How Traditional Printing Works

In a traditional setup, handling an online order involves several steps:

1. Order Placed: Customer places an order on a cloud platform (e.g., Deliveroo, a web store).
2. Order Received: The POS software (running on a local tablet, PC, or server) receives the order.
3. Local Connection: The POS software then sends the print command to the local printer, usually via USB, LAN, or Bluetooth.The Problem: If the tablet crashes, loses its Wi-Fi connection, or the POS software freezes, the printer never receives the command, and the order is lost.

How CloudPRNT Works (The Solution)

CloudPRNT reverses the communication flow:

1. Printer Initiates Contact: The CloudPRNT-enabled printer (like the mC-Print3) is set up with the URL of the ordering platform's web server.
2. Polling/Request: The printer periodically "polls" (asks) the web server, "Do you have any new orders for me?"
3. Direct Download: If the server has a new order, it sends the print data directly to the printer via the internet.
4. Automatic Print: The printer immediately prints the receipt or kitchen ticket.

futurePRNT is a powerful, free-of-charge software utility suite developed by Star Micronics to manage, customise, and optimise the output of their POS receipt printers (primarily the TSP100 series).

By default, POS software often leaves large blank spaces at the beginning and end of a receipt. futurePRNT allows you to drastically reduce these margins, often saving 10-15mm per receipt.