Abstract: A data conversion device, including a preferably software implemented data conversion engine, which receives a formatted input data stream from an input device, converts the data into a different (universal) format in real time and transmits the converted data to an output device. Messages, i.e., data, from host devices can also be uplinked, via the data conversion device, to the data generating devices. By rapidly processing new and/or incompatible data record formats the invention minimizes the cost of maintaining data management systems and maximizes their usage. The conversion device input and output architecture is flexible and the conversion device can be used with multiple (networked or non-networked) data generating devices and single or multiple data storage devices using multiple data output formats.