My WordPress

Category: Solutions & Use Cases

  • Star Micronics Teams Up with MunchOn to Provide Restaurant Online Ordering Service

    Star Micronics Teams Up with MunchOn to Provide Restaurant Online Ordering Service

    Somerset, NJ – March 27, 2017 – Star Micronics, leading provider of point of sale and proof of transaction technology, has announce that MunchOn, a new online ordering platform, has added support for the TSP650IIcloudPRNT. MunchOn recently launched their solution to combine a point of sale and online ordering platform that sends orders directly from the cloud to the TSP650IICloudPRNT receipt printer.

    Star Micronics’ TSP650IICloudPRNT thermal printer will retrieve and print orders from any online service integrating Star’s communication protocol. With MunchOn, restaurants can set up their online ordering service for customers to order either online or through their mobile phone, and the TSP650IIcloudPRNT will print the order in restaurant directly from the cloud. MunchOn specializes in helping these restaurants by giving them the ability to market, receive and fulfill online orders to increase revenue.

    “The Star TSP650IIcloudPRNT was the perfect fit for our restaurant online ordering platform,” says James Russo, Co-Founder of MunchOn. “Once integrated, we had the solution working in restaurants only one day later. We were able to work with restaurants who had never even considered online ordering before, and help them grow their business with the MunchOn and Star Micronics solutions.”

  • Star Cloud Services Introduces the Eco-Friendly Micro Receipt™

    Star Cloud Services Introduces the Eco-Friendly Micro Receipt™

    Somerset, NJ – Jan 31, 2017 –Star Cloud Services (SCS), a subsidiary of Star Micronics, is proud to officially announce the release of the Micro Receipt service, available to use with the AllReceipts™ or Itemize app. Within these applications, customers can scan the QR code provided on the SCS enabled receipt to capture and store a digital copy of the receipt in their mobile device. Star Cloud Services has created the Micro Receipt, which prints only the store name, time stamp, and the AllReceipts QR code, so retailers can save on paper and increase their profits.

    The Micro Receipt is a printed 2D barcode (QR code) paper receipt. This QR code can be scanned by any smart phone using the AllReceipts or Itemize app to claim a digital copy of the full, itemized receipt. This allows retailers to reduce the paper size of the receipt up to 80% from its original size.

    With the option of claiming and saving a digital copy of the receipt, the receipt can be saved for long periods of time, shared with friends, or used for electronic expense management using the Itemize app. Along with the purchase information, retailers can utilize the back side of the digital receipt by adding coupons, promotions, terms and conditions, and more, all while saving paper.

    Star Cloud Services is compatible with any Star Micronics thermal receipt printer, including desktop printers, portable printers, and the all-in-one mPOP™ peripheral, and also works with any operating system. With the StarPRNT SDK for iOS, Android and Windows, retailers can integrate Star Cloud Services with other customer-facing applications such as loyalty and the retailer’s own mobile applications.

    Look for the “SCS Certified” logo to find out which Star Software Partners offer the Micro Receipt™ with Star Cloud Services.

  • Solutions for Printing from Web Browser-Based Applications: PassPRNT

    Solutions for Printing from Web Browser-Based Applications: PassPRNT

    Receipt technology has advanced dramatically in the last several years. Previously, in every transaction, a customer would pay for their purchases at the POS terminal and accept a printed sales receipt as a proof of purchase in case they needed to make a return or exchange. Mobility, however, has revolutionized POS and changed the process of providing a customer with a receipt.

    Star Micronics has developed a variety of printing solutions for mPOS, including two that facilitate receipt printing from Web-based applications via HTTP(s) and from a project on an Android™ device or Apple hardware such as an iPad®, iPhone®, or iPod touch®. These solutions, WebPRNT and PassPRNT, solve common problems merchant often encounter with mobile printing.

    Print from a Web Browser-Based Application with PassPRNT

    PassPRNT is the newest printing application for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Android devices. The app resolves issues associated with printing from POS solutions supported by native iOS, Android, or Web applications by sending the receipt data using a URL scheme. The PassPRNT native application accepts the data, formats the receipt for the printer, and sends it to any Star Bluetooth, Ethernet,or USB (Android only) printer connected to the iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

    How it Works

    For the first time, PassPRNT links with Star’s POS and portable printers to enable printing using the company’s unique URL scheme-based printing method and the PassPRNT companion app.

    Its easy-to-use integration allows users to print from any Web application in any Web browser including Safari/Chrome using a URL scheme to print on a Star Bluetooth printer. The operating system is capable of automatically switching from a host application to the PassPRNT application and back, with a simple and user friendly “one tap” request to print from any iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to a Star Bluetooth printer.

