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  1. Datalogic DL-Axist™ PDA Announcement

    Datalogic Previews New Products and Solutions at NEW YORK NRF 2016

    The NRF exhibition “Retail’s Big Show 2016” will take place January 17 – 19 at the Javits Center in New York. This is the retail industry’s largest and best attended event globally. Attendees from all over the world will get a chance to preview new Datalogic products prior to their 2016 launch date. Retailers should not miss this unique opportunity. 

    Visit the Datalogic booth 3619 to preview the Datalogic retail technologies of the near future. Multiple solutions from Datalogic’s key technologies, fixed retail scanners, handheld readers and mobile computers will be presented including: 

    DL-Axist™ PDA –A robust, industrial-strength Android based handheld computer with full touch 5” HD display and advanced 2D imager that is ideal for assisted sales, merchandising, stock management, or as a Manager’s device.  It offers a protective rubber boot, and Gorilla® Glass 3 to ensure ruggedness.  The DL-Axist PDA includes Datalogic SoftSpot™ technology, a user definable ‘floating soft trigger’ that leverages the large touch display allowing a new data capture experience.  Other features of this PDA are a Superior WiFi coverage through MIMO technologyand Datalogic’s patented ‘Green Spot’ technology for good read feedback. 

    DBT6400™ Scanner – A pocket-sized innovative, wireless Bluetooth® scanner that is ideal for connection with tablets offering easy implementation of data capture on traditional devices or Mobile POS hardware.  Compatible with Android®, Apple® iOS and Windows® Mobile® devices, this compact scanner handily reads 1D/2D bar codes on printed media or mobile phone screens. 

    RFID Solutions – Datalogic will demonstrate multiple RFID reading solutions specifically designed for use in retail environments such as capturing real time inventory, POS mobility, document tracking, access control, and field mobility. 

    Joya™ Touch Mobile Computer - The ideal multi-purpose device for every retail application from Self-shopping to inventory management, offered in both handheld and gun versions.  Wireless charging, Datalogic SoftSpot™ ‘floating soft trigger’, in-store geo-location and Datalogic’s patented ‘Green Spot’ Technology are just a few of the exciting features. Consumer applications such as Self-Shopping, Queue-busting and Gift Registry can co-exist with operational applications such as shelf replenishment, inventory, mark downs, price checks and more.

    Datalogic product managers and executives will be on hand to discuss these latest products, solutions, and technologies on display in the booth. Contact your local Datalogic representative to schedule meetings and obtain more information.

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  2. Vend now compatible with the mPOP!!!!!

    It may be unofficial......but we have confirmation that Vend is now compatible with the beautiful Star Micronics mPOP Point of Sale, Bluetooth, All in One device!!

    This is great news for retailers and restaurant owners looking for that edge. The mPOP is another great addition to the reliable and high performing Star Micronics product range.

    Vend have taken quick action to ensure that the mPOP is compatible with Vend, it will certainly give Vend a competitive edge over the many other POS software apps out there.

    Please contact us for further details!

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  3. Congratulations to Hike POS

    Congratulations to Hike POS for this amazing achievement, Top 5 at the OzApp Awards!

    POS'99 is proud to be a technology partner of Hike POS. 

    The Hike POS founder and CEO, Hiren, is determined to change the retail and hospitality environment we operate in today with this amazing app. "While Hike has not able to win the top spot, it was a great honor to be there and get selected in the top 5 out of 180 strong contenders. We got to meet some industry heavyweights at the event."

    And POS'99 got a mention as well! 

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  4. The new Honeywell PC42t Thermal Transfer Desktop Printer

    The New PC42t Economical Thermal Printer from Honeywell

    Honeywell has over 40-years experience in designing barcode label printers. With the introduction of the PC42t, they have created a thermal transfer desktop printer that meets the needs of a wide range of markets globally.

    The PC42t is designed for use in environments where affordability is key. The PC42t is a light duty printer ready for general office packing and shipping labeling, retail shelf price labeling, and distribution center barcode labeling. It is well suited for small business owners who want to upgrade to thermal printing from inkjet or laser printers for the first time, and it is easy to setup and inexpensive to own.

