Tag: ISVs

Always Innovating: 5 Tech Trends Gaining Momentum in 2025

One of Star Micronics’ most impactful objectives is to provide customers with products and services that meet their needs today and anticipate the tech trends of tomorrow. We listen to stakeholders, explore options, and develop with the overarching goal of making businesses more efficient. This is Star’s spirit of “always leading, always innovating.”

Based on feedback from our customers and partners, and maintaining our position at the forefront of the industry, we’ve identified several tech trends gaining momentum as we head into the second half of 2025. I’m sharing this information to help our partners prepare to meet growing demand and to assist our customers in staying on track toward reaching their business goals.

Take these five tech trends into account to finish 2025 strong and set the stage for a successful 2026:

1. Migration to Cloud Printing in Retail & Hospitality Systems

This year’s tech trends align with the rapid shift toward cloud-first, host device-agnostic ecosystems. Point of sale (POS) software and backend platforms are increasingly cloud-based, driving demand for cloud-managed printing and peripheral solutions.

To support our customers, we are launching a new, fully managed cloud printing solution. StarIO.Online eliminates the need for local infrastructure. Businesses can host their print jobs on secure Star servers, monitor their devices remotely, and manage updates from a single dashboard. Managing printing in the cloud complements businesses’ increasingly cloud-based computing environments with streamlined workflows and increased efficiency.

Find Out More About StarIO.Online

2. Rising Demand for Multi-Function Printers & Modular Hardware

Tech trends reflect businesses’ desire to simplify device fleets and reduce complexity by upgrading to single devices that can support multiple use cases. Printers are now available that do it all, from printing receipts and chits to sticky and die-cut labels. A single device allows businesses to optimize space, control costs, and increase flexibility, which has particular benefits in QSR, fast casual, and retail environments. We’ve designed our mC-Label series printers to meet this demand and give businesses the flexibility to easily build multifunction printers into their workflows.

In addition, today, even small printers come with all interfaces in one device. The printer can now be tethered to a USB or Ethernet connection, be connected wirelessly through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or be connected to a local or cloud based network, all with the same printer. What’s better than making the right choice? Not having to choose at all.

3. Growing Focus on Sustainable Printing & Compliant Media

Sustainability is no longer optional — customers expect it. There’s rising demand for linerless labeling to reduce waste and Prop 65-compliant paper in response to evolving state and regional regulations. Prop 65 in California mandates warnings if products contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA/BPS, which are found in traditional printer paper. Although it’s now the law in California, other legislatures are likely to follow suit. Along with transitioning to sustainable printing to help protect the environment, compliance is driving a shift in how businesses select print media, partners, and hardware.

4. Shift Toward Loyalty-Focused, Value-Added Channel Partnerships

Solution providers want more than discounts. They want programs that support joint marketing, loyalty incentives, and true collaboration. The partner ecosystem is evolving beyond pure pricing to strategic partnerships that help both sides grow.

To support our channel partners, Star is reimagining its Empower Program to accommodate the business models of our reseller and ISV partners. We’re introducing a loyalty program that rewards our partners with marketing funds to help them grow their businesses. Our updated program will support trade show attendance, help create customized campaigns, and deliver content that meets our partners’ go-to-market strategies.

Find Out More About the Empower Program

5. Transition to More Agile, Scalable Distribution

While businesses plan to update printing technology to enhance operations, channel dynamics are more critical than ever. With last-minute deployments, multi-location rollouts, and complex integration timelines, distributors and vendors that can deliver speed, flexibility, and stock availability have a significant competitive edge. Star is uniquely positioned to offer our products through the largest, most innovative, and efficient distribution channel.

Don’t Pass By This Opportunity

For many business leaders, summer is the time for a break from the day-to-day. But it’s also a great time to take stock and course correct, if necessary, to keep your business moving in the right direction. Businesses have the opportunity to increase efficiency with cloud printing, operate more cost-effectively with multi-function printers, and operate more sustainably with eco-friendly paper and linerless labels. Star channel partners (and potential partners) can meet that demand by providing products from Star’s portfolio and collaborating more closely with us to market their businesses.

Join us in always leading, always innovating in 2025 and beyond.

Written by Christophe Naasz, Director of Business Development at Star Micronics America.

