This Week’s Product Pick

Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX) showcased its HC1 mobile computer with one-dimensional laser scan engine, 3.8-inch VGA transreflective color touchscreen, and optional 3.5G WWAN, GRPS, and GPS functionality. HC1 carries the Marvell PXA320 CPU at 806 MHz, 256 MB RAM, and 512 MB Flash. It runs Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and supports Wasp’s Mobile Asset and Inventory Control software. An IP-65 rating protects against water and dust, with durability to withstand multiple five-foot drops to concrete and eight-hour battery life. “With the positive feedback we have received from our customers about our mobile computers we wanted to create more options that better suit the needs of SMBs,” remarked Brian Sutter, Director of Marketing for Wasp Barcode Technologies. Base list price of $1,695 was quoted.

Wasp HC1 Mobile Computer

COMPANY BUSINESS

IBM Exits POS

IBM has agreed to sell its Retail Store Solutions (RSS) business to Toshiba TEC Corporation, Japan’s leading maker of POS systems, thereby leaving the hardware segment of the retail IT market. This deal is expected to close late in Q2 or early in Q3 and the purchase price was given as $850 million, somewhat less than Retail Store Solutions’ 2011 revenue of $1.15 billion. As part of the transaction, Toshiba TEC will become an IBM Premier Business Partner for Smarter Commerce, IBM’s multi-channel, enterprise-level platform for procurement, marketing, sales, and customer service, which was introduced in 2011. A multi-year agreement has been signed in this area.

Upon completion of the deal, Toshiba TEC will have acquired RSS’s global business operations, including development, fulfillment, and related in-store maintenance, thus becoming the most powerful POS player in the world, by almost any standard. In his remarks, Mamoru Suzuki, CEO/President of Toshiba TEC, pointed to an increasing overall demand for POS. In addition, IBM’s strong presence in North America and Europe were cited as benefits, since Toshiba TEC draws much of its customer base from the Asia-Pacific region. It should be noted that Toshiba also brings muscle in mobility, something IBM lacks, and which will become increasingly critical in POS.

IBM Retail Store Solutions has approximately 1,000 employees worldwide, plus its extensive network of VARs, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), and Distributors. Over time, such “maintenance specialists” are expected to join the new amalgamated company “subject to local business conditions and completion of local information and consultation processes,” in the words of Toshiba TEC. Of course, all this will take years to shake out. Steven Ladwig, currently GM of IBM Retail Store Solutions, will become CEO of the resulting U.S. company with headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. RRN.Com will continue to report on new developments concerning the sale of IBM RSS, which really should come as no surprise to the POS community, given IBM’s recent focus on software and services.

Steven Ladwig, GM of IBM Retail Store Solutions, Purchased This Week by Toshiba TEC

A Watershed for Elo

Elo TouchSystems will be acquired by The Gores Group, the private equity firm in Los Angeles with an appetite for high technology. Agreed upon pricing for TE Connectivity’s Touch Solutions business, which encompasses Elo, was put at $380 million in cash. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Elo, one of the preeminent producers of touchscreens for the channel, generated sales of $413 million in fiscal 2011. In addition, TE Professional Services will go to BlueStream Professional Services, LLC, an affiliate of KGP Logistics for $23.5 million.

“As a pioneer and global leader in high-performance touch solutions, Elo TouchSystems is a compelling addition to The Gores Group portfolio of companies,” stated Ryan Wald, Managing Director of M&A for The Gores Group. “Elo TouchSystems is well positioned in the industry because of its premier brand name and strong relationships with customers and channel partners. We plan to expand its offerings through investment in organic growth and strategic acquisitions.”

Tim Meyer, Managing Director of Operations for The Gores Group, added, “Elo’s leadership position and strong technology and product portfolio provide an excellent growth platform. We look forward to partnering with management to achieve the full potential of the business.” Last year, RRN.Com readers may recall, The Gores Group purchased the U.S. payment systems business of Hypercom, which has been renamed Equinox Payments, with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Popular Elo 1515L Desktop Touch Monitor

Worth Your While

NRA Show 2012
National Restaurant Association
May 5-8
Chicago

Solutions Partner Invitational
Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS
May 15-17
San Diego

NACStech
National Association of Convenience Stores
May 21-23
Nashville, TN

VARTECH Canada
BlueStar
June 4-5
Toronto

HITEC 2012
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
June 25-28
Baltimore

