Category: Product Updates

  • Star Teams Up with Square to Offer Linerless Label Printer Support on iOS

    Star Teams Up with Square to Offer Linerless Label Printer Support on iOS

    We’re proud to announce that payments and point of sale (POS) company Square has added iOS support for our TSP654SK label printer. This new release will add even more functionality to Square’s POS solution for cafes and quick service restaurants (QSRs).

    With Square’s addition of label printer support to their Point of Sale for the first time, businesses can say goodbye to writing down individual item modifiers and, instead, automatically print single item tickets to keep orders moving quickly. The support of Star’s TSP654SK will also help to reduce human error by eliminating hand written orders while printing professional, clean, and easy-to-read labels.

    Star Micronics TSP654SK linerless label printer allows for easily repositionable thermal labels that can stick to virtually any surface, and can be removed and reapplied, leaving behind no residue. The labels can stay with and track an order through the entire preparation process, improving takeout order accuracy and eliminating the cost of additional print-outs.

    At Star, we take great pride in our partnership with Square and we are excited to provide more robust solutions for their sellers, giving them the ability to more accurately fulfill and track orders using a simple labeling solution.

    Benefits of Linerless Labels

    Since linerless labels do not use a silicone liner, they eliminate the negative environmental impact of alternative labels and help cut back on in-house waste, thus continuing Star Micronics’ Global Green Initiative which encompasses manufacturing products that provide minimal impact on our environment.

    Linerless labels are a welcomed addition for QSR applications including fulfilling takeout and delivery orders. The labels can be used for custom items within an order or the entire order by attaching it to the order container. Linerless labels can stay with and track an order through the entire preparation process, improving order accuracy and a business’s bottom line.

    About the Star Label PrinterThe TSP654SK is the ideal linerless label printer! Explore some of its features below:

    • 80mm support
    • High reliability at a low cost
    • “Drop-In and Print” paper loading
    • Reliable guillotine auto-cutter
    • Small footprint
    • Swappable communication interface
    • Serial, Ethernet, parallel, or USB
    • Optional vertical stand

    Download Datasheet

    Other Square-Integrated Solutions

    Our partnership with Square includes many more POS solutions. Find some of our other popular integrations below:

    Value Series Cash Drawers

    CD3-1616-Black-Left-Facing

    Durable steel construction
    13” x 13” and 16” x 16” sizes
    Black or white coated finish
    Cash till options: 4 bill / 5 coin, 3 bill / 5 coin for Canadian currency

    mPOP™

    mPOP All in One Mobile Point of Sale

    Compact and sleek design
    Printer – cash drawer – scanner – device stand
    Compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows
    Two cash drawer options: vertical bill (4 bill and 6 or 8 adjustable coin slots) and flat bill (4 bill and 4 or 6 adjustable coin slots)

    TSP143III

    TSP143III

    High-speed printing (250mm/s)
    Easy setup across all models
    Lightning connection for simultaneous charging and data transfer
    Compatible with Star Micronics Cloud Services

    Want to Take a Closer Look at the New Star Label Printer?

    Free iOS Resources

    It can be tough to find truly Apple-compatible hardware for point of sale use. Star Micronics offers the largest range of Apple compatible printing products and Apple certified POS hardware. Developer friendly, Star was the first provider of SDK for iOS and is currently the only provider that offers iOS development support for scales, cash drawers, and kiosk printers. Help your customers future-proof their Apple POS solutions with Star Micronics.

  • Star Spotlight – NRF 2020 Edition: Tulip

    Star Spotlight – NRF 2020 Edition: Tulip

    NRF is a wonderful show for multiple reasons – it’s where over 40,000 retail industry professionals gather to share ideas, build partnerships, and experience the year’s latest technology. Speaking of partnerships, one of Star’s favorite reasons for being at Retail’s Big Show is the dedicated time we give to catching up with our many retail software partners.

    In today’s blog post, discover what one of Star’s POS software partners, Tulip, is doing in terms of modern retail this year. Learn more about our partnership in the below video interview filmed at NRF 2020 and stay tuned for even more partnership interviews in our upcoming Star Spotlight NRF 2020 Edition blog posts.

    What Does Tulip Do?

    Tulip is the global leader in mobile retail technology solutions. Partnered with Apple and Salesforce, Tulip’s mission is to harness the power of the world’s most advanced technology to deliver simple-to-use mobile applications that enable all aspects of the retail experience from Clienteling and Assisted Selling to Point of Sale. Only Tulip enables the omnichannel experience via a scalable and extensible technology platform designed around the retail associate.

    Tulip was founded in 2013 by Ali Asaria and a team of mobile commerce experts with the vision to reinvent retail and shape the future in-store shopping experience. Today, Tulip powers the in-store experience for our clients and partners around the globe.

    Tulip provides a SaaS-based mobile platform to empower retailers and better connect customer and store associate experiences.

    Tulip’s mission is to empower next generation retail associates with world-class mobile-first, cloud-first enterprise software that modernizes and transforms the in-store experience.

    Source: https://tulip.com/

    What are Some of Tulip’s Key Products?

