This Week’s Product Pick

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) presented an emboldened version of its Mobilink wireless mobile receipt and label printer, featuring several key upgrades.  The product now supports both 802.11g with WPA2 security and advanced EAP-TLS authentication, in addition to Bluetooth wireless interfaces. With its six-foot drop test rating, Mobilink is more ruggedized, as well as CPCL-compatible for easy, drop-in Zebra replacement. Battery life has been boosted to 20 hours and its warranty extended to two years. Based on Epson’s best-selling TM-T88 Series POS printer, Mobilink delivers the fastest thermal printing in its class at 70 mm/second for receipts and 80 mm/second for labels, according to Epson. The printer handles print width of up to 54 mm on industry standard 58- or 60-mm paper and belt clip or shoulder strap is offered. Additional benefits include an auto-cutter with receipt version and label peeler for label version. “By enhancing Mobilink, Epson offers even more reliability and security for wireless printing and labeling,” stated Bud Weist, VP of Sales and Marketing, Epson System Device Group. “From line busting, tableside service, and warehouse applications to route sales, shelf, and product labeling, Mobilink offers the reliability, functionality, and compatibility for a range of demanding mobile printing applications.”

Mobilink from Epson America

Worth Your While

Midwest Partner Event
Datalogic Mobile
March 12
St. Louis/Kansas City Area

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

5th Annual Partner Invitational
Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS Division
May 12-14
Phoenix

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Star Debuts Pair of Multi-Function Printers

Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has extended its HSP7000 Multi-Function Printer Series with two new models, the HSP7643 and the HSP7543. Both continue the trend of the HSP7743, released in 2008, with an industry-leading thermal receipt print speed of 250 mm/second. The HSP7000 Series is designed to assist and empower users who want to extend the capabilities of their current system, according to the company.

The HSP7643 was developed for applications requiring check MICR reading, check franking and/or validation—primarily for the banking market, where the check MICR information and the check franking need to be processed in one pass. The HSP7543 was developed for applications that rely heavily on document validation and slip printing for optimum operation, such as printing warranty information or parking ticket validation. Handling has been simplified by forward loading and top of form positioning for slip endorsement and validation printing, and cost has been reduced by eliminating the MICR reader in the case of the HSP7543.

“Star continues its trend of ‘Freedom of Choice’ for its customers,” declared Michael Hanson, VP, Star Micronics America. “The HSP7643 and 7543 were designed specifically for customers who require either one-pass MICR with check franking or have an application that relies heavily on slip validation. The HSP7743 meets the needs of customers who utilize MICR and check endorsing. Star is able to offer a choice based on the customer’s need.”

When purchasing either the HSP7643, 7543 or 7743, customers receive Star’s CD with all standard industry drivers (including OPOS, JavaPOS, Linux, XP SP2 and SP3, and Mac OS X) in addition to Star’s SDK to implement any additional functionality. The HSP7000 Series supports ESC/POS emulation, making this printer compatible with many popular industry applications, and carries the company’s three-year limited warranty, with extended warranties offered through Extend-A-Star and Swap-A-Star.

Star’s HSP7000 Multi-Function Printer Series

Dot Matrix Featured at the Printek Store

Printek (Benton Harbor, MI) has expanded its Printek Direct online store to include its industrial-strength dot-matrix printers. Previously, Printek Direct offered accessories, parts, and remanufactured dot-matrix printers. In making the announcement, the company emphasized that it retains its channel-centric business model and will continue to refer end-users to purchase from its resellers, adding, “The singular goal of expanding Printek Direct is to increase online visibility of Printek products.”

With TallyGenicom in Chapter 11, Doug Von Koenig, Printek’s VP of Sales and Marketing, also issued an invitation to all TallyGenicom customers to take advantage of Printek’s free 30-day Test Drive Program for its dot-matrix and ruggedized mobile printers. According to Von Koenig, 95% of the program’s participants become Printek customers. “I’m convinced that once you test drive us you, too, will become a very satisfied long-term Printek customer,” Von Koenig said. “Our dot-matrix printers already include Genicom emulation to help make the switch to Printek easier.”

