This Week’s Product Pick

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company (Secaucus, NJ) fashioned its Toughbook H1 Field, billed as the world’s most rugged handheld tablet computer, certified to IP-65 and MIL-STD-810G environmental ratings and six-foot drop resistance. Toughbook H1 Field carries 10.4-inch display with both tablet and touchscreen functionality and anti-reflective screen treatment for viewing in direct sunlight. Weighing only 3.4 lbs., with exceptional ergonomics, this mobile computing device incorporates 2 GB of RAM and 64-GB reinforced flex-connect solid-state drive. By leveraging Panasonic’s advanced battery technology and 1.86-GHz Intel Atom processor, the Toughbook H1 Field provides six hours of battery life, complemented by twin hot-swappable batteries, virtually eliminating downtime. Wireless connectivity includes 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, and Qualcomm’s new Gobi2000 technology, which simplifies complex multi-carrier wireless deployments for IT departments. Optional features include smart card, RFID, and barcode readers, as well as camera, GPS, and biometrics. “The Toughbook H1 Field was designed based on extensive customer input to ensure it had the right mix of form factor, features, and durability to maximize worker productivity and value,” stated Kyp Walls, Director of Product Management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company.

Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field

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

INTEGRATION

Inventory in the Cloud

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has teamed up with Precisio Business Solutions (Somerville, NJ) to bring barcode label printing into one of the leading cloud computing platforms, and thus out into the larger enterprise population. Precisio’s Ascent for Salesforce CRM, the developer’s flagship product, builds on the Force.com platform to provide the full suite of sales, inventory, and manufacturing management functions, and now encompasses Zebra’s specialty printing solutions. Precisio Business Solutions, the joint venture between Symbology Enterprises Incorporated and Trent Network Technologies, was formed with the intent to pursue data collection in the cloud.

Barcoding enhances the benefits of Salesforce CRM by bringing vital materials management and production control data into warehouse applications, according to the two parties. By utilizing data on the floor, the speed and accuracy of just-in-time manufacturing and warehouse management systems improves significantly. Thus, end-users experience lower inventory carrying costs, higher inventory turnover rates, and reduction of misplaced inventory, leading to more cost-effective business. All good things for RRN.Com readers to promote.

“Utilizing a complete barcode solution for Salesforce CRM is enabling the sales force to focus on customers in a way that was not previously possible,” suggested Shaun McInerney, Co-Founder and VP of Sales and Marketing for Precisio Business Solutions. “The increased accuracy and speed with which we can now track our sales orders and inventory are bringing new levels of efficiency to our back-office operations and setting us up for greater success in 2010.”

Ascent for Salesforce CRM from Precisio Business Solutions

Fingers Become Standard Equipment

At this week’s Dealer Conference in Austin, TX, Menusoft (Springfield, VA) will roll out its latest Digital Dining POS solution with fingerprint biometrics technology from DigitalPersona (Redwood City, CA). Digital Dining supports U.are.U 4500 readers from DigitalPersona to provide system log-on, time and attendance, and transaction authorization. RCNY Restaurants, the large New York City-based Arby’s franchisee, has become the most recent quick-service restaurant owner to implement the combined Digital Dining/DigitalPersona solution.

“With fingerprint biometrics, we have found the reliable way of preventing employees from clocking each other in and out that just wasn’t possible before,” said Raymond Chera, President of RCNY. “We are now able to hold our employees accountable for their time and the transactions they handle. The biometrically-enabled POS terminals are key to our strategy to reduce employee fraud and increase productivity at the till.” Customers move through the order process faster, too, RCNY came to realize.

“Over the last 10 years we have seen biometrics become a huge area of interest to our customers,” confirmed Andre Nataf, Business Development Manager for Digital Dining. “DigitalPersona U.are.U fingerprint readers are phenomenal. They integrate seamlessly with all of our partners’ machines. Eighty percent of our implementations include U.are.U biometrics from DigitalPersona. It has become standard equipment.”

Andre Nataf, Business Development Manager, Digital Dining

[Editor’s Note:  Busy month for DigitalPersona, which continues to rack up POS software partners. The most recent list includes Celerant Technology (Staten Island, NY), Retail Anywhere (Atascadero, CA), and Epicor (Irvine, CA).]

