Natasha’s Law

The food and information amendment (Natasha’s Law) will come into effect in October 2021.

It will require businesses to provide a full list of ingredients and allergen labelling on prepacked food for direct sale.

This new law is being introduced to protect allergy suffers. You may have read about PPDS (Prepacked for Direct Sale) before, these items will need to clearly show the name of the food along with the full ingredients.

All allergenic ingredients will need to be emphasised (bold, italic or a different colour). PPDS foods are foods which have been packed on site before being offered for sale. Items such as sandwiches, baguettes, prepared salads, items from a deli counter that have been prepacked and items such as sausages and burgers sold from your butcher counter.

You will need to make sure that your existing labelling hardware/software is capable of listing the ingredients and highlighting the allergies.

You may already have the correct hardware/software but you may need to look at ordering larger label stock to support the extra text.

Open Retail Solutions are authorised partners of both Avery Berkel and Bizerba and as such can offer help and guidance on the scales and put you in touch with the right people to help further.

Avery Berkel Logo

Bizerba Logo

Open Retail Solutions EPOS system has the option to print to zebra desktop printers.

Each of these can print multiple label formats so you can be sure that we can help you find the best suitable printer for the job.

Our software allows you the highlight text bold so all allergens can be highlighted correctly.

Once you are happy that you have carried out a review of your hardware/software you will need to make sure that your staff have been fully trained on the list of allergies so that they can offer guidance to your consumers.

Below are the 14 allergens that must be highlighted on your food labels.

Further information on Natasha’s Law can be found here https://natashas-law.com/

Bizerba EPoS Weigh Scale Integration

Bizerba XC 800

We can supply and integrate to three different Bizerba weigh scales.

We have integrated the product lines to our system so that if a price change or product description is changed this is sent directly to the scales without need to do any updating on the scale.

The simplest and cheapest scale model that we supply is the BCII. The scale offers 50 hot keys for the most regular selling lines and can label both weight and count lines.

The scale comes with a customer display that is conveniently positioned at a height that would normally show above most deli/butcher counters.

This scale can only print one label style but can print up to 4 additional lines of text on the label which can be used for things like ingredients or nutrition information.

The SCII scale also comes with the same 50 hot keys as the BCII scale, it can print multiple label style designs which can be useful when selling different types of product.

This scale also has the ability to add gradient pricing to a product.

This means that as the weight of a product line increases the price can reduce at set intervals.

This can also be used for count lines where the quantity entered is used rather than the weight.

The last and most expensive Bizerba scale that we can supply is the K Class.  This scale is fully touch screen and has all the features of the scales above.

The touch screen allows for multiple drill down hot keys which can be used to sell your product lines. This scale can also display screen text options which can be used for cooking instructions, ingredients, etc.

For more information on our EPoS solution please visit our website at http://www.openretailsolutions.co.uk or contact one of our sales team on 0115 9677439.

EPoS Labelling

TEC B-EX4T1 300 DPI

Lots of products now come pre-barcoded helping retailers immensely. But for a variety of reasons there are still plenty of products which don’t.

This is where a good labelling solution comes into play to keep your EPoS system accurate.

Using our solution there is no need for any laborious typing of product descriptions, prices etc. All this information is pulled from the database. You just pick the products, the label style and quantity, hit print and you are ready to label. Not only saving lots of time, but totally eliminating any human error.

There is a mind-boggling amount of choices in the world of label printing, but we can narrow it down to the two most useful and reliable types here.

Thermal EPoS Label Printing

Firstly, thermal printing, either direct or transfer. Direct is when the data is burnt directly onto the label. Transfer is via an ink ribbon. Direct is cheaper as you don’t have to buy ribbon but is slower, so normally only for occasional use. Transfer is much quicker so usually for bulk printing.

TEC B-EX4T1 300 DPI

For large volumes we recommend the TEC B-EX4T1 300 DPI. This printer is ideal for large volumes of printing as you can print thousands of labels in a couple of minutes. The labels are clear and accurate, ideal for barcode scanning.

