This Week’s Product Pick

Cherry (Pleasant Prairie, WI) debuted its SPOS Biometric Keyboard, which features an integrated fingerprint reader, magnetic-stripe card reader, and touchpad in one compact unit requiring one USB connection. Engineered in response to industry requests, and offered through Cherry’s channel partners, the SPOS Biometric Keyboard targets retailers seeking higher levels of security and accountability, according to Cherry. Its full QWERTY key layout and 14-inch form factor combines space efficiency with uncompromised alphanumeric data entry. All keys on the SPOS Biometric are re-programmable, using Cherry Tools software, and 43 keys are re-legendable for the unique needs of individual retailers. An option for unlimited programmability for all keys in up to three layers provides added data access. The standard version of the new keyboard integrates the capacitive fingerprint reader from UPEK, selected by Cherry for its ruggedness, small size, and ease of use. Cherry’s SPOS Series meets IP54 liquid and dust resistance standards and offers keystroke endurance of 25 million cycles. “We’re starting to see greater interest in providing biometric capability in retail,” reported Mark Bondzinski, Cherry CID Product Manager. “It proves particularly useful for applications such as time and attendance and assigning employee commissions.”

Cherry’s SPOS Biometric Keyboard

Worth Your While

AIM Technology Leadership Summit
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
April 20-22
Chicago

Put RFID 2 WRK
RFID Journal Live
April 27-29
Orlando

KioskCom
(Self-Service Expo & Digital Signage Show)
JD Events
May 6-7
Las Vegas

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago

NACStech
National Association of Convenience Stores
May 18-20
Grapevine, TX

RetailNow 2009
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 11-16
Las Vegas

STARTS & STOPS

Chapter 11 for Retail Pro

More woes for Retail Pro (La Jolla, CA), with the POS ISV now filing for Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy  Court for the District of Delaware. Wholly-owned subsidiaries Page Digital, IP Retail Technologies International, and Sabica Ventures also were included in the filing. Island Pacific Systems, which was sold by Retail Pro to ThreeQ Holding in 2007, is not part of these proceedings, it should be noted.

Retail Pro has been buffeted by declining sales and dwindling maintenance renewals for several years. Further, last September the Securities and Exchange Commission filed securities fraud charges against the company and two of its former CEOs, as well as one former CFO, for their roles in an accounting scheme designed to inflate Island Pacific’s revenues. In court papers, Retail Pro attributed much of its current troubles to the downturn in the retail industry. It listed consolidated assets of $24.7 million and liabilities of $28.9 million.

According to POS experts contacted by RRN.Com, look for Retail Pro and its 10,000 customers to be picked up by another provider, since the solution itself has always been sound (if somewhat complex). In addition, some of its customers have taken on the development and support of the product internally or through third-party vendors. Not surprisingly, many of the latter are former Retail Pro software designers and developers.

Star Micronics Boards BlueStar Europe

BlueStar (Florence, KY) announced it has added POS receipt printers from Star Micronics (Edison, NJ) to its European product portfolio. “With Star Micronics we can offer innovative, best-in-class products to our customers,” declared Alexander Stahl, BlueStar Europe Managing Director. “We look at this increased product portfolio with Star as a great chance to increase European sales and further BlueStar’s reach as the region’s all-in-one distributor.”

As an example, BlueStar pointed to Star’s next-generation TSP100 Series of high-quality POS printers, which ship with all accessories and software in one box. This includes futurePRNT software for high-volume, custom set-ups, regardless of operating platform, as well as Receipt Redesign and Coupon Marketing tools. Model TSP100GT achieves print speed of 45 receipts per minute (250 mm/second) and sports “ice white” or “piano black” high-gloss finish.

BlueStar Europe was formed last summer when BlueStar acquired the assets of PSD-PrintScan, the German-based distributor of Auto ID products in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic. At that time, BlueStar indicated it would address POS in its new market as appropriate, and the addition of the Star product line certainly furthers that goal.

