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Printer Management

Configure and manage receipt printers, kitchen printers, and bar printers for your restaurant with SSP Manager's comprehensive printer management system.

Overview​

SSP Manager supports thermal printers for various job types with two connection methods:

Printer Job Types:

  • CHITS: Kitchen tickets, bar tickets, order chits for preparation
  • REPORTS: Daily reports, end-of-day summaries, sales reports
  • CHECKS: Customer receipts and bills

Key Features:

  • Multi-printer support via SSPPrinter app or Star CloudPRNT
  • Automatic kitchen & bar chit routing via Kitchen Stations
  • Custom print templates
  • Print job queue management
  • USB thermal printer support (via SSPPrinter app)
  • NEW: Direct network printing via Star CloudPRNT (no PC required)

Accessing Printer Management​

Navigation Prerequisite

You must first navigate to a specific restaurant location to access Printer Management. If you signed up as a single restaurant, you'll land directly at your location. For restaurant groups/chains, select your location from the Group/Chain Dashboard first.

Navigation Path: [Your Location] → Settings → Printers

Step-by-Step Access​

  1. Navigate to your restaurant location (if using a Group/Chain, select it from the dashboard)
  2. In the sidebar, click Settings to expand the settings menu
  3. Click Printers

Required Permission: Manager role

Supported Printer Types​

Hardware Compatibility​

Thermal Printers (Recommended):

  • Star Micronics TSP series
  • Epson TM series
  • Citizen CT-S series
  • Bixolon SRP series

Impact Printers:

  • Epson TM-U220
  • Star SP700 series

Laser/Inkjet Printers:

  • Standard network printers
  • Any AirPrint-compatible printer
  • Windows/Mac system printers
Recommended

For restaurants, we recommend thermal printers for speed, reliability, and low maintenance.

Connection Methods​

SSP Manager supports two printer connection methods:

MethodBest ForPlatformsNetwork
SSPPrinter AppUSB thermal printersWindows, Linux, macOSNo
Star CloudPRNTStar network printersN/A (printer connects directly)Yes (Ethernet/WiFi)

USB Thermal Printers (via SSPPrinter App):

  • Direct connection via SSPPrinter app
  • Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS
  • Download from ssppos.com/downloads
  • Most common for restaurants
  • Reliable and fast printing

Star CloudPRNT (Network Printers - No App Required):

  • Direct connection to SSP Manager via internet
  • Star printers connect directly over Ethernet or WiFi
  • No software installation needed
  • Ideal for locations without a dedicated computer
Choosing a Connection Method
  • Use SSPPrinter App if you want to use any USB thermal printer with your Windows, Linux, or Mac computer
  • Use Star CloudPRNT if you have a compatible Star printer and prefer network printing without installing any software

Printer Setup with SSPPrinter App​

Prerequisites​

  1. Download SSPPrinter App:

  2. Connect Your Printer:

    • Connect thermal printer to computer via USB
    • Ensure printer is powered on
    • Install any required printer drivers

Step-by-Step Setup​

  1. Install and Launch SSPPrinter App:

    • Download SSPPrinter for your operating system (Windows/Linux/Mac)
    • Install the application
    • Launch SSPPrinter
    • The app will automatically detect connected USB printers

  2. Generate Registration Code:

    • SSPPrinter app will display a unique registration code
    • This code links the printer to your SSP Manager account
    • Keep this code ready for the next step

  3. Register Printer in SSP Manager:

    • Log in to SSP Manager
    • Navigate to: Locations → [Your Location] → Manage Printers
    • Click + Add Printer button
    • Enter the registration code from SSPPrinter app
    • Enter printer details:
      • Printer Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Front Counter Receipt")
      • Location Description: Where it's physically located

  4. Assign Printer Job Types:

    • The app will automatically detect printer capabilities
    • Assign printer to specific job types:
      • CHITS: Kitchen tickets, bar tickets, order chits
      • REPORTS: Daily reports, end-of-day summaries, sales reports
      • CHECKS: Customer receipts and bills
    • You can assign multiple job types to one printer
    • Click Save

  5. Test the Connection:

    • Click Test Print in SSP Manager
    • Verify the test print outputs correctly
    • Printer is now ready to use!

