Our Product Pick

Cherry Americas (Kenosha, WI) has unpacked its Stream Keyboard for POS. Measuring 18.2 in. (L) x 6.4 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (H), the Stream Keyboard employs the company's "SX Scissor" technology for typing comfort, precision, and noise reduction. In pale gray or black color, it carries rigid metal backplate, two supporting feet, and eight rubber pads on the underside for stability and non-slip on the work desk. An adjustable tilt and easy-to-read key lettering enable fatigue-free operation, with integrated red LEDs on the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock Buttons. In addition, there's 10 Hot Keys and Lock Out. "Our wired keyboard provides easy set-up, is spill resistant, and requires zero software installation--an affordable solution for retail owners in search of plug-and-play solutions for POS," summarized Cherry Americas.

Cherry's Stream Keyboard for POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

Brother Says "Shift & Print"

A move into Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) for channel provider of thermal printers, Brother Mobile Solutions (Westminster, CO). Under its new subscription service, entitled "Shift & Print," Brother Mobile Solutions will include its entire product line of mobile and desktop thermal printers, warranties covering device replacement or repair, and accessories such as chargers, cables, and cases. It brings the As-a-Service payment model for hardware--common in the commercial copier/office printer arena, as well as POS--into the world of Auto ID.

With HaaS, and predictable monthly payments, costs are shifted within the budget of the end-user from lines of Capital Expense (CapEx) to Operational Expense (OpEx), notes Brother Mobile Solutions. It thereby reduces challenges to cash flow and competing budgetary pressures. It also offers further business benefits, such as increased scalability, greater access to the latest technology, reduced burden on internal IT, and increased system uptime, according to Brother Mobile Solutions.

"For operations managers in a wide range of verticals such as trucking, retail, home healthcare, and across the supply chain, HaaS offers an attractive financial procurement method for businesses to adapt to the 'new normal,'" related David Crist, President of Brother Mobile Solutions. "Our Brother "Shift & Print" Subscription Service enables businesses of any size, from small businesses to large enterprises, to have the most up-to-date printing and labeling equipment--as well as industry leading service and support warranties--with no up-front investment." A range of options are offered at the end of the contract term for HaaS.

David Crist, President of Brother Mobile Solutions, Announces Launch of Auto ID Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS)

All Possibilities at Ovvi

An unveiling of new products and rebranding for Possible POS (Stafford, TX). With its new name, "Ovvi" (for "Significant," in Italian), the VAR/ISV in POS hopes to leverage recent equity financing and year-over-year growth of 30%. In addition to expansion of its channel efforts, Ovvi will soon release its upgraded platform, Ovvi Version 4.0, with expanded capabilities, new Graphical User Interface (GUI), and support system.

As significant features for resellers, Ovvi cites increased staffing, more products to sell (e.g., online ordering, direct accounting, and payroll integrations), marketplace of more than 100 third-party apps, and multi-language mode (i.e., English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai, and French). Also, going forward, as partners, Ovvi will address banks and ISVs.

"This is a major milestone for our company. The rapid acceleration of the Point-of-Sale technology market presents a unique opportunity for the Ovvi brand to become synonymous with the technology powering the revival of the single digit engagement platform for restaurant and retail stores," proposed Manan Mehta, CEO of Possible POS, and now Ovvi. "Our new brand combined with our evolving technology product line perfectly illustrates our ambitious growth plan as a market leader."

Possible POS Re-Brands As Ovvi

Worth Your While

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago, IL

[Editor's Note: The NRA Show has been cancelled for 2020.]

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers
Association (RSPA)
August 2-5
Las Vegas, NV

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
September 14-17
Las Vegas, NV

Impact 2020 Conference
Electronic Payments
September 22-25
Fort Lauderdale, FL

NACS
National Association
of Convenience Stores
October 11-14
Las Vegas, NV

FS TEC
Foodservice Technology/Winsight
October 25-27
Dallas, TX

Pack Expo
Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI)
November 8-11
Chicago, IL

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bixolon Goes 4" Liner-Free

Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) has unwrapped its new liner-free thermal desktop label printer, stocked as the Model XL5-40. In dimensions of 7.3 in. (W) x 11.3 in. (D) x 6.8 in. (H), weighing 6.2 lbs./2.8 kg, the XL5-40 has 4 in./108 mm print width and maximum speed of 6 in./152 mm per second at 203 dpi. (A Model XL5-43 has maximum speed of 5 in./127 mm per second at 300 dpi.) It's compatible with common programming languages, including SLCS, BPL-Z, and BPL-E, with support for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Chrome, and Xamarin.

