This Week’s Product Pick

Datalogic Scanning (Eugene, OR) introduced its Gryphon L GD4300 corded laser scanner, which combines ergonomic design, advanced features, and aggressive performance. Small and lightweight, Gryphon L GD4300 handles 100 scans per second with depth of field over 19 inches. Linear and GS1 DataBar reading capabilities cover present and future data-capture requirements. The scanner carries both an IP-52 environmental rating for use in dusty and moist environments and drop resistance of 5.9 feet. Its rubber-like overmold cushions the scanner when dropped, protects the scan window, and prevents the scanner from slipping off counter surfaces. Gryphon GD4300 readers offer the choice of two sets of multi-interface options: USB, Keyboard Wedge, RS-232, and Wand Emulation, or, for use in POS, IBM 46XX, USB, and RS-232. Datalogic’s Aladdin software configuration tool comes at no extra cost, and simplifies installation of the readers. ROI gets further enhanced through remote host downloads and the five-year factory warranty, according to the manufacturer. “With premium features such as our patented ‘Green Spot’ technology for good read feedback, strong performance, and high reliability, the GD4300 excels in retail, office automation, and light industrial applications.” stated Dave Sullivan, VP of Sales and Marketing for Datalogic Scanning.

Gryphon L GD4300 from Datalogic

Worth Your While

Self-Service Expo & Digital Signage Show
KioskCom
April 14-15
Las Vegas

NACStech
Association for Convenience and Petroleum Retailing
May 5-7
New Orleans

FMI Show
Food Marketing Institute
May 10-13
Las Vegas

[Editor’s Note:  The FMI Show for 2010 will include technology sessions and exhibits, since Marketechnics has not been scheduled for this year.]

WERC Annual Conference
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 16-19
Anaheim, CA

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

Seiko Printer Battles Budgets

Seiko Instruments USA, Thermal Printer Division (Torrance, CA) shipped its wireless, two-inch, direct thermal printer for budget-conscious users, the DPU-S245. Described as ultra-small, the new printer weighs 0.62 lbs. and measures 3.27 in. x 5.12 in. x 1.77 in. Developed for mobile workforce applications, the DPU-S245 is among the fastest printers on the market today, according to the vendor, producing 203 dots per inch (dpi) output at 100 mm/second. Price starts at $253.

Befitting its target market, the DPU-S245 was designed for simplicity, dependability, and ease-of-use. Bluetooth and IrDA wireless connectivity and USB and Serial wired connections combine to make the printer suitable for the broad range of mobile and tethered receipt printing scenarios. Microsoft Windows Drivers and SDK for Windows CE and Windows Mobile are also available. The DPU-S245 comes rated for 50-km of printed output, equivalent to over 320,000 six-inch printouts. The printer also supports the Seiko Instruments EZ-OP clamshell-style paper tray for paper replacement.

“The new DPU-S245 adds another cost-effective and durable printer to our growing line of mobile wireless solutions,” stated Kaz Onishi, VP and GM, Seiko Instruments USA. “It’s ideal for mobile applications, and offers the speed, size, and value to satisfy budget-conscious users in emerging markets, like Latin America, and in organizations where spending has been constrained by economic uncertainty.”

Seiko’s Two-Inch and Four-Inch Mobile Printers

A Fishbowl on Wheels

Fishbowl Inventory 2010, released in October 2009, has been strengthened with the launch of Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse, which integrates seamlessly to Intuit QuickBooks. The new module works on barcode-enabled devices running Microsoft Mobile 5.0 and 6.0 and has been made available for the one-time fee of $1,595, including lifetime software upgrades. It can be installed on an unlimited number of devices within the warehouse, according to the developer, to provide real-time inventory functionality.

“So many of our customers are seeking ways to be more efficient and save money in all aspects of their business,” observed David Williams, CEO of Fishbowl (Orem, UT). “Fishbowl Mobile’s features will help streamline processes, reduce time spent managing inventory, and dramatically cut human errors. All keys to creating savings.” Originally released in 2001, Fishbowl Inventory purports to be the most requested inventory control solution for QuickBooks.

Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse fulfills three key needs. For receiving, inventory may be logged into the system right off the delivery truck, with suggested locations where the goods should be placed. In picking, multiple orders may be combined and handled simultaneously; in addition, workers can be guided through the warehouse in the most efficient path to fill orders. Finally, all necessary look-up information can be accessed quickly and easily, including part descriptions, UPCs, and part tracking histories. At the end of the order, updates are processed to Fishbowl Inventory.

Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse Integrates to QuickBooks

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CERTIFICATION

PrehKeyTec Banks on Open Source

PrehKeyTec (Buffalo Grove, IL) has partnered with Open Solutions, Inc. (Glastonbury, CT), which provides financial products and services to banks, credit unions, and service providers throughout the U.S., Canada, and overseas. Specifically, PrehKeyTec will supply customized MCI 3100 keyboards to clients running Open Solutions’ DNA core processing platform (Version 2.1 and higher). “We are excited to embark into the financial services space as a partner with Open Solutions,” declared Stephen Bergeron, PrehKeyTec’s President. “They are one of the premier providers in this market segment and we believe their application fits naturally with our products.”

The new keyboards have been configured to provide shortcuts tailored to the frequently used functions within DNA, including deposit, withdrawal, check issue, counter check, regular payment, ledger disbursement, ledger receipt, and services. The advanced programmability of the keyboards simplifies operator training and enhances data input by replacing manual keystrokes or DNA speed keys with more efficient keyboard shortcuts. One hundred such shortcuts are possible, according to the two parties.

“Two rounds of one-on-one usability testing were performed on the PrehKeyTec keyboard, producing compelling evidence that the shortcuts work,” testified Michael Rawlins, Director of User Experience and Product Marketing at Open Solutions. “The testing scenarios showed user tasks that had been keyboard and mouse intensive were sped up by as much as 50% using the PrehKeyTec keyboard. We also observed how intuitively users picked up the color coding and grouping of keys.”

Programmability Allows Dedicated Keys for Financial Functions

[Editor’s Note:  Open Solutions also announced it has hired industry veteran Santo Cannone as EVP, Group Sales. Cannone previously served as COO of ConnectWise, the provider of Professional Service Automation (PSA) software.]

Sharper Focus on Visual Logistics

Mobile computers from Psion Teklogix (Hebron, KY) have become the first to be certified for use on TECSYS Visual Logistics, which delivers visual instructions and prompts to warehouse workers in order to achieve higher order accuracy and fill rates. Approved hardware solutions for the new software need to meet speed/response time benchmarks, reliability standards, and expanded keyboard flexibility above traditional Warehouse Management System (WMS) applications, according to TECSYS (New York). Psion Teklogix’s WorkAbout Pro and Model 7535 G2 rugged handheld computers passed these criteria.

“Psion Teklogix has always been a very important strategic partner of TECSYS, and they collaborated with us to help bring Visual Logistics to the market,” reported John Reichert, WMS Product Manager at TECSYS. “The certification of its rugged mobile computing products for use with our new Visual Logistics further builds upon the synergies of our two companies. Our goal for Visual Logistics is to place know-how from throughout an enterprise’s supply chain into the hands of workers to streamline and further optimize execution in the warehouse.” In particular, visual tasking becomes important in environments where multiple languages or noise may impede communications, he explained.

“Many of our largest customers rely on TECSYS and the ability to work together to provide new levels of response time and operational efficiency, giving those organizations both strategic and competitive advantages,” added Mike Jachimiec, VP of Channel Sales for Psion Teklogix. “There is a massive array of needs and applications in the market and Psion Teklogix is dedicated to providing the best technology available to our customers.”

Psion Teklogix Hardware Has Been Approved for WMS Solution from TECSYS

Code Corner

Omnivex Corporation (Concord, ON, Canada) launched Moxie 6.04, its updated digital signage software for Microsoft Windows 7. The new version of Moxie offers enhanced security, innovative features, and improved reliability, and delivers rich contextual media to all types of audiences at lower cost, according to Doug Bannister, CEO and Director of Software Development at Omnivex. By exploiting Windows 7 video-processing capabilities, it brings stronger ROI than either Vista or XP and facilitates the move to 64-bit deployment. Moxie users may create multiple graphic layers on non-rectangular surfaces, group them, rotate them, and orient them as desired. Any parameter such as size, position, opacity, and color can be tied to real-time data so information can appear and change based on current events. Moreover, unlike competing products, Moxie has secure encryption, permission, and authentication, according to the company. “Our ISV community is alive with innovation, and we’re committed to helping our partners drive the next generation of software experiences,” volunteered Ross Brown, VP of ISV and Solution Partners for the Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft. “Adding compatibility for the latest Microsoft operating systems helps ISVs to stay ahead of the competition and give their customers access to cutting-edge technologies.”