    Why Choose PassPRNT?

    • Uses Star’s unique URL scheme-based printing method
    • Available for receipt, label, and kitchen printer models
    • Automatically switches from host to PassPRNT app and back for “one tap” printing
    • Very little coding involved in the main application to communicate with PassPRNT
    • Empowers users to print from any iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch and Android devices when using Filemaker

    To learn more about PassPRNT and to find out if your Star Micronics receipt printer supports PassPRNT, please visit https://starmicronics.com/PassPRNT.

    Download our eBook to learn more about Star’s mPOS printing solutions, how they work, the problems they solve, and when to use each.



    Download POS Brochure

  • Star Micronics & eHopper Services, LLC Partner to Provide POS Hardware Solutions

    Star Micronics & eHopper Services, LLC Partner to Provide POS Hardware Solutions

    Somerset, NJ – Nov 2, 2016 – Star Micronics, the global industry leader in POS printer solutions, has announced that eHopper Services, LLC, a technology company who builds the eHopper POS — a mobile point of sale system designed for small businesses in need of streamlining operations and fostering efficiency, has certified Star’s TSP100III and TSP650II desktop receipt printers, and SM-T300i mobile printer.

    With this integration, Star Micronics products will be offered to customers alongside eHopper, giving them access to the best POS printers on the market today. Customers can now sign on with eHopper with confidence and reassurance, knowing that both products have been integrated for optimal usage and performance together.

    Star Micronics has been building and providing merchants with point of sale printers for nearly 40 years. Their printers are built to very high standards, are of top quality and are known for their reliability and ruggedness even after years of usage. These accomplishments have made Star Micronics the leader in the POS printer industry, and a prominent feature on store countertops worldwide.

    Printers currently integrated for use with eHopper POS include:

    • TSP100IIILAN – An Ethernet-enabled thermal receipt printer that fits any small business that needs to print receipts for their customers
    • TSP650IIBI – For those who do not wish to contend with Ethernet cables, this model features Bluetooth technology for better connectivity
    • SM-T300i – Used by merchants and managers that are on the go and need their equipment to be rugged and durable, yet reliable and efficient

    eHopper Services provides point of sale and management software to small business around the world, offering features and functions that benefit businesses by streamlining operations, increase performance and provide their customers with service that keeps customers returning for more. eHopper features include:

    • Multi-store support with order management, inventory assessment, and employee control featuring time clocks and transaction records
    • Report generation that gives managers a transparent view of all daily operations, inventory changes, customer information and transaction data
    • Cross-platform compatibility on Android tablets, Windows tablets and PCs, as well as the Poynt mobile POS terminal
    • Offers fast transaction processing using cash, credit/debit cards, EMV chip, and NFC payments such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay
    • Easy to use software with an intuitive interface that anyone can learn how to use in very little time, minimizes errors and miscalculations

    “Our integration with Star Micronics creates a win-win for both of our companies, but the benefits to our customers are what means to most to us,” says Gary Khabinski, CEO of eHopper Services, LLC. “Not only are we able to synergize our products and efforts, we more importantly provide our customers with the complete point of sale solution they need to do business, and do it efficiently.”

  • Star Micronics and Itemize Partner to Provide Solution for Digital Expense Receipt Market

    Star Micronics and Itemize Partner to Provide Solution for Digital Expense Receipt Market

    Somerset, NJ – Oct 18, 2016 – Star Micronics and Itemize are partnering to revolutionize the digital expense receipt market. For the first time, merchant, processor and software solutions are coming together to create an environmental, accurate and easy alternative to the dreaded “what is your email address” question or long paper receipt and checkout process that hasn’t changed in decades.

    AllReceipts™, provided by Star Micronics, has begun providing merchants with the ability to include a QR Code on the bottom of every receipt. They can be scanned, tracked, reimbursed and reported by simply scanning the code within the Itemize App. The creation of this technology will eventually allow merchants the ability to no longer offer the long-form receipt, or at least give shoppers the ability to opt-in to just receiving the scan-able portion of the receipt without cause for further paper waste.

    By scanning the AllReceipts QR Code within the Itemize app, the shopper is able to automatically store a digital and secure record of your purchase. This includes all of the receipt, merchant and category data, as well as any additional notes, tags and job codes, without manual entry. Star Micronics and Itemize make your accounting tasks faster; taking minutes versus hours. After your scan of the AllReceipts QR Code a digital record will be created and stored for 10 years. This record can be exported into a variety of accounting software’s such as Free Agent, Freshbooks, Sage One, Quickbooks and Xero.

