Blog

WebPRNT vs. CloudPRNT: What’s the Difference?
When designing a software product, whether it be a point of sale (POS), online ordering, or reservation system (or more), deciding which printing mechanism technologies to use is very important. Star is happy to help, and offers solutions for both web-based POS and cloud-based POS (WebPRNT and CloudPRNT, respectively). While both technologies enable printing from a server (local or cloud-based), there are many differences between the two, and specific use cases for each.

Below, we explore the basic differences between the two technologies, when to use each, and which Star products feature these technologies. If you have any further questions, please contact us and a member of our team will assist you.

Important Note: All current CloudPRNT-capable printers also support WebPRNT.

Click here to download a full comparison document.

All About WebPRNT

To support customers building web-based POS applications, Star developed WebPRNT, which provides a multi-platform solution to print directly from various devices including PCs and tablets via a web browser.

To use, simply embed JavaScript samples from Star’s SDK package into your HTML file, and you can control your Star printer. WebPRNT is the perfect solution for web developers.

Pros
- WebPRNT SDK is JavaScript-based and is very familiar to web developers
- Supports a wide variety of printers including Bluetooth printers by using WebPRNT Browser
- Once initially coded, WebPRNT can run anywhere with a browser
Cons
- Users must know the printer’s IP address
- Need to set up an SSL certificate
WebPRNT is available on Star’s mC-Print3, mC-Print2, TSP654II, TSP743II, TSP847II, and SP742. Click here to learn more.

Download WebPRNT Spec Sheet

Exploring CloudPRNT

CloudPRNT is a technology that enables printing directly from a server, usually in the cloud. This device-agnostic method of printing separates the printing technology from the device triggering the print job, making it perfect for web-based software solutions where there is no device on the same network as the printer (and many other scenarios).

Here’s an example of how CloudPRNT works: By integrating CloudPRNT, a web-based POS solution could generate print jobs seamlessly and without a print dialog from any browser, on any device, running any operating system since the print job is coming straight from the cloud. Online ordering and bring your own device (BYOD) solutions are also a perfect match for CloudPRNT since the device triggering the print job doesn’t have to be on the same network or connected directly to the printer.

Another benefit of CloudPRNT is that it simplifies print job queue management since it allows management to occur centrally on the server instead of on each individual device. This makes for a robust print management solution in environments with multiple printers such as restaurants.

Last but not least, CloudPRNT printers periodically poll the server with its status looking for new print jobs rather than pushing the print job from the cloud to the printer. This means that the user doesn’t have to worry about the IP address of the printer, making for easier hardware management and support. The user also does not need to manage SSL certificates on the printer as is required with WebPRNT when printing from secure sites.

Pros
- CloudPRNT protocol is platform- and programming language-agnostic
- The printer and the person initiating printing can be in different physical locations (remote printing)
- REST-based architecture
- No need to set up SSL certificates
- All communication is done through one unified URL
Cons
- Requires a reliable internet connection
- Cannot print when network/internet is down
CloudPRNT is available on Star’s mC-Print3, mC-Print2, TSP654II, SP742, TSP743II, and TSP847II. Click here to learn more.

Download CloudPRNT Spec Sheet

Contact Star Integration Now
September 12, 2019
3 Easy Omnichannel Retail Strategies
The term omnichannel retail has been making headlines recently, but what exactly is it? According to Shopify,

“Omnichannel retail doesn’t require you to be everywhere, just everywhere your customers are. This distinction is what separates top-performing enterprises from the rest.

Omnichannel retailing is a fully-integrated approach to commerce, providing shoppers a unified experience across all channels or touchpoints.

True omnichannel shopping goes beyond brick-and-mortar locations to mobile-browsing, online marketplaces, social media, and wherever your users browse online through retargeting ads.”

