Epson POS system flaunts advanced features

EPSON is a leading company in the field of computer printers and information and imaging equipment. For the food retail business specifically in Singapore,  the company launched a series of POS systems at the Food and Hotel Asia exhibition in Singapore on 8–11 April 2014.  Visitors to the fair were the first to see a demo of the TM Intelligent (TM-i) series, a flexible platform for mobile, web-based POS solutions and cloud-based services, peripheral connectivity and PC computing power. We talked to Ng Ngee Khiang, general manager of Epson’s Business Systems Division about TM-T88V-DT.

Ng Ngee Khiang, general manager, Business Systems Division,  Epson

This is not the first series in the Epson portfolio of POS solutions. Please tell us what features make it different from existing models.

The Epson TM-i series is designed to support mobile POS, cloud services and information display applications. These models are powered by an industrial-grade PC with embedded Linux platform, peripheral connectivity and VGA output, and include a highly-reliable Epson POS receipt or label printer, built-in web server, and Epson’s unique e-POS-print technology for browser-based printing from any mobile device.

All this translates into a redefined workflow reaping cost savings, reducing manual labour and achieving greater process efficiency. Business owners, managers and staff can access cloud-based services such as data analytics, digital receipts, coupons and loyalty programs with no need for legacy POS system integration. Mobile POS deployments are supported with the added capability of a built-in web server and Epson's ePOS-print technology for driverless web-based printing.

These highly-flexible and scalable POS products give retailers the ability meet real-time business needs through intelligent, mobile-based solutions designed to increase functionality.

In cost savings and streamlining, please explain how the model rates.

Business owners understand that productivity is the key to a healthy business, and the TM-T88V-DT is designed to help them boost service efficiency and redefine the customer experience. The TM-T88V-DT is especially appealing for quick-turnover businesses catering to busy customers, such as coffee shops near transit stations, or bars and shops in airports.

Business owners will be able to streamline operations through Epson’s technology via the TM-i series. This includes wireless ordering which reduces the customers’ waiting time at every section, leading to smoother work flow. Customers will have the ability to place an order in advance through a web or mobile application. Once the customer arrives and checks in, the order will immediately pop up on a tablet in front of the kitchen staff, allowing wait staff to focus on service.

If business owners are away or tied up at another location, they will also be able to track real-time operations from anywhere via an easy-to-use dashboard. Designed to reduce overhead, improve communication between staff and streamline operations, this functionality also allows staff to focus on service and creates more satisfied customers.

The Epson TM-T88V-DT

How is security addressed in this POS system?

We have taken a number of security measures with the TM-i series. SSL is supported, as well as a number of wireless encryption methods such as Open+WEP, Shared+WEP, WPA-PSK+TKIP, WPA-PSK+AES, WPA2-PSK+AES, WEP64, WEP128, TKIP, and AES. This allows for the encryption of the data communicated with the peripheral devices. For Window OS users, on top on the usual Windows security functionality, users can install 3^rd party software – such as anti-virus solutions – for added security.

Is the TM-i targeted at small business owners?

Its compact size is especially beneficial for small business owners who face space constraints. Apart from retail stores and eateries, businesses such as cart and kiosk operators need to offer quick service in a limited space. The compact footprint of the new TM-I POS range allows these proprietors to run operations through a single intelligent printer. The retail landscape is always changing and a flexible system, such as a wireless POS printer that can be connected to existing peripherals, is better placed to meet business owners’ needs.