Star Micronics

Tag: Mobile POS (mPOS)

  • Star Micronics Earns “Vendor of the Year” Award at the 2022 Ingram Micro Marketing Experience Event

    Star Micronics Earns “Vendor of the Year” Award at the 2022 Ingram Micro Marketing Experience Event

    The prestigious accolade celebrates Star Micronics’ partner-led strategy, exemplary level of engagement and focus on mutual business growth

     

    Nov. 4, 2021 – Somerset, NJ- Star Micronics is pleased to be named “Vendor of the Year” – Data Capture / Point of Sale – by Ingram Micro Inc. The annual Ingram Micro “Vendor of the Year” awards celebrate the success of more than two dozen emerging and established-channel focused vendor organizations across several categories including technology, markets, and communities. The awards were presented virtually in October 2021 at Ingram Micro’s 2022 Marketing Experience Event.

    “Ingram Micro is proud to work with Star Micronics and enable our mutual channel partners with technology, services and resources needed to differentiate their business and bring more value to their customers,” says Ingram Micro’s Executive Director of Marketing and host of the 2022 Marketing Experience Event Dennis Crupi. “Congratulations to Star Micronics and all of our 2021 Vendor of the Year Award Winners.”

    Pulling from the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of vendor brands, the Ingram Micro team selected 30 “Vendor of the Year” recipients as part of the 2022 Marketing Experience Event. Earning the title of Vendor of the Year for DC/POS is commended by Ingram Micro for its unwavering commitment to the channel and excellence at all levels of engagement, enablement and execution.

    “Star Micronics continues to innovate and provide the solutions that our customers need,” says Mike Hanson, Executive VP of Star Micronics. “We’re incredibly honored to receive this award from Ingram Micro, and thankful for such a strong partnership.”

    To watch the Ingram Micro Experience event and Vendor of the Year awards, visit https://cvent.me/5xEz8k.

     

    About Star Micronics

    Star Micronics, one of the world’s largest POS providers, has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, and customer engagement solutions for any retail or hospitality establishment in POS and mPOS environments. Embracing the mobility wave, Star’s complimentary SDKs allow users to utilize Star printers in tandem with Android™, and iOS iPad® and iPhone® devices to generate receipts for all its printers. Always leading, and always innovating, Star Micronics enables web-based printing solutions including remote cloud printing, wireless cash drawer solutions, proximity-based printing, and secure cash management. For more information, visit https://starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

     

    About Ingram Micro

    Ingram Micro helps businesses realize the promise of technology. It delivers a full spectrum of global technology and supply chain services to businesses around the world. Deep expertise in technology solutions, mobility, cloud, and supply chain solutions enables its business partners to operate efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve. Unrivaled agility, deep market insights and the trust and dependability that come from decades of proven relationships, set Ingram Micro apart and ahead. Discover how Ingram Micro can help you realize the promise of technology. More at www.ingrammicro.com

     

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    Media Contacts:

    Brianna Moriarty
    Star Micronics America, Inc.
    (848) 216-3292
    bmoriarty@starmicronics.com

    Marie Rourke
    WhiteFox Marketing Inc. (for Ingram Micro Inc.)
    714-292-2199
    marie@whitefoxpr.com

     

  • The Best Tech to Help with the Holiday Retail Rush

    The Best Tech to Help with the Holiday Retail Rush

    It’s hard to believe, but before we know it the holidays will be here. While the holiday season always brings an uptick in consumer spending, this year is slated to see a rise in sales. This would normally be positive news, but with the ongoing labor shortage, it may be stressful to some retailers. Read on to learn more about estimated holiday spending trends and what technology can help retailers tackle the holiday rush.

    Expected 2021 Holiday Retail Shopping Trends

    Despite the ongoing pandemic and the COVID-19 Delta variant, retailers should be prepared to handle an increasing number of holiday sales.

    According to CBS News,

    “U.S. consumers will spend up to 9% more this holiday period compared to 2020, when consumers spent a total of $1.2 trillion during the key shopping period between November and the end of the year, according to a forecast from Deloitte. That would be an improvement over holiday spending over the last two years, when sales grew less than 6% in 2020 and just over 4% the previous year.”

    Which Tech Can Help the Holiday Retail Rush

    An increase in sales is, of course, the goal of any retailer. But what happens when you’re expecting a steep rise in sales when you are simultaneously experiencing a labor shortage?

    The right technology can help short-staffed retailers not only survive the holiday season but thrive in it. After all, making a positive, lasting impression on shoppers by providing a seamless customer experience is something that will pay off well into the future, not just this winter.

    Self-Service Kiosks

    Self-checkout kiosks can really be a “two birds, one stone” solution for the holidays: they can alleviate your limited staff’s workload while also giving customers the option to pay at their own pace and without having to worry about coming in contact with another person. And shoppers love them, too. According to TotalRetail, 60% of surveyed shoppers said they would rather pay at a self-checkout than with a cashier. And that’s not all: the survey also found that over one-third of consumers say they have been using self-checkouts “much more” in the past 12 months.

