This Week’s Product Pick

Intermec (Everett, WA) added three new rugged mobile printers to its PB product family--the PB21, PB31, and PB51. The new thermal printers feature two times more memory, print 20% to 30% faster than competing solutions, and represent the industry’s only “smart” rugged mobile receipt and invoice printers, according to the manufacturer. The two, three, and four-inch printers deliver print resolution of 203 dpi and print speed of 4 inches (102 mm) per second, with Bluetooth or 802.11b/g secure wireless connectivity as well as serial and USB wired connectivity. With their wide temperature range, humidity and IP54 seal ratings, two-meter drop specification, and 50-G shock rating, they withstand the challenges of demanding environments. Intermec’s Smart Printers enable user-defined receipt and invoice applications to be hosted on the printer for stand-alone use, thereby reducing the need for host computer and its associated costs and complexity. By supporting Intermec SmartSystems, the PB21, PB31, and PB51 also simplify integration into existing networks and provide remote device management capabilities. “The PB21, PB31, and PB51 deliver unparalleled productivity, efficiency, and cost-saving benefits for our customers,” stated Earl Thompson, SVP of the Mobile Solutions Business Unit at Intermec. “By delivering the industry’s fastest and most advanced real-time information capture and management product and services portfolio, Intermec is not only empowering customers to meet and exceed today’s demands, but to ensure profitability in the future.”

Intermec’s PB21, PB31, and PB51

Worth Your While

VARTECH 2009
BlueStar
August 13-15         
Nashville, TN

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

2009 IFDA Distribution Solutions Conference
International Foodservice Distributors Association
October 19-21
Baltimore

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

NRF 99th Annual Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 10-13, 2010
New York

ALL IN THE FAMILY

The Source for More MICR

Source Technologies (Charlotte, NC) unveiled two new MICR printers, the ST9630 and ST9650, for use in check and secure document printing applications. The ST9630 replaces the ST9530, Source Technologies’ best-selling secure MICR printer model, while the ST9650 supersedes its higher-end ST9550. Both of the new units deliver robust performance along with exceptional secure print functionality, according to Source Technologies, which just last week announced its new Partner Program for both MICR printing and self-service solutions.

The ST9630 was configured to offer the best value in secure printing applications that require versatility and productivity. Features include print speed of up to 45 pages per minute (ppm), time to first page as fast as 7.5 seconds, 500-MHz processor, and 128-MB of standard memory. The ST9650 meets the needs of facilities with high-throughput and superior security without the expense and serviceability issues that can be experienced with production-level printers. With print speed of up to 55 ppm, it offers automatic duplex, 600-MHz processor, 256-MB of standard memory, 550-sheet input drawer, as well as the time to first page of 7.5 seconds.

“By introducing the high-performance models of this powerful family of printers, Source Technologies is offering check or secure document printing solutions to a widespread user base,” shared Sarah Burkhart, Director of Product Marketing. “These innovative printers are designed to combat fraud and represent an important instrument in any company’s data security and anti-fraud arsenal. The new printers offer higher performance than their predecessors while also incorporating more environmentally friendly features such as Energy Star certification.”

ST9630 MICR Printer from Source Technologies

Casio Shops BT-9100 to Channel

Casio (Dover, NJ) premiered its BT-9100 POS terminal targeted at grocery, hospitality, and retail. The BT-9100 incorporates the latest in PC technology, RRN.Com was told by Lawrence Sampey, GM of the Systems Products Division at Casio America, featuring an Intel Celeron M 440 1.86-GHz processor (equivalent to Celeron 2.8-GHz) that reduces heat and noise while boosting peripheral connectivity as well as the ability to run demanding software applications. A capacity of 1 GB of RAM (expandable to 2 GB) is provided along with an 80-GB 2.5-inch SATA hard drive and “the latest in mobile technology,” Sampey said.

The BT-9100’s 15-inch TFT touchscreen with 1024x768 XGA resolution and tilt adjustment of 15 to 75 degrees facilitates data entry for operators, while an IPX1 splash-proof cabinet construction helps protect the touch panel from wet hands and spills. Included are four RS-232 ports (one with 5-V DC power), four USB (V2.0) ports, PS2 ports for keyboard and mouse, and Compact Flash (CF) card slot to load or back up files. Further, the BT-9100 handles an “Extended Windows Display,” or secondary display, and provides built-in sound and multimedia capabilities.

In addition to these hardware offerings, the BT-9100 carries the 1000 Base-T Ethernet port to provide fast and reliable communications between other terminals or devices. Microsoft’s WEPOS operating system comes standard, with Windows XP Pro and Windows Vista also supported. From July through September, Casio will rebate $50 on the sale of each BT-9100 (with minimum of five units).

