Star Micronics

Author: Brittany DeGroat

  • Bisphenol-Free Thermal Paper: What Businesses Need to Know

    Bisphenol-Free Thermal Paper: What Businesses Need to Know

    Thermal paper has long been a staple in point-of-sale printing, but the conversation around receipt paper and thermal media is evolving quickly. As more businesses evaluate sustainability initiatives, regulatory requirements, and operational standards, many are reassessing the materials used for receipts, labels, tickets, and foodservice workflows.

    For businesses that rely on thermal printing, understanding the differences between BPA-free, BPS-free, and bisphenol-free thermal paper has become increasingly important. From retail and restaurants to healthcare and logistics, operators are looking for thermal media that supports reliable printing performance while aligning with broader compliance and sustainability goals.

    Whether your business prints receipts, barcode labels, linerless labels, or tickets, now is the time to understand how thermal media is changing and what to consider when evaluating paper suppliers and printing solutions.

    Buy Star Blue Eco Paper and Labels

    What Is Bisphenol-Free Thermal Paper?

    Traditional thermal paper uses heat-sensitive coatings that react with the thermal print head to produce printed text and images. For many years, BPA (bisphenol A) was commonly used in thermal paper formulations. As concerns around BPA increased, many manufacturers transitioned to BPS (bisphenol S) or other alternative chemistries.

    Today, many businesses are specifically looking for:

    • BPA-free receipt paper
    • BPS-free receipt paper
    • Bisphenol-free thermal paper
    • Eco-friendly thermal media
    • Prop 65 compliant paper

    Modern thermal media options may use alternative developers and materials designed to support evolving sustainability and compliance initiatives while maintaining the print quality and reliability businesses expect from thermal printing systems.

    Star Eco and Star Blue Eco media are produced using materials with no intentionally added BPA or BPS, supporting more mindful material selection across retail, hospitality, and foodservice operations.

    Why High-Contact Industries Are Paying Attention

    Thermal paper and labels are handled constantly throughout the day in many business environments, especially in industries where receipts, tickets, food labels, and packaging workflows are central to daily operations.

    As conversations around thermal media have evolved, many businesses have started evaluating whether receipt paper and labels contain added bisphenols such as BPA or BPS, particularly in workplaces where employees frequently handle thermal media throughout their shifts.

    This is especially relevant in industries such as:

    In response, many manufacturers now offer thermal paper and label media made without intentionally added BPA or BPS. In thermal media manufacturing, this generally means bisphenol-based developers are not intentionally used in the paper formulation itself, although trace amounts may still be possible due to raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, or supply chain variables.

    Some media lines also include additional sustainability-focused features such as FSC-certified materials, recyclable paper options, and select products made without added Pergafast.

    Why Businesses Are Reevaluating Thermal Media

    The shift toward more sustainable thermal media is being driven by several factors, including:

    • Evolving state and regional regulations
    • Sustainability initiatives
    • Food safety and traceability programs
    • Procurement standardization
    • Consumer expectations around environmental responsibility
    • Operational consistency across multi-location businesses

    Several states have introduced or discussed restrictions related to thermal paper materials, including BPA and other chemicals commonly associated with receipt paper. Requirements vary by region, and businesses operating nationally are increasingly looking for media options that can support broader compliance readiness.

    For many operators, updating thermal paper and labeling supplies is also part of a larger operational strategy tied to:

    • Sustainable restaurant operations
    • Eco-friendly printing supplies
    • Order accuracy initiatives
    • Food labeling compliance
    • Waste reduction programs
    • Scalable POS hardware and labeling workflows

    Understanding Prop 65 and Thermal Paper Compliance

    California’s Proposition 65, formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, has become one of the most recognized compliance frameworks related to product material disclosures in the United States. Businesses that distribute products in California often evaluate whether materials align with Prop 65 requirements as part of their procurement process.

    For thermal paper and labels, operators may specifically look for:

    • Prop 65 compliant paper
    • No added BPA or BPS
    • Sustainable thermal receipt paper
    • FSC-certified media
    • Recyclable thermal paper options

    Star Eco and Star Blue Eco paper lines are produced using materials with no added BPA or BPS and are designed to support Prop 65 compliant operations.

    Because regulations and material standards continue evolving, many businesses are proactively standardizing compliant thermal media across locations to simplify purchasing and support long-term operational consistency.

    Explore Proposition 65 Business Resources Here >

    Star Blue Eco paper and labels are thoughtfully formulated thermal media.

    How Modern Thermal Paper Works

    Modern thermal paper continues to deliver the fast, reliable printing performance businesses expect while supporting updated material standards and sustainability goals.

    Today’s thermal media can provide:

    • Clear, high-contrast printing
    • Reliable image retention
    • Compatibility with existing thermal receipt printers
    • Support for high-volume POS environments
    • Reduced material concerns compared to legacy thermal media

    Importantly, businesses do not typically need to replace existing thermal printers when transitioning to updated thermal paper or label media. Modern thermal receipt paper and labels are designed to work with standard thermal printing systems, including Star Micronics receipt and label printers.

    Some premium thermal media options also help:

    • Reduce paper dust
    • Maintain print head performance
    • Improve long-term printer reliability
    • Support warranty-compliant printer operation

    Star Blue Eco media is specifically engineered to optimize printer performance and support long-term reliability across demanding POS environments.

    Industries Transitioning to More Sustainable Thermal Media

    Retail & Hospitality

    Retailers and hospitality businesses continue evaluating eco-friendly receipt paper and sustainable labeling solutions as part of broader operational and customer experience initiatives.

    Restaurants & QSRs

    Restaurants increasingly rely on thermal labels for:

    • Grab-and-go labels
    • Catering labels
    • Food rotation labels
    • Order confirmation labels
    • Allergen label information
    • Traceability labels
    • Off-premise dining workflows

    Many QSR operators are also adopting linerless labels to support waste reduction and operational efficiency.

    Healthcare & Pharmacies

    Healthcare organizations often require reliable thermal printing for:

    • Prescription labeling
    • Patient-facing receipts
    • Barcode labels
    • Traceability workflows

    Grocery & Foodservice

    Grocery stores and foodservice operations use thermal labels for:

    • Nutritional information labels
    • Inventory labels
    • Expiration date labels
    • Weight and serving size labels
    • Food identification labels

    What to Look for in Thermal Receipt Paper and Labels

    When evaluating thermal paper suppliers and labeling solutions, businesses should consider:

    Material Standards: Look for media produced using materials with no intentionally added BPA or BPS.

    Print Performance: Consistent thermal imaging and durable print quality help support reliable operations.

    Printer Compatibility: Thermal media should work seamlessly with existing POS printers and label printers.

    Sustainability Features: Some thermal media products offer:

    • FSC-certified materials
    • Recyclable thermal paper
    • Reduced packaging waste
    • No added Pergafast
    • Linerless labeling options

    Operational Reliability: Higher-quality thermal media can help reduce dust buildup and support long-term print head performance.

    Linerless Labels and Sustainable Labeling Workflows

    Linerless labels are becoming increasingly popular across restaurant, retail, and logistics environments because they help reduce liner waste while supporting flexible labeling workflows.

    Common linerless label applications include:

    • Order accuracy labels
    • Delivery bag labels
    • Product rotation labels
    • Barcode labels
    • Shelf labels
    • Grab-and-go labels
    • Catering workflows

    Star supports both linerless and linered label workflows across its media portfolio, including:

    • Repositionable linerless labels
    • Permanent linerless labels
    • Die-cut labels
    • Continuous linered labels

    These labeling solutions support modern restaurant workflows, cloud printing environments, and foodservice traceability initiatives.

    Shop Star Blue Eco

    The Star Blue Eco Advantage

    Star Blue Eco is Star’s premium paper and thermal media line, designed to support reliable printing performance while aligning with evolving sustainability and operational standards.

    Key advantages include:

    • Produced using materials with no added BPA or BPS
    • Prop 65 compliant
    • Premium-grade thermal coating for consistent print quality
    • Designed to optimize printer performance
    • Helps support long-term print head reliability
    • Signature blue core for fast identification
    • Select options include FSC-certified materials
    • Select options include recyclable thermal paper
    • No added Pergafast on select SKUs

    Star Blue Eco media is designed for receipt printers, label printers, linerless labeling applications, and scalable POS environments across retail, hospitality, and foodservice industries.

    Perfecting QSR Delivery With POS Scales And Advanced Labeling White Paper

    Perfecting QSR Delivery with POS Scales & Advanced Labeling

    Learn how QSR operators are transforming delivery with weight-based verification and advanced labeling solutions.

    Get the White Paper

    Ready to find out more about Star Blue Eco eco-friendly thermal paper and labels?

    Contact Star Now

    Frequently Asked Questions About Bisphenol-Free Thermal Paper

    What is bisphenol-free thermal paper?

    “Bisphenol-free thermal paper” generally refers to thermal paper formulated without bisphenol-based developers such as BPA or BPS. However, terminology, testing methods, and formulation standards can vary across manufacturers and suppliers.

    In some cases, manufacturers may use phrases such as “no intentionally added BPA or BPS” to describe thermal media formulations. This reflects the fact that trace amounts may still be possible due to manufacturing, raw material, or supply chain variables, even when bisphenols are not intentionally used in the formulation itself.

    Is BPA-free thermal paper the same as BPS-free paper?

    Not necessarily. BPA-free thermal paper simply means BPA was not intentionally used in the formulation, but some products may still use BPS or other alternative developers.

    Because terminology and material standards can vary across suppliers, many businesses now evaluate broader claims around added bisphenols and overall material composition rather than focusing on a single chemical term alone.

    What is Prop 65 compliant thermal paper?

    Prop 65 compliant thermal paper refers to receipt paper or labels designed to align with California Proposition 65 requirements related to listed chemicals and exposure warnings. Many businesses use Prop 65 compliant thermal media to support purchasing consistency across multiple states and locations.

    Can thermal paper be recyclable?

    Some thermal paper products are designed to support recyclability initiatives, though recyclability can depend on the specific paper formulation and local recycling capabilities. Some manufacturers also offer FSC-certified paper and sustainability-focused media options designed to support broader environmental initiatives.

    Star Micronics offers select SKUs of Star Blue Eco thermal receipt paper that are 100% recyclable.

    What is Pergafast in thermal paper?

    Pergafast is a chemical developer that has been used in some thermal paper formulations as an alternative to BPA or BPS. As thermal media standards continue evolving, some manufacturers now offer paper products made without added Pergafast as part of broader sustainability and material selection initiatives.