    With Itemize expense reports, you can easily turn captured receipts into an instant report, ready for easy submission and approval, tossing away the hard copy. No matter who you are, with Itemize, there is no need to keep boxes, drawers or filing cabinets full of paper receipts.

    Look for the AllReceipts and Itemize logos at your retailer to get started. Signing up for Itemize is easy! Download the Itemize app from the iPhone and Android App stores today for free or visit www.itemize.com for more details and a free trial.

  • Star Micronics Introduces the TSP650IIcloudPRNT Thermal Receipt Printer

    Star Micronics Introduces the TSP650IIcloudPRNT Thermal Receipt Printer

    Somerset, NJ – Oct 11, 2016 – Star Micronics, leading provider of point of sale and proof of transaction technology, is proud to introduce CloudPRNT, an innovative technology enabling users to print to Star printers directly through a cloud service. The first product to be released, the TSP650IICloudPRNT thermal printer retrieves and prints orders from any online ordering service integrating Star’s communication protocol. CloudPRNT will work with the online ordering service to store and create print jobs, and communicate status with the printer. Cloud ordering services will post orders using JSON format while the Star CloudPRNT printer will pull these orders on a defined interval.

    Star’s CloudPRNT technology provides benefits to both restaurant and retail stores alike by eliminating the need for an extra tablet to send an online order to the printer. Instead, the ordering service will be able to communicate directly to the printer. In addition, this product allows payment providers to deploy a very simple payment solution with printed receipts at any mobile point of sale location.

    By offering online purchasing options, retail stores and restaurants will be able to grow their business to expand to a larger market. Using CloudPRNT, online ordering systems have a new and easier solution to offer businesses, allowing them to seamlessly integrate online purchasing into their stores.

  • Americaneagle.com, Star Micronics and HMS Ferries Partner to Build Ticketing Solution

    Americaneagle.com, Star Micronics and HMS Ferries Partner to Build Ticketing Solution

    Bainbridge Islan, WA – August 26, 2016 – A partnership between Americaneagle.com’s Transportation Technology Partners, Star Micronics and HMS Ferries, Inc. has revolutionized the ticketing process for Pierce County Ferry.

    HMS Ferries, the ferry operator for Pierce County Ferry, recently commissioned Americaneagle.com to create a ticketing system that would increase boarding efficiency and allow customers to purchase tickets online or from their mobile device. Americaneagle.com partnered with Star Micronics, provider of the mPOP™ Mobile Point of Purchase Solution hardware, installed inside the ticket booth and operated by the HMS Ferries staff, in developing an innovative software application offering more ticket purchase options.

    The new ticketing solution allows customers to purchase QR-code tickets on their smartphones, online, or at the ticket booth at the Steilacoom Terminal. The team will also be launching a smart card system in the near future, leveraging the smart card expertise of Infineon Technologies, to further modernize the ticketing process and use the CIPURSE™ open security standard. Infineon will also be providing technical support to Americaneagle.com for the smart card implementation. These new ticketing solutions enable a quicker boaridng process and reduce cash handling, while ensuring security.

    Chung Chung Tam, Senior Vice President at Americaneagle.com, has over 26 years of transit fare payment experience and is the ex-Chair for some of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) committees. Considered one of the foremost U.S. experts as a member of the ISO TC204/WG8 committee to develop transit fare payment standards, Tam was instrumental in the success of this project.

    Tam commented:

    “Americaneagle.com has a vast amount of experience working with businesses across the entertainment and transportation industries, and experience implementing an outstanding account-based fare payment solution. We are very pleased to have found the ideal hardware partner in Star Micronics, and had a great experience working with both Star and HMS Ferries to implement a ticketing system that has really revolutionized the boarding process for Pierce County Ferry.”

    Matthew Miller, Vice-President of HMS Ferries, commented:

    “Other ticketing systems we evaluated were static, while Americaneagle.com provided a system that grows and adjusts as the market changes… In summary, Pierce County Ferry is now operating the most sophisticated ticketing system in the maritime industry.”

    Jon Levin, Product Integrations Manager at Star Micronics commented:

    “We are very proud to have been part of such a successful project. The new ticketing system is very efficient, easy to use and showcases the mPOP™.”

    Americaneagle.com’s Transportation Technology Partners, Star Micronics and HMS Ferries, Inc. are ready to build on their successful partnership; the team already has their next few projects planned, including the introduction of an innovative solution for the entertainment industry and amusement park world. They will be co-exhibiting their solution in November 2016 at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Attraction Expo in Orlando, Florida.