Casio’s BT-9100 POS Touchscreen Terminal

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ALLIANCES

Agilysys Finds the Cheese

Agilysys (Cleveland) will distribute the merchandising kiosk for grocery and beverage retailers from Wine Market Assistant (Menlo Park, CA). The solution, which assists customers with ratings and reviews for wine, beer, and spirits, increases beverage sales and drives cross-selling revenue, according to the two parties. Wine Market Assistant, formed by the joint venture of ReadyTouch, Inc. and WineMiner, LLC, also has partner relationships with NCR, IBM, and Micro Industries.

“As we continue to experience difficult economic conditions, it is extremely important for retailers to differentiate themselves from their competition and focus on enhancing the overall customer experience,” observed Paul Civils, SVP and GM of the Agilysys Retail Solutions Group. “Agilysys understands the issues our customers are facing today, and by partnering with Wine Market Assistant we are able to provide our customers with another great offering aimed at increasing cross-departmental sales and the bottom line.”

In addition to offering product ratings and reviews, Wine Market Assistant suggests complementary food items, proposes recipes, and recommends the retailer’s targeted promotions to customers. Customers may either scan an item or browse the kiosk to seek suggestions. Additional functionality of the turn-key solution includes real-time updates on product information, as well as the ability to provide store managers with reports on customer shopping inquiries and trends.

Looking for the Right Bottle with Wine Market Assistant

Ingram Micro: Big Screens on the Horizon

Ingram Micro (Santa Ana, CA) announced an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Horizon Display (Lake Forest, CA), one of the market leaders in large-format digital signage technology. Horizon Display’s “behind the bezel” optical touch solution provides customers with the latest in touch technology fully integrated into the display with screen sizes up to 103 inches. The company also offers 3M Dispersive Signal Technology (DST) touch solutions, as well as integration and design services in support of LCDs and plasmas from major manufacturers. Ingram Micro marks its first broadline distribution relationship.

“Interactive digital signage use is on the rise as users become more familiar with touchscreens and advertisers explore new ways to provide personalized experience to consumers,” pointed out Kevin Prewett, VP, Digital Signage Division and Vendor Management, Ingram Micro U.S. “The opportunity for our channel partners to sell this type of touch technology into retail kiosks, way finders, and many other public-facing applications is growing and will continue to be in high demand. Horizon Display is recognized as an innovator and leading manufacturer in the large-format display arena, which is why we are very proud to serve as their exclusive distribution partner and bring this touch technology into the mainstream.”

Commented Kurt Johnson, CEO of Horizon Display: “With its proven expertise in the digital signage arena and broad reach into the partner community, Ingram Micro represents the ideal distribution partner for our growing channel strategy. As the digital signage market moves quickly to adopt interactivity, we see tremendous upside in building our business together and enabling solution providers in the U.S. to take advantage of our technology.”

Horizon/NEC MultiSync LCD Touchscreen Measures 57 Inches

Code Corner

Teklynx International (Milwaukee) shipped Label Matrix PowerPro 8.3 in an effort to simplify its label design offering and provide better value to its customers. Two versions are available: Label Matrix QuickDraw, the single-user program for basic label design tasks, and Label Matrix PowerPro, the full-featured networkable label designer with advanced data integration capabilities. The mid-range version of Label Matrix will no longer be offered, according to the developer, and the price for Label Matrix PowerPro will be reduced. Label Matrix PowerPro 8.3 brings enhanced features such as: print-to-picture, which enables users to export their label designs into popular graphic editing applications; advanced security controls to allow administrators to manage user access to labels to meet compliance standards; support for over 2,100 thermal and thermal-transfer label printers and for any printer with valid Windows driver supplied by the manufacturer; an easy-to-use interface for printing and programming the most popular RFID labels; and advanced database connectivity. “Simplifying our product offering makes it easier for customers to get what they need,” related Beth Lukomski, Product Manager for Label Design at Teklynx. “With two versions of Label Matrix, customers can choose the features that best suit their requirements and get the best value in the industry.”

Retalix (Plano, TX) released Retalix Power Sell Version 5, designed to augment consultative selling for distribution sales representatives (DSRs). With this sales force application, sales reps can view all relevant information about the customer, determine product availability, and present “creative and effective ideas from their laptop or PC,” according to the company. Power Sell can be deployed locally or remotely, enabling immediate access to all item-pricing components as well as customer details to facilitate upselling and cross-selling. Version 5 delivers benefits such as its modern user interface leveraging client contributions and industry best practices, unique views per user, intuitive workflow, and collaboration between distributor, sales/services rep, and retailer. Additionally, the new Power Sell Live! feature allows users to view the status of open orders in real time and in an easy-to-use presentation. “With Retalix Power Sell, sales and service reps have all the data they need right at their fingertips,” reported Rik Schrader, SVP, Global Sales and Marketing, Retalix Supply Chain Division. “Unprecedented access to information actually shortens sales calls while increasing order sizes and customers appreciate the high level of service they receive.”

