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  • Star Micronics Introduces the Newest Line of the Wireless mC-Print Family

    Star Micronics Introduces the Newest Line of the Wireless mC-Print Family

    Star Micronics releases the newest mC-Print2 and mC-Print3 wireless printers featuring dual-band WiFi connection capability.

    Somerset, NJ – March 15, 2022 – Continuing its “Always Leading – Always Innovating philosophy,” Star Micronics is pleased to announce the launch of new wireless models in the mC-Print Series.

    Star Micronics, an industry leader in POS and online ordering solutions, has created new models within the mC-Print family to offer the ultimate WLAN solution. With dual-band wireless technology, these printing solutions are perfect for any business needing a wireless printing environment.

    Other devices can also become wireless using the additional ethernet port of the mC-Print31W or 21W. This erases the need to connect the additional device directly to the router, which may be far away or in an inconvenient location.

    The innovative mC-Print21W and mC-Print31W become the hubs that bring wireless connections to other needed peripherals such as payment terminals or other printers.

    These innovative printing solutions support dual-band wireless connections (2.4GHz / 5GHz). Networks that need long-distance coverage can use 2.4GHz. 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 2.4 GHz network.

    By offering a choice to use one of the two frequencies, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, these Star printers provide maximum flexibility when connecting to an existing or new network.

    With the addition of Star Micronics Cloud Services, which includes a digital journal, cloud promotion print management, and device monitoring, the mC-Print21W and mC-Print31W offer 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, these new high-speed printers boast multiple connectivity options such as USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, iOS Lightning, CloudPRNT, and WLAN. Setup is also effortless with the easy-to-use app, “Star Quick Setup Utility.”

    With their flat-top, space-saving design, these printers are not only stylish but splash- and insect-proof as well. The mC-Print21W and mC-Print31W are genuinely the ultimate printing solutions.

    Future-proof and able to satisfy an array of needs, whether you’re a technology provider or in a retail, hospitality, or any other environment, the mC-Print21W and mC-Print31W take printing to a higher level.

    Love industry news? Check out our podcast:



    Rising Stars Podcast

    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 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

  • Star Micronics Introduces the TSP143IVUE Thermal Receipt Printer

    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:



    Rising Stars Podcast

    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

  • The Rising Stars Podcast: Retail Technology Trends For 2022

    The Rising Stars Podcast: Retail Technology Trends For 2022

    Episode 22 – Retail Technology Trends For 2022

    In this episode of the Rising Stars podcast, join us for an exciting talk about the coming trends for retail technology in 2022 and beyond. Host Brianna Moriarty interviews Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, the Founder of Retail Minded, an internationally recognized industry blog and publication that delivers news and education to independent retailers.

    Together, Brianna and Nicole discuss:

    • Consumer behaviors and retail tech trends coming down the pipeline
    • Tech for inventory control
    • Payment technology options
    • Social and augmented reality shopping
    • Facial recognition technology and how it can greatly impact the space

    Enjoy the show!

    Click here to connect with Nicole on LinkedIn. And as always, to stay up-to-date on all things Star, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    Loving the podcast? Subscribe now to never miss a beat, and be sure to let us know what you think by leaving a review!

    Step into the future of market tech with the Rising Stars Podcast, a bi-weekly show covering emerging and innovative market trends and technology in the retail, cannabis, and hospitality space. Join Brianna Moriarty, Partner Development Manager at Star Micronics, as she tackles eye-opening subject matter with some of the best minds in retail technology across the globe.

    Always leading, always innovating, Star Micronics has been an industry pioneer in point-of-sale and customer experience technology for over 40 years. Let’s share our ideas and partner together as we head toward a bright future full of rising stars.

    Head on over to Retail Minded for more!



    7 Key Technologies For Retailers In 2022

  • How QR Codes Can Benefit Your Business

    How QR Codes Can Benefit Your Business

    In the Information Age, technological advancements are changing every aspect of life as we know it, especially due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. QR codes have become more widespread than ever, making the hectic information-sharing process easier for us. It might not come as a surprise, but more and more businesses are adopting this technology to make shopping easier for their customers.

