This Week’s Product Pick

Datalogic Mobile (Eugene, OR) has upgraded its pocket-sized mobile solution, the Datalogic Memor, with Windows Mobile 6.1, an imaging barcode scanner, cellular radio, increased memory (128-MB RAM/256-MB Flash), and higher speed processing (XScale PXA 310 624-MHz). These enhancements, when combined with the device’s lightweight, compact form factor, help fulfill applications for retail and field force automation. For instance, imaging capability allows the capture of information related to produce traceability for fresh goods, including support for the new GS1 DataBar reduced space symbology. In addition, imaging can be employed for counterfeit protection and lot traceability in pharmaceutical environments, as well as for trouble shooting in the field and damaged container recording. With full support of VoIP push-to-talk solutions from companies such as Wavelink, Memor also provides retail staff with communications capability on the store floor. Built-in signature capture facilitates delivery verification and payment processing, and Bluetooth wireless extends its functionality. “Compact, ergonomic, and ready-to-use, the Datalogic Memor has been redesigned and tested for long-term use and reliability,” stated Jose Vega, Marketing Manager at Datalogic Mobile. “Datalogic Memor is the complete pocket mobile solution.” For more information, click here.
                

Memor from Datalogic Mobile

Worth Your While

HITEC 2009
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals
June 22-25
Anaheim, CA

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

VARTECH 2009
BlueStar
August 13-15         
Nashville, TN

2009 APICS International Conference & Expo
Association for Operations Management
October 4-6
Toronto

NACS Show 2009
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 20-23
Las Vegas

BAI Retail Delivery Conference & Expo
Bank Administration Institute
November 3-5
Boston

Synergy 2009 Customer Conference
Retalix
November 8-11
Dallas

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Aures Rewrites Odysse

Aures Technologies (Englewood, CO), which recently brought its “Clip’n Color” POS technology into the U.S., has followed up with its new Odysse Evolution, which adds customer-facing display to its flagship POSLIGNE POS touch terminal. Adjustable, this tilting 8.4-inch LCD screen is located on the rear of the unit and connected to the system’s motherboard, enabling real-time, spontaneous communication with customers. In addition, Aures has incorporated RAID 0/1 technology into the unit so that it can back up in real-time, and has upgraded to 2.8-GHz Intel Pentium 4 processing with 1 GB of RAM standard.

“The rear screen for the Odysse offers the perfectly-sized display for marketing and advertising purposes,” Kelly Jamison, Aures GM, told RRN.Com. “This innovative, tilting screen connects directly to the main unit, which allows the second monitor to be used even when space is at a premium. We are very excited about introducing this product into the U.S. market and have already had substantial demand for the dual-screen all-in-one unit.”

With POSLIGNE’s “Clip’n Color” system, the color of the POS terminal can be modified to match the store décor. Aures offers interchangeable clip-on, clip-off components in nine colors, including red, yellow, green, blue, and black, and the color scheme extends to peripherals such as receipt printer and handheld scanner, as well as the terminal itself. The POSLIGNE brand was created five years ago and now enjoys significant market penetration in Europe. Here is the U.S., Aures will soon announce alliances with several ISVs in its target markets of retail and hospitality, Jamison told RRN.Com.

Dual-Screen Odysse Evolution from Aures Technologies

3G Advances at Intermec

Intermec (Everett, WA) has debuted two new 3G Wireless WAN mobile computers, the CN50 and CN4. The CN50 features 3.75G WWAN HSUPA radio technology in its small, lightweight, ruggedized form factor, providing mobile workforces in postal, field service, transportation, and delivery operations with the industry’s highest performance mobile computer for data-rich applications, according to the vendor. Its Flexible Network Radio can be re-provisioned to different networks as business needs or coverage options evolve. 

Developed as an extension of the CN3 product line, the CN4 delivers 3.5G WWAN radio, GPS, voice, and video functionality. With its six-foot drop specification (on all faces, sides, and corners), compact internal antenna design, and IP64 environmental rating, the CN4 supports front-line transactions for commercial transportation, direct store delivery, and field service. Interestingly, both the CN50 and CN4 are available with optional Enhanced Mobile Document Imaging (eMDi) capability, allowing mobile workers to convert full-page paper documents into electronic documents at the point of transaction for real-time integration with popular document management systems.

“We’ve worked closely with our channel partners in the introduction of these new computers,” commented Earl Thompson, SVP and GM of the Intermec Mobile Solutions Business Unit. “Our channel partners are a key element in our success formula, and the feedback we’ve received from them on the CN50 and CN4 has confirmed our belief that these computers have set the new bar for the industry.”

