Device Maintenance > Stations

Stations define how the software interacts with various type of client devices running the Microsoft^® Windows^® operating system or a Remote Desktop application that emulates Windows from another OS (operating system). For information about installing the client software, please see the topic Client Installation. We recommend you work with your ECI Implementation or Support team when you are adding or changing devices that access the software to ensure compatibility. You can also consult the General System Requirements document for your software version to learn more about devices with verified application support. You can get this document is from the Customer Portal.

Defining Stations and your Network A network is a collection of computers and other devices, such as printers, that communicate together. This communication can be done via both wired and wireless connections. Network hardware typically includes a router connecting the network to the Internet as well as switches and/or hubs. In order for an address to be identified on the network allowing communication, an address is used. The address identifies the device for network purposes. Addresses can be either static or dynamic. Static addresses stay the same even if the network or device is reset. Dynamic addresses are assigned as devices connect to the network and can change. Dynamic addressing is referred to as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Addresses cannot be shared, so each device linked to the network must have its own unique address. In a typical network configuration, ranges of address are defined for static use vs. dynamic (DHCP) use. Ranges are defined for the network using either a browser or other software to access the network hardware device settings. There are a few different types of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. IPV4 is the older numeric format that consists of four (4) sets of integers with values between 0 and 255 separated by decimals (.). An example of an IPV4 address would be 123.0.0.123. The newer format, IPV6, has a more complex structure providing a much greater number of possible combinations. Devices also have a MAC address which isn't assigned by the network, but may be used for identifying or validating devices that connect. Since a single computer can have more than one network card and multiple connections (as well as virtual connections), there can be more than one address involved. For example, one client computer might have both a wired network and also a wireless adapter address. The Log Me In Hamachi software that we use for support connections creates a virtual network adapter and address. A "station" is defined in the software for each client computer or device that will run the Spruce software. The station determines the default printers, branch permission, cash drawer, and signature pad (if used) used for that particular device. The station must be linked somehow to the client computer running the software. The "IP Address" field's value for a station record is matched with the client computer's current IP address when the software is run. When a user attempts to sign-on, we attempt to determine the IP address of the client. This is more difficult or impossible when the software is being accessed via a remote connection (such as remote desktop or over a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection). If a match is found and there is no command line station override (see below), that station is used; otherwise, the software won't permit access. If you do use an IP address for identifying a station, the address must be within the defined range of static addresses for the network. Additionally, the address should be set as the preferred address for the device (don't choose "Obtain an IP Address Automatically"). Use of a static IP address is not necessarily the best choice for certain computer and mobile device connections. Static addressing is required for printers, signature pads, and other network devices that interface with stations, however. For instructions on how to set a Windows computer's preferred IP address, click here. Designating a Static IP Address in Windows Unless otherwise indicated, most computers running a Windows operating system and mobile devices will automatically attempt to obtain a network address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS (Dynamic Name Server) addresses from your network when connecting to your network. In this case, an available address within the defined DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) address range for the network is selected. This address is temporary and can change if the client computer or other device reconnects to the network. These instructions explain how to set a preferred IPV4 address for a Windows computer. Differences between operating system (Windows) versions can slightly alter how this is done; however, it's a similar process. To follow these instructions, you must already know the IP address that will be used for the computer. In order to modify these settings, you need to change "network adapter settings." To find this dialog, use the following instructions: Windows 10 Right-click the Windows Start button and choose Network Connections from the list. The Network Status page displays. Choose the Properties button and scroll down to the IP Settings section. If you need the IP Address of the computer, you can find it in the IPv4 address field. Typically, though, businesses have begun to use the station name as the IP Address to ensure you don't assign the same IP address to more than one station. Command Line Override As an alternative to using the device's IP address, you can come up with your own identifiers or use the Windows user account for identity. The identifier would be saved in the "IP Address" field for the station record just as an actual IP address would, but would be some value determined by your company or network administrator. When using your own identifiers, the desktop shortcut or station ID on mobile devices must reference the identifier used. This is done by adding a command argument after the "target" path when modifying the shortcut's properties. See the example below: \\192.168.1.123\SpruceDeploy\SpruceWareStart.exe STNID=MYSTATIONID In the example above, the word "MYSTATIONID" would be replaced with your unique identifier. This would be different for each computer or device connecting as a station. It is best to not use any spaces or special characters in the identifier unless instructed otherwise by support. Command line overrides work best when DHCP addresses are being used with client computers or you are using the software over a remote type connection (remote desktop, terminal services, remote app, etc.) or VPN type connection. In the case of hosted systems, the Windows user is typically used as the identifier.

