The new VESA Pole Mount accessory further enhances the mUnite Mount 18 tablet stand, meeting demand for operational flexibility within the retail and hospitality industries.
Somerset, NJ – August 15, 2023 – Star Micronics, a world-renowned innovator in point-of-sale (POS) and customer engagement technology, announces the release of their latest mUnite VESA Pole Mount accessory designed to optimize dual-tablet workstations. This new solution adds versatility to Star’s mUnite Mount 18 tablet display mount by enabling a second tablet to securely attach, creating a customer-facing option, or accommodating two tablets for online order management.
“The mUnite VESA Pole Mount leverages the universally accepted VESA mounting design, providing compatibility with a broad range of tablet enclosures, including Star Micronics’ own Universal mEnclosure. It’s another answer to the ever-growing demand for efficiency and operational flexibility within the retail and hospitality industries.”
Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics
The mUnite Mount 18 tablet stand, already favored for its sleek and minimalist design, is now further enhanced with the new VESA Pole Mount. The accessory is easy to install and use, transforming the Mount 18 into a versatile multi-use workstation. Star’s VESA 75mm/100mm mount accessory works with any tablet enclosure that uses universal VESA mounting to affix to POS stands or pole mounts, including the Universal mEnclosure and Mini Universal mEnclosure. The Pole Mount keeps tablets securely attached yet effortless to remove, streamlining sales and customer interactions.
Star Micronics’ Mount 18, a part of the mCollection® series, has been well received for its space-maximizing contemporary design, catering to the bustling environments of restaurants and quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Now, its ability to securely hold two tablets while keeping them easily accessible makes it an excellent choice for businesses needing organized dual-tablet workstations.
“Star is committed to continuously innovating and delivering meaningful, tangible benefits to our customers. We are excited to see this versatile addition to our mCollection series assist businesses in maintaining a well-organized, efficient workspace.”
Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics
Star Micronics, a world leader in point-of-sale (POS), has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, self-service, and customer engagement solutions for any retail or hospitality establishment. Embracing the mPOS wave, Star’s SDKs allow developers to utilize Star printers in tandem with Android™, iOS, iPad®, and iPhone® devices to generate receipts, labels, Chit, and tickets. Star Micronics is always leading and always innovating, creating cloud-based printing solutions, including CloudPRNT and Star Cloud Services, with AOA support and MFi connectivity. Star also has a wealth of peripherals, including 2D barcode scanners, scales, tablet display stands, and more. Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.
In an age of heightened environmental awareness, businesses increasingly seek eco-friendly alternatives in all aspects of their operations. From reducing waste to minimizing carbon footprints, sustainability has become a crucial consideration for modern enterprises. Among the innovative solutions making a positive impact is the adoption of linerless sticky labels.
Whether permanent linerless or repositionable linerless, these versatile labels offer a greener alternative to traditional labels, aligning with businesses’ commitment to eco-conscious practices. But why are they the greener choice, and are there any issues that need further consideration?
In this article, we will explore the many eco-friendly advantages of linerless sticky labels and why they are an essential addition to any environmentally-conscious business that uses labels.
Why Linerless Sticky Labels are the Greener Choice
Waste Reduction
First and foremost, linerless sticky labels eliminate the need for backing paper, a significant source of waste with traditional labels. Silicone backing paper, also known as liner waste, contributes to the bulk of discarded materials in labeling processes.
With linerless labels, this waste is drastically reduced during production and application, leading to less environmental strain and landfill usage. By adopting linerless sticky labels, whether repositionable or permanent, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to waste reduction and a circular economy.
Recyclable Materials
Linerless sticky labels can be made from eco-friendly, fully recyclable, and even biodegradable materials. These materials can be chosen to ensure minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. As businesses aim to meet their sustainability goals, opting for eco-friendly sticky labels becomes an essential step toward reducing their environmental impact.
Improved Material Efficiency
The absence of backing paper with linerless labels translates to optimized efficiency in printing processes. Linerless labels have more labels per roll, reducing the frequency of roll changes and ultimately saving resources. Plus, businesses don’t need to change the sticky paper roll as often.
Star Micronics Labeling Solutions Brochure
Ideal for self-ordering, Star Micronics kiosk label printers have a small footprint and are easy to incorporate.
The higher number of labels per roll and the elimination of liner waste contribute to significant space-saving advantages. Businesses can store and transport more sticky labels at once, reducing storage space requirements and logistic costs. This space-saving feature also extends to retail environments where compact label rolls allow for more products on display, enhancing visual appeal.
Versatility in Applications
Linerless sticky labels are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications. Whether you need labels for food and beverages, retail items, shipping, or any other purpose, these labels offer a convenient all-in-one solution.
By using linerless labels, businesses can simplify inventory management and reduce the need for multiple label types, resulting in less material consumption and a more efficient labeling process.
When it comes to linerless labels, understanding their potential environmental advantages requires careful consideration of critical factors:
Adhesive Selection: Linerless labels rely on specialized adhesives that eliminate the need for liners. The environmental impact of these adhesives may vary, making it crucial to opt for eco-friendly options that align with your application requirements.
