Data Capture Terminals Overview

The variety and functionality of data capture terminals has increased greatly over the last few years. Below you will find details on just a few of the types of terminals we support.

Please note that these are samples only, if there is a particular terminal you are interested in finding out about then please give us a call. All devices have barcode reading and scanning capabilities.

Types of Terminal

There are three broad groupings of data capture terminals, relating to how the different terminals pass data to the host databases. All groupings can be supported by our Terminal Manager product DC-Flex

Fixed Terminals

Fixed Terminals are mounted in a fixed position and wired into the computer network, either attached to your network directly or via a server PC. With this permanent connection data can be constantly passed from the device to the host application. Power for the device is from normal mains supply. Validation of data fields entered/scanned can be either local or in real-time against the host databases.

Batch Handheld Terminals

Batch Handheld terminals are portable devices, they come in many shapes and sizes. The crucial feature about this group of devices is they all need to be placed into some sort of docking device or cradle to be able to download the data collected on the device to the host databases. The docking device/cradle usually attaches to the network via a server PC. Local validation can be performed using downloaded tables, held on the terminal. Power is from batteries located inside the device, which are charged by placing the device in the cradle. Validation of data is local to the device.

Radio Frequency RF Handheld Terminals

Radio Frequency Handheld Terminals typically come in the same range of models as the batch devices mentioned above. The fundamental difference is that they are using Radio Waves to transmit the collected transactions to the application databases in real-time. This is achieved by having RF Access points on the local area networks that receive the data from the RF terminal and send it to the Network Manager software, which in turn manages the data being sent to the host application. Power is from batteries located inside the device, which are charged by placing the device in a charging cradle. Validation of entered data fields can both be local or in real-time from the host database.

It is also possible with most RF terminals to provide "Host Emulation". With Host Emulation the RF device can be thought of as a small screen directly attached to the host computer. With emulation solutions the host system needs to be available for the RF device to operate