Device Name

This is a 4-character code that is assigned to identify the station on documents and the application window. Use the longer description area to better describe the physical location of the station. We suggest using a naming scheme that helps identify the station by users at your company such as POS1, OFF2, YARD, or TOMG, for example.

Temporarily Disabled

If this check box is checked (selected), the station will not allow users to log-on until the check box is cleared and the station record re-saved using the Process (F12) function.

Location

The station's location is a text description that may be useful for describing a physical location. A useful description is strongly suggested in larger companies where the physical location may not be easily identified by just the station name.

IP Address

This must be either a unique station identifier your company determines ("REGISTER1," for example) or the "static" network IP (Internet Protocol) Address assigned to the device being used.

We suggest assign a unique name in place of an IP address and to specify a command line argument in the desktop shortcut that indicates which station "name" to use (add STNID=MYSTATIONID after the desktop shortcut's target in Properties). This is often necessary in cases of remote connections. If you choose to use IP addresses, stations should only be assigned to IP addresses that are within the designated range of static addresses, and not those in the DHCP range (which are assigned randomly when a connection is made). Static IP addresses can be set by adjusting via the device's Network Adapter settings from the Microsoft Windows operating system. Most devices being used with the station must be assigned to use "static" addresses as well.

To find the current IP address (often addresses) for a PC, type ipconfig from the command prompt on the device to find its current address. Network settings also determine whether the device always uses the same address or requests a dynamic address each time it connects to the network. Again, it's possible for IP addresses to change, so it's a good idea to have your company's network administrator make sure the IP addresses you are using are within the defined static address ranges so that this doesn't happen).

Signature Pad Address

This is the IP (Internet Protocol) Address assigned to the signature pad being used with this station (if any). If you are using VeriFone pads, the address setting is determined from the Settings form and does not need to be typed in here. VeriFone pad devices can also be connected by a USB cable. In these cases, the "address" will not be an IP address but will list a COM port instead. Each signature pad should only be assigned to a single station (only one station can use the pad at any given time, pads may not be shared).

Branch

This is the default branch used by the station. A user may be assigned to a default branch and may or may not have permission to access other branches. The branch assigned to the station may prevent some users from accessing the station if the user's access does not permit it. Stations do not have to be assigned to a particular branch.

Max # Sessions

Typically, this entry is set to 1 when the station supports a credit card or signature pad. When users run more than one session at a time from a station, the second session is not able to use the devices for card processing and signature captures. The second session also tends to cause communication issues that affect the first session. For these reasons, we recommend this entry be set to 1.
A "session" is a unique instance of the software and does not refer to additional forms opened within a session. The number of sessions running at the same time determines the responsiveness of the system throughout the business. The more concurrent sessions one station runs, the slower the system for all users.

Note: Remember, per your contract, you have a certain number of concurrent seats (sessions) to use at a time. You can look up your business's number of concurrent seats by going to Maintenance > Database > Parameters > Software tab and in the Installed Sales section, check the entry in the # Concurrent Seats field.

Attachments

This section of the form is used for indicating the types of devices that will interface with the station. "Accessories" include bar code scanners, signature pads, cash ticket printers, and cash drawers.

Barcode Scanner/Scanner Scale

If the station will use a supported barcode scanner or scanner scale, check the Barcode Scanner or Scanner Scale check box to add it. If you are adding a Scanner Scale, choose the Scale Settings button to enter the device type and scale settings information.
We recommend that you work with your Implementation or Support team to add these devices to ensure they are supported in the software.
Review the General System Requirements document (available from the Customer Portal) for your application to see what scanners are currently certified. Programing involves scanning a series of barcodes in a particular sequence. Please see our web site's Client & Device page for more information about scanners and programming.

