This Week’s Product Pick

Partner Tech USA (Irvine, CA) has addressed in-store, curbside, and field-service POS needs with its EM-200 Tablet PC. This ultra-thin, lightweight device incorporates 10.1-inch LCD/LED-backlight touchscreen display, 1.6-GHz Intel Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, and protective splash and dust resistant bezel for demanding environments. It carries three USB ports, VGA out, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera, and multiple storage/expansion options. With open architecture, it can run virtually any embedded or desktop O/S, according to Partner Tech, including Microsoft WEPOS, POSReady, Windows XP Embedded and XP Professional, WinCE 6.0, as well as SUSE Linux Enterprise. A wide range of extra features are offered: fully-specified slot-in intelligent POS base with small footprint and customer display, convenient charge base to keep the battery at maximum levels, industry-standard VESA mount, and carry case with integrated magnetic-stripe reader (MSR). The EM-200 Tablet PC also functions well for verticals such as warehousing, logistics, and healthcare, it should be mentioned. “We created the EM-200 to meet the market needs for flexible, mobile POS, which should be compact and elegant enough to be used in front of customers, but durable enough for the workplace,” stated Sandra Hsia, VP of International Sales and Marketing for Partner Tech.

EM-200 Tablet PC With POS Base

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Intermec's RFID Triple Play

Intermec (Everett, WA) has rolled out three new RFID products for industrial inventory and asset management: Advanced RFID Extensions (ARX) software, the IF2 Network Reader, and the IT36 Durable Asset Tag. ARX effectively discriminates the tags of interest from surrounding tags in the area, according to the company, allowing customers to improve speed and accuracy of article tracking without false-positive reporting and all the confusion it causes. ARX leverages advanced RF analysis, data-mining techniques, and EPCglobal low-level reader protocol extensions, and runs on the Intermec IF61 Enterprise Reader as well as its Forklift System featuring the IV7 Vehicle Mounted RFID Reader and the CV60 Vehicle Mounted Computer.

Shipping in Q4, the IF2 Network Reader addresses both enterprise and industrial environments with an RF platform that offers best-in-class read performance and enables support for the ARX solution. Described by Intermec as compact and cost-effective, the IF2 will come factory-loaded with the Intermec SmartSystems client, allowing administrators to change device settings, send firmware upgrades, update software applications, and execute other changes on multiple devices from the centralized console.

The IT36 Durable Asset Tag expands Intermec’s offerings in this area. The EPC Gen2 passive UHF tag has been tuned for a wide frequency band to support both FCC and ETSI-based regulatory regions--North America and Europe--and designed primarily for non-metal surfaces, such as reusable plastic containers and wooden and plastic pallets. Significantly, it features greater performance at no more cost, with 512 bits of user memory within its small, durable form factor. The IT36 starts shipping in Q3, according to Intermec.

New Hardware and Software Offers Greater Visibility in the Supply Chain

Verification in the Stratix-phere

Stratix Corporation (Norcross, GA) has added the LVS Integra 9505 Desktop Barcode Verifier to help suppliers eliminate fines and revenue loss related to non-compliant barcodes. The new box inspects all standard linear barcodes and two-dimensional symbologies and provides detailed print-quality analysis meeting all ANSI/ISO, IEC, and GS1-US (previously UCC) requirements. It comes with the Integra 9500/9505 software bundle with security dongle, GS1 calibration card, USB 2.0 cable for PC connection, and one-year warranty.

The LVS 9505 verifier surpasses the 10-scan average required by all nine ISO parameters with its 6 inch x 4 inch viewing window, color-coded analytics, and high-resolution reading capabilities. Sophisticated camera technology and rich features help determine blemishes, opacity, and human readable validation, making confirmation of small and truncated codes accurate and easy, according to the manufacturer. The LVS 9505 was designed to support GS1 DataBar (formerly RSS), Composite Component (CC), Data Matrix, PDF-417, and QR Code with “one-click” simplicity.

