It bridges the gap between the PoS application and the different devices on the local network (e.g. printers, payment terminals, etc). By local network we mean everything that is behind an internet box (e.g. Proximus b-box) whether it is wired (ethernet) or wireless.

Note that if the peripherals used in your PoS (e.g. printers, payment terminals, etc.) are connected directly to it, there is no need for IoT. On the other hand, if they are connected to the local network, then Odoo PoS must be able to find and communicate with them. The IoT box can be very useful in this case.

Indeed, Odoo PoS (like Odoo as a whole) is a web application and therefore needs to be run by a web browser. For security reasons, web browsers limit the access of a web app.

For example - A web app will not be able to access files on the machine, without the user's permission. It will also have limited access to the local network and its devices (so that it cannot exploit them).

The IoT Box is an independent device on the local network. It does not run in a web browser and is therefore not limited by the same security rules. It is therefore free to contact other devices on this network.

The IoT Box therefore extends the capabilities of the PoS across the local network to find other devices and enable communication between them and the PoS. 

By using an IoT Box, your PoS is able to print receipts, use payment terminals, weighing scale, customer display, etc. Of course, in order to make all this possible, we had to develop specific drivers that will do the bridge. That’s the reason why some devices might work or not with an IoT box. 

If you want a complete list of compatible devices, please refer to the following documentation : 

• POS Hardware : https://www.odoo.com/app/point-of-sale-hardware

Remember : 

Having connected devices in your PoS is not always required. You can manage receipt printing, cash drawer opening, terminal payments, weighing products without having these devices connected to Odoo. This option is a good option for many customers, it requires a bit more time for every transaction/order and is a manual process. There is no automation at all. 

Depending on your customers business, having your devices connected can have an additional value in the processing of the orders. Usually, when you have a high amount of products/sales a day, it becomes interesting to fasten your sales process in the shop.

If some automation is required for your business, your hardware needs additional help. In this case, you have two options : 

The IoT Box is not needed. 

It is possible to have a complete POS setup working without the need of an IoT Box. 

However, this is only possible depending on your customers needs and pre-existing hardware. 

If your customer does not have any hardware yet, you can advise the hardware working without IoT.

The IoT Box is needed. 

If your customer does already have pre-existing hardware, you’ll probably need to check the hardware specifications and check whether this is compatible with our IoT box, yes or no. This will be further discussed in other forum entries.