System and method for capturing data from third-party systems in a non-intrusive way and using such data for starting a process and/or analytic purposes. The system and method work with external add-on or aftermarket products working in conjunction with electronic gaming machines in particular and third-party devices in general. For example, an add-on external jackpot system may be triggered each time an underlying electronic gaming machine is played. Accordingly, the system and method employ microdots, receivers, and computing devices configured and positioned to alert the add-on external jackpot system of each play of the underlying gaming machine. The system and method are non-intrusive.