Smaller volumes or occasional use is becoming more popular, especially in farm shops and delicatessens. For this we recommend the Zebra GK420T. Again, we use this because of the clarity of print. The advantage of this printer is that it can print in both direct and transfer modes.

The main label types are sticky backed labels in various sizes, lock ties, dumbbells, and pot-pointer / stick in. The down side with thermal printing is you can only print black on to usually white but yellow also works well.

Laser EPoS Labelling

The final option is laser printing. This is for more colourful labels such as shelf edging, bed cards, colour lock ties or larger sticky backed labels. If you are printing high volumes of labels this option can be expensive, but they do look great. Again, weather proof labels can be used to get a great looking label which isn’t going to fade quickly out in the elements.

If you are interested in mobile printing, head to our post entitled EPoS Mobile Printing with a Zebra QLn220.

If you are not happy with your current labelling solution and EPoS system, give us a call and upgrade to a safer more profitable method with Open Retail Solutions – 0115 9677439.

EPoS Integrated Card Payments

credit-cards

The Multi Retail EPoS solution can be used with standalone PDQ machines for taking card payments, but for faster more accurate card payments we strongly recommend an integrated Credit Card solution.

Traditionally tills or cash registers would generate a total sales figure which would be keyed in to a PDQ machine by the operator.

This led to a slow pace of customer throughput along with plenty of keying errors by operators for example charging £1.99 instead of £19.99.

Now you can eliminate these issues with our integrated solution.

Once all items have been scanned, select the pay by card option on the till.

The total amount due is then sent to the card terminal so there is no room for operator error.

The terminal then guides the customer through the process via messages on the pin pad screen telling the customer what to do next at each stage of the transaction.

Similar prompts are displayed to the operator in case the customer needs some help, and to complete the sale.

As well as this day to day feature we also provide solutions for Apple Pay, Android Pay, contactless, refunds, cash back and customer not present transactions, all are included with our system at no extra charge.

If you are a garden centre accepting the HTA gift cards, these can also be processed through these terminals.

We recommend and use Verifone for our card processing and integrated terminals. We have used them almost exclusively for many years and have found them to be not only the best in terms of service, but also value for money.

If you are frustrated by your current card payment solution, give us a call and upgrade to a safer more profitable method with Open Retail Solutions.

For more information on our EPoS solution please visit our website at http://www.openretailsolutions.co.uk or contact one of our sales team on
0115 9677439.

iPad Table Service Order Takers

Restaurant And Cafe - Table Service iPad Mini Screenshot 1

Table Service in a cafe or restaurant via an iPad or other tablet device is just one of many extensions the Multi Retail EPoS solution has to offer.

Depending on your serving technique this may not be for you, as for example if your cafe or restaurant is pure counter service.

However if you are thinking of opening a cafe or restaurant in your store, wanting to change from counter service to table service or wanting to change from handwritten order pads you should explore what our solution can offer you.

Table Service Advantages

One of the advantages of table service, over counter service is that by leaving the table open for payment at the end, it gives you more opportunities to up-sell, extra food and drink orders can be added to the table until ready to take payment.

The menus and meal options are used by both the till and order takers so one change in the back office alters both. In quiet times you may just want to use the till point, but as tables start filling up you may want to start using the order takers as well.

You can have up to 8 areas listed down the left hand side of the screen with up to 30 tables for each area. The current status of the table is shown on the button. This will display the course the table is on and if a table is free for use.

Kitchen Printer

As soon as orders are placed they will be sent through to the kitchen to be printed. It does not matter how you take the orders the system will sort them into courses for printing.

You have the ability to move tables and to add extra items like drinks or desserts. More complex functions like split billing or taking payments will still need to be done on the main till points.

As well as your meal or drink selection you can also offer options that go with it or how you want it cooked. So for example for a soup you may show choice of bread or for steak whether you prefer medium or well done.

