Utilizing Recreation Management in the Field FAQs

In-Article GlossaryThis article goes over FAQs for POS in the field.

Can I Use a Mobile Device? Which One? 

Technically Mobile Devices are not supported, but Mobile Devices can be used for manual card entry at any time, with the desktop view. As far as capability with an EMV device, this is mostly dependent on the payment processor and their device. 

For our partners, the limitations are as follows: 

• Authorize.net - Although the BBPOS Chipper 2x has Bluetooth capabilities, the use of Mobile Device devices falls under needing to update the firmware. This is due to the need for the CivicPlus Pay Tray App which we currently do not have built for mobile devices. The issue is that until our products determine that they are willing to support In-Person payments on Mobile Devices there is no reason to build that functionality into the application. AuthNet also has a Mobile (MPoS) Application as Elavon does, the same rules apply and it will not integrate with CivicPlus Pay. 
• Global Payments integrated - There are no mobile capabilities with EMV devices. This is due to limitations with their Recreation Management software. Currently, the Recreation Management software is only built for computer operating systems for Mac and Windows.
• Elavon Converge - Currently, there is an application to take payments with a Mobile Device that is provided by Elavon Converge. This is an application developed by Converge and connects directly with Converge. It should NOT be used due to it bypassing Recreation Management and CivicPlus Pay. This will result in transactions not being accounted for in Recreation Management. 
• Forte- Forte does have the capability to use Mobile Devices with EMV devices. What the customer needs is called the Wedget application. This acts as the bridge from Recreation Management to CivicPlus Pay to Forte. Pairing this with the eDynamo card reader that is Bluetooth capable is the ideal solution for staff. How to set that up can be found in the eDynamo Product guide. 
  • Note: If a customer uses the Wedget app, that will be enough to take mobile transactions. However, If the customer experiences any issues, we do not support it so they will need to contact Forte Technical Support for assistance.

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Can I use an iPad? Which One? 

Technically iPads are not supported, but iPads can be used for manual card entry at any time, with the desktop view. As far as capability with an EMV device, this is mostly dependent on the payment processor and their device.

Important Note 

• Due to the reliability of the iOS and Apple products, it is a best practice to stay away from older generation iPads to ensure continued performance. For example, Generation 6 and above. 

For our partners, the limitations are as follows: 

• Authorize.net - Although the BBPOS Chipper 2x has Bluetooth capabilities, the use of iPad devices falls under needing to update the firmware. This is due to the need for the CivicPlus Pay Tray App which we currently do not have built for mobile devices. The issue is that until our products determine that they are willing to support In-Person payments on Mobile Devices there is no reason to build that functionality into the application. AuthNet also has a Mobile (MPoS) Application as Elavon does, the same rules apply and it will not integrate with CivicPlus Pay. 
• Global Payments integrated - There are no iPad capabilities with EMV devices. This is due to limitations with their Recreation Management software. Currently, the Recreation Management software is only built for computer operating systems for Mac and Windows.
• Elavon Converge - Currently, there is an application to take payments with an iPad that is provided by Elavon Converge. This is an application developed by Converge and connects directly with Converge. It should NOT be used due to it bypassing Recreation Management and CivicPlus Pay. This will result in transactions not being accounted for in Recreation Management. 
• Forte- Forte does have the capability to use iPads with EMV devices. What the customer needs is called the Wedget application. This acts as the bridge from Recreation Management to CivicPlus Pay to Forte. Pairing this with the eDynamo card reader that is Bluetooth capable is the ideal solution for staff. How to set that up can be found in the eDynamo Product guide. 
  • Note: If a customer uses the Wedget app, that will be enough to take mobile transactions. However, If the customer experiences any issues, we do not support it so they will need to contact Forte Technical Support for assistance. 

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Can I use a Tablet? Which one? 

Yes, you can use a tablet. When it comes to tablets, it is best to utilize a Microsoft Surface that has Windows 8 or higher installed. Since the Surface and Windows operating system mirror that of a laptop as well as the Surface having a USB port, this can work with any of the payment processors as any needed third-party software (CivicPlus Pay Tray App, Recreation Management, and Converge Connect) can be installed on these devices.

Any Surface with Windows 8 or Higher should do. You do not want to use a Galaxy or Fire Tablet as these have Android Operating Systems and will not have the same capabilities thus limiting the customer only to Forte.

Does it have to be a Laptop? Which one?

Depending on the payment processor as well as what you wish for mobile capabilities, you can use either a Laptop, a Desktop, or an appropriate mobile device.

Which Browser is Best?

Recreation Management is best to run with Google Chrome. However, now that Microsoft Edge uses Chromium, the architecture that Chrome is built on, Microsoft Edge is just as good in case the organization's IT department does not allow for the use of Chrome. 

What Operating System?

For Forte Drivers - 

For Global Payments Integrated Recreation Management: 

• Windows:  Windows 8.1  Windows 10 Windows Server 2016  Windows Server 2019
• MacOS: Mac OS X 10 or higher

For Elavon Converge Commerce Web Services (CWS): 

• You can only install CWS on Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.

For CivicPlus Pay Tray App: 

• Windows: Windows 8 or higher

• MacOS: MacOS X 10 or higher

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What credit card machine will work with this with my processor?

Please refer to the Gateway hardware Overview article for the devices that are recommended for the payment processor

Can I use Square?

Square is not a supported gateway. Here is a list of integrated gateways

Do I need special cables?

The payment processor will include the needed cables for device setup. However, it is good to have an additional USB Micro C cable on hand if you need a spare or for troubleshooting. This cable is similar to that of many electronic devices used for charging and is not to be confused with the USB Type C. A best practice is to check with the IT department for any spares that may be on hand that match the one provided by the payment processor. 

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Can I use Bluetooth?

With Authorize.net, the BBPOS Chipper has Bluetooth capabilities, however, this can only be paired and used with a laptop or desktop. With cellular devices, Bluetooth capabilities are currently limited to updating device firmware.

For Forte, you can use Bluetooth with the Wedget application for the eDynamo device. Please see the important information in Question 1 Section 4. 

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What printer can I use?

Here is the recommended hardware guide for receipt printers.

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Do I need a phone line or can a hot spot work or will Wi-Fi work?

The best connection for a Desktop or Laptop is through Ethernet Cable which will ensure the strongest connection to the internet.

For Mobile Devices, you can use Cellular Data if applicable, hotspots, or Wi-Fi. You will want to make sure that there is a solid connection.

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In-Article Glossary

Review the Help Center Glossary, a comprehensive explanation of the acronyms, abbreviations, and company-specific terminology. The terms located in this section are listed alphabetically:

• FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions 
• POS: Point of Sale 
• EMV: Europay, Mastercard, and Visa. A payment method based on a technical standard for smart payment cards and for payment terminals and automated teller machines that can accept them.
• MPos: Mobile Point of Sale 
• App: Application 
• Mac: Macintosh
• I.T.: Information Technology 
• PC: Personal Computer 
• OS: Operating System 
• PCI: Payment Card Industry

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