This Week’s Product Pick

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) released its new EVO barcode scanner for POS and light/medium industrial environments. The latest member of POS-X’s “Extreme Value-Oriented” product family, this low-cost, general-purpose scanner features an aggressive scan engine with no moving parts for increased durability. Sporting the same sleek shatter-resistant housing and gun form factor as the company’s XI3200 scanner, the EVO scanner offers performance approaching many high-end counterparts, according to the vendor. This includes 120 images per second scanning speed and depth-of-field reading distance of 0.75 inches to 9.8 inches. Easy-to-use configuration software comes with the device, as well as USB interface for maximum compatibility. In addition, all EVO products carry POS-X’s Two Day Advanced Replacement Protection free of charge for the entire three-year warranty. “We feel that no one should settle for just a contact scanner,” said Dan Moseley, President/CEO of POS-X. “The EVO barcode scanner closes the gap between contact and entry-level laser scanners in terms of both price and performance.” Previous EVO products have included touch PC, touch monitor, and receipt printer. For more information, click here.

POS-X EVO Barcode Scanner

Worth Your While - 2010

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

RSPA Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association
February 7-10
Cancun, Mexico

Connect
Radiant Retail User Conference
February 24-26
Atlanta

FMI
Food Marketing Institute
May 10-13
Las Vegas

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 22-25
Chicago

POS Partner Invitational
Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS Division
May 26-28
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Digital Signage in Any Size, Shape or Location

A company named Christie (Cypress, CA) has marketed modular digital display tiles that can be stacked and clustered like building blocks to create display walls in any size, shape or location. The new form factor, dubbed “MicroTiles,” was two years in the making and has now been offered for use in architectural installations, event centers, command and control facilities, and retail environments. It employs LED and DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology with no lamps or other consumable parts to replace. Furthermore, the MicroTiles are “self-aware,” meaning color calibration gets automatically completed by built-in sensors--even following re-assembly of the tiles into new configurations.

“MicroTiles represent a distinct revolution in display technology, one that allows users to create their own digital canvas or digital wallpaper,” declared Bob Rushby, Chief Technology Officer at Christie and co-inventor of the technology. “With MicroTiles, users can express their creativity and vision, and assemble the displays in ways that have previously been unattainable using current flat-panel LCD, plasma, or LED walls. They offer an innovative, visually striking digital solution to deliver messages and make them memorable.”

With individual screen size of 16 in. x 12 in. x 10 in., and weight of 20 lbs., MicroTiles require just two inches of minimal clearance for rear ventilation. Christie’s engineers designed the MicroTiles to be fully and easily serviced from the front, with the near absence of seams on display walls. The LED light engine, for example, has been rated at 65,000 hours to half-brightness usage, or nearly 7.5 years of continuous operation. Walls of MicroTiles can be controlled by the signal from most popular digital signage and media players in the market today, according to the company.

Nifty MicroTiles Display from Christie

Making Less Contact at Hypercom

Hypercom Corporation (Scottsdale, AZ) unveiled its R3210 contactless reader for payment and value-added transactions such as gift/loyalty, pre-paid, ticketing, and access control. Measuring 3.15 in. x 2.75 in. x 0.6 in., and weighing 6 oz., the R3210 offers countertop or wall-mount installation as well as clip-on stands for Hypercom’s Optimum and Artema terminals. It incorporates high-speed 32-bit RISC-based processing, plug-and-play set-up, and compatibility with industry leaders such as MasterCard PayPass, Visa PayWave, Amex ExpressPay, and Discover ZIP.

Along with embedded EMV kernels for use with credit/debit cards and NFC-enabled smartphones, the R3210 supports magnetic-stripe contactless emulation mode. Intended markets include quick-service restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and newspaper kiosks, as well as sports venues and public transit environments. When in use, LEDs and buzzer give clear visual and audible payment confirmation to both the cardholder and merchant. Optional features include high-contrast backlight display and dual RS-232 port for extended connectivity.

“With the R3210, we are introducing an intelligent, smart choice for thousands of merchants who want to improve their customer service and sales volume by accepting contactless payments,” noted Oliver Moraillon, PIN Pad and Contactless Global Product Manager, Hypercom Corporation, “whether they want to invest in contactless technology today or in the future.” In addition to speeding up the check-out process, contactless technology can drive increased use of loyalty and other value-added applications, he noted.

R3210 Contactless Payment Reader from Hypercom

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ALLIANCES

A Single Solution from Star and CipherLab

A new mobile hardware solution matches the 9471 handheld mobile computer from CipherLab (Plano, TX) with the TSP800 Point of Service thermal printer from Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ), following testing and certification by the two companies. Star’s TSP800 delivers print speed of 150 millimeters per second, two-color capability, and wide paper formats of up to 4.4 inches. Significantly, CipherLab’s 9471 enables signature capture along with barcode scanning. BlueStar (Hebron, KY) will distribute this turn-key solution to resellers in retail, logistics, public safety, and healthcare.

