Questions & Answers

FiscoBridge is a software-based Sales Data Controller (SDC). In simple terms, it’s the official “bridge” between your cash register and the government’s tax system. Every time you make a sale, FiscoBridge automatically records the transaction and secures it with a fiscal signature (a kind of digital stamp) required by law. It then submits the sale information to the tax authorities as needed. By doing this, FiscoBridge ensures every receipt and invoice is compliant with local regulations. In short, it takes care of all the behind-the-scenes compliance steps so you can focus on running your business, confident that your sales data is being handled legally and securely.

FiscoBridge works seamlessly in the background with your POS. It’s designed to be plug-and-play, so in most cases you won't need to modify your existing checkout software at all. Once installed on the same computer as your POS (or a connected computer), FiscoBridge will listen for each transaction you process. When you finalize a sale on the POS, FiscoBridge instantly receives the sale data, does the required fiscal processing (like signing the receipt and logging it), and communicates with the tax authority's system to register the invoice. This all happens in a split-second. From the cashier’s perspective, nothing about the checkout process changes – you ring up sales as usual, and FiscoBridge quietly handles compliance in real time. It’s like having an automated tax assistant running invisibly alongside your POS, making sure every sale is accounted for.

FiscoBridge keeps track of all types of transactions that need to be fiscally recorded. This includes:

• Standard sales receipts – Every normal sale you process will be recorded and given a fiscal invoice number.

• Refunds or returns – If you issue a refund or reverse a sale, FiscoBridge will log that as well, ensuring the returned sale is properly accounted for in the system.

• Proforma invoices (quotations) – If your POS creates proforma invoices or quotes before a final sale, FiscoBridge can handle those too. Proforma invoices will be marked appropriately (they won’t count as an official sale until you finalize them, but the system knows about them).

• Duplicate receipts or reprints – If you reprint a receipt or issue a copy, FiscoBridge recognizes it as a copy of an already recorded sale (so you stay compliant if an inspector checks copies).

Essentially, any transaction type your POS handles – sales, refunds, quotes – that needs fiscal reporting will be monitored and securely recorded by FiscoBridge. This gives you a complete audit trail of all sales activity as required by law. You don’t have to manually report anything; FiscoBridge does it for you automatically.

Installing FiscoBridge is designed to be simple. You can likely do it yourself or with minimal IT help. Here are the basic steps to install FiscoBridge:

1. Download the installer: Visit the official FiscoBridge website (or the link provided by your vendor) and download the FiscoBridge installation package for your operating system. Choose the Windows, Linux, or Mac installer depending on your computer.

2. Run the installer: Launch the installer file you downloaded. You may need administrator rights on the computer. The installation wizard will guide you through the process. You can accept the default settings in most cases.

3. Connect your smart card reader: If your tax authority uses a smart card for fiscal signing, plug in the USB smart card reader to your computer and insert the smart card you received from the tax authority. (If your country uses a different secure method, follow the instructions provided for that.)

4. Initial setup: After installation, open the FiscoBridge application. You might see a setup prompt or an icon in your system tray indicating FiscoBridge is running. The first time, FiscoBridge may ask you to select the country or environment (e.g., Fiji, Samoa, etc.) and to enter the PIN for your smart card (if applicable). Follow the on-screen instructions to configure these.

5. Activate the software In trial mode, FiscoBridge will work for a short evaluation period. To fully activate, enter your license activation code when prompted (or go to the "License" or "Activation" menu in the app to input your code). This will unlock the full version.

6. Finish and restart POS (if needed) Once installed and activated, ensure your POS software is aware of FiscoBridge. In many cases, the POS will automatically detect and start sending data to FiscoBridge. If not, you might need to adjust a setting in your POS to use FiscoBridge as the fiscal device – check your POS manual or consult your provider. Finally, try a test sale to make sure everything is working. Print a receipt and verify that a fiscal invoice number or code appears on it (a sign that FiscoBridge processed it).

That’s it! FiscoBridge should now be up and running. It will launch automatically on system start (unless configured otherwise) and run in the background. You’ll know it’s working if you see the FiscoBridge icon in your taskbar/system tray (often green or yellow when ready). From now on, it will handle fiscalization for each sale without any manual intervention.

FiscoBridge is built to be flexible and works on multiple platforms. It currently supports:

• Windows – Most modern Windows versions (Windows 10 and above) are supported. This is commonly used for many POS systems.

• Linux – Many businesses running Linux-based POS systems or terminals can use FiscoBridge. It supports popular Linux distributions, so you can install it on a Linux PC or even a Raspberry Pi if that’s what your setup uses (as long as it meets the minimum requirements).

• macOS (Apple) – If you run your POS on a Mac or MacBook, FiscoBridge has a Mac version as well. Mac users can install it just like any other Mac application.

