Printer Setup & Management
OrderNow integrates with thermal receipt printers to automatically print orders, receipts, and kitchen tickets. This guide covers printer discovery, grouping, and configuration.
::: note Access: Navigate to Admin → Printer Management to configure printers. :::
1. System Overview
OrderNow uses the Reference Client software running on a local computer to connect to printers:
- The Reference Client discovers printers on your local network
- USB and Network (Ethernet/WiFi) printers are supported
- Printers appear in OrderOnce they're detected by the Reference Client
- Each printer can be assigned to specific locations and functions
WARNING
Prerequisite: Ensure the Reference Client is installed and running on a computer in your network before proceeding.
2. Printer Discovery
Automatic Discovery
Printers are automatically detected when:
- The Reference Client is running
- Printers are connected via USB or on the same network
- Printer drivers are correctly installed
Discovery Checklist
- Printer is powered on
- USB cable firmly connected (for USB printers)
- Network cable/WiFi connected (for network printers)
- Printer has paper loaded
- No error lights on printer
- Reference Client shows "Connected" status
Refreshing Printer List
If a new printer isn't showing:
- Click the Refresh button in Printer Management
- Wait 10-15 seconds for discovery
- Check the Reference Client logs for errors
3. Understanding Printer Status
The dashboard shows key statistics at the top:
| Metric | Description | Action if Low |
|---|---|---|
| Total Printers | All printers discovered | Add more printers for redundancy |
| Online | Printers connected and ready | - |
| Unassigned | Printers not in any group | Add to a printer group |
| Groups | Printer groupings configured | Create groups for different areas |
4. Printer Groups
Groups organize printers by location or function (e.g., "Kitchen", "Bar", "Counter").
Creating a Group
- Click "Add New Group"
- Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Kitchen Printers")
- Select which locations this group serves
- Click Create
Assigning Printers to Groups
- Find the printer in the Unassigned section
- Click the Assign button
- Select the target group from the dropdown
- Click Confirm
TIP
Best Practice: Create redundant groups with multiple printers for critical areas like the kitchen. If one printer fails, orders still print to the backup.
Removing Printers from Groups
- Expand the printer group
- Find the printer to remove
- Click the Unassign button
- The printer returns to "Unassigned" status
5. Printer Configuration
Printer Settings
Click on a printer to configure:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Printer Name | Friendly name (e.g., "Kitchen Printer 1") |
| Model/Type | Detected printer model |
| Paper Width | 58mm (narrow) or 80mm (standard) |
| Character Set | Encoding for special characters |
| Cut Options | Full cut or partial cut after print |
Auto-Print Configuration
Configure what automatically prints:
- New Orders: Print when customer submits order
- Receipts: Print payment receipts
- Reports: Print end-of-day summaries
6. Test Printing
Sending a Test Print
- Locate the printer in the management interface
- Click the Test Print button
- A sample ticket prints with:
- Printer name and status
- Current timestamp
- Test pattern for alignment
TIP
Alignment Check: If text is cut off or misaligned, adjust the paper width setting (58mm vs 80mm).
7. Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Causes | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Printer not discovered | Reference Client offline, network issue | Check Reference Client status, restart service, verify network |
| Printer shows offline | Power off, cable disconnected, paper jam | Check physical connections, clear jams, restart printer |
| Prints garbled text | Wrong character encoding | Change character set in printer settings |
| Text cut off on sides | Wrong paper width setting | Verify actual paper width, update setting to match |
| Orders not printing | Not assigned to group, auto-print disabled | Add printer to group, enable auto-print in settings |
| Slow printing | Large graphics, poor connection | Reduce logo size, use USB instead of WiFi |
8. Hardware Recommendations
Supported Printers
OrderNow works with ESC/POS compatible thermal printers:
- Epson TM-T series
- Star TSP series
- Bixolon SRP series
- Generic ESC/POS printers
Connection Types
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| USB | Reliable, fast, simple | Limited by cable length, requires nearby computer |
| Ethernet | Long distance, reliable | Requires network cabling |
| WiFi | Flexible placement | Can be less reliable, depends on signal strength |
9. Maintenance Tips
- Keep paper stocked: Check levels daily during service
- Clean print heads: Monthly cleaning prevents faded prints
- Monitor online status: Address offline printers immediately
- Have spares: Keep backup printers for critical stations
- Update drivers: Keep Reference Client and drivers current
- Test weekly: Send test prints to verify all printers
::: note Support: For printer driver issues or Reference Client problems, contact your system administrator or OrderNow support. :::