The Star team had a blast at RetailNOW 2021. We proudly demonstrated some of our latest solutions in our booth, including:
Explore POS printers, label printers, kiosk solutions, and accessories for retail, restaurant, self-service, and more.
Technology has been evolving with the food industry for a long time, to the point where a restaurant can no longer stay competitive without it. In the past, a restaurant’s success depended on word of mouth, but today it relies on online reviews and social posts which give the business the opportunity to become globally renowned. Did you know that in addition to fueling notoriety, technology can also greatly improve restaurant operations?
Technology has revolutionized restaurant operations.
For example, mobile point of sale (POS) systems like Square, delivery applications like Uber Eats, and kiosks like those from Curbngo are user-friendly and built to improve both the user experience and operational efficiency. Not only do these tools enable restaurants to offer better, faster services but they also allow them to provide new services that they may not have been able to offer on their own. For instance, prior to delivery apps not many restaurants were able to offer delivery. Now with the help of this technology, they all can deliver and even expand to new areas outside of their neighborhoods. They share customers and drivers with all other restaurants, and they don’t have to worry about how to find those customers, or how to manage the drivers.
An unexpected additional benefit of these technologies is that they have helped the industry survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Just imagine if these technologies weren’t available when the pandemic started; the impact to restaurant businesses and the food industry caused by lockdowns would have been much greater.
This evolution of technology has also brought challenges to some restaurant owners. To serve more customers restaurants are signing up for more delivery platforms, but this can come with a high price tag during busy hours when multiple orders arrive at the same time through multiple online platforms. It makes it even more difficult when, at the same time, customers are ordering at the restaurant through the POS. Staff may have a hard time writing down and manually tracking orders, something that will impact performance and, as a result, the restaurant’s reviews.
In reality, this commotion is not a result of using the technology, but rather a mismanagement of the technology. With proper planning and the right approach, multiple ordering channels can easily be managed. One such approach is by creating a proper workflow, known as a “Single Flow,” in which all orders from all platforms seamlessly flow to the kitchen and back to the customer.
Operational efficiency is the key to remaining competitive in any industry. This can only be achieved by establishing an efficient workflow that can easily be followed by all employees. The specifics of the flow differ from business-to-business, but its supporting principle is the same across all businesses: to operate as efficiently as possible by maintaining the desired cost and quality.
You can think of a single flow like the triangle diagram below. You can only provide the best customer experience when you are operating efficiently, maintaining product quality, and operating efficiently by utilizing the right technology.
A restaurant’s single flow looks like the circle below. It’s simple, streamlined, and starts and ends at the customer, with the focus being on the efficiency of the operation. The customer orders the food through a delivery platform like Uber Eats, on the restaurant’s website, or at the restaurant (dine-in or takeout). The ordering platform notifies the kitchen of the new order, then kitchen staff prepare and package the food, and hand it over to the person who delivers the food to the customer. This can be a food delivery driver or staff handing it to the customer in the restaurant.
The top portion of the graph (in green) requires less of the restaurant’s energy because the delivery platforms and their associated technologies are already providing the required efficiency for this phase.
The bottom portion of the graph is the operational center of a restaurant and where the efficiency focus should be, from streamlining order notifications reaching the kitchen staff to food preparation and packaging.
There are two ways to tackle conquering this portion of the Single Flow:
Both options come with their own pros and cons but what’s common between the two is the need for a reliable and compatible printer.
A 3-inch wide, high-resolution (200+ dpi) order has to be available to the kitchen staff as soon as it’s made by the customer on a platform, whether the order originates on a delivery app or the restaurant’s POS. Once the restaurant gets busy, orders can get mixed up and even missed, making negative, damaging customer reviews more likely to occur. A Star Micronics thermal printer, like the TSP143III or a TSP654II equipped with CloudPRNT technology, can make a huge difference.
There are many aggregators available in the market. They all offer different features, settings, and benefits, but one advantage they all have in common is the streamlining of order notifications to the kitchen. This is a huge plus for a high-traffic takeout restaurant.
These aggregators also offer their disadvantages. The most common disadvantage is their monthly fees. Depending on the features and technologies being offered, this can vary from $50 per month to $250 per month. Please note that if you choose to use an aggregator, you will still need to purchase a thermal printer to deliver orders to the kitchen.
