Compatible Hardware Overview
The following is a list of compatible hardware items for the Swim system. If you are looking at purchasing new hardware to use with your Swim system, please select a hardware item from the list below, as it will ensure you have an easy setup and compatibility.
Devices
You can use Swim on any device, so long as it has an internet browser (Chrome, Safari or Firefox) and is connected to the internet. You can use a PC, laptop, Mac, LInux/Unix desktop, android tablet, iPad, windows tablet - any device that you wish. If you have existing hardware, there is no need to upgrade, unless you want to. Swim will work perfectly fine on older hardware.
Printers
You can view the different styles of receipt, job packet and other printouts in the Swim support centre knowledgebase. This link will take you to that article.
You can view how to install printers and use with Swim in the following article here.
Just a foreword, it is important to check with whoever you purchase the printer from that it is compatible with your operating system (be it Windows or OSX) and that it is also able to print .pdf files.
Stock Tags
For printing stock tags, we recommend the Zebra range of TLP 300 dpi printers. example models are 3844Z or Zebra GX430T or higher. Please note that printers are thermal printers. These are preferred over the LP model which is direct transfer. With the thermal transfer model it will ensure you can use print that is waterproof and will not come off in cleaning machines or by scratching.
If you already own a stock tag printer you can test it first following the printer setup guide as many printers do work with Swim as all that is needed is for the printer to be able to print a pdf format.
Receipts
For printing receipts you can choose to either print a receipt to standard size printing paper as a one copy or perforated standard size paper as a 2 or 3 copy receipt. Alternatively you can choose a docket printer, which will print a small docket receipt. For the standard paper, any standard printer that works on your existing computer will be compatible. For the docket receipt printer you can also use any standard docket receipt printer that works with your existing computer and can print a pdf document. For Mac OSX, iPad or Tablet point of sale you will need a printer that is compatible with the MAC, iPad or tablet that you are using, and can print a pdf document.
The recommeded docket receipt printer is the Star Micronics TSP650ii WebPRNT (or TSP654II WebPRNT). This printer will work on Windows, Mac, tablets and iPads. For optimal printing of docket receipts we also recommend using chrome with silent printing (kiosk printing)
While we recommend the Star printer, you can use any docket receipt printer so long as it is compatible with the operating system or device that you are using. Also note that different web browsers have different pdf viewers. The chrome and firefox browsers are recommended over safari as the printing of the receipt will look nicer and allows for one click printing.
For printing job packets you have the same printer options as receipts. Like receipts there are several job packet templates including a two copy and three copy layout. The three copy layout includes barcodes and is designed for the following pre-purchased form that includes the packet as part of the layout. ITEM# LE-1. You can purchase the job packet paper directly from Impact Forms.
Scanners
For scanning the barcode tags, we recommend either a bluetooth cordless barcode scanner (that you can use for stocktakes and works with tablets and iPads) such as the CypherLab 1560 Bluetooth Linear Scanner or a corded barcode scanner (plugs directly into computer) such as the: CypherLab1500 Series Scanner. If you are looking for a barcode scanner, any 1D or 2D scanners that has capability of reading a 3mils barcode (that's three one hundredths of an inch) will be compatible.
RFID
There are a variety of equipment and tag options created to meet different needs. Contact us to discuss your work flow, priorities and environment and we will recommend the right RFID system for you.