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

No Dust on Motorola’s DS3500 Series

Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions (Holtsville, NY) expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of the DS3500 Series of rugged digital barcode scanners for harsh industrial settings. Equipped with 624-MHz processing, the new scanners can decode one or two-dimensional barcodes within milliseconds, regardless of size or density, according to the manufacturer. Outstanding motion tolerance and omni-directional scanning functionality further boost worker productivity. IP-65 rated for water and dust, the scanners address challenges related to noisy machinery and poor lighting through bright LEDs, an adjustable-volume beeper, and vibrating pager motor placed in the handle. Visual, audible, and tactile decode feedback, in other words.

The DS3500 Series encompasses six models. DS3508-SR corded and DS3578-SR cordless scanners were designed to streamline inventory management in scan-intensive, fast-paced environments such as warehouses, transportation and logistics, and retail backrooms. DS3508-HD corded and DS3578-HD cordless scanners have been optimized to read very small and dense barcodes found frequently in light and industrial manufacturing plants. Lastly, DS3508-DP corded and DS3578-DP cordless models combine Direct Part Marking (DPM) and Item Unique Identification (IUID) parsing capabilities for U.S. Department of Defense requirements.

“Motorola continues to raise the bar for advanced data capture with its extensive portfolio of digital imaging devices to support the varying needs of diverse customers across multiple industries,” declared Al Quinn, VP and GM of Advanced Data Capture, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions. “Motorola’s new DS3500 Series of rugged digital scanners delivers superior performance on virtually all symbologies to help increase productivity and improve operational efficiencies in the least optimal environments--ultimately helping enterprise customers gain competitive advantage.”

Motorola DS3578-SR Barcode Scanner

[Editor’s Note:  Motorola also announced the Q1 2011 target date for its planned separation into two independent, publicly traded companies. One will include the company’s Mobile Devices and Home businesses, while the other will take its Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Networks businesses.]

The Buzz on Wasp’s WPA1000

Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX) continues to lower the cost of entry for inventory management for the SMB market. The company’s new WPA1000 mobile computer carries an MSRP of $995, or $1,495 when purchased bundled with Wasp’s MobileAsset Version 6 software solution. The device will go to market through IT catalog houses such as CDW, Insight, and TigerDirect, VARs and System Integrators, and directly from Wasp.

WPA1000 ships with the Microsoft Windows Mobile O/S, with further customization through Microsoft Visual Studio. Technical horsepower includes Intel PX270 520-MHz processor, 64 MB of SDRAM and 64 MB of Flash ROM, SDIO slot for additional memory, and Bluetooth, 802.11b/g, and USB connectivity. An integrated laser scan reads one-dimensional barcodes, or users can update records using the touchscreen-based keypad.

“In today’s business climate, companies must maximize the return on their technology investment,” stated Tom O’Shea, VP and GM of Wasp Barcode Technologies. “We created the WPA1000 in response to increasing interest from our customers, who wanted this lower-cost option. It carries a fantastic price point that will appeal to a large segment of small businesses: those who know they need to better manage their inventory or assets to save money, but are hesitant about spending thousands to start the process.”

Wasp WPA1000 Mobile Computer Breaks $1,000 Price Point

Code Corner

Radiant Systems (Alpharetta, GA) announced general release of its hosted back-office solution, Aloha Restaurant Guard, which utilizes POS data to detect theft and fraud by restaurant employees. By monitoring all POS activities in real time, and engaging artificial intelligence, Aloha Restaurant Guard generates reports that identify trends consistent with more than a dozen common restaurant scams, according to the developer. It allows restaurants to better control their operations and to increase their profits by as much as 5% in typical installations--without any impact to the guest experience. In addition, reports give restaurants insight into their best and worst performing employees. “We have seen clear benefits since implementing Aloha Restaurant Guard,” reported Lori Kittle, VP of IT for Landry’s Restaurants, which operates more than 180 U.S. locations, including Rainforest Café, Saltgrass Steak House, Landry’s Seafood House, and The Chart House. “It gives us access to invaluable information that we never had before. We believe fraud and theft have been reduced not only by identifying specific instances, but more importantly by the environment of accountability created by this new knowledge of such identification.”

