Tag: POS Scales

Star Micronics to Showcase Labeling, Order Accuracy, and Cloud POS Solutions at the 2026 National Restaurant Show
Star will demonstrate food safety labeling, order accuracy workflows, and cloud-connected POS solutions at Booth 6454 during the 2026 National Restaurant Show.
Chicago, IL – May 15, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global leader in POS hardware, labeling, and cloud printing technology, will exhibit at the 2026 National Restaurant Show, taking place May 16–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. At Booth 6454, Star will showcase integrated solutions for food safety labeling, kitchen execution, and order accuracy in partnership with leading restaurant technology providers.

Food Safety and Traceability Workflows

Star will demonstrate food safety labeling solutions that replace manual processes with automated, connected workflows.

In partnership with ConnectedFresh and Kitchen Technology, Innovations by Integrated Control Corp. (KTI/ICC) attendees can see how labeling is generated during kitchen workflows using Star’s mC-Label3 and mC-Label2 multifunction label printers.

These demonstrations highlight how operators can:

Generate prep, expiration, and traceability labels at the point of food preparation

Replace handwritten logs with consistent, printed labeling

Use die-cut or linerless media depending on workflow needs

More advanced integrations also demonstrate how real-time data can automatically trigger labeling, allowing operators to capture food safety processes without manual input.

KDS and Order Accuracy in the Kitchen

Star is also highlighting how kitchen display systems (KDS), labeling, and verification workflows work together to improve order accuracy in high-volume environments.

In collaboration with Logic Controls, attendees can follow how orders move from the front of house to the kitchen via the KitchenGO KDS platform, where staff can view items on-screen and instantly trigger labels through Star’s labeling workflow tools.

These workflows enable staff to:

Apply sticky linerless labels directly to orders for clear identification

Reduce missed or misrouted items during peak service

Maintain consistency across prep and handoff

Additional demonstrations showcase scan, weigh, and print workflows using integrated hardware, including the mG-T30 POS scale, BSH-32B barcode scanner, and SK1-311 thermal kiosk printer.

These verification workflows allow operators to:

Scan items to confirm order accuracy

Verify portioning or weight-based items

Generate labels or receipts as part of a single process before fulfillment

Cloud and Omnichannel POS Integration

Star’s booth also features cloud-connected POS workflows that support modern restaurant operations across in-store, kiosk, and online ordering environments.

Attendees will see how cloud-based systems can:

Route orders across multiple stations and locations

Print directly from online ordering platforms without local servers

Support consistent workflows across dine-in, takeout, and delivery

Using solutions such as StarIO.Online and CloudPRNT Next, Star enables reliable communication between digital ordering systems and physical kitchen hardware, helping restaurants maintain consistency across locations and service models.

Star will also showcase the mC-Connect cash drawer controller, which allows tablet and cloud POS systems to control cash drawers directly without requiring a printer connection. Designed for modern and space-constrained POS environments, the device supports flexible cash management workflows across retail and hospitality operations.

Partner Ecosystem on Display

At Booth 6454, Star features integrations with a range of restaurant technology partners, demonstrating how hardware and software work together to support real-world operations.

“Restaurants are managing more complexity than ever across ordering channels, kitchen workflows, and compliance requirements. At the National Restaurant Show, we’re focused on showing how integrated solutions, from labeling to KDS to cloud printing, can help operators bring more control, order accuracy and consistency to their day-to-day operations.”

Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics

Free Order Accuracy and Workflow Audit

In addition to live demonstrations, Star Micronics is offering a complimentary audit for restaurant operators looking to evaluate their current workflows.

The audit identifies gaps in order accuracy, labeling, and kitchen communication, while providing practical recommendations to improve consistency across prep, packaging, and handoff.

Attendees are invited to visit Booth 6454 to see the solutions in action, meet with partners, and schedule a one-on-one workflow review with the Star team.

For more information, visit starmicronics.com.
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Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

Media Contact:

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318
May 15, 2026
OIML Scales: Understanding Global Compliance for POS Scales
For retailers, grocers, and other businesses using POS scales, compliance is not optional. If a scale is used to determine price based on weight, it must meet legal-for-trade requirements in the region where it is deployed.

That’s where confusion often begins.

Different countries follow different standards, and terms like OIML, NTEP, and Measurement Canada are often used interchangeably when they are not the same. For businesses operating across regions or planning international expansion, understanding these differences is critical.

This guide explains what OIML scales are, how they compare to NTEP and Measurement Canada, and what these standards mean for POS scale deployments in real-world retail and grocery environments.

Explore Star’s POS Scales

Table of Contents

What Are OIML Scales?

OIML scales are weighing devices that meet standards set by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). These standards are designed to ensure accuracy, consistency, and fairness in commercial transactions involving weight.

OIML-certified scales are commonly used in legal-for-trade applications across global markets, particularly in regions outside the United States and Canada.

In practical terms, if a business is selling products by weight in an international market, an OIML-compliant scale is often required to meet local regulations.

What Is OIML Certification?
OIML certification confirms that a scale complies with internationally recognized metrology standards. These standards are defined through a series of technical documents known as OIML recommendations.

These recommendations establish how scales should perform under various conditions, including:

Accuracy and repeatability

Environmental stability

Durability over time
One of the most widely referenced standards is OIML R76, which applies to non-automatic weighing instruments such as retail and grocery POS scales.

For businesses, OIML certification provides confidence that a scale will meet regulatory requirements and deliver consistent, reliable performance in commercial use.

OIML vs NTEP: What’s the Difference?

While both OIML and NTEP relate to legal-for-trade compliance, they apply to different regions and regulatory frameworks.

OIML
International standard

Used in many countries worldwide

Based on global metrology recommendations
NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program)
United States standard

Managed by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM)

Required for legal-for-trade scales used in the U.S.
The key takeaway is that OIML and NTEP certifications are not interchangeable. A scale approved under one system does not automatically meet the requirements of the other.

For businesses operating globally, this distinction is critical when selecting POS scales for different markets.

OIML vs Measurement Canada: Key Differences

Measurement Canada governs the approval and certification of weighing devices used in commercial transactions within Canada.

While there are similarities between Measurement Canada and OIML standards, they are separate regulatory systems with their own requirements and approval processes.

Measurement Canada
Applies specifically to Canada

Requires approval for legal-for-trade use

Includes inspection and compliance verification
OIML
Applies internationally

Provides a framework for global standardization
Some devices may align with both sets of requirements, but approval in one region does not guarantee compliance in another. Businesses must ensure that their POS scales meet the specific certification requirements of each country where they operate.

What Are OIML Recommendations (and Why They Matter)?
OIML recommendations are technical guidelines that define how weighing instruments should perform. These documents serve as the foundation for OIML certification.

They cover areas such as:

Measurement accuracy

Tolerance limits

Environmental testing

Device classification
For example, OIML R76 outlines the requirements for non-automatic weighing instruments, including most retail POS scales.

These recommendations help ensure consistency across international markets, making it easier for manufacturers and businesses to align with global standards.

What This Means for POS Scales in Retail and Grocery
For businesses using POS scales, compliance directly impacts day-to-day operations.

If a scale does not meet the required certification:

It cannot legally be used to sell products by weight

Transactions may be subject to regulatory penalties

Customer trust can be impacted
This is especially important for:

Grocery stores

Delis and fresh food counters

Specialty retail (including cannabis and bulk goods)
For multi-location or international businesses, the challenge increases. Each location must meet the specific requirements of its region, whether that means OIML, NTEP, or Measurement Canada certification.

Selecting the right POS scale is not just about performance. It is about ensuring compliance across every location where the business operates.

