Overview

This article gives you an overview of configuring POS peripherals in iVendNext, including barcode scanners, cash drawers, and customer displays.

1. Prerequisites

Before configuring peripherals, ensure the following are set up:

POS Terminal: 

A functional POS terminal linked to your store and company.

Hardware Profile: 

A profile defining the peripherals attached to your POS terminal.

Print Format (Optional): 

Required if you are configuring receipt printers.

Note: Refer to the POS Terminal and Hardware Profile guides for setup instructions.

2. Configuring a Barcode Scanner

Barcode scanners streamline inventory management and checkout processes. Follow these steps to configure one:

Step 1: Access the Hardware Profile

1. Navigate to Home > Retail > Hardware Profile.

2. Click Add Hardware Profile to create a new profile or edit an existing one.

Step 2: Enable Barcode Scanner

1. In the New Hardware Profile screen, ensure the barcode scanner is connected to the POS terminal.

2. No additional settings are usually required as most scanners are plug-and-play.

Tip: Test the scanner by scanning a barcode in the POS interface to ensure it registers correctly.

3. Setting Up a Cash Drawer

Cash drawers are critical for secure cash management. Here’s how to configure one:

Step 1: Link the Cash Drawer to the Hardware Profile

1. Open the Hardware Profile associated with your POS terminal.

2. Navigate to the Printer Tab.

3. Check the box Is Cash Drawer Attached.

Step 2: Configure Multiple Cash Drawers (Optional)

1. In the POS Terminal settings, check Has Multiple Cash Drawers if needed.

2. Save the settings.

Important: A POS terminal can support a maximum of two cash drawers.

4. Configuring Displays

Displays enhance customer interaction by showing transaction details. Two types can be configured:

A. Pole Display

Pole displays show transaction amounts to customers.

Step 1: Access Pole Display Settings

1. In the Hardware Profile, go to the Pole Display Tab.

2. Configure the following fields:

• Port: Specify the port number (e.g., COM1).

• Baud Rate: Set to 9600 (default).

• Welcome Message: Customize the greeting (e.g., "Welcome to ACME Store").

• Transaction Messages: Set messages for ongoing and completed transactions.

Step 2: Test the Display

1. Perform a test transaction to ensure the display shows the correct messages.

B. Customer Facing Display

This display shows item details and totals to customers.

Step 1: Enable the Display

1. Attach the display to the POS terminal.

2. A Customer Facing Display Tab will appear in the Hardware Profile.

3. Configure port settings similar to the Pole Display.

Step 2: Customize Messages

1. Set welcome and transaction messages as needed.

5. Managing Printers

Printers are used for receipts and labels. Configure them as follows:

Step 1: Access Print Format (Optional)

1. Navigate to Home > Retail > Print Format.

2. Create or edit a format to customize receipt layouts.

Step 2: Link the Printer to the Hardware Profile

1. In the Hardware Profile, go to the Printer Tab.

2. Check Has Printer and enter the printer name.

3. Adjust Render Width if needed.

Step 3: Configure QZ Tray (For Web Printing)

1. Install QZ Tray and generate a certificate for secure printing.

2. Navigate to Home > Retail > QZ Setting to input certificate details.

Note: For detailed steps, refer to the QZ Setting guide.

6. Reinitializing Peripherals

If you replace a peripheral, follow these steps to reinitialize it:

For POS Terminal:

1. Select the terminal in the POS Terminal List.

2. Click Actions > Release Terminal to clear the hardware ID.

For Customer Display:

1. Select the terminal.

2. Click Actions > Release Customer Display to reset the display.

For further assistance, refer to the Hardware Profile and QZ Setting documentation.