    Clienteling

    In this day and age, shopping needs to be personalized. With Tulip’s clienteling capabilities, users can:

    • Create and access detailed customer profiles
    • View a customer’s wish list and previously viewed items
    • Manage a VIP customer client book
    • Track birthdays and anniversaries
    • Schedule one-on-one follow-ups and marketing campaigns with customers
    • And more!
    Checkout Nova

    This mobile POS solution allows retailers to seamlessly complete transactions from anywhere in the store. It’s not just about payments though: Checkout Nova can also access in-store and online inventory, support discounts, coupons, and loyalty points, and mix in-store and online products into one order.

    Assisted Selling

    Retail associates become trusted advisors when they use Tulip’s assisted selling features like mobile omnichannel catalog access, real-time product ratings and reviews and social media activity, advanced searching capabilities, and more.

    Runner

    Almost everyone has experienced needing some extra help locating an item in a store, only to be left alone for minutes as the store associate completes the request. With Tulip’s Runner, employees can request items from other coworkers real-time on a mobile device (even a smart watch) and never leave the customer waiting.

    What’s New with Tulip in 2020?

    In 2020, mobility is setting Tulip apart in the retail space. Tulip has worked with some of the world’s largest retailers in powering transactions from anywhere on the sales floor. Associates can build a basket, take a full transaction, look up orders, complete returns, and more – all on the go, without customers lining up and waiting in a queue.

    What Star Products Does Tulip Integrate?

    TSP143III

    Star Micronics TSP143III

    High-speed printing (250mm/s)
    Easy setup across all models
    Lightning connection for simultaneous charging and data transfer
    Compatible with Star Micronics Cloud Services

    Stay tuned for our upcoming NRF 2020 Star Spotlights, coming soon. In the meantime, learn more about how Star and our partners have teamed up to provide solutions by browsing our Success Stories.

  • Star Spotlight – NRF 2020 Edition: Springboard Retail

    Star Spotlight – NRF 2020 Edition: Springboard Retail

    NRF is a wonderful show for multiple reasons – it’s where over 40,000 retail industry professionals gather to share ideas, build partnerships, and experience the year’s latest technology. Speaking of partnerships, one of Star’s favorite reasons for being at Retail’s Big Show is the dedicated time we give to catching up with our many retail software partners.

    In today’s blog post, discover what one of Star’s valued software partners, Springboard Retail, is up to this year. Learn more about our partnership in the below video interview filmed at NRF 2020 and stay tuned for even more partnership interviews in our upcoming Star Spotlight NRF 2020 Edition blog posts.

    What Does Springboard Retail Do?

    “It all began out of necessity. Gordon Russell’s Boston-based chain of specialty retail stores had a problem. He needed a POS system that would be comprehensive enough to manage his current business, while also driving future growth. Gordon tried plenty of available retail point of sale systems, but none of them provided the intuitive yet flexible structure his retail teams needed to succeed.

    So, Gordon and co-founder, Jay Stotz, put their heads together. They focused on developing a modern, cloud-based POS system designed to support a growing multi-channel, multi-site retail enterprise with features that brought clarity and resilience for the future. Reporting was key. With a multitude of data points, they ensured that their point of sale was able to combine relevant data in any way the retailer envisions and that the software was responsive, agile and easy-to-use. In fact, the results of their efforts were so successful that the team had to share it with other retailers. Springboard Retail was born.

    Since our official launch in November, 2013, Springboard Retail has helped our customers grow across their locations and channels—processing over $2B of retail sales at over 1,000 sites across North America. The team continues to focus on providing exceptional value to our customers. We take our customer’s success personally because we’ve walked in your shoes and understand that even the smallest detail, is critical.”

    Source: https://www.springboardretail.com/

    What are Some of Springboard Retail’s Key Products?

    Springboard Retail’s software is multi-faceted and chock full of features and benefits for today’s modern retailer:

    • Point of Sale: Cloud-based and user-friendly, Springboard Retail’s POS is highly scalable and includes features like quick order lookup, easy customer creation, split payments, simple returns, sales rep tracking, and more.
    • Order Management: Springboard Retail’s order management makes it easy to access inventory in real-time and place orders across multiple store locations, online, and in the warehouse. The order management also includes fulfillment alerts and easy order splitting to multiple fulfillment points.
    • Inventory Management: Your inventory is key. With features like partial and full inventory counts, transfer management, custom reasons codes for adjustments, and more, Springboard Retail’s inventory management keeps retailers running smoothly.
    • Customer Management: CRM and POS don’t have to be separate. Springboard Retail’s included CRM features a QuickView customer dashboard, unlimited custom fields, custom reports for segment marketing, and integrations with top loyalty/marketing providers.
    • Purchasing and Receiving: Retail buying is made easy with Springboard Retail’s ability to create barcode labels directly from a PO, easily process returns to vendors, smoothly enter size runs with an item grid feature, and more.
    • Metrics and Reporting: Data is imperative! Enjoy real-time data, custom field and reports, user-based permissions, CSV/PDF/URL sharing and exporting, and data comparison with Springboard Retail.
    • Traffic and Conversions: Gone are the days of manually tracking retail traffic. With Springboard Retail’s POS, track foot traffic electronically, review real-time traffic data, and more – even if you have multiple stores.

    What Sets Springboard Retail Apart?