“By wirelessly pairing the CipherLab mobile computer with our Point of Service printers, workers can enter data immediately and print information while on the go without the need to haul large devices,” commented Christophe Naasz, Director of Business Development, Star Micronics America. “This means they can take work with them wherever and whenever, saving time and ultimately money. Working with the CipherLab product was a pleasure. Its Windows CE operating system allowed us to connect within minutes. The CipherLab 9471’s rugged form factor matched with the TSP800’s high-speed and ease of use provides the perfect mobile solution.”

“This Star Micronics-CipherLab joint offering gives workers greater mobility than their laptop,” added Al Crawford, VP of Technology at CipherLab. “Because the CipherLab 9471 can collect data by scanning or data entry, it can eliminate handwritten notes, thereby decreasing transcription mistakes. For example, police officers can issue citations on the spot, saving them the back-and-forth trip to their patrol car. And when the officer returns to their vehicle, the paper citation will already be printed and ready to go.”

Christophe Naasz, Director of Business Development, Star Micronics America

[Editor’s Note:  Star Micronics also announced it has received certification from SAP for its HSP7000 high-speed multifunction printer, which features check-handling capability as well as receipt printing. “By integrating our HSP7000 multifunction printer with the SAP Point of Sale software application, we are positioned to help companies further leverage their POS system,” commented Michael Hanson, VP, Star Micronics America.]

Deeper into the Wave for LXE

LXE Inc. (Atlanta) has expanded its relationship with Wavelink Corporation (Midvale, UT) to include pre-loading and pre-licensing of Wavelink Terminal Emulation and Wavelink Industrial Browser software, in addition to existing Wavelink Avalanche Mobility Center enablers, on all of its Windows Mobile and Windows CE-based mobile computers. Wavelink’s product family addresses the unique challenges involved in deploying, managing, and controlling today’s enterprise mobility systems. For end-users, terminal emulation extends mission-critical applications resident on mainframe systems out to their mobile workers, with necessary security and support.

Wavelink Terminal Emulation on LXE Windows Mobile and Windows CE-based computers also enables the use of Wavelink Speakeasy plug-ins for the rapid deployment the LXE devices in voice-driven logistics applications, according to the two parties. Product licenses for Wavelink software can be enacted either through existing Wavelink channels or, as a result of the expanded relationship, through purchase directly from LXE. LXE has also included the first year of Wavelink maintenance free with the purchase of Wavelink Terminal Emulation or Industrial Browser licenses from LXE.

“We have enjoyed a great relationship with LXE for many years and are excited to expand our partnership to offer pre-licensed Wavelink software on all LXE Windows Mobile and Windows CE-based devices,” stated Steve Bemis, Wavelink’s VP of Worldwide Sales. “This agreement further strengthens our position within the industry as Wavelink software ships on more mobile devices than all of our competitors combined.” Indeed, the software had become something of an industry standard, with more than 10,000 companies in retail, manufacturing, government, and logistics loaded up and running.

Wavelink Terminal Emulation Screen

[Editor’s Note:  Wavelink also made available its newest version of Wavelink Communicator, the client-side, push-to-talk solution for using ruggedized voice-enabled mobile devices as two-way radios. The new release supports additional devices by integrating with Windows CE 5.0 and Windows Mobile 6.0/6.1.]

Code Corner

Aspire Technologies (Orlando), the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and Sage Software Gold Level Development Partner, has launched QuoteWerks Version 4.0 Build 51, with new features designed to help companies reduce their cost of sales and improve sales worker efficiencies. Notable new capabilities include support for QuickBooks 2010 (U.S. and Canadian versions), enhanced Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 integration (including multi-tenancy and quote entity), and improved Maximizer integration (10.0 and 10.5, specifically). The new QuoteWerks Communicator was also debuted. This enables Aspire to periodically send messages to QuoteWerks users informing them of build updates, new features available, and other pertinent information. These messages are received and viewed from within the QuoteWerks application and allow for bi-directional communication with users. Commented John Lewe, President of Aspire Technologies: “Often customers are unaware of new additions to QuoteWerks because e-mail spam filters trap or discard our build announcements, disrupting legitimate e-mail communication between us and our customer base. The new QuoteWerks Communicator will allow us to keep our customers informed.”