Why You Need an Omnichannel Strategy

Creating an all-encompassing experience for your shoppers is of utmost importance. Three common and effective methods of delivering an omnichannel dynamic are retail loyalty programs, customer surveys, and online reviews.
1. Retail Loyalty Programs: Simply put, a retail loyalty program is a marketing program designed to motivate customers to continue to shop at/use the services providing by a given business. Common features of loyalty programs are personalized rewards, integrated social media actions, referral marketing, a game-like structure with levels and badges, and special coupons. Did you know …
  - 87% of shoppers reported that they want brands to have loyalty programs
  - 3 out of 4 Americans have at least one retail loyalty card
  - 84% of loyalty program members are likely to choose the program retailer over its competitor
  - 71% feel their loyalty programs deliver benefits that are important to them
2. Customer Surveys: Implementing an online survey is an easy way to gain valuable feedback from your customers. What better way to improve your business strategy than receiving honest feedback from the ones who matter the most, your clientele? (Looking for some guidance on what questions to include? Browse 16 excellent customer survey examples.) Did you know …
  - For every customer who complains to a business, 26 other customers don’t voice their feelings – and you need that valuable information!
  - 95% of customers share bad experiences with others – get ahead of this and address the issue with the customer directly before the negative experience spreads to potential customers
  - 81% of companies who are able to deliver customer experience excellence outperform their competition
  - Resolve a complaint in the customer’s favor and they will do business with you again 70% of the time
3. Online Reviews: Digital transformation is here, and a large portion of today’s consumers browse online reviews of businesses before choosing where to shop, dine out, and more. Your online reputation is important to draw in new business. In fact, did you know …
  - 97% of people read reviews for local businesses
  - 91% of 18-34-year-olds trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
  - 68% of consumers will leave a review if asked
  - A one-star increase in Yelp rating leads to a 5-9% increase in revenue
How to Onboard Customers

So now that you know the basic pieces to the omnichannel puzzle, how do you go about actually getting your customers to engage? To effectively grow your retail loyalty program, customer survey results, and online reputation, you must raise awareness … and that’s where PromoPRNT comes in.

With PromoPRNT, you can create custom on-receipt promotions (for free) that are delivered directly into the shopper’s hand via your Star printer. These promotions prompt customers to sign up for a loyalty program, provide feedback, and/or write a review. A whopping 78% of businesses say their customers don’t have a smooth brand experience across channels – be a business that does and stand out!

And guess what? It’s very easy to get started! We’ve created three omnichannel templates for you to use, which are now available to customize in the PromoPRNT dashboard:

^{*Windows PC users can use their existing thermal printer, others may need to update printer model. Call 1 (800) 782-7636 extension 2 for details or visit www.promoprnt.com for more details.}

PromoPRNT
September 5, 2019
6 Compelling Reasons Developers Should Choose the StarPRNT SDK
Constantly evolving technology requirements and the need to stay competitive is enough to keep any programming and development staff busy 24/7. But instead of forcing you to write pages of new code to integrate your products or systems with Star Micronics printers, we’ve created StarPRNT SDK, a software developer kit that eliminates additional complexity in a way that is unmatched by competitors’ solutions. StarPRNT SDK reduces development time, costs and eliminates the need to study different programming manuals and write pages of code for full-feature support.

The StarPRNT SDK was developed to facilitate the integration of any Star product by making the process as seamless as possible. StarPRNT SDK gives developers all the tools they need at their fingertips to integrate Star’s printer lineup with your application without the heavy workload. In short: Every Star Micronics printer, One software development kit.

Learn more about the SDK now in our free eBook.

There are six specific advantages the StarPRNT SDK has over software development kits that are offered by competitors:
1. Support every Star Micronics product
2. Built to be developer-friendly
3. No need to worry about printer commands
4. Additional support for Star Micronics’ peripherals
5. Provides flexibility with programming language
6. Star Micronics provides development support with the SDK through the Software Partner Program
Work with a Company that Supports Your Business

Designed with the needs of software developers in mind, the Star Micronics’ StarPRNT SDK gives you all of the tools you need to integrate your software with Star’s line of printers and peripherals — moreover, we give you the tools to help the process run more smoothly and cost-effectively so you can improve the bottom line.

Star provides you with a line of industry-leading products including printers and POS peripherals and an SDK that makes it easy to develop software that enables your customers to use our products in ways that are most beneficial to them.