A simple, affordable single flow solution is the use of thermal printers. Some thermal printers, like those from Star Micronics, offer a variety of benefits like:
The two options mentioned above will take care of the notification portion of the single flow, but order preparation and packaging are also very important. If one of the two options above is implemented, then this part can easily be resolved by utilizing a printed receipt or label. For example, a liner-free label printed by the TSP654IISK printer can be used to adhere order information and modifications to the food from the prep line to the pickup counter. Better yet, it can be removed and reapplied without leaving any residue behind, further streamlining the process.
In conclusion, the right technology can make a huge difference in improving a business’s operational efficiency. The two options above (an aggregator or the use of thermal printers) are equally effective at delivering order notifications to a kitchen, but one might carry more weight compared to other based on a business’s needs. For instance, an aggregator offering menu management for a restaurant with multiple menus would likely be the most efficient option. Vice versa, a high-traffic, single-menu restaurant would likely benefit from multiple high-speed thermal printers more than anything else.
Looking for a solution provider to help you streamline your restaurant’s operations? Minunat can help. They are a business IT solution providers focused and specialized in POS and kiosk solutions for bars, restaurants, and cafes. Check out the Minunat website to find the right hardware for your application or contact them now for a free consultation for your business.
Somerset, NJ – July 29, 2021 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is excited to announce the release its Universal mEnclosure universal tablet enclosure designed for tablet-based systems including point of sale, retail digital displays, kiosk stands, meeting room time management, and more.
With expanding arms and VESA mounting, the Universal mEnclosure effortlessly accommodates multiple sizes and types of tablets. Designed to be future-proof, the enclosure works with all industry stands and mounts, as well as the Star-exclusive mUnite tablet stand and nearly any tablet including Android, iOS, and Windows tablets ranging in size from 232mm x 169mm (iPad Air 2 9.7) to 280mm x 214mm (iPad Pro 12.9).
The Universal mEnclosure allows the tablet to be mounted horizontally or vertically, and when paired with an mUnite stand the cashier can flip the tablet for customer use. Additionally, the enclosure’s locking arms combined with a single-key design help to secure the tablet and prevent theft. Available in a sleek black finish, the enclosure features clean cable management that hides the messy look of cables as well as a felt layer to prevent the back of the tablet from being scratched.
“The Star team prioritizes helping small businesses simplify and optimize their operations, and the Universal mEnclosure rings true to that mission,” said Jon Levin, Director of Product Management at Star Micronics. “With our new enclosure, businesses no longer need to buy a new enclosure every time they purchase a new tablet or spend time finding the right enclosure for their generation of tablet, saving them valuable time and money.”
Somerset, NJ – July 27, 2021 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that C-Trax has added support for the Star’s mPOP® and TSP143III. C-Trax offers an ERP solution for industrial hemp business to manage sales, payments, staff, customers, and inventory, all in one place.
C-Trax cannabis software brings integrated payment solutions to the cannabis industry and allows retailers to manage customer loyalty, inventory, product compliance, and customer marketing while providing the flexibility to choose their own payments partner. The software features hardware-free functionality, easy onboarding, customer check-in, franchise loyalty, digital payments, business analytics, e-commerce integration, and inventory health.
With the integration of Star’s mPOP, C-Trax provides a complete all-in-one solution to cannabis retailers. The mPOP combines a receipt printer and cash drawer and features compatibility with iOS devices. Its slick and distinctive aesthetic, paired with its unique Flat Bill cash management makes it ideal for modern and professional cannabis retailers. By using Star’s TSP143III, C-Trax offers hemp retailers high-speed printing, unique Print Flat technology, and Lightning connection for simultaneous charging and data transfer.
“C-Trax is excited to partner with Star Micronics to meet our customers’ needs,” said Sean Tolliver, CEO of C-Trax. “The superior hardware components integrate seamlessly with our platform for an ideal experience for retailers and customers alike.”
To engage with customers is to create memories with them, and being memorable means a greater chance that they will return to your dispensary. Customer engagement is a multifaceted feat, but your POS can help you tackle multiple tactics within that journey. Here’s how:
As we discussed above, customers want to feel secure in their shopping experience. A shopper is far more likely to return to a business where they felt confident in the safety of both their product and personal information, versus one where they felt unsure and unsafe. A professional checkout experience provided by a proper POS system can build that trust by providing a secure transaction and proof of legal purchase via printed and digital receipts.
As ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus once said, “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” In other words, time is money and if you waste your customer’s time, you can pretty much count on them not returning. Luckily, the right POS can help you avoid that situation. A reliable system will consistently stay connected to the internet, meaning no downtime or network issues. Providing a smooth transaction process gives your staff more time to engage in meaningful discussion with customers and builds consumer confidence in your establishment, meaning a greater chance of repeat business.
According to bigcommerce.com, 92% of consumers believe suggestions from friends and family more than advertising, and 74% of consumers identify word of mouth as a key influencer in their purchasing decisions. Simply put, customers tell others about their great shopping experiences, and your POS can help you provide a memorable, buzzworthy encounter.
Beyond providing a seamless purchase, your POS can also provide customized promotions to boost customer engagement and retention. For example, with PromoPRNT, Star printers can print customized messages directly on the bottom of receipts for free. These messages can promote upcoming sales, new strains, “strain of the week,” e-commerce sites, delivery services, loyalty programs, now hiring messaging, social media accounts, and more.
Now that you understand the importance of POS when it comes to customer engagement, retention, and satisfaction, how do you choose a POS system that will help you succeed?
Star is proud to partner with C-Trax, one of the industry’s best cannabis software POS providers and the first cannabis software solution bringing integrated payments to retail and wholesale.
C-Trax started in 2019 after its founder visited a dispensary in Las Vegas and had an unbecoming checkout experience. That moment motivated C-Trax to build software aimed at solving bad customer checkout experiences and contributing to a positive, memorable shopping trip instead.
You can find C-Trax software in the Southeast United States and beyond. Designed for CBD retailers, the solution features the Star Micronics mPOP® receipt printer/cash drawer combo which is seamlessly integrated with both C-Trax software and popular payment platforms like Square. Other C-Trax features include:
Learn more about the all-in-one mPOP in the below video:
As a reseller in the point of sale (POS) industry, it’s becoming increasingly important to not just sell products, but to be a full solution provider and trusted adviser to your customers. Besides being the one your customers turn to for all things tech, being a trusted advisor also means you must always be identifying new selling opportunities. A benefit of this can, of course, be boosted margins. In today’s blog post, explore five portable receipt printer opportunities to help you move deeper into accounts while also thickening your wallet.
Pay-at-the-table is gaining popularity, and for good reason. Touch-free tableside payments – which eliminate back-and-forth handling of cards or cash – boast multiple benefits, including:
Help your customers offer seamless, profitable pay-at-the-table options by providing the ideal portable receipt printer.
2” Receipts
Bluetooth, Apple BLE
Another opportune industry for selling portable printers is any business that needs to complete transactions on-the-go. Examples of this include field services like telecommunications, HVAC, pest control, and contracting; landscaping; and taxi services. While these all provide very different services, they have one thing in common: they need fast, reliably connected receipt printers to keep their customers happy and their revenue flowing. Help them reach those goals by providing the right portable receipt printer.
3” Rugged with MSR, Receipts & Labels
Bluetooth
The days of getting up from your seat at a sports game or concert to go stand in a long line for a snack or beverage are ending. Mobile and in-seat sales of concessions at stadiums, parks, and event venues are on the rise, and offer many benefits like:
2” High-Speed Receipts
Bluetooth
Getting pulled over and receiving a ticket is on fun, but one thing that makes it even less fun is a long wait. Help police officers quickly and safely provide tickets and citations with the right portable printer. Not just any mobile printer will do, however; be sure to offer a printer that is rugged and built to last, can print 4”-wide documents, and is available with accessories like belt clips, shoulder straps, and car chargers.
4” Rugged with MSR, Receipts, Labels & More
Bluetooth
The usage of mobile printers in retail stores seems virtually endless. From big-box stores to specialty retailers and salons, portable printers have a place in nearly every brick-and-mortar establishment. Examples of mobile printer usage in retail stores include:
3” Receipts & Sticky Labels
USB, Bluetooth, Apple BLE
While mobile transactions and processes aren’t new, their speed, seamlessness, and integration with modern payments and devices are increasingly important in a variety of industries. As a reseller, it’s pertinent that you stay up-to-date on trends such as these to remain a trusted advisor and to maximize your profits. The right portable printers, like those from Star, can help you do just that.
Boost your business by offering Star Micronics portable printers! Star is proud to offer a full line of portable, wireless receipt printers that are compatible with Bluetooth, Android, and iOS iPad and iPhone devices. Capable of printing receipts, labels, tickets, and more, the portable printers are ideal for retail, hospitality, parks and stadiums, police, food trucks, landscaping, pest control, field service, and more.
