Your clients are facing some of the most severe challenges they’ve ever encountered. Overhead and labor costs are rising, online competition has increased, customer loyalty is fleeting, and labor is hard to find. Merchants committed to business growth need new solutions to overcome these hurdles – and they need value-added resellers (VARs) and other point-of-sale (POS) solution providers to provide guidance and technical expertise to implement them successfully.
Connected workstations that feature terminals or tablets and stands, printers, scales, and online ordering integration increase productivity and efficiency to help merchants future-proof their IT investments.
Providing and adding value to these solutions can also strengthen relationships with your clients and boost your bottom line as you help them use technology to navigate these challenges and achieve success.
But first, what exactly is a connected workstation?
A connected workstation is a grounding place where POS software connects with multiple hardware devices to create cohesive workflows. Employees or customers can enter and manage orders, purchases, payments, inventory, and more.
In an era where customer expectations and industry demands are continuously evolving, the value of a connected workstation cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in boosting productivity, optimizing workflow, and, ultimately, driving business success.
The Value of a Connected POS Workstation
Connected workstations have become increasingly vital in the retail and hospitality industries as they greatly help streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. By integrating various devices and applications in one area, businesses can create a seamless, data-driven environment that enables real-time communication, improved order accuracy, and efficient inventory management.
Furthermore, a connected workstation offers a centralized platform for staff to access crucial information, empowering them to make better-informed decisions and provide exceptional service.
Future-proofing these POS or back-of-house workstations can help combat the most significant struggles faced by the hospitality industries:
Online ordering management
Labor shortages
Delivery automation
New payment methods
Let’s dive into each of these issues:
Online Ordering and Delivery
Online ordering and delivery have become necessary to compete in the hospitality industry. By implementing these solutions, your clients can improve cash flow; however, it requires a range of new software and hardware solutions for effective management.
A backend-connected workstation, including printing solutions for labels and receipts for third-party delivery services, can help a restaurant organize these operations, ensuring every customer receives accurate, on-time orders. Additionally, a solution like CloudPRNT gives employees managing online orders and delivery the freedom to print from any location in the restaurant by communicating directly with web-based POS applications.
Find out more about the benefits of creating connected POS workstations by downloading the rest of our free ebook:
The Future-Proof Technology You Need To Create Connected Workstations For Your Industry
Discover how future-proof technology can create optimized workstations to keep your business ahead of the competition.
The retail industry has been through some crazy ups and downs since the global pandemic began. Between the labor shortage, supply-chain issues, and the stock market crash, it’s a wonder how retailers can keep up with consumers at all. And now that we’re in the thick of the holiday season, there’s been mixed reporting on how this season will compare to last season. Business owners want to know: will holiday shopping be different this year?
“After nearly three years of suppressed behavior resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, people are primed to go all out to celebrate for the holidays. In the survey, 55 percent of US respondents say they are excited about holiday shopping, and most people have the savings to spend.”
So, there is good reason to believe this holiday shopping season will be as busy as ever. Because of this, retailers and other business owners need all the help they can get during this stressful but rewarding time.
Where the Point-of-Sale Comes In
One of the most central areas in any retail store is the point-of-sale (POS). This is typically the final stop on the customer’s journey before leaving. The POS is where the payment process begins and ends, and the entire customer experience there must be seamless. Otherwise, retailers risk never seeing that customer again.
Read on to find out how the POS can help retailers better prepare for the holiday season.
How the POS Can Help the Holiday Rush
An increase in sales is, of course, the goal of any retailer. But what happens when you expect a steep rise in sales while simultaneously experiencing a labor shortage?
The right technology can help short-staffed retailers survive the holiday season and thrive in it. After all, making a positive, lasting impression on shoppers by providing a flawless customer experience will pay off well into the future, not just this winter.
Online Ordering
When a store is short-handed, it’s especially important to streamline and quicken transactions. Being able to rapidly process a purchase or retrieve a buy online, pickup in-store (BOPIS) order means more sales and happier customers at the end of the day.
If your store isn’t already online, it should be. Shipping to customers can keep your brick-and-mortar location flowing smoothly. Even if you don’t ship to customers, having the option to place a BOPIS order can not only make your shoppers’ lives more convenient but lighten the load of your salesfloor staff so they can focus on more important initiatives like customer service and swiftly processing the remaining in-store purchases.
