Our Product Pick

GenPOS (Montreal, QC, Canada) has rolled out its new 21.5" Widescreen All-in-One for PC-POS, the Eclipse PF2150. Significantly, it incorporates RS-232 Serial (as well as USB x 6 and RJ-45 LAN x 1). As technical specifications, there's Intel Core Haswell i3/i5/i7 CPU, 2-GB RAM (expanded to 16-GB), Gigabyte Motherboard, MMC/SD Card Slot, and HDD or SSD. With bezel-free, glass-only face, its screen employs projected capacitive multi-touch technology with resolution of 1920x1080 and aspect ratio of 16:9. With weight of 22.5 lbs., and VESA, the "high-end" Eclipse PF2150 fits wall-mount environments, according to GenPOS. As O/S, there's Windows 7 and Windows 8.

GenPOS Eclipse PF2150

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Tack to POS for TG3

A renewed interest in POS has been demonstrated by keyboard vendor TG3 Electronics (Kenosha, WI). A quartet of products has been launched: TG-POS-14-MT-US (with touchpad and MSR), TG-POS-14-NT-US (with touchpad, no MSR), TG-POS-14-MN-US (with MSR, no touchpad), and TG-POS-14-NN-US (no touchpad or MSR). In 14" length and QWERTY, these new models feature programmable keys, internal steel support structure, six relegendable keycaps, detachable 6-ft./1.8-m cable, USB, and three-year warranty.

"The POS keyboard product line was designed to withstand harsh environments," David Michielli, Director of Sales and Marketing at TG3 Electronics, told RRN.Com. "While offering very rugged keyboards with short lead times, TG3 is still capable of offering its customers more aggressive pricing than what's being offered by the current market leaders." He describes the company's 45,000-sq.-ft. facility as "state of the art."

Recently celebrating its 30th anniversary, TG3 was founded in 1986 by Tom Giles. It supplies kitchen bump bars to some of the largest quick service restaurant (QSR) chains, as well as keyboards into markets such as medical, industrial, military, telecommunications, white goods, and gaming--as well as POS. It will exhibit at the upcoming Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in Grapevine, TX, at the end of July.

New Family of POS Keyboards Includes TG-POS-14-MT-US With Touchpad and MSR

CRS's China Case

Another major vendor for CRS, Inc. (St. Paul, MN), distributor of SAM4s and SNBC in POS: Hisense (Qingdao, Shandong, China). With this new relationship, CRS will handle select tablets and touch terminals from this powerful brand on an exclusive basis in the U.S. and Canada and non-exclusive basis throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. "Hisense is gaining prominence and respect throughout the Americas, so CRS resellers will find easy acceptance of Hisense POS products," predicted John Soderquist, VP of Sales at CRS, Inc.

Founded in 1969, Hisense has become the third largest manufacturer of televisions in the world; for example, it owns the rights for Sharp in the Americas. In its home country of China, Hisense POS is used by over 60% of top chain stores. All-in-One's include the HK870, HK220, HK900, and HK800 Series. Of particular interest to CRS, RRN.Com was told, will be the Hisense HM518 10" Windows Rugged Tablet and HM516 10" Android Rugged Tablet.

"Hisense is very proud to partner with CRS, who is well-known for successfully bringing best-of-class manufacturers and products to the Americas," contributed Elliot Wuu, VP of Business Development for Hisense USA. "CRS is also known for exemplary channel management and importing infrastructure, so we are confident that the CRS expertise will enhance the Hisense brand as we launch our POS products in the Americas." A familiar figure in our channel, Wuu previously served as Director of Operations at UIC USA, EVP of Firich USA, and Branch Manager of Nimax (bought by Ingram Micro DC/POS).