    Springboard Retail focuses specifically on larger-footprint specialty retailers, with two to 200 store locations. Additionally, Springboard Retail is a browser-based system and cross-platform, meaning it has customers that use Mac, PC, and iPad POS, and is able to deliver a consistent, streamlined experience to all of those customers with its POS products.

    What Star Products Does Springboard Retail Integrate?

    TSP143III

    Star Micronics TSP143III

    High-speed printing (250mm/s)
    Easy setup across all models
    Lightning connection for simultaneous charging and data transfer
    Compatible with Star Micronics Cloud Services

    SM-S230i

    Star Micronics SM-S230i

    2-inch portable printer with compact, lightweight design
    Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR / USB 2.0 full speed
    Barcode/graphics printing supported
    Magnetic stripe reader

    SM-T300i

    Star Micronics SM-T300i

    3-inch ultra rugged mobile printer
    Apple MFi certified
    Long battery life
    3DES encryption and optional magnetic stripe reader

    TSP743II

    Star Micronics TSP743IIBlack mark label support
    Vertically mountable
    Double resolution mode to increase graphic sharpness
    Bluetooth, CloudPRNT, WebPRNT, Serial, Parallel, USB, LAN

    Stay tuned for our upcoming NRF 2020 Star Spotlights, coming soon. In the meantime, learn more about how Star and our partners have teamed up to provide solutions by browsing our Success Stories.

  • Star Spotlight – NRF 2020 Edition: Erply

    Star Spotlight – NRF 2020 Edition: Erply

    NRF is a wonderful show for multiple reasons – it’s where over 40,000 retail industry professionals gather to share ideas, build partnerships, and experience the year’s latest technology. Speaking of partnerships, one of Star’s favorite reasons for being at Retail’s Big Show is the dedicated time we give to catching up with our many retail software partners.

    In today’s blog post, we will explore what one our valued partners, Erply, is up to in 2020, and how they are working with Star. Learn more about our partnership in the below video interview filmed at NRF 2020 and stay tuned for even more partnership interviews in our upcoming Star Spotlight NRF 2020 Edition blog posts.

    What Does Erply Do?

    Erply started as an award-winning Seedcamp entry in 2009 –hence its name, ERPly!– and was officially founded in 2010. Since its establishment, Erply was designed to create B2B customizations for small to medium-sized businesses, resulting in a highly in-depth inventory management platform.

    Today Erply has grown into a successful company that processes billions of annual transactions and supports over 100,000 stores across the globe in over 15 different languages.

    Erply’s cloud-based, full-featured point of sale solution has helped us become a recognized leader in the retail POS space. Erply POS serves retailers large and small, and is well-known for its:

    • Comprehensive POS features
    • World-class API
    • Highly secure servers
    • Personable customer support
    • Mobile applications

    Flexibility has always been a key feature of Erply, and its expertise in creating highly customized solutions comes from its team of veteran developers who have years of experience building specialized business solutions.

    Source: https://erply.com

    What are Some of Erply’s Key Products?

    Designed for enterprise retail, retail franchise, and more, Erply’s products can be grouped into several categories:

    • Point of sale: Erply’s cloud-based POS is powerful, easy-to-use, and works online and offline. Features include employee timeclock, layaway sales, cash in or out, in-store pickup orders, recent sale lookup, stock and price lookup, returns and refunds, and more.
    • Inventory management: For large and small businesses alike, Erply’s inventory management solutions include product information management (PMI), inventory transfers, stocktaking, matrix products, supplier management, stock replenishment reports, and more.
    • CRM: The power is in the customer data. Erply’s retail CRM has what it takes for retailers to develop long-term customer relationships, and includes customer information, a loyalty program, and customer grouping.
    • Multi-store management: Perfect for chains, Erply’s multi-store management solutions help retailers set up store locations, manage pricing, create promotions, manage employees, track store activity, and more.
    • Sales management: The key to retail success lies in well-managed sales data. Erply’s back office technology allows retailers to easily create sales quotes and orders, manage order fulfillment, and handle invoicing and payments workflows.
    • Reporting: Erply provides its customers with fully customizable reports, for sales, inventory, and more.
    • API: Erply’s API is simple to use, and allows businesses to easily integrate with other applications, creating a true omnichannel retail experience.

    What’s New with Erply in 2020?

    One of the biggest differentiators for Erply in 2020 is its ability to integrate with customers’ existing tech stacks, whether it’s a CRM, ERP, or an e-commerce platform. This integration ability ensures Erply can provide a true all-in-one system, making retail operations much easier and more efficient.

    What Star Products Does Erply Integrate?

    Erply currently integrates the Star Micronics TSP143III, mPOP™, SM-S230i, and mC-Print2.