C&H Hawaiian Grill was a long-time passion project, founded by Hensan and Cora Timo. They have been in business for 16 years, starting in Killeen, TX, serving hearty island BBQ. The Timo family wanted to share the “Aloha” spirit with their community combining the essence of vibrant Hawaiian experiences with a laid-back atmosphere. They recently opened their Austin, TX location and plan to open in San Antonio, TX in May, 2021.
Download the full case study >
The SituationLike many other independent restaurants, C&H Hawaiian Grill felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and were forced to shift their business model. Prior to the pandemic, C&H used third-party delivery services such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, and hired someone full-time to handle delivery and pickup orders via phone. When the global pandemic hit, the amount of delivery and pickup orders coming in via phone quickly became too much to handle manually.
Since their current third-party ordering services did not have a solution for curbside pickup, and many of their orders were still call-ins, C&H knew they needed another solution. That’s where UBMe and Star Micronics come in.
UBMe offers a social, mobile technology that is built to help local businesses connect with their customers. UBMe’s seamless technology allowed C&H customers to search and order food directly through the app for curbside pick up. Even more, the app allowed C&H to communicate with these customers when they arrived to pick up their orders with specific safety instructions and procedures.
C&H started by installing the UBMe platform without the Star printer, but quickly realized it was too difficult to track the orders coming to their tablet or phone. Once they installed Star’s mC-Print3 with CloudPRNT technology, online ordering became a breeze. Orders placed through the UBMe app would print directly to the kitchen so they could begin food prep right away.
“UBMe and Star helped solve an issue that we never expected to arise,” says Hensan Timo, Owner of C&H Hawaiian Grill. “Curbside pickup seemed to grow overnight, and many of the existing online ordering apps did not have an easy solution for this transition. With UBMe and Star, online ordering has never been easier.”
After seeing success with UBMe and Star in their Killeen location, they installed the solution in their Austin location as well.
From the time that C&H installed the UBMe and Star solution, they nearly doubled their profits from online orders. C&H has printed hundreds of curbside pickup orders at their Killeen location. The system has been easy to use for both employees and customers, and the customers love being able to communicate directly with the restaurant through the UBMe app.
With UBMe’s 5% flat commission per order, the solution is maintainable and affordable for C&H Hawaiian Grill.
Discover which solutions can keep your business squeaky clean and help customers feel confident at your brick-and-mortar location.
The development side of the industry is also experiencing changing POS trends. Development phases are accelerating, and software providers are developing using cross-platform tools (like the StarXpand™ SDK) on the React Native platform, cutting development time and cost in half.
As most digital interactions and virtual communications are happening in the cloud, POS transactions, especially for online ordering, are not an exception. Technologies, like CloudPRNT, are allowing the seamless connection of thermal printers to the cloud. These technologies are not only cost-effective but also shorten integration and development times and are becoming the go-to solution in the market.
Did you know that more than 65% of customers said they would be more willing to visit a restaurant if self-service kiosks were offered?
Clearly, self-service kiosks are a rising POS trend and as they are more widely used, consumers will hold them to a higher standard and expect them to be reliable, intuitive, and safe to use. Because of this, self-service kiosks are particularly sensitive to the quality of the components they are integrated with, so it is essential that those components are selected carefully.
Some POS hardware manufacturers, like Star, offer a vast portfolio of kiosk printers with receipt and labeling capabilities with features that can help ensure customer satisfaction. For example, a kiosk printer with a bezel allows for jam-free kiosk operations, and large-capacity paper rolls allow for extended paper autonomy.
For businesses and integrators with tight budgetary constraints, there are still options for assembling a highly sophisticated self-service kiosk solution. For example, businesses can pair a desktop printer, with the right technology built-in, with a universal tablet enclosure, a tablet, and a tablet stand. This is when finding the right one-stop shop POS manufacturer to work with that can provide all of those components becomes key.
Recommended Solution
For an affordable yet high-quality kiosk, connect the Star Micronics mCP31L multi-interface thermal printer to an iPad via the Lightning port. Next, place the iPad in a Universal mEnclosure (which locks for security purposes), attached firmly to an mUnite stand. Pairing these Star products together can turn a potentially complicated and costly kiosk project into a functional, cost-effective, and simple one.