You can streamline your online ordering operations even more by utilizing technology like linerless labels to keep everything organized. Ideal for quickly and efficiently labeling orders, these peel-and-stick labels eliminate the pesky, messy traditional label liners and can easily be removed and reapplied. It may be wise to have a linerless label printer around.
Self-checkout kiosks can really be a “two birds, one stone” solution for the holidays: they can alleviate your limited staff’s workload while also giving customers the option to pay at their own pace and without having to worry about coming in contact with another person. And shoppers love them, too. In the 2022 Digital-First Customer Experience Report, 81% of surveyed consumers in the US and UK expect more self-service options. And we already know people have been using self-checkouts much more since the start of the pandemic. They’re more comfortable with self-service than ever, and the technology will only get better from here.
Mobile Payments
Even if you are still experiencing long lines in your brick-and-mortar, there’s a solution for you: mobile payments. With a mobile card reader and portable receipt printer, your staff can ring card- or mobile wallet-paying customers up anywhere in the store. Another “two birds, one stone” solution is mobile payments, which can allow staff to provide customer service or restock shelves while having the technology on hand to ring up any purchases nearby customers may have.
We must remember that we are still coming out of the grip of a global pandemic. You can make holiday shoppers feel safe and confident by incorporating a variety of health and safety solutions into your brick-and-mortar store. Examples of these solutions include a sneeze guard at the POS and customer service counters, readily available hand sanitizer, and antimicrobial covers on door handles, bathroom surfaces, and more.
Receipt Marketing
With everything going digital, it’s easy to forget the power of a simple sales receipt. Receipts are prime real estate for advertising to customers. It goes directly into their hand after they’ve already made a purchase, making it more than likely that they will return. Despite popular belief, many people still do look at their receipts. Having promotional material right on the receipt raises the chances that high-quality customers will take notice.
From the Blog: How a Paper Receipt Benefits ROI and the Customer Experience
With so much competition, it’s important to not only boost cost efficiency but also optimize the experience customers have from the moment they enter the door up until the transaction is completed. Discover how paper receipts can help you achieve all of that – and more.
Star’s Retail Solutions Will Have You Holiday-Ready
Whether you are a retail store looking for products to help you this holiday season or you are a reseller hoping to offer your retail customers a relevant solution, Star has the hardware you need for a complete POS solution.
Kiosk Printers
Printers are an integral part of self-checkouts. Star is proud to provide a range of reliable self-service kiosk printers with a variety of print widths and connectivity options. Learn more >
Tablet Stands
Star Micronics is proud to offer both function and style with its mUnite tablet display stands and mounts, built to accompany our vast array of printers, cash drawers, scales, and peripherals. These all-steel stands, kiosks, and mounts are compatible with any tablet manufacturer and any of our tablet enclosures, including the popular Universal mEnclosure. Learn more >
CloudPRNT
Star makes online ordering easy. By choosing a printer equipped with CloudPRNT technology, you can print online orders automatically – no extra tablet needed. Learn more >
Portable Printers
Looking to line-bust? Star’s portable printers are what you need. With Bluetooth, Apple BLE, and USB connectivity, these on-the-go printers print receipts and labels. Better yet, they have rugged housing and feature a long battery life, as well. Learn more >
Star Micronics Cloud Services
With Star Micronics Cloud Services, developers and business owners can monitor connected Star devices in real-time, collect crucial data, and create customized receipts, tickets, and labels. Add promotional material to receipts and schedule holiday sales. Update firmware offsite. Star Cloud Services makes it easier than ever for merchants to elevate their brands. Learn more >
Receipt Marketing is Easy with Star Cloud Services
Adding promotional content to receipts with Star Cloud Services is a simple, free way to get messages out to highly engaged customers. These cloud-based services allow receipt promotions to be set up and scheduled beforehand, automatically printing on certain days or times.
Here are some examples:
Using the POS for Holiday-Preparedness is Clear
Though it’s always insanely busy, retailers should not be worried about the retail holiday season. If steps are taken ahead of time, and they’re utilizing every resource, including their point-of-sale system, merchants and business owners can absolutely keep up with consumers during every holiday shopping season!
The Value of Receipts: Printed and Digital
There’s no getting away from it: receipts hold great value and are an irrefutable part of everyday life.
In recent years, the healthcare industry has been dealing with a storm of challenges. First and foremost has been managing the COVID-19 pandemic. As new variants emerge and surges occur, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have continually updated guidelines and recommended new protocols ranging from surge mitigation to optimizing limited personal protective equipment (PPE).