    TSP143III

    TSP143III

    High-speed printing (250mm/s)
    Easy setup across all models
    Lightning connection for simultaneous charging and data transfer
    Compatible with Star Micronics Cloud Services

    mPOP

    mPOP All in One Mobile Point of Sale

    Compact and sleek design
    Printer – cash drawer – scanner – device stand
    Compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows
    Two cash drawer options: vertical bill (4 bill and 6 or 8 adjustable coin slots) and flat bill (4 bill and 4 or 6 adjustable coin slots)

    SM-S230i

    SM-S230i

    2-inch portable printer with compact, lightweight design
    Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR / USB 2.0 full speed
    Barcode/graphics printing supported
    Magnetic stripe reader

    mC-Print2

    mC-Print2

    2-inch thermal printer
    Sleek, compact, connected
    Bluetooth, USB, Lightning, LAN, CloudPRNT
    SteadyLAN® technology (mCP21LB)

    Stay tuned for our upcoming NRF 2020 Star Spotlights, coming soon. In the meantime, learn more about how Star and our partners have teamed up to provide solutions by browsing our Success Stories.

  • Star Software Update: mC-Print Firmware Update (v2.4)

    Star Software Update: mC-Print Firmware Update (v2.4)

    Welcome to the Star Software Update, the regular series of blog updates where Star’s Integration Team informs you about the latest important Star Micronics software updates.

    In this edition:

    Read on to learn what this month’s update entails.

    Release Date:

    This firmware update was released on January 31, 2020.

    What is Included in the Update?

    Simply put, this new firmware update allows you to more reliably share a printer between an online ordering service using CloudPRNT and a POS using Star’s SDK/driver.

    In today’s restaurant and retail environments it is becoming less and less common to have all services through one provider and much more common to have many different vendors providing different services such as point of sale, online ordering, etc. This firmware update makes sharing a printer between different services using different Star print technologies more reliable, resulting in fewer errors and missed print jobs.

    Next Steps

    You can update your firmware in the mC-Print Utility, under the “Firmware Update” function.

  • The Best New Star Technology in 2020

    The Best New Star Technology in 2020

    It’s 2020 and it should come as no surprise that point of sale (POS) technology is advancing rapidly. But which POS trends are predicted to be hot this year?

     

    • Cloud POS: According to Finances Online, the cloud POS market penetration rate is expected to hit 44% this year, up from 35% in 2018 and 39% in 2019.
    • Self-Service: In 2019, the self-service market was valued at $28 billion USD, and by 2025 it’s expected to reach $68 billion USD. Needless to say, self-service kiosks will be popping up left and right this year.
    • Mobile Payments: It’s estimated that by the end of 2020, nearly 1 in every 2 dollars spent online will come from purchase made using mobile devices. That’s a lot of mobile payments!

    Download Free eBook: MPOS: How it’s Revolutionizing Payments

    So, what’s Star doing to keep up with these emerging trends? Read on to discover the best new Star technology this year.

    SteadyLAN®

    The foundation of each of the above POS trends is a stable connection. For cloud POS to reliably operate, a strong network connection must be present. A self-service kiosk that’s out of order is a nuisance to customers and a waste of money to business owners. Mobile payments don’t exist without a solid connection.

    To greatly strengthen network connection in iPad POS, Star is proud to introduce SteadyLAN®. This unique, patent-pending new Star technology makes unstable Wi-Fi signals a thing of the past. Available on certain mC-Print models and designed for iOS, Android, and Windows devices provides direct cabled control of the printer and attached peripherals, as well as Ethernet provision to the tablet, from the wired Ethernet port of the printer.

    Star-SteadyLAN-Technology-Final-withoutlogo-1080x625

    For locations where Wi-Fi connectivity is not possible or unreliable, this new technology is a world-first, providing the stability of a cabled LAN connection for tablet POS systems. By connecting the SteadyLAN-compatible printer to the Internet via wired LAN and connecting the printer and a tablet with a Lightning-USB or USB-C® cable, the device can use the Internet without Wi-Fi communication. At the same time, the tablet can communicate with the printer via USB or LAN and can be charged from the printer.

    Click here to learn more about SteadyLAN

    A Full Kiosk Lineup

    Kiosk printers aren’t a new edition to Star in 2020 – we have been offering a robust lineup of self-service printing options for quite some time – but what is new and hot this year are our second generation of compact SK1 kiosk printers.

    The new kiosk printers, the SK1-211 and the SK1-311,  ship standard with StarPRNT emulation, which will allow software developers to take advantage of the full stack of Star Micronics technology, such as the StarPRNT SDKs and Star’s powerful line of drivers. Software developers that have already integrated Star products can now easily swap or extend their applications from a desktop printer to a kiosk printer.

    When used with Windows drivers, StarPRNT emulation also enables developers to take advantage of PromoPRNT, Star Micronics’ cloud-based marketing tool which allows for custom-designed promotions to print on the bottom of receipts.

    These new kiosk printers are exciting for a few reasons: Not only are these new products faster and more reliable, the addition of the modern StarPRNT emulation will allow easy integration of kiosk solutions into any environment already featuring Star printers.

    Star offers even more kiosk printers than the SK1 series. Click here to browse all available kiosk printers, including open-frame printers, housed printers, wide-format printers, and more.

    mPOP™ Flat Bill

    mPOP-Flat-Bill-1080x523
    You may already recognize our sleek, all-in-one mobile point of purchase, the mPOP. But did you know that this year we have released a new and improved mPOP for SMB retail, the mPOP Flat Bill?

    The new mPOP with Flat Bill cash management stacks the till, providing a total of 4 slots for bills, and 4 or 6 adjustable spaces for coins.The individual tills offer 2Bill-2Coin slots, with the top till easily sliding back to expose the bottom till section.

