Our Product Pick

Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL) has presented its sled for RFID, Model RFD8500. Described as lightweight and ergonomic, RFD8500 furnishes read/write of EPC Class 1 Gen 2 UHF tags, as well as one- and two-dimensional barcodes (via Motorola SE4710). Popular mobile devices, such as the Motorola TC55 and MC40, may be attached via quad-lock mounts or custom-tailored guides. A button allows end-users to toggle between barcode and RFID. Model RFD8500 has Bluetooth, and supports iOS, Android, and in the future, Windows. "Zebra's new RFD8500 sled provides investment protection to businesses that want to leverage their existing mobile device strategy and augment it with our RFID and barcode data collection capabilities," enthused Bob Sanders, SVP, Data Capture Solutions and Engineering Shared Services, Zebra Technologies.

Zebra's RFID Sled

COMPANY BUSINESS

Oracle Corrals the Cloud

Continuing its drive into our vertical segment, Oracle (Redwood Shores, CA) has started Oracle Retail Cloud Services. A set of six disciplines has been offered: Brand Compliance Management (for private-label merchandising), Customer Engagement (for gift and loyalty), Open Commerce Platform (for e-commerce), Order Broker (for inventory visibility), Order Management (for online shoppers and call center agents), and XBRi (for loss prevention). These new subscription services stem from the recent purchase of Micros Retail by Oracle.

"Retailers looking for agility, performance, and cost predictability are increasingly considering the cloud," noted Jill Puleri, SVP and GM for Oracle Retail. "The new Oracle Retail Cloud Services help eliminate the time and cost constraints that too often hamper retailers' ability to respond to new opportunities for growth. Just as important, Oracle Retail Cloud Services allow retailers to focus on their business and work on strategic projects that add value to the business."

A new customer, Lids Sports Group, has rolled out Oracle Retail Order Broker Cloud Service as part of its migration to Oracle Retail Xstore (formerly Micros Xstore). Offering sports apparel and memorabilia through e-commerce and 1,300 stores, Lids Sports Group has used Order Broker Cloud Service to double the number of product SKUs. As the customer buys an item, this solution updates the store, e-commerce, enterprise resource planning, and warehouse management systems. In addition, upgrading to new point-of-sale will simplify administration for more than 50 different screen and receipt configurations for Lids Sports Group.

Jill Puleri, SVP and GM, Oracle Retail

A Sporty Compact From Germany

A new entry, the German POS maker QUORiON, has delivered its new QTouch 8. QUORiON has been testing the waters in the U.S. since last year's Retail Solutions Providers (RSPA) Show. It has offices in Cleveland, Ohio, under the direction of Jay Tener, Business Development Director for QUORiON U.S. In conversation with RRN.Com, Tener reiterated his interest in the reseller channel, both for point-of-sale and payment processing.

As its newest terminal, QTouch 8 features 8" touchscreen, with built-in receipt printer, embedded "QMP" POS software, and Linux O/S. Overall, it measures 7.1 in. (W) x 14.2 in. (D) x 5.1 in. (H) and weighs 5.5 lbs. QTouch 8 carries the same ARM CPU family as the rest of the QTouch Series, which the company has debuted over the past few years (QTouch 10, 12, 15). End-users may choose between 58-mm, 80-mm, or "no printer" versions. I/O includes RS-232 x 2, USB x 4, LAN, and Cash Drawer.

QUORiON Delivers QTouch 8

Worth Your While

Retail Realm Technology Conference
"Microsoft for the Retail Sector"
April 25-27
Las Vegas

WERC
Warehousing Education Research Council
May 3-6
Orlando

NRA Show 2015
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago

RetailNOW 2015
Retail Solutions Providers Association
August 2-5
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Beaming at Bematech

Bematech (Bethpage, NY) has unveiled its newest All-in-One POS, the SB9095. It features true-flat, bezel-free, and fanless design, with dimensions of 14.2 in. (W) x 12.3 in. (D) x 8.3 in. (H) and weight of 12.5 lbs. Adjustable to 30- and 90-degrees to fit any counter-space, the SB9095 may be folded flat for convenient shipping. A 15" touchscreen has resistive or projected capacitive technology.