Do you run a restaurant or QSR and find orders going out wrong more often than they should, especially during peak hours? Read up on “Why Leading QSRs Use POS Scales & Labels to Increase Order Accuracy” >

Choosing the Right Certified POS Scale
When selecting a POS scale, businesses need to balance compliance requirements with day-to-day operational performance. The right solution should meet regional regulations while supporting fast, accurate transactions at the point of sale.

For example, a grocery POS scale deployed in Europe may require OIML compliance, while the same deployment in the United States would require NTEP certification. Understanding where and how the scale will be used is the first step in selecting the right device.

Key factors to consider include:

Required certification (OIML, NTEP, or Measurement Canada)

Integration with POS systems and retail workflows

Accuracy and reliability in high-volume environments

Durability for consistent daily use
A legal-for-trade POS scale that does not integrate well into the POS workflow can still create operational challenges. The goal is to choose a solution that meets regulatory requirements while supporting efficient, scalable transactions across locations.

Want to know more? Read our blog article, “The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Right POS Scale for Your Business” >

How Star Micronics Supports Global POS Scale Compliance
Star Micronics provides POS scale solutions designed to meet the needs of modern retail and grocery environments, where compliance and performance must work together.

Star POS scales are built to support:

Legal-for-trade compliance across multiple regions

Reliable performance in high-volume environments

Integration with POS systems and retail workflows
With a focus on accuracy, durability, and ease of use, Star helps businesses deploy POS scale solutions that meet regulatory requirements and real-world operational demands.

Star’s OIML-certified POS scales are available in regions outside the United States, including Europe. To learn more about availability and deployment options, reach out to the Star Micronics team in the UK.

Understanding OIML, NTEP, and Measurement Canada requirements helps businesses avoid compliance issues and confidently deploy POS scale solutions across regions. With the right hardware and approach in place, compliance becomes a built-in advantage, not a barrier to growth.

Learn more about Star Micronics POS scales and compliance-ready solutions for global retail and grocery environments.

Contact Star Today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About OIML Scales

What does OIML stand for?

OIML stands for the International Organization of Legal Metrology. It is a global organization that develops standards and recommendations for measuring instruments used in commercial transactions.

What is an OIML scale?

An OIML scale is a weighing device that meets the standards set by the International Organization of Legal Metrology. These scales are typically used in legal-for-trade applications in international markets.

What is the difference between OIML and NTEP certification?

OIML is an international standard, while NTEP applies specifically to the United States. Both ensure accuracy and compliance for legal-for-trade scales, but they are governed by different organizations and are not interchangeable.

Are OIML scales required in the U.S.?

No. In the United States, legal-for-trade scales must be NTEP certified. OIML certification is generally used in international markets outside the U.S.

Can a scale be both OIML and NTEP certified?

Yes. Some manufacturers design scales to meet both OIML and NTEP requirements, allowing them to be used in multiple regions. However, each certification must be obtained separately.

What are OIML recommendations?

OIML recommendations are technical guidelines that define how weighing instruments should perform. They serve as the basis for OIML certification and help ensure consistency across international markets.

What are the classes of OIML scales?
OIML classifies scales based on their level of accuracy. Common classes include:

Class I: High-precision laboratory scales

Class II: Precision scales used in laboratories and some retail applications

Class III: Commercial scales used in retail and grocery environments

Class IIII: Scales used for less precise applications such as bulk weighing

Most POS scales used in retail fall under Class III.
What are the classes of OIML weights?

OIML weights are also classified by accuracy, ranging from high-precision classes such as E1 and E2 to lower-precision classes like M1, M2, and M3. These weights are used to calibrate and verify the accuracy of scales.

What does legal-for-trade mean for POS scales?

Legal-for-trade means a scale meets the regulatory requirements needed to be used in commercial transactions where price is determined by weight. Certification ensures accuracy, fairness, and compliance with local laws.
May 8, 2026
Star Micronics to Bring Leading Cannabis POS, Labeling, and Cloud Printing to MJBizCon 2025
Visit Booth C25822 to see how Star’s hardware and cloud tools support cannabis POS platforms, weighing systems, labeling stations, and multi-store deployments.
Las Vegas, NV – December 3-5, 2025 – Star Micronics, a global leader in point-of-sale (POS), labeling, and cloud technology, is pleased to announce its participation in MJBizCon 2025, the cannabis industry’s largest B2B conference and expo. The event takes place December 3–5, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where Star will welcome attendees at Booth C25822.

At MJBizCon 2025, Star will demonstrate how cannabis retailers, vertically integrated operators, and POS software providers can improve accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency by integrating Star’s Customer First Solutions into their workflows.

Attendees are invited to explore live demonstrations of Star’s cannabis-ready hardware and cloud tools, including:

The mC-Label2 Multifunction Printer: A compact, front-loading, 2-inch printer with ultra-sharp 300 DPI resolution. Ideal for cannabis packaging stations and weighing counters, it prints receipts, tags, strain labels, shelf labels, linerless labels, and die-cut compliance labels from a single device. The X4 models offer all four connectivity options (USB, LAN, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi) and support One Touch Label for fast, stored-label printing in high-volume environments.

The TSP143IV X4 and SK X4 Series: Advanced thermal printers with four connectivity interfaces, Bluetooth-assisted Wi-Fi setup, and CloudPRNT Next compatibility for reliable multi-location and delivery routing. The SK X4 model supports removable sticky linerless labels, making it well-suited for prescription bags, order pickup, curbside/drive-up, and online cannabis ordering workflows.

StarIO.Online: A fully managed cloud printing service that removes the need for local servers or custom infrastructure. Cannabis retailers and ISVs can use a single dashboard to monitor device health, push remote updates, and manage printers across multiple dispensaries, improving visibility and control for delivery services, grow facilities, and vertically integrated operators.

CD5 Max Series Cash Drawers: Star’s most durable cash drawer line, built for cash-heavy cannabis retail. With all-steel construction, dual printer-driven and USB interfaces, a five-year warranty, and optional accessories, the CD5 Max Series provides secure, long-lasting cash handling for high-volume dispensaries.

Star Blue Eco Receipt Paper and Labels: Eco-friendly, BPA/BPS-free, Prop 65 compliant paper and label rolls that support compliant printing for weighing slips, product labels, pickup receipts, and customer transactions. Designed for optimal performance with Star printers, Star Blue Eco helps cannabis businesses meet sustainability expectations without sacrificing print clarity.

Star Micronics continues to support cannabis retailers as the industry evolves, providing technology built to increase accuracy, simplify compliance, and improve workflow efficiency across every point of the cannabis retail experience.

Attendees are encouraged to visit Booth C25822 to see these innovations firsthand and schedule one-on-one demonstrations with the Star team.

To book a demo or for more information, contact sales@starmicronics.com.
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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 Next, StarIO.Online, 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 starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

Media Contact:

Christin Trilone

Star Micronics America, Inc.

ctrilone@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318
November 21, 2025
The KDS Hardware You Need to Improve Restaurant Order Accuracy
A kitchen display system (KDS) is one of the most effective ways to improve restaurant order accuracy and efficiency. It upgrades the way restaurants communicate between the front and back of house, replacing paper chits and verbal communication with digital precision. By sending orders directly from the POS system to prep stations, a KDS helps control the chaos of omnichannel ordering from online platforms, off-premise dining, mobile apps, kiosks, drive-thru, and counter service.

However, a KDS alone won’t solve every accuracy problem in the kitchen. Orders can still break down during prep, packaging, labeling, and handoff, where small mistakes quickly turn into remakes, refunds, and frustrated customers. To deliver a complete restaurant order accuracy solution, KDS providers need POS and KDS hardware peripherals built specifically for modern kitchen workflows.

