Tag: POS Hardware

For Android Users, The TSP143IVUE Printer is AOA-OK!
At Star Micronics, we’re always attuned to market dynamics and trends. Following our successful launch of MFi technology, which facilitated seamless Lightning connections between our printers and Apple’s iOS devices, we recognized the surging adoption of Android devices in powering small business point-of-sale (POS) systems.

To remain at the forefront of industry innovation, we swiftly adapted to serve this expanding Android market segment, ensuring compatibility and operational excellence.

Embracing the Android Open Accessory (AOA) protocol has been transformative for both software developers and business owners. The TSP143IVUE is ultra-connected and boasts an array of features ensuring future-proof adaptability. With AOA integration, this thermal printer not only streamlines operations but also underscores the sophistication and innovation at the helm of today’s businesses.

Let’s dive into the specs for the TSP143IVUE, but first, let’s find out what AOA is:

What is Android Open Accessory (AOA)?

Android puts it best on their website, so why ruin a good thing?

Here’s what they said about AOA:

“Android Open Accessory (AOA) support allows external USB hardware (Android USB accessories) to interact with Android-powered devices in accessory mode. When an Android-powered device is in accessory mode, the connected accessory acts as the USB host (powers the bus and enumerates devices) and the Android-powered device acts as the USB accessory.”

“Android USB accessories are designed to attach to Android-powered devices. Such accessories adhere to AOA, enabling them to detect Android-powered devices that support accessory mode, and must provide 500mA at 5V for charging power.

Some previously-released Android-powered devices are capable of acting only as a USB device and cannot initiate connections with external USB devices. AOA support overcomes this limitation, enabling you to build accessories that can initiate connections and interact with an assortment of Android-powered devices.”

The TSP143IVUE Thermal Printer Supports AOA

Star’s new innovative printing solution accommodates the fast-growing Android-user market with the connectivity people want. The future-proof TSP143IVUE supports the Android Open Accessory (AOA) protocol, allowing the printer to communicate with and power most Android devices when plugged in.

With its modern design, enhanced connectivity, ease of integration, and 20% smaller footprint than its predecessor, the TSP143IVUE is the perfect solution for the demands of today’s market.

The TSP143IVUE Supports CloudPRNT & More
Along with AOA support, adding a USB/LAN Dual Interface and CloudPRNT to the newest TSP143IVUE thermal receipt printer has fully elevated our popular printing series for today’s needs. This advanced printing solution seamlessly integrates with Android, iOS, and Windows applications, offering unparalleled versatility and ease of use.

Plus, it’s backward compatible with its previous version, the TSP143III, making it effortless for people to upgrade.

It’s also Cloud Ready, connecting to cloud-based POS software and Star Micronics Cloud Services. Star’s Cloud Services enable offsite device monitoring in real-time, custom-designed promotions, and more.

Here are some key features of the TSP143IVUE:

A Dual Interface: LAN + USB (USB-C and USB-A)

A Compact and Ultra-Modern Design

AOA Protocol Support: Charging and Communicating with Android Devices

CloudPRNT technology to work with cloud-based software

100% Cloud Ready with Star Micronics Cloud Services

Full compatibility with its previous version

250mm/s High-Speed Thermal Printing

Easy “Drop-In & Print” Paper Loading
Discover the TSP143IVUE: AOA Excellence and Beyond

Find out more about the TSP143IV series, including the UE model here.

Questions? Talk to a member of our friendly Sales Team:

Contact Sales Today
June 8, 2022
The Tech You Need For Your Cannabis Delivery Service

If you are a dispensary owner, you will undoubtedly consider starting a cannabis delivery service for your customers. Demand for the plant, either for recreational consumption or medical needs, has taken the industry to new highs, and surely you want to be in on the action. Of course, that is assuming cannabis delivery is legal in your area! Let’s say it is.

Now, where do you start? What do you need?

In cannabis delivery, technical equipment is required to successfully meet your customers’ needs. Software that helps you create an online store, allows for online ordering, accounts for inventory management, and integrates with the proper point-of-sale (POS) hardware is a must-have to assist your delivery aims.

Let’s see what tech you’ll need to start your cannabis delivery service:

Online Store & Website

Using the omnichannel approach for setting up a cannabis delivery service is ideal for the best results. Online ordering has rapidly grown, and it will only continue. An omnichannel strategy means that the customer can access your product through multiple channels such as social media, websites, apps, etc. This way, the customer has many convenient options and can order the product quickly and wherever they are the most comfortable. An online store is one of those options.

You must first set up a website and online store to get started. An online store is usually an extension of a website. If you are a dispensary owner, you likely already have a website for your business. You can look into your web development platform for online store options. Many companies use application software that provides your delivery service needs, from creating an online store to payment and marketing. Setting up an online shop for your cannabis will take some work, but it is worth every effort.

It should be mentioned that a dispensary looking to deliver should incorporate some essential features into its online store. These features include the ability to calculate sales tax in each region. The website should be able to see which areas are legally allowed to deliver cannabis. Moreover, the website should also be able to scan customer IDs so their ages can be verified.

Again, there are companies that provide products with these capabilities, including POS software.

