Magnetic Swipe Readers

[fireant911]

I have a question concerning the devices used read data from ID badges that contain magnetic strips. My application will involve the ID badges that companies assign to their workforce. The only information I will ever need is simply the employee's name. After the employee 'swipes' their card through the magnetic reader, I want the data (their name) to appear in an EXCEL spreadsheet. As the next employee 'swipes' their card, the next name will appear directly below the previous, and so on. There are probably better ways to do their, given the available technology today, but I need to use EXCEL as the capturing tool.

I have been looking at various manufacturers of magnetic reading devices (namely IDTECH and MagTek) and what I am requesting certainly seems to be available. Plus, using the USB port to plug the device is ideal. My specific question is what is required to setup such a device to perform as I have described above? Is this something that the user can easily specify or does it require a very savvy IT-type person? Sure, I could buy one and play around with this by I am very dumb when it comes to configuring ports or performing any specialized programming. Any input from those with knowledge and/or experience with magnetic 'swipe' readers will be much appreciated.

[stomachmonkey]

That's a very broad question.

Generally the equipment manufacturer will supply drivers.

It's up to you to make your application aware of it and interface with it.

Start by talking to them.

[MBAtarga]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=excel+data+collection+software