How to use NodeDR POS: a step-by-step guide

Step 1

Install NodeDR POS and open it

Choose the install option that matches the machine you will use as the shop till. The Microsoft Store app is for Windows. CasaOS and ZimaOS users can import the CasaOS app manifest. Docker hosts can copy the one-command installer from the home page.

1. 1Open the app after installation. On the computer running the app, visit http://localhost:1994.
2. 2To use another till, tablet, or phone on the same network, open http://<shop-computer-ip>:1994 in its browser.

Tip: For Docker, Docker Compose must be available on the host. The one-command quick start on the home page helps install the required tools on supported systems.

Step 2

Create your shop account and settings

The first launch opens a three-step setup wizard. Create your administrator login, add the shop details that should appear on bills, then finish setup to open the dashboard.

1. 1Step 1: enter your name, email, and password for the shop administrator. Save the password somewhere safe; it is stored on this machine.
2. 2Step 2: enter the shop name and address, choose your currency, and set a low-stock alert threshold. Turn on tax or loyalty options if your shop uses them.
3. 3Step 3: choose Go to Dashboard. The dashboard starts empty and shows sales, low stock, orders, and customer dues as you use the app.

Step 3

Add products to inventory

Add products before opening checkout. Each product stores its name, category, selling price, stock quantity, and optional barcode and SKU.

1. 1Open Inventory and choose Add product.
2. 2If the item has a barcode, scan it or type it in. If not, choose Generate barcode; you can print the label later.
3. 3Enter the product name, optional SKU and category, purchase and selling prices, stock quantity, and the reorder alert level.
4. 4Choose Add product. Confirm the new row shows the correct barcode, price, and stock. Use Bulk import for a larger product list.

Tip: A USB barcode scanner that types the code like a keyboard works at checkout. You can also use the camera scanner on a supported phone or tablet.

Step 4

Make a sale at POS Checkout

POS Checkout is the counter workflow. Add items to the cart, choose a payment method, and finalize the bill. You can use a USB scanner or type a product name in the search box.

1. 1Open POS Checkout. Scan a barcode or type a name in the product search field, then select the matching product. Scan again or use + to add more units.
2. 2Check the cart quantity and total. Add a customer or discount if needed.
3. 3Choose CASH, UPI, or CARD. For cash, enter the amount received or choose Paid in full; the app calculates change when needed.
4. 4Choose Finalize Sale. The confirmation shows the invoice number and offers Print, Download PDF, Print via USB, WhatsApp, and A4 Invoice.

Step 5

Review reports and online orders

Use Reports to understand how the shop is doing. If you have connected an online store, the order board helps staff move orders through fulfilment.

1. 1Open Sales to search past invoices. Select an invoice to view its items or reprint it.
2. 2Open Reports and choose 7d, 30d, or 90d to review revenue, gross profit, bills, average bill, category sales, and busy hours.
3. 3Use the tax export links when needed, and export sales history as CSV from the dashboard for spreadsheet review.
4. 4For connected online ordering, open Online Orders and move each order through New, Packing, Ready, and Collected as work progresses.

Step 6

Print invoices and look up warranties

Use invoice settings for larger customer documents. For products that need serial or IMEI tracking, turn tracking on for those products and record the identifier during checkout.

1. 1Open Settings and configure the invoice layout and shop signature.
2. 2From a sale, print a receipt or create an A4 invoice with the shop and tax details.
3. 3When a tracked item is sold, enter its serial number or IMEI when checkout asks for it.
4. 4Later, open Warranty and scan or enter that identifier to find the sale date and warranty status.

Step 7

Keep your shop data safe and up to date

Your sales and inventory are stored with the app on your machine. Include the app data in your regular backups, and keep the app current so you receive fixes and improvements.

1. 1For Docker Compose, back up the nodedr-pos_data volume. CasaOS stores app data under its NodeDR POS AppData directory.
2. 2Use Settings → Updates when an update is available, or follow the update instructions for your install method.
3. 3Before moving the app to another machine, make a backup and follow the restore steps in the project documentation.

Tip: Stopping or replacing containers is different from deleting the persistent data volume. Keep a separate backup before making storage changes.