How much does automation cost?

So, you have decided to automate your store.

Let’s roughly estimate what is required and how much store automation costs. The minimum initial automation set includes a computer, a scanner, and software.

For a full setup, depending on the scale and business type of the store, the following are required:

Barcode scanner (from UAH 750)

A barcode scanner is used to read barcodes during goods receipt, sales, returns, and stocktaking. The barcode is generated automatically in the Torgsoft software or taken from the product packaging created by the manufacturer. The scanner also reads barcodes from customer discount cards.

Barcode scanners can be laser or LED, wired or wireless, handheld or stationary. The choice depends on the specifics of retail operations in your store.

Receipt printer (from UAH 1,200)

A receipt printer is used to print non-fiscal receipts or vouchers. Receipt printers are non-fiscal, unlike cash registers and fiscal printers, and do not require registration with government authorities; they are used by Sole Proprietorships on the simplified tax system. Receipt printers operate using thermal printing technology and do not require ink ribbons or cartridges; the only consumable needed is thermal paper rolls.

The software can be configured so that a receipt is printed automatically for each sale or on demand. The receipt includes a barcode that allows you to retrieve a previously completed purchase from the software. The appearance of the receipt can be easily customized — you can add advertising, discount and bonus information, a logo, and return and warranty terms.

Label printer (from UAH 2,600)

Used for printing barcodes on thermal labels.

Label printers are used to print price tags or product markings for other purposes. The software automatically prints a barcode on the price tag, which is scanned during sales or inventory checks. The barcode is generated by the software. If the product already has a manufacturer’s barcode, the price is determined based on that barcode.

Labels are printed on special self-adhesive paper in rolls. They adhere easily to any surface (fabric, plastic, wood), do not fade or wear off, and can be removed without leaving residue or damage. Price tags can have any shape and size and include a logo and discount information. To learn what other information can be included on a price tag, read our article.

Universal printer (from UAH 3,100)

This printer combines the functions of a receipt printer and a label printer and allows printing either format by simply changing the receipt paper or the label roll. This option is suitable for stores with moderate customer traffic and relatively infrequent price tag changes.

Fiscal printer (around UAH 11,000) or Software ECR (UAH 3,990)

Used for printing fiscal receipts and transmitting sales data from the software to the tax authorities. According to the requirements of Ukrainian legislation, a fiscal printer or Software ECR must be used by Sole Proprietorships of groups 2–4 that accept cash or card payments for goods or services, including online stores that accept online payments. As an alternative to expensive hardware, Torgsoft offers a ready-made solution — Software ECR, fully compatible with the Torgsoft accounting system.

Office laser printer (from UAH 4,000)

An office printer is used to print documents from the software: invoices, payment orders, cash and sales reports, cash vouchers, and analytical data. Office printers can also print receipts and price tags sold in stationery stores in A4 format. Torgsoft software settings allow the use of any label formats.

Data collection terminal (around UAH 18,000)

A data collection terminal is convenient for inventory checks. Unlike a barcode scanner, the terminal scans items without being connected to a computer. It stores scanned data in its internal memory and later transfers it to the computer.

During scanning, the product name and price are displayed on the terminal screen. The operator can scan each item individually or manually enter quantities. After inventory, the software shows discrepancies between recorded and actual stock levels and adjusts warehouse balances.

The data collection terminal is not required for every store, but it allows quick stocktaking in large warehouses, sales floors, or in locations where installing a computer is not possible: market stalls, mobile or off-site sales.

Computer or laptop (from UAH 10,000)

To install a single Torgsoft application, minimum system requirements are sufficient. If you implement accounting in a store with multiple cash registers or in a retail chain, you should consider hardware specifications depending on the workload.

Torgsoft license (Start — UAH 8,850, Ultra — UAH 17,990 / 1 workstation, Terminal + 3 connections — UAH 41,000)

Torgsoft software can be used on a standalone computer, with discounts available for multiple installations. For retail chains, a Torgsoft Terminal license is recommended. It allows the software to be installed on a server, with store computers connecting to it so the entire retail network operates online.

For small stores, Torgsoft Start is sufficient.

TOTAL ~ from UAH 52,490 for a small store

All figures provided are average estimates per single retail outlet. Equipment can be found at lower or higher prices, and some devices may not be required at all (for example, a data collection terminal can be replaced with a standard barcode scanner). If you already have a computer, the cost of implementing computerized accounting with a full set and Software ECR (license, scanner, label printer, and receipt printer) starts from UAH 24,490. With a universal printer, Software ECR, and Torgsoft Start — from UAH 15,940.

The larger the scale of your business automation, the lower the cost per license, although the amount of required equipment increases accordingly.

Based on the specifics of your store, the scale of automation, and the number of retail locations, we can recommend an optimal Software + Hardware set, calculate the final cost, deliver, and connect the equipment.

Torgsoft provides a ready-to-use comprehensive solution with no hidden fees or unexpected costs.