RetailNOW 2012
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 29-August 1
Las Vegas

VARTECH US/LATAM
BlueStar
October 5-8
Bahamas Cruise

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Posiflex Draws VARs to KS6715

Posiflex Business Machines has unveiled its KS6715 POS workstationpowered by the Via Nano CPU at 1.6 GHz, 2 GB system memory, and 160 GB SATA hard drive, its replacement for the popular KS6215. Featuring 15-inch resistive touchscreen, die-cast aluminum alloy chassis, and fanless operation, the KS6715 has been designed to withstand harsh environments and daily high-volume transactions, with stringent third-party HALT/HASS testing. A full range of communications, ports, and peripherals are supported, including optional 802.11b/g/n wireless, choice of customer-facing displays, magnetic-stripe card reader (MSR), and fingerprint biometrics. Physical dimensions measure approximately 14 in. (H) x 15 in. (W) x 12 in. (D) and weight of 16 lbs., with OS spanning Windows 7, Windows XP Pro, POSReady 7, POSReady 2009, Linux, and DOS.

“The KS6715 continues on the long legacy of powerful cost-effective terminals, but with more performance, RAM, and connectivity,” relayed Doyle Ledford, VP of Sales at Posiflex USA (Haywood, CA). “It is true value embodied into one product when considering functionality at its affordable price point. We are confident that the KS6715 will win over our resellers and customers.”

Along those lines, Posiflex announced certification for the new KS6715 from leading hospitality and recreation Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) such as ASI, Digital Dining, Focus POS, Future POS, Posera, Siriusware, and Xenios. “The Posiflex KS6715 has been tested and works admirably with Future POS Fusion software,” testified Steve Pritchard, Dealer Manager for Future POS. “Screen resolution is sharp, the response is quick to the finger, and the speed of processing has worked well in the environment tested. I would certainly recommend the Posiflex KS6715 to any restaurant looking to invest in reliable hardware.”

Enhanced Performance and Features for New Posiflex POS Station

Big Picture Eyed by IEE

IEE, Inc. (Van Nuys, CA) has enhanced its ScanVue retail price scanner with the capacity to read one and two-dimensional barcodes in the same unit. Available at the same price point as the previous model, according to the manufacturer, which has been somewhat quiet in the channel of late, ScanVue2D utilizes ARM processing to support two-dimensional animated graphics and video playback capabilities. Potentially, this moves the system from simple price verification into customer engagement, either on the store floor or as part of standalone kiosks.

ScanVue2D supports 802.11b/g/n wireless technology as well as Ethernet and carries Serial and USB ports. Its industry-standard 5.7-inch QVGA display offers enhanced color and image clarity via 320x240 pixel resolution. Measuring approximately 10 in. (H) x 7 in. (W) x 5 in. (D), and weighing 5.5 lbs., ScanVue2D accurately reads QR codes, Micro QR codes, and postal codes. Custom casings, such as size, design, and color, have been offered.

“A highly integrated ARM processor and more sophisticated scanning engine make the unit 50% faster, further increasing the consumer’s ease of use,” commented Steve Motter, VP of Business Development at IEE, Inc. “The processor also opens the door for the integration of autostereoscopic three-dimensional imaging, viewable with the naked eye--no glasses needed--as well as for larger displays in standard or wide formats with higher resolution. Retailers can now deliver more content and promotional messages directly to customers while they are still shopping.”

ScanVue2D Adds Imaging and Graphics Capabilities

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ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Apple Ripens at Citizen (ISVs Next)

Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA) has offered an SDK (Software Development Kit) for the Apple iOS, as well as Android, BlackBerry, and Symbian, for its CMP-20 and CMP-30 thermal mobile printers. CMP-20, with two-inch print width, and CMP-30, with three-inch print width, both operate in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or tethered configurations. Additional benefits include durable plastic case, two-inch-diameter paper rolls, extended battery life, and optional magnetic-stripe reading (MSR).

“Right now we’re just releasing it, so we’ve kept it tight so we can make sure everything’s working properly,” RRN.Com was told by Andrew Golden, VP of Sales for Citizen Systems America. “We’ve got several prominent Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) onboard and they’ve gone out to field trials. We’re excited to be able to support these different languages with our mobile printers--this integration has many applications, not only in POS, but across a wide range of service and manufacturing industries.”