No matter which platform you use, the core functionality of FiscoBridge remains the same. The interface might look slightly different, but all features are available across Windows, Linux, and Mac.
What about mobile devices?
We have good news: Android and iOS versions are coming soon. Our team is actively developing FiscoBridge apps for Android tablets and iPad/iPhone, which will be great for mobile points of sale. While these are not available yet, they are on the horizon. In the meantime, a lightweight laptop or tablet running one of the above desktop OS will be needed to run FiscoBridge alongside your mobile POS.

Keeping FiscoBridge updated ensures you have the latest features and compliance patches (important if tax regulations change). Fortunately, updating is easy:

• Automatic update notification: FiscoBridge will periodically check for updates online (if it has internet access). If a new version is available, it may notify you via a pop-up or through the FiscoBridge system tray/icon. You’ll typically see a message like “Update available” within the app. You can then follow prompts to download and install the update.

• Manual update: If your FiscoBridge is running offline or you want to proactively update, you can always download the latest installer from the official website. Installing the new version over the old one is usually seamless. You do not need to uninstall the old version; simply run the new installer, and it will upgrade the software. All your settings (and license activation) will be preserved. For example, if version 1.2 is installed and you download version 1.3, installing 1.3 will replace 1.2 and carry over your configuration automatically.

• Staying compliant: We recommend checking for updates whenever you hear of changes in your country’s fiscal rules. The FiscoBridge team keeps the software up-to-date with each country’s requirements (for instance, if Fiji’s FRCS or Samoa’s revenue service updates their systems, we issue a FiscoBridge update to align with those changes). By updating promptly, you ensure continuous compliance.

In summary, updates are straightforward – either let FiscoBridge update itself or get the latest version from our site. And remember, updating FiscoBridge will not require buying a new license. Your existing license remains valid for the duration of its term, even as you move to newer software versions.

FiscoBridge is designed to work in both online and offline scenarios. Here’s how it handles connectivity:

• Online (connected) mode: When your computer is connected to the internet, FiscoBridge will actively communicate with the government’s server (e.g., the VAT Monitoring System or Tax Invoice system) in real time. Each time you finalize a sale, the data is sent immediately to the tax authority’s system for recording. This is instantaneous and ensures every invoice is logged centrally right away.

• Offline mode: If your internet goes down or you temporarily have no connection, don't worry – you can still make sales. FiscoBridge will continue to secure and log transactions locally even without internet. Thanks to the secure element (smart card or certificate), it can still generate the required fiscal signatures for your receipts, ensuring they are valid. The transactions will be queued safely on your device. As soon as the internet is restored, FiscoBridge will automatically upload all the queued sales data to the central tax system. From a cashier's perspective, you likely won’t notice anything different – the sales still complete and receipts print. FiscoBridge might show an "offline" status indicator, but it remains fully functional in terms of allowing sales.

• Best practice: While offline mode is there as a safety net, it’s recommended to not stay offline for too long. For compliance, you should reconnect to the internet whenever possible so that all pending invoices can be sent to the tax authority. For example, in some countries the law might require you to upload stored invoices within 24 hours. A good rule of thumb is to ensure FiscoBridge gets online at least once a day (or as instructed by your local regulations) to synchronize all data. This way, you’re always up-to-date with the authorities.

In short, FiscoBridge does not require a constant internet connection to let you operate. It’s built to be resilient: you can keep selling during an outage and let it update the servers later. Just remember to go online periodically. This flexibility gives you peace of mind that even if connectivity issues occur, your business won’t grind to a halt and your compliance is still maintained.

FiscoBridge integrates into your receipt/invoice printing process with minimal disruption. Here’s what happens with receipts and invoices when using FiscoBridge:

• Printing receipts: You will print receipts from your POS system just as you normally do. FiscoBridge doesn’t replace your receipt printer or POS print function; instead, it works behind the scenes. When you complete a sale, FiscoBridge assigns a unique fiscal code or invoice number to that transaction. Your POS then receives this information (usually within a second or two) and prints it on the receipt. For example, you might see a string of digits/letters or a QR code on the printed receipt – that’s the fiscal code provided by FiscoBridge. This code is proof that the receipt has been recorded in the official system. Other than that addition, the receipt will look the same as before (same format, items, prices, etc.). Cashiers don’t need to do anything extra – just hit the print button as always.

• Invoice handling: If your business issues invoices (for example, an emailed invoice or a larger A4-size invoice for a big sale), FiscoBridge handles those similarly. The software will generate the required fiscal signature or number for the invoice, which can then be included on the printed invoice or PDF. Whether it’s a small receipt or a detailed invoice, FiscoBridge ensures each is properly marked as an official fiscal document.

Overall, FiscoBridge’s impact on receipts and invoices is to add the necessary fiscal information to make them official. It does this automatically and in coordination with your POS.

FiscoBridge is a licensed software, but we’ve made the purchase and activation process straightforward:

• Purchasing a license: To use FiscoBridge beyond any trial period, you will need to purchase a license. Licenses can be obtained directly from the FiscoBridge website or through an authorized reseller/partner in your region. We offer different licensing plans (for example, annual subscriptions or multi-year plans) to fit your business needs. You can purchase online using common payment methods. Once the purchase is complete, you will receive a product key / activation code (a series of letters and numbers, typically) for each license you bought. If you purchase through a reseller, they will provide you with the activation code or assist with the setup.