Label Application Process: Efficient application techniques and equipment are vital for minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact when working with linerless labels. Ensuring streamlined processes can contribute to sustainable practices.
Responsible Disposal: Maximizing the environmental benefits of linerless labels necessitates proper disposal or recycling. Educating consumers about recyclability and providing clear disposal instructions can encourage eco-friendly habits.
As with any labeling solution, the overall environmental impact of linerless labels depends on factors like material choices, manufacturing practices, and end-of-life disposal. Collaborating with knowledgeable suppliers or sustainability experts can assist in evaluating specific linerless label options and understanding their environmental implications.
Sustainability is a top priority for many businesses, so opting for eco-friendly solutions like linerless sticky labels makes perfect sense. Not only do these labels help reduce waste and minimize carbon footprints, but they also offer cost-effective benefits and can be used in a variety of applications.
By making the switch to linerless labels, businesses showcase their dedication to environmental responsibility, attracting eco-conscious customers and playing their part in building a greener future. Take a leap toward sustainability and enhance your business’s environmental profile by embracing linerless sticky labels today.
The mC-Label3 Multimedia Printer
The latest innovation by Star Micronics, the mC-Label3 Multimedia Printer, prints across a wide array of media types, including repositionable linerless sticky label paper.
Star Micronics is a leading provider of sustainable labeling solutions tailored to meet your unique business needs. Learn more about our eco-friendly printer and label options and how we can help your business make a positive impact on the environment:
Food delivery apps have emerged as game-changing platforms, reshaping the dynamics of dining and food consumption. Among these trailblazers is Chowbus, an app revolutionizing food delivery for Asian and prominently Chinese restaurants across the United States.
What sets Chowbus apart is its focus on underserved cuisines and smaller, family-run establishments, allowing them to reach a broader customer base while preserving their unique culinary identity.
We live in an age of convenience and digital integration, and Chowbus serves as an exceptional facilitator, connecting food lovers with authentic Asian eats. Yet, as with any technology-driven service, it can’t function in a vacuum. Online ordering apps like Chowbus underscore the necessity for more and more restaurants to have robust and reliable point-of-sale (POS) systems that manage transactions and keep up with this growing industry trend.
As an industry leader, Star Micronics offers impressive POS hardware that aligns perfectly with these needs, paving the way for seamless restaurant operations in the digital era.
A Niche Market Focus – Chowbus and Asian Cuisine
Chowbus has carved a distinctive niche in the food delivery app market by concentrating exclusively on Asian cuisine. By having a range of Asian restaurants on a single platform and allowing customers to order different items from multiple restaurants without any extra fees, Chowbus has simplified the process of exploring a variety of Asian food joints one at a time.
In doing so, this app not only bridges the gap between consumers craving authentic Asian food and smaller, local restaurants, but it also offers curated meal suggestions in select cities, further enhancing user experience. Plus, they offer same-day grocery delivery as well.
By strictly catering to the Asian community in cities around the U.S., Chowbus has carved itself out a nice slice of niche pie! In a world with so many options, focusing on a small market is often your best bet, especially in the restaurant industry.
Online Ordering Solutions: A Quick Guide
Use this quick guide to find out which Star printer is right for your business. Don’t see your app? We are integrated with most POS software on the market. Contact us for more info.
The rise of Chowbus coincides with a broader trend in the food industry: the surge in mobile and online ordering. Consumers appreciate the convenience and simplicity that apps like Chowbus provide, allowing them to browse menus, read reviews, and place orders—all from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Chowbus has embraced this trend and successfully catered to this digital preference. The app offers an intuitive user interface, making it easy for customers to navigate through different food options and place their orders in just a few taps. Mobile and online ordering are not going away, and it’s exciting to see how apps like Chowbus will continue to evolve.
Chowbus online ordering and delivery app for authentic Asian food uses Star Micronics hardware
Star Micronics – Complete POS Hardware Solutions
Many small-business restaurants struggle with growing too large for their operations at some point in their journeys. Especially when moving to online ordering platforms, orders can keep coming in but the way those orders get to the kitchen, make it into the delivery vehicle, and are paid for may be haphazard at best.
Sloppy operations can cause orders to come out incorrectly, which can be the cause of lost revenue and a lack of customer loyalty. While having a delivery platform like Chowbus helps indie restaurants reach wider audiences, ensuring the seamless management of day-to-day transactions is equally critical.
This is where quality POS hardware comes into play. Top-of-the-line equipment, like those provided by Star Micronics, ensures a secure, efficient, and reliable operational flow. When your restaurant has the proper hardware, online orders come in a rhythmic fashion. They’re delivered to the kitchen without issue, and everything is kept organized to make it to the customer in a timely manner.
Bagels n’ Cream Partners with KitchenHub and Star to Offer Streamlined Online Ordering and Delivery
Restaurant management knew they needed a solution to handle high customer demand.
As Chowbus continues to transform the Asian cuisine delivery experience in the U.S. (and Australia), its partnering restaurants must make sure they’re meeting the increased demand with confidence. Simply having your menu on food delivery apps is not enough to stay competitive. Restaurants must make sure they have the proper in-house hardware to handle the influx of online and mobile orders.