Data Systems International (Overland Park, KS) launched dcLINK 6, which brings enterprise-level visibility on inventory, work order status, and shipments to mobile workers in manufacturing and distribution environments. With dcLINK 6, businesses may use prebuilt, automated processes or create tailored processes to run over rugged data collection terminals, smart phones, or other browser-based devices. Barcode, RFID, and voice technologies are supported, with information made accessible through the secure, web-based user interface. The solution integrates with Oracle platforms such as E-Business Suite, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, JD Edwards World, PeopleSoft Enterprise, as well as SAP, Lawson M3, and other enterprise and legacy applications, according to the developer. “Managers, salespeople, and other business professionals no longer have to make decisions based on yesterday’s reports, and no longer have to track down operations staff for status updates,” asserted Alec Caldwell, Product Manager for Data Systems International, which goes by DSI.

INSTALLATIONS

Lunch Time at Precidia

Precidia Technologies (Ottawa, ON, Canada) has supplied its TransNet payment processing technology to Tabe Foods, San Diego’s trendy mobile catering vendor. Tabe needed to accept payments at various locations from its fleet of lunch trucks, which have developed an enthusiastic following and even get tracked online. Implemented by Red River POS, which specializes in foodservice and also calls San Diego home, the solution allows Tabe to run credit, debit, gift, and loyalty payments over its Casio POS system, with transactions processed over the wireless network.  

Precidia’s TransNet solution comprises three elements:  TransNet software, POSLynx220 payment router, and NetVu/MerchantVu management server. The POSLynx220 multi-port router protects cardholder data with firewalling and encryption. It also offers automatic dial back-up and routing to multiple processors. The NetVu management server, and its derivative, MerchantVu, deliver myriad monitoring, control, and reporting features, according to Precidia. These include remote deployment, theft and network alerts, transaction logs and archives, and customized reports.

“This solution gave us the simple, cost-effective path to processing all payment types,” related Sunny Kwon, President of Tabe Foods. “Working with Red River POS, we were able to integrate payments easily, and now we have access to all of our transaction data, including cash transactions. This solution performs reliably and has many features that appeal to foodservice operators.”

Tabe Operates Fleet of Mobile Catering Vehicles

A Golden Cold Chain

Golden State Foods, the colossal food distributor serving 20,000 restaurants, including McDonald’s, has selected Par Logistics Management Systems, the subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation (New Hartford, NY), to provide its cold chain management solution. Par’s technology continually monitors food product temperature during the transit cycle and sends immediate alerts to truck operators and shipping managers in the case of variances. Par Logistics Management Systems started in 1998 by developing tracking systems for the U.S. Department of Transportation. Its sister company, ParTech, Inc., supplies POS systems to the hospitality industry, as most RRN.Com readers know.

“With today’s selection of Par’s monitoring and tracking solution, Golden State Foods has taken pro-active food safety standards to the next level,” remarked Bill Pocilujko, Manager for Golden State. “Our operations are now reorganizing around real-time management and tracking of food products and their constant temperatures during the cold chain delivery system. The Par LMS solution is far and above the best cold chain management system for our business. Golden State Foods believes that managing actual product temperatures during transit in real time is revolutionary to the industry and best-of-breed practice for the future.”

Added John Sammon, PAR’s Chairman/CEO: “Par LMS has invested heavily in the creation and development of this ground-breaking solution and we are particularly pleased by the quick adoption from Golden State Foods, who immediately recognized it as an important technological advancement in the area of food safety. We believe that food safety, real-time communications, and pro-active logistics are now fundamental to the future of the cold chain industry. The ability for stakeholders to know, respond, and react to food temperature issues is now business-critical on so many levels.”

Golden State Foods Picks Par’s LMS Distribution Solution

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
Pioneer POS
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

STARTS & STOPS

Small Thinking on Kiosks by ECRS

ECR Software Corporation (Boone, NC) checked into last week’s National Grocers Association Synergy Showcase in Las Vegas with its new QUICKcheck (QC) self-service solution. This low-cost, compact-frame kiosk allows every retailer to provide the convenience of self-checkout technology to their customers, according to the retail IT provider. In particular, it satisfies the handling of peak traffic hours, on-the-go purchases, and customer requests in specialized store departments such as deli or health and beauty.