Card Pad

Select this option to add a card pad payment processing device.

Type

To add a card processing device to the station, select the Card Pad check box and press the Type button to select the card processing device for the station.
The card processing options that display in this list have been certified by our engineers to work with the application, although some devices are certified for a particular region. When the Setting button enables, choose this option to set the pairing and other device-specific details required for the successful operation of this device. We recommend that you work with your ECI Implementation or Support team to add these devices to ensure they are supported in the software.

Signature Pad (Secondary)

Select this option to add a signature pad as a secondary payment processing device.

Type

To add a signature pad device, choose the Type button to specify the device details. Since Card Pad Type and Signature Pad Type are separate entries now, some businesses may need to reset these options on your stations.

Note: Older pads may, in some cases, still be used for signature collection or item display; however, we cannot guarantee that they will be compatible with future software versions. Additionally, changes to Microsoft® operating systems as well as limitations placed by the manufacturers may cause older pads to no longer function at any time. Such issues are beyond our control. Legacy devices are included in the listing so that we don't prevent companies from continuing to use those devices if they work in some capacity. 

For a list of supported and unsupported devices, click here.

Device Name	Image	Usage	Supported?	Description
Verifone® Models M400 MX9251 MX915 MX8702 MX860 MX830 MX830NS		Item Display, Card Processing including EMV	Yes*	We recommend the M400 model for card processing as it supports standard card swiping as well as newer chip (EMV) technology (when used with Verifone Point). The MX915 model is currently in end of life support. 1 Similar to the MX915 but with a larger display screen. This model should work but has not been tested. 2 Similar to the MX860 but with a larger display screen. This model is currently in use only in the United Kingdom. Pairing steps are here. Setup steps are here.
Tender Retail (using Ingenico IPP320 pad devices) Canada Only		Item Display and Card Processing Only (No Signature Support)	Yes*	Tender Retail is a card processing provider in the United States and Canada. We have been approved for Tender Retail with the Desjardins Group. Tender Retail is a division of ACCEO Solutions.
Global Payments (using Verifone Vx810 model counter-top devices) Canada Only		Card Processing Only (No Signature Support)	Yes*	This option uses VeriFone Vx 810 model counter-top devices integrated with Global Payments, Inc. for processing. Signatures are not required for card purchases in Canada, so these devices have no signature capability. The device shown is actually supplied by the processor, not through ECI Software Solutions, Inc.
Global Payments with Scriptel™ Devices		Card Processing (No signature required) or Signature Only using Scriptel Devices	Yes*	Use this option if your company was using Global Payments Canada for card processing, but also using Scriptel devices for signature capture only. Scriptel devices are not integrated with the Global Payments processing and would only be used for associating signatures with documents.
Point (Verifone Point)		Signature Capture, Item Displays, Card Processing, including EMV	Yes*	Older devices, such as MX800 series and MX915, will need to be replaced. Existing MX915 devices require extensive software updates.
TSYS Cayan Signature		Signature Capture, Item Displays, Card Processing, including EMV	Yes*	TSYS Cayan, LLC is a card payment technology company providing cloud-based card processing services. Integration with the TSYS Cayan™ Genius® platform uses Verifone® card devices which provide access to their cloud-based solutions. EMV (chip card) transactions are fully supported.
Moneris Moneris with Scriptel		Card Processing	Yes*	An unique static IP address must be assigned to each Moneris IPP320 device. The term "static" refers to an IP address that won't change if the device or network is reset. "Dynamic" (DHCP) addresses can change any time the device or network connections are refreshed. Setup instructions are here.
RBC RBC with Scriptel	Verifone VX 520 Only	Card Processing including EMV processing	Yes*	Currencies Supported: US Dollars, Bahamian Dollars, Barbados Dollars, Cayman Island Dollars, Netherlands Antillean Guilders, Aruban Florins, Trinidad and Tobago, and East Caribbean Dollars. Supports: Sales, Returns, Voids, Received on Account, Multiple Order Deposits, Split Payments, Device Transaction Limits, EMV, Debit Cards (with Cash Back/Cash Out optional), Remote Client /VPN-less Only. Does Not Support: Signature captures, Tokenization, AVS, Gift Cards, Line Item Display, Store and Forward, POS Assured, except as manual auth code entry (after phone auth), or Standalone (non-integrated) processing.
Clover Device (UK Only)	Mini Flex	Item Display, Card Processing including EMV, Signature Capture	Yes*	The Clover setup process is a partnership between you and the ECI Implementation or Support teams. By working together, you can setup, pair, and configure the application to work well. See Clover Setup.
Linkly Device (Australia Only)		Card Processing including EMV processing	Yes*	Requires pairing setup with the ECI Implementation / Support team. Please provide the following to the ECI team: • Branches that will support Linkly devices • Linkly Cloud Account User name and Password. • Whether you offer Cash Back (Cash Out) as a service to your debit card customers and the maximum amount of cash you allow. • Whether you want to display the customer’s item details on the Linkly device. Note: We recommend that you do not.
Topaz Signature Device		Signature Only	No	We no longer suggest or support these as they do not work within a Remote Desktop (Terminal Services) or hosted environment.
Symbol PD®  8500™ or 8700™		Signature and Item Display Only*	No	We formerly used this device with either ICVerify for Windows or PCCharge software, which required a third-party software (POSBuilder) for communication.
Hypercom® L4150™		Signature and Item Display Only*	No	We formerly used this device with either ICVerify® for Windows or PCCharge™ software and required the third-party software (POSBuilder) for communication. Note: Ship this device to the manufacturer if it has expired.
Scriptel™ ST1501, Compact ST1551		Signature Only	No	The Scriptel ST1501 or Compact ST1551 devices are basic signature collection devices.
*Please note: The "Supported?" status is subject to change at any time. Please consult your most recent General System Requirements (GSR) document for the latest requirements. This document is available from the ECI Support and Sales teams or on the Customer Portal.

