How to split RS232 Barcode Scanner to multiple applications at a time

Contents:

1. What is a barcode scanner?
2. The challenge of shared access to a serial scanner
3. How to split RS232 barcode scanner data
4. The advantages of RS232 splitter software

What is a barcode scanner?

These days barcode readers are able to capture codes in a variety of formats and support a wide range of interfaces, including RS232, USB, Keyboard Wedge, etc. This allows connecting them to computers and workstations of different types. Plus, there are wireless scanners that can send information along to a computer database over a distance of up to 30 meters. Barcode readers of this kind often work in conjunction with specialized software programs.

Undoubtedly, by adding a barcode scanner to your accounting or inventory application, you make the process of entering data faster and more efficient. But what if you needed to transmit scanned information to several programs at a time?

The challenge of shared access to a serial barcode scanner

Now, we’ll consider one of the most common problems faced by businesses and manufacturers that use RS232 barcode scanners for collecting production information.

Let’s imagine that, on your production line, you have several barcode scanners that collect, let’s say, your products’ serial numbers and send them to the SAP application via an RS-232 serial port. On the other hand, you need to use the same data for your quality check application. What should you do? Well, there are several options.

One of the options is to find another COM port that will help you avoid access conflict. Also, you can try to use an extra barcode reader. Of course, the latter means an increase in expenses and more efforts related to the installation of the new device.

Thankfully, there’s an alternative solution that will relieve you from the necessity to buy additional hardware for increasing your product line efficiency.

Here you go! Your COM port bundle is created in the Bundle tree. Now, you can find all virtual interfaces in the Device Manager of your computer and connect each of them to a separate serial app. Once you do this, all data coming to the real COM port from the barcode reader will be immediately redirected to virtual serial ports and programs working with them.