    Businesses evaluating thermal paper may review whether products contain added BPA, BPS, Pergafast, or other developers depending on their internal standards, sustainability goals, or regulatory considerations.

    What does FSC-certified paper mean?

    FSC-certified paper refers to paper products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an organization that promotes responsible forest management practices.

    FSC-certified thermal paper and labels are sourced from forests and supply chains that meet specific environmental, social, and sustainability standards. Many businesses look for FSC-certified media as part of broader sustainability, sourcing, and ESG initiatives.

    Do eco-friendly thermal paper rolls work with existing POS printers?

    Yes. Most modern thermal paper and label products are designed to work with standard thermal receipt printers and POS systems without requiring hardware changes. Businesses can typically transition to updated thermal media while continuing to use their existing printing equipment.

    What are linerless labels?

    Linerless labels are adhesive labels that do not use a traditional backing liner. They help reduce liner waste, allow for more labels per roll, and support flexible custom-length printing across restaurant, retail, and logistics workflows.

    Why are restaurants using more thermal labels?

    Restaurants increasingly use thermal labels to support:

    • Order accuracy
    • Food traceability
    • Off-premise dining workflows
    • Grab-and-go operations
    • Catering workflows
    • Food rotation and expiration labeling
    • Allergen and compliance labeling

    As delivery and mobile ordering continue growing, labeling has become a more important part of restaurant operations and packaging workflows.

    What should businesses look for in sustainable thermal media?

    Businesses evaluating thermal paper and labels often consider:

    • Material composition and formulation claims
    • Printer compatibility
    • Print quality and durability
    • Prop 65 compliance
    • FSC-certified materials
    • Recyclable paper options
    • Linerless labeling capabilities
    • Long-term media consistency and reliability

    Many businesses are also looking for suppliers that clearly explain how sustainability and material claims are defined across their product lines.

    Originally published on October 17, 2025, by the author.

  • OIML Scales: Understanding Global Compliance for POS Scales

    OIML Scales: Understanding Global Compliance for POS Scales

    For retailers, grocers, and other businesses using POS scales, compliance is not optional. If a scale is used to determine price based on weight, it must meet legal-for-trade requirements in the region where it is deployed.

    That’s where confusion often begins.

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

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

    Explore Star’s POS Scales

    What Are OIML Scales?

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

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

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

    What Is OIML Certification?

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

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

    • Accuracy and repeatability
    • Environmental stability
    • Durability over time

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

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

    OIML vs NTEP: What’s the Difference?

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

    OIML

    • International standard
    • Used in many countries worldwide
    • Based on global metrology recommendations

    NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program)

    • United States standard
    • Managed by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM)
    • Required for legal-for-trade scales used in the U.S.

    The key takeaway is that OIML and NTEP certifications are not interchangeable. A scale approved under one system does not automatically meet the requirements of the other.

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

    POS scale and POS setup at a farmer's market food truck.

    OIML vs Measurement Canada: Key Differences

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

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

    Measurement Canada

    • Applies specifically to Canada
    • Requires approval for legal-for-trade use
    • Includes inspection and compliance verification

    OIML

    • Applies internationally
    • Provides a framework for global standardization

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

    What Are OIML Recommendations (and Why They Matter)?

    OIML recommendations are technical guidelines that define how weighing instruments should perform. These documents serve as the foundation for OIML certification.

    They cover areas such as:

    • Measurement accuracy
    • Tolerance limits
    • Environmental testing
    • Device classification

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

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

    What This Means for POS Scales in Retail and Grocery

    For businesses using POS scales, compliance directly impacts day-to-day operations.

    If a scale does not meet the required certification:

    • It cannot legally be used to sell products by weight
    • Transactions may be subject to regulatory penalties
    • Customer trust can be impacted

    This is especially important for:

    • Grocery stores
    • Delis and fresh food counters
    • Specialty retail (including cannabis and bulk goods)

    For multi-location or international businesses, the challenge increases. Each location must meet the specific requirements of its region, whether that means OIML, NTEP, or Measurement Canada certification.

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

    The latest mG-T POS scales from Star Micronics are perfect for grocery stores and environments.

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

    Choosing the Right Certified POS Scale

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

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

    Key factors to consider include:

    • Required certification (OIML, NTEP, or Measurement Canada)
    • Integration with POS systems and retail workflows
    • Accuracy and reliability in high-volume environments
    • Durability for consistent daily use

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

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

    How Star Micronics Supports Global POS Scale Compliance

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

    Star POS scales are built to support:

    • Legal-for-trade compliance across multiple regions
    • Reliable performance in high-volume environments
    • Integration with POS systems and retail workflows

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

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

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

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

    Contact Star Today

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About OIML Scales

    What does OIML stand for?

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

    What is an OIML scale?

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

    What is the difference between OIML and NTEP certification?

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

    Are OIML scales required in the U.S.?

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

    Can a scale be both OIML and NTEP certified?

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

    What are OIML recommendations?

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

    What are the classes of OIML scales?

    OIML classifies scales based on their level of accuracy. Common classes include:

    • Class I: High-precision laboratory scales
    • Class II: Precision scales used in laboratories and some retail applications
    • Class III: Commercial scales used in retail and grocery environments
    • Class IIII: Scales used for less precise applications such as bulk weighing

    Most POS scales used in retail fall under Class III.

    What are the classes of OIML weights?

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

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

    Legal-for-trade means a scale meets the regulatory requirements needed to be used in commercial transactions where price is determined by weight. Certification ensures accuracy, fairness, and compliance with local laws.

  • Cleaning Printers: How to Prevent Gummed-Up Printer Cutters

    Cleaning Printers: How to Prevent Gummed-Up Printer Cutters

    In a busy kitchen or retail environment, everything runs smoothly until it doesn’t. Orders are coming in, labels should be printing, and suddenly the printer slows down. Labels tear instead of separating cleanly. The cutter jams. Staff stop what they are doing to troubleshoot, and operations stall.

    This is a common issue with many label printers. Adhesive buildup from labels accumulates over time, especially in high-volume environments or when switching between media types. As residue collects on the printer cutter, it can cause jams, miscuts, and inconsistent label output. When maintenance is delayed, performance declines and downtime increases.

    Cleaning printers is a critical part of label printer maintenance for businesses that rely on accurate, consistent labeling. Multifunction printers handle linerless labels, die-cut labels, continuous media, and receipts, but they require regular cleaning to keep cutters operating properly. 

    This guide explains how to clean printer cutters, prevent adhesive buildup, and maintain reliable label printing in high-volume operations.

    See Star’s Labeling Solutions

    What Is a Gummed-Up Printer Cutter?

    A gummed-up printer cutter occurs when adhesive residue builds up on the cutter blade. Over time, this residue collects paper dust and label debris.

    As buildup increases, the cutter can become sticky, misaligned, or unable to cut cleanly. This leads to poor performance, inconsistent output, and eventual printer issues if left unaddressed.

    Gummed Up Printer Cutter
    A gummed-up printer cutter leads to poor performance and eventual printer issues if unaddressed.

    How Often Should You Clean a Label Printer Cutter?

    Cleaning frequency depends on print volume, media type, and overall label printer usage.

    High-volume environments and linerless label usage typically require more frequent cleaning due to increased adhesive exposure. Linerless labels, in particular, apply adhesive across the entire label surface, which makes buildup more likely.

    Rather than relying only on a fixed schedule, maintenance alerts are often a better approach. Alerts help ensure cleaning happens when it is actually needed, not too early and not too late.

    The Risks of Not Regularly Cleaning Printers

    Failing to clean printer cutters regularly can lead to a range of operational and mechanical issues:

    • Incomplete cuts, where labels tear instead of separating cleanly
    • Cutter jams that cause print queues to back up
    • Increased strain on the cutter motor, leading to long-term wear
    • Unexpected downtime that interrupts workflows and delays orders
    • Reactive maintenance that pulls staff away from their primary tasks
    • Workarounds that bypass labeling altogether, increasing the risk of errors, missing allergen information, or incorrect orders
    • Damage to brand perception when operations appear inconsistent or unreliable

    Over time, these issues compound. What starts as minor buildup can lead to more serious printer performance problems if not addressed early.

    How to Clean a Label Printer Cutter

    Keeping printer cutters clean is a simple process when done regularly. With the right approach, staff can remove adhesive buildup quickly and keep printers running without interruption.

    1. Power Off and Open the Printer

    • Turn off the printer before performing any maintenance.
    • Open the printer cover to access the cutter area.
    • Ensure the printer is stable and safe to handle before proceeding.

    2. Locate the Cutter Blade and Surrounding Area

    • Identify the cutter blade where labels or receipts are cut.
    • Check for visible adhesive buildup, dust, or debris.
    • Pay attention to edges where residue tends to collect.

    3. Remove Adhesive Buildup

    • Use the adhesive side of an unused label to lift gum and residue.
    • Gently press and pull to remove buildup from the cutter surface.
    • Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive materials.
    Cleaning Printer Cutter Illustration

    4. Clear Loose Debris

    • Remove any remaining paper dust or label fragments.
    • Ensure the cutter area is free of obstructions.
    • Keep the cleaning process controlled and precise.
    Bottom Cutter Blade

    5. Close the Printer and Test

    • Close the printer securely after cleaning.
    • Power the printer back on.
    • Run a test print to confirm smooth, clean cuts.

    Printer Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts

    Do

    • Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and maintenance
    • Clean printer cutters regularly, especially in high-volume or linerless environments
    • Use approved methods, such as the adhesive side of a label, to remove buildup
    • Perform cleaning in a controlled, well-lit area to ensure accuracy

    Don’t

    • Use sharp tools or abrasive materials that can damage the cutter
    • Apply harsh chemicals that may affect printer components
    • Attempt to clean the printer while it is powered on
    • Ignore early signs of buildup, such as uneven cuts or minor jams
    The mC-Label3 Multifunction Printer by Star Micronics great for delivery take out online ordering and QSRs.
    Keep your label printers working by following best practices for cleaning printer cutters.

    Best Practices for Cleaning Printer Cutters

    Keeping printer cutters clean comes down to a few practical maintenance habits.