Sirit, Inc. (Toronto) shipped 3.0 firmware for its industry-leading UHF RFID reader, the Infinity 510. The new software includes the “Feature License Manager” to help control costs while allowing customers with advanced needs to expose specific features. It also introduces “Stray Tag Elimination” technology which allows customers to differentiate between tags that are actively transitioning the RF field and tags that are in the field but not moving. This is particularly important around portals, such as dock doors, or in the case of electronic article surveillance, the developer pointed out. Finally, 3.0 firmware for the Infinity 510 supports additional “solution-oriented” capabilities such as antenna crossing event, tag phase reporting, and automatic throughput optimization. Previous versions of Infinity 510 currently covered under Sirit’s warranty program qualify for the free upgrade. “The next generation of RFID readers must do much more than simply read tags,” stressed Norbert Dawalibi, CEO of Sirit. “RFID readers need to solve problems. With the 3.0 firmware, Sirit makes RFID work by bringing unique solutions to our customers’ real-world issues.”

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Security Turned on Its Axis

ScanSource Security (Greenville, SC) now offers configuration services for video encoders from Axis Communications (Chelmsford, MA) through the ScanSource Custom Configuration Center. Axis video encoders digitize analog video signals and send digital images directly over an IP network; the distributor also can manage the configuration and kitting of all Axis video cameras. ScanSource Security said it has become the first distributor to offer configuration services for the Axis video encoders, which may include installing blade encoders, loading customer-supplied IP addresses, verifying channel connectivity, identifying and labeling the encoder rack to the corresponding configuration sheet, custom reporting, and shipping.

“By offering configuration services on the Axis video encoders, integrators can focus on sales and customer service while we administer the additional services that they may not have the time or manpower to manage,” explained Tony Sorrentino, VP of Sales, ScanSource Security. “What’s more, we can drop-ship the configured solution to the end-user on behalf of the integrator, taking an additional step out of the process and saving the integrator money.”

ScanSource also announced the purchase of Algol Europe, the value-added distributor specializing in convergence and communications solutions from vendors such as 3Com, Avaya, APC, Extreme Networks, Juniper Networks, and Plantronics. Algol, headquartered in Cologne, Germany, will begin operating as ScanSource Communications GmbH, and will join ScanSource Communications UK as part of ScanSource Communications Europe. The Managing Director of Algol, Marianne Nickenig, will remain with the new company and will report to Xavier Cartiaux, President of ScanSource Europe.

Tony Sorrentino, VP of Sales, ScanSource Security

Printronix Proposes Path2Profit

Printronix (Irvine, CA) has launched its Path2Profit Program for VARs and System Integrators in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The new partner structure seeks to build awareness for the Printronix and TallyGenicom printer brands, according to Virginia Lee Williams, VP of Sales and Marketing, Americas, at Printronix. RRN.Com readers will recall that Printronix acquired the U.S.-based assets of TallyGenicom in January 2009 and has spent much of the time bringing the two commercial enterprises together.

“We’re excited to offer our partners this robust program to fuel our sales and marketing opportunities during this progressive time in our company history,” Williams said. “Our resellers are the most important part of our community and serve as ambassadors of the Printronix and TallyGenicom brands. We built the Printronix Partner Network by listening to them and identifying the programs that would allow them to compete aggressively and win deals now.”

Path2Profit features four levels, based on sales revenue, partner capability, and commitment: Platinum, Premium, Reseller, and Associate. Based on their level, partners will receive tailored benefits and services to assist them in sales prospecting, technical training, customer account management, and marketing, as well as financial incentives. All previous Printronix or TallyGenicom resellers have been asked to re-apply for the new program, which pushes sales through the company’s distributors: ScanSource (Greenville, SC), Synnex (Greenville, SC), and Ingram Micro (Santa Ana, CA).

Printronix Workhorse P7000 Printer

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
FEC USA
Logic Controls
pcCashDrawer
Pioneer POS
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

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Keyboards
Cherry Electrical Systems

MICR Check Printers/Self-Service Kiosks
Source Technologies

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics

Retail Software
InfoTouch

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

STARTS & STOPS

Healthcare SBU Delivered by Tech Data

The potential market for healthcare has attracted the attention of Tech Data (Clearwater, FL), with the distributor announcing the recent formation of its Healthcare Specialized Business Unit. While electronic medical records have received much of the IT world’s attention, Tech Data intends to address the whole range of applicable technologies, including data center optimization, mobility, network security, content management, physical security--even digital signage. It has established TechMed as the umbrella under which it will offer grant assistance, lead generation, Web resources, events, and floor space in its solutions center.

“Healthcare is a top priority for Tech Data,” indicated Joe Quaglia, SVP, U.S. Marketing. “We’ve put our leading market intelligence and data-mining capabilities to work and identified a select group of resellers closest to the nation’s small doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. Through our Healthcare SBU, we’re partnering with leading hardware and software vendors to provide these resellers with the specialized solutions, services, and expert resources they need to take full advantage of the rising demand for healthcare IT.”