    Just like the original mPOP, the mPOP Flat Bill also features:

    • Bluetooth and USB connectivity
    • Compatibility with any iOS, Android, or Windows device
    • Easy “drop-in and print” paper loading and cable management
    • Compatibility with Star peripherals ( 1D barcode scanner, 2D imager, digital customer-facing display)
    • Optional mUnite POP solution stand

    Click here to learn more about mPOP

    mUnite

    A new decade calls for business owners of all kinds to make the switch to a sleek, modern POS, and our mUnite stands make that easier than ever.

    Designed to accompany the mC-Print3, mPOP, and TSP143/TSP654II, the mUnite tablet POS stands are the perfect solution for businesses on the hunt for a clean POS which frees up valuable counterspace.

    With clean cable management and a sleek, unified design, mUnite stands bundles all devices together into one visually cohesive solution, and are:

    • Built of durable steel
    • Compatible with any tablet manufacturer (universal VESA mounting)
    • Easy to set up
    • Available in black or white to match existing POS systems
    • And more!

    Click here to learn more about mUnite

    The new Star technology featured in this blog post is just a portion of Star’s many offerings. To learn more about our full product lineup and see how our various technologies can be bundled into one cohesive, streamlined solution, explore our Product Catalog.

  • Star Software Update: Introducing SteadyLAN®

    Star Software Update: Introducing SteadyLAN®

    Welcome to the Star Software Update, the regular series of blog updates where Star’s Integration Team informs you about the latest important Star Micronics software updates.

    In this edition:

    • Introducing SteadyLAN®! An industry-first solution for iPad POS

    Read on to learn what this month’s update entails.

    SteadyLAN-R-1080x527

    Release Date:

    SteadyLAN was released to the public on January 13, 2020.

    What is SteadyLAN?

    SteadyLAN is a patent-pending technology available on certain mC-Print Series printers. It provides wired Ethernet service to iOS, Android, and Windows devices connected to a networked printer via the Lightning or USB-C® cable..

    Star’s unique SteadyLAN technology makes unstable Wi-Fi signals a thing of the past! SteadyLAN, available on certain mC-Print models and designed for iOS, Android, and Windows devices provides direct cabled control of the printer and attached peripherals, as well as Ethernet provision to the tablet, from the wired Ethernet port of the printer.

    For locations where Wi-Fi connectivity is not possible or unreliable, this new technology is a world-first, providing the stability of a cabled LAN connection for tablet POS systems. By connecting the SteadyLAN-compatible printer to the Internet via wired LAN and connecting the printer and a tablet with a Lightning-USB or USB-C® cable, the device can use the Internet without Wi-Fi communication. At the same time, the tablet can communicate with the printer via USB or LAN and can be charged from the printer.


    Which Printer Models Include SteadyLAN?

    SteadyLAN is available on the following mC-Print models: mCP21LB, mCP31L, and mCP31LB.

    Star-SteadyLAN-Technology-Final-withoutlogo-1080x625

    Next Steps

    If you already own an applicable mC-Print model, all you need to do to enjoy SteadyLAN is update your firmware through the mC-Print Utility app.

  • Coming Soon: Star at NRF 2020!

    Coming Soon: Star at NRF 2020!

    It’s hard to believe, but another year, another decade, and another NRF are upon us! NRF 2020 Vision: Retail’s Big Show “is the centerpiece of NRF Retail Week, where the entire industry unites to get a whole new perspective. NRF convenes the largest community of movers, shakers and industry makers who come together to see beyond what is, to reveal what could be. NRF 2020 is where visionary talent meets visionary tech and the latest and greatest becomes the here and now!”

    The Star team is excited to head back to NRF in 2020, and will be located at booth #5419. Read on to discover what will be in store with Star this year, from our new mPOS technologies to our rooftop party.

    Star Solutions at NRF 2020

    Get hands-on experience with Star’s latest mPOS technology in our NRF “main street,” featuring a café, retail store, and bath and body shop. With sleek tablet solution stands, easy-to-integrate printers, certified scales, and much more, Star is bringing big things to the big show in the big city!

    mUnite Stands

    • POS EnclosuremUnite POP tablet POS stand
    • Universal VESA Mounting
    • Hidden Cable Management
    • For mC-Print3, mPOPTM, and TSP143III/TSP654II
    • Supports Any iOS, Android, and Windows Tablet or Touchscreen Computer

    mC-Print3 (with NEW Technology Features)

    mC-Print3

    • Sleek, Compact, Connected
    • Simple User Experience
    • Easy to Integrate through Common SDK
    • Bluetooth, USB, Lightning, LAN, CloudPRNT
    • IPX2 Splash-Proof Design
    • Coming Soon: Printer Will Deliver Power and Ethernet to iPad!

