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| - | ======= iPOS Hardware Requirements ======= | ||
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| - | ===== Introduction ===== | ||
| - | The iPOS system is very powerful tool for your business. A system, however, is only going to perform as well as the platform it works from. In the case of software, that platform is a combination of Hardware and Operating System. | ||
| - | This document will explain the overall requirements and make recommendations for specific installations to get the best balance between economy and performance. | ||
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| - | ===== General Requirements ===== | ||
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| - | ==== Server ==== | ||
| - | The Server is the computer which does all of the work. Since Windows is a multi-tasking operating system, the Server can also be a Client while performing its role as Server. The functions of the Server will not be visible to anyone using it as a Client workstation. It is important though, that since it can be used for other tasks that the Server has adequate hardware resources to complete the many tasks it will be given. | ||
| - | The choice of operating system is based on the maximum number of workstations to be used at the store. | ||
| - | Windows XP Professional or later (less than 10 workstations)(not Vista) | ||
| - | Windows Server 2003 or later (10 or more workstations) | ||
| - | Every store __must__ have a server computer. If that is the only computer they have, it will then be both the server and the client. | ||
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| - | ==== Client ==== | ||
| - | This is a standard PC. We would recommend that any recent workstation that runs Windows 7 Professional comfortably would be adequate for the job. Internet Explorer should be updated to version 8.0 (or above). | ||
| - | In a retail environment, | ||
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| - | ==== Network ==== | ||
| - | Where more than 1 client workstation will be in a site then a network will be required for the workstations to communicate. | ||
| - | • A single workstation operating as both the Server and the Client requires no networking beyond an internet connection. | ||
| - | • More than 1 workstation requires a standard Ethernet Local Area Network in which each workstation connects to an Ethernet Switch/ | ||
| - | In most cases, if an ADSL Internet Connection is supplied, the ADSL router will include a built-in 4 port switch which will be used to run the network. | ||
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| - | ==== **Printers** ==== | ||
| - | iPOS expects access to two types of printers. One for RECEIPTS, and the other for REPORTS. These printers have very different roles and it is practical to have both roles combined into a single printer. KITCHEN printers are the same as RECEIPT printers. | ||
| - | iPOS expects the Receipt printer to be either connected to the network via Ethernet or directly connected to the workstation via a serial cable. These printers not only print receipts, but are commonly used to control the cash drawer. Receipt printers are not a normal item and are only manufactured for POS applications. They therefore require specialised control and are more expensive because of the lower volume and extra features they have built in. Receipt printers are directly controlled by iPOS. All receipt printers must be able to accept EPSON, ESCPOS or STAR printer commands. These 3 command sets are industry standard and most manufacturers will have a printer that supports them in an emulation mode. | ||
| - | Please note that we have found that not all manufacturers provide** FULL** support in their emulation modes which means the printer may be able to print receipts but not daily summaries or some other function such as opening the cash drawer. | ||
| - | The Report printer does not have to be in the shop. Because iPOS is internet aware, reports can be printed from any machine that has a report printer installed on it. This includes all various versions of bubble jet, laser and dot matrix printers on the market. As this is a personal preference and not a requirement of iPOS to print reports, Imagatec does not certify or support report printers. Any printer which can print from other applications on your workstation can, and will print iPOS reports. | ||
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| - | ==== Cash Drawers ==== | ||
| - | These are dedicated POS devices and, as such, are rarely available from standard computer stores. Most (but certainly not all drawers) are 24V devices, a voltage which is not normally available from a standard computer. Therefore various methods have been devised to trigger cash drawers. Dedicated POS terminals usually have built-in cash drawer ports which require drivers from the manufacturer. iPOS does support some (but not all) of these devices. The most common, reliable and recommended method is to trigger the cash drawer from the back of a receipt printer. | ||
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| - | ==== **Wireless Options** ==== | ||
| - | In situations where physical cabling is not practical, Wireless Network technology is a suitable alternative. This technology is now affordable and mature with parts from most manufacturers interoperable. | ||
| - | Imagatec does strongly recommend Wired networks over Wireless, as Wired will always be more reliable than Wireless. Wireless does work and can be used if a cable cannot be safely laid to the workstation. You will need a wireless access point (or wireless router) in your store. | ||
| - | We strongly recommend that a password is added to secure your wireless network. | ||
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| - | ===== **EQUIPTMENT LIFE CYCLE** ===== | ||
| - | POS equipment by its very nature gets a hard life. It is in a harsh environment and used for very long periods of time. Therefore it is important to note that the equipment will have a short life cycle with heavy use. | ||
| - | Most of the current specialized POS workstations come with optional 3 year warranties and we recommend that you take these options. This will cover the equipment for the expected life of the machine. | ||
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| - | ==== **Specific Minimum Requirements** ==== | ||
| - | === **Single Workstation Store (computer is both Server and Client)** === | ||
