1. A barcode reader for decoding data from a barcode, the barcode reader comprising: barcode reading hardware, including an image sensor which captures an image of a barcode within a field of view; a communications interface; and a processor: i) executing embedded firmware to operate the barcode reading hardware; and ii) generating decoded data representative of data encoded in the barcode by executing supplemental firmware which the barcode reader obtains from a remote configuration server upon power-up of the barcode reader, the supplemental firmware being distinct from the embedded firmware and including instructions which, when executed by the processor, enable the barcode reader to output the decoded data from the barcode within the field of view; wherein the processor, executing the embedded firmware: drives the communication interface to obtain the supplemental firmware from the remote configuration server; drives a transfer of the supplemental firmware from a communication interface to storage, the storage being one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory allocated for storage; determines an addressable location within the volatile memory at which the supplemental firmware, if loaded, are executable by the processor; loads the supplemental firmware from the storage to the addressable location; and commences execution of the supplemental firmware, without rebooting, to commence barcode reading functions of the barcode reader.