Spotter...and any one else who is interested..
I attended a demo of the Swiss EFPS system that NATS is considering.(please dont think that makes me an expert!) I have to say having seen and had a "play" with it that I was surprised at the ease of use. It appears to be well thought out and is radically different from other such proposals i have seen over the last 20 years.
For example, instead of "writing" in a departure or landing time, the Electronic Strip has a small "clickable" box which you just click (mouse based system) and it automatically inputs the system time...I reckon its quicker than a pen.
Generating random flight plans is a bit more complicated but the software contains templates of common flights and several clicks bring up the required Electronic Strip.
The system also reduces coordination in that you (again!) click on strip at the appropriate point and it for example, says to the relevant sector "Hello I am coming to you!" (if you get my meaning!) Similarly, requests for Opposite runway directions can be built in and be done with a click or 2, with the response a clicked (getting tired of typing that word) Yes or No.
Headings and levels are also quick with the ubiquitous click on say, heading, which produces a pop-up menu with a list of headings and you then click on the apropriate one, ditto for levels.
The Swiss ATCO doing the demo said that when it went live at Zurich, they were prepared with standby printers etc...but they have never been used (I think its 7 years or more the system has been running now)
The future is just a "quick click" away....