ID Watchdog (Denver) unveiled its idCHECK product, which allows consumers to instantly determine whether an organized identity theft network may have accessed their personal data. Offered in the U.S. exclusively, idCHECK works by scanning thousands of consumer databases, most of which aren’t easily reached by civilians. Added to the mix are the company’s patent-pending analytics based upon thousands of real identity theft cases. Final results are coded for easy understanding and presented on an intuitive dashboard, providing the consumer with an assessment of his or her risk, as well as ongoing access to additional identity theft tools, resources, and action plans. Comprehensive monthly monitoring also may be requested. “Identity theft impacts millions of consumers, but often goes undetected for months or even years, giving thieves plenty of time to do serious damage,” indicated Daniel Mohan, President/COO of ID Watchdog. “As the industry’s first tool that can provide consumers with immediate answers, idCHECK cuts through identity theft marketing hype with the simplest and most effective path to affordable peace of mind.”

INSTALLATIONS

CipherLab Christened by Marine Supplier

Sierra Marine will switch over to Model 1166 wireless BT scanners from CipherLab (Plano, TX) to automate inventory management in its Chicago area warehouse. A manufacturing arm of Teleflex Marine, Sierra Marine supplies OEM engine manufacturers and boat builders with hundreds of boat parts daily. The retrofit was led by eComputer, Inc. (Elmhurst, IL) and supported by CipherLab’s distributor, BlueStar (Hebron, KY).

“After conducting extensive research for Sierra Marine, I was impressed by the CipherLab 1166’s reliability, features, and specifications [when compared to handhelds from previous suppliers],” remarked Jon Badie, Senior Sales Manager for eComputer. “The most notable differentiators were the scanner’s ability to upload data within hundreds of feet of the wireless terminal and its large memory in batch mode--enabling work to get done more accurately and in less time.”

The CipherLab 1166 linear imaging reader offers up to 328 feet of wireless roaming. It can capture 256 scans while out of range and automatically transmit them to the host device when back, or work in batch mode and store as many as 8,192 scans. In concert with Sierra Marine’s in-house software, the real-time inventory management capability helps employees minimize over or under-stocking and manual errors while freeing them for additional tasks, according to the participants.

CipherLab 1166 Wireless BT Scanner

[Editor’s Note:  CipherLab also announced bundled solutions for both Auto ID and POS. First, the company’s hardware and software will be paired with printers from Brother International, Datamax-O’Neil, and Zebra Technologies for use in asset tracking. Secondly, CipherLab’s handheld computers will support pcCashdrawer hardware and Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale.]

Island Pacific Breezes into MSP

Island Pacific (Irvine, CA) will provide managed services for its suite of retail/supply chain solutions currently installed at Five Below, the fast-growing, extreme-value chain serving the teen market in 80 stores. (Motto: “You’ll never pay more than $5 for the trendiest, coolest, highest-quality stuff that you just gotta have!”) Five Below currently runs Island Pacific’s Merchandising, Sales Audit, Financials, Dynamic Replenishment, and Store Operations/Point of Sale. The new arrangement will allow Five Below to concentrate on their retail business and their growth initiatives as well as being able to accurately plan IT costs, according to the two parties.

“Island Pacific’s managed services solution will support and maintain our ERP and POS systems at lower costs and with much less infrastructure than managing them in-house,” related Chris DeMeester, VP of Information Technology for Five Below. “As we plan our future growth, scalability is a major objective in every technology we implement. A managed services solution provides infinite scalability as the infrastructure continues to grow with us and prevents the need for ongoing reinvestment.”

Earlier, Island Pacific, now part of 3Q Holdings, solicited help in this area from First National Technology Solutions. FNTS, the subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, one of the largest privately owned banks in the U.S., will host Island Pacific’s suite of solutions in its data center, providing all necessary functions such as monitoring, capacity planning, operating system management, storage, and backup. Put another way, Island Pacific can now leverage the “virtual” infrastructure of FNTS to quickly act as an MSP (Managed Services Provider).

Five Below Becomes Early Customer for the New Service

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar

POS & Peripherals
FEC USA
Logic Controls
Posiflex Business Machines
POS-X

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF Cash Drawer

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

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Self-Service Kiosks
Zebra/Motorola

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Mobile Couponing for Motorola

Anyone visiting last month’s National Retail Federation Show must have been struck by the number of vendors interested in mobile couponing. Now Motorola (Schaumburg, IL), through its strategic investment arm, Motorola Ventures, has announced an investment in Scanbuy, Inc. (New York), one of the leaders in such barcode-based solutions. The company’s “ScanLife” platform allows customers to read one or two-dimensional codes on product packaging or advertisements with their BlackBerrys, iPhones, and Androids, in order to receive reviews, pricing, and coupon offers. In turn, the scheme rewards business owners with data on consumer buying patterns. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.