Next for Citizen Systems America: wireless for its popular stationary POS printers, to be followed by Apple iOS for those devices. “Sooner rather than later,” Golden predicted. “We’re expanding our Citizen Club, started last year, to reach out to VARs and ISVs. We’ll be rolling out some nice new programs in the next few months, particular for ISVs. We want to help pull product out of our distributors’ warehouses.”

CMP-30 and CMP-20 Mobile Printers Embrace Consumer OS at Citizen Systems America

Shuttle Launch at ID TECH

ID TECH (Cypress, CA) has shipped its new mobile payment device for Apple, Android, and BlackBerry hardware platforms, dubbed the Shuttle. Utilizing the company’s proven magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) technology, via audio jack, the Shuttle furnishes bidirectional card reading of up to two tracks of information with TDES and AES encryption using DUKPT key management. It represents the only audio-jack MSR with firmware upgradeability in the field, according to the longtime data collection and payment subsystem supplier to the channel, and achieves compatibility with over 100 different smartphones and tablets.

Measuring 1.5 in. (H) x 2.2 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D), in black with colored rubber, Shuttle reads credit, debit, loyalty, and gift cards, as well as driver’s licenses and identification badges. It runs off the low battery consumption of mobile devices, with no external power supply required. Finally, the Shuttle fastens securely without need of any additional clip, allowing for smooth card swiping and reliable reading of card data, ID TECH noted.

ID TECH also offered its new electronic signature capture pad, the uSign 300. This features 3.5-inch QVGA color LCD and an interactive text and pen-tap capability which allows customers to select and navigate transactions with the stylus. Rugged plastic houses the touchscreen and the palm rest area below the signature panel provides hand support to make the signing process easier.

New Mobile Payment MSR Device Shipped by ID TECH

Code Corner

Retail Pro International (Folsom, CA) has published Retail Pro 9.2 Revision 5 with new functionality in three key areas: customer loyalty, serial numbering and tracking, and Universal Product Code (UPC) reuse. Its customer loyalty module has the flexibility to conduct fixed discounts, point-based programs, or promotions, depending upon the merchant’s needs. Redemption takes place through Retail Pro’s central server technology, which processes transactions and keeps the database updated in real time so customers receive accurate balances. Significantly, serial numbers are now tracked and controlled at the store level, rather than company level, with display of their status and history within frontline areas of the system. This provides easier viewing and allows lists to be filtered by store, company, and individual serial number. Lastly, existing UPCs may now be reused within the Retail Pro inventory function. Retailers and manufacturers purchase UPCs in blocks, as RRN.Com readers know, which are then assigned as needed to inventory items. After such stock has been depleted, corresponding UPCs now can be reapplied to new inventory descriptions and items through an independent field in Retail Pro 9.2 Revision 5. “Improving customer retention and loyalty is absolutely pivotal to buoying the bottom line of most merchants, and this latest release helps them do just that,” suggested Bill Colley, SVP of Development and Client Services at Retail Pro International. “Retail Pro remains committed to helping retailers stay ahead of the curve by continually implementing key features that support their business needs.”

ALLIANCES

ScriptRx Prescribes Star

Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has partnered with ScriptRx (West Palm Beach, FL), one of the leaders in electronic medical record (EMR) systems for the healthcare industry. Under the agreement, ScriptRx will utilize Star’s TSP800IIRx thermal printers to write prescriptions as part of its iPad-based scheme for serving patients in emergency rooms and urgent care centers. Star’s TSP800IIRx produces 37 prescriptions per minute, handles wide paper sizes (3 inches to 4.4 inches), and features an innovative locking mechanism to secure restricted rolls of media.

“Urgent care centers and emergency rooms are fast-paced, high-volume environments that demand speed and reliability from their EMR systems,” emphasized Tim Coffield, CEO of ScriptRx. “Star’s TSP800IIRx gives us the quality and durability that will hold up under these demanding conditions. The printer’s wireless functionality will be embraced by urgent care operators who will not have to equip each exam room with computer hardware, since they will carry ScriptRx EMR on their iPads and transport the wireless prescription printer from room to room.”