    • Follow Maintenance Alerts, Not Just Schedules: Print volume can vary significantly. Built-in maintenance alerts help ensure cleaning happens at the right time, before performance issues begin.
    • Make Cleaning Instructions Easy to Access: When cleaning is required, staff need clear, immediate guidance. Printers that provide quick access to step-by-step instructions make maintenance easier and more consistent.
    • Simplify the Cleaning Process: If maintenance is complicated, it will be delayed. Tool-free access and clearly designed components allow staff to clean printers quickly without relying on IT support.
    • Replace Worn Parts Before They Fail: Even with regular cleaning, cutters and platens wear over time. Replacing these components proactively helps prevent jams and keeps printers performing reliably.

    View our printer cutter and platen replacement sets for the mC-Label series >

    Printer Cleaning and Maintenance Made Easy with Star Micronics

    Keeping label printers clean should not require specialized training or disrupt daily operations. In high-volume environments, printer cleaning and maintenance need to be simple, repeatable, and built into normal workflows. Star printers are designed so routine label printer maintenance can be performed by staff in minutes, without tools, service calls, or operational delays.

    The mC-Label2 and mC-Label3 multifunction label printers are built to support routine cleaning without technical expertise. Built-in maintenance alerts notify staff when attention is needed, helping prevent adhesive buildup before it impacts performance. When it’s time to clean, QR code-driven instructions provide immediate access to step-by-step guidance, so employees can act quickly and confidently.

    Cleaning the printer cutter is straightforward. In many cases, staff can use the adhesive side of an unused label to remove gum and debris from the cutter. Tool-free, color-coded components make it easy to access, clean, and reassemble parts without delays or IT support.

    With the right maintenance approach and tools, cleaning label printers becomes a quick, routine task instead of a source of downtime.

    Want to learn more about how the mC-Label series helps reduce printer downtime? Read our blog, “Reduce Label Printer Downtime with Smarter Maintenance Tools.”

    The mC-Label2 multimedia printer by Star Micronics features user-friendly, tool-free maintenance.
    The mC-Label series uses tool-free, color-coded components for easy printer maintenance.

    Contact us for a demonstration to see how easy printer cleaning and maintenance can be.

    Contact Star Today

    Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Printers

    How often should you clean a printer cutter?

    A printer cutter should be cleaned based on print volume and media type. High-volume environments and linerless label printing require more frequent cleaning due to adhesive buildup. Maintenance alerts help ensure cleaning happens at the right time.

    What causes a label printer cutter to become gummed up?

    A label printer cutter becomes gummed up when adhesive residue builds up on the cutter blade. This residue collects paper dust and debris, causing the cutter to become sticky, misaligned, or unable to cut cleanly.

    What happens if you do not clean a printer cutter?

    A dirty printer cutter causes incomplete cuts, label tearing, and frequent jams. Over time, this increases wear on the cutter mechanism and leads to downtime that disrupts labeling workflows.

    How do you clean a label printer cutter?

    To clean a label printer cutter, use the adhesive side of an unused label to remove buildup from the cutter blade. Always follow manufacturer instructions and ensure the printer is powered off before cleaning.

    Do linerless labels require more printer maintenance?

    Yes. Linerless labels apply adhesive across the entire label surface, increasing the likelihood of buildup on the printer cutter. More frequent printer cutter cleaning is required in these environments.

    Can employees clean printer cutters without technical training?

    Yes. Printers designed with tool-free access and guided instructions allow staff to perform printer cutter cleaning without technical training or IT support.

    When should you replace a printer cutter or platen?

    Replace a printer cutter or platen when cleaning no longer resolves cutting issues, or when consistent jams and uneven cuts occur.

    How can businesses reduce printer downtime caused by cutter issues?

    Businesses can reduce printer downtime by performing regular printer cutter cleaning, following maintenance alerts, and replacing worn parts proactively. Using printers designed for easy maintenance improves consistency and reliability.

  • Cash Drawer Security: Protecting Cash in a Digital Payments Era

    Cash Drawer Security: Protecting Cash in a Digital Payments Era

    Cash drawer security remains essential as consumers continue to use cash. Secure cash drawers feature robust access control and connectivity to the point-of-sale (POS) system, enabling greater oversight and employee accountability. Secure cash drawers also help to reduce human error and losses by keeping cash organized. Cash drawer construction also plays an important role in preventing jams and failures that lead to workarounds and put cash at risk. 

    Explore Star Cash Drawers

    Cash Is Still Common — and It Still Needs to Be Secured

    Although digital transactions account for an increasing share of payments, merchants still need to maintain focus on cash drawer security. Statistics from the Federal Reserve confirm that U.S. consumers use cash for about 14% of payments, and that rate has stayed steady for the past five years. Furthermore, the Fed reports that 90% of U.S. consumers intend to use cash to store value in the future. Older consumers are more likely to have cash in their wallets, but Empower reports that 24% of Gen Z carry cash daily. 

    The staying power of cash transactions can benefit merchants. With cash, merchants instantly have funds, and there are no processing fees or chargebacks when customers pay with cash. On the other hand, keeping cash secure and ensuring there aren’t any errors in till cash balances are long-term challenges.

    Pros of Accepting Cash Cons of Accepting Cash
    Immediate access to funds Risk of shrinkage
    No payment processing fees Manual counting and reconciliation required
    No chargebacks or payment disputes Risk of employee theft
    Works during internet or network outages Greater need for secure storage and procedures
    Accessible for all customers Human error when making change

    So, as long as consumers use cash, merchants need more than just a drawer for bills and change. They need a secure cash drawer designed for accountability and durability. 

    What is a Secure Cash Drawer?

    A secure cash drawer is a cash drawer that combines physical durability with controlled access through POS system integration. In most modern POS environments, the cash drawer opens only when triggered by the receipt printer or POS terminal, ensuring that every drawer open is tied to a transaction or authorized action. This creates a record of drawer activity and limits unauthorized access to cash.

    Secure cash drawers also include durable steel construction, secure bill clips, multiple till configurations, and lock mechanisms that prevent forced entry or accidental opening.

    How Cash Drawer Security Works

    Cash drawer security features help businesses control access to cash, reduce internal theft, prevent cash handling errors, and ensure the drawer can withstand high transaction volumes without failure.

    1. Cash Drawers Give Merchants Access Control

    The most important rule of cash handling is simple: when the drawer is not in use for a transaction, it should be locked. Secure cash drawers are typically connected to the POS terminal or receipt printer and open only when triggered by a transaction or authorized function. This ensures that employees must be logged into the system to access till cash and creates a record of each drawer open, improving accountability and reducing opportunities for unauthorized access.

    2. Insider Threat Mitigation with Cash Drawer Security

    Lax cash drawer security can tempt employees. A&M Consumer Retail Group reports that it’s a threat merchants must acknowledge, with over 50% of shrinkage coming from internal factors like employee theft. Cash drawers that interface with the POS system allow merchants to set policies for when the drawer can open and when manager authorization is required, for example, for voids, returns, or “no sales.” 

    Secure cash drawers help enforce cash handling policies. For example, the POS system can require manager authorization for voids, returns, or “no sale” drawer opens. Drawers that support multiple removable tills allow businesses to assign one till per cashier, making it clear who is responsible for the cash in that drawer during each shift and simplifying reconciliation.

    3. Reducing Human Error with Secure Cash Drawers

    The till design is also a factor in cash drawer security. Having the right number and size of compartments can help prevent cashiers from making mistakes, such as giving a $20 bill in change when $10 was due.

    Secure cash drawer design supports cash balancing best practices: 

    • Counting at the beginning of the shift
    • Depositing cash throughout the shift
    • Pulling the POS report at the end of the shift
    • Counting in a secure location 
    • Solve any discrepancies immediately

    An organized till reduces mistakes during transactions and makes end-of-shift reconciliation faster and more accurate. Proper till configuration is often an overlooked aspect of cash drawer security because disorganized drawers lead directly to cash-handling errors.

    4. Cash Drawers Need Strong Physical Security Features

    Cash drawers must be built to withstand daily use. In high-volume environments like grocery, cannabis, QSR, and large retail stores, drawers may open hundreds of times per day. All-steel construction, reinforced rails, metal bill clips, and dual-lock systems help prevent forced entry and reduce failures that can lead to security workarounds.

    The CD5-1918 cash drawer by Star Micronics sets the standard for high-cash volume, big-box, and enterprise-level cash management.
    The CD5-1918 Max Series Cash Drawer by Star Micronics

    Quick Cash Handling Security Checklist

    Businesses can improve cash drawer security by following these best practices:

    • Use POS-triggered drawers instead of manual key-only drawers
    • Assign one till per cashier
    • Require manager approval for no-sale drawer opens
    • Store large bills under the till
    • Perform till counts at the beginning and end of each shift
    • Reconcile cash in a secure back-office location
    • Use steel cash drawers in high-volume environments

    Read our article about how to properly balance a cash drawer >

    Additional Cash Drawer Security Accessories

    In addition to the cash drawer itself, several accessories can improve cash handling security and prevent unauthorized access.

    Locking Till Covers

    Locking till covers allow tills to be securely stored in a safe or back office during shift changes or when the drawer is not in use. This prevents loose cash from being transported in bags or left unsecured.

    Under-Counter Mounting Brackets

    Under-counter mounting brackets secure the cash drawer to the counter, preventing the drawer from being removed from the POS station. This is commonly used in retail and hospitality environments where the risk of theft is higher.

    Dual Drawer Secure Cable

    In dual drawer environments, traditional “Y” cables allow two drawers to connect to one printer, but they can create a security risk because drawers can be swapped at the printer. Secure dual drawer cables prevent drawer swapping by creating a fixed connection between the printer and both drawers, making it much more difficult for an employee to access a second drawer without authorization.

    These accessories are often used in high-volume retail, grocery, cannabis, and hospitality environments where multiple employees share POS stations and cash handling controls are especially important.

    How to Choose a Secure Cash Drawer

    Choosing a secure cash drawer is not just about size or price. The right drawer should match your transaction volume, integrate with your POS system, and support your cash handling procedures. In high-volume environments like retail, grocery, cannabis, and QSR, drawers must withstand constant use while maintaining controlled access to cash. In lower-volume environments, compact drawers with reliable POS integration and basic locking features may be sufficient.

    When evaluating cash drawer security, businesses should consider:

    • Steel construction and durability for high open/close environments
    • POS or receipt printer interface compatibility for controlled drawer opening
    • Till configuration and removable tills for shift-level accountability
    • Locking mechanisms and key options for controlled access
    • Mounting options such as under-counter brackets to prevent drawer removal
    • Support for dual drawer installations to prevent drawer swapping

    A secure cash drawer should support your cash handling procedures, not work against them. The goal is simple: limit access, create accountability, and make cash handling as controlled and traceable as possible.