    Key Features

    • The reliable PC42t label printer includes broad, industry-standard connectivity including USB device and USB host, plus optional serial or serial plus Ethernet.
    • The PC42t thermal transfer desktop printer is an economical choice for media up to 110 millimeters (4.3 inches) wide. With an ability to accommodate large ribbon sizes, the PC42t can print longer before needing media replenishment, increasing productivity in label-making operations.
    • The PC42t’s compact size, common media specifications, support for Direct Protocol, and ZPLII and EPL command emulation make it an easy upgrade from legacy Intermec or competing thermal printers.
    • The PC42t printer is backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty exclusively for customers in the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
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  5. Choosing the right Barcode Scanner

    Choosing the right Barcode Scanner

    One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a suitable barcode scanner is the type of scanning engine built into it, and is ultimately dependent on the type of barcode you will be using and reading in your business operations, and the performance of the unit you will require.

    Important questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a scanner:

    • Is it compatible with your software?
    • Can you stay connected to your PC or Tablet 
    • Where will the scanner be used? 
    • Is it a rugged environment? 
    • How often will it be used? 
    • What kind of barcodes will you be reading? 

    There are 3 main types of scanning engines:  Laser, Linear Imager, 2D Area Imagers

     

    LaserScanners (1D)

    This is the most common scanner type, and uses a red diode laser to read the reflectance of the black and white spaces in a barcode. Laser Scanners can only read standard linear (1D) barcodes and are usually the most cost effective option. 

    Laser Barcode Scanners are mostly available in Handheld / “Gun” form, but are also used for counter top and fixed mount applications. Laser scanners provide excellent scanning accuracy and productivity, and in turn allows operators to achieve high productivity

    Laser scanners offer a number of advantages for a multitude of applications and should be considered the technology of choice for:

    • Decoding at long distances
    • For Self-Service shopping 
    • Decoding UPC / EAN and other 1D barcodes, used in retail
    • Applications that require motion tolerance
    • Outdoor use

    Most standard laser scanners can read barcodes from a few inches to a foot or two away depending on the size of the barcode. There are also extended range laser scanners, which can read up to 35ft away when using large, reflective labels. Laser scanners are capable of decoding barcodes over wide ranges and can achieve 50% more range than digital imagers.

    While laser scanners may prove to be advantageous in specific applications, other markets and business operations are better suited for digital imagers or a combination of both technologies.

     

    Linear Imagers (1D)

    Linear imager scanners, like Laser Scanners, can also only read 1D barcodes. 

    These imagers do not read reflected light from the laser, they take a picture of the barcode, and then analyse this image to extract the information from the code. 

    Linear imagers have become a good replacement for Laser Scanners, as the read ranges and costs have become more aligned. It is also true that a Linear Imager does a better job of reading poorly printed or damaged barcodes, compared to Laser Scanners. 

    For applications that need a more aggressive scanner, a linear imager will be a better fit, for the same cost.

     

    2D Imagers 

    2D imagers also capture an image to analyse, just like the Linear Imager, but these scanners can read all types of barcodes, including 1D, 2D and stacked. 

    Another important and useful advantage these Imagers have is that the orientation of the barcode is not important when reading (i.e. omni-directional). With Laser Scanners and Linear Imagers, you have to line up the indicator horizontally across the barcode, and this takes up valuable time.

    A 2D imager is more intelligent and is taking a more detailed image, and can read a code in any direction, resulting in faster reads with less aiming. In addition to 1D barcodes, digital imagers (also known as area imagers) can decode 2D barcodes, and 2D barcodes can be encoded with significantly more information than 1D barcodes.

    This makes Digital Imagers beneficial to:

        • Transportation
        • LogisticsT
        • Tracking applications

    Area also imagers have the capability of reading Direct Part Marking (DPM), a method of permanently marking a product. DPM is growing in popularity and allows a product to be tracked throughout its life.

    Digital imagers offer many advantages in certain applications, but area imagers are not to be confused with linear imagers. Although data is captured in a similar way, linear imagers aren’t capable of decoding entire images or 2D barcodes as an area imager can.

    2D imagers can also read barcodes off of most surfaces including a phone screen or monitor, and as a result are becoming more popular in most industries to speed up scanning applications and to help expand ways in which barcodes are used.

    Imagers have proven to be beneficial in the following applications / areas:

        • Decoding critical tracking information
        • Reading Smartphone & Tablet screen barcodes on email
        • Decoding all kinds of 1D and 2D barcodes
        • Decoding DPM (Direct Part Marking)
        • Capturing images for inventory management
        • Combining barcode decoding, image capture, and signature capture in a single device

    Please contact POS'99 for advice on the right scanner for your business operations and environment.

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  6. Star Micronics mPOP now available in Australia

    Star Micronics Australia announced the amazing new mPOP Advanced POS Solution

    It is the first combined Bluetooth POS Receipt Printer and Cash Drawer of its kind, with a unique little patent called the "Flat Receipt"

    The mPOP offers outstanding connectivity, design, intuitive functionality and very simple integration.