    QR codes, also known as quick response codes, are two-dimensional images that can provide a function or store large amounts of data. QR codes can show whoever scans them all about a business or they can be used to facilitate payment transactions. To read the details of a QR code, all you’ll need is a smartphone.

    QR codes are a huge technological advancement in the field of retail and have made product details and other information easily accessible for both customers and employees. They have enhanced the customer experience.

    This is why QR codes aren’t going anywhere.

    QR Codes are the Future of the Customer Experience

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    QR codes are becoming increasingly essential tools in today’s society, which is why you’ll see them everywhere. The QR code was developed for business needs but was slow to catch on. The booming cannabis industry has been using them for a specific purpose by law, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that QR codes became widely utilized in the retail and hospitality industries. Here are some of their uses:

    Advertising A Product

    A QR code can be used to run advertisements for products. Consumers can now open a website faster by simply scanning a QR code rather than inputting the URL into their browser. The unique codes can also be used to transport the scanner to a landing page displaying products for sale. This makes the purchase decision easier and quicker for the customer, helping save time.

    Informative

    QR codes are made up of hyperlinks and can be found on business cards, product labels, magazines, websites, email newsletters, and any other items where words and images can be displayed. Users can scan QR codes to acquire information on a specific subject with ease.

    Payment

    QR codes can securely hold information about bank accounts, credit/debit cards, and other credentials. By connecting the store’s website to an account or card, the customer can pay simply by scanning the QR code with their smartphones.

    Various payment options can even be incorporated into a QR code, enabling customers to select the most convenient payment option for them. Customers can even show stores their own unique QR code, which the cashier or attendant then scans, taking payment that way.

    Many companies, like PayPal, use QR codes all the time but anyone can use them.


    QR-Code-Being-Scanned

    Check out Star’s QR code scanners: desktop, handheld, and wireless handheld



    Explore Our Scanners

    The Advantages of QR Codes

    There are seemingly an unlimited number of advantages that QR codes can have for any business. From marketing to inventory control, below are just a handful of examples:

    Ideal For Marketing

    QR codes are often used as marketing tools that can direct customers to a company’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites. Getting your customers to interact with you on social media means increased engagement, promoting brand recognition and driving sales.

    Increased Chances Of Sales

    QR codes make it easy for customers to explore more of what your company has to offer. All they have to do is point their smartphone camera and they’re instantly taken to wherever you as the business owner want to take them. Everyone knows that the more traffic a store has, the more opportunities they have of making a sale. Making it easier for the customer to see and buy your product is just smart business practice.

    Improves Customer Experience

    QR codes are popular with customers for a variety of reasons. To begin with, they are simple to use. The customers only have to scan the QR code to be directed to your company’s webpage or email. They don’t have to memorize anything.

    Moreover, only a tiny percentage of consumers remember to return to your website afterward. QR codes make it much easier for your clients to visit your website by enabling them to scan the code. Again, there’s a significant possibility your customers will buy if you make it easier for them to access the latest offerings and engage with your business.

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    Versatility

    One of the advantages of QR codes is that they may be used in a variety of ways. Social media marketing, online purchases, landing pages, special announcements–the possibilities are nearly endless. This is why they are so useful and, dare I say, fun? People like the excitement of seeing where a QR code will take them, so make it memorable!

    To add to this, companies can make their QR codes different shapes, having uniquely-designed codes that set them apart from their competitors, potentially attracting a larger audience.

    Digitalize Your Business

    Businesses can save time and money on traditional advertising campaigns by going digital, and that includes using QR codes. These days, going digital is a necessity. You don’t have to buy banners, flyers, or other printed materials to market your business anymore. A QR code is a one-time investment that can potentially provide a lifetime of marketing efforts.

    Check out Star’s QR code scanners: desktop, handheld, and wireless handheld



    Explore Our Scanners

    QR Codes in the Cannabis Industry


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    In many states where cannabis retail is legal, it is the law that dispensaries use QR codes on their products linking to verified licenses and testing results. This way, customers can immediately determine whether or not their cannabis purchase has passed state-mandated regulatory testing.