A Shell Carving Commemorates New Partnership Between CRS, Inc. and Hisense USA

Worth Your While

Transact 16
Electronic Transactions Association
April 19-21
Las Vegas

WERC 2016
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 15-18
Providence, RI

NRA Show 2016
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

RetailNOW 2016
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 31-August 3
Grapevine, TX

ALL IN THE FAMILY

No More Moire, Pledges 3M

Some news from longtime vendor to our channel, 3M Touch Systems (Methuen, MA). In May, it ships its new product line of projected capacitive multi-touch displays with improved, proprietary, "ultrafine" metal-mesh conductors, promising "the most vivid, most responsive" performance and elimination of "many known problems in other metal-mesh projected capacitive systems, such as moire [false patterns] and sparkle [flickering pixels]." All the company's displays--from 32 to 65 in.--will be supported.

A number of additional characteristics were emphasized. A bezel-free surface facilitates cleaning, according to the company, with anti-glare protection for tabletop or strong lighting environments and "no-wear" resistance to surface scratches. Both 2K and 4K applications may be accommodated. As O/S, there's support for Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP, Linux, and Mac OS. Up to 80 simultaneous touch points are possible.

"Consumers want digital interfaces with more natural multi-touch interaction," reflected Scott Hagermoser, Global Business Manager of 3M Touch Systems. "[We] offer system integrators and value-added resellers fully integrated, fast, accurate, and interactive multi-touch displays that help make digital signage come to life like never before. [Also] they are durable enough for harsh commercial environments and 24/7 public use."

3M Ships Its "Ultrafine" Projected Capacitive Family of Touch Displays

POS-X Charges Up ION TP5

A trend continues--compact, modular, tablet-form POS--with the new ION TP5 All-in-One from POS-X Inc. (Bellingham, WA). Available with or without an integrated 3" thermal receipt printer (6.3-in./160-mm per second speed), the ION TP5 employs fanless design, with true-flat 14" widescreen LCD display and multi-touch projected capacitive touchscreen (with full tilt). It features an aluminum frame, housing of ABS in black and silver, and an IP-54 rating for water and dust. It supports Windows 8 and Windows 10

As technical specifications, ION TP5 has Intel Atom Quad-Core CPU at 1.8 GHz, 2-GB RAM, and 32-GB SSD. As ports, there's USB 2.0 x 4, RJ-45 COM x 1, and RJ-45 LAN x 1. As graphic memory, it has Intel Gen7 up to 646 MHz. In all, the ION TP5 weighs about 12 lbs., and measures, with base, 14.3 in. (W) x 7.8 in. (D) x 13.4 in. (H). Along with thermal receipt printer, it offers optional integrated MSR and 2x20 customer-facing display.

"The ION TP5's design is a move away from yesterday's traditionally bulky POS terminals," enthused Mark Dunlop, VP of Sales for POS-X. "Leveraging the latest in tablet and touch technology, the ION TP5 is both modern looking and compact, with a price point that rivals entry-level competitors." (In the case of ION TP5, the display does not detach for Mobile POS.)

POS-X ION TP5 POS Terminal

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Week of March 21

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ALLIANCES

ScanSource: Achtung, Baby!

ScanSource POS and Barcode (Greenville, SC) has added an interesting vendor to its line card, in the form of PANMOBIL GmbH. Based in Cologne, Germany, and founded in 1985, PANMOBIL supplies mobile scanners with names such as Powerline ECCO, Scanndy, and Smart Scanndy. In particular, it is known for its advanced middleware. In North America, it has offices in Seattle, WA, Oakland, CA, and Chicago, IL.

"We have taken complexity, time, and dollars out of business processes that use barcode scanning technology," suggested Peter Schmidt, President of PANMOBIL. "Resellers and customers tell us that we are light years ahead of any solution in this space. The rich suite of out-of-box integration tools opens the door to any size of integrator, and an open platform provides the capability for developers within larger integration companies to create new applications."

"In an industry where commodity products are all too prevalent, value-added solutions are critical to customers who need to differentiate themselves from the competition," acknowledged John Harrison, VP of Sales for ScanSource POS and Barcode, U.S./Canada. "PANMOBIL's 'Internet of Scanning' solutions, combined with ScanSource's services and support, will enable resellers to enhance the competitiveness of their scanning business. We are pleased to be PANMOBIL's exclusive authorized distributor [for North America]."

