Without a doubt, rising operational costs, evolving customer expectations in an omnichannel world alongside the need to embrace more sustainable practices and improve security are constantly challenging retail businesses today. Yet, innovative and powerful POS technology can play a vital role in streamlining operations, reducing costs and enhancing the shopping experience.
Having operated in the retail hardware space for over 40 years, Star benefits from the experience and expertise to develop solutions that can address the POS printing challenges retailers face today. Scalability and flexibility are key, and Star delivers the versatility required to integrate traditional, tablet and Cloud-based solutions, which has ensured successful installation of its products into major retailers and hospitality venues as well as smaller, independent stores. Feature-rich hardware with versatile connectivity allows for scalability, while providing a future-proof solution that can respond to changing needs as the business evolves.
Future-proof, Scalable and Secure Solutions
In response to growing demand by retailers for future-proof, scalable hardware that can support fixed, mobile and Cloud applications, Star provides the ideal solution with the TSP143IV X4 receipt and order printer.
The TSP143IV X4 is equipped with exceptional connectivity: USB, LAN, WLAN and Bluetooth alongside Cloud connectivity as standard to offer seamless compatibility with POS systems, tablets, handheld devices, online ordering systems and self-ordering kiosks supporting all major operating systems. This means the same model can be used in multiple locations, reducing the need for a range of different printer models.
Moreover, hardware that is easy to set up and allows a business to be up and running within minutes and serving customers quickly with minimal technical support required is invaluable. Delivering a new BLE based WLAN and Bluetooth setup designed to simplify wireless connectivity ‘out-of-the-box’, the TSP143IV X4 allows users to quickly connect via an auto-generated QR code or via the Star Quick Set Up Utility and be online within less than a minute, providing simple and straightforward provisioning of multiple printers in multi-store locations.
Ever mindful of the need for improved security in retail, Star’s unique cash drawer connection sensing feature adds an extra layer of protection to POS systems, allowing the TSP143IV X4 printer to distinguish an open drawer or one which is completely disconnected. Alerts can be immediately triggered directly to a locally controlling application or via the Cloud if the cash drawer is opened or disconnected.
PC POS, Tablet and Cloud Connected Solutions
When it comes to receipt, order and label printing in store, key challenges undoubtedly focus on ease of integration, multi-platform support and managing the printer estate in order to optimise operational efficiency and avoid any potential costly downtime. Star offers the flexibility of multi-platform integration across iOS/Android/Windows/Linux/ChromeOS as well as tablet POS and web-based printing accompanied by multiple device management which is where solutions such as Star CloudPRNT™ and StarIO.Online really come into play.
Star CloudPRNT stores and creates print jobs and communicates status with the printer. Orders created through web apps and Cloud-based software can be directly printed in the store or venue for table and remote ordering without the need for an additional tablet or device. Building on this, Star’s latest CloudPRNT Next technology provides faster, more secure and efficient communication between Cloud applications and connected devices.
StarIO.Online is one of Star’s advanced Cloud services enabling fully managed Cloud connected receipt, label and online order printing along with powerful device management tools for monitoring and controlling CloudPRNT-enabled Star devices. Running on securely managed Cloud servers, StarIO.Online allows users to print to any CloudPRNT-compatible device with real-time monitoring and centralised control. This includes real-time print job visibility with webhook notifications to reliably track print jobs, barcode scans, new device connections as well as status monitoring of both printer and connected cash drawers in a single or multi-store environment.
Clearly, this makes life simpler for retailers in terms of deployment, updating and device management, saving time and reducing costs. All Star’s latest receipt, ticket and label printers are CloudPRNT compatible and with Star continually innovating it is actively looking to expand its range of Cloud connected hardware.
The Growth of Self-Service
As the rise in online ordering across multiple channels is resulting in greater demand for self-service kiosks for applications such as endless aisle, self-checkout and store returns as well as the collection and delivery of food and beverages in QSR, kiosks can act as both a cost-effective solution for retailers and a convenient option for customers.
Providing support for traditional PCs and tablet POS, Star has developed long-standing partnerships with leading kiosk manufacturers supplying tier one retail chains as well as smaller stores and venues. In addition to large-scale projects, the expanding range of low-cost offerings can be an attractive proposition for the SME market. Star also supports its iOS/Android/Windows/ChromeOS tablet software partners with both open frame and housed kiosk printing solutions.
Alongside its compact mechanisms, Star’s robust packaged printers offer ease of installation, a variety of interface options and are CloudPRNT compatible for internet connected services. Driven by their lower cost compared to the modular open frame printer as well as ease to install, use and maintain, the packaged printer often successfully bridges the gap between a compact footprint and ease of use.
Multifunctional Labelling
With the growth of multi-channel ordering accompanied by increasing demand for customer collection and returns, third party delivery and legislation around accurate ingredients and allergy identification, the requirement for efficient and versatile product labelling has surged. Amongst the range of labelling solutions currently available, linerless labels stand out for their eco-friendly properties and operational efficiencies.
For businesses that require multi-media receipt and label printing solutions supporting a range of media, the Star mC-Label3 can print a wide range of liner and liner-free labels including low adhesive re-stick labels, high adhesive permanent and semi-permanent labels as well as receipts. This offers the ideal solution for printing different sized and types of labels including product labels, collection and returns labels in addition to customer orders. And, featuring the same benefits as Star’s receipt printing range including tablet and Cloud connectivity for ease of setup and multi-estate provisioning, the mC-Label3 excels in all regards.