The QC kiosk features complete functionality, including automatic weight security, user-friendly infrared touchscreen, ATM cash back, high-capacity receipt printer with receipt pull-back and auto dispose, and integrated signature capture. Store owners may choose from multiple colors and customizable designs, allowing the unit to fit the look and feel of unique retail spaces. Lastly, the QC kiosk can be used in multiples with monitoring attendant workstation or as stand-alone robots.

“People are used to seeing large self-checkout stations in big-box chain stores,” noted Peter Catoe, CEO/President of ECR Software. “Our QUICKcheck kiosk is the solution for the thousands of retailers who do not necessarily fit into that mold. This is truly the self-checkout answer for every retailer.”

QUICKcheck Self-Service Solution from ECR Software

Mercent Goes Social Shopping

Mercent (Seattle), which develops on-demand marketing tools, has unveiled Mercent Retail Social, one of the first platforms to syndicate product and merchandising information to social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Ning, and BeBo. “Through Mercent Retail Social, we expect our clients to engage and sell to an even broader demographic of online shoppers,” stated Eric Best, Mercent’s CEO. “Social shopping sites are gaining rapid consumer adoption and represent critical channels for retail engagement.”

The new offering extends Mercent’s SaaS-based suite of shopping channel management solutions. “There is tremendous sales and marketing power with this service,” testified Jay Allen, VP of E-Commerce for Teavana, an early adopter. “In giving our customers the ability to communicate and interact with other online shoppers about our specialty tea products, it not only promotes sales, but also provides critical information about existing and potential customers that can help us become much more effective in our overall sales and marketing efforts.”

Mercent Retail Social provides all of the following: seamless data feed integration with the private-label storefront on each social network; delivery of product descriptions, promotional offers, and status updates reflecting real-time changes occurring on the retailer’s own e-commerce website; full content and merchandising through lists; and search engine optimization capabilities. It also allows retailers to customize and brand each social storefront, automatically posts on Facebook’s “shop” tab, and pushes out time-sensitive tweets to shoppers. The solution was developed in association with Wishpot (Seattle), the free social shopping service. “Together, Mercent and Wishpot offer cost-effective, high-impact brand and sales exposure for leading merchants,” said Max Ciccosoto, Co-Founder and CEO of Wishpot. You might have received messages just before Valentine’s Day from one such customer: 1-800-Flowers.

Eric Best, CEO of Mercent

Channel Factoid

Worldwide, the installed base of kiosks reached 1.85 million in 2009, with projections of 1.9 million by the end of 2010 and 2 million in 2011. So it’s steady as she goes, according to Summit Research in its annual report on self-service in all manifestations, transactional and informational. North America continues to dominate this market, representing two-thirds of the installed base, with 1.2 million deployments. Next comes Europe (18%), followed by Asia-Pacific (15%, but expected to grow fast), and the rest of the world, designated ROW (2%). On the bright side, 31% of kiosk deployers utilize third-party maintenance providers, while 28% rely on the original solutions provider, and 15% handle kiosk maintenance in-house. ”This year is certainly unlike any other we have experienced since Summit began in 1994,” commented Francie Mendelsohn, President of Summit Research. “But there are definitely some pockets of activity. Not everyone has suffered.”

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Cornell-Mayo Bites Apple

Cornell-Mayo Associates (Parsippany, NJ) has become the latest player to take on mobile POS with the introduction of Omniexpress. This new offering combines CMA’s Omnistore POS platform, used by numerous Tier 1 retailers, with Apple’s iPod Touch to deliver full-featured, pocket-sized transaction capability for the store floor. CMA has added scanner and credit-card reader and puts the overall size of the package at 2.7 in. x 5 in. x 1 in. and 7.4 ounces.

As twin benefits of the piggy-back approach, CMA listed easier training of employees (thanks to Apple’s familiar interface) and ready integration to cash registers and other devices (thanks to CMA’s code). Price will be less than half that of existing mobile POS configurations, CMA claimed. In addition, CMA’s code was described as “truly cross-platform,” supporting Windows, Linux, and Apple with identical business logic and applications.

“CMA is proud to announce the retail industry’s first third-party POS solution for the iPod Touch,” shared Gene Cornell, President of Cornell-Mayo Associates. “Omniexpress is a game-changer in mobile POS, and we’re already seeing strong demand from our customers. Retailers can now offer their customers the most innovative and convenient in-store shopping experience.”

Cornell-Mayo’s Omniexpress Runs on Apple iPod