CP SQL 8.4.0 - Upcoming - New POS Device Framework & Radiant Receipt Designer.

1.  New POS Device Framework

In this CP SQL 8.4.0, CounterPoint's Point of Sale device framework and device-configuration functionality will be completely redesigned.  This will improve the overall performance of Point of Sale devices and simplify the process of setting up and managing devices across multiple workstations. This allows CounterPoint to communicate with each Point of Sale device independently, using a high-level interface that is tailored for each device. This means that the new framework provides faster device response times, greater stability, while also ensuring that CounterPoint can still run if a configured device is disconnected or inoperable for any reason.  In theory, this will eliminate (or at least minimize) software hanging related to a device becoming unresponsive.

In addition, device configuration data has been removed from the Windows registry and will  now be stored within the CounterPoint database. This allows you to configure Point of Sale devices for all of their workstations simultaneously, instead of requiring you to visit each individual workstation as prior versions do.

The new Device Management configuration tool will allow you to easily assign devices to multiple workstations using a simple, drag-and-drop interface. To configure a Radiant-certified device, you can simply drag it to a workstation and specify the port to which it's connected. Since CounterPoint "knows" about certified devices, the appropriate settings (e.g., Keep connected, Keep claimed, and so forth) are predefined and set automatically when you assign the device to a workstation. This includes the ability to predefine a device message group sets for all devices, and simply add the entire set to any new defined configuration.

To streamline the configuration of workstations that use the same set of devices, you can create custom device "bundles" (or choose one of several predefined bundles), and assign them to all workstations that are similarly equipped. You can even set up "non-certified" devices as generic OPOS devices.
 
Combined, the above features will allow MIS personnel and authorized end users to more quickly and easily update the device infrastructure as it changes over time.

CounterPoint's new device framework is planned to support the following Point of Sale devices:  

• Receipt printers (using the new Radiant receipt format)

• Multiple MSRs per workstation (excluding keyboard wedge MSRs)

• Multiple line displays per workstation

• PIN pads

• Signature capture devices

• Printer-driven and POS-driven cash drawers

• MICRs

• Scales

*The older device configuration interface will still available for merchants who need to use OPOS or Crystal receipts, customer displays, custom Ingenico forms, or the Ingenico i3070 Secure Pin Entry Device (SPED) from Moneris. 

2.  Radiant Receipts
 
This version of CounterPoint supports the new Radiant receipt format (.rdlc), which is fully compatible with OPOS receipt printers and includes most of the functionality of Crystal receipts, while offering superior performance over both previously-available formats (i.e., .xml and .rpt). 

Further, you will be able to create or modify Radiant receipts using the built-in, WYSIWYG receipt editor, without requiring you to purchase the Crystal Reports Designer. This editor provides all of the capabilities of the existing OPOS Form Editor in an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface. The new receipt format and editor also allow you to:

• Add images or company logos to your receipts.

• Use formulas to modify ticket data and print the results.

• Print individual grid cells or serial numbers under the corresponding item.

• Include or exclude data based on any number of criteria.

• Include aggregated data (e.g., number of items sold, subtotals, and so forth)

• Print bar-codes anywhere on a receipt.

• Print captured signature anywhere on a receipt.

• Embed special characters to trigger special functions (e.g., opening a cash drawer) without requiring the use of cryptic printer codes. 

The Radiant Receipts Editor offers a simple, integrated, and comprehensive receipt solution that is suitable for most merchants, eliminating the need to choose between functionality and ease-of-use.

So in short, these two new developments alone should be viewed as the most significant hardware and POS Device Interface changes since CP SQL has was first introduced!

If you would like more information on these new features, or have questions on the impact that this might have on your existing POS device infrastructure, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.