  • Why Bluetooth Low Energy is the Best Option for Mobile Printing

    Why Bluetooth Low Energy is the Best Option for Mobile Printing

    People most commonly think of Bluetooth as the wireless technology that allows them to connect a mobile device to a car or an earpiece. Bluetooth has given rise, however, to a newer generation of wireless technology – Bluetooth low energy (BLE) – which was first introduced in 2011. Today, BLE is the best option for mobile printing and other devices that require short bursts of connectivity.

    In order to understand why BLE is perfect for all mobile printing needs, it’s important to know the difference between Bluetooth and BLE. Bluetooth connectivity is designed for devices like wireless headsets and speakers, mobile phones, and is ideal for streaming applications such as Pandora or Netflix. In comparison, Bluetooth low energy (also known as Bluetooth 4.0) is exactly what its name says: low power consumption wireless technology.

    How does BLE work?

    Bluetooth and BLE both operate on the same 2.4 GHz ISM band. Unlike regular Bluetooth that uses a lot of power, BLE stays in sleep mode until a connection is initiated with a mobile device. The connections are short bursts because the data is traded quickly. Bluetooth low energy devices’ energy consumption levels are so low; one device can run on the same battery for years. Obviously, Bluetooth low energy isn’t going to work for Netflix, but its’ perfect for devices that only need to exchange data quickly and intermittently, like a mobile printer.

    Who can use BLE devices?

    BLE is perfect for devices that don’t need to stream large amounts of data continuously. This universal-low power wireless standard makes it easy to connect any product to a smartphone or tablet. BLE is the wireless technology used for personal fitness devices (like Fit Bits), as well as for monitoring sensors and mobile printers in taxi, rideshare, and delivery applications.

    Where can you use them?

    Bluetooth low energy mobile printers are small and light, and can easily be carried by servers in restaurants, delivery drivers, and workers in intermodal facilities and warehouses. They can be used to print invoices, labels, receipts, and other documents.

    Star Micronics has several BLE-enabled printers ranging from compact models that measure only a few inches and fit into a pocket or apron, to more robust options all at affordable price points. Star’s mobile printers are perfect for indoor/outdoor use, field service and restaurant environments where they could get wet or dropped. These devices also come with an external power cable so they can be charged anytime, anywhere, even on the road.

    Easy to use, even for BYOD workplaces

    BLE printers are compatible with a large installed base of mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Star’s line of mobile printers is easy to use with any Apple iPad® or iPhone® BLE device and doesn’t require pairing. There’s no limit on the number of devices that can be connected to the mobile printers, making it the ideal solution for a BYOD (bring your own device) workplace. Employees don’t need to hunt for “their” tablet or mobile device; they can grab any equipment to complete the task at hand. Star’s mobile printers are also compatible with other operating systems, including Windows and Android.

    BLE connectivity is the perfect option for mobile printing. These compact mobile printers are energy efficient and cost-effective for restaurants, rail yards, airports, and delivery services that need to print on-the-go receipts, labels, and create invoices. Learn more about Star Micronics’ SM-L200 and SM-L300 BLE portable printers.

  • 4 Reasons to Use Bluetooth Technology in Restaurants

    4 Reasons to Use Bluetooth Technology in Restaurants

    In the restaurant business, one of the most important things to do is to keep your customers satisfied. One can do this by making sure their customers are receiving the correct order and in a timely fashion, but by also making sure that their staff is equipped with the technology to provide customers with a unique and satisfying experience. By enabling Bluetooth point of sale technology, restaurant owners can take their customer experience to the next level by creating a smoother workflow for employees, and a convenient way for customers to order and pay. Here are the top four benefits of using Bluetooth POS technology in your restaurant.

    1. Simple Set-up

    One of the biggest benefits of using Bluetooth point of sale technology in your restaurant is the simple set up. With Bluetooth enabled receipt printers, users can eliminate the need for messy cables, and simply pair their tablet or mobile device with the Bluetooth printer to easily print kitchen orders or receipts. Another benefit of wireless Bluetooth over WiFi connectivity for your point of sale is that you no longer have to worry about outages due to network connection issues.

    2. Table-side Service

    By pairing a tablet or mobile device with your receipt or kitchen printer, this allows for servers to take customer orders right there at the table and send the orders directly to the printer. Restaurant owners and managers no longer need to worry about the server forgetting to enter the order after taking it, because it is all being done in real-time. Additionally, Bluetooth POS technology allows restaurants to equip each table with their own tablet device, so customers can sit down and order as they please without needed to wait for their server in a busy restaurant.

