Overview
Boulevard has multiple pieces of compatible hardware you can choose to utilize with the system based on your business needs. Specifications are outlined below.
Hardware
Required Hardware:
Desktop or Laptop at the Front Desk to run the system at its full capacity
We recommend a device with at least 2 USB ports as well
Full-size iPad running iOS 13+ (if you're using the Boulevard Duo to process payments - iPad Mini is not compatible with Duo).
Required Specs: The computing requirement is that the computer still actively receives updates from the operating system and can run the latest version of Google Chrome
Download Chrome for Mac: https://bit.ly/2OiPS68
Download Chrome for PC: https://bit.ly/2qq2uLe
Optional Hardware:
Boulevard Duo: https://shop.joinblvd.com/products/duo
Offers the flexibility to dip and tap cards or use multiple contactless payment methods like Apple or Google Pay.
Compatible with the Boulevard Duo iPad app and Boulevard dashboard for a complete front-desk client experience.
Credit Card Swiper:
Recommended options: https://bit.ly/2LKAvSA, https://amzn.to/2pbUpNm
At the moment BLVD is only compatible with USB credit card scanners and not Bluetooth-enabled scanners. Please do not purchase these items outside of these links (i.e. Staples, Office Depot, Amazon) as their security levels could be specific to the store where it is purchased and are not compatible with Boulevard.
iPad: for Boulevard Duo App to be able to have clients check in, complete forms, and check out/add gratuity with swiper or Duo
Must be on iOS 13+ update. iPad Mini is not compatible.
Receipt Printer: https://amzn.to/3pX2aDg or https://bit.ly/3ij6gzg (USB Versions)
The receipt printer is set up via the computer itself, not through Boulevard. If you run into issues during set up you can feel free to reach out via Help Chat or support@blvd.co but if needing assistance with the initial setup you will be directed to the printer manufacturer’s support.
Cash Register/Drawer: Any cash register is compatible as long as it is “stand-alone” and does not require to be synced to a receipt printer
Barcode Scanner: https://amzn.to/3Jikcrz or https://bit.ly/3I6qJnr
We recommend any 2D/3D scanner with a USB connection
Testing
How to test credit card swipers:
NOTE: Credit card swipes are really a shortcut to “typing” the information contained in the magnetic track into the computer - no different than if you had typed it yourself. However, it is encoded in a special way. These instructions help to determine if your credit card swiper is compatible with Boulevard based on the response format you receive.
Open Notepad (or any other text editor on your computer)
Select the screen to focus the cursor as if you were about to type into the document
Swipe the credit card
After swiping, you should see something that looks like the following: %B4242424242424242^DOE/JOHN …..
Compatible swipers produce a code that:
Starts with a "%B"
Includes the card's full, correct number
Is followed by a caret (^) symbol
Ends with the card owner's full name
Swipers are NOT compatible if they produce a code that:
Doesn't follow the exact format outlined above
Doesn't match the numbers shown on the card
If it does not follow this format, or the numbers do not match the exact same numbers on the card, that means the credit card swipe has encryption keys added to the device that causes the swiper to be unreadable - if you swipe a card into Boulevard, we are not able to charge it.
How to Test Receipt Printers:
NOTE: This test must take place using Google Chrome on your computer. This test cannot be completed using a mobile or iPad device.
Sign in to your Boulevard dashboard
Select the Sales tab and click New Sale
Create a new sale for a product or service
Manually adjust the price to $0
Complete the sale by selecting "Complete and Close"
Click "Print Receipt" once the sale is finalized
If your printer is compatible, the receipt will print as expected without complications or errors
If your printer is NOT compatible, the receipt will not print
How to Test Current Barcode Scanners:
NOTE: This test must take place using Google Chrome on your computer. This test cannot be completed using a mobile or iPad device.
Sign in to your Boulevard dashboard
Add your test product from the Manage Business tab, including the product's barcode, and enable the product at your location
Select the Sales tab and click New Sale
Click on the products line of the sale window (the scanner will not read the barcode if the cursor is not on the product line
Scan your test product
If your scanner is compatible, it will add the product to the order
If your scanner is NOT compatible, the product will not be added to the order
NOTE: It is recommended to use the barcode scanners recommended by Boulevard as these have been verified to be compatible with the dashboard.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us via Help Chat or support@blvd.co. If you are not live yet your Onboarding Specialist is the best person to contact, but Support can loop them in if necessary!