    Cash Drawer Security by Industry

    Cash drawer security requirements vary by industry:

    • Retail: High transaction volume requires heavy-duty steel drawers and removable tills for multiple cashiers.
    • Grocery: Drawers open frequently and require reinforced rails and high-capacity tills.
    • Quick-Service Restaurants: Compact POS cash drawers are common, often connected to receipt printers.
    • Cannabis: Secure cash handling is critical due to cash-heavy operations and compliance requirements.
    • Hospitality: Bars and cafés often use compact drawers with under-counter mounting for security.

    Explore Your Industry’s Solutions

    Star Micronics Cash Drawer Security Solutions

    Star Micronics offers cash drawers and cash handling accessories designed for retail, grocery, hospitality, cannabis, and other environments where secure cash management is important.

    CD5 Max Series Cash Drawers: The CD5 Max Series is designed for cash-heavy environments where durability and cash handling control are critical. These heavy-duty steel cash drawers are commonly used in grocery stores, large retail, QSRs, and cannabis environments where drawers open frequently throughout the day.

    Key security features include:

    • Heavy-duty all-steel construction in every popular size
    • Dual interface (DK and USB) for POS or printer-driven operation
    • Reinforced drawer rails for high open/close cycles (millions of operations)
    • Dual or multiple media slot options for checks and large bills
    • Multiple till configurations to support different environments
    • Dual-locking mechanisms on select models

    These features help businesses maintain drawer reliability, control access to cash, and support consistent cash handling procedures in high-volume environments.

    The CD5 Max Series cash drawers by Star Micronics set a new standard for secure and reliable cash management in retail and hospitality environments.

    CD5 Max Series Cash Drawers

    Designed for high-cash-volume environments, the CD5 Max Series features heavy-duty steel construction, dual lock options, and under-till storage for added organization. Multiple sizes and DK/USB interface options allow easy connectivity with virtually any POS system.

    Explore More >

    CD4 Choice Series Cash Drawers: The CD4 Choice Series is a standard-duty cash drawer designed for general retail, hospitality, and point-of-sale environments that need reliable cash handling with essential security features. These POS cash drawers are commonly used in retail stores, cafés, bars, and service counters where a compact drawer and dependable operation are required.

    Key security features include:

    • Durable steel construction with reinforced steel top
    • Multiple lockset options for key control and drawer access management
    • Dual media slots for storing checks or large bills without opening the drawer
    • Secure bill clips to keep cash organized and in place
    • Multiple till configurations to support different cash handling needs

    Standard-duty cash drawers like the CD4 are used in environments with moderate transaction volumes, but secure cash handling and POS-controlled drawer opening remain important.

    Star Cash Drawer Accessories and Tills

    In addition to cash drawers, Star offers cash handling accessories that help businesses improve security and cash control procedures:

    Using removable tills and locking till covers helps businesses assign responsibility for cash to individual cashiers and transport tills securely to the back office for reconciliation. Mounting brackets help prevent the drawer from being removed from the POS station, and secure dual drawer cables help prevent unauthorized access in dual-drawer POS setups.

    These accessories are commonly used in multi-employee environments where multiple cashiers share POS stations and cash control procedures are important for loss prevention and accurate reconciliation.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Cash Drawer Security

    What makes a cash drawer secure?

    A cash drawer is considered secure when it has durable steel construction, a reliable locking mechanism, and controlled opening through the POS system or receipt printer. Security also depends on proper till organization, removable tills to support cashier accountability, and consistent cash-handling procedures, such as shift counts and reconciliation.

    How do cash drawers prevent employee theft?

    Secure cash drawers give employees access to cash only when necessary and authorized, i.e., when accepting cash payments or making change. A secure cash drawer will also communicate with the POS system to track when an employee opens the drawer for any reason, and keep a record for reconciliation and accountability. 

    How does a cash drawer connect to a POS system?

    Most modern cash drawers connect to the POS system through the receipt printer or directly to the POS terminal. In many setups, the cash drawer is connected to the receipt printer using a drawer cable, and the printer sends a signal to open the drawer when a cash transaction is completed. This is often called a printer-driven cash drawer.

    This setup allows the POS system to control when the drawer opens and helps ensure that the drawer only opens for recorded transactions or authorized functions such as returns or no-sale opens with manager approval. Some basic cash drawers operate manually using only a key, but POS-controlled drawers provide much better security and accountability.

    Why is the removable till important for cash handling?

    One till per cashier has numerous benefits for secure cash handling. It enables secure transport of till cash when the cashier begins the shift and when carrying cash from the shift to the back office for reconciliation. Tills can be stored in a safe rather than in the drawer when not in use. Cash is never stored less securely, for example, in a bank bag or loose, and cashiers are each accountable for the cash in the tills they’re using.

    What is the most durable cash drawer for high-volume retail?

    The most durable cash drawers for high-volume environments are made of all-steel construction and are tested for durability and performance over millions of opens/closes. Star’s CD5 Max Series has all the features a high-volume retailer needs, including reinforced drawer rails and industry-leading lock strength. CD5 cash drawer models include several options, giving merchants the choice of the correct till configuration for the bills and change they accept. 

    Bartender Checking ID

    Where to Learn More About Cash Drawer Security

    Choosing the right cash drawer is an important part of cash handling and loss prevention. Star Micronics offers secure cash drawers designed for retail, grocery, hospitality, and cannabis environments, including heavy-duty and compact models with multiple till configurations and POS interface options.

    Contact us to learn more about Star Micronics CD5 and CD4 cash drawer solutions.

    Contact Star Today

  • 4 Features to Look for in the Ultimate Restaurant Kitchen Printer

    4 Features to Look for in the Ultimate Restaurant Kitchen Printer

    A restaurant kitchen printer is one of the most important tools for maintaining order accuracy and speed in a busy kitchen environment. By printing clear, durable tickets instantly, kitchen staff can prepare orders efficiently and reduce costly mistakes.

    In modern restaurants—whether quick service, fast casual, or full service—kitchen printers connect the point-of-sale (POS) system directly to the back-of-house team. Instead of relying on handwritten tickets that can be misread or misplaced, orders are printed clearly and delivered immediately to the stations preparing them.

    Choosing the right printer matters. Commercial kitchens often expose equipment to heat, grease, steam, and constant activity, so not every printer is built to perform reliably under these conditions.

    Explore Kitchen Printing Solutions

    What Is a Restaurant Kitchen Printer?

    A restaurant kitchen printer is a specialized printer used in commercial kitchens to print order tickets directly from a restaurant point-of-sale (POS) system. These printers ensure kitchen staff receive accurate order details immediately so food preparation can begin without delays or confusion.

    Unlike standard receipt printers used at checkout counters, kitchen printers are built to operate in demanding environments and are typically installed at prep stations, grill stations, expo lines, or beverage areas where orders are fulfilled.

    Restaurant kitchen printers generally use either impact printing for high-heat kitchen environments or thermal printing in modern, temperature-controlled kitchens. The best restaurant kitchen printer depends on the kitchen environment, order volume, and how the restaurant’s POS system sends orders to the back of house.

    If you’re evaluating a restaurant kitchen printer, here are four features that can make the biggest difference in kitchen performance and reliability:

    1. Durable Impact Printing for Harsh Kitchen Environments

    A restaurant kitchen printer must be built to withstand the realities of a commercial kitchen. Heat, grease, and airborne food particles can quickly damage equipment not designed for such environments.

    Impact printers, like the SP742 from Star, are widely used in restaurant kitchens because they are extremely durable and reliable. They work by striking an ink ribbon against impact paper, producing clear, legible tickets that remain readable even in high heat.

    Unlike thermal paper, which can darken when exposed to high temperatures, impact paper maintains readability in hot kitchen environments. This makes impact printing particularly useful near grills, fryers, and other high-heat stations.

    For these reasons, many restaurants rely on impact printers for high-heat kitchen environments.

    Impact vs. Thermal Kitchen Printers: Choosing the Right Technology

    While impact printers are widely used in traditional kitchen environments, some restaurants operate in modern, climate-controlled kitchens where thermal printing can also perform reliably.

    Thermal kitchen printers use heat to create images on specially coated paper, eliminating the need for ink ribbons and reducing maintenance. In controlled environments where excessive heat, grease, or steam are less of a concern, thermal printers can offer fast, quiet, and efficient ticket printing.

    For example, the Star mC‑Print3 thermal ticket printer is often used in modern restaurant kitchens, cafes, and quick-service environments where operators want the speed and simplicity of thermal printing.

    However, for kitchens exposed to high heat, oil, or heavy airborne particles, impact printers remain a dependable choice due to their rugged design and heat-resistant paper.

    Choosing between impact and thermal ultimately depends on the conditions of the kitchen and the restaurant’s operational needs.

    The mC-Print3 thermal kitchen printer in a modern heat-controlled environment.

    Learn more about thermal printing in modern restaurant kitchens in our guide to thermal kitchen printers.

    2. Internal Power Supply for Flexible Kitchen Layouts

    Kitchen space is often limited, and equipment placement can directly affect workflow efficiency.

    A restaurant kitchen printer with an internal power supply simplifies installation and helps reduce cable clutter. Instead of managing bulky external power adapters, staff can install printers directly at prep stations, expo stations, or beverage areas.

    Benefits of internal power supplies include:

    • Cleaner workstation setups
    • Easier installation in tight spaces
    • Fewer exposed cables in high-traffic areas
    • More flexibility when arranging kitchen equipment

    In environments such as food trucks, kiosks, or compact restaurant kitchens, these small, space-saving features can make a significant difference.

    3. Fast Print Speed to Keep Kitchens Moving

    During peak service hours, kitchens operate at high speed. A restaurant kitchen printer must keep up with order volume without slowing down the workflow.

    High-speed printers can produce 13 or more receipts per minute, allowing orders to move quickly from the POS system to the kitchen staff.

    Fast printing provides several operational benefits:

    • Orders reach the kitchen instantly
    • Staff can begin preparation sooner
    • Order queues stay organized during busy periods
    • Restaurants can handle higher order volumes efficiently

    Fast, clearly printed tickets help kitchens maintain speed and accuracy even during the busiest service periods.

    4. Easy Paper Loading to Minimize Downtime

    Even the most reliable kitchen printer will eventually need a paper refill. When that moment comes during a busy shift, the process should be quick and simple.

    A restaurant kitchen printer with drop-in paper loading allows staff to replace paper rolls in seconds. This feature reduces downtime and helps kitchen operations continue smoothly during peak service periods.