POS Software & Hardware

Both software and hardware for POS are essential to process and calculate the transactions received from online customer orders. They also help fulfill payments, print order tickets and receipts, and keep your entire POS space tidy while protecting your valuables.

Hardware

If you already own a dispensary, you’ll have most of what’s listed here. But, if you’re starting from scratch or want to update your point-of-sale, you’ll first need a tablet or a computer. Many people go for tablets these days as they are more cost-effective and can be just as powerful. There is a lot of software out there that works great on tablets.

Whether you choose a tablet or computer, having a protective display stand to hold it steady would be wise. At Star, we have a variety of tablet display stands, including an all-steel tablet display stand built for three different tablets so you can see them all at once. This is great for having multiple online orders coming in, especially orders for delivery. Each tablet is held firmly in place yet can easily be seen and accessed.

If you don’t have tablets that display orders, have a printer that prints the online order you have received, indicating that you have an order pending. There are also printers out there that print repositionable sticky labels so that the order can move along with the product as it’s being prepared. Customers will want receipts once their products arrive, so a well-connected printer is necessary.

Other than tablets or computers, Star Micronics has all the hardware you need for your dispensary point-of-sale if you’d like to check it out here.

Software

Well-performing POS software is a must for any business in general. Luckily for the cannabis industry, there is software made especially for it. Many cannabis-related POS apps can help with online store setup, inventory management, delivery operations, omnichannel marketing, taking care of payments, and much more. There are even companies that take care of the delivery logistics for your storefront entirely. It’s so easy to get started!

Another critical piece of the puzzle is the proper integration of your POS hardware with your software. Your online ordering system and point-of-sale machinery should work together seamlessly. Some people choose their hardware first and find software that works with it, while others select their software first.

Delivery Logistics

Delivering cannabis is a tremendous job, and some safety precautions must be taken when the order is dispatched to deliver. If you are looking to manage your deliveries, you must have a GPS tracker in your vehicle so you know where your driver is at all times and whether the parcel has been delivered to the correct address or not.

Another thing to remember is that the driver or deliverer must have a tablet with access to your online store delivery software so they can update it after every delivery. This is crucial for inventory control and management of your cannabis products.

Most dispensaries take payments online, but if you don’t, you’ll need a mobile payment terminal so your delivery person can accept payments on the spot.

Conclusion

Technology is a massive part of our lives, and the trend may never slow down. If you decide to introduce a cannabis delivery service to your customers, make sure you have the equipment mentioned above in place. There will be upfront costs, but the upside is incredibly lucrative long-term. Anywhere they’re legal, cannabis delivery services have taken off in this country. Why not be part of the action?

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April 20, 2022
Star Micronics Introduces Wireless Technology for the Latest TSP100IV

The TSP143IVUW supports dual-band WiFi, becoming a hub that gives maximum flexibility when connecting to any network.

Somerset, NJ – April 19, 2022 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point-of-sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is excited to announce the release of the TSP143IVUW, the latest model in the new TSP100IV series that now boasts dual-band wireless technology.

This innovative printing solution supports dual-band connectivity (2.4GHz / 5GHz), giving ultimate control over the local printing environment. Wireless networks that need long-distance coverage can use 2.4GHz, while the more powerful 5GHz is best for reducing lag and interference, especially in busy kitchens with microwaves and hardware that compete for bandwidth on a 2.4Ghz network. By offering a choice to use one of the two frequencies, 2.4GHz or 5GHz, Star’s TSP143IVUW provides maximum flexibility when connecting to any network.

The TSP143IVUW is Cloud Ready, able to connect to any cloud application that supports Star’s CloudPRNT technology. With the addition of Star Micronics Cloud Services, including digital journal, cloud promotion print management, and device monitoring, the TSP143IVUW offers retailers and restaurateurs the next generation of POS printing, enabling marketing and receipt tools for the omnichannel world.

Featuring a wide range of OS support, including Windows, iOS, Android, web- and cloud-based applications, the TSP143IVUW is high-speed and can print up to 250 millimeters per second. Its sleek, compact design boasts a 20% smaller footprint, with a protected internal power supply and fast “drop-in and print” paper loading. Offered with WLAN and USB-C connectivity, this printer has exceptionally easy installation, making it simple to incorporate into your existing POS system.

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About Star Micronics

Star Micronics, a world leader in point-of-sale (POS), has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, self-service, and customer engagement solutions for any retail or hospitality establishment. Embracing the mPOS wave, Star’s SDKs allow developers to utilize Star printers in tandem with Android™, iOS, iPad®, and iPhone® devices to generate receipts, labels, Chit, and tickets. Star Micronics is always leading and always innovating, creating cloud-based printing solutions, including CloudPRNT and Star Cloud Services, with AOA support and MFi connectivity. Star also has a wealth of peripherals, including 2D barcode scanners, scales, tablet display stands, and more. Visit www.starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

Media Contact:

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318

April 19, 2022
Star Micronics Introduces the TSP143IVUE Thermal Receipt Printer

Star Micronics releases the new TSP143IVUE, an ultra-connected and innovative thermal receipt printer.

Somerset, NJ – March 8, 2022 – Continuing its “Always Leading – Always Innovating” philosophy, Star Micronics presents the TSP143IVUE, a modern and ultra-connected point-of-sale (POS) printing solution.

