Understanding the Compact POS Screen Layout

Understanding the Compact POS Screen Layout

The Compact POS screen is a streamlined, modern interface designed for touch screens, tablets, and smaller displays. It offers all the same core functionality as the Standard POS but organizes it into a cleaner, more touch-friendly layout.

When to Use the Compact POS

Your administrator enables the Compact POS by checking "Use Compact POS Screen" in the Machine Settings. The Compact POS is ideal for:

• Touch-screen kiosks and tablets
• Countertop terminals with limited screen space
• Environments where a simplified, modern look is preferred
• Staff who primarily scan items and process quick sales

Screen Sections

1. Top Bar — Search & Browse

The top bar contains:

The search bar supports the same barcode prefix routing as the Standard POS:

• Scan a regular barcode to add an item
• Scan a barcode starting with SN: to look up by serial number
• Scan a barcode starting with GIFT: to apply a gift card
• Scan a barcode starting with CUPN: to apply a coupon
• Scan a barcode starting with CSTMR: to attach a customer

2. Invoice Items Grid (Center)

The center section displays the items grid with the same columns as the Standard POS:

• Line number, Item ID, Description, Quantity, Price, Subtotal, Discount, Tax, Total, and Delete (X) button
• Click on Quantity to change it, Price to override it, or Discount to apply a line discount
• Click X to remove an item

The grid features a modern visual style with hover effects when you move your finger or cursor over a row.

3. Bottom Panel — Totals & Action Buttons

The bottom panel is split into two sections:

Left Side — Totals & Customer (Tabbed)

A tab control lets you switch between two views:

• Invoice Tab — Shows all financial totals (Items Total, Discounts, Taxes, Invoice Total, Payments, Refunds, and Total Due). The Total Due is displayed in large bold text as the primary focus.
• Customer Tab — Shows the currently attached customer name. If no customer is selected, it shows "No Customer".

Right Side — Action Button Grid (4×3)

Twelve action buttons arranged in a 4-column by 3-row grid:

Button colors help you identify actions at a glance:

• Blue — Standard actions (Checkout, Discounts, Print, etc.)
• Green — New Invoice (starting fresh)
• Orange — Hold and Unhold (pausing transactions)
• Red — Cancel Sale (destructive action)

4. The "More" Menu

The More... button opens a dropdown menu with additional actions:

5. Status Bar (Bottom)

The status bar at the very bottom shows:

• Action Menu (same as Standard POS) — Check Out, Open Cash Drawer, Machine Balance Check, Safe Drop, X-Report, Machine Settings, Restart POS, Activity Display, Keyboard Shortcuts, Logout, and Exit
• User and Location — Who is logged in and which location
• Date and Time — Updates every second

Key Differences from the Standard POS

Keyboard Shortcuts

The Compact POS supports the same keyboard shortcuts as the Standard POS. See the Keyboard Shortcuts Reference article for the full list.