Explore Star’s Restaurant Solutions

Table of Contents

What is KDS Hardware?

KDS hardware is more than a screen and bump bar. A total solution includes label printers, barcode scanners, and scales to create an effective restaurant order accuracy solution. A comprehensive KDS hardware solution allows restaurants to optimize communication throughout the KDS workflow and ensure accuracy at every step.

Differentiate Your Offering with Modular KDS Hardware

As competition among KDS providers intensifies, differentiation becomes increasingly crucial. Partnering with a KDS hardware peripheral manufacturer allows you to offer a complete, modular solution that enhances restaurant operations and drives greater accuracy.

By combining your software with reliable POS hardware for restaurants, such as label printers, scales, and scanners, you can help your users take the next step toward streamlined workflows and consistent order quality.

Label Printers

Label printers are the cornerstone of restaurant labeling solutions. Integrating with a restaurant label printer enables restaurants to automatically generate labels when a food prep station receives an order or when it’s bumped to the next stage.

Restaurant labeling keeps every item traceable and ensures accurate handoffs between kitchen staff, expeditors, and delivery drivers. A KDS-connected label printer can even print tamper-evident labels for delivery bags to reinforce food safety and customer trust.

The ideal printer for these workflows is a multifunctional model that can handle all types of labels, as well as receipts. Multimedia printers allow restaurants to use less SKUs, with the same model printer at each station.

Linerless label printers are also a great option for high-volume kitchens in areas that don’t require die-cut only. Linerless labels eliminate liner waste and clutter while keeping labeling stations clean and efficient.

The new mC-Label2 multifunction printer offers compact labeling power with precision & connectivity.

POS Scales

Integrating POS scales as part of your KDS peripheral bundle helps restaurants verify accuracy at the final handoff. The POS scale compares the weight of a packaged order to the expected weight stored in a database or spreadsheet. Sensitive scales can even factor in wrappers, condiments, and utensils, ensuring every bag matches what was ordered.

This added layer of precision reduces errors, waste, and refunds, helping restaurants build trust and protect margins.

Barcode Scanners

Barcode scanners also play a critical role in achieving restaurant order accuracy. Scanners can be used to track inventory through barcode labels, ensuring ingredients stay stocked and accounted for.

For customer-facing operations, scanning technology provides visibility into the order journey, signaling when items are ready for pickup, handed off to delivery, or en route. This transparency helps prevent disputes, minimize chargebacks, and increase customer satisfaction.

Star’s 1D/2D Barcode Scanners

Star offers a comprehensive range of IP-rated 1D/2D barcode scanners, ideal for diverse business needs. From retail to healthcare, our versatile scanners excel in parsing driver’s license and ID barcodes, ensuring swift and accurate data capture. Choose the perfect fit for your setup—desktop, handheld, or wireless Bluetooth options available.

5 Must-Have Features in KDS Hardware

When looking for a hardware partner to enhance your KDS solution, make sure they offer thermal printers, scales, and scanners that deliver the durability, compatibility, and flexibility restaurants depend on.

1. Ruggedized Hardware

Kitchen environments demand hardware designed for heat, humidity, and constant use. Purpose-built kitchen printers deliver greater reliability and longer service life in these conditions, helping reduce downtime and support costs.

In temperature-controlled kitchens, connected thermal ticket printers can also be effective, provided they are engineered for continuous, high-volume operation. For KDS platforms, choosing hardware with a low total cost of ownership (TCO) ensures restaurant partners avoid frequent replacements, service calls, and operational disruption.

Learn more about Star’s kitchen printer solutions here >

2. Cross-Platform Compatibility

To reach the widest range of restaurant environments, KDS platforms must integrate seamlessly with peripherals that support all major operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS. Broad OS compatibility ensures printers, scales, and scanners can be deployed consistently across diverse POS ecosystems without limiting customer choice or increasing integration complexity.

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3. Cloud-Based Printing
For KDS providers, consistent order flow depends on reliable, low-latency printing that integrates cleanly with cloud-based applications. Cloud-based printing allows printers to communicate directly with cloud systems, eliminating reliance on local print servers and reducing architectural complexity.

Modern cloud printing architectures built on MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) enable faster, more reliable message delivery between cloud applications and connected printers. This event-driven approach supports real-time order and label printing, even during peak volume periods, helping keep KDS stations, expo lines, and fulfillment workflows synchronized.

CloudPRNT Next enables ISVs to implement MQTT-based cloud printing directly within compatible Star printers, giving KDS platforms full control over their own cloud infrastructure and backend logic.

StarIO.Online offers a fully managed, Star-hosted cloud printing service for KDS providers that prefer to offload infrastructure management. Print jobs are delivered securely via REST APIs, with support for both MQTT and HTTP, defaulting to MQTT when the printer is compatible.

CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online use the faster, leaner MQTT protocol.
4. Remote Device Management
For KDS providers supporting multi-location restaurant environments, device visibility and uptime are critical. Remote device management allows ISVs and operators to monitor printer status, connectivity, and job health across locations without requiring on-site intervention.

StarIO.Online provides KDS platforms with real-time visibility into cloud-connected printers, including online/offline status and print job activity, all through a Star-hosted infrastructure. This reduces troubleshooting time and removes the need to manage local servers or gateways.

Star Micronics Cloud Services gives ISVs that manage their own cloud infrastructure programmatic access to printer status and connectivity data, allowing developers to build custom monitoring dashboards or embed device visibility directly into their KDS platforms.

Together, these options allow KDS providers to support enterprise-scale deployments more efficiently, maintain consistent performance across locations, and keep order accuracy tools running reliably without increasing operational overhead.
5. Scalable Support
Growth shouldn’t introduce friction. The right KDS hardware partner supports scale with cloud-ready printing architectures, flexible integration options, and long-term technical support designed for multi-location and enterprise restaurant environments.

Key elements of scalable KDS support include:

Cloud-native printing architectures – MQTT-based cloud printing enables fast, reliable communication between cloud applications and printers, ensuring consistent performance as order volume and location count increase.

Flexible infrastructure models – KDS providers can choose to manage their own cloud infrastructure using CloudPRNT Next or offload infrastructure management entirely with StarIO.Online, depending on their scalability and support strategy.

Reduced IT overhead – Star-hosted cloud printing options eliminate the need for local print servers, gateways, or on-site configuration, simplifying deployment and ongoing support for distributed restaurant networks.

Developer-first integration support – Star provides SDKs in all major programming languages, detailed documentation, and direct access to an experienced integration team to accelerate development and reduce implementation risk.

Multi-location deployment readiness – Hardware can be rolled out consistently across stores, regions, or brands, with cloud-based workflows that support centralized updates and scalable growth without downtime.

With infrastructure simplified, KDS platforms can scale faster while maintaining reliable printing and consistent order accuracy.

Explore Star-Hosted Cloud Printing
Benefits of a Total Order Accuracy Solution
When your KDS hardware is part of a larger order accuracy ecosystem, both you and your restaurant clients benefit:

Fewer errors at handoff points lead to greater customer satisfaction and fewer chargebacks.

Streamlined operations without a full POS overhaul—modular hardware works with existing systems.

Greater efficiency and visibility, helping restaurants manage every stage from order to bag.

More sustainable workflows, with less wasted time, food, and paper.

Stronger customer trust, supported by tamper-evident restaurant labeling and accurate fulfillment.
The Star Micronics Product Catalog

Built for performance and easy software integration, Star’s technology connects every part of your operation—from cloud printing and labeling to payment and cash management.