As features of the XL5-40, the company includes anti-jamming, anti-curling, long-lasting dual platen rollers; unique guillotine cutting system with peel-off sensor (dubbed "Taken Sensor"); and optional mono LCD Graphical User Interface (GUI). As connectivity, there's standard USB 2.0 and USB Host, with optional Serial, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4/BLE, and 802.11 Wi-Fi. As label design software, the XL5-40 has the company's Label Artist II and Label Artist Mobile (and BarTender by Seagull Scientific). A "SoftAP & Smart Connection" facilitates set-up for Wi-Fi, with "XPM & XCM" web-based printer management from Bixolon.

"Companies from the supply chain to e-commerce desire to make their labeling operation more eco-friendly and sustainable," observed John Kim, Marketing Director at Bixolon, Ltd. (Seoul, South Korea). "This new top-of-the-line sustainable linerless label printer will be a key driver to improve efficiency and productivity, while reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) due to the XL5-40's exclusive design and technology." As specific markets for the XL5-40, Bixolon identifies e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing, among others.

Bixolon's New XL5-40 Liner-Free Thermal Desktop Label Printer

POS Supply Deals the Seals

POS Supply Solutions (Middleton, MA) has expanded its consumables family to include "Tamper-Proof Seal Labels" for the restaurant and food-service industry. In die-cut, permanent-adhesive, thermal design, these labels are offered in 2" round format, as well as larger 2" x 6" rectangular format (for pizza boxes, plastic containers, etc.). They furnish "sealed for freshness" as well as confirmation of safe delivery.

"It's an unstable time for restaurants right now," commented Stephen Enfield, CEO of POS Supply Solutions. "With businesses being forced to temporarily close their dine-in operations, we want to do everything we can to help their delivery or pick-up orders go as smoothly as possible. With our new seal labels, your customers can rest assured knowing that their food order has not been opened after it was prepared."

"We have low minimums, provide free proofs, and have the fastest, most reliable turn-around times in the industry," expressed Enfield. In addition, for customization, POS Supply Solutions will print logo, website, marketing message, or promotion/coupons for the business. Earlier, in March 2020, POS Supply Solutions purchased another major provider of consumables for POS/Auto ID, Paper-Net (Concord, CA).

Tamper-Proof Labels for Take-Out by POS Supply Solutions

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ALLIANCES

Star Grazes in the Clover

A bundle of hardware and software for online ordering and take-out delivery--emerging as critical functionality for restaurants in these days of CORVID-19--has been introduced by the trio of Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ), OrderOut (Miami, FL), and Clover POS (by First Data). It employs the cube-shaped, front-loading, multi-connectivity thermal printer by Star Micronics, Model mC-Print3, with 3 in./80 mm print width, in support of OrderOut. As integration with Clover POS, OrderOut eliminates the need for separate systems for each third-party delivery service (e.g., Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates).

An online order comes in through one of the food delivery partners for the restaurant. OrderOut detects the order and instantly transfers it to the kitchen printer and POS. Detailed delivery partner and food item information gets displayed in an easy-to-use dashboard by OrderOut. In support of the process, there's CloudPRNT by Star Micronics America.

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with Star Micronics along with our integration into Clover," enthused Zack Martin, CEO and Co-Founder of OrderOut. "Merchants, specifically restaurants, are getting an amazing solution that will streamline their third-party food delivery operation. We look forward to enabling restaurants across the country to be more efficient and successful." Addressing the current challenging environment, the software by OrderOut and mC-Print3 printer by Star Micronics will be offered to customers of Clover POS at $59 per month.