Pandemic pressures have contributed to another healthcare challenge: a growing labor shortage. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), nurses are retiring or leaving the profession (many citing burnout) in large numbers: an estimated 1 million will retire by 2030. As a result, nursing programs cannot produce enough graduates to keep up with demand and are turning away thousands of qualified applicants because of a shortage of faculty and facilities. Now, nurses and other remaining medical staff are overworked and exhausted.
The stresses of the pandemic and the labor shortage add to a third major challenge: the need to reduce medical errors. On-the-job mistakes range from misdiagnoses and surgical errors to patient misidentification and medication errors (all of which account for between 7,000 and 9,000 US deaths annually). Integrating technology to assist hardworking medical professionals can significantly reduce these tragic errors.
Tech Solutions Help Hospitals, Clinics, and Pharmacies Overcome Challenges
Ever-shifting pandemic protocols, fewer available professionals, and an increased need for efficiency and accuracy are major healthcare pain points. However, technology is available to help clear these hurdles.
Download our free ebook below to find out more!
Healthcare Goes High-Tech: How Technology is Solving Healthcare’s Operational Challenges
The proper technology can help businesses in the healthcare industry streamline workflow and make up for employment shortages, helping to prevent costly errors.
Check out our Health & Safety Toolbox for the Retail & Hospitality Industries for more info about how Star solutions can help overcome current challenges:
In a world where consumer attention spans are shrinking, and store competition has never been more cutthroat, retailers need to find new ways to make their customers want to return to their stores again and again. One way to do this is by introducing a self-service kiosk in stores.
Many reports have found that customers want more self-service options as they shop, especially as technology improves. Self-service kiosks allow customers to quickly get the information they need and make purchases without waiting on any service staff, but there are more benefits, and they all lead to more sales.
5 Ways A Self-Service Kiosk Can Boost Retail Sales
The following five ways a self-service kiosk can boost retail sales will show how these changes can help retailers compete in today’s market.
1) Help with Labor Shortage
Self-service kiosks can help retailers bypass much of the pain of the ongoing labor shortage. They reduce the overhead costs of labor and allow shoppers to interact with products without a salesperson’s assistance. This also allows retailers to give better customer service since the kiosks can provide in-depth product knowledge and personalized recommendations.
All items are neatly organized onscreen and show whether they’re in stock, saving employees time and energy going back and forth to check on supply or answer customer questions. Self-service kiosk software can answer most questions right on the spot. Then, in-store employees have more time to help shoppers with other needs.
2) Decreased Wait Times
Long wait times are a major reason retailers lose sales, but self-service kiosks can help. By allowing customers to serve themselves, they help shorten the wait time and create an experience where the customer is in control. Some self-service kiosks require a clerk to monitor, but one employee may be all you need to serve many customers at once with multiple kiosks around. An example of this we see every day is at the grocery check-out.
3) Increased Upselling
The use of self-service kiosks can also increase upselling. POS software for self-service kiosks can show customers other items they may like as they ring up current selections, often resulting in greater sales. The shopper might have been looking for a sweater, but after viewing more products in the clothing department, they may buy a jacket or pair of pants as well. With the help of self-order kiosks, retailers can track what each customer is looking at so that staff members know to suggest other items that are likely to sell.
4) Real-time Analytics
This brings us to our next point: self-service kiosks can track customer behavior in real time. Having up-to-date analyses of your customers is critical in decision-making and marketing. The data from POS software on self-service kiosks can help you make more strategic decisions about your store. For example, email campaigns can be optimized based on customer browsing behavior and buying trends tracked within the software.
On the other hand, for retail managers, these tools can provide a wealth of insights into customer demographics and a breakdown of how different people browse your store. Inventory is tracked automatically, and merchants can see which items are selling better and at what times. Self-service kiosks can help retailers get to know their customers based on purchases, so knowing what items are popular and what to stock more of is easier than ever. Self-ordering kiosks also allow customers to complete simple tasks like signing up for rewards programs or redeeming coupons on the spot.
5) Increased Customer Satisfaction
Self-service kiosks work great because they’re easily accessible to most consumers. Most people are comfortable using a touchscreen to navigate through a platform. The kiosks cut back on lines, getting rid of awful waiting times. They also create a welcoming environment by providing instant gratification, and they offer personalized services to each customer that makes them feel valued.
Customer satisfaction inevitably rises with less waiting time and more personalized shopping experiences. When shoppers are happy with their experience, they are much more likely to return for repeat purchases and recommend the store to friends and family members. All of this leads to increased sales.
