Connectivity can often be a concern especially for mobile operators like food trucks. In this article we'll cover the basics of what Seamless can and can't do.
The basics of connectivity:
Seamless' iPad app connects via wifi to your router and onwards to the internet and also to any local network printers.
Receipt printers are connected by USBC cable or lightning cable to the iPad
Cash drawers are plugged into the receipt printer
Local network printers are plugged into your router by network/ethernet cable
The server that hosts the cloud back office is connected to the main internet
Card machines talk to the iPad via the internet or bluetooth, some cabled options are also available that connect via the printer. Card machines talk to the payment service provider for authorisation via the internet.
What happens when the internet goes offline?
Provided that your router does not enter into a state where it blocks local traffic if offline, your system will operate as follows. (To test this, just unplug the phone or fibre cable from your router and try some kitchen print operations on the POS).
Normal Operation:
POS app
Printing to kitchen or bar prep via local network or cable
Cash drawers
Altered Operation:
Tables - The iPad (terminal) the table was first opened on will become the system of record. e.g. if you opened table 2 on the iPad situated on the restaurant floor, you will need to use this iPad to make any changes or pay it off.
No Operation:
Card payments - only very large businesses typically take the risk of processing transactions offline, without an internet connection the card machine cannot contact your customers bank to check if there are sufficient funds in the account.
This could be overcome by temporarily tethering / hotspotting a mobile phone to the iPad or card machine. We would suggest for businesses that have a history of connectivity issues reaching out to our team for advice on backup options, external 4G/5G antennas etc.