Already a leading player in the mobile POS (mPOS) market, the new Star Micronics TSP143IVUE offers multiple ways to connect. It has a USB/LAN Dual Interface and cloud printing capabilities for traditional POS and mPOS solutions.

Built with all the capabilities you have come to expect, the TSP143IVUE has a more compact and sleek design, with added features like AOA (Android Open Accessory) support and CloudPRNT. AOA technology gives the printer full communication with your Android device while keeping it powered and charged.

The TSP143IVUE is high-speed and can print up to 250 millimeters per second. Its innovative design boasts a 20% smaller footprint, with a protected internal power supply and fast “drop-in and print” paper loading. This printer has exceptionally easy installation, making it simple to incorporate into your existing POS system.

The Star TSP143IVUE is also Cloud Ready, able to connect to any cloud application that supports Star’s CloudPRNT technology. It’s part of a new generation of devices that can connect to the Star Micronics Cloud Services platform, where users can customize and enhance their receipts by adding graphics or logos and triggering coupons, enhancing customer experience.

Love industry trends? Check out our podcast:

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About Star Micronics

Star Micronics, one of the world’s largest POS providers, has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, and customer engagement solutions for any retail or hospitality establishment in POS and mPOS environments. Embracing the mobility wave, Star’s complementary SDKs allow users to utilize Star printers in tandem with Android™, iOS iPad®, and iPhone® devices to generate receipts for all of its printers. In addition, Star Micronics is always leading and innovating, enabling web-based printing solutions, including remote cloud printing, wireless cash drawer solutions, proximity-based printing, and secure cash management. For more information, visit www.starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318

March 8, 2022
6 Ways POS Hardware Can Keep Your Dispensary Competitive
The cannabis market is rapidly growing day by day. In order to meet the high consumer demand, dispensaries seem to be emerging left and right. If you’re in the business, you have to run your cannabis dispensary’s day-to-day operations successfully to stay competitive. An efficient point-of-sale (POS) system, specifically designed to meet the particular requirements of the recreational cannabis industry, is what you need.

A cannabis dispensary’s key POS requirements differ from that of a regular retail establishment. One of the most critical elements in making your dispensary more competitive and better managed is the selection of the right POS system. This not only includes software but the proper hardware as well. This POS should have all the latest technology to help you transform your cannabis dispensary into a competitive, profitable business.

Essential POS Hardware For Dispensaries:
Computer

Receipt Printer

Barcode Scanner

Label Printer

Cash Drawer

POS Scale

Computer: A computer system with the minimum requirements to run the POS software of your choice is first needed. You must make sure the POS software runs on whichever computer operating system (OS) you want to use. Make sure you have a high-grade processor and enough RAM, plus a good internet connection. Many retailers are using tablets these days to run their POS software.

Receipt Printer: Although digital receipts are an option, most consumers want stores to be able to print them a receipt of purchase if requested, especially for credit card transactions. Unlike digital receipts, printed receipts don’t require any contact details from the customer, such as email address or phone number.

Finding a receipt printer of high quality and versatility to be able to take you into the next era of point-of-sale is absolutely vital. Not every printer is created equally. You want a receipt printer that can connect to different computer operating systems, in case you ever update. Being able to print from the cloud is also another must-have feature. You also want quick and easy installation so you can get to more important things.
Barcode Scanner: Barcode scanners are designed to recognize, record, and read any information contained in a product barcode or QR code. Dispensary employees can use scanning technology for POS, inventory, and marketing purposes. You’ll want an easy-to-connect and use scanner that reads accurately and quickly.

Label Printer: Labels are essential in the cannabis industry. Many states in the U.S. require QR codes on retail cannabis products that easily show the customer important information about the origins and properties of what they’re purchasing. Having your own label printer, like the TSP743II, can save a lot of money, instead of buying custom-made labels from a third party. With your own label printer, you can easily print your own, updating them exactly when you need to, and controlling the size and shape yourself.

Cash Register/Cash Drawer: Cannabis has not yet been authorized on a federal level. As a result, federally authorized banks generally refuse to hold cannabis dispensary owners’ earnings over the risk of losing their license to operate legally. Therefore, most dispensary transactions are made in the form of cash. A durable cash drawer with adequate storage that effortlessly connects to your POS receipt printer is a must.

Scale: A legal-for-trade scale is the final requirement for a cannabis dispensary POS. Not all scales will serve as a proper dispensary scale, however. The scale must be an NTEP-certified scale (or Measurement Canada certified in Canada). A scale that directly connects to the POS system is basically expected these days, as it streamlines the POS, saving time and money. A direct connection between the weight and price of your cannabis for sale lessens the chance of human mistakes and enhances the customer experience.

Check out Star’s line of POS scales, NTEP-certified and made for the cannabis industry>

Importance of POS Software

Before we continue, now would be a good time to mention the importance of your POS software. Your dispensary’s point-of-sale software can have a significant effect on staff productivity and client satisfaction. Pick software and services that work for you to earn the most out of every sale.