    Look for printers designed with:

    • Drop-in paper loading
    • Jam-resistant mechanisms
    • Clear paper guides

    These design features allow kitchen staff to reload paper quickly and return their attention to preparing orders.

    Why Kitchen Printers Matter for Restaurant Operations

    A reliable restaurant kitchen printer helps restaurants maintain fast service and accurate order fulfillment. By delivering clear, durable tickets directly to kitchen stations, these printers reduce communication errors and improve overall workflow efficiency.

    Restaurants that invest in the right kitchen printing technology often see improvements in:

    • Order accuracy
    • Kitchen speed and efficiency
    • Staff productivity
    • Customer satisfaction

    In a fast-paced restaurant environment, even small improvements in communication and efficiency can lead to better service and stronger profitability.

    Restaurant Solutions from Star

    Choosing the Right Restaurant Kitchen Printer

    When selecting a restaurant kitchen printer, prioritize durability, speed, ease of use, and compatibility with your POS system.

    A well-designed printer helps kitchen staff stay organized, reduces order errors, and ensures food reaches customers quickly and correctly every time.

    The Smart QSR Delivery Playbook: Labeling, Accuracy & Efficiency Done Right Ebook by Star Micronics

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

    This ebook explores how labeling, verification tools, and flexible POS technology can help restaurants manage QSR delivery workflows more effectively—from the kitchen to the handoff point.

    Get Your Guide

    Kitchen Printer FAQs for Restaurants

    What is a restaurant kitchen printer?

    A restaurant kitchen printer is a specialized printer that prints order tickets directly from a point-of-sale (POS) system to kitchen stations. These printers ensure staff receive orders immediately so food can be prepared quickly and accurately.

    What printer do restaurants use in kitchens?

    Many restaurants use impact printers in kitchens because they are durable and can withstand heat, grease, and steam. In modern, temperature-controlled kitchens, thermal printers may also be used for their speed and low maintenance.

    When should you use an impact vs. a thermal kitchen printer?

    Impact printers are typically best for:

    • high-heat kitchens
    • heavy grease environments
    • grill or fryer stations

    Thermal printers are often used in:

    • temperature-controlled kitchens
    • cafes and quick-service restaurants
    • modern POS workflows

    Why do restaurants use kitchen printers instead of handwritten tickets?

    Kitchen printers improve order accuracy, speed, and communication between front-of-house staff and kitchen teams. Printed tickets are easier to read than handwritten orders and help reduce mistakes during busy service periods.

    Ready to learn more about how the ultimate restaurant kitchen printer can impact your business?

    Contact Star Today

  • 3 Key Advantages of Online Food Ordering for Today’s Customers

    3 Key Advantages of Online Food Ordering for Today’s Customers

    Online food ordering has become a standard part of how customers interact with restaurants and QSR brands. What began as a convenience and accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into an essential way people discover menus, place orders, and enjoy meals on their own terms.

    Today, the advantages of online food ordering extend far beyond convenience. From faster ordering and improved accuracy to greater flexibility and control, digital ordering continues to redefine the customer dining experience. In this post, we explore the key benefits of online food ordering and why it remains a core part of the modern food service landscape.

    Discover Online Ordering Solutions

    Key Advantages of Online Food Ordering for Customers

    The advantages of ordering food online for customers center on convenience, flexibility, and access to a wider range of dining options.

    1. A Convenient, Streamlined Experience

    The primary benefit of online food ordering is its unmatched convenience. Customers enjoy the flexibility of ordering from any location, eliminating the need to travel for meal collection. Features such as easy reordering, queue avoidance, and enhanced order accuracy significantly streamline the dining experience.

    These conveniences not only strengthen customer relationships but also encourage repeat ordering. Digital ordering platforms allow restaurants to meet customer expectations while supporting efficient, low-friction service.

    2. Catering to Evolving Dining Preferences

    Dining habits have continued to evolve as customers look for options that support both in-restaurant and at-home experiences. Online food ordering platforms help meet these expectations by offering flexible pickup, delivery, and ordering options that fit modern lifestyles.

    This shift reflects long-term changes in how people choose to dine, not just a short-term response to the pandemic.

    Explore Labeling Solutions for Online Ordering >

    3. Expanded Choices and Added Value

    Online food ordering gives customers access to a wider range of dining options and promotions. Digital platforms often feature exclusive deals, loyalty rewards, and seasonal offers that enhance value and encourage exploration.

    Virtual menus also make it easier for customers to discover new cuisines and customize their orders. High-quality images and clear descriptions create a more engaging and confident ordering experience.

    Meeting The Online Order Surge: How Hardware Impacts Efficiency

    To stay competitive as a business owner, you must be able to handle the surge in online orders, and one crucial aspect of this is re-evaluating your hardware systems.

    Explore How Hardware Effects Operations

    Online Orders with Star Micronics’ CloudPRNT Next Technology

    To fully support the advantages of online food ordering for both restaurants and customers, execution behind the scenes matters. Star Micronics developed CloudPRNT Next to ensure online orders move reliably from digital platforms to the kitchen without disruption.

    CloudPRNT Next simplifies how online ordering applications connect to restaurant printing workflows, helping orders from platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats print accurately and consistently at the point of execution. It supports iOS, Android, Windows, and web-based environments, making it well-suited for modern POS and mobile ordering workflows.

    What is CloudPRNT Next?

    CloudPRNT Next is a cloud-based printing platform that enables direct communication between online ordering services and Star Micronics printers. Orders are securely transmitted through the cloud and printed automatically, without the need for additional hardware or complex network configurations.

    This streamlined approach makes it easier for restaurants to adopt and scale online food ordering while maintaining order accuracy and operational consistency.

    Key Features and Benefits of CloudPRNT Next:

    • Direct Cloud-to-Printer Communication
      Online food orders are sent directly from cloud-based ordering platforms to Star printers, reducing delays and eliminating unnecessary intermediary devices.

    • Improved Order Accuracy and Speed
      By automating how online orders reach the kitchen, CloudPRNT Next helps reduce manual steps, miscommunication, and missed items, improving the customer experience.

    • Scalable Support for Growing Restaurants
      CloudPRNT Next is designed to support multi-location restaurants and growing order volumes, making it easier to maintain consistent workflows as online demand increases.

    • Broad Device and Platform Compatibility
      The platform works across common operating systems and devices, giving restaurants flexibility as they adopt new POS systems or digital ordering tools.

    • Simplified Setup and Reduced IT Complexity
      CloudPRNT Next removes the need to manage IP addresses, local network configurations, or custom firewall rules, making installation and ongoing support easier for restaurant teams.

    Why This Matters for Online Food Ordering

    Reliable printing is a critical part of online food ordering. When digital orders are transmitted accurately and consistently to the kitchen, restaurants can fulfill orders faster, reduce errors, and deliver the convenience customers expect. CloudPRNT Next supports these outcomes by making printing a dependable part of the online ordering workflow rather than a point of failure.

    Learn More About CloudPRNT Next

    A Smarter Way to Support Online Food Ordering

    Online food ordering is no longer a temporary shift or a passing trend. It has become a standard part of how customers interact with restaurants. The advantages of online food ordering, from convenience and flexibility to improved accuracy and control, continue to shape customer expectations across the dining experience.

    Behind the scenes, reliable POS and printing technology plays a critical role in making online ordering work smoothly. When digital orders move accurately and consistently from the cloud to the kitchen, restaurants can fulfill orders faster, reduce errors, and deliver the experience customers expect.

    As online food ordering continues to evolve, restaurants that invest in dependable, scalable systems are better positioned to meet demand, maintain accuracy, and build long-term customer loyalty. The goal is not simply to offer online ordering, but to support it with the right technology so it works reliably every time.

    The Smart QSR Delivery Playbook: Labeling, Accuracy & Efficiency Done Right Ebook by Star Micronics

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

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

    Get Yours Now

    Frequently Asked Questions About Online Food Ordering

    What are the main advantages of online food ordering for customers?

    Online food ordering gives customers greater convenience, faster service, improved order accuracy, and access to digital menus, deals, and flexible payment options.

    Is online food ordering more accurate than ordering in person or by phone?

    Yes. Online food ordering reduces miscommunication by allowing customers to review their order before submission, resulting in fewer mistakes and higher satisfaction.

    Why do customers prefer online food ordering?

    Customers prefer online food ordering because it saves time, offers transparency, supports customization, and allows ordering anytime from mobile devices or computers.

    Does online food ordering improve the overall customer experience?

    Yes. Online food ordering improves the customer experience by making ordering faster, easier, and more reliable, especially for pickup and delivery.

    Which Star printer is right for your online ordering app?

    Get the Guide

    To browse all of our blog posts covering tips for small businesses, please visit our #StarForSmallBiz blog collection. Original article written by Heidi Orpilla and published June 18, 2020.

  • How ISVs Can Deliver Cloud Printing with Less Risk and Faster Scale

    How ISVs Can Deliver Cloud Printing with Less Risk and Faster Scale

    Cloud printing has moved from a value-add feature to core infrastructure for modern software platforms. As ISVs support multi-location customers, omnichannel ordering, kiosks, and mobile workflows, printing must scale reliably, remain visible, and work consistently across environments.

    Hosted cloud printing shifts the responsibility for print infrastructure, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance from the software vendor to a dedicated provider. This model allows ISVs to deliver cloud-enabled printing without building or managing their own server environments. Developers can put all their focus into making the best product for their customers.

    In the past, offering cloud printing required ISVs to host print servers in-house, absorb infrastructure costs, and carry long-term operational risk. StarIO.Online, a fully managed cloud printing service from Star Micronics, removes that burden by handling hosting, monitoring, and connectivity at the infrastructure level. This allows ISVs to deliver enterprise-ready printing while staying focused on core product development.

    Explore StarIO.Online

    Who StarIO.Online Is Designed For

    StarIO.Online is designed for independent software vendors (ISVs) building cloud-based, web-based, or multi-location platforms that require reliable receipt and label printing. It is particularly well-suited for ISVs supporting enterprise retail, hospitality, quick-service restaurants, kiosks, and distributed operations where printing must function consistently across locations and devices.

    Developers Love Fully Managed Cloud Printing Services Like StarIO.Online

    What You’ll Learn in This Blog

    • Why cloud printing has become table stakes for competitive ISVs
    • How device visibility strengthens cloud printing reliability
    • What hosted cloud printing changes for ISVs and their customers
    • How cloud printing and device management together drive measurable ROI

    Why Cloud Printing Has Become Table Stakes for ISVs

    For years, ISVs have worked to meet customer demand for cloud-enabled printing. In 2026, that demand is no longer emerging. It is expected. As organizations adopt cloud POS platforms, mobile devices, self-service kiosks, and remote management models, printing must function seamlessly across locations, devices, and workflows.