And Star adds the value of support from our development and marketing teams to ensure your partnership with us is profitable.

Contact Star Integration Now
August 29, 2019
Cashless Society: The Pros and Cons
You’ve probably heard the term “cashless society” popping up in the news lately. But what exactly is a cashless society, and what does it mean for businesses and consumers?

Simply put, “cashless” not only includes debit and credit cards, but mobile wallets, electronic payment apps (like Zelle, PayPal, and Venmo), and cryptocurrencies.

Who is cashless?

According to Square, half of consumers used their card for an $8 transaction in 2015. Four years later, the transaction size has dropped dramatically, with half of consumers using their card for a $4.50 purchase in 2019.

In fact, nearly one-third of Americans have stopped using cash for typical weekly spending, and on an international level, in Sweden only 15% of retail sales are made in cash, and some banks no longer handle cash at all.

Who is NOT cashless?

Philadelphia was the first major city in the United States to ban cashless retail, and at the time this was written, New York City, Washington DC, San Francisco, and Chicago are currently considering similar policies.

On a state level, New Jersey and Massachusetts have banned cashless retail stores and restaurants.

So, why the debate? Let’s explore the benefits – and risks – of a cashless society.

Pros

A cashless society could:
- Boost Business Operational Efficiency: By presenting the opportunity for smoother, faster, and automated transactions and bookkeeping, businesses could complete customer transactions and back-office bookkeeping faster.
- Strengthen Security: If a digital wallet falls into the wrong hands, it can be simple to shut down, and some cashless features (like biometric authentication) can enhance security.
- Increase Convenience: Cashless payments (clearly) eliminate the need to carry cash, and digital payments can be made with a simple tap or wave of a smartphone. Additionally, cashless technology can create an easier currency exchange during international travels.
- Lower Crime: A cashless society could potentially lower crime rates as there would be no tangible money to steal. Cashless transactions could also mean less money laundering because of a consistent paper trail would automatically be created.
Cons

On the other hand, a cashless society could also:
- Exclude Populations: For many individuals, cash is still king; 4 million households in the United States (or 6.5% of all households) were unbanked in 2017. A cashless society could exclude significant populations, like the elderly and low-income individuals, from being potential customers.
- Create Security Risks: We know we just discussed security benefits, but there are also potential security risks to going cashless. For example, if someone’s phone is stolen, hackers could crack the PIN and access the victim’s mobile wallet(s). It’s likely that cybercriminals are working on specific hacking strategies in anticipation of a cashless, card-less future. Additionally, more cashless transactions means the potential for even more exposed personal information to possible data breaches, and for small businesses that could be a major risk: 43% of cyber-attack targets are small businesses.
- Present Technological Problems: Simply put, technical difficulties (such as internet outages) could leave users with no access to money.
- Increase Fees: According to XpressMoney.com, “Every time you pay by card, intermediaries charge a transaction fee. These fees would become unavoidable in a cashless society. On the other hand, most ATMs don’t charge you to withdraw cash, and you don’t pay any fees when you buy something with it. There’s no imminent danger of cash completely disappearing from circulation. However, both governments and consumers need to be aware of the potential pitfalls of a cashless society, as advances in technology mean we’re increasingly relying on digital forms of payment.”
Because Star Micronics is always leading and always innovating, our team likes to keep a finger on the pulse of the latest industry trends and keep you posted on how they could potentially affect your business.

Take a moment to tell us your thoughts on a cashless society in the comments below.

Contact Star Integration Now
August 22, 2019
Star Micronics and Innowi ChecOut Provide Reliable, Compact mPOS Solution

Somerset, NJ – August 20, 2019 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that ChecOut has added support for Star portable printers with their new mobile payment technology. ChecOut makes a thin, lightweight mobile point of sale that pairs with Star’s reliable and compact SM-L200 and SM-L300 mobile printers.

ChecOut offers an all-in-one mobile point of sale device that allows business owners to accept payments anywhere, at any time, with no WiFi needed to complete transactions. Available in Android or Windows OS, the ChecOut device has a built-in barcode scanner, fingerprint reader, PCI-certified pin pad and much more. The ChecOut device is currently live in restaurants as well as over 4,000 stores with the world’s largest retailer.

