Hardware & Peripherals

You can partner the software with a variety of specialty devices and all standard network-capable printers. Although we suggest or even require specific hardware in certain cases, we are a software company and do not provide hardware support for your selected hardware.

What Hardware can we integrate into the Application?

We recommend you review the LBMH General System Requirements (GSR) document (available in the Customer Portal) to learn more about the hardware and peripherals we have tested and certified for use with your Spruce application. These hardware options can extend the capabilities of your system and can include any physical device such as the server, PCs, printers, network equipment, monitors, bar code scanners, etc.

Most hardware also requires software to direct how the equipment functions on its own and with other devices. Software that is used to manage hardware is either purchased or provided by the hardware manufacturer. ECI Software Solutions, Inc. supports those software applications that we have developed and licensed to users. We are unable to provide support for any operating system (aka. "OS"), third-party software applications, or device drivers.

Click here to access the configuration instructions for many of the supported devices.

64-Bit Compatibility and Legacy Devices

When dealing with older or discontinued hardware or "legacy" devices, manufacturers may only supply software and drivers that are compatible with 32-Bit operating systems. Purchasing servers or personal computers (PCs) installed with 64-bit operating systems can potentially limit your hardware options in regard to older devices. This may prevent you from being able to use specialty peripheral devices such as signature pads, ticket printers, and others if they rely on 32-bit drivers. If you must use existing hardware that relies on 32-bit drivers, it's best to choose a 32-Bit operating system unless the manufacturer can produce 64-bit compatible drivers. Again, this is true for both servers and personal computers (PCs, laptops, etc.).

What if I need help with Hardware?

Our help documentation and the support area of our Customer Portal website offers drivers and instructions for the specific hardware we support as well as instructions for installing network printers. This information should be detailed enough for installing and using supported devices. If you need more help, we strongly encourage you to look for a local provider for assistance. Whenever possible, having someone on-site with some technology expertise is ideal. Telephone support for hardware troubleshooting can be difficult since often these types of issues require physical action that cannot be performed remotely. Again, we fully support our software products, but don't provide hardware support.

Getting Ready for Hardware Setup

When you have purchased your add-on hardware and are ready to set it up, consider the following advice. You must complete the hardware setup and testing within 30 cays of receiving your ECI-purchased hardware.

Check your Cabling

  • Review your ECI contract and hardware needs with your IT person to determine how many cable drops you will need at each location.

  • We recommend Cat5e or better cable for better results.

Check your Accessories

  • To assist with testing, make sure you have model-specific paper, labels, ink, or toners for your printers.

General Set Up and Testing Advice

  • Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions to ensure you create proper connections.

  • When the hardware installation is complete, perform your initial testing before you work with the Implementation Specialist to begin configuration. Contact your Project manager when you are ready to begin configuration and provide the following device details for each station and location:

    • Make

    • Model

    • IP Address or USB

Station PCs

  • Windows 11 Pro is required

  • Make sure your stations are updated to the most current version

  • If you have installed antivirus software, you may need to include/authorize the application access

  • Update the station's device settings to support the printers and model-specific drivers

  • Names for the same printer must be consistent across all stations

Laser/Receipt/Label Printer-specific Installation Advice:

  • Use Static IPs for network printers

  • Use TCP/IP ports for network printers

  • Shared printers are not compatible

  • Wired printer connections are recommended

Recommended Hardware and Peripheral Setup Instructions

After you set up these devices in your business, reach out to your Product Manager to schedule time with the Implementation Specialist for configuration support (see here for details).

AnyWare

Note: AnyWare devices must be connected to the local network and requires the latest version of the app.

APG Cash Drawers

Note: Network-based Cash Drawers require a static IP address.

Bar code Scanners

Note: Bar code scanners must be programmed. Scanners that are not supported may work but with limited functionality. Check the GSR for a list of supported devices.

Card Devices

Note: Static IP addresses are required for these devices. Net1 provides detailed setup instructions.

DYMO Label Printers

ePad Signature Devices

Epson TM-T88V Thermal Printer

Network Printer Configuration

Scriptel Signature Devices

SmartKiosk

Using USB Card Swipe Devices

Zebra Label Printers

Zebra TC57 Mobile Device

Completing the Device Configuration with your Implementation Specialist

When your initial testing is complete, your Implementation Specialist can walk you through the configuration of the hardware you are adding, including:

  • Helping you install and test Remote Client software (used for connecting stations to printers, cash drawers, Net1-provided credit card pads, and Point of Sale Assured devices)

  • Setting up device management processes in the application

  • Setting the station defaults for these devices

  • Testing to ensure proper functionality