As system characteristics, the SB9095 carries Intel Celeron J1900 Quad Core CPU at 2 GHz, maximum RAM of 8 GB, and SATA Hard Disk Drive. It supports Windows 7, POS Ready 7, Windows 8, and Linux Kernel 2.6. A full suite of ports includes USB 2.0 x 2, USB 3.0 x 2, Serial RJ-45 x 3, and Ethernet Gigabit RJ-45, as well as PS/2, Video, Cash Drawer, and Audio.

"Our SB9095 AIO terminal packs great features, versatility, and value into a sleek and neat design," remarked Kayla Kelly, Marketing Manager at Bematech. "It enhances the atmosphere of any business while providing excellent performance and reliability. With unique and easy detach design, the SB9095 minimizes the use of screws and internal cable connections. The unit has options for integrated magnetic-stripe reader, fingerprint reader, RFID/NFC reader, and VFD/LCD customer display."

Bematech's SB9095 All-in-One POS

All the Live Long Day at Janam

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has unboxed its newest mobile computer, purpose built for the railroad industry, and entitled the XM2-RFID for Rail. Weighing under 13 oz., this handheld device reads the Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) RFID tags required on all railcars in North America and widely used globally, allowing rail and intermodal companies to track and monitor equipment. It reads tags from at least 3.3 ft./1 m away, and has battery life of more than five hours and 40,000 tags (2880-mAh hot-swappable Li-Ion).

As special features, the XM2-RFID for Rail has user-addressable compass for use with transportation applications, 3.2" color display, Motorola SE4500 one- and two-dimensional imager for robust decoding, and support for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. Sealed to IP-64 for water and dust, and withstanding multiple 4 ft./1.2 m falls to concrete, the XM2-RFID for Rail carries Freescale ARM 9 CPU, 128-MB RAM, 128-MB Flash, Bluetooth 2, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.

XM2-RFID for Rail From Janam Technologies

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ALLIANCES

"Analyze This," Says AIDC VAR

Barcoding, Inc. (Baltimore, MD) has partnered with enterprise mobility developer B2M Solutions (Atlanta, GA). Under this agreement, Barcoding will provide customers with advanced analytical tools as part of mobile device management (MDM). B2M Solutions offers its managed service platform, called "mprodigy" and its cloud-based analytics product, "elemez." It was founded in 2002 in the U.K.

"As more companies continue to shift business applications into the hands of workers in the field, they are looking beyond standard mobile device management tools to gain deeper insight into how their devices are performing," suggested Ron Caines, VP of Sales and Marketing for B2M Solutions. "Our 'mobile process optimization' software will help Barcoding meet this demand and add value to its customers' existing hardware investments. We are excited to work with such a well-established company that has a strong reputation in the mobile space." Many readers will recognize Caines from his years at Psion Teklogix.

"Barcoding has always demonstrated expertise in end-to-end implementations, from helping clients select the right platform, to providing ongoing service and support," declared Shane Snyder, President of Barcoding, Inc. "Now, through B2M Solutions, we are able to expand the GoLive Services platform in order to deliver predictive and actionable business intelligence that improves our clients' efficiency, accuracy, and connectivity--making their AIDC platform more sustainable." Systems are then supported by Barcoding's StayLive Services.

Ron Caines, VP of Sales and Marketing, B2M Solutions

TouchSuite Goes PVBLIC

TouchSuite (Boca Raton, FL) has entered into an interesting relationship with the non-profit group, PVBLIC Foundation. Acting as payment processor for the 100 organizations participating in this charitable network, TouchSuite will return 50% of related profits. "We are eager to utilize the donations from this partnership to amplify the reach of large-scale media campaigns for social change like those we have organized this past year in partnership with the White House and the United Nations," relayed Rachel Cohen Gerrol, Executive Director of PVBLIC Foundation (Washington, DC).

"We have been fortunate to experience much success in the past several years, which allows us to give back in more substantial ways through both direct charitable contributions and partnerships with fantastic philanthropic organizations like PVBLIC," reflected Sam Zietz, CEO of TouchSuite. "By working with their incredible team, we are able to offer PVBLIC's vast network of non-profit partners the opportunity to collect a greater return from each donation or sale that will ultimately support their core mission."