Intermec also announced that John O’Rourke has been named as VP of Global Marketing. O’Rourke comes to Intermec after 15 years of marketing and strategy experience at Microsoft. As GM at Microsoft, he led the team of product managers, product planners, and market analysts focused on the commercialization of the Windows Mobile operating system. Previously, he held senior marketing positions for Microsoft Xbox, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft’s consumer strategy.

John O’Rourke, New VP of Global Marketing	CN4 Rugged Mobile Computer

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INTEGRATION

Intuit Buys More SaaS

Intuit (Mountain View, CA) will purchase PayCycle Inc. (Palo Alto, CA), one of the fastest-growing online payroll services in the U.S., serving more than 85,000 small businesses. The cash transaction is valued at approximately $170 million, subject to adjustment, and should close in Q3. The acquisition will give small business owners access to one of the most innovative, easy-to-use, and cost-effective online payroll solutions, now supported by of one of the strongest, most trusted brands in financial management software, said Intuit. It also will provide hundreds of thousands of accountants with the ability to offer services as stand-alone payroll providers for their small business customers.

“We’ll offer small businesses a range of low-cost, high-value alternatives to expensive payroll outsourcers and time-consuming, error-prone manual payroll methods,” pledged Nora Denzel, SVP and GM of Intuit Employee Management Solutions. “In addition, the acquisition will enable Intuit to develop and deploy the next generation of online payroll tools more quickly.”

Expanding the online capability of its payroll offering advances Intuit’s move into the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) market for small business. Further, PayCycle’s partnerships with financial institutions are expected to extend Intuit’s ability to offer integrated payroll solutions to an even larger set of partners. After the transaction has been completed, PayCycle will become part of Intuit’s Small Business Group. PayCycle CEO Jim Heeger, former Intuit CFO, will serve as strategic advisor to Intuit for six months to help ensure smooth integration of the two companies.

Nora Denzel, SVP & GM, Intuit Employee Management Solutions

LXE MX8 on RedPrairie’s Horizon

RedPrairie Corporation (Waukesha, WI) will be the first company to certify its software for use on LXE’s MX8 rugged mobile computer with the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system. The MX8 will be utilized as part of RedPrairie Store Inventory Management, its Web-based enterprise back-office solution specifically targeted at the petroleum and convenience-store industry. The MX8 will also be added to other RedPrairie software suites that support general retail and grocery/drug retail environments, according to the two parties.

“Over the last year, LXE has seen strong interest from retailers in the convenience store market,” reported Steve Newell, GM of LXE. “Our advanced work with RedPrairie ensures that customers are presented with the best-in-class solution designed to meet the inventory optimization needs of fuel and convenience store retailers.”

“LXE’s ergonomic, lightweight, yet extremely rugged terminal provides the robust platform for execution of the inventory and merchandise management functions for which RedPrairie’s Store Inventory Management solution is known,” added Gary Morgan, VP of Technical Services for RedPrairie. The MX8 computer offers two keyboard options (32-key alpha-mode or 32-key alpha-numeric), standard-range laser scanning and 1D and 2D imagers, and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR for wireless peripheral support. It ships voice-ready with LXE’s ToughTalk technology.

Inventory Optimization Hits the C-Store

Code Corner

YottaMark, Inc. (Redwood City, CA) launched HarvestMark PTI, its turn-key traceability solution designed to help shippers fully comply with the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI). The solution simplifies the GTIN assignment process, and quickly and easily adapts to the customer’s packing workflow to generate needed labels at necessary stages of the process, according to the developer. HarvestMark PTI features on-demand label printing on the packing line or in the field; medium and high volume bulk label printing for use in the field, the cooler, or the distribution center; free tools to simplify and streamline the GTIN assignment process; intuitive operator interface; integration with enterprise accounting and planning systems; wireless configurations; and hosted services to delivery traceability information on-demand at the case level. The Produce Traceability Initiative calls for produce shippers to complete and share their GTIN assignments with buyers by September 30, 2009 and to apply PTI compliant labels to cases by Q3 2010. According to YottaMark, more than 10 shippers have already selected HarvestMark PTI, including industry-leading companies such as Coosaw Farms, Divine Flavor/Grupo Alta, and Sun World International. “Our HarvestMark PTI solution is the result of careful listening to customer needs, over two years of testing in pack houses and field packing operations, and our dedication to fitting traceability into existing workflows whenever possible,” declared Elliott Grant, Chief Marketing Officer and Founder, YottaMark. “We’re delighted that the product has been so well received by leading packers and shippers.”

