Data collection system having EIR terminal interface node

A method for reprogramming an encoded information reading (EIR) terminal by a terminal interface node, said method comprising the steps of:

• said EIR terminal establishing a communication with said terminal interface node upon engaging to a docking station;
• said EIR terminal uploading data to said terminal interface node;
• said EIR terminal transmitting a terminal status message to said terminal interface node;
• said terminal interface node, responsive to receiving said terminal status message, transmitting a terminal reprogramming message to said EIR terminal, said terminal reprogramming message including at least one of:
• a binary file, a data file, a script file;
• said EIR terminal, responsive to receiving said binary file, executing said binary file;
• said EIR terminal, responsive to receiving said data file, updating a software configuration parameter;
• said EIR terminal, responsive to receiving said script file, executing said script file;
• wherein said terminal interface node is configured to complete a higher priority operation before executing a lower priority operation;
• and
• wherein a priority of said uploading data is higher than a priority of said transmitting reprogramming message.