Alexander Stahl, BlueStar Europe Managing Director

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

Seiko Cuts Time to Market  

Seiko Instruments USA, Thermal Printer Division (Torrance, CA), introduced its next-generation two-inch and three-inch low-voltage direct thermal printer mechanisms for mobile devices such as printers, POS terminals, and medical equipment. The LTPD and CAPD models bring new features and configurations that simultaneously reduce footprint, boost reliability, and facilitate integration, according to the company.  (CAPD designates built-in auto-cutter.) The new mechanisms also deliver improved print speed over previous models: 100 mm/second for the two-inch print width mechanism and 80 mm/second for the three-inch print width mechanism. In terms of product lifetime, minimum printed output is rated at 50 km and 100 million pulses.

“Our engineers take pride in helping make our customers’ products more competitive,” stated Kaz Onishi, VP and GM, Seiko Instruments USA. “The huge range of improvements in these new models demonstrates our commitment to developing small, fast, and exceptionally dependable solutions that can accelerate time to market for our OEM customers.”

The new LTPD and CAPD printer mechanisms are significantly smaller than preceding models. In addition, all mechanisms benefit from a new angled paper guide that shortens the distance between the printer and the paper roll, effectively reducing overall design depth. The flexible print circuit, connecting the mechanism to the PCB, has also been redesigned with a smaller, 0.5-mm pitch and a framed ground line that protects against electrostatic discharge, without extra wiring. Further, fixing points are now housed within the footprint of each printer, enabling mechanisms to mount flush with the chassis of the OEM device. Beyond reduction of the mechanism’s physical footprint, new configuration alternatives also aid design engineers. For more information, click here.

New Printer Mechanism from Seiko

XP for LXE

LXE Inc. (Atlanta) has embraced Microsoft Windows XP in its new VX8 and VX9 vehicle-mounted computers. Described as rugged, high-performance PC’s, the VX8 and VX9 feature 10.4-inch and 12.1-inch touchscreen displays.  Available with WWAN, WLAN, and Bluetooth radios, both are targeted for deployment in demanding environments such as fork-lift trucks, container-handling machinery, forestry and construction equipment, and emergency service vehicles.  The VX8 and VX9 are manufactured by LXE and are based on products from the former Akerstroms Trux AB of Stockholm, Sweden, which LXE bought last February.

“In this difficult economic climate, our customers require more options that allow for cost-sharing across their organizations,” observed Richard Adams, LXE’s VP of Marketing. “The Windows XP VX8 and VX9 enable organizations to run more advanced applications, but still leverage existing computer support resources. That, combined with LXE’s industry-leading customer service and support network, can equate to greater cost savings, flexibility, and reliability.” Recent LXE research has confirmed that customers now prefer Windows XP over Windows CE as the O/S for vehicle-mounted computers.

“As warehouses and port facilities become more operationally complex, so too is the information required by employees at the point of interaction or activity,” said David Krebs, Mobile & Wireless Director, VDC Research (Natick, MA). “To support more advanced data collection and communications applications, VDC is seeing increased demand for vehicle-mounted computers supported by a full O/S—such as XP—in these environments. Moreover, additional benefits in the form of cost savings are expected as organizations adopt their single O/S platform strategy.”

Code Corner

UTC Retail (Rochester, NY) released Merchant 5.0, the latest version of its cross-channel retail enterprise solution for the specialty retail market. UTC Retail Merchant delivers comprehensive retail management across all channels such as POS, warehouse, back office, e-commerce, and merchandise and inventory management, according to the company. Two significant enhancements to Merchant 5.0 include the complete integration of UTC Retail’s POS-W module with Microsoft .NET architecture and the integration of SonicMQ enterprise messaging middleware. SonicMQ is the standards-based messaging system compliant with JMS 1.1 and boasts guaranteed real-time message delivery. Other significant new features include: tax rate calculator allowing multiple tax rates on the same transaction based on ship to locations, product, and shipping method; shipping cost calculator based on order total or total weight; and sales receipt customization that includes gift card balance, customer name and address, back-order summary, and item notes. “The release of Merchant 5.0 will provide the specialty retail market with a very robust and flexible cross-channel enterprise solution that will strengthen core merchandising and fulfillment capabilities, driving an increase in sales and gross margin,” stated Randy Severo, UTC Retail’s VP and GM of Software Solutions. “In addition, the integration of SonicMQ guaranteed messaging will allow our customers to make decisions based on real-time information, thereby improving the performance of their enterprise.”

