicker processor and new base tools for software adjustment."Originally we wanted to simplify time recording in the construction industry with our own product," says René Grzega, Managing Director of Tonfunk Produktmanagement GmbH. This meant that it was able to be shown exactly where each employee was currently located. Employees can only log in using their fingerprint and, at the same time, the GPS module monitors the exact location whilst managing logs and pay slips. According to Grzega, neither system can be beaten. "The protection of utility model that has been issued for the technical solution speaks for itself. The MoPad predecessor has been functioning perfectly for more than five year."The electronics specialists at the edge of the Harz region soon recognised that the device had significantly more potential. It was tinkered with and developed further. "Right from the start, we wanted to bring a tablet PC for special applications onto the market," explains Grzega. "One important element was that it had to be able to be used by people with little or no knowledge of computers."The device can be adapted to the widest range of applications. This is made possible by a variety of software solutions from Tonfunk partners.The company itself offers a configurable platform as a basis for the different solutions. The focus of the MoPad is on essential tasks, the aim is not to confuse people, rather to simplify everyday work. The MoPad is operated intuitively via a 7" touch screen display. An integrated fingerprint sensor guarantees the security of the data. All information and details that are gathered can be accessed securely and assessed at any time.The areas of application are extremely versatile. Shipping and postage companies receive transport jobs via the technical solution and can plan the best route using the navigation software. At the same time, there is also the possibility of maintaining a digitalised copy of the customer's signature. This brings the concept of a paperless and rolling office to reality. Goods can be recorded quickly and easily, whether using the RFID or through the barcode. In the healthcare industry, secure access to patient's files is just as easy as transferring laboratory values. Another innovative application is integration of global positioning systems. For example, the GPS can be used to determine and document the number of trees in a park. Request buses are also made more efficient and more mobile thanks to the MoPad. MoPad customers are now not just found in Europe.The Tonfunk Group of today was originally founded in 1958. Back then, a trade cooperative manufactured record players and antenna amplifiers. A few years later the company's profile was expanded. The specialists now concentrated on the development and production of high-quality measurement instruments and stereo decoders. In the early 70s, the Ermsleben-based company was nationalised and produced electronic components for the GDR's Rundfunk- und Fernseh-Technik state combine. Tonfunk's reputation as a process developer for new manufacturing technology started to grow.The fall of the iron curtain brought with it a new orientation for the company as a privatised operation. The company's focus was immediately put on the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) sector for the capital goods industry in Germany. Alongside the manufacture of devices and systems, the development and maintenance of customer request products was also driven forward. Today, the company employees 15 engineers with 280 employees manufacturing a wide variety of components and taking care of the complete logistical and distribution chains. The company's production capacity is around 8 million components per day. A variety of soldering methods are practised in a protective gas environment. The Tonfunk has a broad portfolio. Components made by the company can be found in medical technology, commercial vehicles, heating systems, emergency lighting systems or in a ship's gyroscopic compass. Only the MoPad and similar solutions are marketed as a separate product line.The Saxony-Anhalt electronic specialist's strength lies in flexible production. "It doesn't matter if it's small runs with ten items or batches consisting of one million components, we are completely flexible," says the Managing Director. The traceability of each individual component is assured. A large majority of the products go to automotive component suppliers and medical technology manufacturers. Between 2000 and 2011, turnover rose from € 27m to € 62m. Further increases are expected in 2012 and the € 100m mark should be reached by 2018.Author/Photo: Klaus-Peter Voigt Contact:Tonfunk Produktmanagement GmbHAnger 20OT Ermsleben06463 Falkenstein/HarzRené Grzegaph: +49 34743 50981E-Mail: rene.grzega@tonfunk.deWeb: www.tonfunk.de