Hardware advice for Afosto customers
Many retailers starting with Afosto ask us which hardware best supports their processes in the warehouse and in-store.
Because Afosto is a software provider, we don’t sell hardware ourselves. Our advice is always to buy your hardware from a nearby supplier or a trusted online vendor.
This gives you benefits like:
- Fast on-site service in case of malfunctions
- The option to build in redundancy (extra scanners, printers or POS devices in stock)
- Hardware that better fits your business and operational scale
How much you invest in this depends on your company's size and how optimized your operations already are.
Barcode scanners for the warehouse
An optimized warehouse starts with solid scanning. The Afosto WMS app is specially designed for mobile use and works on any device with internet access via https://scan.afosto.app.
Retailers usually go for one of these options:
- Handheld with integrated scanner ("gun"): robust, all-in-one, and ideal for heavy use.
- Separate scanner linked to tablet/laptop/PC: flexible and often more affordable.
Depending on your workflow, you can use accessories like a pistol grip or arm mount, so your team has their hands free when picking orders.
Tested/used by us:
Barcode scanners for my POS
For smooth checkouts, reliable barcode scanners are a must. Afosto POS supports both USB scanners and Bluetooth scanners:
- Bluetooth: more mobility on the shop floor
- USB: simpler and cheaper, but less flexible due to the cable
Tested/used by us:
Printing documents from the OMS/WMS
A well-equipped warehouse uses several types of printers. Our customers typically use:
- Label printer for shipping and return labels.
- Standard printer for packing slips, CMR waybills, Bill of Lading, and other documents that need to go in or with the shipment.
- Label printer for product labels.
If you also use Afosto POS, you’ll usually need a receipt printer for till receipts as well.
Tested/used by us:
- Zebra ZD421D Label Printer (watch out for the Ethernet connection)
Printing with Printnode
All these printers are connected via Printnode: a small program that runs on a computer or laptop in your network, with your printers connected (by cable or wifi). This lets you print directly from Afosto’s platform, WMS app, or POS.
More info:
What do I need to order for printing from OMS/WMS
- Computer or laptop connected to your network to run Printnode
- Label printer for shipping and return labels
- Document printer for packing slips, CMR, Bill of Lading etc.
- Label printer for product labels
- Optional: receipt printer (if you want to print till receipts from POS)
- Needed: label rolls and paper sized for your documents
Hardware for my POS
The Afosto POS is browser-based and accessible at https://pos.afosto.app (log in and create a POS sales channel first).
- Optimized for screens from tablet size and up
- Works in any modern browser (we mainly test in Chrome)
- Also works in Safari and probably on Android tablets, but these are less tested
Tested/used by us as reference:
- iPad Pro 11-inch (A1980) from 2018
To scan at the POS: see Barcode scanners for my POS.
Printing till receipts: see Printing documents from the OMS/WMS.
What do I need to order for POS hardware
- Tablet/laptop/PC (we test with: iPad Pro 11-inch A1980 (2018))
- Barcode scanner (e.g. Zebra DS8108)
- Receipt printer: compatible printers
- Cash drawer
- Holder/stand/cash drawer as needed
General tips
- Redundancy: keep backup devices (extra scanner, label printer, rolls/paper, or a spare tablet) handy.
- Buy local: so you get fast support if something goes wrong.
- Flexibility: since WMS and POS are browser-based, you can use almost any device with internet access.
- Printing: make sure at least one PC or laptop in your local network runs Printnode and can access the connected printers.