    Online Ordering

    When a store is short-handed, it’s especially important to streamline and quicken transactions. Being able to rapidly process a purchase or retrieve a buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) order means more sales and happier customers at the end of the day.

    If your store isn’t already online, it should be. Shipping to customers can keep your brick-and-mortar location flowing smoothly. Even if you don’t ship to customers, having an option to place a BOPIS order can not only make your shoppers’ lives more convenient, but lighten the load of your salesfloor staff so they can focus on more important initiatives like customer service and swiftly processing the remaining in-store purchases.

    You can make your online ordering operations even more streamlined by utilizing technology like linerless labels. Ideal for quickly and efficiently labeling orders, these peel-and-stick labels eliminate the pesky, messy traditional label liners and can easily be removed and reapplied.

    Mobile Payments

    There’s a solution for you even if you are still experiencing long lines in your brick-and-mortar: mobile payments. With a mobile card reader and portable receipt printer, your staff can ring card- or mobile wallet-paying customers up anywhere in the store. Another “two birds, one stone” solution, mobile payments can allow staff to provide customer service or restock shelves while also having the technology on-hand to ring up any purchases that nearby customers may have.

    Health and Safety Solutions

    We must not forget that we are still in a pandemic. You can make holiday shoppers feel safe and confident by incorporating a variety of health and safety solutions into your brick-and-mortar store. Examples of these solutions include a sneeze guard at the point of sale and customer service counters, readily available hand sanitizer, and antimicrobial covers on door handles, bathroom surfaces, and more.

    Star’s Holiday Retail Solutions

    Whether you are a retail store looking for products to help you this holiday season, or you are a reseller hoping to offer your retail customers a relevant solution, Star has what it takes. Explore our holiday retail solutions below.

    Kiosk Printers

    Printers are an integral part of self-checkouts, and Star is proud to provide a range of reliable self-service kiosk printers available with a variety of print widths and connectivity options.
    Learn more >

    CloudPRNT

    Star makes online ordering easy. By choosing a printer equipped with CloudPRNT technology, you can print online orders automatically – no extra tablet needed.
    Learn more >

    SM-T400i

    Portable Printers

    Looking to line-bust? Star’s portable printers are what you need. With Bluetooth, Apple BLE, and USB connectivity, these on-the-go printers not only print receipts, but labels, too. Better yet, they have a rugged housing and feature a long battery life, as well.
    Learn more >

    Antimicrobial covers

    Antimicrobial Covers*

    Keeping a variety of surfaces cleaner doesn’t have to be complicated. The antimicrobial covers provided by Star enable you to protect door handles, checkout counters, bathroom surfaces, and more – and application takes 30 seconds or less.
    Learn more >

    POSShield

    POSShield Sneeze Guard

    Protect both shoppers and employees at the point of sale and customer service area with a durable, protective sneeze guard. The POSShield takes the sneeze guard to the next level by accommodating any existing POS terminal and not requiring any countertop mounting or drilling (making it futureproof, too).
    Learn more >

    Explore Star’s complete product line – for the holiday season and beyond – in our product catalog:

    Download Catalog

    *Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.

  • Cannabis Legalization News: Which States are Next in 2022?

    Cannabis Legalization News: Which States are Next in 2022?

    When it comes to the growth of the cannabis industry, there’s virtually no end in sight. According to Flowhub, the US cannabis industry is worth $61 billion, support for legal marijuana is at a record high of 68%, and a whopping 12% of Americans are currently marijuana users. Many states have already legalized medical and/or recreational usage, and more are expected to in the coming year.

    In today’s blog post, explore the hottest cannabis legalization news, like which states most recently legalized, and which may legalize in 2022.

    Who Legalized in 2021?

    This year, four states legalized recreational usage of marijuana: Connecticut, New Mexico, New York, and Virginia. Currently 19 states (and the District of Columbia) have legalized recreational marijuana use. Additionally, following its 2020 ballot measure, New Jersey signed into law legislation legalizing recreational use.

    States That May Legalize in 2022

    The upcoming year is slated to be a big one in terms of cannabis legalization news. Below are the states that may legalize usage in 2022.

    Arkansas

    Arkansas may have two upcoming ballot measures regarding cannabis usage:

    1. Arkansas Decriminalize Marijuana, Create Regulations and Grant Limited Immunity to Cannabis Businesses Initiative, which would decriminalize marijuana, give limited immunity to marijuana businesses, and create industry regulations.
    2. Arkansas Recreational Marijuana Initiative, which would legalize cannabis use for people aged 21 and older.

    Florida

    In 2022, Florida may have three upcoming cannabis-related ballot measures:

    1. Florida Marijuana Use and Growth Legalization Initiative, which would legalize the personal use, growth, transport, and possession for people aged 21 and older. It would also permit people to grow up to nine marijuana plants (18 maximum per household).
    2. Florida Medical Marijuana Plants Initiative, which would amend Amendment 2 (2016) to redefine “medical use” and allow growing up to nine marijuana plants.
    3. Florida Medical Marijuana for Mental Health Disorders Initiative, which would amend Amendment 2 (2016) and add nine mental health disorders to the state’s list of qualifying conditions to purchase and use marijuana medically.