    Self-Service Kiosk PrintersSK1 Kiosk Printer

    • Available in Compact and Modular Designs
    • High Print Speed
    • 2”, 3” and 4” Paper Widths
    • Available with StarPRNT or ESC/POS Emulation
    • Wide Variety of Accessories Available

    PromoPRNTPromoPRNT Logo

    • Make Custom Promotions from Templates
    • Manage Promotions from Anywhere
    • Increase Customer Retention
    • Make Each Customer Visit Unique

    Featured In-Booth Partners

    Elo Logo

    Elo’s product portfolio includes a broad selection of interactive touchscreen displays from 10-70 inches, all-in-one touchscreen computers, OEM touchscreens and touchscreen controllers and touchscreen monitors. Elo’s touchscreens can be found in in gaming machines, interactive kiosks, hospitality systems, point-of-sale terminals, wayfinder displays, interactive retail displays, transportation applications, and more.

    Erply Logo

    Erply’s cloud-based, full-featured point of sale solution has helped them become a recognized leader in the retail POS space. Erply POS serves retailers large and small, and they’re well-known for their comprehensive POS features, world-class API, highly secure servers, personable customer support, and mobile applications.

    imageHOLDERS Logo

    imageHOLDERS designs and manufactures tablet enclosures, iPad kiosks and innovative mPOS solutions which allow your business to engage customers and drive sales. Their patent pending design process means we are the only company in the world who can securely display any Windows, Android or iOS tablet, giving your business the freedom to choose a device that best suits your needs.

    Kiosk Group Logo

    Kiosk Group is a privately-owned, Maryland-based company that many leading companies, organizations, and government agencies trust and rely upon for interactive kiosks. Kiosk Group has developed both hardware and software for hundreds of interpretive exhibits, transactional kiosks, sales exhibits, and training programs.

    nCLOSE Logo

    nCLOSE manufactures custom Point of Sale (POS) protective enclosures to house and protect tablets and mobile credit card readers. With nCLOSE, rest assured that your Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is in the exact same place you left it, when you turned your back to help a customer.

    PredictSpring Logo

    PredictSpring is the unified commerce platform to connect consumer and store associate experiences. PredictSpring innovative technology powers Modern POS, mPOS, Clienteling, and Native Mobile Apps for brands and retailers.

    Sitoo Logo

    Sitoo is a world-leading cloud-based Mobile Point of Sales (mPOS) for global retailers. With a razor sharp focus on the digitalization of brick-and-mortar retail, Sitoo makes the physical stores a natural part of the omnichannel shopping experience – helping retailers sell everywhere and fulfill anywhere.

    Sophatar Logo

    Sophatar is a Silicon Valley based Software Company providing innovative solutions for higher customer engagement in retail, hospitality and enterprise markets, including digital signage. The solutions utilize a software-as-a-service business model and run on commercially available hardware.

    SuiteRetail Logo

    SuiteRetail’s SuitePOS is a single fixed-lane and mobile point-of-sale app for in-store check-out and clienteling.  SuitePOS functions without any compromise to CRM, marketing, inventory and financial integrations.

    Tulip Logo

    Tulip’s powerful, yet simple-to-use mobile apps enable store associates to easily look up products, manage customer information, check out shoppers, and communicate with clients. The end results are amazing customer engagements, great customer experiences and higher sales.

    Vend Logo

    Vend enables retailers to accept payments, sell in-store and online, manage their inventory, reward customer loyalty, and report on their business in real time. Launched in late 2010, Vend is now used in over 20,000 stores across 140 countries and is continuing to grow at a rapid pace.

    Star’s Rooftop Party

    Monarch Rooftop Skyline

    Soak in the beautiful New York City view at Star’s rooftop party! Join us for a night filled with valuable networking, an open bar, and a spread of light snacks.

    When: Sunday, January 12, 2020, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

    Where: Monarch Rooftop, 71 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001

    Who: You and your guests are welcome to join the event!

    See you soon at NRF 2020!

  • Star Software Update: Introducing the CloudPRNT SDK

    Star Software Update: Introducing the CloudPRNT SDK

    Welcome to the Star Software Update, the regular series of blog updates where Star’s Integration Team informs you about the latest important Star Micronics software updates.

    In this edition:

    • Introducing the CloudPRNT SDK! Now it’s even easier to integrate your favorite CloudPRNT features

    Read on to learn what this month’s update entails.

    CloudPRNT SDK

    Release Date:

    Already released, on November 11, 2019.

    What is CloudPRNT?

    Star CloudPRNT is a REST-based protocol which allows web servers to remotely control and receive events from Star point of sale (POS) peripherals which are CloudPRNT-compatible. CloudPRNT enables server-side control of document printing, barcode scanning, keyboard input, display update, and other peripherals (such as scales) depending on model.

    CloudPRNT is suitable for remote printing applications, such as kitchen delivery order printing, warehouse pick ticket printing, etc., where low latency is not strictly required. It is also suitable for lower latency applications, such as traditional POS, with full peripheral control.

    This can be very useful for web-based applications, but can apply to any thin client-style environment. CloudPRNT can also simplify the installation, setup, and daily usage, as it eliminates the need to manage IP addresses or custom firewall/tunneling rules at the local site.

    In addition to simplifying connectivity, CloudPRNT provides a mechanism to allow client and server to negotiate compatibility and capability information. This allows a server to format its output appropriately to fit the client device.

    At this time, several Star models are available with CloudPRNT compatibility:

    About the SDK

    CloudPRNT is an openly documented JSON/REST-based HTTP protocol, and therefore it is not necessary to have an SDK in order to implement a CloudPRNT-compatible service.

