a multi - tiered data acquisition and management system including at least two input computers , operably coupled via a communication link , each coupled to a respective local database of data records . the system includes at least two portable computing devices , each operably coupled to one of the two input computers via a wireless communication channel for accessing the data records of the local databases of the input computers . each portable computing device comprises a cpu , memory , and a touch sensitive display device that cooperate to display multiple virtual regions . these multiple virtual regions preferably include one of a virtual keypad for entering symbols associated with keys of the keypad , at least one scroll bar , at least one rolling key , multiple icons , a menu screen and a graphing screen . each portable computer may have an integrated code reader for data entry . the information acquired and maintained by the system may include product information , information identifying a medical patient , or information related to a medical patient . in addition , each portable device may include a message notification mechanism that notifies the user of receipt of a message from one of the input computers over the respective wireless communication channels .