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Pairing

Admin

Pairing is the process of establishing a secure, encrypted connection between a distributor and a retailer in Brother POS. It uses a simple 6-character code that the distributor generates and shares with the retailer. Once paired, both parties can exchange catalogs, orders, and invoices through encrypted channels.

Prerequisites​

For Distributors​

  • Your store must be in distributor mode.
  • The Retailer Connections feature must be enabled.
  • Your store must have encryption keys generated (done automatically on first use).

For Retailers​

  • The Distributor Ordering feature must be enabled.
  • Your store must have encryption keys generated (done automatically on first use).

Generating a Pairing Code (Distributor)​

  1. Log in to the Brother POS Admin Panel.
  2. Navigate to B2B > Retailer Connections.
  3. Click Generate Pairing Code.
  4. A 6-character alphanumeric code is generated and displayed.

The pairing code is a lookup key, not a container for embedded data. When generated, the distributor's information is registered on the relay server:

Registered DataPurpose
Distributor connection IDUniquely identifies your store
Distributor Public KeyAllows the retailer to encrypt messages to you

When a retailer enters the code, Brother POS looks up the corresponding information from the relay server to establish the secure connection.

Code expiration

Pairing codes are valid for a limited time. If the code expires before the retailer uses it, generate a new one. Expired codes cannot be reused.

Sharing the Code​

Share the pairing code with your retailer through a secure channel:

  • Phone call -- Read the 6-character code over the phone.
  • In person -- Hand the code to the retailer directly.
  • Email -- Send the code to a verified contact.

The code itself does not contain sensitive information, but sharing it through a trusted channel ensures the right party is connecting.

Entering a Pairing Code (Retailer)​

  1. Log in to the Brother POS Admin Panel.
  2. Navigate to B2B > Distributor Connections.
  3. Click New Connection.
  4. Enter the 6-character pairing code provided by your distributor.
  5. Enter a label for this connection (e.g., "Green Leaf Distributors").
  6. Click Connect.

What Happens Behind the Scenes​

When you enter a pairing code:

  1. Brother POS looks up the pairing code on the messaging service (or local database).
  2. The distributor's unique identifier and public key are retrieved.
  3. Brother POS checks if you already have a connection to this distributor.
  4. If not, a connection request is created with status pending_approval.
  5. The connection request is sent to the distributor through the secure messaging service.
  6. The distributor is notified of the incoming connection request.
Duplicate detection

If you already have a connection to the distributor, Brother POS will redirect you to the existing connection page instead of creating a duplicate.

Approving a Connection (Distributor)​

When a retailer enters your pairing code, you will see a new connection request:

  1. Navigate to B2B > Retailer Connections.
  2. New connection requests appear with status Pending Approval.
  3. Review the retailer's information:
    • Retailer name
    • Retailer connection ID
    • Connection request timestamp
  4. Click Approve to establish the connection, or Reject to decline.

Once approved:

  • The connection status changes to Active.
  • Both parties can exchange encrypted catalogs and orders.
  • The retailer appears in your retailer list.

Connection Statuses​

StatusDescription
Pending ApprovalConnection request sent; awaiting approval
ActiveConnection is established and functional
SuspendedConnection has been temporarily suspended (RetailerConnection only)
RejectedConnection request was rejected (DistributorConnection only)
DisconnectedOne party disconnected; can be reconnected

Managing Connections​

Viewing Connection Details​

Click on a connection to see:

  • Connection label and unique identifier
  • Status and timestamps
  • Public key information
  • Recent orders (for distributor connections, recent purchase orders placed)

Editing a Connection​

  1. Click Edit on a connection.
  2. You can update the label (display name) for the connection.
  3. Click Save.

Disconnecting​

To disconnect from a trading partner:

  1. Open the connection details.
  2. Click Disconnect.
  3. The connection status changes to Disconnected.
  4. No further catalogs or orders can be exchanged through this connection.
Disconnecting is not deleting

Disconnecting preserves the connection record and all associated order history. You can potentially re-establish the connection later. To permanently remove the record, click Delete instead.

Deleting a Connection​

  1. Open the connection details.
  2. Click Delete.
  3. Confirm the deletion.
  4. The connection record and its associated data are permanently removed.

Checking Connection Status​

To verify that a connection is working properly:

  1. Open the connection details.
  2. Click Check Status.
  3. Brother POS checks the messaging service for the latest connection state.
  4. The connection details refresh with the current status.

This is useful if you are waiting for a connection approval or if you suspect connectivity issues.

How Encryption Keys Are Generated​

Brother POS automatically generates encryption keys when they are first needed:

  1. An encryption key pair is generated for your store.
  2. The public key is shared during pairing (registered on the relay server and retrieved via the pairing code).
  3. The private key is stored locally, encrypted at rest.
  4. A catalog read key is also generated for the wholesale portal.

You do not need to manage these keys manually. Brother POS handles key generation, storage, and rotation.

Messaging Service​

The messaging service acts as a message router between distributors and retailers:

  • It stores and forwards encrypted messages between paired parties.
  • It validates pairing codes and connection requests.
  • It cannot read the content of encrypted messages (it never has the decryption keys).
  • Brother POS cloud deployments use a shared messaging service.
Messaging service

The messaging service is configured automatically for your Brother POS store.

Troubleshooting​

ProblemSolution
"Invalid or expired pairing code"The code may have expired. Ask the distributor to generate a new one.
"You already have a connection to this distributor"A connection already exists. Go to B2B > Distributor Connections to manage it.
Connection stuck on "Pending Approval"The distributor has not approved the request yet. Contact them directly. Click Check Status to refresh.
"Distributor ordering feature is not enabled"Ask your admin to enable the Distributor Ordering feature in Settings.
"Failed to register code"Check your internet connection and messaging service configuration.
"Store must be in distributor mode"Configure your store as a distributor in Settings before generating pairing codes.

Security Best Practices​

  1. Share codes through trusted channels. Do not post pairing codes publicly.
  2. Verify the retailer's identity before approving connection requests.
  3. Revoke unused pairing codes that were not used in a timely manner.
  4. Review active connections regularly and disconnect any that are no longer needed.
  5. Do not share private keys. Brother POS handles key management automatically.

What's Next?​