    With the mPOP Star Micronics have created something that’s aesthetically simple and elegant, but at the same time loaded with intuitive design features. It measures at just 10cm high and 30cm wide, and is easily transportable, and with the Bluetooth functionality means only one mains cable is needed for operation.

    Operating systems: The mPOP works with all major operating systems including Windows, Apple iOS and Android.

    The mPOP has multiple functions and connectivity, making processing customer translactions smooth and effortless for outlets such as cafe's, bars, retail and pop up stores. The beutiful sleek design will complement any counter top or the mPOP can also be secured under the counter.

    Some of the amazing features of the mPOP:

    * 1D Corded Star Scanner - Purchase separately
    * Ultra compact design with advanced cable routing to maintain sleek design
    * Unique mobile point of purchase solution for merchants requiring Bluetooth printer and cash drawer to link with  their choice of mobile device
    * Secure counter clip, under counter mount and 3rd party Kensington lock facility.
    * Word first “Flat Receipt”, looks really sleek and professional, and will make you stand out between the crowd.
    * Reliable 58mm wide 100mm/second printer with easy top paper loading and auto cutter as standard.
    * Functional compact cash drawer, fast drawer release, multi-configurable note and coin slots.
    * Classic Bluetooth connectivity that’s compatible with Android, Apple iOS, Linux and Windows devices
    * A clear LED display for status information such as paper low, Bluetooth pairing status, etc.
    * Multiple USB ports for external devices and peripheral charging

     

    Please contact POS'99 for guidance on compatible Software Vendors.

     

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  7. All you need to know about Thermal Transfer Ribbons

    1. Why do I need a ribbon at all?

    If you are printing thermal direct then you won’t need a ribbon. In this case the paper has a thermal coating that then allows the print to show on the labels when the print head applies heat. This form of printing is limited and has longevity issues. This is a similar process to thermal receipts from supermarkets etc.

    If you want the print to last and look good for some time then you need to print Thermal Transfer (using a ribbon). The name thermal transfer simply means that the print head applies heat (Thermal) to parts of the ribbon and the heat melts the ink and the ink is then transferred (Transfer) to the label. This type of printing means that the print is permanent and you can print on a wide range of materials. It also lasts much longer than thermal direct labels.

    2. What are the differences between Wax, Wax Resin and Resin ribbons?

    Wax ribbons: These are the cheapest ribbons. These ribbons comprise almost entirely of wax. Wax is very soft and scratches (and smudges) easily. Wax ribbons are good for printing on labels with a rougher surface. Wax/Resin ribbons: These are the most common ribbons we sell. They are a combination of Wax and a Resin component. Resin is a much dearer component and there are no standards as to what percentage Resin must be included.

    Some of the cheaper wax/resin ribbons have only a very small amount of Resin in them really making them more Wax ribbons. Wax resin ribbons have a much better scratch and smudge resistance than wax ribbons and a good print result can be obtained on most label materials. Resin Ribbons: Resin ribbons provide the best scratch and smudge resistance they can however be sometimes difficult to print with. The correct label material and printer heat and speed settings are vital for a good result. Resin ribbons are often used when the scratch resistance is most desired like asset labels, machinery labels, labels used outside etc.

    3. What has head temperature and print speed got to do with the ribbon?

    The different types of ribbons wax, wax/resin and resin need different head temperatures to be able to melt the ink from the ribbon onto the label material. Even within the ribbon categories some variation may occur. The speed that the label is being has a direct impact on how good the result can be. Set the printing speed too high and the ink will not have time to get to the right temperature and your print won’t turn out very well. Having the print head too hot can also has a detrimental effect on the print quality.

    4. What size ribbon do I need?

    The important consideration is that to reduce print head wear, the ribbon should always be wider than the total label (and backing) width. Other considerations are the core size and the maximum outside diameter that your printer can take. If you are not sure let us know the label size and printer type so we can help you.

    5.  What is the difference between ribbons for near edge printers and flat head printers?

    There are two common types of print heads in label printers. Essentially with the flat head printers the heating elements are located in the centre of the print head whilst in near edge print heads the print elements are located closer to the trailing edge (hence the term “Near Edge”). The most common printer brands such as Zebra, Intermec, Datamax and others are flathead printers. We can help you with your printer if you need to check what type it is.

    Author: AA Labels

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  8. Shopify POS & Hardware Bundle

    The super slick Shopify POS application runs on your iPad and allows you to sell your Shopify store's products in a physical, retail setting.