A Bundle for Online Ordering and Delivery in Food-Service by Star Micronics, OrderOut, and Clover POS

[Editor's Note: Also, Star Micronics America has been endorsed by ADDMI (Albuquerque, NM), which enables ordering via QR Codes. In this case: Star's 3 in./80 mm TSP143III Receipt Printer, 3 in./80 mm TSP654SK Label Printer, CD3 Cash Drawer, and mUnite Tablet Stand. As some readers may know, Andy Lim, CEO of ADDMI, founded Lavu POS.]

Will Retail See the Light?

A medical workstation supplier, Proximity Systems (Tomball, TX), has partnered with mounting manufacturer ENS Group (Burnsville, MN) to bring its "UV-Clean" technology to retail settings. Utilizing ultraviolet, or "UV-C," light, Proximity's UV-Clean disinfects surfaces of harmful bacteria such as Coronavirus, SARs, Staphylococcus, E.Coli, and Listeria. It detects such bacteria and performs an automated self-cleaning cycle.

In addressing the retail market, Proximity Systems and the ENS Group have developed several new products with UV-Clean. A Model UV-SA supports popular tablets, mobile computers, and payment devices. A Model Drive-Thru Handle with Model UV-SA addresses drive-through services. A Model UV-10 accommodates touchscreens up to 10" and the Model UV-24 accommodates touchscreens from 15" to 24". All post treatment tests on high-touch surfaces are yielding 99% harmful micro-organism eradication, according to Proximity Systems.

"Clinical study and testing has validated what we already knew about our product--that UV-Clean technology is effective at killing harmful pathogens found on high-touch surfaces," affirmed Jeremy Goza, CEO of Proximity Systems. "We're hoping retailers are just as excited about this innovation as we are, since our UV-C disinfection technology will provide employees and customers with peace of mind." (Acquiring its competitor Tailwind Solutions in 2017, the ENS Group distributes via BlueStar, Ingram-Micro/Phoenix Group, and ScanSource/POS Portal.)

Proximity Systems and ENS Group Offer Self-Disinfecting Ultraviolet Technology for Retail Screens

Code Corner

SYSPRO (Mississauga, ON, Canada) has enhanced its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Version 2018. Assisting both manufacturers and distributors to securely automate and integrate their business processes, SYSPRO's ERP is upgraded twice yearly. In this latest refresh, highlights include improvements in the following capacities: traceability (by parent item of Lot or Serial, and testing by Mock Recalls), administration and language customization (by new transaction rights and customization in SYSPRO Manufacturing Operations Management, or MOM), sales process management (by payments and inventory allocation in SYSPRO POS), electronic tax submissions (by Making Tax Digital, or MTD), and security measures (by SQL Encryption in Motion). In addition, it now furnishes Avanti and Bots Software Development Kits (SDKs). "Our latest release offers extended capabilities, which will optimize production processes and can ultimately result in greater productivity and faster time to value," proclaimed Paulo de Matos, Chief Product Officer for SYSPRO.

SYSPRO Upgrades ERP 2018

A Message From the Editor

As we enter another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, and business models. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

An Industry Response to COVID-19 - Part 1

-Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA) has launched "Shift4 Cares," consisting of information sharing and an effort to raise $200 million for restaurants and other small businesses. For every gift card purchased through the site, Shift4 donates an additional 5% (to cap at $10 million). "While COVID-19 is impacting every aspect of the economy, restaurants and other hospitality businesses have been hit especially hard," stated Jared Isaacman, CEO. "As a company that serves the small business community, Shift4 wants to do everything in our power to help support these merchants."

-QSR Automations (Louisville, KY) has launched its off-premise order management platform, called ConnectSmart Go. A complement of ConnectSmart Kitchen, it will be provided at no cost during COVID-19. "With take-out and delivery options as the most viable way to sustain right now, this technology can help restaurants with the surge in off-premise orders and ease the transitional burden," stated Lee Leet, CEO.

-Nuvei (Montreal, Canada) has launched its new concierge service, entitled "Merchant Guru," which covers payments, e-commerce, and social media management for SMBs. As features, it extends online ordering, virtual terminal, contactless card acceptance (NFC), mobile wallet compatibility, and digital marketing. "Our program serves a critical need for small business owners who are currently struggling," stated Philip Fayer, Chairman/CEO. "We are deeply committed to continuing support at all levels, ensuring we get through this, together."