    Idaho

    Idaho may have two upcoming ballot measures in 2022:

    1. Idaho Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which would legalize the possession, use, and transfer of up to three ounces of marijuana by people aged 21 and older.
    2. Idaho Medical Marijuana Initiative, which would create a medical marijuana program in the state.

    Mississippi

    In 2022, there may be a ballot measure in Mississippi called the Mississippi Marijuana and Hemp Decriminalization Initiative, which would legalize the usage of marijuana, hemp, and cannabis derivatives, allow individuals to grow up to 99 plants, release prisoners held on cannabis-related charges, and expunge cannabis-related criminal records.

    How Resellers Can Cash in on Cannabis Point of Sale

    The cannabis industry has become one of the fastest growing markets. Here’s how resellers can take advantage.



    Download eBook

    Missouri

    Just like Florida, Missouri may have three upcoming ballot measures next year.

    1. Missouri Changes to Medical Marijuana Program Initiative, which would amend the state’s current program and allow medical marijuana patients to grow their own cannabis, lower the cost of a patient ID card to $25, and allow up to three primary caregivers for a medical marijuana patient.
    2. Missouri Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which would legalize the purchase, possession, consumption, use, delivery, manufacturing, and sale of marijuana for users aged 21 and over. It would also allow those facing non-violent marijuana-related charges to petition their release or have their criminal records expunged, and it would impose a 6% tax on all marijuana sales.
    3. Missouri Marijuana Legalization and Automatic Expungement Initiative, which would legalize recreational marijuana, ban the taxation of medical marijuana, allowing driving under the influence of marijuana, and automatically expunge/release those with non-violent marijuana-related charges.

    Nebraska

    Nebraska has two potential ballot measures regarding cannabis coming up in 2022:

    1. Nebraska Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which would legalize recreational use.
    2. Nebraska Medical Marijuana Initiative, which would amend the state’s Constitution to allow for medical marijuana usage.

    North Dakota

    North Dakota’s potential upcoming ballot measure, North Dakota Legalize Marijuana and Allow Home Growth Initiative, is pretty self-explanatory: it would legalize cannabis use for residents 21 years of age and older, and allow people to possess, grow, process, or transport up to 12 cannabis plants for personal use.

    Ohio

    In 2022, Ohio’s ballot measure Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative would legalize the cultivation, processing, sale, possession, home growing, and recreation use of cannabis for people aged 21 and older.

    Oklahoma

    Next year, Oklahoma may have two relevant ballot measures:

    • Oklahoma State Question 817, Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which would legalize and regulate cannabis for people aged 21 and older and impose a 15% tax on sales by people who do not hold a medical marijuana license.
    • Oklahoma State Question 818, Cannabis Commission and Medical Marijuana Regulation Initiative, which would replace the current Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority with the State Cannabis Commission.

    Wyoming

    And last but not least, Wyoming may also have two cannabis-related ballot measures in 2022:

    • Wyoming Medical Marijuana Initiative, which would create a medical marijuana program.
    • Wyoming Reduce Criminal Penalties for Marijuana Cultivation, Possession, Use, and Transport Initiative, which would reduce the criminal consequences for cannabis cultivation, possession, use, and transport.

    Star’s Cannabis POS Solutions

    As the cannabis industry continues to flourish and new dispensaries and cannabis POS software companies continue to pop up, as a reseller it’s pertinent that you are provided a complete solution customized for cannabis. Star proudly offers all of the POS hardware dispensaries need, from certified scales to online ordering printers.

    Featured Solutions

    mG-Scales

    mG-S322 Scale
    NTEP-certified
    Measures substances 0.01g – 320g
    Learn more >

     

    mC-Print3mC-Print3
    3” thermal receipt printer
    Online ordering capabilities
    Learn more >

     

    Cash-Drawers-Stacked-TW-300x169Cash Drawers
    Perfect for a cash-heavy industry
    3 series with various features and price points
    Learn more >

     

    ANTIMICROBIAL COVERSAntimicrobial Covers*
    Reduce germ transfer on high-touch surfaces
    Easy to apply
    Learn more >

    To view Star’s complete cannabis POS hardware offering, download our brochure!

    Full 2022 Product Catalog by Star Micronics.

    Star Micronics Product Catalog

    Explore POS printers, label printers, kiosk solutions, and accessories for retail, restaurant, self-service, and more.



    Download Now

    *Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.

  • What is a Fiscal Printer and How Do You Sell Them?

    What is a Fiscal Printer and How Do You Sell Them?

    As a point of sale (POS) reseller and/or software developer, chances are you’ve heard of fiscal printers, and we’re betting there’s a bigger chance that you’re interested in expanding your business globally. Read on to explore what exactly fiscal printers are, where they are required, and how to leverage selling them to grow your business internationally.