Settings

When you select the TSYS Cayan, Verifone, Point, Clover, Linkly, or GlobalPay type, a Settings button opens additional settings for the pad device assigned to the station. The settings are different for each pad type.

TSYS Cayan

Information about device settings for use with TSYS Cayan can be found under the Special Topics section. Click here for more information.

Point

When companies with Verifone integrated card processing choose or migrate to Verifone Point, each device must be "paired" with a specific station. It's important to set and save the IP address of the device prior to pairing. For more information about device settings and pairing, click here.

Verifone (Legacy)

For more information regarding VeriFone pads, please see the topic VeriFone under the special topic Hardware and Peripherals. This option does not support EMV processing.

Clover (UK Only)

Work with your ECI Implementation and Support team using these Clover Setup instructions to set up stations to use the Clover devices.

Linkly (Australia Only)

Work with your ECI Implementation and Support team to set up your Linkly device.

No Item Display

This allows the item display to be enabled (not checked) or disabled (checked) for the pad assigned to this station. Disabling the display can speed up processing because less communication between the pad and station are required. A system parameter also exists which can be enabled to suppress pricing, but still display item information if the items are displayed. With Verifone Point enabled Verifone MX915 devices, the item display feature is improved from earlier implementations.

Cash Drawer

This check box may be used to indicate whether a station has an attached cash drawer; however, all cash drawer functionality is defined by drawer selection and configuration accessed via the maintenance icon found to the right of the default printers listing (on this same form). All stations that may potentially process Point of Sale or Receivables transactions should have a drawer assigned.

Remote Client (Cloud Hosting Only)

This panel allows you to set the "alias" and "settings" for remote printing for our cloud-hosted customers. The purpose of the Remote Client is to allow direct printing through either a user's RDP (Remote Desktop or App) connection or by a Remote Client application that's installed on the local user's computer. This avoids the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for printing. The benefits of local printer management is that it's entirely within the control of your company and uses fewer server resources. In these cases, there's no need for support involvement to add or change printer settings, etc. This also allows the station to be used for POS Assured and SmartKiosk.

