Mr Patrick O'Beirne, who has been playing a lead role in monitoring and raising awareness about the Y2K problem in Ireland, is seeking a volunteer company to participate in a Forbairt Y2K case study. The candidate company must feature embedded systems in its processes. These could include factory automation or laboratories, but also security and alarm systems.

Typically the company will not employ more than 100 employees, and preferably will engage in a high-tech manufacturing process. It will have carried out some Y2K inventory and assessment work and found some equipment that needed upgrading or replacement.

The study will be 1,000-2,000 words, and the company can remain anonymous if it wishes. The purpose of the exercise will be to focus the attention of many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who have not yet started their Y2K projects. Mr O'Beirne will conduct the study on site, and in return the company will receive advice on best practices for the project.