    What are Fiscal Printers?

    Simply put, a fiscal printer is a receipt printer that includes a fiscal memory module. The module records every transaction for easy regulation of sales tax owed to a country. Fiscal printers include both cloud-based solutions as well as carbon copy printing.

    Thermal printers are generally used as fiscal printers for several reasons: they are quiet, they do not require ink cartridges, and they have a fast print speed. Local integrators can modify thermal receipt printers to become certified fiscal printers.

    Other fiscal memory devices exist as well, including fiscal cash registers and electronic signature devices. Whether a business uses a fiscal printer, cash register, or electronic signature device, all of the devices one thing in common: they are a piece of equipment that has been certified by the local government, connects to a POS terminal, and records taxation for public revenue.

    The Cloud: The Next Generation of Fiscal Recording for Some

    A handful of countries are now considering moving their fiscal solutions to the cloud, meaning that it is now the responsibility of the POS software (or other applications) to record every single transaction in an approved fiscal log stored on the cloud. The fiscal agencies, can now, at any time, monitor and verify business sales and transactions. In this instance, the receipt printer is no longer involved in this operation.

    Which Countries Use Fiscal Printers?

    Many countries around the world require fiscal memory devices, including:

    • Albania
    • Argentina
    • Austria
    • Azerbaijan
    • Bangladesh
    • Belgium
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Brazil
    • Bulgaria
    • Canada
    • Croatia
    • Chile
    • Czech Republic
    • Ethiopia
    • France
    • Gambia
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Italy
    • Kazakhstan
    • Kenya
    • Latvia
    • Lithuania
    • Malta
    • Mexico
    • Montenegro
    • North Macedonia
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Romania
    • Russia
    • Rwanda
    • Serbia
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Tanzania
    • Turkey
    • Venezuela

    The rules surrounding the usage of fiscal memory devices vary in all of these countries and have differing histories. For example, Italy has enforced a fiscal printer law since 1990, while Austria began introducing its fiscal regulations in 2016.

    How Star Can Help You Sell Fiscal Printers

    Looking to expand your business globally? Are you prepared to offer the fiscal printers required in many countries? Star Micronics can help. As a global company known for quality and reliability, Star can support you as you grow your business across borders and provide you with a range of printing solutions to help you meet the fiscal printing requirements of the many markets that are regulated.

    Star proudly offers a variety of fiscal solutions, including:

    • Fiscal boards, with or without SD memory cards, for Star desktop printers
    • Receipt printers certified by local fiscal agencies (ready to purchase)
    • In-country partners to support local fiscal solutions
    • Electronic journal development support
    • Consulting services to support your search of local laws and requirements

    Star’s 5 Best Receipt Printers

    Star offers several top-rated printers suited for a variety of retail, restaurant, and hospitality locations.

    Download Guide

    Looking to learn more about Star? Learn more about us in the below video.

    Star’s Fiscal Consulting Services

    Star offers consulting services to help you navigate local government regulations.

    Fiscal solutions are constantly evolving, and requirements differ from country-to-country and time-to-time. Here are some examples of solutions that Star was able to research and offer solutions for:

    • Originally, fiscal agencies requested that business owners keep a log of each transaction. The easiest way for businesses to do that was to keep a copy of each customer receipt and many countries implemented requirements to use impact printers with multiple ply paper rolls to support this requirement. Therefore, at that time, thermal printers were not authorized.
    • In the next generation of requirements, agencies imposed that the receipt data be stored in the printer in a special sealed module. Since the security of this information was so important, fiscal agencies only allowed local technology providers to develop these modules and partnerships between these companies and the printer manufacturers developed. Star has been working with these companies for years to deliver the best solutions for these fiscal countries.
    • And lastly, the newest generation of cloud-based fiscal solutions does not require the fiscal module to be integrated with the printer, which reduces the cost and complexity of the solution.

    With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and Asia, Star has offices and/or in-country partners that monitor fiscal printing requirements and are available to help you research and complete your solution.

    Explore Fiscal Printer Solutions

  • 6 “Must-Haves” for Stadium POS System

    6 “Must-Haves” for Stadium POS System

    The economy is reopening, and consumers are excited to attend events and sports games. When visiting a large sports stadium or entertainment arena, you often find long lines for food and merchandise during half-time or intermissions. The people attending these professional sports games or concerts paid good money to see their team play or favorite artist perform, and they don’t want to miss a thing. This puts a huge amount of pressure on the employees working the concession stands or merchandise shops to complete the customer’s order as quickly as possible. A lot of this workflow plays into the stadium point of sale (POS) system being used. Here are 6 “must-haves” when looking for a stadium POS system.

    1. Intuitive Software

    First and foremost, you will need an easy-to-use and intuitive stadium POS software. Depending on how often a team plays in the stadium or how many performances take place per year, stadium employees tend to work more sporadically compared to your standard restaurant or retail employee. This means that stadiums need a POS system that concession and merchandise shop employees can pick up quickly with little to no training.