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Printronix Bids for TallyGenicom

Printronix (Irvine, CA) has asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to be named as the lead bidder in the auction of assets of TallyGenicom LP (Chantilly, VA). The request comes in conjunction with TallyGenicom’s filing of a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code due to “the economic recession in the U.S. and global downturn along with tight credit markets worldwide,” in the words of Dan Adragna, TallyGenicom CEO.  Printronix seeks to acquire the intellectual property, inventory, and equipment to integrate the TallyGenicom line-matrix and serial-matrix printer series into its own portfolio.

“TallyGenicom has been a leading global provider of quality printing solutions,” related Robert Kleist, CEO of Printronix. “There is great synergy between our respective line-matrix printer businesses. By combining the TallyGenicom product line with ours, we will be able to increase the breadth and scope of Printronix’s business from both geographic and industry perspectives, should our bid be successful. Consistent with Printronix’s heritage of providing outstanding customer service, we will be dedicated to the global community of TallyGenicom users and provide continued support of installed TallyGenicom products.”

The sale of U.S. assets of TallyGenicom pursuant to Chapter 11 is expected to take approximately 45 days. During this period, Printronix’s team will work with TallyGenicom to facilitate the transition. Printronix said that some TallyGenicom employees could be retained, but it will make final staffing decisions upon completion of the transaction. Printronix itself was acquired by Vector Capital in January 2008.

PEAK Buys Integrated Labeling Systems

PEAK Technologies (Columbia, MD), the large system integrator for supply chain automation and inventory management, has completed its acquisition of Integrated Labeling Systems (Nashua, NH), one of the leading Auto ID resellers in the U.S. Founded in 1985, ILS resells Motorola, Intermec, and Zebra, with geographic focus on 11 states in the Northeast.  It adds to PEAK’s network of locations throughout North America.

“The PEAK acquisition of ILS was based on the business synergies that exist between the two companies  in several key areas, including products, customers, vendor relationships, and geographic focus,” commented Ross Young, President/CEO, PEAK Technologies.  “PEAK and ILS customers remain our first priority, and we are committed to providing excellent service throughout the transition period. We are also looking forward to expanding our existing relationship with customers of both companies by combining our capabilities and geographic presence to serve as a single source, thereby providing customers with access to all relevant products and services with one phone call.”

ILS specializes in delivering barcoding, RFID, and wireless solutions to manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, and healthcare facilities. This includes the U.S. Department of Defense’s Universal Identification (UID) Program.  PEAK Technologies, which deals on the higher level of business process engineering, enterprise resource planning, and project management, has been owned and operated by Platinum Equity since 2005.

Key Advertiser Links

Be sure to visit these vendors for the latest in channel products and offers for resellers.

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Ingram Micro

POS & Peripherals
pcCashdrawer
Pioneer POS
POS-X

Barcode Printers
Datamax

Cash Drawers
MMF Cash Drawer

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Precidia

Mobile Printing
O'Neil Product Development

Receipt Printers
Star Micronics

Retail Software
InfoTouch
Toshiba TEC

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

Thin Client, Not Thin Crust, for Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s Pizza has teamed up with Microsoft (Redmond, WA) to roll out its company-wide, next-generation store system based on the Windows platform and thin-client technology.  To date, more than 2,500 Domino’s stores have been outfitted, with plans to extend the solution to the majority of the 8,200 franchised and 500 company-owned sites in the U.S. and more than 60 international markets.  The new platform employs technologies such as Microsoft Windows Server System, Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007, Microsoft Forefront, 2007 Microsoft Office, and Windows Server Terminal Services.

By moving to the thin-client software architecture using the Microsoft Windows O/S, Domino’s has been able to lower the investment cost for franchisees by several thousand dollars, according to the two parties. In addition, by moving to the thin-client environment, Domino’s has reduced the amount of information stored at each of its workstations to help achieve compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). To support Domino’s franchise business model, Microsoft reportedly offered “aggressive pricing” as well as “convincing functional capabilities.”