“Accurate barcodes and labels are vital to the efficient flow of goods and information,” observed Peter Dalpe, VP of Sales at Stratix. “The LVS 9505 not only improves internal efficiency and best practices for our mobile supply chain customers, but also prevents costly fines and charge-backs at a time when risk is high and margins are leaner.” In particular, the verifier handles difficult items such as large shipping containers, blister packs, bottles, cans, and syringes.

LVS Integra 9505 Desktop Barcode Verifier

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INTEGRATION

The New Color of Payments: Azure

Ignify (Cerritos, CA), ranked as the 19th fastest-growing IT solution provider in 2009’s Inc. 500, has introduced ePayments for Microsoft Dynamics, its hosted invoice payment and management portal for companies using Microsoft ERP solutions. Unveiled at this week’s Microsoft Convergence Conference in Atlanta, the SaaS-based service was developed in combination with Windows Azure, Microsoft’s cloud platform, and qualifies Ignify for Microsoft’s Front Runner Program. It’s priced at $399 per month for unlimited users and provides Payment Card Industry PA-DSS certification with 256-bit encryption.

With e-Payments, customers log-in with their unique ID from any computer to manage invoices and make payments via Automated Clearing House (ACH), electronic checks, or credit cards. Filters show open invoices, invoices due immediately or in the next 30 days, as well as invoices created in the last seven to 60 days. In addition, customers may search based on date range, invoice number, account name, and other criteria.

“Our ePayments for Microsoft Dynamics simplifies accounting practices by creating the paperless self-service environment for managing company invoices,” related Sandeep Walia, President of Ignify. “By giving customers of companies who use Microsoft ERP solutions an avenue for quickly logging in and managing their own accounts, companies not only improve cash flow by expediting payments, which is critical in today’s economy, but also improve overall customer satisfaction resulting in reduced calls to the service department.”

Sandeep Walia, President of Ignify, One of Microsoft’s Front Runners

Cisco Kid Rides at Unitech

Unitech (Taipei, Taiwan and Cypress, CA) has achieved certification with Cisco Compatible Extensions, or CCX, for five of its rugged mobile computers: the HT680 handheld terminal, RH767 barcode/RFID reader, and PA600, PA800, and PA968 industrial PDAs. Not surprisingly, all five devices employ CCX-sanctioned Wi-Fi solutions from Summit Data Communications (Akron, OH). With Summit Wi-Fi, Unitech devices meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for payment processing as well as the top-level Enterprise Version of Wi-Fi Protected Access 2, more commonly called WPA2-Enterprise.

“In the Wi-Fi world, today’s Cisco innovations often are tomorrow’s standards,” postulated Chris Bolinger, Summit’s VP of Business Development. “A Wi-Fi standard is valuable only if a broad set of devices support that standard. As more and more client devices achieve CCX certification, the Cisco innovations in CCX can be transitioned to standards, and that improves Wi-Fi for everyone.”

All Summit Wi-Fi solutions are certified for Version 4 of CCX, the highest level of Cisco compatibility for business-critical mobile devices. CCX V4 certification signifies not just interoperability with enterprise Wi-Fi infrastructure products from Cisco but also support for Cisco Wi-Fi advances in areas such as security, mobility, quality of service, and network management. Unitech America, by the way, kicked off its new partner program for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) last month, as reported in RRN.Com.