Shift4 Launches Shift4 Cares for the SMB

An Industry Response to COVID-19 - Part 2

-TouchBistro (Toronto, ON, Canada) has launched an information-sharing "Restaurant Recovery Navigator," along with Gift Cards and Online Ordering. It has waived license fees for Gift Cards for the first three months and the charges for Online Ordering for the first 12 months. "Development of these offerings was fast-tracked by our product and engineering teams to ensure restaurants have everything they need to help them generate more revenue during the pandemic," stated Alex Barrotti, CEO.

-TransAct Technologies (Hamden, CT) has offered its "BOHA!" Checklist and Timer tools for free to restaurants amid COVID-19. It helps restaurant employees adhere to needed cleaning and safe cooking processes. "We hope that in providing these tools, restaurant employees feel our support and can perform effectively and efficiently as new guidelines are put in place," stated Bart Shuldman, Chairman/CEO.

-OneRail (Orlando, FL) has launched its "final mile" delivery platform, designated as QuickStart, in support of the e-commerce demand spike caused by COVID-19. Compatible with major enterprise e-commerce platforms, it may be implemented in under 24 hours, and implementation and delivery transaction fees have been suspended. "Our business model allows us to scale delivery services very quickly in order to meet this new demand," stated Jeff Flowers, COO.

Final Mile Delivery Component by OneRail

[And more: be sure to contact your supplier -- Editor's Note]

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard
Sound Payments

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

INSTALLATIONS

If the ProGlove Fits . . .

A relative unknown, ProGlove (Chicago, IL), has presented its newest wearable scanning solution for warehousing, dubbed the Mark Display. Weighing 1.4 oz./40 g, with 1.5" high-contrast e-paper screen, the Mark Display handles all popular 1D/2D barcodes with scan range of 1 ft./0.3 m to 5 ft./1.5 m and crosshair aiming. It pairs with Bluetooth 5/BLE.

In addition to its instructional screen, the Mark Display employs acoustic and haptic feedback to guide workers through their processes, which, in keeping with industry findings, can save up to 6 seconds per scan and reduce error rates by up to 33%, according to ProGlove. It furnishes multiple wearable options with intuitive triggers, and adds to ProGlove's Mark Series, which has been employed for parts tracking at Lufthansa Airlines. Also offered: an analytics platform, ProGlove Cloud.

"Adoption of digitization and the Internet of Things (IoT), are driving organizations to be increasingly connected to intelligent, worker-focused technology," indicated Andreas Konig, CEO of ProGlove (Munich, Germany). "Our customers are at the forefront of investing in intelligent technologies, processes, and workflows to capture enormous amounts of process- and site-related data." Established in December 2014, after winning the Intel "Make It Wearable" Challenge in Silicon Valley, ProGlove is backed heavily by equity group Summit Partners.

Mark Display Wearable Technology by ProGlove

A Hot Dog With the Works

An overhaul in technology has been "rolled out" at Nathan's Famous. In the fall of 2019, the restaurant chain, based on the hot dog, and founded in Coney Island in 1916, designated both Brink by ParTech (New Hartford, NY) and Toast (Boston, MA) as its preferred partners in POS. It expects to launch Brink in Q2 2020. As for Toast, it has tested its self-ordering kiosks, with plans for wide deployment later in 2020.

Also, as part of this upgrade, there's several ancillary software packages. As inventory and food management, labor and scheduling, and reporting and analytics, Nathan's Famous has chosen Restaurant Magic (Tampa, FL), part of ParTech since November 2019. A platform for free Wi-Fi and related marketing will be provided by Close Comms (San Francisco, CA). In the area of customer engagement, involving both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Nathan's Famous has turned to upstart Targetable (San Diego, CA).

"It's been quite some time since this brand took on an initiative like this one, and we believe the partnerships we've created since then will truly change the way our franchisees operate and how they interact with customers," declared James Walker, SVP of Restaurants at Nathan's Famous. "The last few weeks have proved why this initiative has been so important. Enabling our system with this technology has greatly helped us navigate these uncertain times." About 300 franchisees exist worldwide for Nathan's Famous, in addition to product licensing.