The continued rise of Chowbus and similar platforms asks restauranteurs to consider – are we positioned to take advantage of these sweeping changes? Embracing online ordering apps is just one piece of the puzzle. In an industry that sees near-constant change, are you equipped with the right tools and technologies to ensure seamless operations and excellent customer experience?
With online and mobile ordering apps, it is possible to boost your restaurant’s revenue immensely. Plenty of your competitors are doing just that. But you need to stay ahead of the curve and keep your customers coming back with great food and service. You can do so with the help of the Chowbus platform and apps like it, but also through the reliable operation of top-quality physical POS systems and hardware that connect the front of the house with the back in real-time.
Don’t miss out on all that online ordering can offer!
Navigating the world of label paper can be more of a complex task than most would assume. The choice is no longer as simple as picking between small and large label paper. Now, businesses have an array of options to choose from, including traditional label paper, linerless, permanent linerless, and more. Each type comes with unique applications and benefits, so it would be wise to know enough about each to identify the right fit for your business.
This article offers a comprehensive guide, demystifying the various types of label paper and their respective applications and advantages to empower you to make an informed decision. So, let’s explore the fascinating world of label paper!
Traditional Label Paper
Traditional label paper is perhaps the most commonly used type in the market. It comes in a simple geometric shape (square, circle, etc.) with a paper, polyester, or polypropylene facestock, an adhesive layer, and a liner. The liner protects the adhesive until the label is ready to be used.
Traditional label paper, often referred to as direct thermal labels, is a classic choice that has stood the test of time in various industries. It’s used extensively across various industries, such as retail, logistics, and manufacturing.
Key attributes of traditional label paper include:
Versatility: Traditional label paper is adaptable to a wide array of applications, including shipping, barcoding, inventory tracking, and more. This versatility makes it a strong contender in many business contexts.
Dependability: With a proven track record of performance, traditional label paper is reliable and trusted by many businesses. It offers consistent quality and performance, providing clear and durable prints.
Printer Compatibility: Traditional label paper can be used with various types of printers, including direct thermal and thermal transfer printers. This makes it a flexible option compatible with various printing technologies.
However, traditional label paper is not without its limitations. Traditional label paper may not have the look or shape you desire. Labels also incur waste generation. Each label comes with a liner that is discarded after the label is used, contributing to waste. This can be a concern for environmentally conscious businesses.
Moreover, these labels are sensitive to heat and light, which may cause the ink to fade over time or the labels to darken if exposed to extreme conditions.
Die-Cut Label Rolls
Die-cut labels differ from traditional labels because they are specifically cut around the label designs. They come pre-cut, allowing for a clean and professional finish in various applications. This makes die-cut labels a popular option among businesses for their precision, customization, high quality, and ease of use.
Key features of die-cut label paper include:
Precision: Each label is pre-cut with precision, ensuring consistent and accurate dimensions across the entire roll.
Customization: Die-cut labels are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit various branding needs. This allows businesses to find the perfect fit for their specific labeling requirements.
Ease of Use: Since die-cut labels are pre-cut and separated from each other, they can be easily peeled off from the liner and applied to the desired surface. This feature can save time, especially when dealing with a large volume of labels.
Compatibility: Die-cut labels can be used with various types of printers, including thermal, inkjet, and laser printers. This broad compatibility makes them a versatile option for many businesses.
However, there are some reasons not to use die-cut label paper. The pre-cut designs limit flexibility, as the size and shape of the labels are fixed. Businesses may need to buy several different customized labels to use for various applications. Also, the presence of a liner contributes to a lot of waste generation, which can be a concern for some businesses.
The Value of Receipts: Printed and Digital
There’s no getting away from it: receipts hold great value and are an irrefutable part of everyday life. Learn how to use them to your business’s advantage!
Linerless label paper, or sticky paper, presents a unique solution for businesses looking to enhance efficiency and sustainability. As the name suggests, linerless labels don’t have backing paper, which is unlike traditional label rolls. This leads to a significant reduction in waste, making linerless labels a more environmentally friendly choice.
Many industries are now using linerless labels. They’re ideal for takeout orders, food packaging, retail price marking, and logistics.
Linerless label paper offers the following advantages:
Less Waste: As there is no liner, there’s significantly less waste produced, making this option better for the environment.
Increased Efficiency: Without a liner, the roll can hold more labels. This means fewer roll changes and increased productivity in high-volume environments.
Versatility: The length of the label can be customized on the spot without changing the roll, making it versatile for varying product sizes and shapes.
Cost-Effective: Less material is used in the production of linerless labels, and they take up less storage space. This can lead to cost savings in the long run.
However, like any other type of label paper, linerless label paper might not be the perfect fit for all businesses. These labels require special printers designed to handle them and may not be suitable for some applications where a long-term label is required. They also might not be the best choice if you need pre-printed labels, as the print can wear off over time.
Permanent Linerless Label Paper
Permanent linerless label paper has emerged as an innovative addition to the lineup of label solutions. It offers the same environmental and efficiency benefits as standard linerless labels but with an added level of adhesion.
Permanent linerless labels are suitable where a more robust label is required, such as outdoor use, chemical containers, and high-traffic areas. If your business needs labels in challenging environments, these labels would be your go-to choice.