    Some other key features to look for in stadium POS software are:

    • The ability to offer ordering in a variety of ways: in-queue, in-seat, or mobile
    • Mobile wallet payment acceptance
    • Loyalty programs and benefits
    • Detailed inventory management
    • Operational insights
    • Cash management and hawker support

    2. Back-of-House Support

    While people rarely see what goes on behind the scenes at stadium concession stands, it’s important to make sure that your stadium POS manages the back-of-house just as well as it manages your transactions.

    A variety of tools – from inventory management and menu management to fan data and back-end analytics – can help you to make sure you never run out of stock during a big event. By having access to analytics that can be reported day-to-day, you can make sure that your concession menu appeals to your audience for a particular game or event.

    3. Varied Payment Support

    When you have a packed stadium with a mile-long line of customers, you simply do not have time to fuss over payment methods. In a high-pressure, high-volume environment such as sport and entertainment stadiums, you need to get your customers through the line as quickly as possible.

    One of the best ways to ensure a quick and seamless transaction is to make sure your POS system supports a multitude of payment methods. Did you know that it is estimated that by 2023, there will be 80.1 million near field communication (NFC) mobile payment users? Now, with more people adopting mobile wallets, you will see more and more retailers and concession stands accepting NFC payments at major sports arenas. Make sure that when your customer is set with their order and ready to pay, that whatever form of payment they choose will be accepted at your point of sale.

    4. Mobile Ordering

    One ordering method that’s rapidly gaining popularity in sports entertainment properties is mobile ordering. During major sports games and concerts, people don’t want to leave their seat and risk missing a big play or their favorite song. Many stadiums are adopting a mobile ordering method where fans can order food or drinks on their mobile device and either have it delivered to their seat, or go grab it when it is ready. Fans don’t have to miss a thing and concession employees don’t have to deal with a line of angry customers. It’s a win for everyone!

    5. Reliable Hardware

    In fast-paced environments such as stadium concession stands and merchandise shops, employees don’t have time to deal with flaky hardware. They need their receipt printers to print and their cash drawers to open every time a transaction is completed, and they need hardware that will withstand the high volume of transactions. Appetize and Star Micronics have teamed up to create a complete stadium POS solution that combines intuitive software and reliable hardware peripherals.

    The Appetize-Star solution includes:

    You can find the Appetize and Star Micronics bundled POS solutions in major sports and live entertainment locations including the Golden 1 Center (home of the Sacramento Kings), U.S. Bank Stadium (home of the Minnesota Vikings), over 40 Live Nation properties, and many more.

    6. Health & Safety Products

    In this day and age, health and safety are a priority. Many people are ready to venture back into the world for some fun, but they of course want to minimize the spread of illness.

    Stadiums and event venues can keep their guests feeling safe and confident with the right health and safety products. Examples of these solutions including sneeze guards at the point of sale, antimicrobial covers on surfaces like door handles and railings, and tamper-proof labels to secure the food and beverages guests order from their seats.


    Health-Safety-Brochure

    Health & Safety Solutions Brochure

    Discover which solutions can keep your business squeaky clean and help customers feel confident at your brick-and-mortar location.



    Download Now

    Featured Star Stadium Solutions

    TSP654IIBi

    TSP654II

    SM-S230i

    SM-S230i-300x200

    TUP500

    TUP500

    Antimicrobial Covers*

    ANTIMICROBIAL COVERS

    POSShield

    POSShield

    Tamper-Proof Labels

    Tamper-Proof Labels

    Looking to learn more about Star’s stadium POS solutions?



    Learn More

    *Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.

  • Star Software Update: IFBD-HI01X/HI02X Firmware Update

    Star Software Update: IFBD-HI01X/HI02X Firmware Update

    Welcome to the Star Software Update, the regular series of blog updates where Star’s Integration Team informs you about the latest important Star Micronics software updates.

    What’s New:

    Star Micronics has released the firmware update (version 1.9.2) for the CloudPRNT interface (IFBD-HI01X/HI02X).

    What is the CloudPRNT Interface?

    The CloudPRNT interface (IFBD-HI01X/HI02X) is available on Star Micronics mC-Print2, mC-Print3, TSP650II, TSP700II, and TSP800II thermal POS printers, as well as the SP700 impact kitchen printer.

    This versatile interface provides intelligent printing for cloud-based retail, logistics and hospitality applications, enabling unmatched flexibility for remote receipt and remote order printing using a standard receipt printer.

    What is Included in the Update?

    New Wi-Fi adapter support has been added to the interface during this update. Supported Wi-Fi dongle models include:

    • EDIMAX EW-7811UN V2
    • TRENDnet TEW-648UBM V2.0R
    • ASUS USB-AC53 Nano
    • D-Link DWA-182 HW Ver:D1

    Learn more about CloudPRNT in the below video:

    Next Steps

    This firmware can be updated in the web settings interface for the IFBD-HI01X/HI02X.

    Questions or Comments?