Printer Configuration Examples​

Receipt Printer Example:

Name: Front Counter Receipt Printer
Connection: USB via SSPPrinter app
Registration Code: ABC-DEF-GHI-JKL
Job Types: CHECKS
Paper Width: 80mm (auto-detected)
Drawer Kick: Enabled (if supported by printer)

Kitchen Printer Example:

Name: Main Kitchen Printer
Connection: USB via SSPPrinter app
Registration Code: MNO-PQR-STU-VWX
Job Types: CHITS
Paper Width: 80mm (auto-detected)
Auto-cut: Enabled

Back Office Printer Example:

Name: Manager Office Printer
Connection: USB via SSPPrinter app
Registration Code: YZA-BCD-EFG-HIJ
Job Types: REPORTS, CHECKS
Paper Width: 80mm (auto-detected)

Star CloudPRNT Setup (No PC Required)​

Star CloudPRNT allows compatible Star printers to connect directly to SSP Manager over the internet, without requiring a dedicated PC or the SSPPrinter app. The printer polls SSP Manager for print jobs automatically.

Compatible Printers​

The following Star printers support CloudPRNT:

Thermal Receipt Printers:

  • Star mC-Print3 series (Ethernet/WiFi/USB)
  • Star TSP100IV series (Ethernet/WiFi)
  • Star TSP143IV (LAN/WLAN)
  • Star mC-Label3 (label printing)

Impact/Kitchen Printers:

  • Star SP700 series (with CloudPRNT firmware)
Firmware Requirement

Your Star printer must have CloudPRNT-compatible firmware. Check Star's website or your printer's web interface to verify CloudPRNT support.

Prerequisites​

Before setting up CloudPRNT:

  1. Network Connection: Printer must be connected to your network via Ethernet or WiFi
  2. Internet Access: Network must have internet access (printer connects to SSP servers)
  3. Printer IP Address: Know your printer's IP address (check printer's network settings)
  4. CloudPRNT Firmware: Ensure printer firmware supports CloudPRNT

Step-by-Step CloudPRNT Setup​

Step 1: Configure Printer Network Settings​

  1. Connect printer to your network (Ethernet cable or WiFi)
  2. Print a network configuration page (usually hold FEED button while powering on)
  3. Note the printer's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)

Step 2: Access Printer Web Interface​

  1. Open a web browser on a device connected to the same network
  2. Enter the printer's IP address: http://192.168.1.100
  3. Log in with default credentials (usually root / public - check your printer manual)

Step 3: Configure CloudPRNT Settings​

In the printer's web interface:

  1. Navigate to CloudPRNT or Star CloudPRNT settings
  2. Enable CloudPRNT service
  3. Set the CloudPRNT URL to: 
    https://api.ssppos.com/api/v1/cloudprnt
  4. Set Polling Interval to 3 seconds (recommended)
  5. Save settings
Important

The exact menu location varies by printer model. Consult your Star printer manual for specific navigation instructions.

Step 4: Generate Registration Passcode in SSP Manager​

  1. Log in to SSP Manager
  2. Navigate to: Locations → [Your Location] → Manage Printers
  3. Click + Add CloudPRNT Printer
  4. A 6-digit passcode will be displayed (valid for 5 minutes)
  5. Keep this page open - you'll need the passcode for the next step

Step 5: Register Printer​

In the printer's web interface:

  1. Find the Device Registration or CloudPRNT Registration section
  2. Enter the 6-digit passcode from SSP Manager
  3. Click Register or Submit
  4. Wait for confirmation (usually 5-10 seconds)

Step 6: Verify Connection in SSP Manager​

  1. Return to SSP Manager's printer management page
  2. The new CloudPRNT printer should appear in your printer list
  3. Status should show Online (green indicator)
  4. Click Test Print to verify the connection

CloudPRNT Configuration Examples​

Front Counter Receipt Printer (CloudPRNT):

Name: Front Counter (Cloud)
Connection: Star CloudPRNT
MAC Address: 00:11:62:AA:BB:CC
Model: Star TSP143IV
Status: Online
Job Types: CHECKS
Paper Width: 80mm (576 pixels)
Last Seen: 3 seconds ago

Kitchen Printer (CloudPRNT):

Name: Kitchen Expo (Cloud)
Connection: Star CloudPRNT
MAC Address: 00:11:62:DD:EE:FF
Model: Star mC-Print3
Status: Online
Job Types: CHITS
Paper Width: 80mm (576 pixels)
Last Seen: 2 seconds ago

CloudPRNT Status Indicators​

CloudPRNT printers show real-time status based on polling:

StatusIndicatorMeaning
Online🟢Printer polled within last 2 minutes
Offline🔴No poll received for 2+ minutes
Pending🟡Newly registered, awaiting first poll
Error🔴Printer reported an error