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The Future of KDS Hardware and Restaurant Order Accuracy

With the right KDS hardware partner, you can offer more than a display screen — you can deliver a complete restaurant order accuracy solution. Pairing your software with reliable POS peripherals helps your clients reduce errors, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.

By partnering with Star Micronics, KDS providers can access a range of proven POS hardware and restaurant labeling solutions that fit seamlessly into today’s restaurant ecosystems.

Additional Resources
Explore Star Micronics products that complement KDS systems and help close the loop on restaurant order accuracy:

mC-Label3 Multifunction Label Printer – prints receipts, linerless, and die-cut labels.

mC-Label2 Multifunction Label Printer – compact multimedia label printer with a die-cut-only model for focused use cases.

TSP143IV SK Sticky Linerless Label Printer – ideal for expo and delivery labeling.

SP742 Impact Kitchen Printer – rugged and reliable for hot, high-volume kitchens.

mG-T Series POS Scales – verify order accuracy and prevent costly errors.

BSH-32B Wireless 1D/2D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner – streamline tracking and communication.
Explore KDS hardware peripherals that improve restaurant order accuracy:

Contact Star Now

Frequently Asked Questions About KDS Hardware and Restaurant Order Accuracy

What is KDS hardware?

KDS hardware includes the physical devices that support a kitchen display system, such as kitchen printers, label printers, POS scales, barcode scanners, tablets, and cloud-connected peripherals. Together, these tools help restaurants improve communication, streamline workflows, and increase order accuracy.

How does KDS hardware improve restaurant order accuracy?

KDS hardware helps reduce mistakes during food prep, packaging, labeling, and handoff. Tools like label printers and POS scales provide additional verification steps that help ensure every order is complete, correctly labeled, and ready for pickup or delivery.

Why are label printers important for KDS systems?

Label printers help restaurants automatically generate prep, expiration, delivery, and tamper-evident labels directly from the KDS workflow. This improves traceability, reduces manual errors, and helps staff identify and hand off orders accurately.

How do POS scales support order accuracy?

POS scales can compare the expected weight of an order against the actual packaged weight, helping restaurants catch missing or incorrect items before orders leave the kitchen. This reduces remakes, refunds, and customer complaints.

What should KDS providers look for in KDS hardware?
KDS providers should look for hardware that offers:

Ruggedized designs for kitchen environments

Cross-platform compatibility

Cloud-based printing support

Remote device management capabilities

Scalable deployment and integration support

Reliable hardware helps ensure consistent performance across restaurant locations.

What is cloud-based printing for KDS systems?
Cloud-based printing allows kitchen printers and label printers to receive print jobs directly from cloud applications without relying on local print servers. This simplifies deployment, improves reliability, and supports multi-location restaurant operations.

What is the difference between CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online?

CloudPRNT Next allows ISVs to implement MQTT-based cloud printing while maintaining control over their own cloud infrastructure. StarIO.Online is Star Micronics’ fully managed cloud printing service, where Star hosts and maintains the infrastructure while securely delivering print jobs through REST APIs.

Why is remote device management important for KDS providers?

Remote device management gives KDS providers visibility into printer status, connectivity, and print job activity across multiple locations. This helps reduce troubleshooting time, improve uptime, and support enterprise restaurant deployments more efficiently.

Which operating systems should KDS hardware support?

KDS hardware is available for all popular operating systems, including Android, Windows, ChromeOS and Linux. Partnering with a hardware vendor that offers products that work across platforms enables solutions providers to meet the needs of more restaurants in their markets.

How does KDS hardware connect to restaurant POS systems?

Modern KDS hardware supports multiple connectivity options depending on the device and workflow requirements. Printers may support USB, LAN, WLAN, USB-C, or Bluetooth connections, while scanners and POS scales can connect through wired or wireless interfaces. Flexible connectivity helps restaurants integrate KDS hardware into existing POS environments more easily.
October 3, 2025
Food Delivery Labels: The Unsung Hero Behind the DoorDash vs. Amazon Race
The delivery wars are no longer just about who can get food to customers the fastest. With Amazon expanding same-day grocery delivery to thousands of cities and DoorDash pouring billions into grocery, retail, and international markets, the competition has never been fiercer. Together, they’re battling for dominance in a U.S. grocery and food delivery market worth more than $1.5 trillion.

But speed isn’t enough. At this scale, even the smallest mistakes, such as a mislabeled bag, a missing item, or a tamper-evident seal that fails, can result in millions of dollars in refunds, chargebacks, and lost trust. In the race between Amazon and DoorDash, the real differentiator isn’t just logistics. It’s food delivery labels.

Every order, from a grocery bag to a takeout clamshell, depends on smart labeling to ensure accuracy, compliance, and customer trust. Without it, delivery breaks down before it ever reaches the customer’s doorstep, whether you’re Amazon, DoorDash, or a neighborhood café.

Explore Star’s Labeling Solutions

The Role of Food Delivery Labels in Every Order
Behind every order, there’s a label that tells the story. Without it, mistakes pile up: wrong bags are handed off, items go missing, food safety risks increase, and customers walk away unhappy.

Food delivery labels identify the right order for the right customer across pickup, drive-thru, and third-party delivery.

Food rotation labels keep groceries and perishables safe and compliant with FDA and USDA standards.

Nutritional and allergen labels ensure restaurants and grocers meet customer needs and regulations.

Tamper-evident labels provide peace of mind that meals and groceries haven’t been opened or altered.
Without Food Delivery Labels, Accuracy Breaks Down

Inside every restaurant or fulfillment center, accuracy depends on what happens at the handoff points, from the KDS screen to the expo station to the courier’s hands. This is where food delivery labels hold the chain together. They confirm the right bag matches the right order, direct groceries or meals to the correct customer, and provide the details needed for a smooth delivery.

When labels are unclear, sloppy, or missing, breakdowns happen fast: orders are delayed, items are lost, meals are wasted, and customers lose trust. For restaurants and QSRs working on razor-thin margins, those errors quickly add up to costly refunds and lost loyalty. That’s why food delivery labels are as vital to a single café as they are to billion-dollar platforms—they protect profits, reduce waste, and keep customers coming back.

What Restaurants and Retailers Can Learn
Amazon and DoorDash may set the pace, but local restaurants and retailers can win by focusing on the fundamentals that make delivery work. At the top of that list: labeling.

Treat labeling as part of the customer experience. A smudged or missing label isn’t just an operational issue—it erodes trust. Consistency builds confidence that every bag, box, and cup is prepared with care and attention.

Think beyond food delivery labels. Prep labels, food rotation labels, and allergen information labels all work together to ensure compliance, safety, and efficiency. A complete strategy covers both front-of-house accuracy and back-of-house organization.

Match the label to the workflow. Delivery bags may require tamper-evident adhesives, while grab-and-go cups benefit from removable/repositionable options. The right adhesive strength in the right place minimizes waste and errors.

Plan for scale, even if you’re small today. As order channels expand (dine-in, pickup, third-party delivery, mobile apps), labeling systems should be able to grow with them. Future-proofing your labeling strategy now prevents costly overhauls later.
Smart labeling isn’t just a detail to check off. It’s the bridge between fast-moving operations and the customer experience that keeps people coming back.

How Star Micronics Powers Food Delivery Labels
Star Micronics delivers the technology that makes food delivery labels reliable, efficient, and scalable:

mC-Label multimedia label printers: The mC-Label3 and mC-Label2 print linerless labels, die-cut labels, and receipts from one compact device.
mC-Label2 Multifunction Printer

The mC-Label2 packs powerful features into a compact, front-loading design, including 300 dpi resolution, support for linerless, die-cut, receipt, and continuous media, and connectivity options like USB-C, LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth, and Apple MFi-certified pairing (X4 models only).