Unitech’s RH767 II Barcode/RFID Reader

Code Corner

Sybase, Inc. (Dublin, CA) released PowerBuilder 12, the latest generation of its award-winning rapid application development tool for creating or migrating business applications on Microsoft .NET. PowerBuilder 12 delivers the most efficient migration from Windows 32 to .NET, native support for Windows Presentation Foundation, and seamless integration with the .NET framework, according to the software provider. Significantly, the new PowerBuilder 12 architecture works in concert with Microsoft’s Visual Studio infrastructure and still requires only about five lines of code--instead of hundreds in another language--to access inherent business logic using its patented DataWindow technology (now rewritten in C# for greater productivity and flexibility). Sybase ships PowerBuilder 12 with its two self-contained Integrated Development Environments, or IDEs, the first for Win32 applications and the second for Windows Presentation Foundation applications. Additional new benefits of the release include enhanced auto-scripting and object controls, open and heterogeneous database support, stronger debugging features such as trace points and specified functions on the call stack, and pop-up windows to display PowerBuilder and .NET property values. “PowerBuilder 12 is one of the most significant releases in the product’s history, enabling new and existing PowerBuilder developers to deliver web, mobile, and desktop .NET applications via end-to-end managed code,” indicated David Tong, VP of Engineering at Sybase. “We are continually investing in and evolving PowerBuilder to increase developer productivity. Version 12 cements Sybase’s lead in supporting .NET with comprehensive language and migration support, and positions us to more rapidly adopt Microsoft advancements to the .NET platform.”

STARTS & STOPS

Tweaking the Printer

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) recently worked with TouchStar (Tulsa, OK) to tweak its GX420 direct thermal desktop printer for the specific needs of field service in the energy industry. The modified device features unique firmware, according to the two parties, and will be fixed into the solution provider’s vehicles rather than mounted. In addition, the GX420 reduces print sequence from 35 seconds to 15 seconds, offers better communications, and allows field-service workers and petrochemical drivers to use heavier-weight, larger paper stock that produces higher-quality delivery receipts. It was premiered at this week’s Atlantic Region Energy Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“TouchStar is primarily a software company that would like to use industry-standard hardware, but it’s not always possible,” explained Peter Gibbs, TouchStar’s CEO. “On a fairly regular basis, we recognize the need to enhance products to meet specific industry needs while providing our customers with a bigger bang for their buck. Zebra had a track record of excellence and demonstrated a strong level of commitment not only to this partnership but also to the printer’s longevity. A lot of our customers can get seven to 10 years out of our products.”

According to Ken Griffin, Channel Account Manager at Zebra Technologies, the biggest challenge was blending technology with durability. “We went through almost a year of extensive field testing to ensure that the end product would deliver long, reliable service in a transportation environment,” Griffin said. “These vehicles spend most of their days traveling on rural, unpaved roads, so the mobile unit needs to stand up to dust and vibration and still output exceptional print quality.” Griffin added he developed greater appreciation for this particular vertical market’s print needs and the competitive nature of the industries served by TouchStar.

GX420 Printer from Zebra Technologies

Workforce Management “Clicks” at Pitney Bowes

Pitney Bowes Business Insight (Troy, NY) will resell workforce optimization solutions from ClickSoftware (Burlington, MA), specifically its Installation, Maintenance and Repair Services (dubbed Click IMRS), the developer’s preconfigured order management, scheduling, and reporting package for field employees. Click IMRS virtually eliminates the need to custom-design and program schedules, reports, and mobile requirements, according to the two parties. With this solution, companies streamline decision-making for both service managers and dispatchers while simultaneously improving communications with their customers.

Under the global agreement, Click IMRS users will gain access to Pitney Bowes’ Customer Data Quality (CDQ) and Customer Communication Management (CCM) packages. CDQ enables companies to ensure the accuracy of customer addresses, automatically identify errors, and make quick corrections. In turn, CCM improves customer service by providing information needed to make the fastest, most cost-effective delivery choices, with improved shipment tracking as well.

“We are delighted to work with Pitney Bowes Business Insight to bring the benefits of workforce optimization to mid-sized companies across a wide variety of industries,” reported Hannan Carmeli, President/COO of ClickSoftware. “One of the biggest challenges that service organizations face is bringing together large amounts of data, disparately residing across departments, multiple databases, and myriad formats. Through this agreement, Pitney Bowes Business Insight will integrate its CDQ and CCM solutions into our industry-leading workforce optimization offerings to help organizations ensure that their data is accurate, up-to-date, and in one location.”