Enabled

Select this check box to enable remote client settings for this station.

Type

Select the type of remote client this station will be using. Options include: Standard Station (Default), POS Assured Appliance, or SmartKiosk.

Alias

This provides the ability to designate another station where printing will be directed to (in place of using the selected station's printers). That station's printers would be used for print processing in cases where the Alias was set.

Settings

Click the Settings button to specify the buffer size and write interval. Generally, these settings should not be changed except under the advisement of Support personnel.

Default Printers

Default printers assigned to a station will be used unless the branch has a default printer (for the same purpose) defined. Branches do not have the same number of default options as stations, so overrides only apply in some cases.

Invoice

This should be the printer device that will be used for printing documents that normally would default to an "invoice"' style print format (by this station). By "invoice" style," we are referring to a full page (8.5 x 11) printed document, not a cash ticket. This printer may also be used for customer orders, quotes, tickets (advice notes), installed sales, direct ship orders, and most other Point of Sale transactions. Certain "sale" transactions that only involve cash-type payment such as bank cards, checks, and cash default to the "ticket" printer instead (see below). Branch printers (or the station's order/quote printer) will override the printer selected here for quotes and customer orders.

Order

This is the default printer used for customer orders that are processed using this station. If no specific order printer is specified, the current branch's order printer will be used. If no branch printer is specified, the order printer defaults to the assigned invoice printer.

Quote

This is the default printer used for quotes that are processed using this station from Point of Sale. If no specific quote printer is specified, the current branch's quote printer will be used. If no branch printer is specified, the printer defaults to the assigned invoice printer.

Backroom

The back room printer is the printer that this station should use for reports and documents that are not Point of Sale related (purchase orders, receivables posting, etc.). Branch printer designations for purchase orders and session reports can override the printer selected here.

Ticket

This printer is used for printing with a specialty printer designed for printing small receipts. These are typically used for cash-only type transactions which don't require as much detail or printed signatures. Sale transactions for receivables customers can be printed using the ticket format; however, most users prefer the full page invoice for this. Cash tickets don't print customer signatures and omit some information that would normally be included on a full size invoice.
Note: this printer default does not refer to the Open Tickets transaction in the Point of Sale area.

Direct

The "Direct" printer, if set, will be this station's default printer when processing a "Direct Ship" order from the Point of Sale area.

Label

This printer type refers to a specialty printer used for printing bar code labels. This printer might be used for document labels or for price tags and labels. Supported printers include specific models of Zebra® and DYMO® brand printers.

Security

The "security" printer either prints or sends a text stream to the designated security printer each time a Sales transaction is processed and a document is printed. This new feature was added to integrate with Watcher Total Protection security services (http://watcherprotect.com). When used with Watcher Total Protection video surveillance cameras, a port number is assigned to the Windows printer to indicate the camera assigned to the monitor the station. The Windows printer device would be installed as a local printer, TCP/IP connection, using a Generic (manufacturer), and the "Generic/Text Only" printer type. The printer device(s) would be installed on each PC or, in the case of Remote Desktop (Terminal) Services, a printer would need to be added on the server for each IP/Port (camera).

Dispatch

Certain transactions involving delivery will print a second copy (as the second printer selection) of the document to the default "dispatch" printer if one is designated. It's possible to designate a default "dispatch" printer for either a station or branch. If no station "dispatch" default is assigned, the branch default dispatch printer is used (if any). The dispatch printer must be assigned to the desired "dispatch" styles in order to print delivery relevant documents, this is not automatic. The dispatch printer is only set if delivery has been designated for the transaction; otherwise, no delivery copy will print (unless the invoice or ticket printer is mapped to delivery style documents as a primary, secondary, or third print selection).

Yard

Transactions involving "yard" flagged items will print a second copy to either the station default "yard" printer or if no station default exists, the branch default (if any). Only those items assigned a yard flag are printed on yard style documents. The yard style would need to mapped to the printer being used as the default "yard" printer assignment. The yard printer is set automatically as the second printer when at least one item included in the transaction is assigned a yard code and the transaction is not a delivery (when a dispatch printer is also being used).