CloudPRNT vs SSPPrinter App Comparison​

FeatureSSPPrinter AppStar CloudPRNT
PlatformsWindows, Linux, macOSN/A (no software needed)
ConnectionUSBEthernet/WiFi
Supported BrandsAll thermal printersStar only
Setup ComplexityMediumEasy
Internet RequiredNo (local network)Yes
Printer DiscoveryAutomaticManual IP
Status MonitoringReal-timePolling-based
Print QualityExcellentExcellent
Downloadssppos.com/downloadsN/A

CloudPRNT Troubleshooting​

Printer Not Appearing After Registration​

Check:

  1. Passcode entered correctly and not expired (valid 5 minutes)
  2. Printer has internet connectivity
  3. CloudPRNT URL is correct: https://api.ssppos.com/api/v1/cloudprnt
  4. Printer firmware supports CloudPRNT

Fix:

  • Generate a new passcode and try again
  • Verify printer can reach the internet (try pinging google.com from printer diagnostics)
  • Update printer firmware to latest version

Printer Shows Offline​

Check:

  1. Printer is powered on
  2. Network cable connected (for Ethernet)
  3. WiFi connected (for wireless)
  4. Printer can reach the internet

Fix:

  • Check network connectivity
  • Restart the printer
  • Verify CloudPRNT service is enabled in printer settings
  • Check firewall isn't blocking outbound HTTPS (port 443)

Check:

  1. Printer status shows Online in SSP Manager
  2. Print job appears in queue
  3. Printer has paper

Fix:

  • Check printer's print queue in SSP Manager
  • Verify job type matches printer assignment
  • Try sending a test print from SSP Manager
  • Check printer's local error status (LED indicators)

Slow Printing / Delayed Jobs​

Cause: CloudPRNT uses polling, so there's a slight delay (typically 3-5 seconds) between sending a job and printing.

Optimization:

  • Reduce polling interval in printer settings (minimum 3 seconds)
  • Ensure good network connectivity
  • Consider using SSPPrinter app for time-critical applications

Kitchen & Bar Routing​

Kitchen chit routing is handled by Kitchen Stations

Deciding which kitchen or bar printer each order prints on is done through Kitchen Stations and Kitchen Printing — not by per-printer category rules. The flow is: you tag a menu item with a routing class (GRILL, FRY, BAR…), each station subscribes to the classes it cooks, and each station prints to the printer(s) you assign it. The same routing that fills a station's screen picks its printer.

To route your kitchen and bar tickets:

  1. Create routing classes for your kitchen sections — see Kitchen Routing.
  2. Tag your menu items and categories with those classes (in Menus).
  3. Set up stations and subscribe each one to the classes it cooks — see Kitchen Stations.
  4. Assign a printer to each station, and optionally turn on auto-print so chits print themselves on order placement — see Kitchen Printing.

The result: a burger's chit prints on the grill printer and a cocktail's on the bar printer — automatically, with no separate per-printer rules to maintain.

Sending one item's chit to two printers? Assign both printers to that station, or add an expo/pass station that subscribes to the same class. See Kitchen Stations.

Customizing Print Layouts​

Each printer type has customizable templates:

Receipt Template:

  • Header (logo, business name, address)
  • Order details
  • Itemized list with prices
  • Subtotal, tax, total
  • Payment method
  • Footer (thank you message, website, social media)

Kitchen Ticket Template:

  • Table/order number (large font)
  • Server name
  • Time ordered
  • Item list with modifications
  • Special instructions
  • Prep notes

Bar Ticket Template:

  • Order number
  • Server name
  • Drink name
  • Modifiers (no ice, extra shot, etc.)
  • Garnish notes

Editing Templates​

  1. Go to printer details
  2. Click Template tab
  3. Select template type
  4. Use template editor:
    • Drag & drop elements
    • Adjust font sizes
    • Add/remove fields
    • Add custom text or images
  5. Click Preview to see sample
  6. Click Save

Available Template Variables:

  • {business_name}
  • {location_address}
  • {order_number}
  • {table_number}
  • {server_name}
  • {timestamp}
  • {items} - Itemized list
  • {subtotal}, {tax}, {total}
  • {payment_method}

Custom Footer Example:

Thank you for dining with us!
Follow us @{social_instagram}
{business_website}

This receipt is required for all returns.

