This Week’s Product Pick

First Data (Denver) unveiled its FD400 low-cost, battery-powered, wireless payment processing terminal for merchants who do not have constant access to both power and communications. The FD400 is the latest device in First Data’s family of proprietary terminals, and targets on-the-go-merchants such as taxis, limousines, home delivery, farmer markets, and onsite services. It handles the full range of solutions for payment processing, including credit, debit, gift card, loyalty, check, and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), by incorporating the touchscreen terminal, receipt printer, and PIN pad. It also takes advantage of the 3G broadband network for greater efficiency and increased transaction speed. Other features include over-the-air software download for fast, mobile application updates, as well as built-in, rechargeable battery, store-and-forward capability for off-line capture and upload of transactions in non-coverage areas, and compact form factor small enough to fit into the merchant’s coat pocket. Lastly, it meets MasterCard POS Terminal Security requirements. “For merchants whose business is not always in locations with Internet or dial-up connections, this terminal really solves their connectivity dilemma,” explained Russell Bird, SVP, First Data. “This compact, lightweight device makes accepting payments remotely truly effortless with multiple payment options, performance, and dependability in its small package.”

Battery-Powered FD400 from First Data

Worth Your While

Poll-A-Rama IV
Tri-Technical Systems
September 15-16
Dubuque, IA

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

IH/M&RS
International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show
November 7-10
New York

Synergy 2009 Customer Conference
Retalix
November 8-11
Dallas

Fall 2009 Self-Service Expo
KioskCom
November 10-11
New York

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

CipherLab Hits Productivity With 8400

CipherLab (Plano, TX) rolled out its 8400 series of industrial mobile computers expressly designed to improve productivity for mid-market warehouses, retail locations, and logistics environments. New features of the 8400 include increased screen size to better accommodate terminal emulation, an ergonomic keypad that facilitates one-handed use, and tilted scan engine to make data capture easy and more efficient. Specifically, the 8400 boasts the “largest-in-class” backlight 2.6-in. 160x160-pixel display, choice of laser, linear imager or 2D imager, and both BT and 802.11b/g WLAN communications.

CipherLab’s PowerSuite SDK (Software Development Kit) helps customers create custom configurations and mobile applications quickly and efficiently, according to the vendor. A 39-key keypad with 20 function keys makes terminal emulation user-friendly. As additional advantages of the proprietary operating system, CipherLab lists maximized performance, reduced maintenance, and increased return on investment. Finally, with up to 16 MB of onboard storage plus one MicroSD slot that accommodates 8 GB of memory, the 8400 delivers the power needed for the most demanding data applications.

“By analyzing industry trends, we observed the need for 2D image capture, increased memory, and more user-friendly design in handheld mobile data-capture devices,” stated Sherman Chaung, President of CipherLab. “The 8400 series was developed to be the best proprietary terminal to meet these AIDC requirements with new and enhanced features that make the data collection and sharing process the fastest and easiest available. The 8400 brings the power of the desktop to the work floor with low total cost of ownership and unrivaled reliability.”

CipherLab’s 8400 Series Industrial Mobile Computer

Wireless Clicks at Adesso

Adesso, Inc. (Walnut, CA) offered up the WKB-4000UB, its new line of 2.4-GHz USB wireless keyboards with integrated touchpad technology. Described as “ultra-slim and stylish,” the WKB-4000UB employs two built-in buttons for familiar mouse performance, as well as an embedded numeric keypad and 12 function keys for one-touch commands. Additional features include low-profile scissor-switch keys with lifecycle of 6 million clicks, sleep mode and power on/off switch, and low battery indicator.

The WKB-4000UB complements contemporary PC systems and flat LCD monitors in modern office environments, according to the vendor, while also providing the necessary input capabilities for POS terminals where space may be constrained. This wireless keyboard, with range of 30 feet, can also be placed in conference rooms, auditoriums, and other presentation environments, and can instantly go mobile, fitting easily in briefcases or backpacks, given its compact package of 11.75 in. x 8.25 in. and weight of approximately one pound. The keyboard’s “quick connect” button enables users to synchronize their PCs with little effort.

