SCANDR.

HANDHELD BARCODE SCANNING SOLUTION FOR ALLEN-BRADLEY PLCs

Whether you’re looking to increase productivity on your factory floor by implementing track and trace solutions or looking to improve processes through rich data capture and analysis, the ScanDr. integrates handheld barcode scanners into Allen-Bradley PLC networks.

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ScanDr. Overview

Diagram of an A-B PLC connecting to a Barcode Scanner via the RTA 435NBX gateway

ScanDr. is an all-in-one solution that simplifies connecting handheld barcode scanners to Allen-Bradley PLCs. The package captures raw ASCII barcode data, automatically parses the strings and delivers clean data directly to the data tables of your Allen-Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix, MicroLogix, PLC-5E or SLC 5/05 PLC.

Unlike native EtherNet/IP scanners that lock you into expensive replacements, software reconfiguration and logic changes, ScanDr. pairs RTA’s industrial protocol gateways with trusted Zebra barcode scanners to create a true plug-and-play barcode scanning solution for Allen-Bradley PLC-driven applications.

Built on Zebra Reliability, Powered by RTA

ScanDr. pairs Zebra’s industry-leading handheld barcode scanners with RTA’s proven protocol gateways to deliver a single, turnkey solution.

Best-in-Class Hardware: Built on Zebra’s trusted scanner platform to handle factory floor environments
Seamless PLC Integration: The RTA 435NBX gateway handles all data parsing automatically and delivers clean ASCII strings directly into your PLC tags
Complete Flexibility: Choose industrial or rugged-grade Zebra models tailored to your work cell while keeping a single, standardized network interface to the control panel.

ScanDr. Packages

ScanDr. includes everything you need to integrate barcode data quickly and easily into your Allen-Bradley PLCs

Up to 2 Zebra industrial or rugged barcode scanners
435NBX-N700 ASCII to Allen-Bradley PLC gateway (DIN Rail or Panel Mount)
Cradles (for wireless scanners only)
Add-On Instructions (AOIs) to simplify usage in ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs
All required cabling
Power converter
Optional power supply

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Why ScanDr.?

ScanDr. is an all-in-one solution designed to connect handheld barcode scanners directly to Allen-Bradley PLCs easily and painlessly. It eliminates custom ladder logic, external power supplies and serial distance limits so you can get clean barcode data into your control system.

Lower Cost of Ownership vs. Dedicated EtherNet/IP Scanners

Dedicated EtherNet/IP-enabled scanners lock you into expensive replacement parts. These standalone scanners are often a regular point of failure, where lifespan is measured in the number of drops. In most cases, they’re lucky to last a year! ScanDr. allows you to utilize cost-effective scanners that are built for industrial environments and reduce your replacement costs over time.

Cost	EtherNet/IP Scanner	ScanDr. Package
Initial Investment	$1,300	$1,500 ScanDr. Package
Year 1 Scanner Replacement	$1,300	$250
Year 2 Scanner Replacement	$1,300	$250
Year 3 Scanner Replacement	$1,300	$250
Year 4 Scanner Replacement	$1,300	$250
Year 5 Scanner Replacement	$1,300	$250
Total Cost of Ownership	$7,800	$2,750
Cost Savings		$5,050

Painless Scanner Replacement

With ScanDr., when handheld scanners need to be replaced, the RTA 435NBX ASCII gateway maintains the connection with the PLC, so no software updates or changes to logic or connections are needed. Simply plug in a replacement scanner and start scanning.

Direct Allen-Bradley PLC Integration

Typical handheld barcode scanners support physical layers like RS-232 and USB, but few modern PLCs still have serial ports, and available USB ports are designed for programming only. Even if you have the physical layer problem solved, standard scanner cables lock you within 10 feet of the PLC. On top of that, you must deal with alternative power options because few scanners support 24VDC common in control panels.

ScanDr. eliminates these integration hurdles:

Direct-to-Tag Parsing: Automatically process raw ASCII barcode data and deliver the payload directly to your PLC tags
Flexible Ethernet Placement: Connect serial barcode scanners to PLCs over standard Ethernet via an RTA gateway, removing strict 10-foot cable limits
Turnkey Power & Cabling: Connect directly to 24VDC panel power with included inline power conversion hardware

Replacement Scanners

Replacement scanners work instantly with no required software updates or logic changes on the PLC. Select a replacement scanner based on your environment.