Six times named to the "500 List" of fastest growing private companies by Inc. Magazine, TouchSuite markets Firefly POS for salon and spa owners, as well as retailers, in the SMB. As payment processor, it supports QuickBooks, eliminating double date entry, through its auto-sync interface, Lightning Payments. Additional efforts have focused on mobility, EMV, and Apple Pay.

A Charitable Approach to Payment Processing by TouchSuite

Code Corner

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has introduced its Queue Busting App. A store associate armed with the company's Joya device and portable printer scans and bags items while the customer stays in line, under this scheme. A ticket is then issued, with two-dimensional barcode for all successfully scanned items, and one-dimensional barcodes for "unknown" items. The customer checks out once the cashier scans the barcodes printed on the ticket. For added convenience, an optional, accompanying Smart App running in the store's back office allows Wi-Fi or USB transfer of product information to the Joya. "Queue busting provides retailers the ideal option for managing periods of high demand at the front end without the need to open extra checkout lanes," elaborated Luigi Frison, Senior Manager, Store Automation, for Datalogic. "This enables customers to move through the checkout process more quickly while enjoying personal attention." Introduced internationally, the Datalogic Queue Busting App will come to the Americas.

Joya From Datalogic

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Star Browses With Bluetooth

Star Micronics (Somerset, NJ) has released its WebPRNT Browser with Bluetooth, now on the iTunes App Store and Google Play. Debuted in 2013, Star WebPRNT supports the use of the company's receipt printers in mobile environments. In its original format, it was limited to Ethernet.

WebPRNT eliminates the need to install drivers or download related software, according to Star Micronics. Once configured, the end-user simply pairs their mobile device. "Many people prefer Bluetooth because it is easier to set up," Jon Levin, Product Integration Manager for Star Micronics, told RRN.Com.

Star Micronics Releases WebPRNT Browser for Bluetooth

A Heat Map for Brick-and-Mortar

A new out-of-box solution has been offered for retail analytics. Aimed at small-to-medium-sized merchants, small footprint stores, and large companies just entering the physical retail space, the RetailNext Accelerator Kit comes with video sensors and RetailNext's software platform. It allows retailers to accurately measure and report key performance indicators, better understand shoppers and shopping behaviors, and deliver optimized shopping environments, according to RetailNext, Inc. (San Jose, CA).

In bringing e-commerce style analytics to brick-and-mortar stores, the RetailNext Accelerator Kit enables retailers to go beyond single-point solutions and simple front-door traffic counts. Additional metrics include pass-by traffic and capture rate, percentage of repeat visitors, frequency of store visits, duration of visits, and unique visitors. It also incorporates the firm's loss prevention module, with features such as "POS Exception Reporting."

"Since RetailNext pioneered the space in 2007, in-store retail analytics have primarily been the province of large-scale retailers with hundreds of locations and relatively vast resources," maintained Marc Dietz, CMO at RetailNext. "But, that's no longer the case, as RetailNext's comprehensive new solution offers retailers of all sizes and store footprints powerful shopper insights necessary to better compete in the rapidly changing world of retail." So far, approximately 160 retailers and brands have adopted RetailNext.

A RetailNext Accelerator Kit Provides Insight into Shopper and Store Performance, Such as Traffic

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Bematech
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
PowaPOS
TEAMSable

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
Mercury/Vantiv

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp
PrehKeyTec

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Mr. Clean (CodeShield)

Code (Salt Lake City, UT) has fashioned its new, disinfectant-ready plastic for healthcare, dubbed CodeShield. As housing for the company's scanners, including the pocket-sized, wireless CR2600, CodeShield carries the designation of Level 3. Now, Code will offer the categories of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (CodeShield), giving hospitals and healthcare suppliers an accurate rating system and more flexibility.

Maintaining infection protection requires frequent cleaning of devices, well beyond the demands of retail, or even hospitality. Commonly used healthcare disinfectants may contain chemical agents that can damage or degrade plastic housings, which can shorten product lifespan, void warranties, and leave hospitals with replacement costs. CodeShield provides an additional level of resilience and protection against the most aggressive hospital-grade chemical cleaners.