“Motorola has looked at this market very carefully and believes that Scanbuy has the best combination of technology and strong ecosystem partners in its space,” said Reese Schroeder, Managing Director of Motorola Ventures. “Mobile barcodes are an extremely powerful tool for consumers, businesses, and wireless providers, which makes this opportunity very exciting for Motorola. The camera quality, display capability, and processing power of today’s smart phones, coupled with advanced network speeds, now enable consumers and the advertising community to fully take advantage of mobile barcode technology.”

Now retailers have come onboard. Just this week, Target announced its new Mobile GiftCards based on barcodes and smart phones. Customers are assigned PIN-secure accounts on the company’s dedicated website, from which GiftCards may be retrieved for scanning at checkout. Target, incidentally, claims to be the first major retailer with this ability to scan mobile barcodes in all of its stores.

Scanbuy’s Technology Links Barcodes and Smart Phones

Test Driving Ekahau’s RTLS

Ekahau, Inc. (Reston, VA) has offered an easy, risk-free way to explore the benefits of enterprise-grade, Wi-Fi-based RTLS (Real-Time Locating Systems). The Ekahau Zero-Risk System Guarantee--the first of its kind in the industry, according to the developer--allows customers and third-party providers to purchase and use the Ekahau RTLS package, and receive their money back if they are not satisfied with the system’s performance. Thus, participants may bypass pilot programs and go directly into production mode. As long as the network is 802.11 compatible, Ekahau can support it.

The Ekahau Zero-Risk System Guarantee has been made available to all new customers. Prior to installation, Ekahau will conduct its site survey and develop its comprehensive performance report, which serves as the basis for the agreement. After the system gets installed, the customer has 30 days to evaluate results, with Ekahau promising to fix any problems at no cost or refunding the entire amount. Ekahau’s RTLS is entirely software-based, and utilizes innovative heat-mapping technology and RF algorithms to create visual reports on network performance and related factors.

“When organizations are investigating the various RFID, RTLS, and other location-tracking technologies on the market today, small, localized pilots of those solutions often do not provide the clear picture of how the system would work when installed campus-wide, or what cost overruns for additional infrastructure may arise,” warned Tuomo Rutanen, SVP of Worldwide Marketing and Business Development at Ekahau. “Unlike other providers, we can ensure our customers peace of mind that the Ekahau RTLS solution will work as promised. In addition, we offer the market-leading tracking solution that operates on and integrates with the existing Wi-Fi network. All of this is accomplished without the need for more sensors, cabling, exciters, and readers to be installed.”

Ekahau’s Real-Time Locating System Carries Money-Back Guarantee

Channel Factoid

Government agencies at all levels--federal, state, and local--face financial, operational, and staffing challenges when it comes to IT, but differences do exist. At the federal level, keeping up with the rapidly changing technology landscape tops concerns, cited by 58% of federal decision makers compared to 41% in local government. In contrast, state governments express greater worries over the need to upgrade outdated IT systems and improve interoperability. For their part, local governments most want to enhance the technical skill sets of their employees, cited by 52% in this segment versus 46% for both federal and state government. “Tight budgets often spur creativity and the willingness to try new approaches,” suggested Tim Herbert, VP, Research of CompTIA, which conducted the survey. “Our research points to government interest in Software-as-a-Service, cloud computing, virtualization, and social networking as evidence of the need to meet the dual goals of containing costs and modernizing technology.”

BUILDING & GROUNDS

No Stopping POS Presses at RiteMade  

RiteMade Paper Converters (Kansas City, KS), which supports POS, will invest nearly $125,000 in new technology for its printing department. Addition of the new Handyscan Video Web Inspection System and the JM Heaford Wide Web Mounting System will significantly reduce set-up time, increase productivity, and ensure the most consistent quality possible, according to the company. Further, RiteMade will install the new Twinlock System on its presses, thereby eliminating the need for mounting tape/adhesive from the print process, and furthering its sustainability efforts.

“This is another example of RiteMade’s commitment to continuous improvement, which is critical to RiteMade’s and our customers’ long-term success,” commented Steve Schwartz, CEO/President. “Now more than ever, it is vital that we support our customers by making the types of investments that will help them grow their sales of printed POS rolls.”

RiteMade Paper handles small paper rolls for business machines. The company is 100% employee-owned with satellite manufacturing plants and warehouses in Richmond, CA, and Fredericksburg, VA. RiteMade offers plain, printed, and loss-prevention-enhanced bond, thermal, two-sided thermal, and carbonless roll products. The company has steadily invested in state-of-the-art print technology since 2008, when it moved into its new 90,000-sq.-ft. facility in Kansas City.

Steve Schwartz, CEO/President, RiteMade