When you open your business, everyone starts small. And having sufficiently “untwisted” their business, sooner or later they ask about the control over the hired personnel. In simple words, aren't the people you hire hijacked by you? But only a device with a clearly defined program does not deceive us, so we come to the conclusion that we need a device that would realize the accounting of products sold through people who directly participate in the release of manufactured products. Fortunately, devices such as the “cash register printer” have long been invented.
Simple cash register
A regular cash register does not have a connection to a computer and does not store information about products sold. In other words, he just issues a check and stores the money put into it. At a subconscious level, people trust stores more, which, when selling products, issue a check as confirmation of the quality of the goods and guarantees of consumer rights.
For large stores, this option is not suitable, since working with such a device requires both time and skill. However, for stores in some outback this method is quite acceptable.
Receipt printer
A receipt printer, or POS printer, is a specially designed device that implements the printing of important elements on paper: checks, receipts, and the like. Such printers are not the main device, that is, they only execute commands from the computer. Simply put, this is a regular printer that has a specialized form. He will not provide you with any report on daily revenue, however, it is possible to use a specially created program at the same time, which, in turn, will keep track of the issued financial resources per day. POS printers vary in printing method. This affects their cost, reliability and service complexity. Allocate printers with matrix printing, inkjet and thermal printing.
Printer Printing Methods
The simplest and cheapest way is matrix printing. But it contains many shortcomings, such as low speed, noise, the inability to put logos, the average reliability of the device. Printing in this type of printer is done by punching the printed ribbon with special needles.
Inkjet printing is done exactly the same as in your home inkjet printer. From small nozzles, metered droplets are fired onto the paper. These printers are not widespread, since among their shortcomings there is insufficient reliability of the printing organs, ink drying time and the frequent need for refueling.
The most relevant today are POS printers with thermal printing. Printing occurs by heating a layer of temperature-sensitive paper. These printers are superior in performance to all of the above.
Pros and cons of cash register printers
The only drawback of receipt printers is the problem with the exchange of data between the device and the personal computer, in simple words, this is a problem with the drivers. However, there is the possibility of passing the goods through the program without using the apparatus, which generally gives a good opportunity to control profits on account of the goods sold. If you are quite familiar with the operation of a personal computer and imagine how rarely problems arise with the communication of devices, that is, with drivers, then we note that problems with the device itself are much less common.
Basically, the receipt printer is usb-connected, that is, there is no need to purchase additional adapters, hardware and software adapters.
Another advantage of receipt printers is the use of software with a special specialized encoding of information, which provides the greatest reliability and authenticity of the information provided.
So, we now know what measures need to be taken to account for the activities of hired personnel, which devices can be used. Now we can consider more specifically the possibilities of modern printer receipts.
Basic printer selection criteria
The first thing you should pay attention to is the presence of a thermal head. In today's market there are many firms and companies producing these devices, and each has its own advantages, disadvantages, so you should know what exactly to pay attention to. The main printing organ of the printer should print under the influence of heat, so that no situation arises requiring refilling the printer at the most inopportune moment, for example, at the hour of maximum influx of customers.
Features of communication with a PC
What you should pay attention to first of all is how the data exchange between the computer and the “receipt printer” device is implemented. There are several ways to implement this function - using interfaces: RS-232; USB LPT LAN and WIFI. The first three implementation methods are used mainly when the printer is in the vicinity of a personal computer, the approximate removal is up to ten meters.
LAN technology allows you to connect the receipt printer directly to the local network, which gives advantages in the range of the printer from the computer that processes the information, at a distance of up to two hundred meters. WI-FI technology allows you to get rid of the inconvenient and costly exchange of information between the printer and the computer via wires. However, this technology has not proven itself on the good side, since there is the possibility of signal loss or errors in the reception and transmission of signal packets, which leads to loss of communication between the computer and the device itself.
Additional features
Next, you should pay attention to the support of the Drop and Load technology of your choice, translated into Russian meaning "drop and print." Of the advantages of this technology is an increase in processing speed, which is important for forming the image of an entrepreneurial enterprise. This technology will prevent your employees from having problems refilling printers with paper. In other words, they will not have to insert a new roll and pull the paper through the rollers in a strictly defined sequence, the change of which can lead to a break in the paper ribbon, which will ultimately stop the receipt printer, and in the worst case, break it.
Another important indicator is the printer’s ability to auto-cut. This function, which is so insignificant at first glance, allows you to make an accurate line of the gap between checks, which also favorably influences the formation of the user's perception of the services of your company.
Well, the last thing you should pay attention to is that the receipt printer must support two standards of receipt paper. If your business barely keeps afloat, and you save on every little thing, then you can advise a roll of printed paper with a width of 57 millimeters, but if you prefer more presentability of your enterprise, then you should choose a better paper format with a width of 80 millimeters.
Summary
In conclusion, we will tell you about advanced manufacturers that will allow you to purchase a receipt printer, the price of which will ideally be considered with your financial situation and varies in the region from 4000 rubles to 40 000.
The most advanced manufacturers are companies: Samsung, Zebra, Barcode, Posiflex. The Samsung printer is most suitable for you as the best option for quality, cost and investment. Naturally, there are many different companies whose printers differ in price and embedded functions, perhaps some are even more profitable, but most likely you will choose the quality that has been tested by time. Indeed, sometimes it’s easier to pay a little extra for quality and durability than to have significant repair and maintenance costs in the future, and as a result, having lost patience, you’ll still get a Samsung printer.