STARTS & STOPS

Marriage of Label Makers

ID Label, Inc. (Lake Villa, IL) will purchase the assets of Universal Label Technologies, Inc. (Attleboro Falls, MA), thereby expanding its capabilities in preprinted barcode labels and associated products for VARs and OEMs. ID Label said it will continue to maintain the existing ULT location in Attleboro Falls, while transferring some portion of the manufacturing operation to its new 21,000-sq.-ft. facility in Lake Villa. That facility is expected to be completed in September. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“ULT has been one of the leaders in variable image, barcode label manufacturing for warehouse applications since it was founded in 2001,” noted Neil Johnston, President of ID Label. “We look forward to building on the foundation that ULT has provided its clients for the past eight years, and extending the product offering to help them grow their business under the ID Label banner.” Founded in 1994, ID Label merged with ICS of America in 2001, bringing it into the library marketplace for barcode labels and equipment, and then bought Imagescan, Inc. in 2004 to add long-run variable imaging products and multi-color, harsh environment labels.

“The acquisition gives ID Label an expanded customer base of clients that have an ongoing need for LPN labels, rack bin location labels, retro reflective signs, and installation services,” added William Powers, VP of Sales and Marketing at ID Label. “The manufacturing and service offerings of ID Label will significantly benefit ULT clients.”

Flat Warehouse Sign with Long-Range Barcode Label

Datasym Cracks HSA/FSA Code

Datasym, Inc. (Brantford, ON, Canada) has received SIGIS Certification, joining the list of POS vendors offering platforms capable of accepting Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account, or HSA/FSA, payment cards. Datasym’s XR650 represents the first ECR to receive the SIGIS designation, according to the vendor. At the checkout, the XR650 now identifies eligible IIAS (Inventory Information Approval System) items and separates them from the non-eligible, taxable/non-taxable items in the same transaction. The customer can pay for the eligible IIAS items with his or her HSA/FSA card and pay for the balance with cash, check, or credit/debit/gift card.

President of Datasym, Rick Sterne stated: “The HSA/FSA feature in our XR650 presents boundless opportunities, not only for Datasym and our reseller channel but also for the independents looking for an affordable solution for their business. With the Datasym XR650, store owners who did not accept the HSA/FSA cards due to high costs related to expensive PC-based systems will now have the ability to accept them and increase their revenue.”

New IRS regulations required pharmacies/drug stores to have their IIAS-compliant POS system in place by the June 30, 2009 deadline so that they could continue accepting HSA/FSA cards. SIGIS (Special Interest Group for IIAS Standards) was formed to promote industry standards to meet IRS stipulations in this area. Based in San Ramon, CA, SIGIS provides its members with the list of eligible UPC numbers to assist retailers in determining which items are eligible for use with HSA/FSA cards. This week, the group named Jeff Beadle, former Director of IT for Longs Drugs, as its new Executive Director.

Datasym’s XR650 Hybrid POS with Ethernet Communication

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
ScanSource

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

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil

Cash Drawers
MMF Cash Drawer

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Honeywell Scanning & Mobility
Janam Technologies
Motorola

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

MICR Check Printers/Self-Service Kiosks
Source Technologies

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics

Retail Software
InfoTouch
Logivision

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

HELLO GOODBYE

New Captain on Bridge at Printronix

After 35 years at the helm, Robert Kleist has stepped down from Printronix (Irvine, CA), with Randy Eisenbach named CEO/President. Eisenbach, who joined Printronix in 2008, and was named COO earlier this year, led the company’s recent acquisition of TallyGenicom LP’s line matrix, laser, and supply chain business. As CEO/President, he said he will give top priority to Printronix’s and TallyGenicom’s global reseller and customer network and aggressively expand the company’s products and markets worldwide.

Kleist founded Printronix in 1974. Regarded as one of the major figures in line matrix printing technology, he steered Printronix through multiple technology and market changes. In 1979, the company went public and remained so for 28 years. In January 2008, Printronix was acquired by Vector Capital, the San Francisco-based private equity firm.

“An entire industry owes Bob a debt of gratitude for his vision and energy,” Eisenbach offered. “He is a true innovator, and Printronix benefitted by becoming the established leader in pioneering technologies. Bob will remain a member of the board of directors and a close advisor to me. I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition and building upon our legacy of market leadership by continually exploring new opportunities and expanding our reach in line matrix and thermal printing solutions.”