Star Micronics SM-L200 is Star’s 2-inch BLE portable printer and makes the perfect solution for any mPOS retail environment, or pay-at-the-table solutions. The SM-L300 is the larger, 3-inch BLE portable printer with label printing options, making it ideal for online ordering, cafes, and quick service applications. Both printers are compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS.

“We are excited to partner with Star to offer customer experiences, like pay at the table for restaurants and line busting for retail,” says Joel Larson, VP of Innovation for ChecOut by Innowi.

August 20, 2019
2 Easy Labor Day Marketing Ideas to Boost Sales
Labor Day is here – and consumers are looking to celebrate! Millions of people plan on hitting the beach, going to a BBQ, taking advantage of Labor Day sales, and more. In fact, take a look at the below Labor Day statistics provided by McNutt & Partners, some of which may surprise you:
- Labor Day competes with the 4th of July and Memorial Day in terms of barbecue consumption. According to umbel.com, more beef is consumed on Memorial Day than any other day of the year, and Labor Day and 4th of July generally tie for second place. Roughly 40 percent of Americans plan to barbecue over Labor Day weekend.
- And go to the movies. The top-grossing movie of all time to open on Labor Day weekend was Halloween in 2007, according to Box Office Mojo. The movie grossed nearly $30.6 million on its opening weekend. Halloween is trailed in the rankings by The Possession (2012) and Transporter 2(2005).
- Others go shopping. A survey of Labor Day consumers showed that the average American will spend approximately $150 during Labor Day weekend shopping. The largest percentage of consumers said it would shop for school supplies (28 percent) followed by clothes (22 percent) and electronics (18 percent).
Star and Labor Day

Let your customers know what you have going on for Labor Day, by simply using your Star receipt printer*! Print customized promotions automatically on your receipts – when and where you want them to – with Star Micronics PromoPRNT. And with PromoPRNT’s cloud-based dashboard, can create and schedule custom promotions for all your stores from one central location. Your receipts, your promotions, your way.

Labor Day Promotion Templates – Ready to Use!

The below Labor Day marketing promotion templates are live in the PromoPRNT dashboard and ready for you to use. Simply customize to your store, and get printing!

PromoPRNT | Quick How To Video

Contact us today to learn more about how PromoPRNT can help you not just promote your seasonal specials, but onboard customers to loyalty programs, drive them to your social media accounts, and more.

^{*Windows PC users can use their existing thermal printer, others may need to update printer model. Call 1 (800) 782-7636 extension 2 for details or visit www.promoprnt.com for more details.}
August 15, 2019
Star Micronics and Cova Software Join Forces to Streamline Cannabis Retail Point of Sale

Together, Cova’s retail software and Star Micronics’ printing solutions simplify complex dispensary POS operations

Somerset, NJ – August 15, 2019 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that Cova Software is supporting Star’s mC-Print3 printers for use in its suite of cannabis retail software solutions.

Cova is an award-winning cannabis retail POS with an intuitive design and robust tech platform. Cova helps cannabis retailers simplify compliance, raise the customer experience bar, and increase revenue through automated compliance, touchscreen menus, an express check-out app, and mobile reporting dashboards. With a growing network of partners including Leafly, Weedmaps, I Heart Jane, springbig, Enlighten, Merrco, Lift & Co, Budtender and Budvue, Cova’s seamless tech ecosystem provides retailers access to industry-leading tools to run their business.

The Star Micronics mC-Print3 thermal printer features a sleek design and Bluetooth, Ethernet, and Lightning connectivity, making it the ideal choice for modern, connected dispensaries. Easy to integrate through common SDK, the mC-Print3 is also cloud-ready and includes access to a suite of value-added Star Micronics Cloud Services, including tools for digital receipts and custom on-receipt printed promotions. Cova also supports the Star Micronics TSP143III, an easy-to-use, reliable thermal printer featuring high-speed printing, Print Flat Technology, Star Micronics Cloud Services, and more.