Explore the mC-Label2 >

mC-Label3 Multifunction Printer

The Star Micronics mC-Label3 is a versatile multimedia printer that prints a wide range of labels and receipts, including both permanent and repositionable sticky linerless. It features cloud connectivity and innovative technologies like SteadyLAN and TetherLAN for enhanced printing convenience.

Discover the mC-Label3 >
TSP143IV SK sticky linerless label printer: Built for expo and delivery workflows where speed and accuracy are critical.

Adhesive options: Diamond, full, or permanent to match prep, packaging, and delivery needs.

mG-T Series POS scales: Verify order weight to eliminate mistakes before handoff.

BSH-32B scanners: Track orders and confirm accuracy throughout the workflow.
Star’s 1D/2D Barcode Scanners

Star offers a comprehensive range of IP-rated 1D/2D barcode scanners, ideal for diverse business needs. From retail to restaurants, our versatile scanners excel in parsing driver’s license and ID barcodes, ensuring swift and accurate data capture. Choose the perfect fit for your setup—desktop, handheld, or wireless Bluetooth options available.
Backed by CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online for cloud printing and remote device management across multi-location enterprises.

Learn More About StarIO.Online

Food Delivery Labels: The Unsung Hero of Delivery

Amazon and DoorDash may dominate the headlines, but success in food delivery doesn’t come down to speed alone. Food delivery labels are what make accuracy, compliance, and customer trust possible at every handoff, from the kitchen to the customer’s doorstep.

For restaurants and QSRs of any size, smarter labeling is more than an operational detail—it’s a strategy that protects margins, reduces waste, and keeps guests coming back.

With Star Micronics, operators gain the tools to put that strategy into practice, from multifunctional printers and adhesive options to scales, scanners, and cloud-ready solutions.

Smarter labeling. Smarter delivery. That’s the future of food delivery labels with Star.
The Smart QSR Delivery Playbook: Labeling, Accuracy & Efficiency Done Right

Learn how leading QSRs are using smart labeling and scalable POS technology to reduce errors, cut costs, and deliver a better guest experience.

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Turn Food Delivery Labels into a Competitive Edge

Contact Star Now
September 19, 2025
How Online Ordering Aggregators Can Improve Order Accuracy and Protect Margins
Speed gets the spotlight in restaurant delivery, but the real driver of customer loyalty, partner retention, and long-term profitability is order accuracy.

For online ordering aggregators, accuracy isn’t just a restaurant-side issue. Every wrong label, missing item, or delivery dispute costs more than a refund. It damages trust, and when switching providers is easy, trust is your most valuable asset.

Order Accuracy Belongs on Your Roadmap

When a customer receives the wrong order, they usually don’t know where the breakdown happened. They blame the delivery app. The app often points to the restaurant. And while the restaurant usually takes the financial hit, both parties suffer reputational damage.

This is where online ordering aggregators can lead.

As trusted integration partners, aggregators are in a position to help restaurants think beyond convenience and volume, and start focusing on accuracy as a competitive advantage. When restaurants deliver correct orders consistently, it reduces support volume, improves app ratings, and strengthens aggregator–restaurant relationships.

Advocating for accuracy is not just good partner service. It’s strategic and increasingly essential to staying competitive in a crowded ecosystem.

The Real Cost of Getting It Wrong
Inaccurate orders create a cascade of issues. Refunds eat into slim margins. Chargebacks frustrate operators. And customer trust declines with each bad experience.

But the cost isn’t only financial. It’s operational, and it compounds over time.

That’s why aggregators should help restaurant clients prevent errors before they leave the kitchen. When restaurants are equipped with the right tools to validate fulfillment and improve accuracy, they’re better positioned to protect revenue and reduce disputes.

For online ordering aggregators, supporting accuracy offers a twofold benefit:

Prevent refund requests from happening by encouraging restaurants to improve accuracy at the source. Tools like labeling, smart weighing, and confirmation workflows give restaurants more control and confidence before the order ever leaves the kitchen.

Empower your restaurant partners to protect revenue when disputes arise. By promoting tools and processes that validate accuracy, aggregators can help clients respond to claims with data, reducing chargebacks and preserving trust.
Fewer mistakes lead to fewer refunds. Better data creates stronger accountability.

Helping restaurants get it right is not just good service; it’s a scalable way to protect your reputation and increase partner satisfaction.

Smarter Accuracy Without a POS Overhaul
Improving accuracy doesn’t require full POS replacement or complicated retraining. Aggregators can make a major impact by recommending lightweight, modular tools that enhance workflows restaurants already use.

Some of the most effective additions include:

Visual labeling for clear bag identification and tamper-evident sealing

Smart weighing to confirm all items are present before handoff

Seamless integrations with existing prep stations, KDS, or pickup counters
These additions catch mistakes at the last step, before they reach the driver or the customer. Watch our video below on boosting order accuracy to learn more:

Order Accuracy Strengthens Partnerships

When restaurants improve order accuracy, they reduce costly errors, protect margins, and boost customer trust.

Aggregators that promote these improvements position themselves as more than middleware. They become valued partners in long-term restaurant success.

The Future of Aggregator Success Starts with Accuracy

Customer expectations are rising. Reliability and accountability matter more than ever. Fast delivery won’t win loyalty if the order is wrong.

Online ordering aggregators that prioritize accuracy by championing tools and workflows that prevent errors will become essential allies to restaurant operators. These aggregators won’t just enable transactions. They’ll help build stronger, more profitable operations.

This is not a quick fix. It’s a long-term strategy that delivers lasting value.

The bottom line? For online ordering aggregators, order accuracy is no longer optional. It’s essential to reliability, trust, and retention across the off-premise ecosystem.

Ready to find out more about Star’s order accuracy solutions?

Contact Star Now
August 15, 2025
The Role of Labels in Modern Off-Premise Dining Solutions
Off-premise dining is no longer a side channel. Because of popular demand, it’s become a core part of how restaurants operate. With digital orders flooding in from mobile apps, third-party platforms, kiosks, and drive-thru lanes, the pressure is on to deliver food fast, fresh, and error-free. And behind the scenes? It’s labeling that makes it all run smoothly.

Let’s break down how smart labeling plays a pivotal role in powering today’s workflows and explore the off-premise dining solutions that make it happen.

Explore Star’s Labeling Solutions

Why Off-Premise Dining Needs Better Labeling
From kitchen prep to bag sealing, off-premise fulfillment relies on clear communication. Without effective labeling, it’s easy for orders to get mixed up, items to be forgotten, or bags to go unverified.

Restaurants that don’t label effectively risk:

Incorrect or missing items in delivery and pickup orders

Chargebacks from third-party delivery platforms

Slower order assembly and longer wait times

Frustrated customers and negative reviews
As off-premise volume increases, so does the need for strategy and precision, and that starts with the right labels.

Key Label Types for Off-Premise Dining Success

No two off-premise orders are exactly the same, which means clear, consistent labeling is essential at every step. From the moment the order comes in to the moment it’s handed off, each label plays a specific role in keeping things accurate, organized, and customer-ready. Below are some of the key label types that help restaurants succeed in today’s fast-paced off-premise environment.