Obviously, the POS software should be user-friendly and assist you in handling the dispensary’s cash flow, keeping a record of your sales. Your budtenders should have easy access to your POS system. Cannabis laws differ from one state to the next. Because of this, certain POS software designed for the cannabis industry will make sure that each sale complies with your state’s standards. This makes life easier for your budtenders and prevents potential legal problems.

How POS Hardware Can Keep Your Dispensary Competitive

A modern POS system will assist a retail cannabis dispensary’s ultimate goals of keeping customers satisfied and maximizing profit. Here are six ways your POS system can help your dispensary stay competitive:

Simpler Dispensary Arrangement

Most point-of-sale systems are much simpler these days, and many can even be used on the go. This enables a dispensary to get rid of a traditional checkout counter. It is convenient to have budtenders equipped with tablets or other devices to meet consumers across the dispensary to finish payments. Any handheld device can be turned into a mobile checkout alongside a portable printer. This means the dispensary can be redesigned to have more room and a better flow that isn’t centered on a single cash register.

Compliance With Regulations

The cannabis sector is shackled by many rules, regulations, and tax concerns. On top of this, these regulations are constantly changing. Failure to live up to these regulatory requirements could result in severe penalties. As mentioned before, POS software is out there that can help with regulatory compliance. This software is made specifically for the cannabis industry. Thanks to a central database and built-in analytics, you can get real-time data reports for ensuring compliance.

Having the proper information on product labels and customer receipts is also handled with the right receipt and label printers. You can’t afford to miss any required data, and having printers that can be updated with little hassle can make your job easier.

Explore POS receipt and label printers here>

Aid Budtenders & Staff

A great POS system can help your employees better serve your customers. From wait times to simple inventory data, a POS system can enhance the experience of your customers and keep them coming back. With the right setup, details regarding the types of cannabis available allow budtenders to better respond to consumer inquiries. It simplifies the job of dispensary employees in many ways.

Improving Customer Experience

Having the right receipt printer, like Star’s TSP143III, allows you to design and print promotional material right onto your receipts. This can help boost any promos you may want to schedule.

You can also use QR codes for loyalty programs, scanning them from your customers’ phones with the proper scanner, and seeing all of their previous purchases. As a result, you can provide a more personalized experience to them. When budtenders have access to a customer’s previous purchases, they can make informed recommendations for future purchases. This could potentially lead to more long-term relationships.

Star has a robust collection of NTEP-certified POS scales

Inventory Management

The majority of cannabis retailers recognize the importance of effective inventory management. Nevertheless, this procedure can take considerable time. Alongside good POS software, POS scanners and scales can help provide key inventory management. Scales are absolutely necessary for any dispensary, but one that connects to your POS system makes transactions easier, faster, and much more accurate. These tools allow a dispensary to quickly determine the top and worst-selling products.

Ensuring that popular items are always available will keep customers coming back, and you can be assured that space in your dispensary is never wasted.

Take a look at Star’s NTEP-Certified precision POS scales>

Increase Sales

Filling customer demand, staying compliant, having the right inventory stocked, having a sleek and clean store–these are all things that keep your dispensary full of repeat customers, increasing sales. Increasing your sales keeps revenue rolling in, putting your dispensary two steps ahead of your competitors.

Cannabis is a fast-paced and profitable market, and many players are moving in on the space. Having a modern POS system is essential, especially with hardware that not only helps you grow but can grow with you. Customers have a lot of expectations these days and having a POS system that helps you meet those demands can be the thin line that separates you from the rest.

Have A Look At Star’s POS Hardware:

Star Micronics Cannabis Solutions
February 25, 2022
Tech That Helps The Restaurant Labor Shortage: A Quick Guide

When dining rooms abruptly shut down during the pandemic, restaurants quickly adapted. By either establishing new processes or shifting to new business models entirely, once-elegant spaces gave way to outdoor dining. Indoors were reconfigured for social distancing or managing delivery and curbside pickup. Plexiglass dividers became standard. But, after all of the effort and investment, restaurants are still operating below 2019 levels. The only constant seems to be change.

The pandemic is partly to blame for the slow recovery. Customers have been hesitant to return to in-person dining. But it isn’t the only challenge restaurants must overcome — the labor shortage is arguably an even bigger issue. Though the leisure and hospitality sector added 2.6 million jobs in 2021, employment in food services is still 653,000 below where it was before the pandemic really hit. On top of that, many employers are now dealing with high turnover, losing and taking on workers at a greater pace than usual.

Restaurant Labor Shortages

The ongoing labor shortage is impacting the entire range of restaurant segments, forcing operators to make changes to stay in business. From an operations perspective, this may mean offering in-person dining at fewer hours per day or fewer days per week and seating fewer patrons. Businesses may also abbreviate menus to make food prep workloads more manageable with a smaller staff. These measures may help keep the doors open, but they add up to fewer table turns and less revenue.

Employees are also feeling the pinch. They may be working longer hours and taking on more responsibility. Employees have options, however. They don’t necessarily have to stay in their current jobs. Some will leave, enticed by competitive offers and attractive signing bonuses. Others may opt to explore careers in different industries altogether, ones that offer stable hours and better benefits. In any case, departing employees make the situation even worse for the co-workers and restaurants they leave behind.