Adesso goes to market through distributors such as Ingram Micro, Synnex, and D&H, as well as through the full roster of e-retailers, catalog houses, and brick-and-mortar computer stores. An MSRP of $109.99 was given for the WKB-4000UB. In addition to keyboards, Adesso’s product line includes barcode scanners, touchpads, and graphic tablets.

WKB-4000UB Wireless Keyboard from Adesso

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business—in the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?

E-mail Michael Kachmar for advertising information,
or call 973-270-3284

Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?

Hurry ! Use the links below to catch up :

Week of August 17

Week of August 10

Week of August 3

ALLIANCES

Bridging the Carrier Gap at Psion Teklogix

Psion Teklogix (Hebron, KY) has joined forces with RACO Wireless (Cincinnati, OH) to provide customers with out-of-the-box wireless connectivity through the T-Mobile network, for which RACO Wireless serves as Master VAR. This agreement provides device activation for all of Psion Teklogix’s mobile products, RRN.Com was told by Mike Jachimiec, VP of Channel Sales for Psion Teklogix, and seeks to bridge the traditional gap between wireless carriers, data, and ruggedized handheld devices. A similar agreement exists between Psion Teklogix and CNM Wireless (Westlake Village, CA) for the AT&T network.

“With RACO Wireless, VARs and their end-users now have someone who is very familiar with our products performing device activation,” said Jachimiec. “Typically, our types of devices fall into ‘third-party’ categories and many carriers don’t understand them. In general, the carriers prefer to deal with four or five Master VARs. Also, RACO Wireless offers services above and beyond technology, such as billing.” Benefits for VARs include the possibility of shared finder fees, as well as providing value-add for their customers, with Jachimiec directing interested parties to RACO Wireless for emerging details.

“We see great value for our customers by providing them with the complete package of Psion Teklogix ruggedized mobile devices and mobile carrier services,” concurred Tom Lehn, VP of Operations for RACO Wireless. “Together, we’ll deliver a seamless, cost and time-effective solution that makes our customers more efficient.”

Mike Jachimiec, VP of Channel Sales, Psion Teklogix

Agilysys Banks on Cashless Transactions

Agilysys, Inc. (Cleveland) will partner with Payment Solution, the German supplier of payment systems for sports and entertainment venues based on multi-functional debit cards and contactless RFID chip technology, to add cashless transactions to its POS, inventory, and purchasing software suite in Europe. The two companies have previously collaborated as major sponsors of the Events Venue Management Institute (EVMI), the global provider of training and professional development courses in the segment suggested by its name. Payment Solution already enjoys installs in major stadiums, arenas, and theme parks throughout Europe.

“We are delighted to partner with this leader in cashless systems to provide even more value to our customers,” observed Tina Stehle, SVP and GM of Agilysys Hospitality Solutions Group. “Improving sales transactions is one side of the coin but, unfortunately, great numbers of venues still don’t have an integrated approach between the POS and their inventory and procurement, which limits the benefits delivered by improved transactions. However, compared to other providers, our solutions already tightly integrate POS with the back office [through Eatec Solutions and InfoGenesis POS]. By working with Payment Solution we can take this integration and control even further, using the same platform right up to the cashless transaction.”

“We are very pleased to be working together with Agilysys and excited about the joint opportunities open to us,” added Heinz-Peter Stromsdorfer, COO for Payment Solution. “We already appreciated the many benefits Agilysys brings to venues and believe there is a perfect fit with our own approach. Venues using our systems typically see higher revenue and profits through increased convenience for guests, faster transactions, and enhanced marketing.”