This can also be used for saying you do not want something i.e. no onions in a salad. Where you offer a four or five item breakfast for example this would also let you choose the items from the list offered.

You get a chance to review the order before storing it against the table and sending it to be printed in the kitchen for the chef. Changes of mind can be voided before placing or extra quantity added using the plus or minus buttons.

For more information on our EPoS solution please visit our website at http://www.openretailsolutions.co.uk or contact one of our sales team on 0115 9677 439.

EPoS Kitchen Printers

epson kitchen printer

The Multi Retail EPoS solution can link to up to 5 different EPoS Kitchen Printers.

These may be located in different preparation areas in the kitchen or used on a bar or front of house counter.

The printers can be setup on your network and printed to by till positions or iPad order takers.

There are two models of printer that we supply for this purpose.

The TM-T88VI thermal printer uses standard thermal roll and would be used more for front of house orders like drinks or cakes.

It has a footprint of just 145(W)‎ x 195(D) x 148(H) mm.

A network point or cable and power socket are required wherever you want to install the printer.

The system also supports the TM-U220B impact printer which uses a ribbon and plain paper.

Space-saving and versatile, it has a footprint of just 160(W) x 248 (D) x 133 (H) mm, and can also be wall-mounted.

A network point or cable and power socket are required wherever you want to install the printer.

As this printer uses a ribbon rather than thermal heat the printout does not fade in the hot kitchen environment.

Two ply roll can also be used in the printer if desired which can then be passed to two preparation areas.

If you have a large kitchen, you maybe also be interested in our kitchen control system.

For more information on our EPoS solution please visit our website at http://www.openretailsolutions.co.uk or contact one of our sales team on 0115 9677 439.

EPoS Mobile Printing with a Zebra QLn220

portable-printers

portable-printers

The QLn220 is a semi rugged mobile direct thermal printer designed to allow you to print product labels on the shop floor without needing to queue labels and return to the office to print.

The QLn220 works seamlessly with the Zebra Workabout Pro to print product labels and price reduction labels.

There is no need to purchase any other software as the label formats are preloaded in the system.

Both the QLn220 and the Workabout Pro can be added easily to your existing Wi-Fi network and both support the latest security and encryption standards.

If labels are required for permanent outdoor use then they can be queued up on the Work About Pro and printed on a heavy duty desktop printer when ready.

The Work About Pro has been used by Open Retail Solutions for over 10 years and over 150 units have been installed at various customer sites including Garden Centres, Plant Nurseries, Farm Shops and Delicatessens.

There are various standard size labels that are available for the QLn220 printer, each have their own uses, including shelf edge labels, product labels and pre-perforated split labels that can be used for price reductions.

Colour can also be used on the labels to highlight prices.

Zebra can quote for custom labels to any size and use of your own company colours so please ask us for a quote and this can be arranged free of charge.

Alternatively you can source your own custom labels from your existing label suppliers if the QLn220 is supported by them.

Various accessories are available for the QLn220 printer.

A belt clip and shoulder strap are included as standard, but you can also add a carry case for harder working conditions and also a docking station to charge the printer, rather than using the AC adapter directly.

Spare batteries can also be purchased to maximise up time on the shop floor.

A micro USB cable is required to connect the printer to a PC for setup and diagnostics.

Adding a Zebra QLn220 mobile printer to your infrastructure will make your workforce truly mobile.

For more information on our EPoS solution please visit our website at http://www.openretailsolutions.co.uk or contact one of our sales team on 0115 9677 439.

EPoS Till PX-515 All-In-One

Introducing the new EPoS Till PX-515 All-In-One unit.

This is now the preferred unit supplied by Open Retail Solutions to Garden Centres, Farm Shops and Delicatessens.

The design of the unit allows it to be used on its stand or it can be pole mounted to allow for more counter space, ideal for the Farm Shop environment.

This allows space for integrated scales to be built into the counter top.