Furthermore, customers have quickly realized that eating out just isn’t the same as it was. The waits are longer. Favorite foods are no longer on the menu. The staff seems rushed and maybe even less friendly. At a time when restaurants need to rebuild, they can’t afford negative customer experiences. They can’t afford to keep hiring new people just to watch them leave. They can’t afford fewer tables turned and lower revenues.

So, how can restaurateurs take their power back?

Tech That Helps Overcome Labor Shortage Challenges

In the face of all of these problems, perhaps investing in new restaurant tech can help. Here are five technologies that can ease the burden of operating short-staffed in a constantly changing environment. What’s even better is that this tech can improve the customer experience while future-proofing your restaurant at the same time.

Self-Service Kiosks

Freestanding and table-top kiosks allow guests to place their own orders when ready. As an added advantage, self-service kiosks have been shown to increase customer spending by an average of 20 percent, according to recent studies. Researchers attribute higher average tickets to customers’ ability to scroll through menu choices at their own pace, giving them privacy and control of their ordering experience. These unattended solutions are programmed to optimize the customer experience with smart displays and upselling suggestions, increasing the potential for impulse menu selections.

From an operational standpoint, kiosks cover the relatively simple task of entering orders into the restaurant’s system, freeing managers to reassign employees to higher-value activities, such as food prep or curbside pickup management. Additionally, kiosks with advanced capabilities can automatically update menus when items are 86ed, or even tailor selections to returning customers, personalizing their experience.

Kitchen Display System (KDS)

Modern KDS technology is designed to help fewer people manage more orders. An effective KDS routes information to specific food prep stations automatically, eliminating service interruptions and paper trails, keeping kitchens and food prep areas organized and efficient.

KDS makes real-time data accessible to busy staff, further balancing workloads and boosting productivity. When part of an integrated system, staff can also print to-go box labels as part of the workflow, keeping orders organized, reducing excess waste, and optimizing back-of-house operations.

The TSP654IISK thermal receipt, label, and linerless sticky paper printer by Star Micronics is capable of printing orders directly from the cloud, compatible with many popular POS and kitchen display systems.

Online and Mobile Ordering

When a restaurant implements online and mobile ordering solutions, employees no longer have to step away from other important tasks to take orders. Online and mobile ordering also minimizes human error from staff reducing waste and losses due to misinterpreted orders.

Additionally, when the online ordering solutions are integrated with the point of sale (POS) system and kitchen display system (KDS), work is immediately prioritized and scheduled, ensuring all food prep occurs at the right time. Fewer items are missed, and orders are ready for the customer efficiently and on time.

Furthermore, online and mobile ordering solutions drive repeat business and customer loyalty by providing customers with an easy, convenient way to order. It also gives restaurants valuable data they can use to personalize future orders on any channel.

Contactless Pay at the Table

Pay-at-the-table solutions increase table turns by eliminating the back and forth to stationary POS terminals, including the time it takes to wait in line to use them. Instead, wait staff can accept credit, debit, and touchless payment methods on the spot, allowing guests to check out with a tap or a swipe of a card on contactless-enabled devices. Portable receipt printers complete pay-at-the-table transactions, with staff providing receipts immediately after payment.

Another option for creating a quick, touchless payment experience is to print a QR code on the customer’s receipt, allowing guests to pay privately, securely, and conveniently from personal devices. Like contactless pay-at-the-table, QR code payments make settling the check a one-step process, saving time and helping staff provide service to more customers.

Antimicrobial Covers

Antimicrobial covers are sold by Star Micronics to help keep germs off high-traffic surfaces.

With ongoing health and safety concerns, antimicrobial covers add another layer of confidence, not only for staff but for customers as well. This helps people feel safer in your establishment. Available in multiple shapes and sizes, protective covers are easy to affix and remove, leaving zero residue. Once applied, anything from door handles and panels to elevator buttons are less likely to harbor and spread bacteria and germs. Antimicrobial covers protect workers and customers without needing constant staff attention and supplies.

In businesses where there’s a shortage of staff, antimicrobial covers can help keep workers healthy and on the job, too.

Smart Investments Deliver Value Now & In The Future

As the restaurant industry continues its slow yet steady road to recovery, it’s vital to make smart investments. Restauranteurs want to ensure survival through this labor crisis, but they also need to think long-term. By automating mundane tasks, technology can help restaurants increase operational efficiency, greatly improving customer experience. Plus, they’ll be able to function whether fully staffed or not.

When restaurants settle into the new normal, the technology used during the crisis will only continue to bolster customer dining experiences, proving strong ROI.

Those who last are the ones who act. Which technology will you be looking into?

Find Out More About Star’s Future-Proof POS Solutions:

Contact The Star Sales Team

January 19, 2022
How to Start a Ghost Kitchen

Launching a business in the restaurant space carries a lot of risks. The nationwide restaurant failure rate is challenging to track, but the National Restaurant Association estimates a 30% failure rate in the restaurant industry. With high failure-to-thrive rates, rent, and other overhead costs, plus difficulty filling dining rooms, it’s easy to see why entering the industry is so daunting. However, many restaurateurs have found a way around these challenges: ghost kitchens.