Self-Service Kiosks Boost Sales
With all the above benefits, it’s easy to see how self-service kiosks can boost retail sales. Using technology to help customers ring themselves up and browse through store selections isn’t going away. Self-service is growing. How are you incorporating it into your own business to stay competitive?
Star has all you need for self-service kiosk printing and more!
In today’s connected world, dining and shopping experiences are no longer limited to physical restaurants and stores. Restaurateurs and retailers leverage cloud-based, omnichannel order management and fulfillment solutions to reach customers across various mobile and digital channels. In the post-pandemic era of retail and hospitality, technology is critical.
Throughout the pandemic, cloud-based, omnichannel ordering options kept restaurants, stores, and customers connected. In addition, convenience and ease of use helped scale online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery services, all becoming a mainstay of the modern customer experience.
Even before the global pandemic, studies have shown that consumers and merchants were pivoting to digital and mobile technologies. As consumers lean into new technologies, retail and restaurant brands must increasingly adapt and compete on multiple fronts to win and retain their customers.
So, what does omnichannel mean, and why is it essential for your business?
Frost & Sullivan, a major consulting firm, has defined omnichannel as “seamless and effortless, high-quality customer experiences that occur within and between contact channels.”
In simpler terms, omnichannel is a more individualized form of retail. It’s a customer-focused business strategy that integrates all channels to provide the perfect experience for the consumer. Patrons connect with businesses online and in person. They order through both. Their experiences from one channel to the next are natural and more tailored to them.
Mass Implementation of Omnichannel Strategy
Beyond being a buzzword, omnichannel strategy is a tactical reality for business owners who can’t afford to get sidelined in the race to fast and secure commerce. Surviving and thriving in the digital-first economy means reaching customers anytime and anywhere, including after hours.
COVID-19 created a renaissance for multiple industries, including hospitality, retail, and the emerging cannabis sector. Stores invited customers to take virtual tours and try cosmetics and apparel in digitally-enabled dressing rooms. Restaurants introduced online ordering and curbside pick-up.
The power of cloud and omnichannel solutions enabled these companies to deliver an uninterrupted experience while driving orders, marketing, and customer service across all channels, platforms, and devices.
Omnichannel ordering options are an expectation, not an exception. Consumers have become accustomed to patronizing their favorite brands from multiple touchpoints. Our experts have compiled the following list of items needed for developing a consistent brand experience across all channels.
Cloud enablement: Invest in hardware and software that operates with the cloud to ensure your omnichannel strategy runs smoothly.
Single-access view: Create a secure portal where you can monitor all of your channels to streamline communications and manage operations from one place.
Automated task management: Implement order displays, cloud printing, and other purpose-built technology to save time and labor by automating basic procedures.
Enhanced connectivity: Select products that connect with the cloud to create a cohesive work environment and use peripheral connectivity to improve and accelerate business processes.
How to Create a Connected Environment
In 2021, retail e-commerce sales amounted to approximately 5.2 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide. This figure is forecast to grow by 56 percent over the following years, reaching about 8.1 trillion dollars by 2026. In addition, global online food delivery services are poised to reach nearly $344 billion this year, projected to reach more than $466 billion by 2027. With such high ROI at stake, getting products to customers via cohesive online or mobile channels is essential.
Our experts compiled these six products every business should invest in to get the most out of omnichannel ordering. To read about these crucial omnichannel technology solutions, download our free ebook:
Conquering Omnichannel Order Management with Cloud-Based Technology Solutions
Consumers have spoken! The future of retail and hospitality is omnichannel, cloud-based, and connected. Is your business prepared?
SaaS, HaaS, and On-Premises: Different Go-to-Market Models for Software Developers and ISVs
Independent software vendors (ISVs) and developers devote time, attention, and resources to developing applications that address their markets’ challenges and pain points. An ISV’s success depends on achieving those objectives. However, it’s equally important to determine the best way to deliver software to consumers and take it to market.
The Software as a Service (SaaS) model is an increasingly popular choice. Grand View Research predicts the SaaS market, valued at $165.9 billion in 2021, will grow at an 11% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2028 to reach more than $382 billion, while overall software growth predicts a 4% CAGR in the same timeframe.
The benefits to users, developers, ISVs, and their partner channels are driving SaaS growth faster.
The Benefits of SaaS vs. On-Premises
SaaS has several advantages over on-premises software delivery for users. Compare the two options, point-by-point:
Maintenance: When a business buys a software license and uploads an application onto an on-premises server, that business is responsible for software maintenance, patches, and updates. With SaaS, the vendor typically handles software maintenance at no added cost, making it easier on customers.
