Citizen launches fast, feature-rich family of POS printers

Citizen Systems Europe, manufacturer of barcode, label and POS printers, has launched a new fast high-resolution family of thermal POS printers.  Running at speeds of 300mm/sec, the new CT-S801 and CT-S851 machines are said to be ideal for use in busy retail, or combined retail and catering environments, where rapid sales throughput at checkouts is crucial to maintain profit margins.  Just as importantly, the new printers incorporate a host of features, with quick change, trouble-free media mechanisms that minimise downtime and boost productivity and profitability still further.

 
The POS printers feature an integrated, high resolution LCD display, rather than two or three colour LEDs that are normally used.  Introducing an LCD display enables each machine to be setup quickly and simply by unskilled operators, using standard language texts.  Once in operation, the displayed messages can be customised to meet the needs of each retailer; for example, brand logos can easily be incorporated, as can information on who to contact for replacement paper rolls and simple to follow instructions on the steps to take if an operating error occurs.
 
Ease of use is improved still further through the use of quick loading media facilities, with paper rolls normally taking just seconds to replace and long life thermal heads and cutter units being snap-in devices, eliminating the need for tools or the services of a technician.  In the event of a cutter jam, the integrated self retracting cutters can be automatically reset in seconds simply by unlocking the paper cover lever; this helps reduce downtime.
 
With a compact footprint, integrated power supply and a choice of top or front paper exit, the new printers are ideal for use in areas where space is at a premium.  Each printer is built for a long operating life, with a 2 million cycle cutter, robust thermoplastic case and all metal internal mechanism, enabling it to withstand prolonged use without the risk of damage or malfunction.  Connection is via RS232C Serial, Parallel, Ethernet LAN and USB, USB with Hub or Powered USB options.
 
Jrk Schler, POS Product & Marketing Manager for Citizen System Europe, explains that, "We've enjoyed great success with our outgoing CBM1000 POS printer.  This is now being replaced with the fully compatible family of CT-S801 and CT-S851 machines, which represents an important step forward for our customers in the POS sector.  This is the first time that printers of this quality and specification have combined such high speeds, with integrated LCDs and a wide range of features, to offer a solution that can truly help reduce the time taken at the checkout.  Crucially, we have achieved all this and still produced printers that are available through our European network of dealers and VARs at an extremely competitive end user price, making it a winner all round."
 
The CT-S801 is designed primarily for retail applications, with top exit feed, while the sister machine, the CT-S851, has a front paper exit and spill-shield for use in restaurant and catering applications.  This makes Citizen the only supplier with such high specification devices that offer common functionality and operation in complementary sectors, making it easy for combined retail and catering companies to standardise on a single machine and supplier.