    Not only that but these QR codes can also be integrated with point-of-sale systems to keep track of inventory. 

    QR codes can display all the relevant information about the cannabis product for sale, both for customer satisfaction and for dispensary needs. This can be done in any industry.

    How to Get QR Codes for Your Business

    Getting QR codes for your business is easy. Simply find a website that offers a code generator, fill in the required information, click to generate your code, and then stylize it. After downloading the image, you can display it on whatever you want.

    Since their creation, QR codes have gained widespread use, but their popularity is just beginning. Get in on the action before it’s too late and start using this wonderful technology today!

    Love industry news? Explore our podcast:



    The Rising Stars Podcast

  • How To Choose The Best POS Cash Drawer

    How To Choose The Best POS Cash Drawer

    Choosing the best POS cash drawer might seem straightforward, but it’s more intricate than it appears. While cash drawers may seem like simple metal boxes designed to secure money, selecting the ideal one for your business involves several critical considerations.

    For business owners and decision-makers, the complexity increases with questions about fit, capacity, and functionality. How will the cash drawer fit into your workspace? Does it have sufficient space to handle your daily transaction volume? What type of till best suits your operational needs? And, perhaps most importantly, how do you balance these requirements against your budget?

    Star is dedicated to simplifying your decision-making process. Let’s examine some key factors you should consider to ensure you choose the best POS cash drawer for your business.


    Star Micronics has a range of robust cash drawers for any industry.

    1. Connectivity

    First, let’s discuss connectivity options when it comes to cash drawers. Many overlook this important factor, only to realize how critical it is. Making sure your cash drawers work with your point-of-sale (POS) system is a must! Researching what hardware works with your POS software ahead of time will save you headaches. You’ll want to make sure the cash drawer works with your system’s peripherals and accessories as well, such as a POS scale or scanner.

    The most common type of connectivity for cash drawers is a printer-driven interface, which means the cash drawer is controlled through the printer’s DK port. The DK port, which stands for Drawer Kick, sends a 24V DC signal that opens the drawer. The majority of cash drawers use this function.

    Another way to open a cash drawer is quite obvious: manually with a key. Most cash drawers actually have both DK port connectivity and manual key access. This allows the drawer to be opened in case the electricity acts up.

    There are also wireless cash functions controlled by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These tend to be more expensive and not as common, but they are an option.

    Finally, don’t forget to check how a cash drawer is powered before you buy. Some use the USB interface only, getting power from the computer they’re attached to, while others need to plug into an outlet. Make sure to put your cash drawer in an area that works.

    2. Security

    Needless to say, security is a huge consideration when looking to purchase a cash drawer. To start, here are some options to look for:

    • An additional lock that secures the drawer itself to the counter.
    • A locking till cover, so when you need to take the till to the back office at closing time, cash can’t be stolen during transport.
    • A universal key, so that cash drawers are easier to open in a rush and during an emergency. There is no need to look through a huge key ring for the correct key.
    • A manual release option, so you can open the cash drawer no matter what. Manual release is quicker than waiting for a Bluetooth signal and even faster than some DK port signals.
    • Hidden locked compartments, which require extra space and likely a higher budget.

    How many people will be using the drawer at one time? How much money do you want to keep inside? Think about your day-to-day operations and how the money will be handled, then make a list of necessities for security and be sure your new cash drawer fulfills each one.

    3. Size & Cash Flow

    Next, you want to make sure your new cash drawer is going to fit in its space. Either there’s already an allotted area you have in mind, or you have some different options to play with. Whichever it is, you’ll need to measure the space correctly (width, height, and length) and consider your cash flow to find the right-sized cash drawer for you. 

    Some important questions to ask yourself are: will your drawer be on top of the counter or mounted below? Will there be important items on top of the cash drawer? Is there enough space for the till to fully open with a person comfortably behind it?

    Some cash drawers specifically come with below-counter mounting options, so it’s important to figure this out ahead of time. You’ll also want to know the height of the drawer.