    CloudPRNT servers can be created using any server-side technology that can be used to implement web services. Many server-side technologies are used such as PHP, Node.js, ASP.Net, ASP.Net Core, JSP, Python, Lua, and more.

    In order to provide maximum benefit to developers, this SDK is not a CloudPRNT server implementation (although sample servers are included), but a set of helper functions, that can be extended as needed and incorporated into as many server-side systems as possible.

    SDK Helper Features

    This SDK provides functions to assist with:

    • Status decoding
    • Print job media format negotiation
    • Print job conversion, so that the server may generate print jobs in a single media format, which are converted in case that format is not supported by the client device

    SDK Integration

    For integration purposes, the SDK provides the following:

    • .Net API: A .Net Standard 2.0 compatible library, which can be installed via NuGet into any .Net 4.6 or later, and .Net Core 2.0 or later project. This API provides job format conversion, status decoding, and ready-made classes for serializing/de-serializing CloudPRNT JSON messages.
    • CPUtil: A stand-alone command line tool that can be integrated with any server-side development system that can invoke local processes. This tool can be provided as native binaries for Linux x86, Linux x64, Linux Arm, Mac OS x64, Windows x86 and Windows x64 servers (it is not necessary to install the .Net Framework or .Net Core runtime). environments in order to use it.
    • Sample Projects: Examples of very simple CloudPRNT servers, implemented with a variety of server-side technologies. These samples serve as both examples of implementing the CloudPRNT protocol and how to integrate either the API, or cputil in each environment.
    • Star Document Markup: A simple, unified printer markup language that can adapt to any Star printer regardless of emulation, print width, or print method. It is a higher-level language that abstracts away the need to know printer-specific escape sequences. It does this by providing easy to use tags for various POS printer functions such as cut, alignment, image printing, and text formatting. Using the document markup system provides a balance between full bit-image based printing, and plain text output, while being easier to use than printer-specific commands. In order to take advantage of the markup language you must use it in conjunction with cputil.

    Next Steps

    Developers interested in the CloudPRNT SDK should reach out to the Star Integration Team to discuss the integration process specific to their development environment.

    Please click here to learn more about the CloudPRNT SDK.

  • The Ultimate List of Must-Have Cannabis POS Hardware

    The Ultimate List of Must-Have Cannabis POS Hardware

    The cannabis industry is booming – and it’s expected to continue doing so. According to Grand View Research, the global legal marijuana market is expected to reach $66.3 billion by the end of 2025, and each year brings new legalization across the world.

    Whether you’re in the business of opening a cannabis business yourself or are looking to provide cannabis point of sale (POS) solutions to your customers, it’s important to understand the critical role cannabis POS hardware has and how to determine which products are right for your business.

    Why Star for Cannabis?

    Before we dive into the list of must-have cannabis POS hardware, let’s explore Star’s qualifications in the cannabis industry, and why you can trust our knowledge in the space.

    Star is the top POS hardware provider in the cannabis industry. A true one-stop shop, we provide all the hardware solutions a dispensary could need, from front of house dispensary sales to labeling and weighing product during curation. Additionally, Star has integrations with approximately 85% of all cannabis POS software on the market today.

    The Star team has a distinct understanding of the need for cannabis dispensaries to keep extremely detailed records –including inventory and movement of the product. We also understand that cannabis dispensaries tend to have a very clean and modern aesthetic, and have designed our products to fit that sleek standard.

    Must-Have Cannabis POS Hardware

    Now that we’ve covered Star’s qualifications and position in the cannabis industry, let’s get started with the ultimate list of must-have cannabis POS hardware. It’s important to note that while Star offers an entire portfolio of cannabis POS hardware, we don’t want to box anyone in, and this list can be referred to as a vendor-neutral guide, as well.

    Receipt Printers

    Receipt printers are extremely important in the cannabis market. When it comes to cannabis, proof of legal purchase is key – and there’s no better way to provide it than with a receipt printer. In some places, like Canada, it is illegal to possess cannabis deemed illicit, and without proof of purchase, all cannabis is assumed to be illicit. Carrying that illicit cannabis could result in a $5,000 fine or a five-year prison sentence! In the US, laws vary greatly by state and must also be carefully obeyed.

    Along with providing proof of purchase, it’s important to note that depending on your region, receipts must also contain mC-Print3other information, like store name and address, product category/name, and the appropriate tax code/identifier.

    Star’s Pick: mC-Print3

    When you choose a sleek, modern, and connected printer, like the Star mC-Print3, legality and stylishness coexist to strengthen your brand.

    Click here to learn more about the mC-Print3.

    Label Printers

    Next on our list is another kind of printer: the label printer. An important part of seed-to-sale tracking, printed labels have an important role in the entire cannabis production and retail process. Seed-to-sale tracking is a key requirement in cannabis regulatory models, and refers to the process of tracking plants and their byproducts from planting all the way through to the plant’s sale. Star is proud that its label printers are used by many cannabis ISVs for proper labeling during this process.

    Star’s Pick: TSP743IITSP743II

    Label printing is made easy with the Star TSP743II, which features fast printing speed, high reliability, web and cloud connectivity, and more.