    Contact Star Integration Now

  • Star Micronics Introduces the Universal mEnclosure

    Star Micronics Introduces the Universal mEnclosure

    With expanding arms and VESA mounting, this universal enclosure is the ultimate future-proof tablet solution.

    Somerset, NJ – July 29, 2021 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is excited to announce the release its Universal mEnclosure universal tablet enclosure designed for tablet-based systems including point of sale, retail digital displays, kiosk stands, meeting room time management, and more.

    With expanding arms and VESA mounting, the Universal mEnclosure effortlessly accommodates multiple sizes and types of tablets. Designed to be future-proof, the enclosure works with all industry stands and mounts, as well as the Star-exclusive mUnite tablet stand and nearly any tablet including Android, iOS, and Windows tablets ranging in size from 232mm x 169mm (iPad Air 2 9.7) to 280mm x 214mm (iPad Pro 12.9).

    The Universal mEnclosure allows the tablet to be mounted horizontally or vertically, and when paired with an mUnite stand the cashier can flip the tablet for customer use. Additionally, the enclosure’s locking arms combined with a single-key design help to secure the tablet and prevent theft. Available in a sleek black finish, the enclosure features clean cable management that hides the messy look of cables as well as a felt layer to prevent the back of the tablet from being scratched.

    “The Star team prioritizes helping small businesses simplify and optimize their operations, and the Universal mEnclosure rings true to that mission,” said Jon Levin, Director of Product Management at Star Micronics. “With our new enclosure, businesses no longer need to buy a new enclosure every time they purchase a new tablet or spend time finding the right enclosure for their generation of tablet, saving them valuable time and money.”

  • A Comprehensive Guide to Cannabis POS & Accessories

    A Comprehensive Guide to Cannabis POS & Accessories

    The cannabis industry is in full swing. With marijuana fully legal in several U.S. states and medical use being legal in almost every state, cannabis is here to stay. While this is great news for business owners looking to break into this budding industry, the tech you choose will dictate the success of your business. Without a powerful point of sale (POS) system at the foundation of your dispensary, you could lose out on critical functionality, sales, and even be subject to noncompliance issues.

    The reality is, when it comes to cannabis, not just any POS setup will do. In this guide, you will discover the complete list of technology solutions that dispensaries need to compete in today’s booming market, including solutions for in-store, e-Commerce, delivery, and more.

    Download the full guide >

    Why an Innovative POS is Critical for the Cannabis Industry

    As the cannabis industry flourishes, so does the ferocity of the competition. There are many routes businesses can take in order to stand out from other dispensaries, but choosing the right POS system is among the most important. Whether you are opening a brand new business or looking to upgrade an existing one, your POS is a foundational factor to consider.

    Bottom line: you’ll need innovative tech that maximizes the efficiency of your operations, allowing you to operate smoothly and give customers an exceptional experience. By accomplishing this, you’ll be on your way to higher profits and bigger business. Here’s what to look for in a POS system and why it matters:

    Cannabis POS Seed-to-Sale Software

    Behind every great piece of hardware is an equally high-quality software. The right POS software should be easy to set up and save your employees time on a daily basis by making their jobs simple. It’s also essential that your cannabis dispensary POS software integrates with any seed-to-sale tracking systems required by your respective state, as well as with your accounting, payroll, marketing, and other software you use to run your business. Other important features to look for in your software include:

    • Compliance
    • Sales and inventory data
    • Security
    • Offline mode
    • Online ordering/e-Commerce

    NTEP-Certified Scales

    In the cannabis industry, compliance is everything, and one of the most important elements of cannabis retail compliance is accurately selling products by weight. Whether your dispensary offers packages of marijuana buds or flowers, edibles, vaping supplies, containers of shutter, topicals, or extracts, having scales ensures that you are not over- or under-charging customers as well as keeping inventory records accurate.

    Ensure your scales are National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) certified. A local weights and measures official will use NIST standards when inspecting your scale and sealing/certifying it for legal use. You’ll also want to be sure you purchase a highly accurate scale system. While it’s commonly thought that an ounce is 28 grams, it’s actually 28.349 grams; weigh to one-hundredth of a gram to ensure you don’t short your customers or miss out on any profits.

    Running a business that sells products by weight is impossible without the proper scale. Look for options that are designed for the cannabis industry and have the certification and protective measures in place to ensure accuracy, like a windshield and dust-proof/waterproof cover.

    Our Scale Recommendation: mG-Scales

    mG-Scales

    mG-S322: Meets all requirements in the legalized states.
    mG-S1501: Certified in WA and AK for weighing less than 28.4g and in CA, OR, and CO for weighing between 10g-100g.

    POS Printers

    Cannabis may be becoming more widely accepted and available, but there are still strict laws that must be followed. One such law is that consumers must be able to prove their cannabis was legally obtained. That’s where printers come in. Dispensaries can provide online ordering printing or high-performance in-store printing to display proof of legal purchase.