Printer Status and Monitoring​

Real-Time Status​

View printer status at a glance:

Status Indicators:

  • 🟢 Online: Connected and ready
  • 🟡 Warning: Low paper, connection issues
  • 🔴 Offline: Cannot connect or powered off
  • 🔵 Printing: Currently processing jobs

Status Dashboard:

  • Locations → [Location] → Manage Printers
  • Shows all printers with status icons
  • Last printed job timestamp
  • Print queue count

Monitoring Alerts​

Set up alerts for printer issues:

  1. Go to Location Settings → Notifications
  2. Enable Printer Alerts
  3. Choose notification method:
    • In-app notification
    • Email
    • SMS (Pro/Enterprise)
  4. Select alert types:
    • Printer offline
    • Paper low/out
    • Connection error
    • Print job failed

Viewing Print Queue​

See pending print jobs:

  1. Go to Manage Printers
  2. Click on specific printer
  3. Click Queue tab
  4. View:
    • Queued jobs
    • Currently printing
    • Failed jobs
    • Completed jobs (last 24 hours)

Managing Failed Jobs​

When print jobs fail:

Automatic Retry:

  • System retries failed jobs 3 times
  • 30-second delay between retries
  • Alerts sent if all retries fail

Manual Retry:

  1. Go to printer queue
  2. Find failed job
  3. Click Retry
  4. Or click Cancel to remove

Bulk Retry:

  1. Select multiple failed jobs
  2. Click Retry All
  3. Jobs re-queued

Cash Drawer Integration​

Connecting Cash Drawer​

Most cash drawers connect through receipt printer:

Setup:

  1. Physically connect drawer to printer (RJ11/RJ12 cable)
  2. Edit receipt printer settings
  3. Enable Cash Drawer Kick
  4. Configure Kick Code: Depends on printer model
    • ESC/POS: \x1B\x70\x00
    • Star: Varies by model
  5. Test drawer kick

Drawer Open Events​

Configure when drawer opens:

Automatic:

  • Sale completed
  • Cash payment received
  • Manual "Open Drawer" button

Manual Control:

  1. POS terminal → Open Drawer button
  2. Enter manager PIN (if required)
  3. Drawer opens
  4. Event logged in audit logs

Drawer Security​

Best Practices:

  • Require manager PIN for manual opens
  • Log all drawer opens
  • Daily drawer counts
  • Reconciliation reports

Troubleshooting​

Printer Not Connecting​

Checklist:

  1. Verify printer is powered on
  2. Check USB cable connection
  3. Confirm SSPPrinter app is running
  4. Verify printer appears in SSPPrinter app
  5. Check registration code was entered correctly in SSP Manager
  6. Restart SSPPrinter app
  7. Reconnect USB cable

Common Issues:

  • Printer not detected: Check USB cable, try different USB port
  • Registration code invalid: Re-enter code carefully, ensure no typos
  • Connection lost: Restart SSPPrinter app, check USB connection
  • Printer offline in app: Restart printer and SSPPrinter app

Faded Printing:

  • Check paper quality
  • Clean print head
  • Replace thermal paper roll
  • Adjust darkness setting

Garbled Text:

  • Verify paper width setting matches actual paper
  • Check character encoding (usually UTF-8)
  • Update printer firmware

Partial Prints:

  • Paper roll installed correctly?
  • Paper low sensor obstructed?
  • Check for paper jams

Cash Drawer Not Opening​

Troubleshooting:

  1. Verify drawer enabled in printer settings
  2. Check kick code matches printer model
  3. Test drawer with printer's built-in test
  4. Verify cable connection (drawer to printer)
  5. Try different kick code (consult printer manual)
  6. Check drawer lock (some have physical key)

Testing:

  • Most printers have manual cash drawer test
  • Consult printer manual for specific commands
  • Some have button on printer to test drawer

Kitchen Chits Not Auto-Printing​

Check:

  1. Auto-print is turned on for the location? (Settings → Kitchen Printing)
  2. The item's station has a printer assigned?
  3. Printer status online?
  4. The item is actually routed to a station (not sitting unrouted)?

Fix:

  • Confirm auto-print is on and at least one station has a printer — see Kitchen Printing
  • Use the Routing preview to see where the order's chits are headed and whether the printers are online
  • Check the printer status
  • Contact support if the issue persists

Advanced Features​

Set priority levels for different ticket types:

Priority Levels:

  1. Urgent: Modifications, allergies, rush orders
  2. High: New orders, desserts after entrees
  3. Normal: Standard new orders
  4. Low: Reprints, duplicates

Setup: Location Settings → Printing → Priority Rules

Bump Screen Integration​

Integrate printers with kitchen display systems (KDS):

When to Use:

  • High-volume kitchens
  • Reduce paper waste
  • Real-time order status

How It Works:

  1. Order prints to kitchen printer (paper backup)
  2. Simultaneously displays on bump screen
  3. Kitchen staff "bumps" items when complete
  4. Manager views completion times in reports