Default Label Template

If this station creates the same labels every time, select the default label template from this list.

Additional Settings

In addition to physical devices that work with a station, there may be services and software (such as Crystal Reports® software) which may be integrated with the application. The following settings apply specifically to users of these products and services:

Capital One Trade Credit (formerly BlueTarp) POS ID

This setting was added at the request of Capital One Trade Credit (formerly BlueTarp® Financial service); however, it is not currently used. If implemented in the future, Capital One Trade Credit (formerly BlueTarp Financial) would provide a Point of Sale (POS) identifier to assign to stations performing Capital One Trade Credit (formerly BlueTarp) transactions.

Custom Reports Access

For Crystal Reports^® software integration, the "Custom Reports Access" option can be enabled (checked) for any station that also has access to Crystal Reports software and will use the Custom Library function under each application area's "Reports" drop down. Stations without access to the Crystal Reports software should not have this feature enabled.

Request Email

This option, if enabled (checked), will solicit an Email address from the customer either at the beginning or end of a Sales transaction if the following conditions are met:

• True Value Rewards is enabled.

• A loyalty ID is associated with the Sale

• The customer has no Email currently associated with their True Value Rewards membership.

• The customer has not been prompted already the number of times set as the Email prompt threshold during the threshold "wait" period.

The prompt timing, either "At customer entry" (beginning) or "Prior to transaction tender" (end) determines when the prompt appears if all conditions are met (true).

Email addresses, if provided, update the rewards information for the member, and not any other Email addresses for the account, job, or any contacts.

POS Lock

If enabled, this feature prevents users from accessing any other application area except for Point of Sale. This does not block users from Point of Sale. Menu choices for other areas are not available for selection and appear in gray text. POS Lock does not function for users who are designated as either (1) branch managers or (2) system administrators. These users would notice no access limitation were the POS Lock setting to be enabled for their station.

POS Shared

When checked, the station will automatically log the user off after completing a Point of Sale transaction. This is intended for cases where the station is used by more than one user (at a sales counter, for example). If enabled, it's a good idea for the users to be set with home page locations of either the Point of Sale menu or their most used transaction. Users are not logged off when canceling or not completing a transaction. An inactivity time-out should also be considered.

POS Promotional Pricing Enabled

If the Promotional Pricing option has been enabled for your software by support personnel, this option will be visible when modifying or adding station devices; otherwise, this option is not shown. When checked (selected) and the station record is saved using the Process (F12) function, Promotional Pricing is enabled when using the Sales transaction in Point of Sale from this station. Promotions are applied automatically if the station is enabled. Promotional pricing does not refer to sale pricing and enabling a station does not provide or limit the station from accessing the Promotion Setup feature in the Price Updates area found in the Inventory area (user security can be used to limit access to Price Updates).

Custom Reports Access

Select this check box to allow the user of this station to access Custom Reports.

POS Advance to a New Line

If this option is enabled, the standard workflow in Point of Sale will change for scanned items. When scanning barcodes, items will be added as new lines in the item list (item grid) and the focus will be on the item SKU drop-down. All scanned items will be entered on new lines, the system will not group similar items together.

Cash Drawer #

The cash drawer assigned as the default for the station. This will be used as the cash drawer except when the current user also has an assigned drawer. Select the numeric ID for an existing drawer from the drop down or use the Maintenance Form icon to define a new drawer. For more information about Drawer Maintenance, click here.

Cash Drawer Maintenance

The Cash Drawer Maintenance form is used to add, modify, and delete cash drawers. This form is accessed via the Settings icon from either the Device Maintenance (select "Station") or User ID Maintenance forms found on the Database menu in the Maintenance area. Cash drawers are minimally assigned a numeric ID, location (description), and opening default balance. When the cash drawer is wired either directly or indirectly or directly assigned a network address, the printer and/or model and other required fields must be specified.