The PX-515 also has an option for a promotional 10.4″ customer facing display used for promotion messages, upcoming events and also doubles up as a 2-line customer display.

The EPoS Till PX-515 can also be purchased with on-site cover.

This gives you peace of mind that if a fault does occur then it will be fixed on-site the next day.

The cover can be setup Monday-Friday or you can also pick Monday-Sunday for a little extra.

Both options mean that a qualified engineer will be on-site to either fix or replace the till, getting you back up and running in no time.

Some of the key features are listed below:

  • Versatile, small footprint design.
  • Modular design with easy to replace screen, processor unit and HDD.
  • High performance Intel® Core™ i-5 4th generation core processor.
  • Bezel free 15″ P-CAP multi-touch screen.
  • I-Button or Finger Print reader can be easily added.

Click the play button to view a short video.

For more information on our EPoS solution please visit our website at http://www.openretailsolutions.co.uk or contact one of our sales team on 0115 9677 439.

EPoS Rugged Robust Stock Control Tablets…

rugged tablet

The rugged ST395 tablet by Sumo features an excellent sunlight readable 9″ touch screen and a high performance, energy-efficient dual core Atom processor in a slim and lightweight case. Rubberised corners help protect the unit from damage if dropped.

With built-in 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi to connect to your existing Wi-Fi infrastructure and a Bluetooth module which helps connect Bluetooth barcode scanners to the unit, this robust tablet offers many advantages to help make your workforce truly mobile. The internal battery lasts for around 4 hours of continual use with the added option of adding additional external batteries to the unit for longer lifetime use.

It is IP65-rated for water and dust resistance and can be used outside in most weather conditions. It comes with the latest Windows 10 IoT operating system and 4 GB Ram to handle any function required by the OpenXMobile stock control software. The 128 GB flash drive means you have the room to install other software if needed to enable dual purpose of the unit if required. It weighs just 1.1 Kilo’s and comes with an X-hand strap for easy grip and shoulder strap to easily carry the unit around your store.

We supply a WASP Bluetooth scanner as shown below with the unit. These can be charged on the provided cradle or directly by the AC adapter. 8 hours of continual use and easy Bluetooth setup makes this scanner the ideal partner for the ST395.

Recent manufacturing cost reductions has meant the ST395 is now more affordable and for only a small amount extra than the Work About Pro 4 handset you can add a fully functional tablet to your business. Features of the OpenXMobile software include Stock Enquiries, Sales History, Stock Adjustments, Wastage Adjustments, Own Use Adjustments, Scale Adjustments, Goods Inwards, Stock Transfers, Price Banding Reductions and Label Requests.

For more information on our EPoS solution please visit our website at http://www.openretailsolutions.co.uk or contact one of our sales team on 0115 9677 439.

Zebra WAP4 Radio Handsets

work about pro 4

The Zebra Workabout Pro 4 is the preferred radio handset used by Open Retail Solutions.  We have sold over 150 units to our Garden Centre, Plant Nursery and Farm Shop customers and it has performed exceptionally in the field. Usually once a customer purchases one of these handsets they go on to buy further units as they make using our EPoS solution more efficient and make your workforce truly mobile.

Zebra Workabout Pro 4

Once fully charged the unit lasts for up to 8 hours using the inbuilt ion-lithium battery and comes with a 1D laser scanner conveniently positioned to easily read product barcodes.  The scanner can be activated by the trigger on the pistol grip, either of the 2 scan buttons positioned on each side of the unit or the main scan button on the front.  It comes with a full alphanumeric keyboard with multiple function buttons and the wireless coverage is excellent provided by the 802.11 b/g/n wireless card.

Features of the OpenXMobile software include Stock Enquiries, Stock Adjustments, Wastage Adjustments, Own Use Adjustments, Scale Adjustments, Goods Inwards, Queue Busting, Price Banding Reductions and Label Requests.

For more information on our EPoS solution please visit our website at http://www.openretailsolutions.co.uk or contact one of our sales team on 0115 9677 439.