Features of permanent linerless label paper include:
Strong Adhesion: As suggested by the name, permanent linerless labels are designed to stick and stay put. This makes them an ideal solution for applications where long-lasting labeling is necessary, such as product identification, shipping labels, or asset tracking.
Environmental Benefits: Like their linerless counterparts, permanent linerless labels eliminate the waste associated with liners. This contributes to an eco-friendlier labeling solution.
Maximized Efficiency: With more labels per roll due to the absence of a liner, businesses experience fewer roll changes, increasing productivity in fast-paced environments.
Customizable Lengths: The lack of a pre-cut shape allows the label length to be adjusted as per the requirement, providing flexibility for different product sizes.
Of course, permanent linerless labels are not without their considerations. The increased adhesion means they stick firmly, and removing them can be difficult without leaving a residue. Therefore, they may not be suitable for applications where labels need to be removed cleanly. Also, like standard linerless labels, they require specific printers designed to handle repeatedly cutting the adhesive.
Wrapping Up: Picking the Right Label Paper for Your Business Success
In conclusion, the label paper you choose will significantly influence your business operations, affecting everything from efficiency to sustainability. Whether it’s the precision of die-cut labels, the eco-friendly appeal of linerless labels, the reliability of traditional labels, or the versatility of permanent linerless labels, each type brings unique merits to the table. Understanding these differences is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your business’s unique needs and goals.
Remember, the right label paper is not just about meeting your current needs; it’s about anticipating your future demands and staying ahead in the ever-evolving marketplace.
Want to know more about what Star can offer your business?
Receipt marketing, or receipt advertising, is a strategy businesses can use to promote their products or services by printing marketing messages or offers on receipts. Receipts are a powerful marketing tool because they are something that customers will always receive after making a purchase. This means businesses can use receipts to promote their brand, products, or services and incentivize customers to return.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of receipt marketing and provide some tips on how to implement a successful receipt marketing campaign.
The Benefits of Receipt Marketing
Increased Brand Awareness
One of the primary benefits of receipt marketing is that it helps increase brand awareness. Printing your company logo, tagline, or website on your receipts reminds customers about your brand every time they look at it. This repetition can help your brand stick in the minds of your customers and encourage them to return to your business in the future.
Increased Customer Loyalty
Receipt marketing can also help to increase customer loyalty. Offering discounts or promotions on receipts can incentivize customers to return to your business. This can lead to repeat business and increased customer loyalty. Customers appreciate getting a little something extra, and the personal touch of a promo or discount on their next purchase can make them feel valued and appreciated.
Cost-Effective Marketing
Another benefit of receipt marketing is that it is cost-effective. Receipts are something that your business already prints, so there are no additional costs associated with creating new marketing materials. This can make receipt marketing an attractive option for companies looking to promote their brand without spending much money.
Tips for Implementing a Successful Receipt Marketing Campaign
Keep it Simple – When designing your receipt marketing campaign, it’s essential to keep it simple. Customers will only spend a few seconds looking at their receipts, so make sure your message is clear and concise. Keep your design clean and easy to read, and focus on promoting one or two key messages.
Offer Incentives – To make your receipt marketing campaign more effective, it’s a good idea to offer incentives to customers. This could include discounts, free gifts, or the opportunity to join a loyalty club. By providing customers with an incentive, you can increase their chances of returning to your business.
Track Your Results – It’s essential to track your results when running a receipt marketing campaign. Doing so lets you determine what works and what doesn’t and make adjustments as needed. This could include changing the messaging or design of your receipts or adjusting the incentives you offer.
PromoPRNT Receipt Marketing Tool
PromoPRNT from Star Micronics is an innovative online tool that allows businesses to create and print custom coupons, surveys, and other promotional material directly on their receipts. With PromoPRNT, companies can easily create customized promotions and engage customers, all while improving their overall brand image.
The tool is entirely free and can be accessed through a web browser, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. The models that can currently access PromoPRNT are the TSP143IV, mC-Print2, and mC-Print3 receipt printers.
PromoPRNT offers a wide range of customization options, including adding logos, images, and text. Businesses can create coupons for discounts on specific products or services and surveys to gather customer feedback. The tool is easy to use, and companies can make them in just a few minutes.
Using PromoPRNT, businesses can increase customer loyalty, drive sales, and gain valuable insights into customers’ preferences and behaviors. It’s a powerful tool that can help businesses improve their marketing efforts and drive growth.
Take Advantage of Receipt Marketing
Receipt marketing is a powerful tool businesses can use to promote their brand, products, and services. By printing marketing messages or offers on receipts, companies can increase brand awareness, customer loyalty, and cost-effectively engage customers. When implementing a receipt marketing campaign, it’s essential to keep your design simple, offer incentives, and track your results to ensure campaign success. Doing so can drive sales and build lasting relationships with your customers.
The Value of Receipts: Printed and Digital
There’s no getting away from it: receipts hold great value and are an irrefutable part of everyday life.
In today’s digital age, online ordering is more popular than ever, especially in the restaurant industry. DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats are just a few of the most popular online ordering platforms, and many restaurants are now using these services to reach a wider audience and increase sales.
