This Week’s Product Pick

Caltron Industries (Fremont, CA) debuted two new 17-inch industrial touchscreen monitors for challenging environments, IPR-1704O and IPS-1704O. IPR-1704O utilizes five-wire resistive technology, and IPS-1704O surface acoustic wave. Both monitors are sealed to IP-65 compliance for protection from liquid spills, pollutants, and heavy dust particles. Features include Serial and USB ports, DVI/VGA input, and OSD external control box. A slim form factor (measuring 14.5 in. x 12 in. x 1.9 in. and weighing 8.4 lbs.) addresses space concerns and the unique chassis design allows for simple integration into many NEMA and commercial applications. In addition, an easy-to-remove back cover for quick firmware upgrades reduces total maintenance downtime. The IPR-1704O targets POS, according to Caltron, while the IPS-1704O fulfills the needs of self-service, manufacturing, and public installations. “Certain situations present an unpredictable environment that can be difficult for most touchscreen systems,” said Jim Wang, President of Caltron Industries. “With Models IPR-1704O and IPS-1704O, we now have the capability to present large 17-inch screens as well as 10.4-inch and 15-inch industrial units.” The company currently offers samples of its monitors for evaluation and plans to further expand its product line in the near future.

Caltron’s Large Touchscreen

Worth Your While

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

FMI Show
Food Marketing Institute
May 10-13
Las Vegas

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

U Connect Supply Chain Conference
GS1 US & VICS
June 7-10
San Antonio, TX

AIM Expo
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
November 1-3
Chicago

STANDARDS & BEST PRACTICES

A Blueprint for Mobile Retail

The National Retail Federation (Washington, DC) will tackle the daunting issue of m-commerce and all of its ramifications with the formation of the NRF Mobile Retail Initiative. NRF will bring the collaborative strengths of three of its divisions to the effort, which targets consumer mobility as “the next frontier of the shopping experience.” Representatives from NRF’s IT standards division, ARTS; digital division, Shop.org; and marketing division, RAMA are teaming up to develop standards and best practices as well as to create original research, educational events, and networking opportunities.

One of the first deliverables will be the so-called Mobile Blueprint, now being developed by an NRF-assembled committee of leading retailers, restaurants, vendors, and service providers. This document will address areas such as mobile payments, customer loyalty and marketing, and store operations. Participating hardware vendors include Cisco, Epson, IBM, Motorola, Vivo Tech, and Wincor-Nixdorf. In the area of software, Escalate Retail, Oracle, and SAP are represented. One of the major goals of the Mobile Blueprint will be to encourage adoption of global standards surrounding mobile technology and use of ARTS standard data names.

“Mobile has great promise for bringing major, positive changes to the shopping experience, payments, marketing, and other aspects of retail,” noted NRF President Tracy Mullin. “In addition to developing the standards and best practices necessary for the industry to move forward, NRF’s Mobile Retail Initiative will inspire retailers to realize the full potential of mobile today and in the future.”

NRF Addresses the New Frontier in Shopping

Preview Time for Dynamics CRM-5

Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA) has opened up Community Technical Preview 3 for the next generation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, code-named “CRM-5.” This CTP targets software developers within the broad partner base for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, including VARs, System Integrators, and ISVs. Currently, more than 400 select partners are engaged in the CTP 3 program, and that number will be expanded in the coming months, according to Microsoft.

“With this next version, Microsoft is continuing to drive new levels of user productivity and collaboration, giving customers deep core CRM capabilities, low total cost of ownership, and fast and easy deployment options for their CRM applications,” declared Brad Wilson, GM of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The new Microsoft CRM will support more than 40 languages, and will be offered as an online service, as on-premises software, and via partner-hosted offerings. Availability of the new product will begin in the second half of 2010.

Bloggers among the Microsoft CRM team have revealed several details of CRM-5, which was formally announced in late 2008. Significantly, one major goal cited for the new release will be to encourage and facilitate deployment of third-party applications. Bloggers even raise the possibility of allowing developers to write secure custom code on the server in the hosted online version.

