Keystroke POS System Requirements

Keystroke POS is a true 32 bit Windows application requiring an IBM compatible PC running Windows XP SP3 or better or 2003/2008 Server. The computer must have a CD-ROM drive, and a hard disk (with about 125 MB free for program files, an additional 70MB for optional on-line documentation, plus room for data).

The Keystroke POS on both a local area network or "LAN" and a wide area network or "WAN" in order to have more than one POS register and/or back office workstation. A local Keystroke Dealer can explain more about network operating systems, which require separate software, hardware and cabling.

What hardware is recommended for Keystroke?

SBS does have a few recommendations which we feel strongly about; however, we do recommend that you rely on the advice of a local Authorized Keystroke Dealer. Most Dealers have firsthand field experience with installing and servicing a wide variety of hardware and software. They will also have the ability to visit the store location and speak with the owner/manager regarding any particular needs. Therefore, our strongest recommendation is to work closely with a Dealer and don’t try to piecemeal a system together based solely on the lowest price. Any money saved on buying a printer at the local discount store will eventually be spent many times over getting it to work properly.

The following are some of our hardware recommendations and suggestions:

Computers:

Keystroke POS requires a machine running Windows XP SP3 or better. Any computer capable of adequately running its operating system will be able to run Keystroke POS.

A conventional PC can be used and peripherals such as a receipt printer, cash drawer, and barcode scanner can be added, or there are a variety of machines available which are designed and constructed specifically for the point of sale. Commonly referred to as "All-In-Ones", these systems include some built-in peripherals and are designed to look more like a standard cash register. Ask your local Authorized Dealer about options and prices.

Operating Systems:

Keystroke POS requires Windows XP SP3 (or better) or 2003/2008 Server. Most new machines are pre-configured with Windows XP or Windows 7, which includes networking capabilities that work well for one to three workstations. In installations with multiple workstations, we strongly recommend installing a server. It will provide a faster, more reliable, and trouble-free network operating system.

Typical point of sale peripherals:

Keystroke POS supports nearly all PC-based POS hardware peripherals available on the market. This includes machines designed specifically for point of sale, cash drawers, barcode scanners, receipt printers, customer pole displays, digital video surveillance system (Talon DVR), change dispensers, electronic scales, programmable keyboards, credit card readers, PIN pads, signature capture and modems (both broadband and dial-up, for credit card processing and/or data interchange between multiple stores/locations).

Possible exceptions for use with Keystroke are proprietary devices which do not conform to standard parallel/serial interfaces and some dedicated barcode printers which require a custom language for communication.

Printers:

The Keystroke sales management and inventory control system provides the ability to print a comprehensive selection of reports, business forms such as statements and invoices, and label formats such as mailing labels and price tags.

See Detailed Printer Information

Barcode Scanners:

Barcode scanners are surprisingly easy to implement and use. Most scanners are designed to auto-discriminate between different types of barcodes, which means they can read manufacturer’s UPC codes as well as other symbologies, such as Code 3 of 9. The more important aspects of selecting a barcode reader include the technology it uses to read barcodes (wand, CCD, hand-held laser, in-counter laser, etc.), and how it connects to the computer (via serial port or keyboard wedge). For most uses, the best barcode scanner is the hand-held laser type which connects through keyboard port (or is built into the keyboard). There are many manufacturers of barcode scanners; some of the more popular brands are Metrologic, Symbol, PSC, and Percon. Serial port connected barcode scanners are not recommended for use with Keystroke, however they can be forced to work.

Cash Drawers:

Keystroke can pop open just about any electronic cash drawer that is made for use with a PC. One thing to consider is how the drawer connects to the computer. It can be directly to a serial or parallel port, or it may connect through a receipt printer (recommended). You may also want to consider the size of the drawer, the number of drawers per register, whether it has a media slot, and where it will be located (e.g., on top of the sales counter, mounted beneath the counter, etc.).

Other Optional Peripherals:

Touch Screen

Programmable Keyboard

Magnetic Stripe Reader for credit cards - keyboard wedge interface

PIN Pad

Signature Capture Device

Customer Pole Display - serial or parallel interface

Portable Data Collector - typically serial interface

Electronic Scale - serial interface (State of CA Division of Measurements Standards Certificate of Approval #5414-04)

"Deli" Scale/Printer

Change Dispenser - serial interface

Digital Video Surveillance System

Click on a link below to learn more:

View More In Depth Details About Keystroke POS Features