But with the influx of online orders on top of in-person customers, managing things can become overwhelming.
That’s where proper thermal receipt printers come in.
Some thermal receipt printers are better for printing online orders than others because they connect to cloud- and web-based POS systems directly. They’re faster, more efficient, and easy to use. They print out orders as soon as they arrive, allowing the kitchen staff to fulfill them immediately.
Many of these printers are designed to work with a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and tablets, making them an ideal choice for online ordering.
So, how can restaurants use thermal printers with online ordering applications like DoorDash and Uber Eats? Usually, online ordering applications will suggest certain printers to use, or their software also comes with hardware. However, some people may need to purchase a thermal receipt printer on their own.
In any case, here are some tips on how to get started with the proper receipt printer to use with online ordering applications like DoorDash and Uber Eats:
1. Choose a Compatible Thermal Printer
To start, it’s important to choose a thermal printer that is compatible with the online ordering platform you are using. DoorDash and Uber Eats have guidelines for compatible printers, and it’s essential to make sure that the printer you choose meets these requirements. Some of the most popular printers used for online ordering include Star’s TSP100 and mC-Print3 series.
2. Connect the Printer and Set it Up
Once you’ve chosen a compatible printer, you’ll need to connect it to the online ordering application. This typically involves pairing the printer to the tablet or connecting it to the router of your restaurant. The application provider will provide instructions on how to do this. Still, if you have complications, you may also want to consult a professional to ensure the setup is done correctly.
3. Customize the Printer Settings
Finally, you can customize the printer settings to meet your specific needs. For example, you can adjust the font size, add your restaurant’s logo to the printout, and customize the order layout to make it easier for your kitchen staff to read and fulfill the orders.
Online Ordering Solutions: A Quick Guide
Want to know which Star printers are compatible with some of the most popular online ordering applications?
By using thermal printers like Star’s TSP100 series for online ordering apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, restaurants can streamline operations and improve efficiency. Orders will arrive faster, print in real-time, and be sent directly to the kitchen.
This lets kitchen staff start orders immediately and ensures customers receive their food quickly. Plus, the improved accuracy and organization of online orders with the proper printers can help reduce errors and improve the overall customer experience.
If you are a restaurant owner and want to start using online ordering applications like DoorDash or Uber Eats, purchasing the correct thermal printer for what you need can streamline operations and help boost revenue.
With the right printer and a little setup, start taking orders from popular online apps and expand your restaurant’s clientele. Just keep in mind you’ll be busy!
Star Micronics has the POS hardware and technology to help keep your business ahead.
How to Get Your Restaurant Ready for Online Ordering
Are you looking for a new way to grow your restaurant business? Accepting online orders keeps you relevant and competitive.
But one area that is often overlooked is kitchen technology. And it shouldn’t be.
If you want to run an efficient and profitable operation, your kitchen needs tools in place to help you keep up with the high volume of orders coming in. Getting the right tech in place will make your chefs’ and line cooks’ lives a whole lot easier.
Every piece of your tech stack needs to speak the same language and integrate seamlessly for efficient operations and a consistent customer experience. These five essential pieces of kitchen technology will help you build that consistency and improve every area of your restaurant.
5 Pieces of Must-Have Kitchen Technology
The kitchen is the beating heart of any restaurant. It’s where the magic happens and it produces the product your customers have come for. As a result, your kitchen needs the latest restaurant technology solutions to make operations more efficient and to connect this area with the rest of the restaurant.
Here are the vital pieces of kitchen technology to get in place to keep the life-blood pumping around your restaurant.
1. Point-of-Sale System (POS)
A point-of-sale system is the hub of your restaurant’s data and operations. It processes orders, transactions, and other restaurant data and often serves as the liaison between your front- and back-of-house restaurant technology solutions.
Having the right POS in place is vital to keep communication between the front-of-house and your kitchen smooth and efficient, with minimal errors. When it comes to technology for restaurants, the POS serves as your central data hub.
What is a POS?
A restaurant POS is traditionally the system of networked hardware and software that takes orders and processes payments. But a modern POS can do a whole lot more, including managing inventory, accepting orders from third-party platforms, generating reports from analytics, and pretty much any other restaurant management task you can think of.
These days a POS stores data in the cloud and can encompass ordering tablets, self-service kiosks, traditional tills with touchscreens, contactless payment terminals, and other restaurant POS hardware.
Benefits of a POS
Streamline restaurant operations – the POS links your systems together, making operations more efficient in every department, from ordering, to payments, to production in the kitchen.
Stores all your data in one place – your POS acts as the data hub for your restaurant, ensuring all your data is accurate, consistent, and accessible.
Reduces ordering errors – a smart POS with the latest ordering hardware and key integrations will greatly reduce the risk of costly ordering errors occurring.
2. Kitchen Display System (KDS)
Kitchen display systems are becoming essential pieces of technology for restaurants, especially in high-volume settings like fast-casual and quick-service restaurants, ghost kitchens, and other takeout joints where efficiency is the name of the game.
The KDS keeps all your orders flowing through the kitchen and makes sure all the cooks are on the same page, making it one of the most vital restaurant technology solutions on the market.
