Pleno · Store Hardware Checklist (English)
For: New store owners, purchasing staffThis checklist helps you buy all the hardware needed for "scan-to-order + POS + kitchen display". Prices below are rough market references in Thai Baht (THB); actual prices depend on local suppliers.
1. Core Principle: Network First, Devices Second
Scan-to-order, POS, and kitchen display all depend on the network and server. No matter how good the devices are, they stop working without a network. Therefore:
- Stable broadband + a good router is the first priority.
- Key devices (POS terminal, kitchen screen) should be connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to prevent lost orders during sudden power outages.
- You do not need the most expensive devices. Stable, sufficient, and easy-to-maintain devices are the most important.
2. Hardware List (By Role)
1. Network & Power
| Device | Purpose | Recommendation | Reference Price |
|---|
| Enterprise router / wireless AP | Cover the whole store with WiFi for customer scanning | Dual-band gigabit, 50+ clients | 1,500–4,000 THB |
| Stable broadband | System operation and online payment | At least 100 Mbps; dedicated line preferred | Monthly fee |
| UPS | Keep POS / kitchen screen alive during power failure | 600VA–1000VA | 1,200–2,500 THB |
| Multi-port switch (large stores) | Wire multiple devices | 8-port gigabit | 500–1,000 THB |
2. POS Counter
| Device | Purpose | Recommendation | Reference Price |
|---|
| POS computer / tablet | Run the POS screen | Windows mini PC + monitor, or 10–11 inch Android tablet | 5,000–12,000 THB |
| Barcode scanner (optional) | Scan customer payment code / product code | USB or Bluetooth, 1D+2D | 300–800 THB |
| Receipt printer | Print checkout receipts | LAN / USB thermal 80mm | 1,500–3,000 THB |
| Cash drawer (optional) | Store cash | Triggered by receipt printer | 500–1,000 THB |
3. Customer Scan-to-Order
| Device | Purpose | Recommendation | Reference Price |
|---|
| Table QR stickers | Customers scan to order after sitting | Waterproof and wear-resistant PVC / acrylic, 1–2 per table | 20–50 THB each |
| Entrance / welcome QR | Customers view the menu before entering | Stand + large QR code | 100–300 THB |
| Tablet (self-service, optional) | Self-order kiosk at the door | Old tablet + stand works fine | Reuse old device |
Customers scan with their own phones, so you do not need a tablet for every table. Table stickers + customer phones are enough and the most cost-effective option.
4. Kitchen Display (KDS)
| Device | Purpose | Recommendation | Reference Price |
|---|
| Kitchen tablet / touch screen | Show pending orders (KDS) | Waterproof 10-inch Android tablet + wall mount | 3,000–6,000 THB |
| Kitchen receipt printer (optional) | Print "kitchen tickets" | Same 80mm thermal | 1,500–3,000 THB |
| Label printer (optional) | Print dish labels / packing labels | Thermal label printer | 1,500–3,000 THB |
5. Management & Office
| Device | Purpose | Recommendation | Reference Price |
|---|
| Owner phone / computer | View reports and manage menu remotely | Existing device is fine | — |
| Staff phone (optional) | Servers use the app to track orders | Old Android phone | Reuse old device |
3. Minimum Setup for a Small Single Store
- 1 POS tablet / computer + 1 receipt printer
- 1–2 QR stickers per table
- 1 kitchen tablet (KDS)
- 1 good router + 1 UPS
- Total roughly 10,000–18,000 THB (phones excluded; customers use their own)
4. Chain / Multi-store Additions
- Equip each branch with the same "small store minimum setup".
- Headquarters only needs a computer or phone with internet to view reports across stores. No extra hardware needed.
- Standardize device models for easier maintenance.
5. Printing Options
- Network printer (recommended): Choose a cloud-enabled printer. The server can push receipts directly to the printer, no extra device needed, and it works with iPhone, Android, and web.
- Local receipt printer (Android only): If using a USB / WiFi receipt printer in the store, install the "Print Agent App" on an Android device as a bridge. iPhone does not support this local direct connection; use the network printer option instead.
6. Purchasing Notes
- Confirm your store account is active before buying hardware to avoid wrong purchases.
- For printers, prefer LAN (network) models over Bluetooth-only; they are more stable and work over distance.
- Table stickers must be waterproof and oil-resistant for the kitchen environment.
- Use the same brand of router for all devices for more stable WiFi.
- Keep invoices and warranties for quick replacement if devices fail.
*This checklist only covers hardware needed for opening a store.*