• Activation (step-by-step): Activating FiscoBridge with your license code is easy.

  1. Open FiscoBridge software on your computer. If it’s in trial mode, you might already see an “Activate” or “Enter License” option on the main screen or menu. If not, look for a menu item like Help > Activate License or Settings > License.

  2. Enter the activation code: Type or paste the license key you received into the activation field. Double-check for any typos (it’s best to copy-paste it exactly as given).

  3. Internet activation: Ensure you have an internet connection, then submit the code. FiscoBridge will connect to our licensing server to verify the key. This usually takes just a moment.

  4. Confirmation: If the code is valid, you’ll get a confirmation message that your software is now activated (for example, “Activation successful!”). The trial limitations, if any, will be lifted and FiscoBridge is fully ready to use without time restrictions. The software might show your license details (such as expiration date if it’s a subscription).

  5. Restart if prompted: In rare cases, the software might ask you to restart it or reboot the computer after activation. Do so if prompted. Otherwise, you can continue using it immediately.

That’s all! You only need to activate once. After that, every time FiscoBridge starts, it remembers that it’s licensed.
Note: A single license is typically valid for one machine (one installation of FiscoBridge). If you have multiple POS systems (say one at a retail store and another at a second location), you will need to purchase a license for each station.

FiscoBridge licenses are generally issued on a per-computer basis, which means one license is meant for one machine. Here are some important points to know:

• One device per license: You cannot use the same activation code simultaneously on two different computers. For example, if you have a POS at two different shops, you’ll need two licenses (one for each). The license system will detect if an activation code is reused on a new hardware and will not allow a second activation unless that code is cleared for re-use.

• Reinstalling on the same machine: If you need to reinstall FiscoBridge on the same computer (for instance, you had to reset Windows or upgrade your OS), you can do so without issue. Simply reinstall the software and use your existing activation code. Because it’s the same hardware, the system will recognize it and reactivate. There is no need to obtain a new license for reinstalling on the same machine you originally activated.

• Transferring to a new machine: If you replace your computer or want to move FiscoBridge to a different PC, the license will not automatically transfer. The activation is locked to the hardware of the first machine for security reasons. In this case, you have a couple of options:

  • Contact support for license transfer: Reach out to the FiscoBridge support team and explain the situation (e.g., original machine died or is no longer in use, and you need to move the license to a new machine). We understand that hardware can fail or be upgraded, and we can assist by deactivating the old instance and allowing your code to be used on the new machine. This typically requires proof of original purchase and possibly coordination with the tax authority’s system to update the device registration, but we’re here to help make it as smooth as possible.

  • Purchase an additional license: If the old machine will still be used (for example, you’re adding a new register rather than replacing), you should purchase a new license for the new computer. Running two machines under one license is not permitted by the compliance rules.

• Hardware changes: Keep in mind that major hardware changes in your computer (like replacing the motherboard) can sometimes make the system see it as a “new” machine. If you anticipate a significant upgrade, it’s a good idea to check with us first or be prepared to contact support for reactivation if FiscoBridge detects a hardware mismatch after the change.

In summary, plan for one license per machine in your setup. If circumstances change, we’re flexible in helping you move your license when justified, but always reach out to us for guidance in those cases. We’re committed to making sure you stay compliant without having to buy more licenses than necessary, while also preventing abuse of license sharing.

While FiscoBridge is designed to run smoothly, you might occasionally run into an issue or error message. Don’t panic – most issues can be resolved with a few simple checks. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:

• Check the basics: Make sure all components are in place. Is the smart card inserted in the reader and is the reader connected properly? (If your country uses a smart card, a common issue is the card not being fully seated or the reader being unplugged.) Is your internet connection working, especially if the error indicates it can’t connect to the server? Often, ensuring the hardware is connected and the internet is up will resolve the issue.

• Look at FiscoBridge’s status indicator: FiscoBridge usually has an icon (in the system tray for Windows/Linux, or menu bar on Mac) that shows its status. For example, a green light or checkmark might mean “all good,” while a red or X symbol means something needs attention. Hover over or click the icon to see if it provides info (some versions might say “Card not detected” or “No Internet” which gives you a clue). Address any indicated issue: insert the card, enter your PIN if prompted, or reconnect to the internet as needed.

• Restart the application: Turning it off and on again fixes a lot of tech glitches! Try closing the FiscoBridge application (you may need to right-click the icon and choose Exit or Restart Service) and then reopen it. If unsure, you can also reboot the computer which will restart FiscoBridge fresh. Once restarted, see if the error clears.

Important: If you ever see a message like “SDC not configured” or “Proof of audit failed” – those indicate that FiscoBridge was unable to complete a required step (like it couldn’t reach the server for audit). Usually, the steps above (checking connections and restarting) resolve these. And remember, you can always continue to make sales (using offline mode) even if an audit upload failed momentarily; just keep the system online when possible so it can retry.