 THERMAL
OR DOT MATRIX? THAT IS THE QUESTION
A Statement by Simon Martin, Director
& General Manager for Star Micronics UK Ltd
The point-of-sale marketplace is one that has
undergone considerable change recently and one which continues
to evolve and at an increasing pace. Technology is being used
at POS to illustrate to customers’ the scope and speed of
service available and to ‘up-sell’ to them, using data
previously collected. Changes in the retail environment and consumers
expectations continue to result in the deployment of new technologies
to meet ever-changing needs.
One area undergoing change now is that of POS
printers. Traditionally, we have all become accustomed to the
multi-part slip receipts available from dot matrix; and whilst
these printers are still the most appropriate solution for a great
number of applications and environments, the argument for high
quality thermal printers has become considerably stronger as the
products have improved in their capability.
Star Micronics is one of the world’s largest
manufacturers of POS printers and mechanisms, offering one of
the most extensive ranges available. The company has capitalised
on its extensive history of printer development and manufacturing
expertise by bringing to market a range that encompasses both
thermal and dot matrix technologies; in one case combines the
two; and continues to innovate to ensure that it can provide a
printer solution whatever the application, capabilities required
or budget.
Thermal printers provide near silent operation,
high quality, fast output and the ability to print more complex
images. More and more, thermal printers are being used in restaurants
and bars, to produce labels and barcodes, or in the retail environment
for receipts as well as the more obvious library ticket application.
Dot matrix printers offer the advantage of outputting
to multi-part slips in one printout. In the majority of cases,
they are cheaper products to buy and are rugged in their design
and provide for fast, cost effective performance.
There are some environments in which both technologies
make sense, and for those, Star Micronics has developed a printer
which can produce fast, silent thermal receipts as well as multi-part
slips, all from one unit, offering the best of both worlds.
Print technology at POS is essential as part
of the overall buying process, contributing to the consumer’s
overall experience and therefore, choosing the right type of printer
requires some careful consideration.
Background Information on Star Micronics
Founded in 1947, Star Micronics is one of the world's largest
printer manufacturers and has facilities for worldwide production,
marketing and support. Employing over 2500 staff and achieving
turnover in excess of £250 million, Star Micronics has developed
a POS printer portfolio that spans thermal and dot matrix printers
and mechanisms, designed for barcode, ticketing, receipts and
labelling. Star's proven technology is also being utilised to
develop reader/writer systems for visual, smart and magnetic stripe
cards and to install print mechanisms in multimedia kiosk environments.
The Star Micronics' range is available internationally via a distribution
channel comprising distributors and dealers.
For further information contact:
Annette Tarlton or Claire Smith
Star Micronics EMEA
Tel: + 44 (0) 1494 471111
Email: Marketing@Star-EMEA.com
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