    It's so quick and easy: Browse your store's catalog, pick a customer's products for them, swipe their credit card, and print their receipt or send it through email, so easy.  

    Sync products and orders automatically

    When using Shopify POS to sell in your retail location, all your products, customers and orders are synced with your online store. WOW! Forget about keeping track of multiple and duplicate inventories, product catalogs, and payment systems. Shopify basically integrates all aspects of your retail business in one easy-to-use platform.

    You only have ONE dashboard to manage your retail and online stores

    Use Shopify's dashboard to track customer’s sales made both online and in your retail location using Shopify POS. You will also have access to detailed reporting and analytics help you make the best choices to grow your business and how to target market your customers.

    Shopify works with your payment provider

    Shopify POS works with your existing credit card reader to accept VISA, MasterCard and AMEX cards, and you can also setup custom payment options like debit, process partial payments, split tenders and lots more.

    Shopify POS hardware

    Upgrade your old point of sale system with hardware compatible with Shopify POS.

    POS’99 has been authorised by Shopify to sell hardware bundles compatible with Shopify POS, these bundles in clued a cash drawer, receipt printer and paper, with optional scanners and other accessories

    Testimonials:

    “Shopify POS has fundamentally improved our retail experience. It's easy to use, automatically syncs customers, products and orders with our webstore, and it looks absolutely great at our checkout”

    “It helps me focus on the important thing: my clients. With the Shopify POS iPad app, I have all my stock at my fingertips, and I can take orders from anywhere. This is what retail looks like in the 21st century.”

    Shopify and the shifting marketplace:

    Shopify started trading more than eight years ago as an online store for three friends to sell snowboards. But soon the company’s growth exploded, and now it is a giant of commerce, both on and off the internet. Though it began selling snowboards, it now runs more than 90,000 stores, mostly on behalf of small businesses.

    Harley Finkelstein, Shopify’s chief platform officer, said the company now sees it’s future in offering customers offline solutions as well as online solutions.

    The idea is that whether the cash register is a phone, a website or a tablet, inventory and other store management issues can be handled seamlessly across platforms.

    The push to operate on multiple channels at once began as a need for traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, who scrambled to get online to avoid losing customers to websites like Amazon. More recently, the tide began to flow in the other direction, as online retailers opened physical stores of their own. Piperlime, for example, has a store in Manhattan’s SoHo, which was designed to seem consistent with the language, fonts and color scheme of its website.

    Interestingly, while online shopping has shown strong growth in recent years, the research firm ShopperTrak estimates that over 90 percent of commerce still takes place in actual physical stores, which makes that segment an important target for any company that hopes to serve retailers.

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  9. Datalogic QuickScan™ QD2430 2D Imager

    Imaging technology moves on

    It is quite staggering how the popularity of 2D bar codes has spread across all market segments of the data capture industry, used by retailers and warehouses across all of Australia. Now, with more affordable pricing and very little drawbacks with area imaging technology, 2D bar code readers are now in high demand with many features such as reading from mobile phone displays or when planning ahead for future 2D codes and imaging needs.

    It is perfect for retailers

    The reliable QuickScan™ QD2430 2D imager was specifically created to address the needs of Australian retailers and to meet the market demand with outstanding omnidirectional reading performance on virtually all codes at very affordable prices. The elegant design details are incorporated into smaller, balanced lightweight enclosures without sacrificing Datalogic’s well-known and respected durability.

    The new illumination and aiming system

    Ideally suited for applications at the point-of-sale (POS), the Datalogic QuickScan QD2430 imager features a brand new illumination and aiming system, which was developed with the unique intent to reduce visual stress of the operator during the daily scanning activities. In summary, it consists of a soft, dark red illumination combined with 2 blue LED triangles pointing at the targeted bar code. As a result, the aiming system is precise, which contributes to low eye fatigue, yet still allows top operator efficiency. No doubt that this will lead to increased productivity and cost savings in the medium and long run.

    Superb reading capability

    The QuickScan QD2430 imager can read typical printed linear bar codes as well as complex 2D bar codes displayed on the screen of a mobile device or loyalty cards, and provides a fast, reliable scan from an elegant and robust 2D imager. Compared to laser scanners, imaging technology meets or exceeds productivity and provides the additional advantages of a lower cost-of-ownership and greater product reliability over the medium and long term.

    POS’99

    At POS’99 we are big supporters of the QuickScan QD2430 imager, and have recommended it to many happy customers. If you would like to know and read more about the QuickScan QD2430 imager, please click here and feel free to call us with any questions you may have.

    For more information about Datalogic, click here.