Cash drawers, as a software function, perform the function of recording transactions and amounts (for the various payment methods) during a specified time period. A new period, or session, begins each time the drawer is closed (or when it's first created). The most recent "session" is considered the active session. Transactions only update this "active" session. Once a session, linked to a drawer, is closed, it is no longer updated. Drawer sessions can be manually closed at any time. Optionally, daily processing can automatically close all drawers (sessions) resetting their balances. The Cash Drawer utility is provided for inquiry, cash reconcile, and drawer closing.

Drawers can be linked with a user instead of a station; however, it's important to understand that a cash drawer is required for most Point of Sale processing and is required when adding or modifying a station. If no other drawer is specified for a station, the drawer will default to a selection of drawer number zero (0). When linked with a user, the user's cash drawer assignment will override the station's cash drawer in all cases. When assigned to a user, we expect that each user would be assigned their own independent drawer; however, this is not enforced.

Drawers may be shared; however, this is generally not suggested from a security standpoint. Drawers are optional except where required for processing. When neither the station nor the user have a drawer assigned, they wouldn't be able to perform any processing that requires a drawer be present.

Cash Drawer Maintenance : Network Drawer

Cash Drawer Maintenance : Older Models

ID

The numeric ID assigned to the drawer. This is required.

Location

A text area for providing a description matching the drawer's location or assigned user possibly.

Opening Balance

Opening balance is the amount of cash that's to be left in the drawer when it's closed. This can be overridden when a drawer is closed manually using the Cash Drawer utility.

PC Printer

The printer drop down refers to a defined printer through which an open cash drawer sequence signal should be sent. In some cases, the "printer" is a generic text driver that is installed with an IP (Internet Protocol) address pointing to the drawer itself. The model selection is related to this field as well. Printer and Model are only required when the cash drawer is a physical device assigned to a print server or connected to another supported printer device.

The selection of a printer is not required when the cash drawer model is APGNET (these drawers are connected directly to the network).

Model

There are currently three (3) models available for selection: APG, APGDC, and APGNET.

APG

This model type refers to older APG Series 4000 Model 320 cash drawers that are connected through a print server which is assigned a network address and installed in Windows as a generic print driver. The open sequence set for this model is different from the APGDC option which is used for cash drawers connected to an Ithaca Peripherals iTherm 280 printer (the Epson TM-T88V thermal ticket printer is the replacement for the Ithaca model which is no longer available).

APGDC

This model refers to older APG Series 4000 Model 320 cash drawers directly connected to an Ithaca Peripherals iTherm 280 printer using an RJ-11 cable supplied with the drawer. The open sequence is different for this model and configuration. This device is no longer supported.

APGNET

This model is used for newer APG Series 4000 Model 1816 drawers that are directly connected to your network. In this case, no print driver or print server is required. Drawers are connected to your network (we suggest wired connections). The drawer must be assigned a static IP address (not a dynamic, or DHCP, address). Additional fields are provided for the IPV4 address and port. A configuration utility is required to set the IP address. For additional documentation, please click here.

• Network Address - The IP address assigned to the drawer.

• Port - The numeric port assigned to the drawer. When adding a new drawer, the port will default to 30998.

• Disable Alarm - Check to disable the security alarm (the drawer alarm sounds whenever the drawer is opened using the key or by forced entry).

Balancing the Drawer

It's important to understand that a cash drawer's balance is not necessarily the same as any particular day's activity. The totals for a given business day will not necessarily match with a drawer's session or amounts. Some transactions such as back office refund checks are not recorded in a drawer and drawer sessions may be started and closed at any time (plus a company can have up to potentially hundreds {or more} different cash drawers and therefore just as many open sessions). The sole purpose of a drawer is to record physical cash that should be in the drawer, its purpose is not for matching to reports based on daily totals, for example. If you use drawers actively, it's strongly suggested that you do daily comparisons between each cash drawer session and the actual cash and checks removed at the time the drawer is closed.

Deleting a Drawer

A cash drawer can be deleted as long as it has not currently assigned to any stations or users by using the Menu Marker provided on the form. Menu Marker access may be limited by your user security. If the marker does not appear or its associated menu is disabled, your user does not have permission to access it.