[Editor’s Note:  Interestingly, YottaMark has also developed in-store kiosks that allow shoppers to scan produce to verify its source of origin. One of Wegmans’ locations in Rochester, NY, will install this self-service traceability solution in the fall. The kiosk will be sponsored and branded by Driscoll’s, which supplies berries.]

PARTNER PROGRAMS

ScanSource Offers Source Book, Special Financing

ScanSource (Greenville, SC) has announced two new benefits for resellers. The first development, an interactive, online catalog dubbed the Solutions Source Book, targets the distributor’s POS and Auto ID audience. This resource features product information, exclusive vendor promotions, and advice for selling into vertical markets and addressing business issues. Resellers can download the Source Book in PDF to take with them on sales calls and customer visits, ScanSource noted.

“Now more than ever, resellers are looking for ways to grow their business, cut costs, and expand their knowledge base,” observed Mark Morgan, VP of Sales for ScanSource POS & Barcoding. “That’s why we created the Source Book. This book provides insights into new opportunities and valuable promotions and can help them win new business and strengthen their current offerings--all essential in this challenging economy.”

Elsewhere at Logue Court, ScanSource Security has extended special financing on its Panasonic System Solutions products and services, which include the company’s industry-leading video surveillance, IP/networking, and IP remote monitoring solutions. For qualified customers, ScanSource will defer interest and payments for 60 days from the date of the invoice for orders accepted, shipped, and invoiced by ScanSource Security. This exclusive financing opportunity will run until June 30, 2009 and your ScanSource sales representative can provide more details.

Watching the Halls of Healthcare with Panasonic System Solutions

Distributed Oracle Warehouse Management

Oracle (Redwood Shores, CA) has released Oracle Warehouse Management as an independent distributed solution outside of its Oracle E-Business Suite. Now customers can take advantage of the warehouse management capabilities from Oracle without upgrading to the latest version of the Oracle E-Business Suite, with additional gains in “flexibility, efficiency, and control.” In the distributed offering, Oracle Warehouse Management supports earlier versions of the Oracle E-Business Suite and allows for continuous 24x7 warehouse operations during enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrades or maintenance cycles.

This latest release also supports high-volume facilities through new capabilities such as advanced wave planning, task planning, demand-driven forward pick replenishment, and high-volume performance, according to the company. Customers can achieve more rapid ROI through new flexible deployment options, such as support for multiple order capture systems with one independent fulfillment engine and support for multiple warehouse execution systems operating against one global ERP system--resulting in greater supply chain integration and customer compliance. (Oracle Warehouse Management can be deployed either as part of the Oracle E-Business Suite or in distributed solution mode.)

“Oracle has always been committed to delivering best-in-breed warehouse management capabilities through Oracle Warehouse Management,” offered Jon Chorley, Oracle VP, Supply Chain Product Strategy. “This expanded functionality combined with more integrated logistics capabilities and new distributed deployment option is further proof of this commitment.”

Jon Chorley, VP, Supply Chain Product Strategy, Oracle

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
M-S Cash Drawer

POS & Peripherals
Aures Technologies
FEC USA
Logic Controls
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil

Cash Drawers
MMF Cash Drawer

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies
Motorola

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Payment Engine Solutions
Precidia Technologies

Receipt Printers
Star Micronics

Retail Software
Logivision

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

INSTALLATIONS

Star Finds MaxStick ROI

Star Micronics (Edison, NJ) has combined its TSP650 thermal receipt printer with MaxStick paper from Max International to improve order accuracy for its restaurant customers. The installation took place at the LaPiazza Italian Restaurant in Lititz, PA, not far from Max International’s headquarters in Lancaster. Star’s TSP650 printer, modified for use with MaxStick paper rolls, was put to use at the expo station, where orders are assembled by wait staff for delivery to their customers. It allows servers to compare the plated food with the full receipt, thereby ensuring that all parts of the order have been included for delivery to the customer.

MaxStick thermal or ink-jet paper comes with special repositionable adhesive. The paper can be printed and cut to whatever length is needed, and then stuck to almost any surface. (Think “Post-it Note.”) As an expo window printer, the TSP650 prints anywhere from 50 to 200 receipts per night, with Friday and Saturday particularly busy. LaPiazza uses Digital Dining as its POS software with the printers in the kitchen being connected via serial and the dining room via parallel communication. In addition to the dining room systems used by the wait staff to enter diners’ orders, three printers are used in the kitchen.