    On the market, there are normally two different sizes for cash drawers: a smaller option (typically 13” x 13”) and a larger option (typically 16” x 16” and larger). Most cash drawers are 4-5 inches in height, but be sure to check.

    The CD3-1616 Value Cash Drawer by Star Micronics.
    Star’s cash drawers come in a variety of sizes to suit multiple industries.

    Currency & Media

    Now, which currency do you use? Cash drawer tills (the part of the cash drawer that holds the money) come in several different sizes with distinct layouts for different currencies. Some tills have room for the US standard (five bills and four coins).

    Other tills come with room for more coins or bills if larger, higher-value bills, such as $100, are accepted. They could also have options to adjust sections or remove coin trays entirely. There are also tills available specifically for Canadian and Latin American currencies.

    Finally, you’ll want to know how your POS system opens your cash drawer (if it opens electronically). Some systems open the drawer on every transaction, while others open for cash transactions only. 

    Especially if you handle a lot of credit card slips, coupons, or checks, be sure to choose a cash drawer with media slots in the front. Media slots are openings in the drawer that receipts or other documents are fed into. These documents are securely stored beneath the till, in a hidden space. You may even want added space beneath the till for extra coin rolls or bills.

    Use the Cash Drawer Selector Tool

    Effortlessly find the ideal cash drawer for your business with our Cash Drawer Selector Tool—filter options by width, region, connection type, and more to ensure a perfect fit.



    Cash Drawer Wizard

    4. Durability

    Next on the list of considerations is durability. Why would anyone want a cash drawer to be of poor quality?

    You’ll want to know exactly what a cash drawer is made of. Cash drawers like Star’s are made of steel, which not only makes your investment worthwhile, but is also a security feature.

    A cash drawer should also have a multi-year warranty. Be sure to choose a warranty that includes at least 1 million opens. It would also be smart to have a strengthened key, so it doesn’t break, while having an outer finish that can withstand abuse from the surrounding environment.

    5. Style & Design

    Although not as important as the above considerations, how your cash drawer looks should factor in your decision at least a little. Usually, you’ll want a cash drawer that matches the look and feel of your counter space and other POS components.

    For example, if you have a white receipt printer and white tablet-based POS stand, choosing a white cash drawer will help provide a sleek look to your counter.

    The look of your cash drawer is something that only you can decide. Cash drawers come in many different colors, sizes, and styles, but I would recommend you consider the top factors first. 

    Cash drawers are must-have items for the majority of businesses. Knowing how to choose the best POS cash drawer for yours can save time and money, all while creating a secure, efficient, and productive business.

    Meet Star’s Cash Drawers

    Star Micronics is proud to offer feature-rich cash drawers for any budget or application.

    Value Series

    The Value Series includes cost-effective cash drawers that integrate seamlessly into any retail or hospitality environment. Connected to a standard printer communication interface with a bottom exit cable, Star’s Value Series cash drawers are reliable and come with a standard warranty. They also feature four lock functions: locked, closed, online (opens electronically), manual open, and locked open.

    Choice Series

    Our Choice Series cash drawers include features businesses already know and love, but with added strength to support touch tablets and POS terminals on top. They also have a secure dual-drawer cable, enabling the Choice Series to work as either cash drawer 1 or cash drawer 2.

    These drawers also include a foldable hinged key which minimizes the possibility of breaking off in the lock, with over 10 different lockset options for added security.

    Max Series

    Max Series cash drawers are the premier choice for retailers. Featuring durable, high-quality drawers with Kensington lock compatibility and sleek Star branding, these cash drawers are designed to securely manage cash while delivering professional looks and reliability. They also feature four lock functions: locked, closed, online (opens electronically), manual open, and locked open.

    Find the Ideal Cash Drawer for Your Business



    Explore Star Cash Drawers

  • Star Micronics Launches New Solutions Line at NRF 2022

    Star Micronics Launches New Solutions Line at NRF 2022

    At NRF 2022, Star’s latest in their famed TSP100 line-up of POS printers, the TSP143IV, sat pretty on a shining podium, ultra-connected and feature-rich.