1. Order Confirmation Labels

Printed as soon as the order is received, these labels identify the customer, order number, pickup method, and fulfillment status, ensuring nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

2. Item & Inventory Labels

Used in kitchens and staging areas to clearly tag and date each item. Especially important for personalized or modified orders, including allergen warnings and special dietary instructions. Keeping labels on food items with clear date markings also helps teams monitor spoilage, support food safety compliance, and reduce unnecessary waste.

3. Bag Seal Labels

Often made with permanent linerless adhesive or die-cut formats, these labels seal the bag shut for tamper-evident delivery, giving customers peace of mind.

4. Staging Labels

Used to organize and queue multiple orders during rushes, particularly in drive-thru and curbside workflows.

Off-Premise Dining Solutions from Star Micronics

To meet the demands of modern off-premise operations, restaurants need tools that are fast, flexible, and easy to manage. Star Micronics offers a suite of hardware and cloud-based solutions designed to simplify labeling, reduce errors, and support seamless workflows at every station. Below are the key features that make Star a trusted choice for off-premise dining success.

> One Printer Model Per Station

Star’s mC-Label3 multimedia printers print receipts, die-cut labels, and linerless labels, all from one device. That means you can standardize across stations with less complexity: fewer SKUs to manage, less training for staff, simpler IT support when needed, and easier maintenance. Need a replacement? Keep one extra on hand and drop it in at any station. No compatibility issues, no reconfiguration.

mC-Label3 Multifunction Printer

The Star Micronics mC-Label3 is a versatile multimedia printer that prints a wide range of labels and receipts, including both permanent and repositionable sticky linerless. It features cloud connectivity and innovative technologies like SteadyLAN and TetherLAN for enhanced printing convenience.

Discover the mC-Label3 >

> Linerless Compatibility

Star printers support both repositionable and permanent linerless labels, offering flexibility across multiple use cases. Sticky linerless labels are often used for item labeling, such as sandwiches, drinks, or personalized orders. Permanent linerless labels are ideal for securely sealing to-go bags and other types of delivery packaging.

Because linerless labels don’t use silicone backing, you get more labels per roll, reduce roll changes, and eliminate liner waste. That means lower supply costs, less downtime, and a more environmentally responsible operation.

The mC-Label3 can handle various linerless applications, but for simpler workflows, the TSP143IV SK series prints receipts and sticky linerless labels only.

> Scales for Order Accuracy

Pair Star printers with mG-T series scales to enable accurate weight-based pricing, portioning, and order verification. This is especially valuable in QSRs, delis, meal kit programs, and food prep lines where consistency and speed matter.

Many QSRs are now using POS-integrated scales to confirm that assembled orders match expected weight totals before handoff. When supported by their POS software, this real-time weight check adds an extra layer of quality control. It helps reduce errors, avoid refunds, and improve the customer experience.

Scales are no longer just for pricing. They are becoming a key part of efficient off-premise dining operations.

mG-TUDB Scales

Designed for precision and versatility, Star’s mG-TUDB POS scales are ideal for everything from self-checkout produce stations to QSR order prep and deli portioning. With Class III trade-legal certification, a large platter, and Bluetooth, USB-C, and serial connectivity, they easily connect to most POS systems. An optional pole display adds customer-facing visibility where it counts.

Find Out More >

> Cloud Capable
Star’s mC-Label series of printers supports both CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, giving restaurants the flexibility to choose how they manage their cloud infrastructure.

CloudPRNT Next is ideal for businesses that want to run their own servers and maintain control of the back end.

StarIO.Online is a fully managed service hosted by Star Micronics, perfect for operators who want cloud printing without the burden of server management.
Both options enable real-time printing from cloud-based ordering platforms, allowing your kitchen and pickup stations to run more efficiently with fewer hardware constraints.

> Certified by the Best

Star’s mC-Label3 is trusted by some of the largest and most respected QSR and fast casual brands around the world. Its speed, accuracy, and media versatility make it a go-to choice for high-volume environments where every second counts. From front-of-house to kitchen to delivery staging, operators rely on the mC-Label3 to support multiple stations using one compact, reliable model. It’s been tested in demanding real-world workflows and proven to perform.

The Smart QSR Delivery Playbook: Labeling, Accuracy & Efficiency Done Right

Download the free QSR delivery playbook to learn how labeling, POS scales, and multi-function printers can improve accuracy, speed, and guest trust.

Get Yours Now

The Takeaway

In the world of off-premise dining, labeling is essential. From confirming orders to sealing bags and staging pickups, smart labeling keeps operations moving and customers coming back.

With the right off-premise dining solutions in place, including flexible printers, linerless label support, and optional scale integration, restaurants can operate faster, more accurately, and with greater confidence.

Find the best off-premise dining solutions for you:

Contact Star Now
June 27, 2025
Why Restaurant Refunds Happen and How to Prevent Them
Restaurant refunds are more than just a minor frustration—they’re a direct hit to profitability. In quick service restaurants (QSRs) and fast-paced foodservice environments, even one missed item or overlooked modifier can trigger a refund, a chargeback, and a disappointed customer who may never come back.

While it’s easy to blame delivery platforms or POS glitches, most refund-worthy mistakes don’t come from your system; they are a result of what happens in the kitchen. In fact, recent data from Loop shows that over 70% of refund triggers are tied to operational issues, including missing items, incorrect prep, or poor packaging. These errors aren’t random. They’re patterns, and they’re preventable.

Let’s take a closer look at where things go wrong, what it’s really costing your restaurant, and how better labeling can help you stay ahead.

Explore Star’s QSR Solutions

The Top Reasons Refunds Happen

Across restaurants and QSRs, the most common causes of order inaccuracies are operational, not technical. Food gets prepped on different stations. Items are added late. Orders are rushed during peak service. And the wrong bag ends up in the hands of the wrong guest.

The most frequent refund triggers include missing entrees, forgotten sides or add-ons, beverages left behind, and modifiers ignored during prep. These mistakes typically occur on the line, during expo, or while bagging, not at the register or in the app.

And while many restaurants work hard to train staff and optimize flow, the truth is that verbal communication and handwritten notes aren’t enough in high-volume settings.

The Hidden Cost of Operational Mistakes

Even when caught early, these mistakes cost valuable time and labor. When they’re not caught, they result in refunds and chargebacks, and those add up fast. Most operators lose around 0.5% of revenue to refund-related losses. That might not sound like much, but at scale, it’s thousands of dollars per month.

Refund policies from delivery platforms are also becoming more strict. Uber Eats now requires photo evidence for many refund claims. DoorDash merchants win more disputes (around 60%), but only when there’s documentation to back them up.

Beyond the dollars, the damage to your brand is harder to calculate. Trust is fragile in the foodservice industry, and one wrong order, especially when allergens or modifiers are involved, can drive guests to a competitor with just one tap.

Where Things Go Wrong—And Why Labels Matter

Most refund triggers happen because there’s a gap in the process: a missing visual, an unconfirmed step, or an instruction that gets lost in the rush. Without clear, consistent labeling, teams rely on memory or guesswork, and that’s where mistakes creep in.

Labels make information visible and actionable. They confirm what was ordered, how it should be made, and whether the right items made it into the bag. They reduce the cognitive load on busy teams and help different stations stay in sync.

Whether it’s a bag label that shows what’s inside, an item label with allergen info, or a food rotation label in the walk-in, these small stickers create major clarity.

Shop Star Paper & Labels

How to Hardwire Order Accuracy into Your Workflow
To reduce refunds in the long term, restaurant operators need to stop treating mistakes as one-offs and start identifying patterns. That’s where labeling systems shine. They give your team consistent, repeatable tools to stay on track, even during peak periods or staff turnover.

Labeling can be integrated at every touchpoint:

Use item-level labels to ensure modifiers and customizations are followed.