An Overhaul of IT at Nathan's Famous

[Editor's Note: Given the impact of COVID-19 on restaurant operations, high-flying Toast POS, which was valued at $5 billion, has reduced its workforce by half through layoffs and furloughs (about 1,300 employees, reportedly). "I know these efforts do not make this event hurt any less, but every decision we made has been with the goal to emerge from this healthy," writes Chris Comparato, CEO.]

Channel Factoid

-72% agree/strongly agree with the belief that it's time to make self-sacrifices for the good of the country in order to defeat the pandemic.

-71% of all people over 18 years old are practicing social distancing; for those over 65 years old, it's 85%, for those 35-44 years old, it's 59%.

-19% worry about running out of money, with 18-24 years old leading with 32% and those over 65 years old showing the lowest with 10%.

-32% are confident/very confident in the economy, versus 54% in March. (In October 2008, it was 18% at confident/very confident.)

-56% believe the economy will rebound to pre-COVID-19 levels, 13% say it won't, and 31% aren't sure.

-60% believe U.S. companies have been too reliant on manufacturing critical products like medicines and medical equipment overseas.

-30% plan to shop more online in the future, including 28% of those over 65 years old and 34% of 18-24 years old.

-49% agree/strongly agree that their purchasing behavior in the future will change, and the biggest group for change are those 35-44 years old.

-52% believe social distancing in the workplace will become policy.

-55% agree/strongly agree they will change their social behaviors in the future while 41% think things will go back to the way they were before.

Proper Insights and Analytics (Worthington, OH).

Majority of Consumers Will Change Behavior

HELLO GOODBYE

Mr. T Leaves Zebra

A change in the executive suite for Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL), with Mike Terzich leaving, and, as his replacement, Holly Tyson hired as Chief Human Resources Officer. A 28-year veteran of Zebra, Terzich progressed through roles as VP/GM of Tabletop and Specialty Printers (1992 to 2004), SVP/Office of the CEO (2004 to 2006), SVP of Global Sales and Marketing (2006 to 2014), and Chief Administrative Officer (2014 to 2020). He has joined industrial valve and manifold manufacturer HydraForce as President and CEO.

In her most recent role, Tyson served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Dick's Sporting Goods. "Holly brings a unique point of view that will accelerate the great talent work we have been doing to solidify Zebra as a global employer of choice," contributed Anders Gustafsson, CEO of Zebra Technologies. "I am confident she will be an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team and drive our talent agenda forward, while doing it in a way that is aligned to the strong culture of Zebra."

Gustafsson continued: "We are grateful for the many contributions Mike made to Zebra and the influence he's had in helping evolve the company into the solutions provider we are today. Mike leaves behind a strong legacy as a cultural role model, which has enabled our success in a highly competitive talent market. We wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors." In her remarks, Tyson reflected: "I am excited to join Zebra and contribute to the company's market leadership position through impactful talent strategies and programs that attract and retain the best talent. It is clear to me that Zebra prioritizes its people."

At Zebra Technologies Corporation: Mike Terzich Moves On; Holly Tyson Moves In

A Trophy for Tap-to-Pay

A contactless payments solution by PAX Technology and Sound Payments has been recognized by Visa. A recipient of the 2020 Visa U.S. Qualified Tap-to-Pay Point-of-Sale Program Award, it facilitates migration to EMV Pay-at-the-Pump (mandated by October 1, 2020). It employs the IM20 and Aries8 payment processing terminals from PAX Technology, deployed either inside or outside the convenience store.

"In places such as gas stations, where convenience and time are of the essence, a fast and easy payment experience should be readily available for customers," remarked Andy Chau, President and CEO of PAX Technology. "We're honored to have our combined solution with Sound Payments recognized by Visa as an optimal Tap-to-Pay Point-of-Sale." In contactless mode, it requires no signature or PIN by consumer.

"With PAX's secure hardware and Sound Payments' software solution, we offer a customer-centric Tap-to-Pay experience that will soon have customers wanting to tap more at every Point-of-Sale," relayed Andrew Russell, CEO of Sound Payments. An "Easy Pump" solution for EMV is offered for retrofitting by Sound Payments. (Both PAX Technology and Sound Payments are based in Jacksonville, FL.)

Heather Hatch, VP of Business Development at PAX Technology (At Center), Accepts Visa Award for Tap-to-Pay Point-of-Sale