Brad Wilson, GM of Microsoft Dynamics CRM

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

Handheld Loss Prevention

Datalogic Scanning (Eugene, OR) has brought electronic article surveillance (EAS) to its popular line of Gryphon handheld scanners. The Gryphon I GD4110 linear imager now features an integrated EAS antenna and dedicated EAS cables (RS-232 and IBM 46XX) in support of the loss prevention system from Checkpoint Systems (Thorofare, NJ). These allow store personnel to deactivate EAS tags and scan the barcode in a single motion. Distance for tag deactivation gets determined by the tag/label size and may range from 0 to 1.5 inches.

“The AIDC industry is constantly evolving and setting the bar at increasingly higher levels in answer to the differing demands of data collection markets,” commented Dave Sullivan, SVP, Global Sales and Marketing for Datalogic Scanning. “We are proud to offer our customers this latest enhancement of our Gryphon product family. Through the use of the EAS system our customers will find stronger return on investment (ROI) by virtue of reducing the risk of inventory loss.”

Datalogic’s Gryphon I GD4110 provides advanced reading performance and decoding, with speeds of up to 325 reads per second and distances as high as one meter. A wide scan angle handles large labels and renewed decoding capabilities increase throughput on hard-to-read, poor or damaged barcodes, according to the company. In addition, remote host download lowers service costs and improves operational efficiency. The ergonomic handheld weighs 6 ounces, meets IP-52 environmental ratings, and features five-year factory warranty.

For more information on the Gryphon I GD4110, click here.

Datalogic Scanning’s Gryphon I GD4100 Series

High-Five from Fujitsu

Fujitsu Frontech North America (Foothill Ranch, CA) introduced its PalmSecure LT for SSO biometric authentication solution. The company’s PalmSecure technology employs near-infrared light to capture the user’s palm vein pattern, which is matched against pre-registered templates. It represents an easy-to-use, hygienic method of verifying identity and providing single sign-on (SSO) access for markets such as healthcare, financial services, and government, according to its developer.

In support, Fujitsu partners with leading SSO solution providers--including the recently announced integration of PalmSecure with IBM’s Tamesso software--to bolster security and compliance efforts. Tamesso, as many RRN.Com readers already know, stands for Tivoli Access Manager for Enterprise Single Sign-On. In terms of physical integration, the PalmSecure LT for SSO device connects via USB to any PC or laptop.

“The PalmSecure LT for SSO solution is well-positioned to serve the price-sensitive SSO market by replacing complicated passwords with a quick scan of the palm and providing a compelling total cost of ownership,” remarked Vic Herring, VP of Sales and Business Development, Advanced Technology Group, Fujitsu Frontech North America. “It offers a highly accurate, contactless, and easy-to-deploy solution in a convenient form factor that meets customers’ SSO needs at a price point that is very favorable compared to other biometric solutions.”

Fujitsu’s PalmSecure LT Biometric Solution for Single Sign-On

Code Corner

Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA) offered In-Sight Track & Trace, an add-on software package for its In-Sight vision systems. In-Sight Track & Trace delivers ready-to-deploy data capture and verification to help pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers achieve unit-level product traceability. A pre-configured job file and touchscreen interface reduces set-up time and facilitates the exchange of data with third-party systems. In-Sight Track & Trace comes GS1 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11-ready and can be used with multiple networked In-Sight vision systems. Capabilities include: reading one and two-dimensional barcodes, including Data Matrix, GS1-128, GS1 DataBar, and Pharmacode; verifying correct ID code contents and compliance with healthcare mandates; grading Data Matrix codes during production to detect changes in print quality; gauging the accuracy of printed text; and detecting label misalignment and skew. Technical controls needed for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 validation are also provided, such as secure user authentication and automatic audit trail generation. Integration goes through the Cognex HMI Display Control for Microsoft .NET or VisionView PC software. “Track and trace solutions are becoming high priority throughout the healthcare industry as the means of preventing counterfeit products from entering the supply chain, and for keeping authentic products from being diverted to unauthorized distribution channels and uses,” maintained Bhaskar Banerjee, Business Unit Manager for Vision Systems at Cognex. “In-Sight Track & Trace provides the industry’s most reliable code reading and verification performance, and because it can be combined with a variety of third-party products, users have the flexibility to customize and scale their serialization solutions to best suit their budgets and needs.”