    Click here to learn more about the TSP743II.

    Custom Cannabis Labels

    Cannabis labels

    As mentioned above, labels are incredibly important for the cannabis industry. Star currently offers cannabis labels pre-printed with official, state-required universal symbols. These pre-printed cannabis labels are available in various sizes for all recreational markets.

    Click here to learn more about Star’s media.

    Scales

    Yet another critical piece of cannabis POS hardware is the scale – but not just any scale will do. First, you must ensure the scale you are considering is legal to use in your state and NTEP-certified. Being certified means that the scales are ensured to charge the correct amount for the product being weighed. Another great feature to look for is a scale that is integrated directly into the POS. Why? Reduced risk of human error that is associated with standalone scales that cannot integrate with the POS.

    Star’s Pick: mG-ScalesmG-Scales

    All three scales in the mG-Scales series are NTEP-certified and offer software support for Windows, iOS, and Android, making the process of adding a scale to an existing system a simple process. They are certified to sell cannabis in Washington, Alaska, and California, and come with a waterproof and dust-proof cover. Each scale has the ability to connect through three types of interfaces including Bluetooth BLE, USB, and Serial. The scales can be powered through an outlet or by battery to allow for portable use.

    Click here to learn more about Star’s mG-Scales.

    Successful Software Needs Successful Hardware

    That’s where Star comes in. CDG proudly integrates its software tools with a variety of Star hardware including the all-in-one mPOP®, TSP654IISK linerless label printer, Value Series Cash Drawers, and more.

    Cash Drawers

    Chances are you’re aware that the cannabis industry is currently predominately powered by cash. While marijuana is legal in many parts of the country, it remains illegal under federal law, which means dispensaries’ access to credit card processing options is slim. Thus, a reliable, high volume cash drawer is key!

    Star’s Pick: Star CD3-1616CD3-1616 cash drawer

    A part of the Star Value Cash Drawers line, the CD3-1616 is affordability meets performance. With a size of 16” x 16”, this cash drawer can accommodate a high volume of cash, is made of durable steel, and is available in black or white to match the existing POS. The CD3-1616 can accommodate Canadian and United States currency types, and includes a bottom exit cable.

    Click here to learn more about Star’s CD3-1616.

    Scanners

    Scanners are an important part of the entire seed-to-sale process, from back-end warehouse operations, to scanning products at the point of purchase. Important features to look for are connectivity options and a design/color that matches the existing POS, if applicable.

    Scanner

    Star’s Pick: 1D/2D Imager

    These scanners are available in black or white, feature USB connectivity, include the cable, and more.

    Click here to learn more about Star’s accessories.

    PromoPRNT

    Just like other businesses, cannabis dispensaries need to advertise, but what sets them apart is that they must adhere to strict advertising laws. For example, in multiple states including California and Colorado, over 70% of cannabis advertisement audiences must be over the age of 21.

    PromoPRNT logo

    An easy way to ensure marketing efforts are being communicated only to the intended audience is by printing those promotions on your receipts. With Star’s cloud-based PromoPRNT tool, dispensaries can create custom promotions from templates which increase customer engagement and retention, and can be used to promote sales, new products, loyalty programs, and more.

    Click here to learn more about PromoPRNT.

    Tablet POS Stand

    As we discussed above, dispensary aesthetics are extremely important, not only from a branding and customer experience perspective, but also to legitimize the business to outsiders and newcomers. A great place to tie in style is at the POS, and an easy way to do that is by incorporating a sleek, space-saving POS stand into your arrangement.

    mUnite POP tablet POS stand

    Star’s mUnite tablet POS stand could be right for you. Made to be used with any iOS, Android, and Windows tablet or touchscreen computer, the mUnite features universal VESA mounting, hidden cable management, and is meant to be used with the mC-Print3, mPOPTM, and TSP143III/TSP654II. Note: device, enclosure, and printer not included.

    Click here to learn more about the mUnite.

    Kiosk Printers

    Dispensaries are sometimes limited to how many people they can allow inside at one time because budtenders need to be able to pay special attention to customers, and make sure they are recommending the right products. Some dispensaries are using kiosks to allow waiting customers to pick out what they want on screen, take the slip to the budtender, and simply just collect and pay for their items.

    Star’s Pick: SK1-311SK1-311 kiosk printer

    The SK1-311 kiosk printer is the best of the best. Compact and lightweight, it features a fast printing speed, supports receipt, ticket, or label media, and has many available accessories to choose from. An added bonus, the SK1-311 is available with StarPRNT emulation, meaning easy integration of kiosk solutions into any environment already featuring other Star printers.

    Click here to learn more about the SK1-311.

    Final Words

    At Star, we’re proud to help dispensaries become more compliant in their operations. This compliance helps to change the perspective on the industry as a whole, getting everyone one step closer to federal legalization, and legal credit card payments. And of course, it is important for cannabis customers to receive printed receipts of their purchases to prove that their marijuana was purchased legally, and to receive applicable promotions.

    We look forward to continuing to lead and innovate in the cannabis industry by developing sleek, feature-packed products designed to make every aspect of a dispensary’s operation streamlined, legal, and fruitful.

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