Image Control
Introduction
An Image Control refers to a user interface element that allows for the display and management of images within the POS. By effectively utilizing Image Controls, a retail business can enhance the visual appeal and functionality of its POS, making it more user-friendly.
Key Aspects of Image Control
Some of the key points about its significance are listed below:
Visual Branding:
Image Controls can be used to display logos, promotional images, and other branding elements, helping to reinforce the business's visual identity on the POS interface.
Product Display:
These controls are often used to show images of products, making it easier for staff and customers to identify items quickly. This is particularly useful in retail environments where visual confirmation of products can enhance the shopping experience.
Customization:
Image Controls can be customized to fit the specific needs of the business. This includes adjusting the size, position, and type of images displayed, ensuring they align with the overall design and functionality of the POS.
Interactive Elements:
In some POS systems, Image Controls can be interactive, allowing users to click on images to view more details, add items to a cart, or perform other actions. This interactivity can improve the efficiency and user experience of the POS system.
Dynamic Content:
Image Controls can be configured to display dynamic content, such as rotating banners or slideshows, which can be used to highlight special offers, new arrivals, or important announcements.
1. Steps to create an Image Control
The steps to create an Image Control are explained below:
Step 1. Navigate to Home > Retail. Then under the POS Interface & Controls section click on the Image Control shortcut.
This should take you to the Image Control List View screen. This List View screen displays data in a list format where each row represents an Image Control.
Step 2. Click on the Add Image Control button in the top right corner. This will open the New Image Control screen. All the settings pertaining to your Image Control can be configured from this screen.
Fill in the details on the New Image Control screen including the mandatory fields. Click the Save button to save the changes and exit the screen. The screenshot below depicts a Sample Button Title Image Control screen.
2. Image Control Screen Explained
The various fields in the Image Control screen are explained below:
Control ID
Specify the Control ID. Control ID is a unique identifier assigned to a specific control element, such as an image control, within the POS interface. This ID is used to reference and manage the control programmatically. For Image Control, the Control ID allows the POS system to display images (like product pictures or store logos) at designated locations on the interface. For example, a control with the ID #ITEMPICTURE might be used to show the image of an item being scanned. This ensures that the correct image is displayed in the right place and can be dynamically updated based on the context, such as switching between different product images or promotional content.
Control Name
Specify the Control Name. Control Name is a label assigned to a specific control element, such as an image control, within the POS interface. This name is used to identify and reference the control within the system's configuration and programming. For Image Control, the Control Name helps developers and administrators manage and customize the display of images on the POS screen. For example, a control named ProductImage might be used to display the image of the currently scanned product. This makes it easier to locate and modify the control in the system's code or settings, ensuring that the correct image is shown in the right place.
Attach Image Button
An Attach Image Button is a user interface element that allows users to upload or link an image to a specific control or record within the system. This button is typically used to add visual elements, such as product images, customer photos, or promotional graphics, to enhance the POS interface and provide visual context. When a user clicks the Attach Image Button, it usually opens a dialog box or file explorer, enabling them to select an image file from their device. Once the image is selected, it is uploaded and displayed in the designated image control area on the POS screen.
Image Type
Image Type refers to the format or category of an image that is used within the system's interface. This can include various file formats and types of images that the POS can display and manage. Some common Image Types in a POS are:
File Formats:
JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, etc., which determine how the image data is stored and displayed.
Usage Types:
Product images, customer photos, promotional banners, and icons, each serving different purposes within the POS interface. For example, a product image might be in JPEG format, while a promotional banner could be a PNG file. The POS must support these different image types to ensure they are displayed correctly and efficiently.
Control Panel Settings
Control Panel Settings refer to the configuration options available within the system's control panel that allow users to manage and customize various aspects of the POS interface, including image controls. These settings enable administrators to adjust how images are displayed, uploaded, and managed within a POS. For Image Control, Control Panel Settings might include options such as:
Image Upload Paths:
Specifying directories or locations where images are stored.
Display Settings:
Configuring how and where images appear on the POS interface, such as size, position, and resolution.
Image Formats:
Defining acceptable image file types (e.g., JPEG, PNG) that can be used within the system.
Permissions:
Setting user access levels for uploading, modifying, or deleting images.
These settings allow a POS to handle images efficiently and display them correctly, enhancing the overall user experience.