Star Micronics’ Tri-Mount Tablet Display Stand
What is a KDS?
A KDS uses one or more screens in the kitchen to give the cooks a clear view of orders being processed. Typically, a screen at each station helps the cooks keep track of orders and even tells them when to fire different parts of an order for maximum efficiency.
Traditionally, cooks keep track of orders with printed tickets that are spiked when the order is complete. A KDS can be used instead of, or in addition to, printed tickets. The real-time information provided by the system can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
Benefits of a KDS
Streamline kitchen operations – a KDS keeps your kitchen production line organized and streamlined by making sure everyone knows what they need to do and when.
Speed up service – more efficient production helps your kitchen produce orders faster, meaning you can serve more customers at peak times.
Minimize errors – with a clearer picture of the orders in preparation, cooks are less likely to make mistakes that lead to food having to be remade.
Reduce food waste –a more efficient kitchen making fewer mistakes helps reduce wasted food from sloppy portioning, over-production, and re-fires.
3. Printers
Although the trend is moving toward digital solutions, printers still play a vital role in the modern restaurant in the front and back-of-house. And they are getting just as smart as the rest of the tech in the restaurant.
Many customers want a physical receipt, whether it’s just a preference or for record-keeping, and many kitchens still use printed receipts whether or not they also use a KDS to organize orders.
Let’s take a look at the different types of restaurant printers.
What are Restaurant Printers?
Restaurant printers are found at the front desk, at wait stations, behind the bar, and in the kitchen – perhaps at each production station. Front-of-house printers print checks and customer receipts. Bar and kitchen printers print order tickets, so bartenders and chefs know what to prepare.
There are two types of printers commonly used: impact printers and thermal printers. Each has its own features making each one suitable for different environments.
Impact printers, or dot-matrix printers, physically impact the paper with ink. They can typically print in black and red, have more moving parts, and are noisier than thermal printers.
The SP742 Impact Printer is built specifically to work in hot and humid environments, connects via Bluetooth, and can print 13 tickets per minute.
The SP700 series impact printers from Star Micronics are one of the most popular kitchen printers.
Thermal printers directly mark heat-sensitive paper using a heated element. Thermal printers tend to be more expensive, but they could save you money over time as you don’t have to buy more ink. They are sensitive to temperature, so they would only work in a climate-controlled kitchen but can print much faster than impact printers.
The TSP654II Thermal Printer can print 60 receipts per minute, comes with easy drop-in paper loading, and connects to a number of peripheral devices.
The TSP654II thermal receipt printer by Star Micronics makes an excellent kitchen printer.
Benefits of Printers
Offer a physical receipt – many customers want to keep a physical credit card receipt or check for their records and for tax purposes.
Redundancy in the kitchen – a printer receipt in addition to the KDS allows cooks to double-check orders and some chefs prefer to have a physical order ticket as well as the KDS.
The Growing Industry of Ghost Kitchens: The Tech You Need to Get Started
Learn the essentials of starting a ghost kitchen and the technology restaurateurs will need to get started.
Even with a modern POS, you still need a way to process cash payments. Today, most modern cash drawers can be synced with your POS terminals via USB or Bluetooth, offering the ultimate convenience without compromising security.
Look for cash drawers with physical and electronic locking functions that are robust and technologically enabled.
What is a Cash Drawer?
A cash drawer is a secured box with a sliding drawer that protects your cash. It is linked to your POS, so it opens when a cash payment is made and change is required.
Cash drawers typically have multiple locking functions for security, including a manual lock when not in use and automatic locking when in use during service.
The mPOP® Multifunction System is a cash drawer and printer in one smart device. Compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS, it offers direct iOS connectivity, which allows your iOS device to be charged while data is transferring. There is also the optional handheld 2D USB barcode scanner included with some models. The mPOP® is truly an ideal device for mobile POS (mPOS) systems.
White mPOP® with optional 2D barcode scanner
5. Contactless Payment Terminals
Contactless payments are becoming the norm as customers increasingly appreciate the convenience of not having to enter a PIN or even remove their card from their wallet. It’s worth upgrading to terminals equipped with near-field communication (NFC), so you can accept payments with a phone or card tap.
What are Contactless Payment Terminals?
Contactless payment terminals allow guests to pay with the tap of a card anywhere in the restaurant. They are connected to the WiFi network to communicate with the POS, so they allow customers to pay at the table, at the curb, or at the drive-thru window.
The terminals use NFC to take contactless payments from smartphones or credit cards and have keypads and card slots if the customer needs to insert the card and enter their PIN.
Benefits of Contactless Payment Terminals
Faster and more convenient – contactless wireless terminals make it quicker and easier to make payments, leading to a better customer experience and more efficient service.
More secure – Contactless payments eliminate the need for the customer to hand over the card or reveal their signature. Card information is sent via a secure cryptographic method to ensure information can’t be stolen.
Boost efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue with better kitchen tech.
From the POS flawlessly processing orders and contactless terminals taking payments anywhere to kitchen display systems and printers keeping your service organized, kitchen technology is vital to the success of your restaurant.
As we’ve seen, there are exciting products on the market that help to make transactions easier and more secure, make kitchen operations more efficient, and improve the customer experience, among many other benefits.