Upfront costs: SaaS usually offers users more flexibility with lower upfront costs. It’s perfect for businesses just starting, or those looking to reallocate funds to other focuses like R&D. Users often pay for the first month to begin using the software, plus a one-time integration or onboarding fee. SaaS pricing models often enable lower costs than paying for the software outright.
Free trials: One SaaS business model example allows ISVs to use a product-led marketing strategy. Users can try the software risk-free to ensure it meets their needs and provides value – and when it does, they can subscribe with just a few clicks. This option isn’t possible with on-premises software.
Flexibility: Technology is advancing at a fast pace. So much so that it’s hard for some on-premises software users to get their money’s worth from a license before the application is outdated. SaaS software vendors can add features and update their software with the times, allowing users to take advantage of the latest and greatest tech.
Remote access: SaaS products usually reside in the cloud, allowing users to log in and use them from internet-connected devices. On-premises software requires a VPN or other means of securely connecting to the server to use it remotely.
SaaS Business Model Benefits ISVs & Channels
The SaaS business model also has benefits for ISVs and their channels. SaaS solutions are already provisioned. In many cases, users can install them on their own and get up and running in minutes, saving your team time.
SaaS products also typically reside in a multitenant, cloud environment, helping keep your costs low and allowing you to scale up or down easily. Developing via microservices architecture in the cloud also makes it simple for you to create and test new features. You can have multiple instances and migrate incrementally to minimize risk and disruption.
Additionally, ISVs and their channel can benefit financially by the ability to build a steady, monthly recurring revenue stream (MRR) from SaaS subscriptions. With a solution customers love, MRR will build as sales reps close additional deals. It’s a much easier path toward growth than making one-time sales, and it helps level out cash flow.
Keep in mind, however, that some markets prefer on-premises software. Examples include embedded point-of-sale (POS) software, MedTech solutions that must be installed in healthcare facilities, and railroad or intermodal transportation signaling. The key is to know your market and the delivery method they require.
SaaS with HaaS: Bundle Software and Hardware
Another option ISVs should consider, particularly for complex business applications, is to take your software to market by bundling it with hardware. Users appreciate simplicity. Bundling eliminates the need for them to find hardware certified with your solution that provides them with the necessary functionality. They also have the assurance that everything works together the way it’s supposed to out of the box.
Moreover, depending on the business model you choose, you may be able to offer users Hardware as a Service (HaaS) as well as SaaS. This may be even more attractive to customers as they “lease” your software and your integrated hardware, sparing them the hassles of seeking out and buying any hardware. Bundling HaaS and SaaS can bring you considerable revenue you can rely on.
If the bundle is relatively easy to deploy and set up, you could consider selling directly. However, if it requires IT expertise, you may benefit from selling the bundle through a channel that can provide the end user with the proper service and support. Another option is to work with a value-added distributor that bundles solutions for ISV and hardware partners. In either case, partnerships are vital to raising brand visibility and increasing SaaS or on-premises software sales. Make sure you and your partners are on the same page with sales goals, responsibilities, pricing, and margin to build a mutually beneficial relationship.
How Does Inflation Factor in Your Decision?
If you’re about to launch a new solution in an uncertain economy, it’s wise to factor that into your launch strategy. An economic downturn may make pricing models for SaaS or HaaS solutions more attractive to end users because it allows them to upgrade or refresh their technology without significant capital expenditure. It can enable them to make IT a manageable monthly operating expense, which can have tax benefits.
Suppose your application is designed to save money, such as offering automated processes that help decrease labor hours, incorporate self-service, or solve other pain points in your market. In that case, more businesses could choose your solution because of an economic downturn based on the ROI.
Also, remember the software delivery cost to your organization, whether SaaS, a HaaS bundle, or on-premises, and choose to take your application to market most cost-effectively and successfully.
As always, making an informed choice that’s best for your business and market makes all the difference.
The Star Empower Program helps channel partners boost profit while offering top-of-the-line POS solutions for today’s market.
Star Micronics began its widely successful Star Empower Program to better serve its resellers and distributors after the Covid-19 pandemic put a wrench in global commerce. The groundbreaking program helps channel partners keep their competitive edge without sacrificing the high-end point-of-sale (POS) solutions they deserve.
Program benefits at a glance:
Steep discounts
Marketing and integration support
Priority access to new products
Read on for more!