    Needless to say, proof of purchase is critical, and dispensary owners can easily provide it with receipt printers that display the sale. Mobile printers can also be used for a more modern, flexible in-store experience. In addition to proving cannabis was legally obtained, receipts can be leveraged to deliver effective cannabis advertisements.

    Some ideas of what to promote on your cannabis receipt include:

    • Featured strains/strain of the week
    • Strains that are coming soon
    • Discounts or sales
    • Links to social media accounts
    • Customer testimonials
    • Now hiring messaging

    Our Printer Recommendations:

    mC-Print3

    mC-Print3: With CloudPRNT for online ordering, SteadyLAN®, and USB-C connectivity.

    mPOP All in One

    mPOP®: All-in-one printer and cash drawer solution.

    Proper Product Labeling

    How you package and label supplies and products is an important part of remaining compliant and staying out of trouble. With cannabis now being added to food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products, there are a variety of forms your product may come in, and not all of them will be suited for a bag, bottle, or vial. Different products will require different packaging and labels that display unique product information.

    Ensuring your labels are accurate is a critical first step; with the right information on your labels, your product will be ready for seed-to-sale tracking if necessary. Additionally, your labels should be tamper-proof to ensure the security seal has not been broken. You may want to consider a linerless label printer for easy-to-reposition labels, as well as review your state-specific cannabis label requirements to ensure that your labels are compliant.

    Our Label Recommendations:

    TSP654IISK Product Image

    TSP654IISK: Liner-free label printing.

    Tamper-Proof Labels

    Tamper-Proof Labels: Securely seal products and packaging.

    Successful Software Needs Successful Hardware

    That’s where Star comes in. CDG proudly integrates its software tools with a variety of Star hardware including the all-in-one mPOP®, TSP654IISK linerless label printer, Value Series Cash Drawers, and more.

    Download Brochure

    Cannabis Cash Drawers

    The cannabis industry is a cash-heavy market for many. For this reason, having proper cash management is crucial. Your dispensary cash drawers should support error-free cash management and top-notch security. Don’t go too old-school, however; as regulators tighten down on cash business, it’s important to ensure you have a high-quality drawer solution. Look for something secure and reliable while also sleek and efficient to meet your individual business needs and government regulations.

    Our Cash Drawer Recommendation:

    CD4-1616

    Choice Series Cash Drawers: Extra-strength and packed with extra features.

    Additional Accessories That Make All the Difference

    POSShield

    Sneeze Guard: Sneeze guards used at the checkout counter help protect employees and customers by reducing the spread of harmful pathogens.

    mUnite-3-W-206x300

    Tablet Stand: A tablet stand will tie together your POS and contribute to a modern, professional atmosphere and an improved customer experience.

    Antimicrobial covers

    Antimicrobial Covers*: Easy-to-use antimicrobial covers will reduce germ transfer on high-touch dispensary surfaces.

    Choosing the Right Cannabis POS Hardware Supplier

    Choosing a one-stop shop POS hardware supplier with industry-leading software integration capabilities means an easier workflow for you and your staff:

    • Before the sale: Easy setup and configuration
    • During the sale: Intuitive controls and features
    • After the sale: Seamless maintenance and support

    Discover even more tips and tricks for implementing a complete cannabis POS by downloading the full guide.

    Download Now

    Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.

  • Star Software Update: Star Document Markup Language

    Star Software Update: Star Document Markup Language

    Welcome to the Star Software Update, the regular series of blog updates where Star’s Integration Team informs you about the latest important Star Micronics software updates.

    What’s New:

    This month, the Star Micronics Integration Team is highlighting the Star Document Markup Language.

    What is Star Document Markup Language?

    Star Document Markup Language is a simple, easy-to-use markup language intended to provide the features typically required for point of sale (POS) printing.

    Cloud servers based on the StarMicronics.CloudPRNT-Utility API package or tools based on it like cputil, can support the Star Document Markup Language.

    Using the document markup system provides a balance between full bit-image based printing and plain text output, while being easier to use than direct device commands and far more adaptable to different output devices, like print width.

    One benefit of markup is its ability to handle different print widths without compromising the receipt format. Use cases include printing order tickets in the restaurant kitchen, printing receipts for orders, or printing sticky labels to seal bags.

    Star Document Markup Language is easy to read; take a look at the below example:

    [align: centre][font: a]

    [image: url ;

    width 60%;

    min-width 48mm]

    [magnify: width 2; height 1]

    This is a Star Markup Document!

    [magnify: width 3; height 2]Columns[magnify]

    [align: left]

    [column: left: Item 1;      right: $10.00]

    [column: left: Item 2;      right: $9.95]

    [column: left: Item 3;      right: $103.50]

    [align: centre]

    [barcode: type code39;

    data 123456789012;

    height 15mm;

    module 0;

    hri]

    [align]

    Thank you for trying the new Star Document Markup Language

    we hope you will find it useful. Please let us know!

    [cut: feed; partial]

    This will generate the following output on Star 58mm (2-inch), 80mm (3-inch) and 112mm (4-inch) printers:

    Star-Markup-Document-Language-Receipts

    Unicode Support

    By using the Star Document Markup Language, you can avoid the difficulties of limited 8-bit text encodings by being entirely Unicode-based. Input data should be from a Unicode-compatible data file or strings.