Hannan Carmeli, President/COO of ClickSoftware

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

Barcode & Transaction Printers CognitiveTPG

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

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

ALLIANCES

A Paperless POS Tree

JDA Software Group (Scottsdale, AZ) will partner with TransactionTree, Inc. (Atlanta) to offer electronic, paperless receipts to retailers who license or upgrade to an upcoming release of JDA Point of Sale later this year. Such receipts give shoppers the ability to view, file, and track their purchases online, according to TransactionTree. They also provide customers with full return privileges in any store across the participating retailer’s chain without the need for paper confirmation. At checkout, the customer’s e-mail address gets validated (should they decide to go green), with the receipt instantly transmitted to the central site.

“Giving shoppers the option of receiving an electronic receipt via e-mail will ensure that retailers are obtaining more accurate consumer information, such as recent purchases, returns, and contact information,” stated Wayne Usie, JDA’s SVP of Retail. “The data accrued at checkout will help companies better understand their customers, driving improved merchandise and inventory management, pricing and promotion strategies, and service levels. TransactionTree’s electronic-receipt feature will also appeal to both companies and retailers that are environmentally conscious, as well as help businesses cut down on the cost and use of paper.”

JDA launched its environmental effort, dubbed JDA Green, in 2009, RRN.Com readers may recall. Through JDA Green, 1,700 trees were planted in the Brazilian rainforest and more than 50% of the company’s printers were converted to duplex, leading to 14% less paper consumption. JDA Green teams also monitor 12 recycling programs worldwide and help reduce overall power consumption and employee travel miles, according to JDA. For its part, TransactionTree recently teamed up with Hypercom Corporation (Scottsdale, AZ) to bring its paperless receipts to multi-lane merchants using Hypercom’s Optimum L4150 payment processing terminal.

JDA to Offer Electronic Receipts at the POS

Lenovo Gets Turned On

Ingram Micro (Santa Ana, CA) debuted its Mobile Broadband Activation Program for Lenovo’s portfolio of 3G and 4G-embedded laptop computers. On behalf of Lenovo, the distributor will provide wireless activation services for Lenovo ThinkPad laptops and IdealPad S10-3 net books to U.S.-based channel partners for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless networks. Moreover, Lenovo plans to introduce new select ThinkPad 3G models designed for the Mobile Broadband Activation Program starting under $500.

“We’ve created this program to give resellers another way of generating additional revenue and to help them drive demand from small to medium business customers for mobile broadband-enabled laptops,” declared Jay McBain, Director, Small and Medium Business, Lenovo (Raleigh, NC). “With the support of the Ingram Micro Mobility Division, channel partners have an end-to-end solution that not only increases their overall profitability, but enhances their value-add in the marketplace.”

“When it comes to laptops, high-speed 3G and 4G wireless connectivity represents one ‘must-have’ for businesses,” added Robert Garry, Director of Mobility, Ingram Micro U.S. “By tapping into the unique activation services available only from the Ingram Micro Mobility Division, Lenovo is making it easier and more profitable for its channel partners to sell and support Lenovo laptops.”

Lenovo’s ThinkPad Edge Specifically Targets SMB

[Editor’s Note:  Ingram Micro also opened its Business Intelligence Center, based on the company’s extensive database as the world’s largest technology distributor. Led by Kirk Robinson, Ingram Micro North America’s VP of Channel Marketing, the BIC will offer IT vendors and solution providers customizable programs and services, including predictive modeling, customer and end-user profiling, lead generation, market performance and share analysis, and research and sales trending data. Following early success within its vendor community, Ingram Micro will now extend BIC to members of its VentureTech Network.]