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July 4, 2025
How Star Micronics Is Helping Channel Partners Succeed

Since the pandemic began, value-added resellers (VARs) and technology providers (ISVs, ISOs) in the point-of-sale space have been going through one of the most rewarding and challenging macro environments of their lives. Costs and demand are up, supply is down, and uncertainty seems to be the only constant. Sometimes, we can get too caught up in the details and forget the larger picture.

At Star Micronics, our executive team is always listening. We want to understand the challenges our channel partners face so we can do whatever is in our power to alleviate them. Star is working relentlessly behind the scenes throughout these hardships to help our dedicated channel partners achieve their goals. We believe when we work together, there is nothing we can’t overcome.

Recently, I sat with Mike Hanson, Executive Vice President of Star Micronics America, to get his take on how the industry horizon looks from here.

What areas is Star Micronics investing in to help channel partners succeed?

Star Micronics has been investing in several areas to help channel partners succeed. Following our “Always Leading, Always Innovating” decree, this includes diversifying and expanding our product offerings and bolstering our supply chain operations and sourcing.

To start, we recently launched the new TSP143IV printer. It features Android Open Accessory (AOA) to allow power and communication on a single wired connection for Android, which is highly used in the industry now. Having AOA now complements our wired SteadyLAN power and communication technology for iOS devices. We also re-engineered the design of our mPOP from wireless Bluetooth MFI to wired USB-C MFI, getting more out to market sooner.

As for our supply chain operations and sourcing, Star has experienced unprecedented demand for our products thanks to our partners’ success. Globally, Star has been strategic by transitioning and diversifying our production lines to incorporate additional regions aside from our traditional team, allowing us to expand manufacturing capacity aggressively. Star has vigorously sourced components from available global suppliers to overcome continued semiconductor supply limitations.

How is Star’s product line evolving to meet the needs of today’s channel partners?

Star is dedicated to providing our channel partners with a full solution suite to power their workspaces this year. Thanks to solid relationships with our partners, we have developed complementary products that leverage our advanced software integration tools to provide a complete hardware solution.

The Star solution suite is a cohesive, connected network of products that work together to provide reliable and easy-to-use solutions that support various industries. This gives resellers, retailers, and channel partners products that offer years of use and support from a single supplier. The Star suite enables resellers to purchase printers and related peripherals (like scales, barcode scanners, cash drawers, etc.) in one place. Fewer vendors to manage makes it easier for channel partners.

What new programs and services does Star offer that can benefit channel partners?

Star is blessed to have the industry’s best group of dedicated distribution partners who have truly shined during the recent supply chain challenges to meet resellers’ needs. To support these incredible channel partners, we established our Empower Partner Program. The Empower Program’s introduction has successfully reestablished value and price parity for our resellers.

Last year, we enhanced the program with the addition of loyalty benefits. These benefits reward resellers that provide a variety of products from the Star solution suite. We recognize the long-term value of every reseller offering our complete suite, such as our printers, cash drawers, scanners, scales, stands, paper, warranties, and other Star products. As a result, full solution suite resellers are rewarded at the same level as a large volume reseller that may only sell Star printers.

As we head into the second half of 2022, is there any advice or insight Star can provide to channel partners?

As we move into the second half of 2022 and beyond, we are seeing some improvements in semiconductor and component availability. Gradually, this will help recover product shortages, which is good news for all.

Conversely, the macroeconomic situation is unstable as we feel the impact of inflation, high oil prices, and global unrest. It’s tough to see when logistics, components, and manufacturing costs will stabilize, making it difficult to imagine when pre-pandemic prices will return.

We want every channel partner to know that Star is working hard behind the scenes to reduce transportation costs while implementing new software solutions to improve the accuracy and visibility of product availability. We are also expanding our resources to support our partners in any way we can.

Please take some time to learn about the many new solutions Star has just introduced, and look forward to more “Always Leading, Always Innovating” products and services that will help our partners continue to flourish.

Star’s Latest Solutions

TSP143IV

This futureproof printing solution provides maximum connecting flexibility with added features like support for the Android Open Accessory (AOA) protocol and a USB/LAN Dual Interface (TSP143IVUE) or WLAN capability with a dual-band wireless connection (TSP143IVUW).

