System + Hardware Requirements

Computers

SimpleConsign is a cloud based software so you can access the software from pretty much anywhere you have a computer and an internet connection. We do have a few recommendations for computers that will be used in store and for hardware to make sure you have the best experience possible.

Do not buy a Chromebook, a tablet, or a computer running a Linux OS as they are not compatible.

You don't need a super expensive computer, but lower end computers often lead to slower load times which can really impact checkout speeds and inventory management.

Here's a checklist of things to keep in mind:

Windows

• Ensure your Operating System version is currently supported by Microsoft.

• Make sure you have enough USB ports for each piece of equipment. Often this is 5 USB ports per computer. (Mouse, Keyboard, Receipt Printer, Label Printer, and Barcode Scanner).

Many of our stores use touchscreen all in 1 computers to save space.

Mac

• Ensure your Operating System version is currently supported by Apple.

• Make sure you have enough USB ports (even with adapters) for each piece of equipment. Often this is 5 USB ports per computer. (Mouse, Keyboard, Receipt Printer, Label Printer, and Barcode Scanner).

We recommend not purchasing a Mac with an M1 chip for use with SimpleConsign.

If you end up with too few ports we would recommend a wall powered USB hub to plug your mouse + keyboard into instead of directly into the computer. This allows the printers to have their own ports and plenty of power to run well.

Internet

For internet, we recommend a minimum of 5mbs per device connected to the store's internet as a good rule. This includes cell phones, tablets, credit card readers, and all computers. You will have a better experience the higher quality of your internet.

Many of our stores keep a mobile hotspot on standby just in case.

Peripherals

Receipt Printers

Here's the list of supported receipt printers you can select from. For our U.S. based stores our hardware partner can be a good resource for purchasing a supported receipt printer. Printers with a ❌ are no longer supported by the manufacturer and SimpleConsign support for these is phasing out. This means if you have one of these printers already you are in the clear, but if purchasing a new printer please choose another model. All receipt printers must be 203 dpi and use USB connections.

If you order a second hand receipt printer you run the risk of receiving a device that has had custom code loaded onto it. This is not something SimpleConsign can fix and may cause a supported printer model to be incompatible.

Don't forget to order thermal receipt paper for use with your receipt printer.

Citizen

• Citizen CT-S310ii

Star

• Star TSP 650ii

• Star TSP 100 ❌

• Star TSP 650 ❌

Epson

• Epson TM-T20 ❌

In a pinch? You can use a standard desktop printer to print full page receipts or email receipts to customers with an email on file.

Thermal Label Printers

Here's the list of supported thermal label printers you can select from. For our U.S. based stores our hardware partner can be a good resource for purchasing a supported label printer. Printers with a ⭐ are suitable for larger label/tag sizes. Printers with a ❌ are no longer supported by the manufacturer and SimpleConsign support for these is phasing out. This means if you have one of these printers already you are in the clear, but if purchasing a new printer please choose another model. All label printers must be 203 dpi and use USB connections.

If you order a second hand label printer you run the risk of receiving a device that has had custom code loaded onto it. This is not something SimpleConsign can fix and may cause a compatible model printer to be incompatible.

If you want multiple label printers plugged into one computer, please purchase printers of different models. This allows the computer to easily identify the difference among them and makes for simpler mapping of tags to printers.

TSC

• TSC TDP-225

• TSC TDP-244 ⭐

• TSC TDP-247 ⭐

• TSC TDP-247 Plus ⭐

Zebra

• Zebra ZD 220 ⭐

• Zebra ZD 411

• Zebra ZD 421 ⭐

• Zebra ZD 410 ❌

• Zebra ZD 420 ⭐❌

• Zebra GC420D ⭐❌

• Zebra GK 420D ⭐ ❌

• Zebra GX 420D ⭐ ❌

• Zebra LP 2824 ❌

• Zebra LP 2824 Plus❌

• Zebra LP 2844 ⭐❌

In a pinch? You can use supported Avery labels on a standard desktop printer. 20 per page and 30 per page are both supported.

Thermal Labels

For our U.S. based stores here's some resources for ordering compatible labels + tags. These are also good references for finding compatible label + tag sizes outside the U.S.

• You have lots of options for labels/tags. Here's a free sample pack that can help you get some labels in hand to play with.

• Want to see how it will print before you buy? You can preview labels/tags with sample data.

• Know the size you like? You can order the specific label or tag.

Keep in mind the max print width of your label printer when picking out labels + tags.

Desktop Labels

These labels can be used with a standard desktop printer in accordance with the requirements provided by the manufacturer.

These do not have customization options like the thermal labels and seem to be more expensive per label than thermal labels, as well. These work well in a pinch or if you're not planning to print many labels/tags.

Compatible Sizes:

Avery

• 30 labels per page

• 30 tags per page

• 20 tags per page

• 30 labels per page (A4)

Forms Plus

• 20 tags per page

Barcode Scanners

Most barcode scanners are compatible, but there's a few things you'll want to keep in mind:

• USB barcode scanners will be preferred. They are simple to set up and tend to be much cheaper than Bluetooth scanners.

• You will need to keep the scanner in the factory default settings.

• The scanner needs to be able to do a carriage return. If it does not come pre-programmed to do that upon scanning then, and only then dear adventurer, should you venture into the manual and change the programming.

If you order second hand barcode scanners you run the risk of receiving a device that has had custom code loaded onto them. This is not something SimpleConsign can fix and may cause a compatible barcode scanner to be incompatible.

USB Hubs

These are a last resort. If you have enough ports to plug everything directly into the computer do that. If you absolutely must use a USB Hub you should get a wall powered hub and plug everything except the printers into the hub. The printers should remain in dedicated ports that plug directly into the computer to ensure they receive adequate power and the computer can identify them.