A ghost kitchen is a professional food preparation and cooking facility set up to prepare delivery or takeout meals without the dining room. This solution has made entering the market more manageable, allowing for flexible working space, eliminating the costs of setting up and running a larger front-of-house operation. For these reasons, many restaurateurs and other entrepreneurs are looking into how to start a ghost kitchen, including what kind of point of sale (POS) technology they will need to get started.

Get the Ghost Here

Planning a Ghost Kitchen

Ghost kitchens lower the barrier of entry to the restaurant industry. However, there is still a significant amount of planning that goes into opening a ghost kitchen. For instance, you will still need to find a kitchen space to buy or rent from. The good news is, without a dining room, you can select from a workspace that may have lower foot traffic, which means cheaper rent.

It may still take you a while to design a menu, however, and you will have to decide between in-house delivery services or outsourcing with partnerships from UberEats, DoorDash, or other sources. And, of course, you will still have to invest in the usual kitchen essentials: food, utensils, and technology.

POS Technology To Invest In

As a ghost kitchen owner, your operations will be very different from traditional restaurant operations and will require a more comprehensive digital solution. To keep up with these unique demands, you will need specific technology designed for your kitchen.

First, you will need an ordering and payment solution that will allow customers to order and pay for their meals online or via a mobile app. Next, you’ll need a kitchen display system (KDS) to get those online orders directly in front of your kitchen staff, keeping your line moving fast and efficiently.

Also, you can keep your kitchen moving by sending orders to a mobile printer using linerless labels and sticking them directly onto the to-go packages. This minimizes confusion, shortens delivery and pick-up time, keeping the orders moving (be sure to use tamper-proof labels to assure food order safety as well). In addition, as a digitally advanced kitchen, you’ll need a POS system that integrates all of these solutions, making it easy and seamless to manage your operations on a day-to-day basis.

The EZPOS tablet display stand by Star Micronics

If you use multiple delivery services and want to keep your POS system flexible by using a mobile tablet, it’s also a smart idea to invest in a tablet stand. It may quickly become one of your kitchen’s most essential tools, providing a home base for your point of sale and making it easier for staff to match up orders with corresponding delivery service providers. A proper stand should also help to protect your tablet, including any receipt or order printer you may have alongside it.

Your go-to For Ghost Kitchen POS Technology

Star Micronics provides flexible, futureproof POS technology designed to connect front and back-of-house operations with ease, keeping ghost kitchens operating at their peak. Star provides everything from portable printers, regular and sticky thermal receipt paper, durable tablet stands, and much more. Through one of our certified partners, you can get all of the hardware your ghost kitchen needs.

If you’re ready to find the best step up for your ghost kitchen and get ahead of your competition, contact Star today. Discover what our industry-leading technology can do for you and your restaurant business goals.

The Growing Industry of Ghost Kitchens: The Tech You Need To Get Started

Learn the essentials of starting a ghost kitchen and the technology restaurateurs will need to get started.

Download Now

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December 17, 2021
How POS Value-Added Resellers Can Profit from Ghost Kitchen Startups

As a POS value-added reseller (VAR), you are constantly looking for new opportunities to grow your business. Ghost kitchen startups offer just that opportunity. With 8,000 active operations across North America, ghost kitchens have moved past the proof-of-concept stage and are well on their way to becoming mainstream. In fact, a November 2020 report by Valuates Reports predicts ghost kitchens will generate $71.4 billion by 2027.

VARs providing ghost kitchen solutions have the perfect opportunity to differentiate their businesses. You can expand beyond providing solutions to traditional restaurant models, help your clients enter this nontraditional space, and win back their declining revenue streams by offering ghost kitchen solutions.

Download the Guide

Products VARs Can Provide For Ghost Kitchen Startups

For VARs looking to help clients open their new businesses, or expand current ones, these are the technologies that are essential:

Mobile POS

The first thing you will need to help clients obtain is a mobile point of sale (POS) solution. This point of sale system should feature wireless connectivity and integrations necessary to allow ghost kitchen operations to be flexible and efficient. This may mean that the POS software is used on a tablet so that managers can take their work with them as they review operations.

Online Ordering and Payment

Ghost kitchens are specialized kitchens designed to handle to-go orders. Thus, the POS system you provide must integrate with an online ordering and payment system. Bonus points if that integration comes with an easy-to-use mobile app!

Printers & Paper

Additionally, your POS solution should integrate with portable printers. Having a solution that can intake orders and print them instantly to keep operations running quickly is vital. Improve their operations even more by stocking them up on linerless labels and receipt paper for commercial-grade linerless sticky label printers, like the TSP654IISK, which allows online order labels to be placed directly on corresponding to-go boxes for frictionless operations that make food preparation and pickup a breeze.

The TSP654IISK sticky linerless label printer by Star Micronics

Tablet Stands & Pole Mounts

Provide clients a home base for their tablet and printer system with a durable and protective tablet stand. With the right stand, you can give clients style and function within a sleek, compact frame. The mUnite stand is highly configurable and easy to set up and use. These reliable steel tablet display stands and pole mounts support Star’s extended line of POS printers, in addition to all major Android, iOS, and Windows tablet models, affording protection to each device.

Ready to Begin?