    What has changed is the scope of that responsibility. Cloud printing now needs to support:

    • Multi-location and multi-device environments
    • High-volume, always-on workflows
    • Remote visibility and centralized control
    StarIO.Online is a fully managed cloud printing service by Star Micronics.

    Historically, bringing cloud printing to market required ISVs to host and maintain their own managed print services. That meant investing in servers, security, uptime monitoring, and ongoing maintenance. Over time, those responsibilities pulled resources away from core product development and introduced risk as customer footprints expanded.

    Market adoption makes this challenge impossible to ignore. Quocirca research found that 69% of organizations used some form of cloud-based printing in 2024, up from 55% in 2023. According to Grand View Research, the cloud printing market is projected to exceed $3.1 billion by 2030. ISVs that cannot scale cloud printing efficiently risk falling behind competitors who can.

    Partnering with a hosted cloud printing provider offers a practical path forward. It allows ISVs to meet growing demand for cloud-enabled printing while avoiding the infrastructure burden and long-term complexity of legacy approaches.

    The Benefits of Cloud Print Solutions for ISVs and their Users

    Cloud printing enables ISVs to extend the value of their platforms by centralizing how organizations manage and standardize printing. Templates for receipts, labels, and documents can be created once and shared across locations, ensuring brand consistency and operational alignment.

    From an administrative standpoint, cloud printing provides greater control over user permissions, job routing and queuing, policy enforcement, and audit and compliance reporting.

    For end users, cloud printing introduces flexibility. Employees can print from tablets, mobile devices, kiosks, and countertop terminals without being tethered to a specific workstation. New locations or devices can be added quickly, connecting to existing printers via the cloud without complex configuration. The result is improved productivity, faster rollouts, and more resilient operations.

    Why Device Visibility Is the Missing Piece in Cloud Printing

    While cloud printing solves distribution and accessibility, device visibility solves reliability. Without insight into printer status, even cloud-connected environments remain vulnerable to downtime, missed jobs, and service interruptions.

    By pairing cloud printing with device management, ISVs can give customers the ability to monitor printer health and connectivity remotely, identify issues before they cause downtime, and resolve certain problems without dispatching on-site support.

    Proactive monitoring improves uptime, protects service-level agreements, and reduces support costs. For ISVs, it also minimizes reactive troubleshooting that pulls engineering resources away from product innovation. For customers, it means more consistent performance and higher satisfaction across locations.

    Software Developers Use StarIO.Online Cloud Printing Service By Star Micronics

    What Hosted Cloud Printing Really Changes for ISVs

    Unlike self-hosted cloud printing, hosted cloud printing removes the need for ISVs to manage servers, security updates, and uptime monitoring internally. Infrastructure responsibilities shift to a dedicated provider, reducing operational risk and long-term maintenance costs.

    Recognizing the growing complexity of cloud printing, Star Micronics developed StarIO.Online, a hosted cloud printing service designed specifically for ISVs building modern, scalable platforms.

    With StarIO.Online, ISVs no longer need to deploy or maintain their own print servers. Star manages the infrastructure layer so software teams can stay focused on product innovation rather than printing back ends.

    StarIO.Online helps ISVs:

    • Eliminate the need to host and maintain print servers
    • Reduce infrastructure, security, and uptime management overhead
    • Support CloudPRNT-compatible printers across distributed environments
    • Scale printing reliably as customer footprints grow

    Integration is streamlined through REST APIs, allowing developers to send print jobs and receive printer status updates with minimal code. Webhooks enable real-time printer event notifications, supporting automated workflows and faster issue resolution.

    In addition, StarIO.Online provides:

    • A unified dashboard to manage, monitor, and configure printers across all customer locations
    • Centralized visibility into printer status and connectivity
    • The ability to extend offerings using Star Micronics Cloud Services, such as Label Builder or PromoPRNT

    These capabilities allow ISVs to tailor managed services to specific markets and create bundled, recurring-revenue offerings without increasing operational complexity.

    Built on scalable architecture, StarIO.Online grows alongside ISVs and their customers, whether onboarding new clients or supporting expanding enterprise deployments.

    How Cloud Printing and Device Management Drive Measurable ROI

    When cloud-enabled printing and device visibility come together, the impact extends beyond operational efficiency. ISVs gain a scalable foundation that lowers the cost of delivering managed printing while improving margins and accelerating time to market.

    Customers benefit from reliable, consistent printing experiences across devices and locations. ISVs benefit from reduced infrastructure costs, fewer support escalations, and stronger platform stickiness. Over time, these advantages contribute to increased customer retention, higher lifetime value, and a clearer path to sustainable growth.

    Star Micronics Technologies for Today's Market brochure.

    POS Printing Technologies Built for Modern Software Platforms

    This brochure shows how Star helps ISVs extend their platforms with dependable printing and device control while minimizing integration effort and long-term maintenance.

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Hosted Cloud Printing

    What is hosted cloud printing?

    Hosted cloud printing is a printing model where servers, infrastructure, monitoring, and maintenance are managed by a third-party provider, allowing software vendors to offer cloud-enabled printing without hosting their own print servers.

    How is hosted cloud printing different from self-hosted cloud printing?

    Self-hosted cloud printing requires ISVs to build, secure, and maintain their own server environments. Hosted cloud printing shifts those responsibilities to a dedicated provider, reducing operational risk and infrastructure overhead.

    Who benefits most from StarIO.Online?

    StarIO.Online is ideal for ISVs supporting multi-location retail, hospitality, quick-service restaurants, kiosks, and enterprise environments that require reliable, scalable printing across distributed operations.

    How does managed cloud printing support AI-driven restaurant operations?

    AI-driven ordering, forecasting, and labor tools rely on fast, consistent execution at the edge. Managed cloud printing ensures that receipts, labels, and order tickets print reliably as AI systems dynamically route orders, adjust prep timing, or optimize fulfillment across channels. By centralizing print logic in the cloud and pairing it with device visibility, operators can trust that automated decisions are carried out accurately at every location without adding operational risk.

    Is hosted cloud printing secure enough for enterprise and multi-location environments?

    Yes. Hosted cloud printing platforms are designed with enterprise security and scalability in mind. Print jobs are transmitted using secure protocols, and device access can be centrally controlled by role, location, or application. For ISVs and MSPs, this model reduces exposure by eliminating on-premise servers while still providing auditability, monitoring, and compliance support across distributed restaurant and retail environments.

    Learn More About StarIO.Online

    To learn how StarIO.Online can help you deliver reliable, scalable cloud printing without the infrastructure burden:

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  • What NRF 2026 Revealed About the Future of Retail and Restaurant Technology

    What NRF 2026 Revealed About the Future of Retail and Restaurant Technology

    The National Retail Federation’s Big Show has long served as a bellwether for where retail technology is headed, offering a clear view each year into how the industry is evolving. NRF 2026, however, surfaced a more defining shift.

    The future of retail and restaurants is being built right before our eyes, as hardware, AI-powered platforms, and workflow design operate as a single system, with order accuracy forming the foundation for lasting customer loyalty. What stood out at NRF 2026 was not any single breakthrough, but how these technologies are increasingly designed to work together in real-world environments.

    Across the show floor, one theme surfaced repeatedly. Technology is no longer being evaluated in isolation. Operators are assessing complete, end-to-end workflows, from ordering and production to fulfillment and the final guest interaction. The conversation has moved beyond experimentation and toward execution, reliability, and scale.

    At NRF 2026, retail and restaurant technology clearly entered a phase of operational maturity, with solutions increasingly judged by how well they perform across locations, channels, and peak demand moments.

    Here are the key takeaways from NRF 2026, and what they signal for the rest of 2026.

    Explore Star’s Industry Solutions

    Self-Service Is No Longer Optional

    Self-service has moved beyond experimentation. At NRF 2026, kiosks, unattended stations, and automated pickup workflows were everywhere, across QSR, retail, travel, and hybrid environments.

    Operators are adopting self-service to address labor challenges, increase throughput, and meet customer expectations for speed and convenience. That shift places new demands on hardware reliability. When self-service fails, there is no staff member to step in.

    What this means for 2026:

    • Kiosks and unattended workflows will continue expanding into new verticals
    • Open-frame and kiosk printers must deliver high uptime and jam-free performance
    • Hardware flexibility will matter as much as software innovation

    Self-service is no longer a differentiator. It is the baseline.

    Order Accuracy Has Become the Guest Experience

    Speed gets orders out the door. Accuracy determines whether customers come back.

    One of the strongest signals at NRF 2026 was the growing emphasis on order accuracy, especially for off-premise dining, third-party delivery, catering, and pickup. As order volumes increase and channels multiply, operators are turning to labeling and verification workflows to reduce errors.

    Labeling is now being used to:

    • Identify individual items within an order
    • Seal bags for tamper-evident delivery
    • Improve kitchen communication and fulfillment accuracy
    • Support food safety and expiration tracking

    What this means for 2026:

    • Label printing will continue shifting from optional to mission-critical
    • KDS-driven label printing will become more common
    • Linerless and die-cut labels will be selected based on workflow, not trend

    Order accuracy is no longer only a back-of-house concern. It is central to the brand experience.

    Visit Star Micronics at booth 5757 during NRF 2026.

    Cloud Infrastructure Is Getting Simpler by Design

    ISVs and platform providers sent a clear message at NRF 2026. They want fewer systems to manage, not more.

    Rather than building and maintaining proprietary print servers, many developers are looking for hosted, API-based solutions that remove infrastructure overhead. Cloud printing is evolving from a technical challenge into a managed service expectation.

    What this means for 2026:

    • Hosted cloud printing will see increased adoption
    • API-first platforms will outperform custom infrastructure
    • Remote device monitoring and management will be table stakes

    The cloud stack is not getting more complex. It is becoming more streamlined.

    Web-Based POS and Chrome OS Are Gaining Momentum

    Another major takeaway from NRF 2026 was the continued rise of web-based POS applications and Chrome OS deployments. Developers are prioritizing flexibility, faster updates, and browser-based workflows that reduce OS dependency.

    This shift places new requirements on POS hardware. Devices must work seamlessly across Android, web, and kiosk environments without extensive integration work.