[Editor’s Note:  Agilysys also announced that Wet ‘n’ Wild has selected InfoGenesis POS to streamline operations at its new 35-acre water park, the largest theme park in Arizona. “We particularly like the openness of the system, its accessible user interface, and its real-time reporting features,” testified Scott Cooper, GM of Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix.]

Tina Stehle, SVP and GM, Agilysys Hospitality Group

Code Corner

Data Systems International (Overland Park, KS) released the newest versions of the popular Barcode 2000 multi-platform label printing solution developed by its recently acquired Unibar Inc. subsidiary. With this new release, DSI has rebranded the products as part of the Unibar Enterprise Labeling Software (ELS) product suite. Unibar ELS Standard operates on UNIX, Linux, and Microsoft Windows platforms, using data from standard applications and databases to output barcode labels. Unibar ELS Enterprise adds advanced barcode functionality and RFID label printing to Unibar ELS Standard, as well as optional XML capabilities to support XML printing from Oracle Warehouse Management System (WMS), Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications (MSCA), and other XML applications. The latest product release brings new barcode symbologies that give users more flexibility and capacity for their barcode and RFID labels, according to the developer. In addition, this release offers enhancements to the user interface and help systems. Unibar ELS Enterprise is the preferred barcode and RFID printing vehicle for DCI’s dcLINK mobile data collection solution, not surprisingly. DSI also has released service packs for dcLINK that enable dcLINK 4.2 and dcLINK 5.0 to utilize Unibar ELS Enterprise as their label printing solution. “We are pleased to announce that dcLINK fully supports Unibar ELS Enterprise,” said Gary Delancy, VP of Development for DSI. “DSI will continue to invest in the development of our Unibar offerings as stand-alone products and for integration into our mobile enterprise solutions.” DSI purchased Unibar (Rochester Hills, MI) in May 2009.

ViVOtech (Santa Clara, CA) announced general availability of its flagship Near-Field Communications (NFC) infrastructure software, ViVOnfc Suite 2.8, on the Solaris 10 O/S and Sun Microsystems hardware for large-scale commercial deployments. The solution intends to help NFC service providers move from pilots and trials to commercial launches involving millions of users. ViVOnfc Suite 2.8 with patented Over-the-Air (OTA) provisioning methods comprises the ViVOplatform Issuer Server, ViVOplatform Control Server, and ViVOwallet mobile phone payment application. It enables the entire ecosystem of mobile network operators, card issuers, merchants, and marketing services companies to securely provision and manage payment cards, coupons, and tickets on NFC-enabled handsets, according to ViVOtech. With OTA technology, merchants can also drive personalized and localized marketing campaigns. “We are delighted to bring ViVOnfc 2.8 to market on Sun’s commercial-grade software and hardware platforms, which will enable upcoming rollout of production-grade NFC deployments,” remarked Mohammad Khan, President and Founder of ViVOtech. “ViVOnfc software has been ruggedized and enriched through dozens of NFC mobile payment pilots, which have been successfully completed in multiple countries, working with most of the ecosystem players.”

INSTALLATIONS

Coca-Cola’s Thirst for Data Quenched by CAS

CAS (Atlanta) has been selected by The Coca-Cola Company to provide Sales Force Automation (SFA) solutions to its bottler network, as part of the Program Scale Mobile Customer Management (MCM) initiative. Targeting local mobile bottler workforces around the world, the CAS “front office” solution will be used for planning, sales and distribution tracking, surveys, and business intelligence. Integrated with the back office, the solution will provide comprehensive and dynamic insight into what is happening with each customer, the two parties believe.

According to Tom Miller, GM of Program Scale and VP, Bottling Investments for The Coca-Cola Company, Program Scale was devised to provide company-owned and franchise bottlers with a common set of business processes under the “Coke One” operating model, using the SAP platform. Further, MCM will take the power of Program Scale to the next level--extending Coke One to include advanced customer-facing capabilities, particularly in the area of mobile customer management. As RRN.Com readers should know, CAS offers an integrated suite of Retail Execution and Trade Promotion Management software, including Direct Store Delivery, Field Service, and Trade Promotion Optimization.