ALLIANCES

Crossing the Cash Void

United Bank Card (Hampton, NJ), the payment processor, will now offer merchant cash advances to its customers through the services of AmeriMerchant (New York City and San Mateo, CA), one of the largest players in that arena. Basically, AmeriMerchant provides working capital to businesses--including those rejected by traditional lending sources--against their future credit/debit card sales. Under the new multi-year agreement, United Bank Card will offer the product through its agent network.

“Banks have made it very difficult today for small companies to obtain much-needed working capital to grow their business,” stated David Goldin, CEO/President of AmeriMerchant. “Small businesses need an alternative source of money. AmeriMerchant’s merchant cash advance program is filling an important void in today’s marketplace.”

Added Jared Isaacman, United Bank Card Founder and CEO: “We see this new relationship with AmeriMerchant as an excellent opportunity to offer working capital to our existing merchants as well as new prospective merchants. This partnership will also provide our sales partners with another value-added service that will allow them to avoid selling on price and at the same time keep attrition under control. We selected AmeriMerchant for their outstanding reputation and financial stability as the best-of-breed merchant cash advance provider.”

Jared Isaacman, Founder and CEO of United Bank Card

VeriFone Makes Pick for Apple

VeriFone (San Jose, CA) has selected Chase Paymentech (Dallas) as the preferred provider of new merchant accounts for buyers of VeriFone’s PAYware Mobile iPhone card payment solution sold through Apple retail stores and the Apple online store. “Chase Paymentech will be instrumental in achieving our goal of making it as easy as possible for merchants to acquire PAYware Mobile for iPhone so they can meet their customers’ demands for a card payment option,” observed Douglas Bergeron, CEO of VeriFone. “No longer will these small businesses lose sales because of an inability to accept payment by credit card or ‘check’ card.”

VeriFone’s PAYware Mobile slips over iPhone to accommodate card swipes and allow merchants to avoid high-cost “card-not-present” fees. It incorporates stylus for signature capture and mini-USB port for charging iPhone while the reader is attached. The payment processing sleeve utilizes VeriFone's end-to-end encryption technology to address cardholder security concerns.

Users also gain access to the PAYware Connect gateway, designed in part to meet the needs of small businesses, according to VeriFone. Details of all iPhone payment transactions are available in real-time within the merchant portal on the payment gateway, which also enables businesses to consolidate transaction reporting from multiple PAYware Mobile-equipped iPhones. Apple starts selling PAYware Mobile this week.

Apple Store on Fifth Avenue, New York City

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

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

INSTALLATIONS

Horizon Dawns Over Memphis

Horizon Software International (Atlanta) has been enlisted as the new foodservice IT provider for Memphis City Schools, the twenty-third largest school district in the U.S. with 209 facilities and 110,000 students. MCS solicited proposals from the top companies in the K-12 arena and awarded the contract to Horizon based on its state-of-the-art technology, complex integrated solution, corporate stability, and vast experience, according to the two parties. “It is very rewarding and an honor for Horizon to be selected to replace the existing technology in Memphis,” shared Michael Williamson, President of Horizon Software.

MCS will implement Horizon’s OneSource suite, which spans POS, Free & Reduced Meal Application program, and MealpayPlus online payment platform, as well as its back-of-the-house systems for inventory, procurement, menu planning, and production in its schools, warehouse, and central kitchen. The POS system is expected to increase line speeds with quicker sales and fewer students using cash. Parents will be able to access and prepay their students’ accounts via the Internet, monitor what their children are purchasing, and be notified when meal credits run low.

Earlier this year, Horizon released an integrated temperature management solution, dubbed TempAlert, for K-12 schools, hospitals, and senior living communities. Horizon joined with SMART Temps, LLC (Mishawaka, IN) to develop this tool, which allows clients to check and record food temperatures as well as monitor refrigerators and freezers around the clock. Wireless-based, and tied to menus and production records, TempAlert furthers Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) compliance for streamlined audits and, of course, helps prevent food losses due to equipment failure.

New Foodservice IT Technology for Memphis City Schools

ESL Displays Some Staying Power

A North American food chain with over 250 grocery locations has signed an agreement to equip 40 stores with electronic shelf labels (ESLs) from Pricer (Upsalla, Sweden). The unspecified buyer for the display technology is ranked among the top 250 retailers worldwide. Worth approximately $4.2 million to Pricer, the deployment is expected to be completed within one year.