According to industry analyst Gartner, the healthcare provider industry will spend $81 billion on IT in 2010. Input, one of the research firms tracking government spending, reports that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act devotes $22.8 billion to healthcare IT over six years. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2010 budget calls for more than $3.3 billion to fund IT infrastructure improvements. “A billion here and a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money,” as Everett Dirksen famously remarked about government spending.

Joe Quaglia, SVP, U.S. Marketing, Tech Data

No More Missing French Fries

That’s the promise of the self-order drive-thru kiosk from Nextep Systems (Troy, MI) and MRI (Alpharetta, GA). Aimed at quick-service restaurants, the new solution allows orders to be placed through an interactive touchscreen floated on its 32-inch portrait style display. Nextep is one of the leading software developers of touchscreen ordering, digital menu boards, and online ordering solutions for the foodservice industry, as readers of RRN.Com have come to learn. MRI provides high-performance digital signage and kiosk hardware.

Interestingly, the screen features “Digital Positioning Technology,” which displays information right where the driver touches the screen--whether you’re driving your Prius or your Hummer. Indeed, the kiosk delivers a number of advanced benefits, including ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness level depending on surrounding conditions, proximity sensor that detects approaching vehicles, and thermal management system that allows use in outdoor environments with temperatures from -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. A barcode scanner and credit card reader enable payment as soon as food is ordered.

The concept follows successful pilots of the first-generation drive-thru system implemented at Subway franchises throughout the U.S. According to Rob Woodward, who operates sites in Loveland, Colorado and Alliance, Nebraska, the new drive-thru system increased sales by an average of 10% to 15%. “Customers love the easy-to-use and frustration-free self-service ordering experience. In an industry dependent upon measurable sales and customer satisfaction, we’ve experienced rapid payback,” Woodward said. Several Subway locations have been tapped to deploy the second-generation of the system, including Woodward’s.

Better Self-Order Drive-Thru Kiosk for QSR

Channel Factoid

The level of global retail theft reached $115 billion in 2009, representing an increase of 6% over last year and 1.43% of total retail sales, according to the third annual edition of the Global Retail Theft Barometer. Retail shrink in North America rose 8.1%, highest in all global regions. By comparison, retail shrink rose 7.5% in the Middle East-Africa and 4.7% in Europe. Employee theft remains the biggest problem in North America, causing 44% of all losses. The average amount stolen or admitted by shoplifters was $436.24 in North America, while the average employee theft was pegged at $1,889.02. In terms of highest shrink by category, theft of apparel and accessories reached 3.85% of sales and meat theft in supermarkets hit 3.38%. “The 2009 study also found that retailers worldwide decreased their spending on loss prevention and security by $900 million, no doubt in response to their general need to trim budgets in tough times,” reported Joshua Bamfield, Director of the Centre for Retail Research and author of the study. “However, the correlation between $900 million in decreased security and the $10 billion increase in theft is very significant. It highlights the importance of continued advancement and improvement of loss prevention programs, as reducing theft is key to the success and growth of retailers’ businesses.”

RULES & REGULATIONS

FBI Fights ACH Fraud

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued an official warning about fraudulent ACH transfers. In the typical scenario, the targeted entity receives “spear phishing” e-mail which either contains an infected attachment or directs the recipient to an infected Website. Once the recipient opens the attachment or visits the Website, malware gets installed on their computer. A key logger in this malware harvests each recipient’s business or corporate bank account log-in information. Shortly thereafter, the perpetrator either creates another user account with the stolen log-in information or directly initiates funds transfers by masquerading as the legitimate user. Such thefts have occurred as both traditional wire transfers and as ACH transfers, according to the FBI, which identifies small businesses, municipal governments, and school districts as frequent victims.

Further reporting has shown that the transfers are directed to the bank accounts of willing or unwitting individuals within the U.S. Most of these individuals have been recruited via work-at-home advertisements, or have been contacted after placing resumes on well-known job search Websites. These persons are often hired to “process payments” or “transfer funds.” They are told they will receive wire transfers into their bank accounts. Shortly after funds are received, they are directed to immediately forward most of the money overseas via wire transfer services such as Western Union and MoneyGram.

Customers who use online banking services have been advised by the FBI to contact their financial institution to ensure they are employing appropriate security and fraud prevention measures.  In addition, all computer systems should be outfitted with up-to-date antivirus software and personal firewalls, the FBI warns. Finally, any individual who has experienced unauthorized funds transfers from bank accounts, or has been recruited for work-at-home schemes to receive transfers and forward money overseas, should contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Schemes Start with Spear-Phishing E-Mail, FBI Warns Business Community