    Somerset, NJ – January 27, 2022 – Star Micronics recently exhibited at the National Retail Federation (NRF): Retail’s Big Show where they not only displayed their traditional line of products, but also introduced their latest lines of receipt, label, and kiosk printers, scales, and stands as well. Perhaps their most anticipated product launch was the latest generation of TSP100 printers, the new TSP143IV. This cutting-edge printer offers advanced connectivity and a sleek design to enhance any retailer’s point of sale system.

    Other new product launches include scales specifically designed for restaurants and retailers, and a new line of stands with modern functionalities, designed to clean up any retail counter. Proving once again that Star Micronics is not only your go-to provider of receipt printers but a one-stop shop for all your POS hardware solutions.

    In lieu of a traditional press conference, Star Micronics has chosen to promote the show’s events via video. This has allowed them to ensure the safety of their team, as well as the health and safety of the dedicated reporters and employees at the show.

    “In 2022, we’re so excited to introduce you to our expanding printer product portfolio, along with our complimentary solution products we are launching this year. I think our solution products would be perfect for your business because they’re simple and easy to use with the right features that you and your customers need.”

    Mike Hanson, Executive Vice-President of Star Micronics America

    About Star Micronics

    Star Micronics, a world’s leader in point of sale, has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, scanners, scales, stands 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 in tandem with Android™, iOS iPad®, and iPhone® devices to generate receipts, Chit and label for 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.

    Love industry news? Check out our podcast:



    Rising Stars Podcast

    Media Contact

    Christin Dorner

    Star Micronics America, Inc.

    cdorner@starmicronics.com

    848-216-3318

  • Tech That Helps The Restaurant Labor Shortage: A Quick Guide

    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.

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    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.

    Point-of-Sale-System-Tablet-2

    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.


    TSP654SKII-Bl-Re
    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.

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    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


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    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

  • Star Micronics Receipt Printer Integrates with Fatwood Barbeque Food Truck for a Sweet Mobile POS Solution

    Star Micronics Receipt Printer Integrates with Fatwood Barbeque Food Truck for a Sweet Mobile POS Solution

    Fatwood Barbeque, a local restaurant in Alamogordo, NM with a brick-and-mortar restaurant and food truck, offers customers a unique experience on the Holloman Air Force Base with their classic barbeque. They’re known throughout the local area and always have people coming in for a bite.

    Download the full case study >

    The Challenge

    The obstacle Fatwood BBQ faced was the consistent bottleneck line of customers coming to the truck to place their orders. Like many food trucks and other small establishments, the Fatwood team would relay orders by shouting to each other, complicating order management as volume increased. This backed everything else up, making customers wait longer and longer.

    Management knew this problem had to be addressed before it soured customer sentiment.

    Boosting employee efficiency while retaining customer satisfaction quickly went to the top of their list. They needed to ensure that staff could manage a large number of orders on a regular basis to continue increasing revenue.

    “I’m a huge believer in speed and efficiency in the food business and that’s what I wanted for the POS.”
    David Quinlan
    Owner of Fatwood Barbeque

    The Solution

    The TSP143III thermal printer by Star Micronics integrated with a point-of-sale and online ordering software application, allowing Fatwood to eliminate bottleneck lines and make operations a truckload easier.

    Find out how Fatwood BBQ reached its business goals.



    Download the Success Story

    Get your tongs on this winning pair: Addmi software and Star’s TSP143III printer.


    The TSP143III thermal receipt printer by Star Micronics.
    The TSP143III thermal receipt printer paired with Addmi POS software is one sizzlin’ solution!

    Interested in integrating with Star Micronics?



    Contact Integrations Now

  • How to Start a Ghost Kitchen

    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 EZ POS tablet stand by Star Micronics. Shown in black with TSP143IV receipt printer.
    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 ebook.

    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

    Love industry news? Check out our podcast:



    Rising Stars Podcast

  • How POS Value-Added Resellers Can Profit from Ghost Kitchen Startups

    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.


    TSP654IISK Thermal Sticky Label Printer by Star Micronics
    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 ebook.

    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.



    Download Now