Software Vendor Questions:
Asking these questions can save you hours of time, and it insures you get
the right hardware the first time. This plays a critical role in having a smooth implementation. Once you have determined what you can use with your software, if you don't see it available or need any assistance at all, call our sales department toll free at 1-888-801-7282.
You will typically find that we care nearly all of the hardware needed for your
system. We carry over 20,000 products. We have helped thousands of customers
save hundreds if not thousands of dollars. If you need assistance, please call
our sales department. We will do our best to assist you. We also have developers
and support representatives with many years of experience in the industry as part of our team.
About the computer you plan on using:
1.) Knowing how many ports, the operating system, etc. is the first thing
you need to know.
Number of AVAILABLE Serial / COM Ports? Usually this is 1 or 2.
Number of AVAILABLE Parallel / LPT Ports? Usually this is only 1.
Numner of AVAILABLE USB Ports?
If planning on using a bar code scanner or magnetic stripe reader, is your
keyboard a PS/2 (NOT USB) Keyboard?
What operating system is installed? Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, Vista, 7?
Is the operating system 32-Bit or 64-Bit?
Receipt Printer:
1.) Are there specific Brands / Models of printers you would recommend for
your software?
Any 40 Column Receipt Printer w/Available Windows Drivers will work?
If not, what other printers would you suggest?
Does the software support Parallel LPT and/or Serial COM Port connections for printers?
Any Epson Compatible (ESC/POS) Receipt Printer?
Epson Thermal TM-T88IV?
Epson Dot Matrix U220 w/Tear Bar?
Any Star Micronics Compatible?
Other Language or emulation required? (Citizen or CBM, Microline, or other not
listed)
2.) Will I need to install a printer driver?
Manufacturer Specific Driver?
Windows Generic Text Driver?
No driver needed, the software communicates directly to the printer?
**NOTE: Typically the Epson TM-T88IV Thermal Printer or U220D Dot Matrix
Printer with a Parallel interface are the most commonly supported. If that's the
case, a Star Micronics or other printer will likely be supported as well. Star
makes a higher quality printer so POS World recommends them over other receipt
printers. Links to download drivers for all receipt printers are available under the Support/Drivers section of our site. For the interface you select, make sure you have an available port on your computer. Typically a Parallel / LPT interface is most common and it leaves your serial port(s) available for other devices that are only available in a Serial / COM Port interface.
We have USB and Ethernet options available for many receipt printers as well if
they are required.**
Cash Drawer
1.) Does the software support opening a cash drawer attached or running off
the receipt printer's cash drawer port?
This is important, being that if it doesn't, other drawer types can be much more
costly and they take up one of your computers available ports!
2.) If receipt printer driven is not recommended or supported, what type would
you recommend?
Dedicated (No Y-Cable) Serial/RS232 Interface?
Pass Through or Y-Cable Type (for sharing one port with both the drawer and the
printer) Serial / RS232 Interface?
Dedicated Parallel Interface?
Pass Through or Y-Cable Type Parallel Interface?
Does the software require a programmable serial interface (AKA intelligent
interface) to allow setting command to open the drawer?
Does the software require a 'dumb' serial interface drawer that opens by any
character being sent to the drawer?
3.) Where and how do I enter the command to open the cash drawer?
**NOTE: If they tell you it supports a receipt printer operated cash drawer,
don't let them tell you only one brand will work. It is NOT TRUE. This is a
feature that either works or doesn't. If the software supports it, ANY Printer
Interface Cash Drawer WILL WORK if wired to match the printer you purchase.
Basically, figuring out the type of drawer that's expected is the most important
part. Cash Drawer are very simple devices, making most brands compatible if you
know the type needed. **
Customer Pole Display
1.)Does the software support a customer display? If so, what Emulation options are available for the Pole Display?
Emax?
Logic Controls?
Epson (ESC/POS)?
Ultimate?
Aedex?
IBM?
Dumb Terminal?
If None of the these, which one(s)?
Is there a specific model you would recommend?
Does the software support 'Pass Through' customer displays?
If so, you may be able to share a single Serial / COM port with both a Receipt
Printer and the Customer Display. Logic Controls pass through displays combined
with an Epson receipt printer is a common combination when pass through support
is written into the software.
**NOTE: We offer Epson, Partner Tech, Logic Controls and IEE displays. The Customer Display DOES REQUIRE an AVAILABLE SERIAL / COM PORT on your computer. If you don't have a serial port available, a USB to SERIAL adaptor should work.
If a printer is taking up the only Serial / COM port, a Pass Through type
display may be an option if the software supports it.**
Touch Screen Option
1.) Does the software require a specific Brand or Model Touch Screen?
2.) Is there a specific model you would recommend?
3.) Is there a specific Size display?
4. Is there a specific Screen Resolution that the software works best with?
5.) If we want to use an ALL-IN-ONE touch screen terminal, are there any special
requirements of the terminal to consider?
Memory?
Operating System?
Hard Disk Size?
Processor Speed?
Type and Number of ports?
Network interface (Ethernet)?
**NOTE:
Typically, the software either works with ANY touch screen or it doesn't for
Windows based software. Touch screen drivers are loaded like a second mouse
driver on the computer. Some DOS based or other proprietary systems may require
a specific brand or model display. The touch screen DOES REQUIRE an AVAILABLE SERIAL/COM PORT on your computer. If you don't have a Serial/COM Port available, a USB to SERIAL adaptor
or a USB interface model should work. **
Mag Stripe / Credit Card Reader Option (Only
applies if using it for employee sign on, or credit card operation.)
1.)Does the software offer Integrated Credit Card Authorization support?
If so, what track configurations does it support?
Tracks 1 & 2? (standard type offered)
Tracks 1, 2 & 3? (usually only for reading a driver's license or other
custom cards)
Track 2 Only? (some software specifically want only track 2 data)
2.)Does the software work with a 'Keyboard Wedge' or 'Keyboard Interface' Reader?
3.) Is there a specific Brand / Model you would recommend?
4.) Are there any special settings or drivers that need to be installed for the
software to work with the reader?
**NOTE** This type shares your PC's Keyboard port between the keyboard and the reader. It does support sharing with a Bar Code reader as well. If the software requires a SERIAL / COM PORT mag
stripe reader, they are available if needed**
Bar Code Scanner (Typically doesn't apply for Restaurant POS Software)
1.) Does the software support Bar Code Scanning to ring up items?
If so, will a Keyboard Wedge Interface or USB keyboard emulation work?
Is there any special scanner settings required versus just a standard carriage
return after scanned data?
Is there a specific Brand / Model you would recommend?
Is there a particular type of scanner recommended such as high density, laser,
contact scanners, omni directional, 2D or other?
**NOTE**Most systems that support scanning use this connection type. The Honeywell 3800G scanner has a 5-year warranty and is an excellent scanner. It
supports many custom settings, and should work in any system requiring a bar code scanner. It will perform leaps and bounds better than other economy scanners (such as the
most CCD scanners). Contact scanners, especially low cost units, can be very
frustrating to use or can even slow up your operation. If you require a serial
interface scanner contact us for pricing. This option is available.
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**Coming Soon - You will be able to answer these questions, and we will build a custom
configured bundle for you.
**
