What hardware do I need for Tower Systems, and does Tower Systems supply it?

What hardware do I need for Tower Systems, and does Tower Systems supply it?

Audience: Prospective customers who want to evaluate Tower Systems point of sale (POS) software.

A Tower Systems POS setup typically uses a Windows PC, a receipt printer, a barcode scanner, a cash drawer, and an EFTPOS terminal, with extras such as a label printer, scales, or a touch screen depending on your trade. Tower Systems sells brand-name POS hardware through its online store and can advise you on what to buy, and customers are often given a discount code to save. You can also use hardware you already own or buy elsewhere, as long as it is on our approved and supported hardware list. For specifications and advice, see towersystems.com.au/pos-hardware-for-small-business-retailers.html. To discuss hardware, email sales@towersystems.com.au or call 1300 662 957 (Australia) or 0800 444 367 (New Zealand).

Does Tower Systems supply hardware?

Yes. We sell brand-name POS hardware through our online store, and we can advise you on what to buy. We are a POS software company first, but over many years we have sold plenty of hardware, chosen for reliability, serviceability, speed, and durability. We work with brands such as HP, Epson, and Zebra. We are transparent about it and not pushy. You can shop at our online hardware store, or email sales@towersystems.com.au, tell us what you need, and our hardware expert will come back with suggestions.

Do I get a discount on hardware?

We often provide customers with a discount code to save on hardware. Ask your Tower Systems contact about current offers.

What hardware do I need to run Tower Systems?

A typical setup uses:
  • A Windows PC.
  • A receipt printer.
  • A barcode scanner.
  • A cash drawer.
  • An EFTPOS terminal.
Depending on your trade, you might also use a label printer, scales, a portable data entry unit (PDE) for stocktaking, a touch screen, or a customer display. We help you work out the right kit for your business.

Can I use an iPad, iPhone, or tablet instead of a Windows PC?

Our main desktop product, Retailer, runs on a Windows PC. We also have a separate product, Retailer Roam, which runs on an iPad, iPhone, Surface, or any similar device. Retailer Roam is a different product to the desktop Retailer software, so the right choice depends on how and where you want to use it. We can help you work out which suits your business.

Can I use hardware I already own, or buy it elsewhere?

Yes. You can use hardware you already own or buy it from another supplier. To be covered by Tower Systems support, the hardware needs to be on our approved and supported hardware list. Hardware that is not on the list falls outside support, and issues relating to it may be billable. It is best to check the list, or ask us, before you buy.

What hardware is approved and supported?

We keep a current list of approved and supported hardware, updated as models and supply change. It covers touch screens, receipt printers, cash drawers, scanners, label printers, laser printers for labels, scales, portable data entry units, and customer displays, with the specific brands and models that work with our software. As examples, we support Epson thermal receipt printers and Honeywell, Zebra, and Metrologic scanners. Some items, such as label printers, scales, and customer displays, need to be models supplied by Tower Systems.


What about EFTPOS terminals?

You choose your own EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer at point of sale) provider. Our software integrates with the major banks through Linkly, and directly with providers such as Tyro, Shift4, and Zeller. Tower Systems charges no transaction fee. For the current list of supported integrations, see our supported EFTPOS integrations article, or ask us which option suits your business.

Do I have to buy my hardware from Tower Systems?

No. You are welcome to buy your hardware from us, and many customers do, because of our experience and the discount we often provide. You can also buy elsewhere, as long as the hardware is on our approved and supported list so it is covered by support.

How do I get hardware advice or a quote?

Email sales@towersystems.com.au or call 1300 662 957 (Australia) or 0800 444 367 (New Zealand). Tell us about your business and what you need, and our hardware expert will suggest options. You can also browse our online hardware store.