Distributor Adds Scanning Products--and Middleware--From PANMOBIL

OpenISVs at OpenEdge

OpenEdge, the integrated payments branch of Global Payments (Atlanta, GA), combining the former PayPros and Accelerated Payment Technologies, has teamed with ISV New West Technologies (Portland, OR) to bolster Microsoft Dynamics AX. Aimed at multi-location retail, this integration includes the EdgeShield from OpenEdge, which furnishes point-to-point encryption, tokenization, EMV, PA-DSS 3.0, and "PCI Assure." It addresses point-of-sale, operations, merchandising, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain, and financials, according to Microsoft Silver Partner New West Technologies.

"Applications to run retail operations and payments have clearly reached the tipping point for interactions," proposed Dan King, President of New West Technologies. "Businesses are demanding the ability to run their stores and accept payments no matter the channel, media, or platform. This integration with Microsoft Dynamics AX, and payments technology from OpenEdge, allows this flexibility and functionality." Sid Singh serves as President of OpenEdge.

In addition, OpenEdge has recruited another ISV, Carolina Software (Wilmington, NC), which provides its very vertical Waste Works Software. "Our customers who accept payments on-site are very aware of the upcoming switch to EMV," relayed Jon Leeds, VP of Carolina Software. "As their partner, it's vital that we have solutions in place to prepare them without disrupting their operations. OpenEdge's solution for EMV lets us accomplish that." Who knew?

OpenShield Security Suite From OpenEdge

Code Corner

United Merchant Services (Hackensack, NJ) has fashioned its new solution for handling recurring electronic payments, termed "U PAYr." It's based in the cloud and addresses subscription, membership, and enrollment-based businesses, property managers, and scheduled services such as child care and lawn maintenance by eliminating traditional invoicing and billing. U PAYr offers flexible payment intervals (e.g., daily, biweekly, monthly, and yearly). It supports either on-site or off-site from any PC or Android. It also carries business tools for analytics and enhanced security features. "For customers, U PAYr makes conducting business convenient as it eliminates late payments and lost checks and reduces the threat of fraud and identity theft," declared Dawn Landini, Senior Marketing Manager for United Merchant Services. A sister company, UP Solution, offers both software and hardware for POS.

United Merchant Services

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Things POP at Star

Another leading ISV, Retail Cloud (Concord, CA), has endorsed the mPOP (for "Mobile Point-of-Purchase") system from Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). This bundle of Retail Cloud's Zero POS Software and Star's mPOP will be sold through resellers in payment processing, including VARs and ISVs, RRN.Com was told. "A full-featured, no monthly fee solution," Zero POS runs in the cloud and supports Android. Pricing for the full bundle, centered around tablets from Samsung, has not yet been determined, according to the two parties.

Available in black or white, Star's mPOP measures approximately 12 in. (W) x 12 in. (D) x 4 in. (H)--without tablet--and weighs 7.8 lbs. Star has included its 2" thermal receipt printer with "drop in and print" paper loading and 4-in./100-mm per second speed. A compact cash drawer has four-bill and adjustable six- or eight-coin wells, as well as hidden space. A locking base bracket is included with the mPOP to ensure reliable mounting on countertops. As options, there's barcode scanner and universal device stand. iOS and Windows, too.

"We have always been impressed with how Star stands behind their product line," volunteered Kevin Colaco, President of Retail Cloud. "We have seen a number of companies introduce similar solutions and we were impressed by the design and implementation considerations put in by Star. We are excited by the opportunities this joint product offering will create." Earlier, Retail Cloud certified two of Star's popular thermal receipt printers, Models TSP100 and TSP650, for Zero POS.

A Bundle of Star's mPOP, Retail Cloud's Zero POS Software, and Samsung's Tablet

Bematech Sets the Table

In November, Bematech (Bethpage, NY) debuted its "light" Android-based POS, dubbed Bemacash, focused, in its first manifestation, towards Specialty Retail and Quick Service Restaurants (QSR). Sold on the subscription basis, and cloud-based, Bemacash targets merchants seeking more functionality than their basic cash register without the complexities of full-blown POS, RRN.Com was told. Now Bematech has launched Bemacash Restaurant, bringing functionality for table dining.

