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A checkout, payment terminal or vending machine serves hundreds of customers a day, and any downtime costs the store revenue. Devices must read a code or card quickly, rely on a network connection and withstand continuous operation. That is why identification speed, a stable connection, a readable display and durable controls are decisive in the design.
This text is organised by the tasks a device performs in a store: identifying goods and customers, communication, display, control, audio and environmental monitoring. The components covered are used in checkouts, terminals, vending machines, information kiosks and warehouse logistics.
Fixed-mount Opticon barcode scanners are installed in checkouts, self-checkouts and sorting lines. The range includes 2D CMOS scanners with IP65 protection that communicate via RS232C or USB, and the USB version captures 100 frames per second. For simple barcodes, a 1D laser scanner with IP43 protection is available.
Loyalty cards, employee badges and contactless tags are read by Elatec and Stronglink RFID readers. The Elatec TWN4 MultiTech 2 combines the 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz bands with a USB interface. For integration into a terminal, there is a 38 × 38 mm reader/writer module for MIFARE® and NFC with a UART interface.
Payment terminals and vending machines without a wired network are connected by Quectel LTE Cat 4 LTE modules in mPCIe format. The signal is picked up by 2J Antennas antennas, for example the "Pillar" type for 5G NR, 4G, 3G and 2G or an internal antenna with a U.FL connector. The operator's card sits in Attend SIM card holders for SIM, Micro SIM and Nano SIM formats with a hinged cover or a push-push or push-pull mechanism.
Older devices with RS232 or RS485 interfaces are connected to the network by Ethernet modules. Lantronix offers the UDS1100 external device server and the XPort embedded web server, and an RS485 to Ethernet converter for DIN rail mounting is also available. Warehouse staff can use AAEON rugged tablets with a 10.1" display and 800 nits brightness.
Operating a checkout or scale is easier with Display Visions TFT displays with their own graphics logic, 2.8" or 3.5" diagonals and capacitive touch. For information kiosks and digital signage, there is a 10.1" TFT display with 1280 × 800 resolution, 1400 cd/m² brightness, an HDMI interface and an operating range of -30 to 80 °C. Compact scales can use a Winstar 128 × 32 OLED module, and Lexsystem and TechNexion panel PCs can control an entire kiosk.
The controls of a vending machine must withstand thousands of presses. Schurter offers TTS 22 push-button switches with optical touchless sensing in stainless steel and MSM II push-buttons with IP67 protection. Main power is handled by a Schurter power entry module with a C14 inlet, filter, switch and fuse holder, while the internal electronics are powered by PCB-mount AC/DC power supplies from 3 to 20 W.
Music and announcements in the store are delivered by Visaton 100 V speakers, for example a ceiling type with IP54 protection and a range of 75 to 20,000 Hz. At refrigerated displays and in warehouses, Sensirion humidity sensors with an I2C interface monitor temperature and humidity. Overheated connections in cabinets and vending machines are revealed by a Teledyne FLIR thermal imaging camera.
When choosing a reader, communication module or display, you can turn to our technical team. For some products we will send you a sample to test in your prototype. Tell us what device you are developing and we will recommend suitable components.
