Remotely Access a Store Computer

Remotely Access a Store Computer

There are a few reasons you might need to reach your store's Retailer system from a distance: working from home, travelling, or doing a stocktake on the move. Two alternatives below don't require full remote access at all.

Alternatives that don't require remote access

Visual Deck: real time business insights

If you only need to check data and run reports, Visual Deck is a cloud reporting platform that doesn't require remote access.

  1. Sales data refreshes within minutes.
  2. Gives you month on month comparisons, ABC inventory analysis, and trending product reports.
  3. Free for customers on Advanced and Ultimate Rental plans.

Retailer Roam: mobile POS and inventory

Retailer Roam is a web based extension that lets you run POS and inventory tasks from any device with a browser, such as a tablet or iPad.

  1. Useful for trade shows, pop up shops, or receiving stock in the warehouse.
  2. Stays in sync with your main Retailer software, and can process sales while offline.
  3. Supports real time stocktaking and lets you capture stock images from the device camera.
  4. Costs $50 per terminal, per month.

Visit HERE for more information on Roam and to sign up.

Remote access to a store computer

Full remote access acts as a virtual extension of your store computer's screen, mouse, and keyboard.

Before you set it up

  1. The store computer must stay switched on to be accessible.
  2. You generally can't remotely control the store computer while someone else is using it at the same time.
  3. Both the host and remote devices need a stable internet connection.
  4. You retain access to all files and programs on the remote machine, including backup and archiver utilities if you're accessing the Main/Server.
  5. Most barcode scanners work remotely without extra installation.

Remote access options

1. Software for remote control

These are third party solutions. Tower Support doesn't troubleshoot issues with the software itself.

  1. TeamViewer: a professional solution that requires "Unattended Access Support" configuration and a secure password. It may involve a licensing cost.
    Teamviewer Setup
    1. Choose which computer in the store to remotely access. This can be any computer with Retailer and internet access. This computer, and the main computer if it's a different one, will need to stay on. You can turn off the monitor.
    2. Install TeamViewer from https://www.teamviewer.com/en/teamviewer-automatic-download/
    3. Choose Custom installation with Unattended Access Support.
    4. Once installation finishes, you'll see the Unattended Access screen.
    5. Click Next, enter a password in both boxes (this is what you'll use to remotely access the computer, so make it secure), then click Next.
    6. Select I don't have a TeamViewer account, then click Next.
    7. On the last screen, note the ID shown. Write it down or take a photo, since you'll need it to connect.
    8. Repeat steps 2 to 7 on your home computer.
    9. Once TeamViewer is running at home, enter the work computer's ID under Partner ID and click Connect.
    10. Enter the password and click Log On.
     
  2. Chrome Remote Desktop: a free alternative that requires Google Chrome and a shared Google account on both ends.
    Chrome Setup
    1. Install Google Chrome on both the store computer and the computer you'll access it from, and sign into the same Google account on both.
    2. Follow Google's instructions at HERE to set up and use Chrome Remote Desktop.
     

2. Dedicated hardware (NUC)

A small form factor PC (NUC) can be installed at the shop to provide a dedicated remote workstation, so a remote user doesn't need to share or interrupt a machine staff are using.


3. Cloud hosting (Tower Systems)

This service lets multiple users connect to Retailer from anywhere at the same time. It's a subscription billed per user. For details, email our sales team at sales@towersystems.com.au


4. Infrastructure solutions (needs a local IT technician)

These require setup and ongoing maintenance by your own IT technician:

  1. VPN (Virtual Private Network): creates a secure tunnel to your store's internal network, so Retailer on an external computer can connect to it. This can be too slow to use on its own, without also using RDP to take over a store computer.
  2. Self hosted Windows RDP: running your own Remote Desktop Protocol setup on your own server hardware. This may have ongoing costs from your local IT Tech.

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