The Empower Program benefits partners according to their business models and helps businesses increase margins and boost growth. Partners are also provided access to the Star Partner Portal, where they can:
The Loyalty Program, an extension of the Star Empower Program, allows partners to engage in exclusive marketing and business development assistance, furthering their bottom line. With marketing support from Star, these benefits can increase partners’ brand visibility and overall revenue.
Perks include lead referrals, tradeshow sponsorship, MDF incentives, priority access to new products, and more. Members also enjoy access to Star’s vast network of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Value-Added Resellers (VARs).
The Star Empower Partner Program offers the following benefits:
Product discounts and priority access
Sales and marketing support
Sponsorship at tradeshows
Development resources from Star’s dedicated Integration Team
Deal Registration
Star Micronics Partner Portal access with a custom dashboard
Star believes community empowerment is the best way to create win-win outcomes and stay competitive.
“The program captures our ‘Always Leading, Always Innovating’ spirit and increases synergy with our channel partners, enhancing product value and restoring channel integrity while rewarding our loyal partners’ commitment to our success.”
Mike Hanson, Executive Vice President at Star Micronics America
Hosted by BlueStar, the annual VARTECH conference is the prime opportunity for value-added resellers to cultivate thriving and rewarding business relationships with hardware manufacturers and software solution providers. That is precisely what Star Micronics is doing this year in Orlando, FL.
Not only was our Sunday night Patio Soiree a successful opening night reception, but the first day of VARTECH was such an immense joy. To see people we haven’t seen since before the pandemic while making so many amazing new connections has been such a blast, and we don’t want it to end!
“We’re so happy to see attendance up at VARTECH,” says Christin Dorner, Content and Media Manager at Star Micronics. “So many more people are here this year than last, and we’re not only able to connect with old friends, but we’re meeting so many new people, too. Sunday night’s party was fantastic, and we’re looking forward to all the other events Star has lined up!”
Star continues to work hard despite today’s global challenges, showcasing our newest solutions at BlueStar’s VARTECH 2022 in Orlando, FL.
Star Micronics works hard to meet market demand despite ongoing supply-chain issues. We aim to assist channel partners in every way we can and provide innovative benefits to many retail verticals.
We’ve launched many modern point-of-sale (POS) and self-service solutions since the last VARTECH conference, and it’s not stopping now!
At VARTECH 2022, we’re showcasing:
The return of the mPOP® with new direct iOS connectivity for all-day use.
The acclaimed TSP143IV in two models; the TSP143IVUE with Android Open Accessory (AOA) support and a USB/LAN dual interface, and the TSP143IVUW with USB-C and dual-band WiFi connectivity.
A kiosk printing solution that uses repositionable linerless label paper, the SK1-311 SK.
Three models within the mG-T series of POS scales, the mG-T12, mG-T30, & mG-T60; ideal for shops, grocery stores, and farmer’s markets.
The extensive new line of mUnite modern tablet display stands and mounts.
New WiFi-loving models of the popular mC-Print2 & mC-Print3 series; two thermal printing solutions from the state-of-the-art mCollection®.
A wide variety of popular accessories, consumables, and portable thermal printers.
The future of hospitality is connected, and for many tech-enabled businesses that offer alternative dining and shopping experiences, that future is already here. Companies need new technology to reach customers and give them convenient ways to purchase products and services. As consumers acclimate to mobile and online reservations and ordering, advanced hospitality technologies facilitate a seamless and enjoyable customer experience.
How SaaS Impacts The Restaurant and Retail Industry
The hospitality ecosystem supports an array of technology solutions. Single-suite providers can simplify point-of-sale (POS) deployments, from hardware devices to cloud-based tools, through subscription-as-a-service (SaaS) models. SaaS models are increasingly popular in hospitality due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
Subscription services enable merchants to pay for hardware and software monthly instead of making an upfront investment. These services include automatic upgrades or enhancements that keep technology up to date. Many of these services provide ongoing IT support.
Hospitality leaders, attracted by lower costs and extended lifetime value, choose single-suite SaaS partners with cloud-based tools and connected commerce solutions. In addition to easy installations, remote management, and IT support features, SaaS solutions offer regular software updates, hardware swap-outs, enhanced security, and flexible, customizable software.
Conquering Omnichannel Order Management with Cloud-Based Technology Solutions
Consumers have spoken! The future of retail and hospitality is omnichannel, cloud-based, and connected. Is your business prepared?