As with previous Bemacash, Restaurant Version supports the 10" SB8010AW and 15" SB8010A All-in-One Terminals from Bematech, as well as the Galaxy 4 Tablet from Samsung. Its bundle includes receipt printer, cash drawer, barcode scanner, and scales--as well as either the SP30 or SP300 payment terminal from PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). As dedicated features, it brings customizable table layout, tip control/payout, open tabs, split checks, delivery time-out, manager functions (void, discount, etc.), and optional integration with kitchen display system (KDS). As pricing, the company cited an MSRP of $55 per month for one register, and $65 per month for up to three registers (with discounts for 6 months and 12 months). Hardware is purchased separately.

Significantly, the company's resellers will enjoy ongoing residuals for the life of the account, RRN.Com was told. "We don't touch any of the processing fees," stated Nicole Walters, Business Development Manager for Bematech in November. Speaking of Android, Bematech also has debuted its new kitchen system controller, the LS8000, based on the Android O/S. It features heavy-duty die-cast housing, snap-to-lock connectors, low power consumption, and no moving parts. All the company's peripherals--bump bars and touch monitors--are compatible.

Bematech Debuts Restaurant Version of Android-Based Bemacash

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bematech
ECR Software
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Citizen
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Cyber Security for POS
Signature Systems/PDQ

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Moneris
Vantiv IP

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry Americas, LLC
TG3 Electronics

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

INSTALLATIONS

It's Patton on the March

A broadline maker of data communications equipment, Patton Electronics (Gaithersburg, MD), has showcased its family of CopperLink Ethernet Extenders. As their name suggests, these subsystems deliver reliable, high-speed delivery of Ethernet over existing copper cabling (twisted pair, Cat 5e/6/7, or coax). As such, they enable installation of new credit card readers for EMV in challenging environments such as fuel retailing.

A pain point for vendors of fuel is the expense, delay, and business disruption incurred by digging up pavement to run new cabling--such as fiber optic--for EMV. With one of the CopperLink boxes installed at the gas pump, and another in the "back room" of the sales kiosk or quick-mart, Ethernet may reach 5,000 ft. over existing copper RS-232/RS-485, for example. Thus, card-reader-in-dispenser (CRIND) equipment may be easily switched out with the new readers for EMV.

"With CopperLink solutions delivering future-proof bandwidth that reaches the forecourt and beyond, retailers can invest their capital in profit-generating mechanisms that promote increased impulse sales, including network-enabled fuel dispensers with video and audio, customer loyalty, suggested selling, advertising, and gaming," elaborated Patton Electronics. "As an added benefit, this technology enables new applications for digital signage, IP-video surveillance, phone or intercom communications--plus cloud-enabled capabilities for remote management and asset-tracking." A variety of hardware modules, for configurations such as point-to-point, star, and multi-drop, at speeds from 22 to 168 MBPS, are offered in the CopperLink Series.

CopperLink Ethernet Extenders From Patton Electronics Brings EMV Out to the Gas Pump

dCoupon! dCoupon!

The National Supermarket Association will deploy the mobile marketing scheme, designated "dCoupon," from Scanbury (New York City). Founded in 1989, NSA serves independent supermarket owners and two million consumers in major urban areas throughout the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic Region, and Florida, many of them underserved "food deserts." Mobile coupons will be obtained from manufacturer brands and redeemed through consumers' smartphones at the checkout.

NSA supermarkets will enjoy next day clearing, cost reduction on managing brand promotions, and greater control over coupon campaigns. In addition, dCoupon allows supermarkets to receive proceeds from coupon redemption fees. It requires no investment in new hardware, provides real-time analytics of coupon acquisition and redemption, and meets GS1 and GSMA.