“We’re really excited to partner with a top-tier POS hardware provider,” said Gary Cohen, CEO of Cova. “They get it—the reliability and innovation needed to stay ahead in retail, especially in the cannabis industry. Their hardware performance, how fast and flexible it is, and their reputation for great support, it all aligns perfectly with Cova’s values and commitment to provide robust solutions for our customers’ growth. This is a long-term strategic partnership that makes perfect sense for us and creates big value for cannabis retailers.”

August 15, 2019
Star Micronics Teams Up with Square to Offer Scale Solution for Square Point of Sale

Square adds support for Star Micronics mG-Scale series to add more functionality to their POS solution for retailers

Somerset, NJ – August 13, 2019 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that Square has added support for Star’s mG-S8200 scale. Square continues to offer their customers a sleek, unified look in their point of sale with the latest functionality of an integrated scale for sell-by-weight items.

Square Point of Sale is the trusted solution that business owners rely on to help them run their entire business and never miss a sale. With Square’s recent launch of decimal quantity support and the new integration of Star’s new mG-S8200 Scale, Square is now able to offer a weighing solution that communicates directly with the point of sale. This integration will help to eliminate the risk of human error when calculating weight and cost amounts and speed up the checkout process, resulting in shorter lines for the buyers. This solution will provide benefit to yogurt shops, candy stores, delis, and much more.

Star Micronics mG-S8200 is the new large-capacity scale from Star’s mCollection, measuring up to 18 pounds. The scale is NTEP certified, making it legal for trade and offers USB, Bluetooth, or Serial connectivity. The mG-S8200 also offers both wired, or battery-powered options making it perfect for portable use such as farmer’s markets or pop-up shops.

“Star Micronics is very excited to see Square adding support for our new mG-S8200 scale,” says Christophe Naasz, Director of Business Development at Star Micronics. “This will provide retailers with a simplified solution for weighing and selling items, and streamlined operations.”

Coming soon, Square will also support Star Micronics mC-Print3!

August 13, 2019
Buyers Guide: 5 Things to Consider When Purchasing a Scale

Any retail, restaurant, or hospitality venue that sells items by weight needs a scale to protect their customers and business. Point of sale (POS) scales are used by different types of merchants that charge for their items by weight, including supermarkets, jewelers, coffee shops, self-service restaurants and buffets, butchers, candy stores, and more. Whether you’re dealing in pounds of fruit or ounces of gold, scales measure the weight of a customer’s purchase, calculate the price accurately, and help track inventory.

On the surface, the scale’s operation seems relatively straightforward: weigh the items, print tags, and move on to the next customer. This deceptively easy process is backed and regulated by the science of weights and measures, a battery of federal and local laws, inspectors, and several government agencies dedicated to calculating weights and prices correctly. Although it may seem like overkill, these safeguards protect you from over- or under-charging customers and the fallout that comes from making these types of errors.

If you’re in the market for a new scale, consider your products and how accurate the scale needs to be, where it will be set up, and how often it should be calibrated. States monitor merchants with scales for accuracy, so know the local laws in your area to help ensure your POS scales are always in compliance.

No matter what type of business you operate, purchasing a NTEP-certified scale should be nonnegotiable. A retailer that is caught using a non-NTEP-certified scale may be subject to heavy fines, seizure of the illegal scale, or work shutdown. You should never purchase a scale that doesn’t have this important designation, but that doesn’t mean that every scale automatically goes through the process. NTEP certification was developed by the National Conference on Weights and Measures.

Look for a scale with a NTEP Certificate of Conformance (CoC), which means the scale can be used in a commercial setting to sell products by weight. Every NTEP-certified scale will have a CoC number that an inspector uses to verify that the scale meets the agency’s testing standards. Only a NTEPcertified scale, when properly inspected and calibrated, is “legal for trade.”

What else should you think about when you’re shopping for a scale? Here is a quick preview of the five things to put at the top of your list.

1. State Regulations

Across the US, every state has its own agencies and departments that regulate scales and inspect them for accuracy. Some states may require a yearly inspection, while others are inspected less frequently.