In conjunction with the expansion of the Printek Direct site, Printek has launched its $200 Trade-Up Program. The program offers $200 rebates on new Printek dot-matrix printers when trading in competitive products from TallyGenicom, Printronix, IBM, OKI Data, and Lexmark. As reported last week in RRN.Com, Printronix has emerged as the lead bidder for the U.S. assets of TallyGenicom.

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STOPS & STARTS

Supply Chain Twitter

Facebook and LinkedIn have spawned the Inovis Social Network, which creates online communities for retailers, third-party logistics (3PL) providers, and manufacturers to collaborate on the supply chain. Part of the Inovis Business Community Management Platform, the Social Network can be delivered through Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or deployed as software application behind the company's firewall. Either way, as individuals update their own information, data is automatically populated for the entire network. This includes company trading profile, contact information, roles, policies, and procedures.

“Social networking gives individuals direct links to one another, to stay in touch and receive updates about activities and changes in each others’ lives,” commented Erik Huddleston, Chief Technology Officer at Inovis (Atlanta). “We’re applying the same concept to business communities so that retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors can better understand each others’ roles and responsibilities and stay updated on changes in staffing, projects, or products.”

Big Lots, one of the largest close-out retailers in the U.S., has already embraced the concept. “The Inovis Social Network proved valuable in the development and monitoring of our vendor compliance program,” testified Katy Keane, VP of Transportation Services. “As a retailer with over 1,300 stores across 47 states, accurate and timely inventory flow is critical to our business. We’ve benefited from the speed and visibility the online community provides, and it has helped us improve how we collaborate with partners and quickly resolve issues.” Vendor managers at such large retailers may have contacts at two or three thousand suppliers, Inovis pointed out, with 20% to 30% turnover rates and ongoing changes to e-mail addresses.

Inovis Social Network Connects Retailers and Suppliers

Arrow Hits Partner Marketing

Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions (Englewood, CO) launched its online shopping cart for the purchase of marketing materials by its North American resellers. Dubbed “MPower SmartCart,” and included in the Arrow ECS MPower Midmarket Partner Program, the new service covers both lead-generation  and marketing campaigns for reselling hardware, software, and storage solutions to midsized companies. SmartCart automates design and production, according to the distributor, and all of the materials can be customized to reflect each reseller’s unique brand identity and positioning.

The materials can be purchased either by credit card, invoice, or with Marketing Development Funds (MDF) that resellers receive from suppliers. SmartCart integrates MDF account information and tracks the balance of those accounts on its fund management dashboard. Through SmartCart, resellers can upload their own target distribution lists or specify geographic regions, vertical industries or information technology markets for Arrow ECS to fulfill.

“SmartCart enables resellers to more effectively manage and execute their marketing programs to increase sales and develop new markets,” asserted Robert Spee, Director of Marketing, Arrow ECS Midmarket Group. “Also, SmartCart tracks the response rates on lead-generation campaigns and provides reports that resellers can use to demonstrate proof of performance when requesting additional funding from suppliers for future campaigns.”

Code Corner

HighJump Software (Eden Prairie, MN) released Warehouse Advantage Express, its Warehouse Management System (WMS) specifically designed to be configured to customer requirements and deployable in less than 45 days.  HighJump Warehouse Advantage Express is affordably priced for SMB distribution operations, according to the developer, and based on its Tier 1 Warehouse Advantage solution. It provides key features such as tracking and visibility of inbound orders, directed put-away, variety of picking methods, shipping, directed replenishment, and inventory control. Implementations are structured by its detailed playbook directing daily activity and providing instructions by role and responsibility. In addition, the flexible pricing structure for the product includes both license and subscription-based options. Lastly, companies can purchase only the functionality they need, and then add more complex capabilities and modules when required. “During the time when value and Return on Investment are more vital than ever, HighJump Warehouse Advantage Express meets the growing need for Warehouse Management Systems that can be rapidly configured and deployed,” maintained Chad Collins, VP of Marketing and Strategy for HighJump. “Businesses get the benefit of quick ROI, with the option of easily adding more sophisticated WMS capabilities as they are needed.”

[Editor’s Note:  HighJump also announced its purchase of Insight Distribution Software from Coaxis, Inc. Insight addresses food and beverage distribution with products such as RouteCenter, RoutePad, and Playbook. Anheuser-Busch and Miller Brewing Company are both customers.]