Apply bag labels to confirm contents and add tamper-evident sealing.

Mark inventory with expiration or use-by dates for food safety and waste reduction.

Identify clean vs. dirty equipment with repositionable sanitation labels.

Add QR codes for customer engagement—loyalty sign-ups, surveys, or promotions.
When labeling becomes part of the workflow, accuracy becomes second nature.

Blog: Why Leading QSRs Use POS Scales & Labels to Increase Order Accuracy >

The mC-Label Series: One Printer Model, Every Station

To make labeling work in a busy restaurant, you need printers that can keep up. The Star Micronics mC-Label series of multifunction printers are built to deliver speed, flexibility, and simplicity across your entire operation—front of house, kitchen, prep, and packing.

These compact printers support virtually any media type, including linerless labels (permanent or repositionable sticky), die-cut labels, and standard receipts. They fit into tight spaces (especially the mC-Label2), include all modern connectivity options, and work seamlessly with all modern operating systems, like iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

mC-Label3 Multifunction Printer

The Star Micronics mC-Label3 is a versatile multimedia printer that prints a wide range of labels and receipts, including both permanent and repositionable sticky linerless. It features cloud connectivity and innovative technologies like SteadyLAN and TetherLAN for enhanced printing convenience.

Discover the mC-Label3 >

mC-Label2 Multifunction Printer

The mC-Label2 packs powerful features into a compact, front-loading design, including 300 dpi resolution, support for linerless, die-cut, receipt, and continuous media, and connectivity options like USB-C, LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth, and Apple MFi-certified pairing (X4 models only).

Explore the mC-Label2 >

With Label Builder from Star Micronics Cloud Services, your team can create and store up to three custom label templates directly on the printers. Then, using One Touch functionality, print those labels on demand with the touch of a button—no internet required. That means anyone, at any station, can label restaurant items clearly and correctly without skipping a beat.

With the mC-Label series, you can eliminate complexity, unify your print ecosystem, and reduce the friction that causes costly mistakes.

Beyond the Label: Elevating Brand Connection and Loyalty

Discover how strategic labeling can redefine customer engagement and boost brand loyalty in this digital age.

Get Your Free Ebook

Labeling: The Unsung Hero of Order Accuracy

Refunds don’t just hurt your bottom line. They reveal where your processes need reinforcement. And in today’s fast-paced QSR environment, there’s no room for guesswork.

Labeling helps restaurants communicate clearly, execute accurately, and build trust with every order. When you label restaurant orders and assets consistently, you empower your team to deliver the right experience every time.

Perfect Your Labeling Workflow:

Contact Star Now
May 30, 2025
Why Leading QSRs Use POS Scales & Labels to Increase Order Accuracy
Order accuracy is a make-or-break factor for quick service restaurants (QSRs). According to PwC research, 61% of consumers will switch brands after just one bad experience. With growing customer expectations and the rise of online ordering, QSRs are turning to smarter technology to ensure every order is accurate and on time.

Hardware That Works For Online Ordering

Table of Contents

Why Order Accuracy Matters More Than Ever

QSRs are rediscovering the value of point of sale (POS) scales and label printers, using these familiar technology tools in new ways. Now, scales and printers are helping QSRs ensure online order accuracy with a clever way to confirm that the right menu items are included in customers’ orders.

The mC-Label3 multimedia printer helps smart QSRs perfect order accuracy.

More of a novelty than standard operating procedure before 2020, online ordering gave QSRs a way to reach a wider audience and accommodate consumers’ busy lifestyles. However, when the demand for online ordering increased in the 2020s, managers had to adapt QSR operations. It wasn’t practical to manage online delivery orders as one-offs, and getting orders wrong could have dire results.

Customers who received the wrong menu items, incomplete orders, or bags that had clearly been tampered with knew they had other options. With just a few clicks, a customer could try a new restaurant—and a competitor could win their business and their loyalty. Optimizing QSR operations with improved online order fulfillment processes allows restaurants to increase order accuracy and make the most of higher demand for off-premises dining.

Why QSRs Are Upgrading to New Online Order Labels

Labels are one of the best ways to optimize QSR operations with a growing online ordering business. As soon as a QSR receives an order, staff can print labels that follow various items through food prep to packaging.

Repositionable linerless labels that meet FDA standards for indirect contact with food are ideal for food preparation processes. They allow employees to print and apply labels with one hand because there’s no backing to remove, and they eliminate clutter on counters and floors. Additionally, QSR employees can move the labels from a shelf or tray before food prep begins to trays or containers during order preparation, and then to the packaging that lets the customer know their food was made-to-order.

The mC-Label3 can print on all media types with varying widths – perfect for QSRs.

Innovative QSRs are also leveraging labels in new ways to boost efficiency and enhance the customer experience. Die-cut labels not only display branding and business information on every package, but they also come in various sizes, making them ideal for organizing kitchen inventory. With the mC-Label3 multimedia printer, QSRs can store image templates—such as ingredient lists or expiration dates—directly in the printer’s memory. These templates can be printed on demand using the printer’s multifunction button, even without an internet connection, making back-of-house operations faster and more consistent.

Permanent labels give restaurants a way to assure their customers that once employees sealed the package, no one opened it. QSRs can also use labels to engage customers, encouraging them to scan a QR code so they can join a loyalty rewards program or access coupons or discounts on future orders. Using order labels is a simple solution, but it can have a huge impact on a QSR’s business.

Ace Your Labeling Game

How POS Scales Improve QSR Online Order Accuracy

Scales give QSR teams a quick and easy way to know what’s in a customer’s order. Weighing the bag gives QSR teams a way to check order accuracy. The POS scale can compare the weight of a packaged online order to known weights in a spreadsheet or database. Sensitive scales allow the QSR team to take wrappers, condiments, and utensils into account — and even recognize if a sandwich has the cheese and bacon that the customer requested.

Taking the extra quality control step to weigh an online order can have significant returns in continued customer loyalty, revenues, and competitiveness.

mG-TUDB Scales

Designed for precision and versatility, the mG-TUDB scales are a perfect fit for grocery self-checkout stations, produce sections and bulk item sales. With trade-legal certification for the U.S. and Canada, these scales offer Class III accuracy and seamless connectivity via Bluetooth, serial, or USB-C. Their large platter and optional pole display accessory ensure effortless setup with your POS system, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, from delis to farmer’s markets.

Find Out More >

The Benefits of Purpose-Built POS Scales and Order Labels

Optimizing delivery order fulfillment processes by choosing the right scales and order labels has several benefits for QSRs, including:

1. More Sustainable Operations

Increasing order accuracy with scales and linerless order labels helps reduce food and paper waste, saving money, increasing ROI, and boosting sustainability initiatives.

2. Food Safety

QSRs that choose labels that meet FDA standards for indirect food contact remove risks to food safety from label media that may contain harmful chemicals.

3. Lower Costs

When QSRs streamline their operations and improve order accuracy, they enhance efficiency and control costs.

Implement the Right Technology for Your Operation

As QSR operations evolve to keep up with consumer behaviors, they need to find the most efficient processes and the technology to support them. POS scales and online order label solutions empower QSRs to meet demands while operating efficiently and keeping food safe. Contact Star to learn more about solutions for your QSR.

How to Get Your Restaurant Ready for Online Ordering

Are you looking for a new way to grow your restaurant business? Accepting online orders keeps you relevant and competitive.

