Flow Retail has a total of three clients, each supporting a vast number of different types of devices.
Each client is optimized for its use-cases, and should be used where they fit the best. This for example means the Backofflice client should NOT be used in the till, and the Assistant app should NOT be used for product maintenance.
This is the main client, and which most store staff use every day.
The Client handles all sorts of sales, refunds, order handling, purchase ordering from suppliers, receievements, till management and much more.
The Client runs on most operating system and devices, including:
Windows (native Windows installer)
Mac (native Mac OS installer)
iPad (native iOS installer in the Apple AppStore)
Android tablets (native Android installer in the Google Play store)
Assistant brings Flow Retail into your pocket, letting you create sales and refunds from literally anywhere. Assistant also gives quick and efficient product lookup for stock details, it handles stock taking, order handling and delivery, basic reporting and more.
The Assistant is a mobile-optimized client, running on basically any sort of mobile and handheld devices, including:
iPhone (native iOS installer in the Apple AppStore)
Android (native Android installer in the Google Play store)
Most handheld devices including the world's most popular, the Zebra TC51/52, runs entirely on Android, and so Assistant works seamlessly on all such devices.
Backoffice is where most of the maintenance is done, from products to users and stores. General employees like sales staff normally do not need access to Backoffice.
Backoffice is a browser-based "client", running in any modern browser.
All the clients utilize the Flow Retail API, which is available for anyone, and so if someone would want to develop their own specific clients, then that is simply just a matter of creating an API key in getting started.
We are working on a Self-Service client, for stores which wants to offer its customers self-service (e.g checking out themselves).
Below is a list of all available clients, including both our requirements and recommendations.
This is our main client, covering most features in the platform, from purchasing products and receivement, to doing the actual sales. The client also has various reports, product maintenance, and larger features like the Service system is being run through this client.
The client is available both on Windows, Mac and tablets.
The Windows version requires Windows 10, 11 or later
The Mac version requires MacOS 11 or later
The tablet version for iPad requires iOS 15 or later
The tablet version for Android requires Android 11 or later
Note that all clients, especially the tablet version of the client, requires a minimum of 11" screen. This means smaller tablets like iPad Mini is not supported.
This client is a 100% web-based client that runs completely in your browser, and covers all general maintenance like creating or importing products, maintaining the stores, the terminals, users and much more.
The client does NOT support mobile use, so you need to run it in a browser on a desktop computer.
Windows version 10, 11 or later
MacOS version 11 or later
Chrome (version 90 or later)
Firefox (version 88 or later)
Microsoft Edge (version 90 or later)
Safari (version 14 or later)
Flow Assistant is a mobile app, installed on either your smart phone or a handheld device.
The app supports most day-to-day features like product lookup, selling, reports, inventory and product receievement.
Apple iOS 15 or later
Android 11 or later
Some handheld devices like the Zebra series runs on Android 10, which might work, but needs to be verified on a case-by-case basis.
Learn how to access and/or install the various clients needed to access the Flow Retail POS platform.
The Flow Retail POS platform consists of a total of three clients:
Backoffice (browser)
Assistant (mobile phones or handheld devices)
Client (desktop computers (Windows/Mac) or tablets (iOS or Android)
BackofficeBackoffice is available directly in the web browser, and so to access it you simply need to navigate to https://backoffice.flowretail.com
We recommend using Google Chrome or Safari, though all modern web browers will work. Also note that Backoffice is NOT built for being used on mobile phones, and so be sure to access it through a browser on your computer/laptop.
To be able to access Backoffice, you need "Backoffice Access" on your user. Contact your supervisor or Flow Retail Helpdesk if you need any assistance.
Assistant appGo to Google Play on your Android device, or go to Apple AppStore on your iPhone
Search for "Flow Retail Assistant" and install the app
Start the app, and choose "Flow Retail Platform". Make a note of the 6-character authentication code
Create a new terminal in Flow Retail Backoffice, by navigating to > Stores > select the relevant store > Tills > Add new till
Fill in all required fields, hit Save, and go back into the defined till to add the 6-character authentication code
You will now be automatically authenticated in the app, and can proceed to log in with your given username and PIN (4-6 digits)
Client on WindowsDownload and install the latest version on https://dl.flowretail.com/dist/flowretail/production/windows/flowretail-latest.exe
Follow steps 3-6 from above
Client on MacDownload the latest version on https://dl.flowretail.com/dist/flowretail/production/macos/flowretail-latest.zip
Move the application file to the Applications folder on your Mac
Hold in the control button while starting the Flow Retail application, and allow/grant the permission coming up. You might need to do this twice
Follow steps 3-6 from above
If you are using Mac OSX Sequoia, you need to manually approve Flow Retail in the Security Settings on your Mac due to increased security in the latest version.
Go to System Settings > Security, and click "Open Anyway"
Client on iPad tabletsGo to Apple AppStore marketplace
Search for "Flow Retail Client"
Install the app
Follow steps 3-6 from above
Removing textfield bumping
If you get an annoying "bump" of the content on the screen while navigating to a textfield, try removing Keyboard Shortcuts by going to Settings > General > Keyboard, and then Disable Shortcuts