It’s not just software that counts–getting the proper hardware in place, like smarter cash drawers and the right kind of kitchen printers, can help offer better service and make your kitchen more efficient.
Overall, investing in the latest kitchen tech will streamline your operations, improve customer satisfaction and increase restaurant profits.
Guest Post Written By Sam Sinha
Sam is a restaurant tech content writer building authority for food industry pioneers like TouchBistro. After cooking and writing his way around London and Hong Kong, he now writes and grows vegetables in the Cambridgeshire countryside.
Last week, I spoke with John Maieli, Channel Partner Executive at Star Micronics America. Over the course of our conversation, he shared some thoughtful perspectives on modern kitchens and the technology that supports them. Having spent nearly two decades working in professional kitchens, John understands the environment well—the pace, the pressure, and the skepticism that often comes with introducing new equipment.
As Content Specialist, I serve as the bridge between Star Micronics and the worldwide web (even beyond), translating ideas and innovations into stories that resonate with operators and partners. People usually come to my team when they have a message to share. John, however, came with something more: a vision of thermal printers playing a larger role in professional kitchens across the country.
As we spoke, he tried to keep his enthusiasm contained, but I still caught the twinkle in his eye. It was clear there was more to explore. I asked if he could spare an hour for a deeper conversation. He agreed. Below is our conversation.
What has your experience been in a professional kitchen?
I have over 16 years experience in professional kitchens. I started at age 14 working in a wedding cake bakery owned by a family friend. It turned into a passion, so I attended Johnson & Wales University, where I received a BS in the science of baking & pastry. I went on to work in a chocolate and sugar school, a 5-star, 5-diamond hotel and resort, a Michelin star restaurant, fine dining restaurants, a platinum country club, fast-casual dining, and a bakery.
So you know professional kitchens well. Impact printers are common there, while thermal is often frowned upon. Why do you think thermal printers still have a place in commercial kitchens?
Kitchens have come a long way over the years. Many are very modern, with electronic gadgets everywhere, including kitchen display systems (KDS) on computer screens. In today’s modern kitchens, where heat and grease are kept under control, there is a place for thermal printing. I see thermal printers like the mC-Print3 as essential peripherals to the modern kitchen KDS.
I see what you mean. If there are computer screens in a kitchen, then thermal printers can also be there.
Honestly, even in a kitchen without a display system, this printer would shine. The mC-Print3 is seriously the ultimate printer. It has so much that any modern kitchen would benefit from.
So, you know all about Star’s printing solutions. What are some of the advantages the mC-Print3 thermal printer would have over impact printers in the kitchen?
Speed – thermal printers are faster than dot-matrix printers resulting in faster ticket times. Some on-the-fly needs for printed tickets (last-minute changes, birthdays, allergies, seat changes, etc.) can be made quickly without staff waiting for the tickets to print.
No ribbons – no changing of ink ribbons needed. Thermal heads don’t need to be changed as regularly as ink ribbons. Who wants to mess with that in a kitchen?
Less noise – thermal printers are quiet, which can be significant in suitable environments. If sound is necessary, a buzzer can be added so that there’s a ding or a buzz every time a ticket prints.
Print Flat Technology – tickets that come out of the mC-Print3 are flat, and they remain that way. No curling is excellent for longer tickets as you can see everything easily.
Wireless capability – there’s also an mC-Print3 with wireless capability, which is a great option to have. It doesn’t have to be stuck near the router. It can go wherever there’s a nearby outlet and it will still be connected.
Splash-proof/Insect-proof – critters and crud can’t get into the mC-Print3 and ruin the print head. Plus, its compact size makes cleaning a breeze. You can lift the printer with one hand – I know about cleaning restaurant kitchens… you only have one hand available to move things around!
The mC-Print3 thermal receipt printer by Star Micronics
What are some concerns you’ve heard about thermal printers in the kitchen, and how can they be avoided?
The biggest concerns I hear are heat, humidity, and not having multiple copies of tickets for different food prep stations. Yet heat & humidity are better controlled now more than ever. Modern kitchens are full of equipment with the same limitations as thermal printers. Would a tablet be installed under the heat lamp or on top of a fryer?
Software dictates coursing now, with a new ticket printed each time a course fires instead of the old ways. Chefs may be used to seeing black and red ink, but dish modifications are highlighted in other ways with thermal. At the end of the day, an order ticket is meant to be read.
As for not having carbon copies of tickets, most modern prep stations either are or should be equipped with individual printers if two or more stations need to come together on a single dish. Kitchen display systems simplify each process. The server sends tickets that go to either the hot or cold kitchen (salad station, for example) or the ticket fires to the pastry station for dessert.
It’s the same way tickets go to the bar instead of the kitchen. No more having to hand a blurred yellow carbon copy of an order to another station.
Hear John talk more in-depth about modern kitchen hardware:
That’s all very true. So, with all this talk of the “modern kitchen,” what kind of establishments would you recommend the mC-Print3 thermal printer to?
I see the mC-Print3 as a benefit to any restaurant utilizing a KDS (kitchen display system). Paper tickets are essential in restaurants – that won’t be going away anytime soon – and any modern food station with an mC-Print3 installed would significantly upgrade functionality, speed, noise level, and overall look and feel.