“Studies show that as much as 70% of information technology resources are typically devoted to sustaining and running existing capabilities, leaving few resources for exploring and implementing new functionality,” observed Sandra Andrews, Hospitality Industry Director at Microsoft. “Our goal is to help Domino’s concentrate on what it does best: sell great pizza. By using this high-value solution that is easy to integrate and manage within their existing infrastructure and runs consistently across all sites, Domino’s employees can allocate more time for the activities that will increase customer satisfaction and drive brand loyalty.”

Sandra Andrews, Hospitality Industry Director, Microsoft

Digital Signage That Watches Your Reaction

Now when you’re watching the video, the video may be watching you. NEC has tested Japan’s first all-in-one digital signage board incorporating face recognition technology. Dubbed “Eye Flavor,” the new product combines 46-inch LCD display, camera, content delivery controller, and “effectiveness analysis software” to gauge the impact of advertising messages.  In effect, the system can choose and deliver targeted content according to the customer’s perceived gender and age range, according to NEC, in addition to gauging the customer’s willingness to watch that content.

NEC installed Eye Flavor at the Granduo Tachikawa department store in Tokyo for three weeks last October. It was positioned at the front entrance on the first floor, and the number of viewers it attracted was measured in terms of time period, customer gender and age, and viewing duration of specific advertising messages. Even the physical distance between the display and its viewers was logged. Advertising effectiveness was subsequently categorized as “imprint” (stared), “impression” (watched closely), and “feeling” (glanced)—with quantitative results obtained in near real-time.

Following successful testing, NEC has offered Eye Flavor in Japan at an asking price of 2 Million Yen, about $22,000. It expects to sell 500 units in three years across various industries and touts the product’s portability and ease of installation. Currently, the face recognition technology applies only to Japanese faces, “but trials are ongoing as an advanced application solution.”

NEC’s Eye Flavor in the Granduo Tachikawa

Channel Factoid

The National Retail Federation has projected that 2009 retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will decrease 0.5% from last year. The first half of this year will see more of the weakness that was felt in most of 2008. First half sales are expected to decline 2.5%. There will be some improvement in Q3 with sales decreasing 1.1%. In Q4, sales are expected to improve 3.6% due to easy comparisons to last year as well as a strengthening economy. “Most of the consumer behavior we saw in 2008 will continue well into this year,” predicted NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells. “Shoppers will be seeking value and trading down to discount and off-price retailers in order to stretch their purchasing power.”

ALLIANCES

A License to Print (Two-Sided Labels)

Technicote (Miamisburg, OH), which supplies pressure-sensitive roll label products to label converters from 10 manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America, has signed an agreement to license two-sided thermal printing technology, or “2ST,” from NCR Corporation (Dayton, OH). The resulting new products will provide customers with the capability to print variable information on both the front and back sides of labels. Using the technology, end-users can print shipping information on adhesive labels and print packing slips on the backs of these labels, thereby transforming the formerly useless silicon-coated linear into the packing document. This increases efficiency while reducing cost and environmental impact, according to the two parties.

“As a leading supplier of pressure-sensitive adhesive roll label stock, Technicote is proud to be the first company to offer customers two-sided, thermal-printed, pressure-sensitive labels utilizing NCR’s 2ST technology,” remarked Doug O’Connell, Technicote’s GM. “We’re well-positioned to help users meet their specific 2ST labeling requirements and take full advantage of this exciting new technology.”

“NCR’s innovative 2ST printing technology supports the growing demand for environmental stewardship while addressing other key business objectives such as optimizing productivity and lowering costs, quite simply by re-engineering the package shipping process,” added Dan Bogan, SVP and GM of NCR Consumables.

NCR Corporation also named Peter Leav as its SVP of Global Sales. Leav replaces Malcolm Collins, who has announced his intention to leave NCR to pursue other interests. Leav joins NCR from Motorola, where he most recently served as Corporate VP and GM. He will report directly to NCR Chairman/CEO Bill Nuti.

Two-Sided Thermal Label Technology from NCR