While it sounds simple to just go and buy the first piece of hardware you see, this is rarely the case. Purchasing new hardware blindly can cause you more headaches, costs and disruptions to the business. 

Due to the complexity of integrating hardware with software, Tower Systems cannot guarantee that your new hardware will work with Retailer. 

Setting up and troubleshooting new hardware not supplied by Tower Systems is outside the scope of Tower Systems Support and is therefore billable.

Below are considerations before sourcing your own hardware:

Replacing a PC

Before replacing a PC, you need to make sure it meets the minimum requirements as details HERE.

Once you have purchased a computer that meets our specifications, Windows then needs to be configured as outlined HERE.

After the requirements above have been met, follow the instructions HERE to install Retailer.

Unless you have a decent knowledge of computers, we recommend that you employ the services of a local IT technician to assist. As noted, all these aspects are billable if you require Tower Systems Support to perform the tasks.

Replacing a Router

A router is a complicated networking device with a plethora of settings that need to be configured beforehand. Incorrect settings can lead to the following problems:

  • Loss of Internet connectivity.
  • Loss of access to and from other computers in the store.
  • Loss of access to and from other stores, if you run in a multi-store environment.

Before replacing a router, consult a local IT technician for advice and employ their services to install and configure the router.

Replacing a Scanner

Scanners are all designed differently and may not scan the same type of barcodes. Before purchasing a new scanner, ensure that they can scan the following types of barcodes:

  • EAN-13 with 2-digit supplements (addenda)
  • Code-128
  • Interleaved 2 of 5

Scanners typically come with a manual with programming barcodes that allow you to enable the barcodes above.

Cheaper scanners may not be able to read 2-digit supplements/addenda, which is required for magazine barcodes. Make sure to check before purchasing.

Replacing a Monitor / Touch Screen / Customer Display

Monitors/Touch-screens/Customer displays come with different connections and you need to ensure that your computer has those connections.

Additionally, you need to ensure that the driver/software is compatible with your version of Windows.

Replacing a Receipt Printer

Receipt printers also come with different connections and your computer needs to have matching connections. The use of connection adapters is NOT recommended as they are unreliable and difficult to troubleshoot. Issues with connection adapters are NOT covered by Tower Support.

As with any hardware, the driver/software needs to be compatible with your version of Windows.

We recommend Epson and Element brand receipt printers.

Replacing an A4 / A5 Printer

Before purchasing and installing a new A4/A5 printer, make sure the printer driver/software is compatible with your version of Windows.

The printer also needs to be able to print in high DPI levels or barcodes will not be scan-able. This is not an issue with most modern printers.

Once a new printer has been installed, it may need to be shared through the network again and the barcodes may need to be re-aligned.