“Our partnership with ScriptRx will provide urgent care centers and emergency departments with the ability to print prescriptions for patients quickly and easily,” stated Christophe Naasz, Director of Marketing at Star Micronics America. “In particular, the secure and locking feature of the TSP800IIRx will be an important addition to the ScriptRx EMR system.” Consumer hardware platforms such as Apple and Android have proven to be fertile ground for Star Micronics, along with other point-of-service printer vendors. Last month, for instance, Star’s SM-T300 mobile printer was certified to work with the new Android POS system from Attitude POSitive (Los Angeles), creator of AccuPOS.

TSP800IIRx Printer from Star Micronics at the Pharmacy Counter

Holding No Data Hostage

More integration for QuickBooks, this time by WhenToManage (Ann Arbor, MI), which builds web-based middleware for the restaurant and retail industries. Targeted expressly at small to midsized operations, this new bridge between checkout and back-office elevates reporting capabilities to enterprise levels, according to its developer. QuickBooks handles all the accounting aspects of the business, while WhenToManage tracks, measures, and reviews sales and staff performance. Data is exchanged between the two systems through export and import utilities, so they work seamlessly together.

“We’ve recognized the trend by operators to look for solutions that aren’t tied to any one system,” related Walker Thompson, VP of Sales and Marketing for WhenToManage. “In other words, we don’t hold any data hostage. Whether polling POS data, pushing it into QuickBooks, and then out from us to another system, it’s great. We’ve opted for an open platform, to advance the use of data for application development or reporting.” Thompson has coined the term “Integration Anywhere” to describe his technology.

Founded in 2005, WhenToManage lists Buffalo Wild Wings and Lone Star Steakhouse as customers and Micros, Digital Dining, and Radiant as POS partners. “We offer scalable solutions that simplify reporting, inventory management, employee scheduling, and guest relations, with an emphasis on connecting the people in an organization,” continued Thompson. “We are passionate about helping our clients solve their problems, improve their operations, and increase their profitability.”

Dashboard for WhenToManage Displayed on Tablet

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
FEC/Acrelec
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
WorldPay US

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Mobile Marketing & Loyalty
Sundrop Mobile

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Repair & Refurbishment
AMCOR Tech Solutions

Touchscreens & Monitors
TE/Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Fingers, Wings, and Hooters

Digital Persona, Inc. (Redwood City, CA) has deployed its U.are.U fingerprint readers for Hooters of America, the beach-themed restaurant chain born of beer, chicken wings, and cheerleaders. Under the contract, nearly 4,000 employees will use the devices at Hooters to authenticate transactions, as well as clock in and out for their shifts. These devices work in conjunction with POS software from Infohammer, Inc. (Atlanta)--termed ITWERCS for “Information Technology Web-Enabled Restaurant Control System”--the exclusive platform for all corporate-owned locations of Hooters.

“With thousands of employees across a large area, the costs of managing and replacing swipe cards and PINs became significant. However, the real problem was that our system didn’t give us the insight we needed into each transaction,” explained Wes Marco, Director of Information Systems for Hooters of America. “Digital Persona’s fingerprint readers have yielded immediate results. We reduced both transaction and payroll fraud, and eliminated the cost of constantly replacing lost or stolen swipe cards.”

“Loss prevention is one of the biggest concerns for restaurateurs, and fingerprint biometrics has emerged as one of the best ways to prevent transaction and payroll fraud in the restaurant environment,” asserted Chris Trytten, Director of Biometric Product Management at Digital Persona. “Our fingerprint biometric solutions let organizations tie specific users to each transaction and eliminate the possibility of sharing credentials. Our customers report seeing immediate cost reductions.”

Restaurant Chain Adopts Biometrics from Digital Persona

RFID on the Job Site

Business process consultant Eplica Services (San Diego) will implement the new ClearStream RFID platform from Portable Technology Solutions (Calverton, NY) for security tracking and attendance for thousands of workers entering and exiting remote construction sites throughout North America. ClearStream RFID, which ties to fixed readers from Motorola Solutions, will be used to monitor both people and items. “ClearStream RFID will automate our process and there’s no programming required,” volunteered Brad Taylor, Solutions Architect for Eplica Services, which has worked with Portable Technology Solutions since 2001.

In addition to wizard-driven user interface and sample templates, ClearStream RFID offers unique benefits, according to its developer. These include configurable I/O controls to add supplemental functionality, custom alert capabilities such as sounding alarms on unauthorized exits, and integration with lights and other devices for visual/audible feedback. As expected, the software supports the roster of popular business databases from vendors such as Microsoft and Oracle. Cost has been set at $2,500 for first seat and $1,000 for additional seats, with suitable applications in manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, and retail.