| - | Standard PC (plus a Touch Screen) **or** Retail POS unit (which includes a Touch Screen) | ||
| - | Windows XP Professional (SP3+) (Windows 7 is recommended) | ||
| - | 2.5GHz or more Processor (CPU) | ||
| - | 2GB or more RAM | ||
| - | 20GB+ Hard Drive | ||
| - | Mouse | ||
| - | Keyboard | ||
| - | Receipt Printer | ||
| - | Cash Drawer | ||
| - | Router | ||
| - | Internet Connection with Static IP Address | ||
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| - | ==== **Multiple Workstation Store (Server is also a Client)** ==== | ||
| - | All workstations should be the same as above | ||
| - | Receipt Printer can be shared between the workstations | ||
| - | A network switch might be needed if there are more workstations than the router can support | ||
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| - | ==== **Multiple Workstation Store (with a dedicated Server, more than 3 workstations)** ==== | ||
| - | All workstations should be the same as above | ||
| - | Dedicated Server should be a standard PC, with faster processor and more memory. (3GHz or more processor, and 3GB or more RAM) | ||
| - | Multiple Receipt Printers and Cash drawers. | ||
| - | A Network Switch | ||
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| - | ==== **Large Network Store (more than 10 workstations)** ==== | ||
| - | Dedicated Server with minimum hardware requirement to run a Windows Server Operating System. | ||
| - | Multiple Network Switches might be needed based on the physical layout of workstations. | ||
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| - | ===== **Certified Equipment** ===== | ||
| - | * Indicates that the equipment does work or has worked in the past, but problems have been noted and we question the stability and/or the reliability. Our experience shows that it would be best to avoid if possible. | ||
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| - | ==== **Operating Systems** ==== | ||
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| - | iPOS uses ASP which is only available in Windows Operating Systems. Linux, Apple and other operating systems cannot be used as a Server. Imagatec is increasing support for other operating systems as Clients only. However they will still be restricted in what they can do as most POS equipment only supports Windows Operating Systems. | ||
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| - | **Windows XP Professional (SP3+)**\\ | ||
| - | Supported\\ | ||
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| - | ** *Windows XP Home**\\ | ||
| - | Does not include required server software. Requires an unsupported patch to work, strongly not recommended\\ | ||
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| - | ** *Windows Vista**\\ | ||
| - | Unstable Platform. Not supported\\ | ||
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| - | **Windows 7 Professional**\\ | ||
| - | Strongly recommended | ||
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| - | **Windows Server 2000, 2003, 2008**\\ | ||
| - | For use in network with more than 10 workstations | ||
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| - | *Small Business Editions, installs versions of SQL Server, Exchange and Share Point services which take resources and complicate maintenance. | ||
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| - | ==== **Workstations** ==== | ||
| - | **Dedicated Retail POS units**\\ | ||
| - | J2 650, J2 615, J2 680 | ||
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| - | **Desktop PC & Laptops**\\ | ||
| - | Any recent machine than meets the recommended minimum processor, memory and hard drive specifications listed above. | ||
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| - | It is recommended that PC’s are fitted with touch screens to make them easier to use. | ||
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| - | ====**Touch Screens**==== | ||
| - | ELO resistive or capacitive screens (serial or USB) | ||
| - | Microtouch 3M resistive or capacitive screens (serial or USB) | ||
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| - | ====**Receipt Printers**==== | ||
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| - | STAR TSP200, TSP700 | ||
| - | EPSON TM88, TMU200 (Highly recommended due to high quality) | ||
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| - | ====**Cash Drawers**==== | ||
| - | **All 24V Cash drawers which support remote triggering from a cable with a RJ12 plug.**\\ | ||
| - | ** *ALL IBM Cash Drawers.** | ||
| - | These have a choice of a proprietary IBM cable or a cable that ends with a RJ12 plug. Choose the RJ12 plug. **iPOS does not support the OPOS or UPOS standard being marketed by IBM.** | ||
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| - | =====**Equipment Unsuitable for iPOS**===== | ||
| - | This list is where our testing has shown that the equipment does not support all of the functions expected by iPOS. Where possible iPOS relies on industry standards and testing is done against these standards; our results may contradict manufacturer’s claims | ||
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| - | ====**Receipt Printers**==== | ||
| - | **Bubble Jet, Ink Jet and Laser Printers are NOT suitable as Receipt Printers.**\\ | ||
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| - | **IBM 4610-1NR**\\ | ||
| - | Is able to act as a Receipt Printer for iPOS, but the EPSON emulation in the printer does not support the EPSON windows driver for printing reports like the Daily Summary from Internet Explorer. | ||
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| - | ====**Known Conflicting Software**==== | ||
| - | **Google, Yahoo and AntiVirus Toolbars for Internet Explorer**\\ | ||
| - | Most toolbars try to block pop-up and clipboard access. | ||
| - | Antivirus toolbars also try to confirm the identity of iPOS over the internet to their servers, slowing iPOS down. | ||
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| - | **Shopping Toolbars for Internet Explorer**\\ | ||
| - | These toolbars also try to help by blocking pop-ups, but only so they can add their own shopping recommendations in their own pop-ups. These are damaging in a business environment and should be removed. | ||
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| - | **Antivirus Software which blocks scripts or has a Personal Firewall** | ||
| - | Once configured to allow iPOS to operate, they are fine. | ||
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