“We chose CAS because of their domain expertise in consumer products and their ability to integrate with both the SAP ERP back office and the SAP CRM system,” Miller noted. “In addition, CAS was the only company that could provide us with the global mobility capabilities that we need to support our bottler network. Essentially, their solution has the built-in flexibility to enable our bottlers to succeed in established as well as emerging markets. We can provide the solution to them on the mobile device that best suits their needs.”

Sales Force Automation for Coca-Cola’s Bottler Network

Another Shot in the Arm for Healthcare Efficiency

The Premier healthcare alliance, tallying 2,200 hospitals and 58,000 additional healthcare sites, has chosen 1SYNC as its data pool for accessing product information in the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). 1SYNC is the leading data pool for the GDSN--which is the standard developed and maintained by GS1, the not-for-profit group dedicated to the adoption and implementation of standards-based, global supply chain solutions, with U.S. offices in Lawrenceville, NJ. More than 19,000 companies, primarily in the retail, hardware, and consumer packaged goods sectors, currently employ GDSN to access information for nearly four million products. Now the healthcare industry has started to embrace GS1 standards in order to improve patient safety and reduce costs, RRN.Com readers should note. 1SYNC, one of GS1 US subsidiaries, will also help Premier “onboard” its suppliers for the GDSN, providing technology, implementation support, education, training, and customer service.

“Premier has taken another huge step of leadership for the healthcare community,” declared Bob Carpenter, CEO of GS1 US. “Its embrace of GS1 standards for identifying products and locations was a great first step, and its participation in the GDSN will further drive efficiencies across the healthcare supply chain.”

Global data synchronization represents the third leg of GS1 standards recommended by GS1 US Healthcare Working Groups. The three standards are: Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), the standardized number used to uniquely identify manufactured products, at each packaging level; Global Location Number (GLN), the standardized number used to uniquely identify healthcare provider and supplier locations; and Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), which stores GTIN and GLN data, allowing users to access information regarding products, including changes and updates. Premier has been actively supporting its members to meet the industry-accepted “sunrise” adoption dates of 2010 for the GLN standard and 2012 for the GTIN standard.

[Editor’s Note:  Premier has also awarded Dynamic Computer Corporation (Farmington Hills, MI) with its group purchasing contract to provide RFID asset tracking and management solutions for its healthcare alliance members.]

Healthcare Products Welcomed into the Global Data Synchronization Network

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
FEC USA
Logic Controls
POS-X

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil

Cash Drawers
MMF Cash Drawer

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

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Star Micronics

Retail Software
InfoTouch
Logivision

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

HELLO GOODBYE

Run of the Mills at RP Solutions

RP Solutions, Inc. (Ithaca, NY), which develops and provides solutions for electronic and image-based payment processing, has added Jim Mills as its VP of Business Development. In this newly created position, Mills will be responsible for leading sales efforts as well as for developing, implementing, and managing strategies and programs to drive corporate growth. He has over 20 years of senior executive experience in the financial industry, having served as COO at Northwest Financial Corporation, President and Director of the Board of Data Management Products (DMP Payment Systems), President of First Integrated Systems, and District Sales Manager for NCR.

“Jim comes to RP Solutions with very strong visionary leadership skills and thorough understanding of our market,” indicated David Johnson, President of RP Solutions. “Not only does he have a strong technical background with image-based remittance processing solutions, but he also has extensive skills in strategic business planning, sales management, contract negotiations, and product marketing. He’ll be a tremendous asset to our team. We have some pretty aggressive growth plans and, in fact, just recently expanded our sales force by adding two industry veterans, Bob Frank and Tom Johnson.”

“RP Solutions is an exciting company that is well-known in the payments industry as a trusted solutions provider,” said Mills. “I see an opportunity in the market where many competitors are going through mergers that can be disruptive for employees and customers. In today’s market, customers want service and stability. RP Solutions also has a compelling line of products and new products in development; they are well positioned to take advantage of several market opportunities.”

