Inside the Dutch Flower Market (photos courtesy of Clover Electronics)
The Overview
In 2007, iKey worked with the Dutch company Clover Electronics to provide the Dutch Flower Market with keyboards for use in their flower auction houses. iKey’s DP-860 keyboards were selected for the project due to their rugged characteristics and compact design. Over a year later, the versatile DP-860 keyboards have proven successful, satisfying the requirements of Clover Electronics and their clients in the flower market.
The Challenge
Clover Electronics Inc., a distributor for iKey products in the Netherlands, faced a unique situation in May of 2007. The Dutch Flower Market required keyboards for use in the flower auction houses, where hundreds of traders are packed in areas where space is limited. Due to the close quarters and imminent spillage of food and beverages by the traders, the keyboards needed to fulfill two main requirements: they had to be compact and liquid-proof.
The Solution
In search of a keyboard that would satisfy their needs, the flower market authorities approached Clover Electronics. As a distributor of iKey products, Rob Happel of Clover Electronics knew that iKey offered the ultimate mix of superior quality, ruggedness, and space efficiency in comparison to competitor companies in the rugged peripherals industry. After evaluating several keyboard models, iKey’s DP-860 was chosen by the Dutch Flower Market for integration into their flower auction houses. The compact DP-860 keyboard measures 11.40" x 6.30" x 1.86" (w-h-d). It features 84-key functionality and an integrated HulaPoint II™, a pointing device that works like a joystick, which has been upgraded for improved sensitivity and increased durability. Because the HulaPoint II™ is built into the keyboard, there is no need for an external mouse, which maximizes efficiency in both space and mobility. Engineered with a sealed, industrial silicone keypad and NEMA 4X protection, the DP-860 is resistant to scalding coffee and sticky soda spills. Clean-up is easy due to the low profile keys and the keyboard’s ability to withstand soap, water, and disinfectants. The DP-860 is built to endure harsh environments, as well as constant, repetitive use like that at the bustling Dutch flower auction houses.
The Assessment
Over a year later, the DP-860 keyboards continue to perform to the satisfaction of both Clover Electroncis and the flower market authorities. “It was iKey’s excellent communication and straight business that helped us choose the DP-860 for the Dutch Flower Market,” Rob Happel of Clover Electronics said. “I appreciated iKey’s honesty and quick responses. Most importantly, my clients at the Dutch Flower Market are thoroughly pleased with the continued quality and performance of the DP-860.”