INSTALLATIONS

“Beans” Added to Skyline Chili

Skyline Chili has selected the Java-based Vision BeanStore POS solution from PCMS for its 135 restaurants. Vision BeanStore will provide both POS and central management functionality, providing corporate stores and franchises access to company marketing initiatives, menus, ingredient management, and prices. In addition, the new system utilizes biometrics at log-in for increased safety and improved time-keeping. Finally, PCMS was able to bring Skyline’s jingle “It’s Skyline Time” into the sale when tendered and an integrated signature-capture device also suggests and calculates tip options for customers. Both Skyline and PCMS are based in Cincinnati, OH.

“Skyline Chili was facing a number of obstacles when it came to finding the POS solution that met the customer service needs of its business,” reported John Throckmorton, VP, Retail Software and Services at PCMS. “Our history of providing POS systems to companies across the globe meant that the Vision software could provide the functionality to meet Skyline Chili’s needs, with the longevity in its architecture to make it a long-lasting investment.”

“The Vision BeanStore software allowed us to add value to our business, further improve customer service, and make managing our stores and franchises easier,” added Brett Clark, CFO at Skyline Chili. “The system was designed to be so easy to use that we have found it takes less than 10 minutes to train an employee. With the high employee turnover in our industry, the PCMS solution not only provides us with better customer service, but we have also greatly reduced our training costs.”

Big Yard Sale by Psion Teklogix and AeroScout

Psion Teklogix (Hebron, KY) and AeroScout (Redwood City, CA) have partnered to provide asset management and inventory tracking to the humongous Glovis Alabama logistics center for Hyundai Automotive.  Glovis uses AeroScout’s Wi-Fi RFID Yard Management solution to track containers and yard service vehicles as they enter, travel through, and exit the facility, and Psion Teklogix’s WorkAbout Pro rugged mobile computers for pallet-level warehouse inventory tracking.

We’re talking about lots of stuff. Glovis moves close to one million parts daily through its 250,000-square-foot facility, at any given time managing 500 containers from Korea. When containers enter the yard, gate personnel apply an AeroScout Wi-Fi tag and couple it with the container’s number. Service vehicles are similarly tagged. Containers and vehicles are continuously tracked throughout the yard, with location information sent to AeroScout’s MobileView software via Glovis’s Wi-Fi network. MobileView provides a searchable, color-coded view of the current and historical location and status of the assets, as well as reporting and alerting tools.  When warehouse stock is replenished, Psion Teklogix WorkAbout Pro tracks pallets of parts once they are removed from containers.

“Glovis was using Psion Teklogix mobile devices in the warehouse and turned to us for our recommendation on the yard management system that would leverage their existing Wi-Fi network,” explained Ron Caines, President of Worldwide Sales at Psion Teklogix. “We evaluated the solutions on the market and found that AeroScout’s Wi-Fi active tag solution offers the most comprehensive, accurate, and scalable way to locate and track assets.”

Hyundai’s Glovis Facility Moves One Million Parts Each Day

[Editor’s Note: Psion Teklogix has also added two-inch, 12-ounce mobile receipt and label printers to its PrintAbout Series. Manufactured by Printek, the new PrintAbout 2 offers enhanced battery life, best-in-class memory size (4 MB Flash and 8 MB SDRAM), and custom factory configurations.]

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
M-S Cash Drawer

POS & Peripherals
pcCashdrawer
POS-X

Barcode Printers
Datamax

Cash Drawers
MMF Cash Drawer

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Mobile Printing
O'Neil Product Development

Payment Processing
Precidia

Receipt Printers
Star Micronics

Retail Software
InfoTouch
Logivision

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

HELLO GOODBYE

New Captain at Cougar Mountain

Cougar Mountain Software (Boise, ID) has promoted Chuck Gossett to CEO and President following the retirement of his father, Bob Gossett, who will continue in his role as Chairman of the Board. Chuck Gossett joined Cougar Mountain as a full-time employee in 2006 and has served on the family-owned company’s Board of Directors for many years. Outside of Cougar Mountain, he has owned and managed multiple businesses in the Boise area for three decades and retains his passive interest in Gossett and Davis Appraisal Services.