Restaurants and resorts wanting to deliver a fresh, elegant dining experience, elevating the customer experience would do well to switch to thermal. I’m particular to the mC-Print3.
It certainly has an attractive design. Any further comments?
Yeah, I’d like to mention that Dot Matrix technology (for impact printers) started in the 1970s. It wasn’t at the point-of-sale (POS) then, and it wasn’t until the 80s that Star began manufacturing dot matrix for POS, but the SP700 series, the gold standard in kitchens today, is about 15 years old now.
This is just something to consider when making your next purchase with all the changes the industry is going through today. The mC-Print3 is future-proof, meaning you can change your KDS, your connectivity, and you won’t have to change your printer. It’s truly the ultimate printing solution.
The mC-Print3 receipt printer is where thermal excels in the kitchen
Have questions about upgrading your restaurant operations with modern thermal kitchen printers?
Complemented with Star’s TSP654IISK and mC-Print3, Espressly offers coffee shops an easy re-ordering solution with Square POS integration and a menu builder to help make online ordering easier.
Somerset, NJ – April 12, 2022 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point-of-sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that Espressly supports Star’s TSP654IISK sticky label printer and mC-Print3 thermal receipt printer. Espressly provides coffee shops a way to speed up checkout, modernize web and mobile technologies, and improve end-to-end customer experience.
Espressly offers coffee shops a central command portal with total control of their online ordering process, showing insights for mobile app sales and other key metrics. The software helps customers easily find prior orders and has an in-app loyalty program. It allows shops using Square to manage their mobile app from their existing POS system.
By integrating with Star’s TSP654IISK, Espressly offers coffee shops a liner-free thermal label solution with high reliability and performance at a low cost, making it ideal for creating coffee labels and improving order accuracy by up to 99%.
Along with Star’s mC-Print3 thermal printer, Espressly offers coffee shops a sleek, compact, connected, and unique thermal printing solution with print-flat technology and CloudPRNT to help connect to their mobile apps.
“Espressly is excited to partner with Star Micronics to offer coffee shops a seamless and effortless ordering process for our customers. Their high-quality products help to fulfill the critical need for coffee shops to have a printed receipt for all their mobile app orders.”
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 complementary 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 Espressly
Espressly is democratizing mobile ordering and contactless payment technology. We build beautiful apps for cafes that are white-labeled to each brand, highly affordable, and relentlessly focused on user happiness. Our goal is simple: Double our cafe partners’ revenue with their own incredible mobile ordering & loyalty apps. Drive thru and curbside pickup could become the majority of cafe sales for the foreseeable future. The biggest cafe chains built excellent mobile apps for easy repeat ordering and rewards that keep customers coming back. With Espressly, any cafe can have an app on par with the major chains.
Star Micronics releases the mG-T12, mG-T30, and mG-T60 point-of-sale scales built for accuracy.
Somerset, NJ – March 28, 2022 – Continuing its “Always Leading – Always Innovating” philosophy, Star Micronics presents its new line of point-of-sale (POS) scales, the mG-T Series. Star, an industry leader in POS and online ordering solutions, has expanded its offerings to include these versatile, easily-to-integrate scales.
The mG-T Series of scales are ideal for many applications, from grocery to eCommerce, and come ready to use. They connect to POS systems effortlessly with Bluetooth or Serial connectivity and easily integrate on Windows, Android, or iOS operating systems. Built with the point-of-sale space in mind, these scales are NTEP and Measurement Canada Certified with Class III accuracy.
The mG-T line has three different models, the mG-T12, mG-T30, and mG-T60, with maximum capacities of 12lbs(5.4kg), 30lbs(13.6kg), and 60lbs(27.2kg) respectively. With a trio of capacities available, these scales are perfect for grocery, shipping, retail, frozen yogurt and ice cream shops, or bulk sales of any kind. Even cannabis operations requiring larger weights of flower can use the mG-T scales.
With the ability to connect to your POS checkout system, these scales are ideal for grocers looking to weigh:
Produce
Deli products
Butcher shops
Salad bars
Bulk items such as grains, nuts, dried fruit, candy, coffee or tea, etc.
Ice cream & frozen yogurt shops
Wash-and-fold laundry services
Farmer’s markets
And more!
Having a simple, user-friendly interface, backlit LCD Screen, and auto power-off settings, their ease of use helps streamline POS operations, enhancing the customer experience with a hassle-free checkout.
If you are ready to get scales that benefit your operations and can be integrated with your POS easily, please get in touch with Star Micronics.
Star Micronics, a world’s leader in point of sale, has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, scanners, scales, stands and customer engagement solutions for any retail or hospitality establishment in POS and mPOS environments. Embracing the mobility wave, Star’s complementary SDKs allow users to utilize Star in tandem with Android™, iOS iPad®, and iPhone® devices to generate receipts, Chit and label for its printers. In addition, Star Micronics is always leading and innovating, enabling web-based printing solutions, including remote cloud printing, wireless cash drawer solutions, proximity-based printing, and secure cash management. For more information, visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