Star Micronics provides flexible, futureproof POS technology designed to seamlessly connect front and back-of-house operations to keep ghost kitchens operating at their peak. They can help you provide clients with all the technology above and more! If you’re ready to start making a profit off of ghost kitchen startups, contact Star Micronics today.

Ghost Kitchens: A Growing Market Within the Restaurant Point-of-Sale Space

Insights for VARs on why more restaurateurs and entrepreneurs are utilizing ghost kitchen business models and how to leverage existing technology to assist those clients.

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December 10, 2021
What to Look for in a POS System for a Small Restaurant
As the owner or manager of a small restaurant, it can be intimidating to think about all of the point of sale (POS) components that you need. With so many options on the market, what’s the best POS system for a restaurant? Read on to explore the must-have POS system features, from online ordering to front-of-house management.

1. Online Ordering Capabilities

Online ordering went from a “nice-to-have” option to a “must -have” in just a couple of short years. In fact, online food delivery sales are estimated to grow up to $220 billion by 2023 (and comprise 40% of total restaurant sales). And let’s not forget about online orders for in-store pickup, too. Either way you cut it, online ordering isn’t just for the chains; it’s for small businesses like yours.

Be sure to look for a POS system that includes online ordering capabilities. Some POS software may include this feature, or you may be able to simply use a printer equipped with cloud printing technology (like Star’s) to print third-party online orders from services like DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, and more.

2. Mobile Payment Acceptance

Just like online orders are booming, so are mobile payments. Simply put, mobile payments are those made on mobile devices like smartphones and smart watches. Instead of paying with cash or a credit/debit cards, consumers use their digital wallet to pay for their goods.

To be able to accept mobile payments, your POS system must be equipped to handle NFC (or, near field communication) payments, which are made by a mobile device (or contactless card) being two inches or less from the NFC-equipped card reader. Examples of mobile payment providers are Apple Pay, Google Pay, and select credit/debit cards.

3. Back-of-House Communication

We’ve all been there: you find a restaurant that serves up delicious food but has a clunky workflow that leaves you hungrily waiting for your meal. Avoid being this restaurant by choosing a POS system that features top-of-the-line communication between the front-of-house and back-of-house. What does this look like? It looks like a POS terminal (or online ordering service) that seamlessly communicates to the restaurant kitchen KDS (kitchen display device) and kitchen ticket printer via technology like CloudPRNT. As orders are placed, they’re immediately sent to the cook in full detail. Say goodbye to long wait times and inaccurate orders with the right communication!

4. Front-of-House Management

Efficiently turning tables means higher revenue. Successfully navigating a large party means happy, repeat customers. Clearly, front-of-house management is key, and the right POS system for a small restaurant can help those efforts. Look for a POS system that features click-and-drag layout builders and the ability to see table times and when tables are about to turn.

5. Menu and Order Management

Menus change, and customers’ tastes vary. Your POS can help you navigate that. The right POS system can help you arrange your menu in a way that makes the checkout process faster, as well as let you make real-time updates from anywhere and apply them to every one of your locations.

When it comes to order-taking, restaurant POS systems can help you quickly modify your customer’s order to their exact taste. Have a special discount idea in mind? POS systems can also allow you to create happy hours and more in mere seconds.

Star Restaurant POS Solutions

From online ordering printers to kitchen buzzers, Star is proud to offer POS solutions for restaurants, QSRs, food stands, and more.

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6. Marketing Capabilities

One of the reasons people love small restaurants is for their personal touch. Leverage POS technology to take that personal touch to a new level! POS systems for small restaurants can include marketing capabilities including:

Detailed customer profiles so you can send customized offers

Loyalty/reward programs

White-labeled websites and apps that feature your restaurant’s branding

Custom receipt marketing (available on select receipt printers, like Star’s)

7. Detailed Reporting

If there’s one thing that POS systems have, it’s data, and you can put that to use by choosing a POS system that offers detailed reporting.

Reporting can include:

Live data and daily statistics

Sales by category

Sales by item

Sales by payment type

Sales in different shifts

And more

8. Integrations

Right about now you may be thinking there’s a lot of different technologies involved in the best POS system for a restaurant. There’s the software, the hardware, and third-party services like food delivery. That leads us into the next (and possibly most important) aspect of a POS system: it’s integrations.

Save valuable time (and avoid headaches) but choosing a POS system that is integrated with either the software and hardware you already have, or the software and hardware you want to have. For example, if you already have Star printers, choose a POS software that is integrated with Star (hint: there are many). Or, if you know you want to use a certain POS software, be sure that your hardware is integrated with it so that you can set up your system out-of-the-box.

9. Technical support

Support is important – and not just when something breaks! Be sure to choose a POS system and vendors that offer pre-sale support (helping you identify the right solution for your needs), installation support and training, and easily accessible post-sales support (like an online help center and live chat).

Star’s Affordable Small Restaurant POS Bundle

mCP30 with mC-Sound

If you’re looking for an affordable kitchen printing setup, look no further than the mCP30 paired with an mC-Sound kitchen buzzer.

mCP30 Highlights:
Everything you love about the mC-Print3, with an even lower price tag.

