In some cases, instead of via files link (mono or bi-directional), the acquisition data from the instruments is carried out using the Specific Communication Protocols, both in monodirectional mode (think, for example, to the management of the weighings from scales), either bidirectional, particularly in laboratories that deal with Clinical Analysis.
The data acquisition, in this case, is continuous, and is the LIMS, through a suitable interface software, to adapt to these protocols.
Have been realized, for example, connections for Roche, Biomérieux Tools, Instrumetation Laboratory, …