    3. Improve Order Accuracy

    By enabling table-side service in your restaurant, you are ensuring improved order accuracy. As the server is taking the customer’s order, they can simultaneously send the order through the point of sale system to the kitchen for preparation. This means that there will be less miscommunication between the customer and the server, and between the server and the kitchen staff. There is less chance of there being missing item from the order or having an order placed incorrectly. The server can also remember to upsell add-ons or suggest a new item, because the full menu is right there in front of them as they enter the customer’s order. This not only improves customer satisfaction, but can result in an increase in revenue for the restaurant owner.

    4. Pay at the Table Capability

    When providing the convenience of table-side ordering to your restaurant guests, it is important to compliment that with table-side payment capability. Ordering and paying for food either online or through a mobile application is quickly gaining popularity, and consumers are now looking for this same convenience when dining out. With pay at the table capability, customers can simply swipe their card and receive their receipt right at the table, or pay through a mobile app offered through the restaurant without having to wait for the server to bring the check, return to collect the payment, and then print the receipt. Again, allowing customers to pay at their own convenience will help to increase customer satisfaction and allow restaurants to get more tables in and out more quickly, resulting in a reduced wait time and increase in revenue.

    Sabor POS and Star Micronics provide a point of sale solution for restaurants that utilizes Bluetooth technology in order to guarantee total workflow efficiency and an increase in customer satisfaction. Learn more about Sabor POS and their support for Star’s TSP100IIIBi, TSP650II BTi, and SP700 BTi printers, and the all-in-one mPOP™ peripheral for restaurants.

    Download our success story here: Star_Castrillo_Case-Study

  • Disruptive Technology and Its Influence on the Receipt

    Disruptive Technology and Its Influence on the Receipt

    It wasn’t that long ago that shopping was a single-channel experience. If a customer needed something, they purchased the item at the store, checked out at the register and took their receipt at the end of the transaction. However, disruptive technology like mobile commerce has opened new channels that have transformed the entire retail experience.

    Mobility and the Modern Shopper

    Mobile commerce is expected to hit an all-time high in 2017, according to the retail analysts at eMarketer.com. The website estimates that this year, more than 95 million Americans will make at least one purchase on a smartphone and an even higher number – 165 million people – will use their smartphones to research and compare products. Retailers have been working to adapt to shopper’s new preferences by optimizing their websites for mobile, introducing new store apps, and offering cross-channel purchasing options.

    Although the competition from online-only retailers is fierce, big data has helped brick-and-mortar retailers learn more about their customers’ habits and preferences. Online shopping is highly personalized, so physical retail stores are working to provide a similar experience by gathering information about their customers via social media, traffic counts, and loyalty engagement, but big data has helped them to better predict trends, develop targeted marketing campaigns, engage customers across channels and generate a higher level of customer loyalty.

    Mobile Commerce’s Impact on the Receipt

    Disruptive technology like mobile payment platforms will continue to emerge and gain popularity and the number of purchases made using smartphones will soar. These innovations have transformed the way we shop and pay for purchases, but it’s also had an enormous impact on another staple of a payment transaction: the receipt.

    Many retailers require receipts for returns and exchanges, but disruptive technology has changed the way we think about receipts – how they are printed and issues and what information they include. A customer who opts for the mobile checkout to avoid waiting in line still expects to be given a receipt, and Star Micronics’ printing and receipt apps along with wireless printers make this possible.

    The SM-T300i, for example, is a popular wireless printer with an ultra-rugged design, perfect for busy restaurants or retailers and other harsh work environments. Printing is possible via practically every mobile device using Star’s newest app PassPRNT, which enables printing from an iPad®, iPhone®, iPod touch®, or Android™ device. Star’s cloudPRNT, is an innovative technology enabling users to print to Star printers directly through a cloud service.

    Although it’s easy to lose track of paper receipts – whether they are crumpled on the floor of the car or shoved into a pocket, electronic receipts are easy to organize and access later. Star Micronics’ AllReceipts™ is a free, cloud-based digital receipt application that allows users to store and manage receipts on their mobile device. Customers just have to scan the QR code at the bottom of the receipt using the app.

    Disruptive technology like mobile payments and big data have changed the way people shop as brick-and-mortar retailers work to compete with the highly-customized experience that online-only retailers can provide. Receipts are still expected with every purchase, so this technology has been forced to evolve as shoppers prefer mobile checkout and paying with their smartphones. Star Micronics offers an arsenal of options for retailers seeking wireless solutions for receipt printing, so customers can receive their receipts and organize them the way they are most comfortable.