     

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  10. Mobile & Cloud solutions for your restaurant – Make and Take it Easy!

    Recent research conducted in Australia indicates that 55% of table service restaurant goers prefer use tableside ordering and payment methods. Even with this statistics available, less than 15% of table-service restaurants are currently taking advantage of the available mobile or tableside options as the preferred point of sale location.  Furthermore, only 25% of restaurant owners are currently using applications in the cloud to manage their businesses, when a staggering 98% of restaurant owners, whom have ventured into the cloud, say they will never go back to the old way of managing their business.

    There are several reasons for this disconnect, and the two most common reasons for this is that many restauranteurs have a fear of change, a lack of awareness or they have yet to experience the benefits of mobile technology & cloud solutions and the relevance to their business.Before you try to convince yourself that you have missed the boat on mobile and cloud solutions, you should read further...

    Research indicates that 55% of restaurants plan to invest in technology in 2014, and those investments will almost always consist of mobile and cloud solutions. When it comes to incorporating mobile cloud solutions into your restaurant, don't get left behind your competitors.  The reasons why you want to go mobile and into the cloud are:

    1.    You'll streamline your operations

    Tablets and smart phone solutions offer more efficient ways to perform current processes. Mobile solutions can assist users in performing core business functions with enhanced accuracy and speed, from completing payment transactions to taking food orders and performing core business functions with enhanced speed and accuracy.

    2.    To stay connected

    Most mobile solutions are designed specifically for restaurant owners and managers and allow them to communicate with their POS system and their employees via a smart phone or mobile device. That means you do not have to be physically present at your restaurant, and stay connected while you're on the go. A good example of a cloud based point of sale solution is VEND, the latest and fastest growing cloud point of sale solutions in Australasia.

    3.    To save money

    One of the great things having mobile cloud solutions as part of your business strategy is that apart from buying mobile devices like iPads or iPhones, it doesn't require any additional hardware purchases or large disruptive installations. Restaurants can almost always use their current POS hardware and systems to interface with a mobile and cloud solution without having to make costly investments.

    4.    To attract new customers

    By incorporating mobile and cloud solutions into your business strategy, you will appeal to the tech savvy customers, most of whom rely on their smart devices for just about anything and everything.

    5.    And....you'll learn something!

    These are just a few of the possibilities that mobile solutions can bring to the table. (No pun intended). The key is to implement a mobile and cloud strategy that will improve the dining experience, increase profitability, streamline your business and provide added convenience for your customers.

    Case Study:

    Take Pasta Pantry for example, an Italian food chain that prides itself on quality, service, innovation and reliability. They started off by using the cheapest cash register you can get, it cost about approximately $150, and they had absolutely no idea what was going on regarding their sales until they came across Vend, and it seemed the perfect solution.

    “For us, Vend, Xero, and Shopify are a match made in heaven.”

    Vend had all the features Pasta Pantry needed to operate its business efficiently, plus there were no huge overheads that ate up cash flow.  Affordability is just the icing, it is Vend’s functionality takes the cake. When sales started going through Vend the business owners were pretty excited to see for the first time what was happening. They can now get rid of underperforming menu items and actually be able to tell customers if they have something in stock, saying goodbye to guesswork.

    Pasta Pantry did their research and found that many business owners use massively over-complicated point of sale systems, and they have to push a million buttons to get to the “lasagne with chips and salad”. As for Vend, the employees love it, even though none of them are very computer savvy, so it’s nice to have a simple interface. They all picked it up really quickly.

    “Modern, multi-channel retail” is what Vend and other cloud services are described as. Vend and other web-based services like Xero and Shopify are very easy to use, affordable, and can be operated and accessed from almost anywhere, and on top of that they also work together.  Pasta Pantry were already using Xero, so that was a big plus. Setting up all the accounts in Xero that Vend posts sales and totals into was a pretty straightforward  process, now Xero shows all the sales and inventory data much better than it used to.

    As per their original plan, Pasta Pantry had an online shop from the beginning. What they did not have was an easy way to manage it. They were using Wordpress with an e-commerce plugin for their online store, a completely separate system that meant doubling up on all inventory transactions and manually finishing sales.

    There is definitely an easier way, and it wasn’t long before Pasta Pantry found it when they realised you could enter the product into Vend and it posted straight to Shopify automatically I was pretty amazed. Just that functionality probably saved the business over $100k per year.

    It certainly seems as if Vend, Xero, and Shopify are a match made in heaven for restaurant owners.

    For more information on Vend bundles, please click here, or contact us on www.pos99.com.au

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