“We are proud to have been chosen by this chain to supply the tools and systems to enable electronic shelf labeling,” stated Charles Jackson, CEO of Pricer. “This is an important decision and reflects the increasing relevance of ESL in today’s food retailing. I would like to thank all those involved in the project for the enormous efforts which have gone into the evaluation program.” That pilot began with nine stores in 2007 and presumably demonstrated the effectiveness of computer-controlled price and product information.

Founded in 1991, Pricer has about 5,400 installations in more than 40 countries with the largest ESL world market share. Its two-way, scalable communications scheme supports both segment-based ESL and pixel-based ESL. In North America, the manufacturer goes to market through three partners--StoreNext, IBM, and MarginMate.

Electronic Shelf Labels from Pricer

Channel Factoid

The official U.S. unemployment rate held steady at 9.7% in February with 36,000 jobs lost. Following January, in which the retail industry added 41,800 jobs, employment in that sector was virtually unchanged, shedding only 400 positions in February, according to the Retail Industry Leaders Association, or RILA. Building material and furniture stores both enjoyed increased hiring (for the fourth straight month), and department stores, clothing purveyors, and sporting goods outlets showed positive signs. These gains were offset by modest payroll reductions at supermarkets, pharmacies, and auto dealers. While it's difficult to quantify the effect of February’s unusually severe storms, these likely had an impact in reducing the number of hours worked during the month and delaying some staff additions, RILA postulated. In terms of sales, retail jumped 4.2% from last February, with virtually all categories demonstrating growth. “Strong retail sales in February suggest that American families finally see the U.S. economy getting back on its feet,” observed Phillip Swagel, Visiting Professor at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and RILA outside economist. “The next step in the recovery is a job market rebound that will sustain consumer spending and in turn spur business investment.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Symon Says “Fasick”

Symon Communications (Plano, TX) welcomed Don Fasick as VP of Hospitality Solutions. Fasick replaces August “Gus” Sansone, who retired last month. Symon’s hospitality push started three years ago following the acquisition of AFS Message-Link, which Sansone established as one of the global leaders in digital signage solutions for the hotel industry over nearly two decades.

“Although we are sad to see Gus Sansone leave, we are very pleased to have Don join us at Symon,” related Charles Ansley, Symon’s CEO/President. “We wish Gus the best in his new endeavor and look forward to working with Don, a longtime digital signage industry veteran, to achieve further success in the hospitality sector.”

Prior to joining Symon, Fasick served as Regional VP and Director of Strategic Accounts at DataStar USA, where he was responsible for developing the company’s digital signage go-to-market strategy and business. Previous to DataStar USA, Fasick worked in LG Electronics’ Commercial Products Division as Director of New Business Development, with oversight of LG’s digital signage strategy, business alliances, and OEM relationships in the U.S. Among customers for its family of visual communications products, Symon boasts three-quarters of the Fortune 500.

Don Fasick, VP of Hospitality Solutions, Symon Communications

ThingMagic Pulls Emma Out of Hat

ThingMagic, Inc. (Cambridge, MA), one of the leading developers of RFID technology, engaged David Emma as VP of Sales and Marketing. In this role, Emma will provide strategic and executive leadership for the department and will lead the company’s channel expansion. Prior to ThingMagic, he served as VP of Sales and System Engineering at Microwave Radio Communications, where he tripled revenues over the course of three years and expanded the microwave/semiconductor company’s worldwide sales channel. Additional experience in embedded technology markets includes tenures as VP of OEM Licensing for Color Kinetics and SVP of Integrated Circuits Systems.

“David brings great experience, insight, and energy to ThingMagic,” commented Tom Grant, CEO. “His track record of exceeding sales goals and skill in building brands, communicating with customers, and expanding market penetration make him ideal for our current phase of growth.”

“The founders of ThingMagic emerged from MIT with a strong vision of how RFID and sensing technologies can make a profound difference in people’s lives, and for the past 10 years, have made tremendous strides in bringing these technologies to market,” Emma said. “Now, because of their vision, hard work, and expertise, RFID has become a fundamental element of an amazing range of products and solutions across many major market sectors. I’m excited to have this opportunity to support ThingMagic’s vision and help our customers achieve success.”