Remote manageability is just one facet of hospitality’s connected future. Restaurateurs and hoteliers have added online and mobile ordering in record numbers to meet consumer demand for touchless experiences. Omnichannel solutions provided these during Covid-19, but their convenience and ease of use have made them permanent fixtures in the hospitality landscape.
In the pandemic’s aftermath, omnichannel ordering is an expectation, not an exception, for consumers. However, as many business owners have found, implementing omnichannel ordering adds complexity to business operations and requires staff to be mindful of both online and in-store order flows. To keep operations running smoothly, hospitality businesses need many tools to create a cohesive, connected workspace.
Cloud-Based Operations
A cloud technology system will keep your business running smoothly by providing solutions that work well together, such as cloud printing. Used by retail and restaurant owners, cloud printing seamlessly expedites and organizes online ordering. Additionally, these agile systems are easy to integrate and deploy as you scale your business.
CloudPRNT technology from Star Micronics sends online orders directly to your kitchen printer and is supported by an array of devices and peripherals, including the TSP143IV, mC-Print2, and mC-Print3 thermal printers. These thermal solutions are compatible with POS scales, scanners, and cash drawers with many connectivity options, such as Lightning and USB connection, Bluetooth, LAN, WLAN, and more. They are also easy to integrate with POS systems.
Mobile and Online Ordering
The mC-Print2 & mC-Print3
Currently, online food ordering accounts for about 40% of total restaurant sales in the U.S., and researchers expect these numbers to continue to climb. Restaurants with an online ordering system tend to raise their takeout profits by 30% over those that do not. In 2022, the number of Americans using apps to order food and other groceries is expected to rise from 27.9 million to 30.4 million. In addition, about 92% of all top-performing restaurants offered mobile order-ahead and loyalty rewards programs, or a combination of both. If your restaurant is not giving the consumers what they want, you’re missing out on some serious revenue. With the right technology, it’s easy to add mobile sales and online ordering to your business.
Let’s take a look at some technologies that help boost efficiency and customer satisfaction:
Printers
Embrace cloud-based solutions and online ordering with Star Micronics’ reliable Cloud Ready thermal printers. A receipt printer that connects to your cloud- or web-based point-of-sale software is a must-have. Cloud Ready printers reliably print orders directly to the kitchen as they come in.
CloudPRNT technology from Star Micronics sends online orders directly to your kitchen printer and is supported by an array of devices and peripherals, including the TSP143IV, mC-Print2, and mC-Print3 thermal printers. These thermal solutions are also compatible with cash drawers, POS scales, and barcode scanners. They’re offered with multiple connectivity options, such as Lightning and USB connection, Bluetooth, LAN, WLAN, and more, and Star makes integration with your POS software a breeze.
The TSP143IV Thermal Receipt Printer is Cloud Ready
Labels
While labels may be the last thing on your mind, equipping your cloud technology suite with the proper labeling capabilities is vital when completing your connected workstation. Whether your business requires traditional or linerless labels, ensure you have the appropriate solution. You may need food service and delivery labels, like tamper-proof labels or labels showing nutritional, shipping, or inventory information.
Traditional label printing solutions like the TSP743II or repositionable linerless label printers like the TSP654IISK are high-speed graphics printers able to connect to supported cloud- or web-based software. Food orders with special dietary requests can automatically be printed on takeout or delivery labels. Linerless labels are sticky but can be removed and re-applied following an online order from start to finish. These methods can help prevent potentially devastating mistakes.
The TSP654IISK Linerless Label Printer
Payment Solutions
Connected hospitality businesses also need flexible, cloud-based payment software that supports many traditional and mobile POS systems and payment schemes. When linked to omnichannel ordering, these software applications enable customers to pay in-store, online, and via mobile apps using credit cards and mobile wallets.
Contactless POS systems support mobile wallets, wearables, and contactless cards, meeting consumer demand for touchless payment methods. Mobile payment applications that support pay-at-table solutions are popular fixtures in stores and restaurants.
As you search for the right payment solution, look for technology compatible with leading operating systems and interfaces and consider Star Micronics. From contactless payments to paper checks – and everything in between – Star solutions support various payment software applications. Star also has a high-quality selection of portable printers, which may be precisely what your business needs.
Star’s Line of 2D Precision Barcode Scanners
Barcode Scanners
Star’s 1D/2D barcode scanners perfectly fit omnichannel hospitality environments. These drop-resistant scanners are accurate when scanning barcodes or QR codes on paper, screens, or uneven media. The wireless handheld model has up to 12-hour battery power, and the white models are made with antimicrobial agents, helping to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.