"With paper coupons losing relevance, and existing digital coupon services that de facto exclude independent supermarkets and convenience stores from the couponing ecosystem, we expect adoption and expansion of our unique model to provide coupon benefits into many more neighborhoods around the world," remarked Chai Outmezguine, CEO of Scanbury. "We are very proud to launch the first deployment of dCoupon in the U.S., with other regions to follow." Added Rudy Fuertes, President of the National Supermarket Association, "This is an historic agreement that will deliver immediate savings to our customers and expand technology to help our stores grow their business, while funding charitable efforts to serve different communities through 'NSA Cares.'"

Mobile Couponing by Scanbury Adopted by the National Supermarket Association

Channel Factoid

Although less than one-third (29%) of businesses currently use the Internet of Things (IoT), another 14% have such plans for this year, and another 21% have such plans after 2016, according to Gartner, Inc. In other words, the number of organizations adopting IoT will grow 50% in 2016, reaching an overall 43%. In aggregate, the majority of organizations (64%) plan to eventually implement IoT. It's also important to note that another 38% have no plans to implement IoT, including 9% that see no relevance whatsoever in the technologies. Industry adoption varies significantly, with "heavy" industries such as utilities, oil and gas, and manufacturing leading adoption, and service-oriented "light" or "weightless" industries lagging. Gartner estimates that slightly more than half (56%) of businesses in asset-intensive, heavy industries will have implemented IoT by the end of 2016, while approximately one-third (36%) of light or weightless will do so. For those organizations that have widely implemented IoT, the focus has been on internal operational improvements over external customer-facing objectives, tallying 52% versus 40%. "2016 will be a very big year for IoT adoption," predicted Chet Geschickter, Research Director at Gartner. "We are starting to see a wide range of IoT use cases across virtually all industries."

HELLO GOODBYE

A Champion of Cayan

Cayan (Boston, MA), one of the most active payment processors in our channel, has named Michael Gavin, former SVP of Sales, to the new role of SVP of Operations. Expanding on his previous work with the company's partner network, he will now move to address day-to-day procedures, overall business growth, and strategic vision. After coming to the company in 2000, Gavin served as VP of Third Party Sales.

"Michael's knowledge, skill set, and leadership makes him perfectly suited to take on this role," emphasized Henry Helgeson, CEO of Cayan. "Throughout the years, Michael has excelled within different leadership roles and has a tremendous track record of success, creating dynamic and results-driven enhancements at each position. We are delighted to have him lead this important area of our organization."

"Our partners' and agents' input matters so much to our organization," affirmed Gavin. "They influence and shape the organization's strategic vision. I'm very excited about leading my team to better support and service our partners and their businesses." Cayan also has held its Third Annual "Hackathon." This three-day gathering allows the company's technical teams to think outside the box on new enhancements to its payments.

Michael Gavin, SVP of Operations, Cayan

An Eruption at Lavu

One of the leading sellers of iPad POS, Lavu Inc. (Albuquerque, NM), has enlisted Marc Chesley as its new CEO, succeeding the company's founder, Andy Lim, who will step down as CEO. Lim will remain on the Board of Directors of the Company. Previously, Chesley was CTO for Infusionsoft, the fast-growing customer relationship management (CRM) platform for the SMB. During his decade at Infusionsoft, Chesley helped the company move from $1 million in revenue and 15 employees to $100 million in revenue (from SaaS) and 700 employees, while leading multiple funding rounds to secure over $100 million.

"Since founding Lavu over five years ago, I would never have imagined that we would be at this stage so quickly. I'm extremely proud of how far the company has come," shared Lim. "After working with Marc as an advisor for several months, it became clear that his experience and passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed makes him an exceptional leader with ability to take Lavu to the next stage of growth, and beyond, as we evolve from a start-up to a large-scale global leader. It's the right time for our company's management to elevate."

"I've spent the last decade of my life helping all types of entrepreneurs succeed," recounted Chesley. "I multiply people and companies, so stepping into this role is a perfect fit for me to continue the passion I have for helping entrepreneurs win. Now, my focus is on a very specific type of entrepreneur--the restaurant entrepreneur--and I couldn't be more thrilled." Lavu recently received $15 million in funding from Aldrich Capital.

Marc Chesley, New Lavu CEO, with Andy Lim, Lavu Founder and Former CEO