“With our latest releases, CMS Professional 2009 and CMS Total eCom, as well as our new custom modifications unit, we feel we are in a good position to take on many challenges in 2009,” said Gossett. “My father took pride in the service and integrity and products he built with this company, and I look forward to continuing those values.”

Founded in 1982, Cougar Mountain publishes accounting software, fund accounting software, and POS software and sells through the channel. Both CMS Professional 2009 and CMS Total eCom were released last fall. An online sales solution, CMS Total eCom integrates with CMS Professional 2009 and includes Website and shopping cart design, hosting, and training. The company’s new custom modifications division also came to fruition in 2008.

Chuck Gossett, CEO/President, Cougar Mountain Software

Channel Manager Designated by ConverterTechnology

ConverterTechnology (Nashua, NH) has hired 16-year software industry veteran Jeff LaBombard  as Manager of Partner and Channel Development Worldwide to expand VAR sales of its OfficeConverter2007 solution, which helps enterprises accelerate integration to Microsoft Office 2007. OfficeConverter2007 enables companies to avoid migration risks such as data corruption, reduced employee productivity, and critical business application downtime, according to the software and services provider.

“Jeff brings us a wealth of experience managing effective sales, marketing, and channel growth strategies for a broad spectrum of enterprise software companies,” remarked Rob McWalter, CEO of ConverterTechnology. “He’ll draw on that experience to establish key partnerships aimed at making OfficeConverter an indispensable tool for streamlining Microsoft Office migrations for companies around the world.”

LaBombard negotiated more than $10 million in major enterprise software and service contracts with Fortune 1000 companies while holding senior management roles at companies such as SAP, ePartners, and New Era of Networks (now part of Sybase). Prior to joining ConverterTechnology, LaBombard spent five years at Scribe Software, where he was responsible for increasing their network of Microsoft partners from 10 to 600 organizations around the globe.

Channel Factoid

More than one-third of RFID end-users (36.7%) expect to receive positive Return on Investment from their installation within 12 months, according to ABI Research. One-quarter (25%) expect that result in 12 to 18 months. For 18 to 24 months, end-users expecting to see ROI tallied 13.3% and for more than 24 months, 6.7%. The rest, 18.3%, did not know what to expect. These responses included all flavors of RFID deployment: closed and open-loop across a variety of applications, and at various stages of trials, roll-outs, and fully deployed systems. Some RFID projects are still moving forward, while others have been delayed by the recession or put on hold. “The good thing,” said Michael Liard, Practice Director for ABI, “is that we’re not hearing much about cancellations. That’s a positive sign.”

INTEGRATION

CAP Extends POS Platform

CAP Software (Fort Worth, TX) has linked its POS platform to the Fintech OneSource EFT Program for Alcohol Invoice Payment, thereby enabling retailers to manage regulated invoices and electronic vendor payments through an automated process. The solution from Fintech (Tampa, FL) allows retailers to integrate CAP’s accounting, inventory control, and sales management systems directly to the invoicing and payment systems of their alcoholic beverage suppliers, saving time and money during each step of the process, according to the two parties. Retailers also get customized data reporting and automated compliance for all state and Bureau of ATF alcoholic regulations.

CAP also announced its strategic partnership with Coalfire Systems (Louisville, CO) to help merchants achieve PCI DSS compliance. Under the agreement, CAP will make Coalfire’s Navis Rapid SAQ and Rapid Scan services available to its clients. The Web-based Navis platform automates the PCI audit/assessment and reporting lifecycle. It incorporates an “intelligent knowledge engine” that adapts to changes in PCI regulations and administrative functions. Users are guided through their annual PCI Self-Assurance Questionnaire (SAQ) and vulnerability scanning requirements. PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) support is also available.

“Compliance with PCI standards is critical to our industry’s reputation and financial well-being,” noted Will Atkinson, President of CAP Software. “As a solution provider in this space we are committed to assisting our many customers in protecting their business and customers from the negative consequences of fraud when sensitive cardholder data falls into criminal hands. Our partnership with Coalfire Systems provides the tool to complete the SAQ and quarterly vulnerability scanning quickly and easily and at a very modest price.”

Will Atkinson, President, CAP Software