These highly reliable scanners can also be used in a warehouse setting to scan items on the floor for inventory purposes or to locate orders, product details, and stock availability. Scanner technology also helps businesses streamline everyday necessities. Check out this article for more information.
Get Advanced Omnichannel Solutions Today!
If you want to be part of hospitality’s connected future, partnering with a single-suite technology provider will help your business scale. Advanced omnichannel solutions, coupled with front- and back-of-house systems, will securely and efficiently manage orders across multiple channels, driving efficiency and growth.
Your single-suite provider will simplify integrations, keep your systems running optimally and meet all your technology needs. Contact your Star Micronics representative today if you’re ready to take your business into the future.
As a software developer in the point-of-sale (POS) space, integrating with a reliable hardware company is more than important – it’s critical. Equally important, you want that company to stay relevant, routinely coming up with hardware that meets market demand. A company that thrives on innovation while making updates as simple as possible can keep you competitive and profitable.
If you are a technology provider interested in integrating with Star, you have a lot to look forward to:
Dedicated integration support. Our dedicated Integration Team supports POS software application developers at every step, from initial consultation through development to launch.
Flexible Printer SDKs: Star Micronics offers a range of printers with powerful software development kits (SDKs) flexible enough for any software you can design.
Our Global Support Site. Star has an entire site dedicated to its developers with downloadable drivers, manuals, software updates, and more.
Integrate with the latest tech while still supporting your current Star hardware. Ensure better marketability for your solution with backward and forward compatibility.
Star Micronics, one of the world’s most prominent point-of-sale (POS) solutions providers, is an established, industry-friendly company with over 60 years of experience providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
Staying at the forefront of POS technology, with years of proven product development and manufacturing expertise, Star has firmly positioned itself as one of the most innovative companies in the industry.
Latest POS hardware and technology
Responsive to industry trends and digital transformations
Large distribution channel with global reach
Integration Team supports ISVs, software developers, integrators, and other technology providers
Live technical support – corporate experience with a personal touch
Integrated with thousands of POS software solutions
Wide range of solutions and peripherals for the retail, hospitality, and cannabis sectors
At Star Micronics, our software development partners are of utmost importance to us. Our dedicated POS integration team is here to support POS software application developers every step of the way. Whether you create POS solutions for retailers, restaurants, or anything in between, our committed team is ready to make Star’s easy-to-integrate hardware work for your application.
Cloud-Based Technology
We have our heads in the clouds – in a good way. With a wide variety of cloud-based technologies, we have what it takes to keep your solution connected. Star’s CloudPRNT technology is ideal for omnichannel and online ordering, enabling users to print directly to Star printers through a cloud service.
Global Support Site
Star has an entire site dedicated to its developers. With downloadable drivers and manuals, software updates, and seemingly endless resources, there’s no easier way to get the information you need.
Star Micronics prioritizes supporting software development and ensures our printer SDKs, as well as drivers, manuals, FAQs, and troubleshooting information, are readily available on the Star Micronics Help Center website, including code-sharing platforms like GitHub.
Industry-Leading Technology
Star is proud to provide a complete, modern POS solution to many markets, including hospitality, retail, cannabis, healthcare, and more. Our comprehensive portfolio of POS hardware – from receipt and label printers to scales and cash drawers – is made even stronger by its technology, including online order printing, cloud printing technology, web-based POS capabilities, SDKs for label printers, Bluetooth printers, and much more.
Solutions Partners
Partnerships are our priority at Star. We only succeed when our partners do. Our dedicated integration team is available to help you develop customized solutions, no matter which industry you’re in – restaurant, retail, cannabis, and beyond. Additionally, Star SDKs are easily accessible on GitHub.
Always Leading, Always Innovating
It’s not just a slogan. Innovation runs deep at Star. Star Micronics has been a leader in the POS space for decades. We are proud of our many industry-firsts, ranging from the first thermal printer in 1992 to the first printer with multimedia printing capability in 2023.
One of our most recent innovations, the next generation of our StarXpand™ SDK, is available for iOS and Android, and enables Star printer control for the popular cross-platform framework, React Native, with more to come!
Designed to shorten development time and reduce maintenance costs, its StarIO10 framework features asynchronous communication, an emulation-free design, human-readable command creation, faster printer search, and easy-to-use debugging log communications.
Integrate with a company that knows the industry and has helped to create it.
Have more questions? Speak to our Integration Team:
