Setting Up Printers and Print Formats

Setting Up Printers and Print Formats

Introduction

Printers are essential POS peripherals that generate receipts, invoices, and reports. In iVendNext, configuring printers properly ensures professional, accurate documentation of every transaction. This guide covers printer setup, print format customization, and troubleshooting for first-time users.




1. Printer Setup Fundamentals

1.1 Connecting Your Printer

Before configuring in iVendNext:


  • Physically connect your receipt printer via USB, Ethernet, or Bluetooth

  • Install manufacturer drivers on your POS terminal

  • Verify test prints from your operating system


Common Printer Types:


  • Thermal receipt printers (e.g., Epson TM-series)

  • Impact printers for carbon copies

  • Label printers for barcode tags


1.2 Configuring in Hardware Profile

  1. Navigate to Home > Retail > Hardware Profile

  2. Select your terminal's hardware profile or create new

  3. Under Printer Tab:

    • Enable Has Printer checkbox

    • Enter exact Printer Name (match OS device name)

    • Set Render Width (typically 58mm or 80mm)

    • Check Cash Drawer Attached if applicable





2. Creating Custom Print Formats

2.1 Accessing Print Format Settings

  1. Go to Home > Retail > Print Format

  2. Click Add Print Format


2.2 Basic Configuration

  • Name: Identify format (e.g., "Receipt-Short")

  • DocType: Select document type (Sales Invoice, Return, etc.)

  • Standard Fields: Enable/disable default fields (Date, Time, Items)


2.3 Style Customization

Adjust under Style Settings:


  • Fonts: Select readable typefaces (thermal printers work best with monospace)

  • Alignment: Left/right/center justification

  • Section Headers: Customize labels (e.g., "Thank You" vs "Receipt")


2.4 Advanced Formatting

For customized layouts:


  1. Enable Custom Format option

  2. Use Jinja/JS scripting to:

    • Rearrange elements

    • Add conditional logic (e.g., promotional messages)

    • Incorporate store logos (Base64 encoded)


Example Script Snippet:


{% if total > 100 %}

** THANK YOU FOR YOUR PURCHASE! **

{% endif %}




3. Specialized Printing Scenarios

3.1 Multi-Part Forms

For duplicate/triplicate forms:


  • Set Copy Names (Original, Customer Copy, etc.)

  • Configure different formats per copy

  • Adjust margins for alignment


3.2 Barcode Printing

  • Select barcode symbology (UPC, EAN-13, etc.)

  • Set optimal dimensions (height: 15-25mm)

  • Include human-readable numbers below


3.3 Kitchen Printing

For restaurant operations:


  • Create dedicated KOT (Kitchen Order Ticket) format

  • Highlight modifiers/special instructions

  • Use larger fonts for kitchen staff



4. Testing & Validation

4.1 Print Preview

Always use Preview function to:


  • Check field alignment

  • Verify truncation points

  • Confirm barcode scannability


4.2 Physical Test Prints

Conduct real tests to:


  • Validate paper feed alignment

  • Check print darkness (adjust printer density)

  • Ensure cash drawer triggers



5. Troubleshooting Guide

Issue

Solution

Partial/missing text

Adjust Render Width in Hardware Profile

Garbled characters

Set correct Encoding (UTF-8 recommended)

Printer not responding

Check Windows/Mac printer queue for errors

Slow printing

Reduce graphic complexity in format

Cash drawer not opening

Verify cable connection to printer port



6. Maintenance Best Practices

  • Regular Updates: Review formats quarterly for regulatory changes

  • Template Library: Save proven formats as templates for new locations

  • Staff Training: Document common adjustments for cashiers

  • Backup Configs: Export print formats before system updates



Conclusion

Proper printer configuration and thoughtful print formats enhance customer experience while reducing operational errors. By following this guide, you can ensure professional documentation that meets both business needs and compliance requirements.



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