“The applications are endless,” declared Brad Horn, Co-Founder and CEO of Portable Technology Solutions, which is recruiting resellers and offers starter kits of software, reader, and labels. “Users can install, hook up, and begin reading in minutes with just a few clicks to suit any facility or business need. It integrates into any pre-existing system, with no programming required to see anything, anywhere, anytime with 100% accuracy.”

Configuration for ClearStream RFID Asset Tracking

Channel Factoid

America’s “Alpha Females” are spending again. After years of tightening their budgets and focusing on essential purchases, these competitive, successful women (considered six months to two years in front of market trends) plan to enjoy one splurge and more everyday luxuries in the year ahead. According to market research firm Ginger Consulting, 53% have targeted vacations or new furniture, with 25% reporting their personal economic state has improved over the past year. In the realm of everyday luxuries, new apparel for the season tops the list (38%), followed by stress-busting spa services like massage (22%), eating out more often (15%), and gym memberships (10%). Some luxuries cut during the recession won’t be added back, however, including upgrades to basic cable, café coffee, and salon hair color and nails. Along with many people, Alphas can’t live without their smartphones. When asked what they couldn’t give up for 30 days, this device was cited by 41%, followed by exercise (26%), morning coffee (14%), makeup (7%), sex (4%), sweets (2%), and social networking (1%). The survey findings signal that relief might be in sight for retailers and marketers since women, the “world’s great mega niche,” influence more than 85% of all products and services sold in the U.S., including 60% of automobiles and 40% of stock purchases, estimated Ginger Consulting. “Where Alphas go, other women follow,” quipped Mary Van Note, one of Ginger’s Principals.

HELLO GOODBYE

NCR Calls Upon Nokia Marketer

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) has enlisted Susan Somersille Johnson as its new VP of Global Marketing. In this office, she will oversee the company’s worldwide marketing, communications, and business intelligence programs. Johnson most recently served as Global Head of Operator Marketing for Nokia, reportedly seeing record levels of performance for its channel partners. Earlier in her career, she held leadership posts in technology firms such as Nuance Communications, Fujitsu, and Apple.

“Susan brings broad consumer marketing experience with some of the world’s most recognized companies. We are delighted to have her join us as we pursue continued growth in customers and market share,” noted John Bruno, CTO and EVP of NCR Corporation. “NCR is transforming the way consumers interact with business across multiple industries, from financial services and retail, to travel and hospitality. We look forward to Susan’s expertise and leadership in leveraging the power of our brand in key markets around the world.”

“Today’s consumers demand higher levels of speed, ease, personalization, and convenience in all of their transactions with business. NCR enables over 300 million interactions between consumers and businesses every day and is well positioned to shape the consumer experience for this generation and beyond,” Johnson observed. “NCR is one of the most highly regarded brands in the world and I look forward to contributing to its 128-year tradition of disruptive innovation, leadership, and service.”

Susan Somersille Johnson, VP of Global Marketing, NCR Corporation

Heartland: On the Prowl with Lawler

Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ) has promoted Michael A. Lawler to Chief of Corporate Development. In this new role, Lawler will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing key acquisition opportunities while also retaining the duties of his former position as Executive Director of Payment Portal Systems. His domain includes Heartland School Solutions, which provides child nutrition and payment management solutions for public and private education, as well as the processor’s overall portal activities.

“Since he began working with Heartland in 2008, Mike has demonstrated superior leadership and the successful ability to build high performing divisions and teams,” reported Bob Carr, Heartland’s Chairman and CEO. “He also led all aspects of the acquisition of four K-12 POS companies, which was the perfect precursor for his present role. We expect that his broad experience and skills will further advance Heartland’s growth in a variety of industry sectors.”

Prior to joining Heartland, Lawler was SVP at Tier Technologies, Inc., where he led the Official Payments Corporation subsidiary, another provider of electronic payment solutions. Here, Lawler spearheaded strategic planning, reviewed M&A opportunities, directed major card brand strategies, and managed all operations, including sales, marketing, finance, R&D, customer service, and information technology. Before that, he was President of EPOS Corporation, the provider of electronic bill payment and call center activities.

Michael Lawler, Chief of Corporate Development, Heartland Payment Systems