Find Out How

Additional Resources
Working with QSRs, Star Micronics has developed POS scales and order labeling solutions that contribute to more efficient operations and greater customer satisfaction. QSR solutions from Star include:

mG-T series POS scales: Star offers a line of NTEP and Measurement Canada-certified scales that deliver Class III accuracy.

mG-TUDB Pole Display: This pole display is designed specifically for Star POS scales to offer a clear view of weight. This scale powers this display, simplifying setup and powering the display during everyday use.

mCLabel3 Multimedia Printer: QSRs can print sticky, permanent, linerless or die-cut labels with this versatile, cloud-ready printer.

TSP143IV SK X4 Sticky Linerless Label Printer: The smallest sticky label printer on the market, this compact printer prints thermal linerless repositionable labels. The X4 model includes all four major connectivity options.

CloudPRNT and CloudPRNT Next: CloudPRNT and CloudPRNT Next ensure quick and reliable communication between cloud-based systems, like online ordering, mobile, and self-service printers. CloudPRNT Next uses the MQTT protocol for reliable printing across an enterprise’s devices and locations with flexibility and control.
QSR the Smart Way:

Contact Star Now
March 28, 2025
QSR Delivery Done Right: How POS Scales & Labeling Tech Improve Accuracy
In this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, “QSR Delivery Done Right: Labeling, Scales & a Big Thank You from Kate,” host Kate Orara explores how restaurants are improving QSR delivery accuracy with connected POS scales and advanced labeling solutions.

From sticky linerless labels on takeout bags to precision bag weighing for double-checking orders, Kate breaks down how the right tools can streamline QSR delivery operations and reduce costly mistakes. She also spotlights the power of using a single multifunction printer—like the Star Micronics mC-Label3—to handle everything from receipts to individual item labeling.

Listen to the New Episode Now

Perfecting QSR Delivery with the Right Tech

Order errors and packaging mix-ups can cost QSRs time, money, and loyal customers. In this episode, Kate shows how restaurants can solve those issues using scalable POS technology like connected scales and versatile labeling solutions. Whether you’re a franchise operator, ISV, or tech partner, these strategies can help your team boost QSR delivery accuracy, reduce waste, and simplify fulfillment from the kitchen to the customer.

Plus, Kate wraps up her time as host with a heartfelt thank you—and gives listeners a hint at what’s coming next.

Learn about Star’s advanced multimedia label printer, the mC-Label3 >

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Loving the podcast? Subscribe now, and let us know what you think by leaving a review!

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Podcast Playlist on YouTube

The Rising Stars Podcast

Immerse yourself in the world of point-of-sale (POS) with the Rising Stars Podcast by Star Micronics, hosted by industry pro, Kate Orara. Twice a month, we explore the fascinating journeys of innovators and businesses navigating the challenges of POS technology’s rapid pace.

In every episode, Kate Orara, Star Micronics’ Partner Development Manager, discusses emerging retail technology trends and strategies with global industry giants. She’s spent her entire career meeting all the right people, and now listeners everywhere can benefit from this vast network of channel gurus.

Always leading and always innovating, Star Micronics, a pioneer in POS and customer experience technology for over 60 years, welcomes you to join us in shaping a brighter future in the retail, hospitality, and cannabis industries.

Want more industry news?

Explore the Star Blog

Episode Transcript
[Music]

Kate Orara: Hey there, retail tech enthusiasts! Welcome to the Rising Stars Podcast, your go-to for all things retail tech and point of sale. I’m Kate Orara, Partner Development Manager at Star Micronics, and I’m excited to guide you through this journey. Here, we dive into the latest innovations shaping the retail, hospitality, and cannabis industries. So whether you’re a techie or a business owner, this is your backstage pass to insider knowledge. Join me and the Star Micronics team as we innovate and rise together.

Welcome back to the Rising Stars Podcast, brought to you by Star Micronics. I’m Kate Orara, and before we dive into today’s exciting topic, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. This is my final episode as your host of The Rising Stars Podcast, and it has truly been an incredible journey sharing industry insights with you all.

A huge thank you to Star Micronics for supporting me—I’ve truly enjoyed the chance to explore new technologies with channel friends and solo. I’ve never hosted a podcast before, and while I experienced some bumps, Star allowed me to find my way. I deeply appreciate the opportunity they gave me.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to you, our dedicated listeners and viewers. Your feedback has helped guide me—from what you liked, didn’t like, and what you gained from the podcast. That insight has shaped my journey as host, and I’m so grateful.

While I may be signing off, the podcast isn’t going anywhere. Stay tuned for an exciting new format launching in the coming weeks!

Today, we’re talking about the power of POS scales and linerless labeling and how they’re transforming QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) delivery operations. Let’s dig in.

QSRs have changed dramatically over the past few years. While drive-thru and dine-in are still essential, delivery has skyrocketed. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global food delivery market is set to reach $1.37 trillion by 2029, growing at a 15.1% annual rate. That’s huge.

But as delivery grows, so does the challenge of ensuring order accuracy. Every QSR operator knows one of the biggest customer complaints is missing items—a burger left out, fries that never made it into the bag, or a forgotten drink. Let’s be honest: that kind of frustration can cost restaurants loyal customers and revenue.

Here’s a personal story—I went to a local restaurant for a pickup order. It wasn’t even for me, it was for my husband and kids. When I got home, some items were missing, including a salad. I had to go back to the restaurant, and when I did, I had to argue with the staff about whether I actually ordered the salad. It was extremely frustrating. I won’t be returning to that establishment again. (And yes, I left a Yelp review!)

So how can restaurants eliminate these kinds of errors and ensure every order is perfect?

Enter the point of sale scale.

These smart devices verify an order’s weight before it leaves the restaurant. Here’s how it works: each menu item has a predefined weight. When the order is packed, the scale checks the total weight. If something is missing, the system flags the discrepancy—before the bag even leaves the counter.

It’s the same concept as grocery store self-checkouts, where the system verifies the item based on weight. For QSRs, this simple but powerful tool reduces missing items and speeds up operations.

Now, order accuracy is just one part of the equation. What’s the next challenge? Order security.

No one wants to receive a delivery bag that looks tampered with. That’s where linerless labels come in. These tamper-proof, sticky labels seal delivery bags and give customers peace of mind that their food is safe, untouched, and fresh.

The benefits don’t stop there. Restaurants can print logos, promotions, or QR codes directly on the labels for added marketing impact. And unlike traditional labels, linerless labels eliminate waste from backing paper, making them a sustainable choice.

They also promote operational efficiency. Since linerless labels auto-cut to size, they streamline packaging, save time, and reduce material costs.

By combining POS scales with advanced labeling solutions, QSRs can:

Ensure every item is accounted for before the order leaves the kitchen

Protect food integrity with tamper-proof packaging

Enhance branding and customer trust with professional, informative labels

Reduce waste while boosting efficiency and sustainability

Star Micronics is leading the charge with cutting-edge solutions like the MGT POS Scales and the mC-Label3 multimedia printer, making accuracy and security seamless for QSR operators.

Well, that’s a wrap on today’s episode and my time as host of The Rising Stars Podcast. Once again, thank you so much to Star Micronics and to all of you who have tuned in, engaged, and shared your thoughts along the way.

While I may be signing off, this podcast is just getting started on a new chapter. Keep following, stay tuned, and get ready for exciting changes ahead.

Until next time, keep leading and innovating.

And that is a wrap for this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast. A huge thanks to our incredible listeners for tuning in and to our phenomenal guests for sharing their insights. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback fuels our journey to bring you the best in retail tech.

Stay connected with us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. As you sign off, remember: the future of retail technology is in our hands, and together, we are shaping it. Keep innovating, keep rising, and until next time, this is Kate Orara signing off. Together, we rise.

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March 21, 2025