Learn more about the Kitchen Display System

Best Practices​

Printer Placement​

Receipt Printers:

  • At checkout/POS terminal
  • Face customer for easy retrieval
  • Away from heat/moisture
  • Near cash drawer (if integrated)

Kitchen Printers:

  • Visible from all stations
  • Away from cooking surfaces (heat/grease)
  • Protected from moisture
  • Adequate lighting
  • Within 6 feet of Ethernet port

Bar Printers:

  • Behind bar, service station
  • Away from liquids
  • Good lighting
  • Not in customer-facing area

Maintenance Schedule​

Daily:

  • Check paper levels
  • Clear any jams
  • Wipe exterior

Weekly:

  • Clean print head (thermal printers)
  • Test all printers
  • Review print queue for errors

Monthly:

  • Deep clean print mechanism
  • Check and tighten cable connections
  • Update firmware if available
  • Review station → printer assignments (Kitchen Printing)

Quarterly:

  • Replace worn parts
  • Professional cleaning (high-volume)
  • Evaluate printer performance

Paper Management​

Stock Levels:

  • Keep 2-week supply on hand
  • Monitor usage patterns
  • Reorder before running low

Paper Types:

  • Use thermal paper for thermal printers (not regular paper!)
  • BPA-free options available
  • 80mm width most common for receipts
  • Different colors for different stations (visual coding)

Printer Reports​

Usage Statistics​

View printer usage:

  • Jobs per day/week/month
  • Success rate
  • Average jobs per hour
  • Busiest times
  • Error frequency

Access: Reports → Printer Management → Usage Report

Cost Analysis​

Calculate printing costs:

  • Paper rolls used
  • Estimated cost per print
  • Total printing costs
  • Cost by printer type
  • Trend analysis

Use For:

  • Budgeting
  • Identifying inefficiencies
  • Justifying digital alternatives

FAQ​

What printers are compatible with SSP Manager?​

Most thermal printers are compatible. For USB connection via SSPPrinter app, any ESC/POS compatible printer works. For network printing without a PC, Star printers with CloudPRNT support are required. See our certified printer list for tested models.

Can I use my existing printers?​

Likely yes! If your printer has USB and supports ESC/POS or Star commands, use it with SSPPrinter app. If you have a Star printer with CloudPRNT firmware, you can connect it directly over the network.

Do I need one printer per location?​

Not necessarily. Small locations can use one multi-purpose printer. Larger restaurants benefit from multiple specialized printers.

How do I print to multiple printers for one order?​

The order's items are split by kitchen station — each item prints on whatever printer(s) its station is assigned. To also mirror a station to a second printer, assign both printers to that station. See Kitchen Printing.

Can I print wirelessly?​

Yes! With Star CloudPRNT, you can print over WiFi or Ethernet without a PC. For other printer brands, you'll need the SSPPrinter app on a PC connected to the printer via USB.

What if my printer only has Ethernet/Network connection?​

If it's a Star printer with CloudPRNT support, you can connect it directly - no PC needed! For other brands with only network connection, network support via SSPPrinter app is coming soon.

What is Star CloudPRNT?​

CloudPRNT is Star Micronics' cloud printing protocol that allows compatible printers to poll for jobs over the internet. The printer connects directly to SSP Manager without needing a PC or the SSPPrinter app. This is ideal for locations without a dedicated computer.

Which Star printers support CloudPRNT?​

Star mC-Print3 series, TSP100IV series, TSP143IV, mC-Label3, and SP700 series (with CloudPRNT firmware). Check Star's website for the latest compatible models.

Is CloudPRNT slower than USB printing?​

CloudPRNT has a slight delay (3-5 seconds) due to polling, compared to near-instant USB printing. For most restaurant use cases, this delay is not noticeable. For time-critical applications, consider using the SSPPrinter app.

Can I mix CloudPRNT and SSPPrinter app printers?​

Absolutely! You can have some printers connected via CloudPRNT and others via SSPPrinter app at the same location. They all appear in the same printer management interface.

How much do printer supplies cost?​

Thermal paper rolls: $0.50-$2.00 each. Exact cost depends on width and quality. A roll typically lasts 200-400 receipts.

Can customers get digital receipts instead of printed?​

Yes! Enable email receipts in Location Settings. Reduces paper costs and is eco-friendly.

Getting Help​

Need assistance with printer setup?

  • 📧 Email: support@ssppos.com
  • 💬 Live Chat: Available in dashboard
  • 📚 Help Center: docs.ssppos.com
  • 🎥 Video Tutorials: Printer setup guides available

Streamline your printing with SSP Manager's flexible printer management.