“We’re selling more and more of this paper,” Christophe Naasz, Business Development Manager, Star Micronics America, told RRN.Com. He offered the following advice for VARs: “You must look at the ROI before you use this kind of product, however, since it costs significantly more than regular thermal paper. If you don’t change your process, you will find it difficult to get the ROI.” Restaurants have proven to be the most fertile market, with MaxStick finding success in QSR, casual dining, and deli counters.

TSP650 Thermal Printer from Star Micronics

[Editor’s Note:  Star Micronics also announced that Microsoft Dynamics’ Retail Management System (RMS) now supports Star’s HSP7000, the company’s multifunction printer series with one-pass check reading and high-speed receipt printing. “We believe Star’s line of receipt printers is an ideal complement to RMS as the printers bring additional benefits to POS applications,” said Michael Hanson, VP of Star Micronics America.]

MenuLink Plucked by Pollo Campero

Pollo Campero, the popular chicken restaurant chain from Latin America, will standardize its U.S. operations on MenuLink Labor and MenuLink Inventory from Radiant Systems (Atlanta). “Soon after one of our franchisees implemented MenuLink, we realized the bottom-line benefits first-hand,” said Rodolfo Bianchi, VP of Operation Services at Campero USA Corporation. “We selected MenuLink because it provides us with the necessary tools to measure, analyze, and report on food and labor costs, which will significantly help us gain better control of our operations.” Both franchise and company-operated locations will run the solution.

Founded in Guatemala in 1971 by the Gutierrez family, Pollo Campero opened its first U.S. restaurant in Los Angeles in 2002 to record-breaking sales ($1 million in the first seven weeks, reportedly). Since then, the company has opened more than 50 locations in the U.S. and nearly 300 worldwide. Pollo Campero established its U.S. headquarters in Dallas in 2007 and last year signed with Wal-Mart to place stores in the retailer’s outlets.

“It’s clear that MenuLink is a critical component of our complete hospitality technology solution,” asserted Paul Langenbahn, President of the Hospitality Division at Radiant Systems. “The implementation of MenuLink allows Pollo Campero to make smarter and faster business decisions that are based on real-time factual reporting data.”

The World’s Largest Latin American Chicken Restaurant Chain

Channel Factoid

The 2009 Debit Issuer Study has identified several positive trends for financial institution debit card issuers, including sustained debit transaction growth despite the recession, and declining fraud losses at the Point of Sale (as measured in dollars per card per year, falling to $0.15 from $0.19). Issuers surveyed experienced debit transaction growth of 8% in the second half of 2008, composed of 15% growth in PIN debit transactions and 4% growth in signature debit. Survey participants predicted 7% growth each for PIN and signature debit in 2009. The average debit transaction value was $42 for PIN debit and $37 for signature. Significantly, more than one quarter of all debit transactions (27%) in 2008 were for less than $10. “In most cases, these transactions are replacing cash, highlighting the clear consumer preference for electronic payments,” concluded Cindy Ballard, EVP of Pulse, which commissioned the study.

HELLO GOODBYE

Ingram Micro DC/POS Taps New Head of Sales

Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS Division (Carlsbad, CA) has appointed Peter Gambino to Senior Sales Director. Gambino will head the DC/POS sales team as well as maintain his leadership role in Ingram Micro’s Apple, Digital Signage, and Content Management specialty-sales teams. Based in the distributor’s office in Buffalo, NY, he will report directly to Justin Scopaz, VP and GM, as it relates to the DC/POS Division.

Gambino joined Ingram Micro in 1997 as Regional Sales Manager. He was promoted to Sales Director in 1999 and Senior Sales Director in 2003. Most recently, he led the Midwest VAR territory as well as the three specialty-sales teams. “Peter’s proven track record, coupled with the strength and dedication of the Data Capture/POS sales team, will play a key role in taking the organization to the next level of success,” Scopaz commented.

Ingram Micro DC/POS also honored its key resellers for 2008 at its Annual Partner Invitational last month in Phoenix. Region Partner of the Year Awards included:  DecisionPoint Systems, Western; Miles Technologies, Central; IUG Business Solutions, Mid-Atlantic; Bar Code Direct, Northeast; and Data Systems International, Southern. 2008’s Top New Partner was Resource Point of Sale, while 2008 Motorola Partner of the Year went to GTSI. More than 350 IT industry professionals attended the three-day event, which included the building of 50 bikes benefiting the Every Kid Counts Charity.

From Left to Right: Marc Rachiele, Director, Vendor Management & Marketing, Ingram Micro DC/POS; Edward Ip, IUG Business Solutions; Justin Scopaz, VP and GM, Ingram Micro DC/POS; Peter Gambino, Senior Sales Director, Ingram Micro DC/POS