    Star TSP654II, mC-Print2, and mC-Print3 devices have native support for Unicode. When a device does support Unicode directly, the Star markup renderer will automatically handle the necessary conversion.

    File Format

    Markup source files are plain text files encoded as UTF-8, UTF-16, or plain Ascii data.

    When opening a document, initially the start of the file will be checked for a Unicode BOM (Byte Order Mark) in order to recognize that the file contains UTF-16 (Big Endian or Little Endian encoded) or UTF-8 data. If no known BOM is found, then the file will be treated as a UTF-8 file unless it contains code points that are not UTF-8 valid, in which case it will be opened finally as plain 7-bit Ascii.

    In addition, the extension of the text file written in the Star Document Markup format should be “.stm”. The cputil executable and also .NET API for StarMicronics.CloudPRNT-Utility packages recognize the Star Document Markup format by checking the file name extension. If the extension is “.txt” it will be recognized as a plain text file and will not be command parsed as the Star document markup.

    Next Steps

    Do you have questions or concerns about the Star Document Markup Language?

    Contact Star Integration Now

  • Visit Star’s Virtual Booth at NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show – Chapter 1

    Visit Star’s Virtual Booth at NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show – Chapter 1

    Needless to say, NRF (Retail’s Big Show) looks a lot different this year than it did last year. However, just like previous years, this January’s show (NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show – Chapter 1) is sure to be the most informative show in the retail industry. In fact, with the current landscape of retail, this may be the show’s most important year yet. The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic has catapulted online ordering, social distancing, and more to the top of retailers’ priority lists, and the show is sure to deliver the best and latest solutions for retail businesses during the ongoing pandemic – and well beyond.

    About the Show

    Per the show’s website,

    “This January, plugging in starts with logging in.

    This has been an unprecedented year, with the retail industry showing tremendous resilience, agility and leadership in the face of a global pandemic. It’s with that spirit that the National Retail Federation is proud to announce Retail’s Big Show will continue as a virtual event in January 2021.

    NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show – Chapter One is meant to address the immediate needs facing retailers today. It’s a jumping-off point that will lead the retail industry forward until we can meet in person at NRF 2021 – Chapter 2, taking place June 2021 in New York City.

    NRF 2021 – Chapter 1 is an online version of Retail’s Big Show that includes all new curated sessions, networking programs and a virtual Expo where you can easily connect with the industry’s brightest solution providers.”

    Reminisce about Star’s NRF 2020 booth


    What to Expect from Star at NRF 2021 – Chapter 1

    The Star team is excited to see you at NRF 2021 – Chapter 1 and show you our latest offerings for COVID-19, online ordering, retail, and more. Keep reading to explore our featured products and click here to access our custom virtual booth link that will be live to registered attendees during the show.

    mC-Print3

    The mC-Print3 receipt printer with multiple interface options and HUB connectivity to power up to three peripheral devices.

    • Sleek, compact, connected
    • Unique Print Flat technology feature
    • Easy to integrate through common SDK
    • Bluetooth, USB, Lightning, LAN, CloudPRNT, USB-C
    • IPX2 splash-proof design
    • SteadyLAN® technology (mCP31L, mCP31LB, MCP31C, MCP31CB)
    • Peripheral device connectivity – cash drawer, customer display, 1D scanners, HID class devices (keyboard mode)
    • Fast charge and communication via USC-C® power delivery port (MCP31C/CB)

    Learn More

    POSShield

    The POSShield, which acts as a sneeze guard and limits the spread of germs, is placed in between the cashier and the customer, and is comprised of a durable steel frame and a protective plexiglass partition.

    • Limits the spread of germs
    • 30” wide and 33” tall
    • No countertop mounting or drilling required
    • Adjustable mounting pole
    • Compatible with any existing POS or mPOS terminal
    • Lightweight and portable

    Learn More

    TSP654IISK

    The TSP654IISK liner-free label printer is designed to work with liner-free labeling applications. Repositionable thermal labels can stick to virtually any surface, and can be removed easily and reapplied leaving behind no residue.

    • Repositionable, liner-free thermal label solution
    • Improves order accuracy up to 99%
    • Liner-free yields 60% more labels/roll than diecut
    • 80mm and 58mm paper support
    • High reliability and performance at a low cost
    • Optional vertical stand

    Learn More

    Choice Series Cash Drawers

    Choice Series cash drawers include features businesses already know and love, but with added features such as extra strength to support touch tablets and POS terminals, a secure dual-drawer cable to enable the Choice Series to work as either cash drawer 1 or cash drawer 2, a foldable hinged key which minimizes the possibility of breaking off in the lock, and over 10 different lock set options for added security.

    • Industry standard, extra durability
    • Feature-packed for any POS system
    • Available in two sizes: 14” x 16” and 16” x 16”

    Learn More