"Code has set the standard by assigning this detailed level of categorization to our healthcare product line," indicated Garrett Russell, VP of Sales and Marketing. "CodeShield represents our commitment to provide quality products that exceed the demands of our customers." With this new level of housing, the CR2600 can move freely in and out of patient rooms without affecting infection control protocols, noted Code.

Code's 2600 Scanner for Healthcare

Call of Duty at NCR

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) will deploy its RealPOS 72XRT POS for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). The new technology will replace 6,000 non-NCR terminals in both its retail and foodservice locations, which number 3,100, and will be maintained by NCR Services. Within the U.S. Dept. of Defense, AAFES provides goods and services to military families at reduced prices.

"The Army and Air Force Exchange Service needed a flexible and dependable solution to deliver its high levels of customer service worldwide," shared Stan Ratcliffe, President of NCR Government Systems, LLC. "We are pleased to be working closely with them as they enhance their store experience to families on location worldwide." AAFES has sites in 50 states in the U.S., five territories, and more than 30 countries.

NCR's RealPOS 72XRT Deployed by Army and Air Force Exchange Service

Channel Factoid

"Internet of Things (IoT) will deliver $1.9 trillion boost to supply chain and logistics operations," predicts the new trend report by DHL and Cisco. Over the next decade, the logistics industry can unlock higher levels of operational efficiency as the IoT connects in real time millions of shipments being moved, tracked, and stowed each day. In warehousing, connected pallets and items will drive smarter inventory management. In freight transportation, tracking and tracing of goods becomes faster, more accurate, predictive, and secure while analytics of a connected fleet can help to predict asset failure and to schedule maintenance checks automatically. Finally, connecting delivery personnel with surrounding vehicles and people can become a way to monetize and optimize the return trip. According to estimates, IoT will generate $8 trillion worldwide in "value at stake" over the next decade. This will come from five primary drivers: innovation and revenue ($2.1 trillion); asset utilization ($2.1 trillion); supply chain and logistics ($1.9 trillion); employee productivity improvements ($1.2 trillion); and enhanced customer and citizen experience ($700 billion), "The overall level of global connectedness remains surprisingly limited," observed Ken Allen, CEO of DHL Express. "There is huge potential for countries to further increase their connectedness and prosper through trade, integration, and technology."

HELLO GOODBYE

Meet the Beedles

SATO (Tokyo) has named Michael Beedles as Head of North America for the SATO Group. In addition to overseeing this market, Beedles also serves as the President of SATO Global Solutions, which specializes in software development and solution integration. In his new role, he will expand on the company's data collection systems and labeling offerings, and leverage its new printer platform, the NX Series, which will utilize IoT technology to provide 24x7 connectivity and worldwide customer support via SATO Online Services, which is scheduled to launch later in 2015.

"Mike has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, an entrepreneurial spirit, and deep knowledge of our customers' needs," commented Kaz Matsuyama, CEO/President of SATO Holdings. "He understands the importance of technology in creating value for customers, and has the motivation and the know-how to execute our strategies and drive innovation."

"With its manufacturing, software development, integration, and technical engineering capabilities, SATO is well positioned to offer one-stop solutions for customers seeking to utilize Auto ID technology to streamline their operations," stated Beedles. "I am honored to take on this new and expanding role, and I look forward to working closely with our customers, partners, and SATO teams across the region and globally." Beedles joined SATO in 2007, following the purchase of his company, TrakIT, Inc.

Mike Beedles, Head of North America, SATO

An Award for Angela

Angela Brown, CEO/President of Moneris Solutions (Toronto), has received the 2015 Distinguished Payments Professional Award from the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA). Given at the recent Transact 15 Show, it recognizes industry leaders that contribute to positive change and best practices in the payments industry. Brown has more than two decades of experience in merchant acquiring, consumer and commercial payment products, and payment processing.

"It is such an incredible honor to receive this year's Distinguished Payments Professional Award during one of the most dynamic and evolving times in our industry," remarked Brown. "It's a true testament to Moneris and we are thrilled to be on the front lines as the U.S. transitions to EMV." Added Jason Oxman, CEO of ETA, "Angela has a keen sense of the technology and security that companies require right now for their point-of-sale, while keeping sight of the needs of tomorrow's consumer."

Angela Brown, CEO/President, Moneris, Honored by the Electronic Transactions Association