Channel Factoid

Business-to-business payment fraud still rages in the U.S., according to the latest survey by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). Almost three-quarters (73%) of mid-market and large organizations said they experienced attempted or actual payment fraud in 2009. Over 85% of this fraud was committed by outside individuals, and checks are by far the preferred weapon of choice. Fully 90% of organizations suffering at least one fraud attempt in 2009 reported theft by check, and 64% of all losses were linked to bad paper. In fact, the single best action businesses can take to reduce fraud is to cut or eliminate their use of checks, according to the AFP. Percentages of organizations affected by other types of payment fraud in 2009 were:  ACH debit (25%), consumer credit/debit cards (20%), corporate/commercial cards (17%), ACH credits (7%), and wire transfers (3%). On the bright side, 70% of organizations that were victims of actual and/or attempted payment fraud in 2009 experienced no subsequent financial loss, and the typical damage for those that did was relatively small at $17,100. “I see payment fraud as a good news/bad news situation,” said David Belligner, AFP’s Director of Payments. “On the one hand, criminal entrepreneurs continue to assault organizations with fraud attempts. On the other hand, organizations have continued to improve their defenses against fraud.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Vocollect Calls Upon Wills

Vocollect, Inc. (Pittsburgh) has added Mike Wills as VP of Sales, Americas, for Vocollect Supply Chain Solutions. In this capacity, Wills will oversee all channel and direct sales efforts across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Wills is no stranger to RRN.Com readers. From 2000 to 2009, he worked at Intermec, leaving as SVP of Global Sales and Services. Prior to Intermec, he served as VP and GM of the Bar Code Solutions Division at Monarch Marking Systems. Starting his career at Motorola, he eventually rose to Director of Systems Technology, Land Mobile Products Sector.

“We welcome Mike to our team as we continue to expand our leadership in the Americas,” commented Joe Pajer, President/COO of Supply Chain Solutions at Vocollect. “We’re growing our presence across vertical industries, expanding to new workflows in the warehouse, and reaching below Tier 1 distribution centers and warehouses where there is a burgeoning market for voice solutions. Mike’s vast experience in general management, sales, and professional services will help us to help our customers--both existing and new ones--to achieve the benefits of voice as quickly and seamlessly as possible.” 

“I’m excited to join an organization with world-class voice solutions that help supply chain organizations achieve strong business results,” said Wills. “Vocollect’s solutions are known the world over for being best-in-class, and yet we have only scratched the surface in overall business potential. I’m looking forward to continuing the success story of Vocollect in the Americas--working with our sales and service teams and the best partner infrastructure in the world to achieve even higher levels of performance for our customers, our partners, and Vocollect.”

Mike Wills, VP of Sales, Americas, Vocollect Supply Chain Solutions

Koller Raised by Wireless Ronin

Wireless Ronin Technologies (Minneapolis) has announced that Scott Koller will assume the responsibilities of President/COO next month. Jim Granger will remain as the company’s CEO through the end of the year, unless extended by mutual agreement. Koller joined Wireless Ronin in 2004 and has progressively assumed responsibility for sales, project management, operations, and development activities. He also played an integral role in the firm’s recent Initial Public Offering and acquisition of McGill Digital Solutions.

“This promotion represents natural progression,” noted Gregory Barnum, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the digital signage system provider. “It confers the title consistent with responsibilities Scott has substantially discharged as EVP and COO. Scott already has been running significant business functions based on his extensive knowledge of our employees, customers, investors, and industry.” In addition to his current direct reports, Darin McAreavey, VP and CFO, and Scott Ross, VP, General Counsel and Secretary, will report to Koller.

“I appreciate the Board’s confidence and look forward to working with Jim, our management team, and staff to address our customers’ mission-critical digital-signage system needs,” Koller said. “Wireless Ronin has many exciting opportunities that we intend to capitalize on and I feel very confident that we are positioned to deliver. We will focus on top-line sales growth and managing scalable expense resources to match revenues.”

Scott Koller, President/COO, Wireless Ronin Technologies