In Memoriam: Industry Innovator Bob Boston

	Bob Boston

Genius inventor and industry legend Bob Boston passed away earlier this month at age 52. As founder and co-owner of Lido Systems, Boston created HITS, the software-based inventory management system that revolutionized the production industry.

Born in Oklahoma, Boston and his family moved to California and Boston was raised as a true California surfer. Attending college at UC-Irvine, Boston graduated Cum Laude with a degree in computer science. It was only after beginning to work with his wife Barbara in the production industry, however, that the pioneer found his calling.

Seeing an industry still using paper and pencil to track important transactions of props, grip, and lighting equipment, Boston undertook the programming challenge of creating software that could automate the tracking process and bring accuracy to never-before-seen levels. Thus was born HITS, the Hollywood Inventory Tracking System.

Creating terms like "E-code," "Pick-list," and "AKA" that are still used today in many next generation platforms, Boston's system was revolutionary not only in its originality, but also in its simplicity. The ability to track bar-coded items for rentals and sales, paired with quick and easy navigation, made the product an instant hit with those that saw it.

Early adopters of the system such as Automated Studio Lighting and the Disney Studios grip department soon learned though that the value was not only in the system design, but also in the dedication of the designer. Boston spent countless hours and airline miles traveling to current and potential clients. He studied and learned the operations of each shop from the ground up, making friends with everyone along the way.

Bob and Barbara would not only oversee training and modifications for the program at every company, they would often run cable and install hardware in shops where computers had never before been used. At its peak, HITS was used by more than 120 companies across the globe, including Showco, Bash Lighting, Vanco, Christie Lites, and many more. More impressive than the list of companies though is the list of friends and admirers Boston gained throughout the industry.

"He was ahead of his time, possessing the ability to see tomorrow while it was still today. He made difficult concepts seem easy for everyone, and he made a product that allowed us to fly through our day in a way we never imagined," said Don Stern, president of Bash Theatrical Lighting.

"I owe a lot to Bob, not least of which was his ability to inspire me," said Christie Lites CEO Huntly Christie. "This blond surfer who was a bright and a talented teacher, a successful CEO, and undoubtedly the first software star of the lighting industry was also a really nice guy. In my books, he was the quintessential American. Bob's decline was tragic -- I will most definitely miss him."

Michael Cannon, CEO of 4Wall Entertainment, said, "Bob was at the forefront of our industry, using a brilliant mind to create a product that was desperately needed. He was much more than a business partner to everyone who knew him though -- he was truly a friend."

Many friends and colleagues in the industry may not be aware that Boston suffered from bipolar disorder. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family has asked that those seeking to celebrate Bob's life make a donation to bipolar disorder research here: http://bit.ly/1FUk5tz

Bob's wife Barbara will also continue to provide support for Lido Systems products, including their uber-adhesive barcode labels. She can be reached at Barbara.boston@lidosystems.com.