Randy Eisenbach

Retail Pro Starts Fresh

Retail Pro International, LLC has acquired the assets of Retail Pro, Inc. and appointed Kerry Lemos as CEO. Lemos brings more than 20 years of experience working with companies such as Sage Software, Hotel Information Systems, Avantos, and Kadiri, during which time he created, developed, and optimized channel distribution strategies and gained retail and hospitality expertise. The new corporate headquarters of Retail Pro International, LLC will be located at 400 Plaza Drive, Suite 200, Folsom, CA.

“We are very pleased with this acquisition,” Lemos stated. “The financial backing and confidence of our investors provides us with a solid foundation as we acquire the tremendous assets of the Retail Pro brand and many of the key employees from Retail Pro, Inc. We will focus on product development of the acquired assets and customer satisfaction throughout the transition process with an emphasis on research and development. New senior management has been hired. We will continue with what prior ownership was implementing regarding the delivery of key product enhancements that were announced at the global customer conference last fall. For example, updates to both of our most popular platforms--Retail Pro Version 8 and Retail Pro Version 9--are complete. These new releases provide PCI compliance and other important features desired by today’s retailers.”

“As an investor in Retail Pro International, we appreciate the continued support from Retail Pro’s customers and channel partners, and look forward to a successful and profitable relationship as Retail Pro International builds the Retail Pro brand on a global basis,” added Patrick Regan, Senior Managing Director of Laurus Capital Management/Valens Capital Management, investment manager to Calliope Capital Corporation and Valens Offshore SPV II, Corp., respectively.

Kerry Lemos, CEO, Retail Pro International, LLC

Channel Factoid

A recent survey by Gartner suggests that many Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) users have been underwhelmed by their experience. Gartner found that 58% of the organizations contacted in the U.S and U.K. will maintain current levels of SaaS over the next two years, 32% will expand, 5% will decrease, and another 5% will discontinue their use altogether. When companies were asked to identify the top three factors that they would weigh in making their decision to deploy SaaS, meeting technical requirements was the top overall consideration at 46%, followed by security, privacy and/or confidentiality at 33%, and ease of integration and functionality needed for business unit owners, both at 29%. Respondents who have considered using SaaS, but decided not to, were asked what factors they considered in making the decision. Forty-two percent cited high cost of service, 38% said difficulty with integration, and 33% felt the solution didn’t meet technical requirements. “At a time when SaaS is becoming more of a consideration for more enterprises, the results of this survey will be somewhat disquieting for SaaS vendors,” commented Twiggy Lo, Principal Research Analyst at Gartner. “Underwhelming customer satisfaction scores, hesitation over the true cost of SaaS solutions, and concerns regarding how successfully SaaS applications can be integrated with other applications all point to issues that will need addressing and resolving.”

[Editor’s Note:  The U.S. Department of Justice reports that ID theft has surpassed the illegal drug trade as the country’s number one crime. $60 billion was lost and 35.6 million consumer records were exposed in 2008 due to data breaches and identify theft, 47% higher than 2007, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.]

INSTALLATIONS

Racing, RFID, and Rock & Roll

ChronoTrack Systems Inc. (Evansville, IN) reported that its race-timing system, based on Impinj UHF Gen 2 RFID technology, performed flawlessly at the inaugural running of the Seattle Rock & Roll Marathon on June 27. The sold-out event drew in excess of 25,000 participants and utilized the RFID-based system to record runners’ times at more than 18 points along the course. All runners wore ChronoTrack “D-tags,” powered by Impinj’s Monza tag chip and UPM Raflatac’s DogBone tag antenna. At each timing point, Impinj Speedway readers and Threshold reader antennas supported the monitoring of runners.

ChronoTrack’s D-tag allows race organizers to print an integrated bib and tag for each participant, encoding the runner’s bib number into the tag’s RFID chip at the time of printing. The lightweight, inexpensive tag peels off at the bib and attaches to the runner’s shoe. Since the tag is disposable, runners no longer need to stand in long lines to “chip return” their timing devices. The system scales to any size race, operates in all weather conditions, and provides reading accuracy that exceeds all other race-timing schemes on the market today, according to the solution provider, which expects as many as 1,200 North American events to utilize its technology this year.

“The rapid adoption of Impinj UHF RFID technology in race-timing applications is no surprise to us,” indicated Kerry Krause, VP of Marketing at Impinj. “Our products are the perfect fit because they enable measurable improvements in the accuracy of the entire race-timing infrastructure, which the athletes like, while providing real cost-efficiencies for the race organizers.”

ChronoTrack’s Timing Tag Fits “Shoestring” Budgets