Connect a receipt printer and barcode scanner

AutoShop POS is browser-based, so hardware is simple: the browser prints to whatever printer your computer can see, and a barcode scanner types into the search box like a keyboard. This guide sets up a receipt or invoice printer for a location, prints barcode labels for parts and checks your scanner works at the counter.

Before you start

• Install your printer on the computer or tablet at the counter using the manufacturer’s driver, and print a test page from the operating system first.
• Decide on your paper: full-page A4 or Letter for invoices and estimates, or 80 mm thermal rolls for receipts. Many shops use full-page for repair invoices and keep thermal for quick parts sales.
• For labels, have a label printer and label stock. Note the label size.
• Have parts with SKUs set up; see add parts and opening stock.
• Read the hardware page for general guidance on what to buy.

Steps

1. Pick an invoice layout. Go to Settings → Invoice settings. Open or create a layout. Choose a full-page design for repair invoices, or a slim design for receipts. Turn on the fields you need: logo, tax number, customer phone, notes and terms. The menu may be labelled slightly differently on your account.
2. Set the language. If your customers read Arabic, Urdu or Spanish, set the invoice layout’s language options so labels print in the language you want. Your account’s translations can be adjusted too.
3. Set up the receipt printer. Go to Settings → Receipt printers (or Printers) and add a printer. In most setups you choose browser-based printing, which uses the computer’s print dialog. If you are offered other connection types, ask support before choosing one.
4. Link printer and layout to the location. Go to Settings → Business locations, edit the location, and choose the invoice layout and receipt printer. Save.
5. Set the browser print settings. Print one test sale. In the browser’s print dialog, choose the right printer and paper size, turn off headers and footers, and set margins to none or minimum. Most browsers remember these choices.
6. Print barcode labels. Go to Products → Print labels. Add the parts and how many labels each, choose the label sheet or roll size that matches your stock, and choose which details to show (name, price, SKU). Preview and print.
7. Connect the scanner. Plug in the USB scanner, or pair a Bluetooth one with the computer or tablet. Open a text editor and scan a label: the barcode should appear as typed text followed by a new line.
8. Scan at the counter. On the sell/POS screen, click into the product search box and scan a label. The part should be added to the sale.

Check it worked

• A test sale prints on the right printer at the right size, with your logo and tax number.
• A printed barcode label scans into the sell/POS screen and adds the right part.
• A second computer at the same location prints the same layout once its browser print settings are set.

Common problems

• The receipt prints tiny or with big margins. The browser’s paper size or scale is wrong. Set the paper size to your roll width or page size, and scale to 100%.
• The scanner types nothing or the wrong characters. It is not in keyboard mode, or its keyboard language does not match the computer’s. Use the setup barcodes in the scanner’s manual to fix both.
• Labels are misaligned. The label size chosen does not match your stock. Pick the matching size, or ask support about adding your label size.
• The wrong layout prints at a second shop. Each location has its own layout and printer. Edit that location; see add a second location.