How to Set the "Initial Focus" Field in POS
The Initial focus on setting determines which input field automatically becomes active (highlighted with a green border) when you open the POS screen. By setting this to the field you use most frequently, your cashiers can start scanning or typing immediately without needing to use their mouse to click into the box first.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Access the POS Settings: From your main POS screen, click the Settings icon (the gear symbol) to open the configuration menu.
*[Image: Main POS screen showing the mouse pointer clicking the Settings gear icon]* - Locate the Setting: In the "POS Local Settings" window, stay on the Global Settings tab. Look near the top left for the section labeled Initial focus on.
- Select Your Preferred Field: You will see a list of radio buttons representing different input fields. Click the circle next to the field you want the system to focus on by default. The available options include:
- Barcode: Best if your cashiers primarily use a barcode scanner to add items.
- Product: Best if your cashiers usually search for items by typing the product name.
- Mobile: Best if you start transactions by looking up a customer's phone number.
- Scan Cloth: For specific retail setups tracking apparel tags.
*[Image: Global settings menu showing the 'Initial focus on' section with the 'Product' option selected]* - Save Your Changes: After making your selection, click the Save Settings button in the bottom right corner of the window.
- Verify the Focus: The POS screen will refresh. You will notice that the field you selected (for example, the "Product Name" or "Barcode" field) now has a green outline, and the text cursor is blinking inside it, ready for immediate input.
*[Image: POS screen showing the 'Barcode' field highlighted in green with the active text cursor]*
Pro Tip: Optimize for Speed
To maximize checkout efficiency, choose the option that matches your most common workflow. If your store relies heavily on a USB barcode scanner, always set the focus to Barcode. This ensures that the moment a new transaction begins, the cashier can just point and shoot the scanner without touching the mouse or keyboard.