Jim Mills, VP of Business Development, RP Solutions

McAfee Secures Thurber to Head Channel

McAfee, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) has hired Alex Thurber as SVP of Worldwide Channel Operations, with immediate focus on “implementing infrastructure improvements to make it easier to do business with McAfee and driving pay-for-performance programs that will enable a value-based channel across the breadth of McAfee solutions,” according to the world’s largest dedicated security technology company. He will report directly to Michael DeCesare, EVP of Worldwide Sales Operations at McAfee.

Thurber joins McAfee following 10 years at Cisco Systems, where most recently he was responsible for the development and execution of Cisco’s channel strategies and programs for security, wireless, and emerging technologies, as well as the channel integration of all Cisco acquisitions. Prior to Cisco, he started Thurber Works, and under his direction as CEO, the IT services and consulting firm became the Northwest’s premier solutions and security solution provider. Before being acquired, Thurber Works was the fastest-growing technology company in Oregon and the 75th fastest-growing technology company in the U.S.

”We are pleased to welcome Alex to lead McAfee’s growing channel organization,” commented DeCesare. “I am looking to leverage his 17 years of network and security experience that has given him deep understanding of what is required to build and grow a value-based channel. His hands-on experience in a worldwide ‘best-in-class’ channel organization along with his go-to-market expertise makes him an exceptional addition to our team.”

Alex Thurber, SVP of Worldwide Channel Operations, McAfee

Channel Factoid

Spending on document capture software grew in 2008 by 7.7% to $1.9 billion, according to Harvey Spencer Associates. By 2012, HAS predicts the market will exceed $2.7 billion. The Ad-Hoc segment, which uses desktop scanners and Multi-Function Peripherals (MFPs) to convert paper to digital images on demand for local storage, conversion to text, or input into business process, grew by 5.1%. The Batch Image Capture segment, which deploys higher speed scanners to convert batches of paper into Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems and Document Management (DM) systems, grew by 1.7%. The Batch Transaction segment, which extracts data from captured documents into business processes, grew by 13.3%. “Each segment achieved some growth, despite challenging economic conditions, particularly in Q3 and Q4,” said Harvey Spencer, President of Harvey Spencer Associates. “The Ad-Hoc growth rate was negatively affected by the economy, which caused the slowdown in MFP and scanner shipments, and by the impact of Ricoh’s acquisition of IKON, which caused management and sales focus to shift. Batch Image Capture was affected by the slowdown in ECM sales. However, we are particularly pleased to see the double-digit growth of the Batch Transaction segment.”

INTEGRATION

Labeling System Fulfills Product Recall

A new labeling solution that allows manufacturers to meet and even exceed U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) requirements for product tracking, and then manage the tracking data online, has been introduced by Avery Dennison (Framingham, MA). The solution, dubbed “Universal Track and Trace,” consists of Avery Dennison printers, tag and label design software, and the D2Comm online data management tool. It allows manufacturers to incorporate unique alphanumeric identifiers, or “license plates,” into product tracking labels for garments and fabrics, which then can be linked to suppliers, contractors, or other relevant manufacturing information.

“Universal Track and Trace requires no custom programming,” indicated Michael Dancausse, Avery Dennison Product Manager, In-Plant Printing Solutions. “It allows users to print and capture the specific label data that is mandated by CPSIA, and then add this unique serial number on the label that ties it to additional product data. And we can make all this available online.”

The CPSIA regulations, which took effect on August 14, 2009, were designed to protect children under the age of 12 by aiding in the recall of unsafe products, including apparel, footwear, bedding, and accessories. The regulations require that permanently applied labels for individual items carry the production location and date, as well as the manufacturer’s name and the product’s batch or lot number. The mandate affects apparel manufacturers and importers who supply children’s products.

Avery Dennison Garment Label Printer