    What this means for 2026:

    • Web-based POS applications will continue to grow
    • Chrome OS kiosks will expand in retail and hospitality
    • Hardware that works across platforms will be preferred

    Platform flexibility is becoming a key purchasing criterion.

    POS Hardware Design and Ergonomics Matter More Than Ever

    NRF 2026 highlighted a growing focus on workspace design. Operators are paying closer attention to how POS environments look, function, and scale over time.

    Clean countertops, effective cable management, and ergonomic mounting solutions are no longer cosmetic concerns. They impact staff efficiency, safety, and customer perception.

    What this means for 2026:

    • Modular and adaptable hardware setups will increase
    • Mounting and peripheral integration will be planned together
    • POS design will be viewed as part of the brand experience

    Hardware must perform well and look intentional.

    Sustainability Is Becoming an Operational Advantage

    Sustainability conversations at NRF 2026 were quieter, but more serious. Operators are increasingly evaluating solutions that reduce waste, simplify operations, and support compliance without adding cost or complexity.

    Linerless labeling stood out as a clear example. It reduces liner waste, improves efficiency, and supports modern labeling workflows without changing user behavior.

    What this means for 2026:

    • Waste-reducing technologies will gain broader adoption
    • Media choices will factor into purchasing decisions
    • Sustainability and efficiency will continue to align

    Environmental considerations are becoming practical, not promotional.

    Partnerships Are Driving the Most Compelling Solutions

    Some of the most effective solutions at NRF 2026 were not built by a single company. They were the result of deep partnerships across hardware, software, and platform providers.

    Integrated ecosystems reduce friction for resellers, simplify deployments, and deliver better outcomes for operators. Collaboration is accelerating innovation faster than isolated development ever could.

    What this means for 2026:

    • Ecosystem-driven solutions will gain traction
    • Channel-friendly integrations will matter more
    • End-to-end workflows will outperform point solutions

    Looking Ahead to the Rest of 2026

    NRF 2026 made one thing unmistakable. Retail and restaurant technology is moving into a more disciplined and outcome-driven phase. The emphasis is no longer on adding disconnected features. It is on building systems that work together reliably under real operating conditions.

    As hardware, AI-powered platforms, and workflow design continue to converge, operators are prioritizing solutions that improve execution at every step of the journey. Order accuracy, uptime, and consistency across locations are becoming the true measures of success because they directly shape customer loyalty and long-term performance.

    For the rest of 2026, expect continued investment in:

    • Self-service and unattended workflows
    • Labeling and order verification
    • Cloud-managed and web-based platforms
    • Modular, adaptable POS hardware
    • Integrated partner ecosystems

    At Star Micronics, these shifts reinforce a long-standing focus on building reliable, flexible hardware that adapts as workflows evolve. When technology operates as a unified system rather than a collection of parts, it quietly enables better execution, stronger operations, and better experiences for customers.

    NRF 2026 did not just highlight what is emerging. It clarified how the next generation of retail and restaurant operations will be built.

    How VARs and ISVs Can Maximize ROI with Advanced Kiosk Printing Technology ebook by Star Micronics.

    How VARs and ISVs Can Maximize ROI with Advanced Kiosk Printing Technology

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  • How to Balance Cash Drawers Quickly and Accurately

    How to Balance Cash Drawers Quickly and Accurately

    Balancing a cash drawer is a critical daily task for businesses that handle cash transactions. Knowing how to balance cash drawers accurately helps reduce shrinkage, improve accountability, and keep end-of-shift operations running smoothly. This guide explains why cash drawer balancing still matters and how to do it quickly and correctly.

    Explore Star Cash Drawers

    What Does It Mean to Balance a Cash Drawer?

    To balance a cash drawer means reconciling the physical cash in a register with the expected total recorded by the point-of-sale (POS) system. This process confirms that cash sales, refunds, and starting cash amounts are accurately reflected. Any difference between the expected and actual amount indicates a discrepancy that must be investigated.

    Why Cash Drawer Balancing Still Matters

    Despite the continued growth of digital payments, cash remains an essential part of daily operations for many businesses. Knowing how to balance a cash drawer is still a foundational skill for retailers, restaurants, and service-based organizations that handle physical currency.

    Because cash is vulnerable to errors, loss, and misuse, balancing cash drawers is not just an administrative task—it is a core operational safeguard. When performed consistently and correctly, cash drawer balancing ensures sufficient funds are available, supports uninterrupted service, and helps businesses quickly identify discrepancies.

    Effective cash drawer management also plays a direct role in profitability. Regular reconciliation—ideally at the end of each shift or at least daily—improves accuracy, strengthens accountability, and reduces shrinkage. With a clear process and the right tools, balancing a cash drawer quickly and accurately is a skill any business can master.

    How To Balance A Cash Drawer

    How to Balance a Cash Drawer

    1. Assign One Person to Each Cash Drawer

    Assigning a single employee to each cash drawer is one of the most effective ways to balance a cash drawer accurately and consistently. This approach creates clear accountability and simplifies cash tracking at the end of each shift.

    When only one person is responsible for a drawer, it becomes much easier to identify discrepancies, resolve errors, and prevent loss. Even in high-trust environments, shared drawers increase the likelihood of mistakes and make reconciliation more time-consuming.

    When one employee is assigned to each drawer, cash balancing becomes more accurate and more consistent, helping businesses reduce shrinkage and maintain dependable cash handling practices.

    2. Count Cash at the Beginning of the Day

    Every shift should start with an accurate count of the opening cash balance. Knowing exactly how much cash is in each drawer creates a clear baseline for tracking sales and identifying discrepancies later in the day.

    Maintaining the correct starting amount is important for both efficiency and security. Too little cash can slow transactions and frustrate customers, while excess cash increases exposure to loss. Setting up each drawer with a balanced mix of bills and coins, based on expected transaction volume, helps ensure smoother operations throughout the day.

    3. Deposit Cash Throughout Shifts

    Keeping cash drawers organized during the day makes end-of-shift balancing faster and more accurate. Making regular deposits during slower periods helps prevent drawers from becoming overfilled and maintains a practical mix of bills and coins for transactions.

    These mid-shift check-ins reduce the chance of counting mistakes later and support more consistent cash handling overall. When possible, having a second employee present for interim deposits adds an extra layer of accountability and reinforces best practices for cash management.

    The CD5-1918 Max Series cash drawer by Star Micronics is ideal for high-cash volume environments.
    Star Micronics has a wide range of cash drawers to fit any business environments.

    4. Pull the POS Report for Each Drawer Afterward

    Balancing a cash drawer starts with having the right data. At the end of each shift or business day, pull the POS report associated with each drawer to establish an accurate reference point. This report shows exactly what the system recorded and provides the benchmark for your cash count.

    For best results, complete this step in a quiet, controlled environment. Fewer distractions make it easier to spot discrepancies, verify totals, and ensure the drawer is balanced correctly before closing it out.

    5. Count the Cash from Each Drawer in a Discreet Location

    Cash counting should always be done carefully and away from customer-facing areas. In a secure, private space, count all bills, coins, and receipts, then compare the total against the POS report for that drawer. This controlled environment reduces distractions and helps ensure accuracy.

    If a discrepancy appears, perform a second count before drawing conclusions. Many variances are resolved through a careful recount. Taking the time to verify totals builds confidence in your cash handling process and supports consistent, reliable drawer balancing.

    Browse Star Cash Drawers

    6. Identify and Solve Discrepancies

    When a cash drawer does not balance, start by reviewing the POS data in detail. Most shortages or overages are the result of simple errors, such as incorrect change given or a transaction entered incorrectly, rather than intentional misuse.

    Compare the POS report against receipts, refunds, and cash totals to pinpoint where the variance occurred. If discrepancies happen regularly, it may be a sign that additional training or clearer procedures are needed. For unresolved issues, inspect the cash drawer area and review recent transactions to check for missing receipts or unrecorded sales. Addressing discrepancies promptly helps protect revenue and reinforces strong cash handling habits.

    7. Record Cash Drawer Transactions

    Accurate record keeping is essential to closing out the cash balancing process. Document the starting and ending balances for each drawer, along with totals for cash, cards, and any other payment types. Be sure to note any overages or shortages clearly and consistently.

    Maintaining detailed records supports accurate accounting, helps resolve questions later, and creates a clear audit trail if issues arise. Over time, these records also make it easier to spot patterns, improve procedures, and strengthen overall cash handling accuracy.

    Tools That Make It Easier to Balance a Cash Drawer

    Balancing a cash drawer is faster and more consistent when the right tools are in place. Clear POS reporting, secure cash drawers, and standardized hardware help reduce counting errors and simplify end-of-shift reconciliation.

    Cash drawers designed for frequent opening, secure storage, and smooth operation support better accountability across shifts. When combined with accurate reporting and consistent procedures, the right tools help businesses balance cash drawers more efficiently and with greater confidence.

    Balance Cash Drawers with Ease

    By adhering to these steps and maintaining a consistent approach, businesses can ensure that their cash drawers are balanced quickly and accurately. Cash management efficiency is a skill every business should acquire, as it contributes to the overall smooth operation and profitability.

    The CD5 Max Series cash drawers by Star Micronics set a new standard for secure and reliable cash management in retail and hospitality environments.

    CD5 Max Series Cash Drawers

    Designed for high-cash volume businesses, the CD5 Max Series cash drawers deliver durability, security, and sleek design. With all-steel construction, dual lock mechanisms, and under-till compartments for added organization, these drawers are ideal for grocery stores, cannabis dispensaries, and other busy retail settings. Available in multiple sizes and with dual DK and USB interface options, the CD5 Max Series integrates seamlessly into any POS system.

    Explore More >

    Conquering Omnichannel Order Management with Cloud-Based Technology Solutions ebook.

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    Looking for secure cash drawers to balance?

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    Cash Drawer Balancing FAQs

    How often should you balance a cash drawer?

    Most businesses should balance each cash drawer at the end of every shift. High-volume locations may also benefit from mid-shift checks to catch errors early and reduce end-of-day discrepancies.

    What does it mean to balance a cash drawer?

    To balance a cash drawer means comparing the physical cash in the drawer to the expected total shown in the POS system. When the numbers match, the drawer is balanced. Any difference results in an overage or shortage that must be investigated.

    What is an acceptable cash drawer shortage or overage?

    Acceptable thresholds vary by business, but many retailers allow a small variance such as $1–$5. Consistent discrepancies, even small ones, should be addressed through process review or staff training.

    What causes cash drawers to be out of balance?