Although every industry is different, some require a higher level of accuracy than others. One of the most talked about industries right now is cannabis retail, which relies heavily on scales for its products. Medical marijuana retailers and dispensaries are legal in more than half of the US, and although they sell products by weight, you can’t expect the same regulations that apply at a salad bar to also work for medical uses. In fact, the standards and regulations for cannabis scales vary by state, so choose the scale that will keep you in compliance and accurately serve your customers.

2. Environment

Like any POS component, harsh environments demand more rugged scales. The unit that looks pretty sitting on a counter is not going to cut it in a busy warehouse or inside a cold storage facility. Before purchasing a scale, decide where and how it’s going to be used, so you can choose one that’s tough enough for your business.

3. Applications

Before you purchase POS scales, identify how they’re going to be used and what you need to weigh. Are you dealing with fresh produce, bulk candy and meat, or items like mail and packages? Are most of your products heavy or light? Large or small?

Star Micronics scales have the option to be powered by electrical outlet or battery for additional flexibility and portable use. This feature is especially valuable if you need to take the scale to farmer’s markets, street fairs, or pop-up stores.

4. Connectivity Options

Adding a scale doesn’t mean you need a whole new POS system, so check your current system and see what connectivity options it has and go from there. Look at the operating system and make sure you choose a scale that’s compatible with what you already have. Star Micronics scales offer software support for Windows, iOS, and Android, so adding the scale to an existing system is easy. The scales have a triple interface, and connect using Bluetooth BLE, USB, and Serial. Everything you need to get started comes in the box, including a waterproof and dustproof cover, power cable, and USB cable.

5. Industries

For industries that deal with products by weight, including cannabis, retail, jewelers, restaurants, and pharmacies, a properly calibrated, NTEP-certified scale ensures you are not over- or under-charging customers. These POS components also assist with inventory tracking at your store or restaurant. Running a business that charges based on weight is impossible without a properly-calibrated scale, so make sure you choose the one that best takes care of your needs.

It’s important to pay attention to the accuracy class. Always choose a scale that’s the correct accuracy class, because a candy store doesn’t need to adhere to the same levels of compliance required for medicinal purposes.

Leverage Agency Expertise for Installation Compliance

Once you have selected the scale of your choice, consider who will be in charge of installation, calibration, and getting the NTEP seal with your local measurement organization. You may think this is an easy DIY-job, but doing this by yourself is not recommended. If you try calibrating scales yourself, and they fail any tests administered by government agencies, you will be penalized with fines. Click here to learn more about Star’s nationwide scale installation partners.

Ready to learn even more about how to select the right scale for your business? Download our full, free eBook now!

August 13, 2019
Star Micronics and IndicaOnline to Provide an Integrated Weighing Solution for Cannabis Dispensaries

IndicaOnline, with Star Micronics mG-S322 scale, offers a simple, streamlined solution for cannabis point of sale

Somerset, NJ – August 9, 2019 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that IndicaOnline has added support for the new mG-S322 scale. Already supporting many of Star’s other printing peripherals, IndicaOnline can now offer a full solution for the point of sale at cannabis dispensaries.

IndicaOnline is a marijuana point of sale and delivery app for dispensaries. The platform allows dispensaries to streamline their business with inventory, sales, staff management, and e-commerce, along with digital signage displays for pricing and the patient queue. The IndicaOnline platform also offers an electronic medical record (EMR) system for medical marijuana physicians.

Star Micronics mG-S322 scale is a part of the new mCollection, including a unified and connected line of hardware for retail point of sale. The scale is NTEP-certified, making it legal for trade in the U.S., with Class II Accuracy for the cannabis industry. With multi-interface support (BLE, USB, and Serial) and the ability to operate with iOS, Android, and Windows, the mG-S322 provides the ideal solution for cannabis dispensaries.

“Integrating with the Star Micronics mG-S322 scale is going to provide a hassle-free way for our dispensary clients to precisely weigh and price their inventory,” says Steven Lynn, Director of Marketing for IndicaOnline.

August 9, 2019