System + Hardware Requirements
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.
Here's a checklist of things to keep in mind:
- Operating System version is supported by Windows.
- 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).
- You don't need a super expensive computer, but lower end hardware in the computer often leads to slower load times which can really impact checkout speeds and inventory management.
Many of our stores use touchscreen all in 1 computers to save space.
- Operating System version is supported by Apple.
- 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 printer to have their own ports and plenty of power to run well.
For internet, we recommend 3mbs per device connected to the store's internet as a good rule. This includes cell phones, tablets, credit card readers, and all computers.
Many of our stores keep a mobile hotspot on standby just in case.
Here's the list of compatible receipt printers you can select from. There's two main brands that are compatible. For our U.S. based stores our hardware partner is a good resource for purchasing a compatible receipt printer.
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 compatible model printer to be incompatible.
Don't forget to order thermal receipt paper for use with your receipt printer.
- Citizen CT-S310ii
- Star TSP650ii
In a pinch? You can use a standard desktop printer to print full page receipts.
Here's the list of compatible thermal label printers you can select from. There are several brands that are compatible. For our U.S. based stores our hardware partner is a good resource for purchasing a compatible label printer. Printers with a are suitable for larger label/tag sizes.
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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 TDP 225
- TSC TDP 244⭐
- TSC TDP 247⭐
- TSC TDP 247 Plus⭐
- Zebra GC420d
- Zebra LP 2824
- Zebra LP 2824 Plus
- Zebra LP 2844⭐
- Zebra TLP 2844⭐
In a pinch? You can use compatible Avery labels on a standard desktop printer. 20 per page and 30 per page are both supported.
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.
Keep in mind the max print width of your label printer when picking out labels + tags.
These labels can be used with a standard desktop printer in accordance with the requirements provided by Avery. The compatible sizes are 20 per sheet and 30 per sheet. These do not have customization options of 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.
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.
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.
Last modified 1mo ago