    Most issues are caused by simple mistakes, such as incorrect change given, cash sales entered incorrectly, or skipped transactions. Fewer discrepancies occur when one person is assigned per drawer and cash is counted consistently.

    Can POS systems help balance cash drawers more accurately?

    Yes. Modern POS systems generate detailed drawer reports that make it easier to compare expected totals against physical cash. Accurate reporting is essential for identifying where errors may have occurred.

    Is it better to balance cash drawers manually or digitally?

    Both methods work best together. POS reports provide the expected totals, while manual counting confirms the actual cash on hand. Combining the two ensures accuracy and accountability.

    What should you do if a cash drawer does not balance?

    Start with a second count to rule out counting errors. Then review the POS report for voids, refunds, or missed entries. If discrepancies continue, additional training or process adjustments may be needed.

    How can businesses reduce cash drawer discrepancies over time?

    Clear ownership of drawers, consistent counting procedures, regular audits, and proper POS training all help reduce errors. Reliable hardware, secure cash drawers, and accurate reporting tools also play an important role.

    Original article written by Brianna Moriarty and published September 8, 2020.

  • 2026 IT Channel Predictions Are Optimistic

    2026 IT Channel Predictions Are Optimistic

    Star partners in the IT channel are in a strong position going into 2026. What will define success for value-added resellers (VARs), independent software vendors (ISVs), and managed services providers (MSPs) in the IT channel this coming year? Rising IT spend, growth in subscription-based software, and expanding demand for vertical solutions all point to one of the strongest years for the IT channel in a decade. 

    Macro trends are positive. Gartner predicts worldwide IT spending will increase 9.8% from 2025 to reach $6.08 trillion in 2026. The IT services market is also growing, with Grand View Research reporting a CAGR of 9.4% from 2025 to 2026, reaching $2.59 trillion. For IT channel partners, these indicators suggest sustained opportunity rather than short-term recovery.

    Learn More About Star’s Empower Partner Program

    What Is the IT Channel in 2026?

    The IT channel, comprising VARs, ISVs, MSPs, and other technology integrators, looks very different from what it did a decade ago. Today’s IT channel partners do far more than sell hardware. They design, deploy, and support complete technology ecosystems that combine software, integrations, and ongoing services.

    This modern channel model aligns closely with Star Micronics’ hardware portfolio, cloud printing technologies, and partner ecosystem. Reliable, cloud-ready hardware remains foundational to these deployments, especially in retail, restaurant, healthcare, and other multi-location environments.

    In 2026, IT channel organizations continue shifting toward recurring services, cloud-based deployments, and specialized vertical markets. According to the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Retail IT Channel KPI Study, VARs and ISVs have rebounded from a flat or worse 2024. About 80% of the POS channel now reports growth, with 9.4% seeing revenue growth of 40% or more. These trends are setting the stage for a strong year ahead.

    Key Predictions for the IT Channel in 2026

    Based on market data and channel performance trends, several themes will define success for IT channel partners in 2026:

    • Continued growth in recurring, service-driven revenue models
    • Increased demand for cloud-ready, multi-location hardware deployments
    • Expansion into regulated and emerging verticals such as healthcare, cannabis, and senior living
    • Greater emphasis on simplifying infrastructure while enabling scale

    Partners that can deliver reliable hardware while reducing operational complexity will be best positioned to capitalize on these shifts.

    Cloud Servers and Multi Location Businesses for the IT channel

    More Insights from the Retail IT Channel KPI Study

    The RSPA’s Retail IT Channel KPI Study took a deep dive into the state of the channel, examining key performance indicators (KPIs) that IT channel partners, including VARs, ISVs, and other solutions providers, use to measure business health. One of the most telling indicators is revenue per employee.

    1. Growing Revenue per Employee

    Among RSPA member VARs and ISVs, 38.1% report $200K in revenue per employee, a long-standing benchmark for a healthy organization across both the POS channel and the broader IT channel. This figure represents a 5.6% increase from 2023 and an 11.8% improvement compared to 2022, signaling stronger operational efficiency among IT channel partners.

    RSPA views this improvement as evidence that IT channel partners are succeeding even as competition from VC-backed providers continues to grow. The study also shows that VARs and ISVs are increasingly effective at pairing high-value services with IT hardware and software. Approximately 55% of respondents report that 10% to 29% of their revenue is recurring from services, while about 6% generate more than 60% of revenue from services.

    Star partners are among the POS channel organizations benefiting from these trends. By combining managed services with hardware bundles such as printing, labeling, kiosks, and cloud-connected POS peripherals, they are well-positioned to meet evolving market demand and sustain long-term growth.

    2. Near Record Profit Margins

    In addition to revenue growth, the POS channel is seeing higher profitability. Only 1.2% of RSPA survey respondents reported a loss, while 64.7% reported profit margins between 20% and 60% or more. These results point to a healthier, more resilient channel overall.

    3. Expansion into New Markets and Niches

    Another key finding from the study is that IT channel partners are expanding beyond traditional retail and restaurant markets. Respondents reported growth in areas such as:

    In addition, many VARs and ISVs are setting their sights on healthcare (14.3%), medical office and senior living (13.1%), and non-profit organizations (11.9%). With broader solution portfolios, including cloud-ready hardware and printing technologies from Star, partners can confidently expand into these verticals.

    Ethnic Grocery Markets
    VARs and ISVs are increasingly moving into new markets, like ethnic grocery stores.

    4. Emerging Opportunities

    When asked about emerging opportunities, IT channel partners consistently pointed to larger customer profiles, expansion into enterprise accounts, and growing demand for specialized, vertical-focused software. Many also cited advancing technology as a key growth driver.

    As end customers seek to operate more efficiently and deliver better experiences, IT channel partners are increasingly positioned as strategic advisors. Simplifying infrastructure while enabling cloud-based, multi-location deployments is becoming a defining competitive advantage.

    What Makes a Star Partnership So Valuable?

    Partnerships enable VARs, ISVs, and MSPs to deliver the products, solutions, and services their markets demand. Star Micronics supports partners with an exceptional breadth of hardware, cloud technologies, and flexible deployment options designed for modern IT channel business models.

    > Star’s Portfolio

    Star Micronics offers one of the industry’s most complete portfolios of POS and labeling hardware, including receipt, label, and multifunction printers, cash drawers, scales, tablet stands, and scanners. This breadth allows VARs and ISVs to build standardized, scalable solutions across retail, restaurant, and emerging vertical markets.

    In addition to hardware, Star provides cloud technologies and services that support modern deployment models:

    • CloudPRNT Next is Star’s next-generation cloud printing technology built into compatible printers. Using MQTT-based communication, it enables fast, reliable, and scalable direct-to-cloud printing for ISVs that choose to manage their own cloud infrastructure.
    • StarIO.Online is Star’s fully managed cloud printing service. It allows ISVs to send print jobs to CloudPRNT-compatible printers through REST APIs while Star hosts and maintains the cloud infrastructure. StarIO.Online also provides real-time printer status visibility and centralized configuration related specifically to cloud printing workflows, helping partners reduce infrastructure complexity and support multi-location deployments more efficiently.
    • Star Micronics Cloud Services (SMCS) includes cloud-based tools and APIs that extend the value of Star hardware. SMCS provides developer-facing APIs that enable ISVs to build their own dashboards or workflows for printer status monitoring and connectivity. It also includes end-user tools such as PromoPRNT and Label Builder, designed to help merchants manage promotional content and customized label designs.

    Together, these options give VARs and ISVs flexibility in how they architect, deploy, and support cloud-enabled printing solutions at scale.

    StarIO.Online is a fully managed cloud printing service by Star Micronics.

    > Vertical-Specific Solutions

    Star supports a wide range of industries, with hardware designed for retail and restaurant environments, as well as for growing sectors such as healthcare, medical offices, senior living, and non-profits. Star’s experienced team provides the industry expertise needed to support partners as they expand into new verticals.

    Explore Star’s Industry-Focused Portfolios

    > Opportunities to Build Recurring Revenue

    VARs, ISVs, and MSPs can package software and services around Star’s technology to build recurring revenue streams. By supporting cloud-first offerings and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, Star makes it easier for partners to create predictable, scalable revenue while reducing long-term support complexity.

    Make the Most of a Great Year for the IT Channel

    In 2026, the IT channel will favor partners who simplify infrastructure while enabling scale. Star Micronics helps VARs and ISVs do exactly that, with cloud-ready POS hardware and a fully managed cloud printing service that removes friction for both partners and their end-user customers.

    Want to learn more about the benefits of a Star partnership?

    Contact Us Today

    FAQs for VARs and ISV Partners

    What trends will matter most for the IT channel in 2026?

    Growth in cloud-based platforms, vertical specialization, and scalable hardware deployments will shape the IT channel in 2026. VARs and ISVs that simplify infrastructure and support multi-location environments will be best positioned to grow.

    Why are VARs and ISVs expanding into new vertical markets?

    Competitive pressure and maturing retail and restaurant markets are driving channel partners to explore healthcare, cannabis, senior living, and specialty retail. These industries demand reliable, purpose-built hardware and cloud-ready printing solutions.

    How does Star Micronics support VARs and ISVs as they scale?

    Star Micronics provides a broad portfolio of POS and labeling hardware, cloud-ready printing technologies, and a partner ecosystem designed to support multi-location deployments without unnecessary complexity.

    What’s the difference between StarIO.Online and Star Micronics Cloud Services?

    StarIO.Online is Star Micronics’ fully managed cloud printing service. Star hosts and maintains the cloud infrastructure, allowing ISVs to send print jobs to CloudPRNT-compatible printers through REST APIs without managing servers or middleware. StarIO.Online also provides built-in printer status visibility and cloud-printing-related configuration through Star’s managed dashboard.

    Star Micronics Cloud Services (SMCS) provides developer-facing APIs that allow ISVs to build their own dashboards and tools for printer status monitoring and related functions within their own platforms. SMCS also includes end-user cloud tools such as PromoPRNT and Label Builder, which are designed for merchant use and are not embedded into ISV platforms.

    Some partners use both: StarIO.Online to offload cloud printing infrastructure, and SMCS APIs to build customized monitoring or workflows on top of Star’s hardware ecosystem.

    Do partners need to use Star’s cloud services to work with Star hardware?

    No. Partners can choose the architecture that fits their business. ISVs may manage their own cloud infrastructure using CloudPRNT Next or opt for StarIO.Online, if they prefer a fully managed cloud printing service hosted by Star.