Learn More >

mC-Print21W & 31W

Our ultimate 2″ mC-Print21W and 3″ mC-Print31W thermal printers are now available with WiFi capability. Whether you need to use 2.4GHz or 5GHz bandwidth, these sleek, space-saving technologies keep your business connected.

Find Out More >

1D/2D Barcode Scanners

Star’s IP-rated premium scanner line includes a desktop scanner, a handheld scanner, and a wireless handheld scanner, so however you need to get the job done, it’s sure to be quick and reliable. Find the perfect one for your business.

See Our Scanner Line >

mUnite Tablet Stands & Mounts

Star Micronics is proud to offer both function and style with its mUnite tablet display solution stands, kiosks, and mounts. Built to accompany a vast array of printers, cash drawers, scales, and peripherals, these modern, all-steel stands unify your point-of-sale while protecting your valuables.

Browse Our Collection >

mG-T POS Scales

Star’s new line of three NTEP and Measurement Canada certified scales are trade-ready and effortless to set up, connecting to your POS system via Bluetooth or Serial connectivity. Plus, they integrate easily with Star SDK, so you’ll be back doing what you do best.

Learn More >

Star Micronics Cloud Services

By connecting Star printers to Cloud Services, Star has created a practical, developer-friendly platform for more efficient, connected, and intelligent systems. For business owners and technology providers alike, Star’s Cloud Services can be used for device management, receipt customization, and cloud-based data access.

See What’s Available >

SK1-311 SK

This 3″ linerless label kiosk printer is compact and lightweight, ideal for the food and travel industries or any self-service application. Linerless labels are an alternative to silicone-lined labels or tape and are more eco-friendly with less waste.

Find Out More >

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July 1, 2022
5 Reasons Retailers are Moving to Web-Based Applications for POS

Web-based applications have changed the IT landscape because they require little upfront investment, update frequently, and businesses typically can use the hardware they already own. This affordable alternative to traditional, on-premises POS software keeps databases and information secure, with around-the-clock access from any location or mobile device with an Internet connection.

Although their applications apply to virtually all markets and industries, Web-based applications have had a particularly large impact on retail point of sale (POS). Consider these five reasons: Can your POS system do this?

1. Effortless Scheduling. A Web-based application means you can access back office functions from anywhere, anytime. This empowers managers to update schedules and view time off or vacation requests quickly and easily from any mobile device. Employees can view their work schedules and request time off through an easy-to-use interface, even when they aren’t in the store.

2. Easy Inventory Access. According to retail advisory firm IHL Group, inventory errors cost retailers $1.75 million every year. The number one reason these errors occur is because of internal process failures, which can be prevented by a Web-based application. Inventory is tracked in real time, instead of updating hourly or daily. Employees can easily see which items are on-hand, in-transit or on-order. This is especially important if you’re managing stock at multiple stores because it allows managers to place an order for all the stores from one location.

3. Order Online, Pick Up in Store. People are seeking out an omnichannel shopping experience so it’s no surprise that the “buy online, pick up in store” is becoming even more popular. It’s the perfect solution for people who want the instant gratification of getting their item the same day, while saving on shipping costs. Web-based application inventory management is updated in real time, so customers can see what’s in stock while they are shopping. It also allows them to select a different location if their item is out of stock, and have it shopped to the closest store for pickup.

4. Offsite Access. Traditional POS systems may require you to be on-site to work on back office functions or review reports, but a Web-based application lets business owners and managers access the system from anywhere with Internet access. Web-based applications store data in the cloud, so it’s open 24/7 for managers to run reports, schedule staff, and manage inventory from home while on a businesses trip, or late at night.

5. Save a Webpage (Like an App) to a Mobile Device Home Screen. Business owners and managers can save a shortcut to their Web portal – like an app – right to their smartphone or tablet so they can log in with just a few clicks. This technology, which brings their entire operation right to their fingertips, is compatible with iPhone® and Android™ OS platforms. Customers can also take advantage of your store’s Web-based application for easy, one-click ordering (if available). Having your store’s webpage available on a customer’s home screen will help ensure your store will always be their first stop.

Increasingly, retailers are opting for Web-based applications due to their ease of use, the expanded capabilities they offer, and the enhanced customer experiences they can help provide. Web-based applications are an affordable alternative to legacy POS systems that can help move your business toward greater efficiency and competitiveness.

April 13, 2017