• Ethernet
• USB
• CloudPRNT for online ordering

Learn More >

mC-Sound Highlights:
A modern take on the kitchen buzzer.

• Discreetly fits inside the mCP30
• High quality sound (89dB)
• 16 pre-recorded melodies
• Records custom user speech

Learn More >

Explore all of Star’s restaurant POS solutions now.
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September 9, 2021
5 Reasons You Need a Cannabis Dispensary POS System
The cannabis industry is flourishing. With recent legalizations, including New York, it is without a doubt that the market will see countless new dispensaries opening their doors in the near future. Whether you already operate a dispensary or are looking to open one, read on to learn what to look for a in a dispensary point of sale (POS) system and why they’re so important.

What to Look for in a Dispensary POS System

First, let’s dive into a quick list of must-have dispensary POS system technologies. POS systems have several components, but they don’t need to be complicated. One way to make it easy? Choose a POS supplier (like Star Micronics) that can provide all necessary hardware and has integrations with industry-leading dispensary POS software companies. Essential dispensary POS system components include:

Receipt printer: Receipt printers are of utmost importance to dispensaries. Proof of legal purchase is essential – and there’s no better way to provide it than with a receipt. Additionally, it’s important to note that depending on your region, receipts must also contain other information, like store name and address, product category/name, and appropriate tax codes/identifiers.

Label printer: Another printer that’s important to have on hand is a label printer. Labels are integral for seed-to-sale tracking, a key requirement in cannabis regulatory models. This process tracks plants and their byproducts from planting all the way through to the plant’s sale.

Cash drawer: Currently, the majority of dispensary transactions are cash. Why? According to FindLaw.com, “Even though dispensaries supplying recreational or medical marijuana may be perfectly licensed and legal under state law, federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug and considers marijuana businesses illegal. The banking system is regulated by federal law, so banks risk charges of aiding and abetting a federal crime or money laundering if they choose to do business with marijuana-related ventures.” That being said, a durable and high-volume cash drawer is key.

Scale: One of the most critical elements of a dispensary POS system is the scale. When it comes to scales, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the scale must be legal to use in your state and NTEP-certified. This certification ensures that the scales are charging the correct amount for the product being weighed. Another great feature to look for is a scale that is integrated directly into the POS as direct integration can reduce the risk of human error in data entry.

Accessories: There is a plethora of dispensary POS system accessories that can take your business to the next level, including: scanners to increase the speed of transactions and convenience of scanning, an LED customer display so shoppers can easily see item prices and the transaction total, and a tablet stand and enclosure that features hidden cable management and matches the rest of the dispensary POS system aesthetic.

Software: At the heart of a successful dispensary POS system is the right software. Like we discussed earlier, it’s key to make sure that your software is integrated with all of your POS hardware. Additionally, some software features to look for are built-in ID scanning and age verification, loyalty programs, on-demand product information, alternative payment acceptance, offline mode, inventory management, analytics and reporting, and more.

How Resellers Can Cash in on Cannabis Point of Sale

The cannabis industry has become one of the fastest growing markets. Here’s how resellers can take advantage.

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5 Benefits of a Dispensary POS System

So now that you know what needs to be included in your dispensary POS setup, why exactly is all of this important? Here are 5 major benefits of a dispensary POS system:

Compliance: Compliance is, of course, absolutely critical for dispensaries. POS systems can help not only provide necessary proof of purchase, but can manage inventory and age and ID verification as well. Common compliance violations include failing to report inventory, patient purchase limits, sales to minors, and inadequate delivery documentation. These violations are severe and can result in notice to comply, citation for violation, interim suspension, or revocation of license.

Accuracy: Keeping product secure from seed to sale, and ensuring you’re selling the exact amount you think you are, is important. POS label printing solutions can aid in accurate seed-to-sale tracking, and an NTEP-certified scale complete with a windshield means you’re charging exactly the right amount for the product you’re selling.

Online Ordering: Did you know that cannabis delivery soared during the pandemic, and that change is likely here to stay? The right POS software will be capable of ecommerce and delivery, and will be integrated with a complete line of POS hardware. With the right POS system, staying up-to-date on digital trends is a piece of cake.

Future-Proof Integration: Speaking of being future-proof, choosing the right dispensary POS software and hardware means no matter where the market goes in terms of ecommerce or payments – as national banking eventually opens its doors to the industry – your POS system will already be prepared to handle it all.

Marketing: As the market explodes and competition becomes fiercer, marketing is key – and your dispensary POS system can help. Opt for a POS software that includes loyalty programs, gift cards, and marketing tools like email campaigns and social media integration. Your POS hardware can help too – with PromoPRNT, you can print custom promotions on the bottom of your Star Micronics receipts and labels for free.

The Proper Dispensary POS System is Important – Now and in the Future

In summary, while an ideal dispensary POS system has many parts, including software and hardware like receipt and label printers, cash drawers, scales, and more, deploying the best solution doesn’t need to be complicated. By choosing the right POS dispensary system suppliers you can start taking advantage of the many benefits a proper system offers, like compliance, accuracy, future-proofed technology and integrations, and built-in marketing benefits.

Star Micronics has the POS technology your dispensary needs to thrive today and in the future.

Download Cannabis Brochure
April 15, 2021