Our Product Pick

Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA) has unveiled its new high-speed barcode verifier, the DataMan 475V. Accommodating one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and direct part mark (DPM) codes, it employs precision optics, bright lighting, robust grading algorithms, and high-resolution camera to ensure compliance--at production-line speeds--with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). If code quality drops, users can now get immediate feedback to quickly identify printing and process control issues, as well as diagnostic tools needed to correct them. It grades up to 20 codes per second, and verification results can be exported to the user's database, PLC or FTP Server. "Our DataMan 475V automates barcode verification, bringing quality assurance out of the lab and into production," emphasized Carl Gerst, SVP and Business Unit Manager of Identification Products at Cognex.

DataMan 475V Barcode Verifier by Cognex

COMPANY BUSINESS

Int'l. Bancard Practices Good Health

An interesting partnership has been formed by software provider TherapyAppointment (Mills River, NC) and payments processor International Bancard (Detroit, MI). A complete practice management solution for "telemedicine," which includes billing, insurance filing, scheduling, and appointment reminders, will now incorporate the secure, compliant payment gateway, PassportConnect, by International Bancard. Addressing the needs of psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and counselors, this new relationship represents the first effort in healthcare for International Bancard.

"We are extremely pleased International Bancard took the time to learn about our practitioners and the challenges they face in efficiently managing their practices in a secure and compliant manner," relayed Carl Alguire, COO of TherapyAppointment. "Integrating to International Bancard was an incredibly easy and painless process that we were able to complete in only a couple of weeks. Our strategic partnership efforts resulted in a product that is optimized to add value in the COVID-19 pandemic environment we find ourselves in. We have specifically focused on offering telehealth video calls, electronic messaging within our patient portal, and secure and affordable online payments. These enhancements enable our practitioners to spend more time doing what they love--focusing on the needs of their patients."

"International Bancard is thrilled to partner with TherapyAppointment particularly in today's challenging climate where consulting services are so critically needed," related John Badovinac, VP of Integrated Payments at International Bancard. "The work these professionals do is incredibly important, and we are proud to do all we can to simplify and streamline their practice workflows by deeply integrating payments and offering truly plug-and-play deployments, saving them time and effort." Ability in remote payments should translate into success in other new industries for International Bancard, RRN was told.

A New Partnership Between International Bancard and TherapyAppointment Addresses Telemedicine

Keeping Tabs on Tabit

A "rapid expansion in the U.S." has been planned by restaurant management software provider, including POS, Tabit Technologies (Miami, FL and Tel Aviv, Israel). An investment of $65 million in venture capital, track record of overseas success, and strong executive bench are cited as strengths by Tabit (which was established in 2014). As Co-Founder and CEO of Tabit: Barry Shaked, who started Retalix in 1982, one of the leading grocery software POS (since 2008, part of NCR).

A new hire, Ken Richard, VP of Sales, previously served as NCR's VP and GM for Global Channel and Alliances, including Aloha POS, from 2016 to 2019. "Our goal is to provide Tabit national coverage in the U.S. this year through our Tabit Simple Partner Program, leveraging the strengths and relationships of point-of-sale partners and global alliance partners exclusively," explained Richard. "As someone with decades of experience in this space, I can safely say no competitor can offer this level of support."

As part of its strategy, Tabit will offer its online ordering capability, Tabit Order, at no charge for six months during the crisis of COVID-19. "The entire restaurant industry has been uprooted, and inexplicably, some of the aggregator services are still charging customers a suffocating 25% to 30% commission," noted Nadav Solomon, Co-Founder and President of Tabit. "This is unacceptable." He calls the strategy of Tabit, "Mobile First."

A Planned Expansion of Its Channel in the U.S., With Ken Richard, New VP of Sales for Tabit

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

[Editor's Note: RSPA's RetailNOW Show has been cancelled for 2020.]

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

An OEM Code Breaker

Code Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT) has upgraded its miniature image scan engine for the OEM, the CR8200. In dimensions of 0.81 in. (W) x 0.53 in. (D) x 0.47 in. (H) and weight of 0.10 oz./3 g--without optional tabs or decoding board--the CR8200 reads one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and postal symbologies via CMOS. It has optical resolution of 1280 x 960, field-of-view of 51 degrees horizontal x 39 degrees vertical, and focal distance of approximately 5.1 in./130 mm.

In this manifestation of CR8200, Code Corporation has introduced customizable sub-image "attention" areas to create automated set-points for image brightness and contrast. Also, necessary functions of cropping, windowing, and field selection have been enhanced with "layers" of customizable permutations to maximize image capture. Additional features of the CR8200 include patented dual-field optics, blue targeting bar, low power consumption of 3.3V to 5.0V, and built-in Parallel Camera Interface, RS-232 or USB 2.0.

"The innovative image capture capabilities we have added to the CR8200 are further helping clinical labs reduce risk, increase efficiencies, and provide better outcomes," reported Kent Hansen, CEO of Code Corporation, adding that "the CR8200 performs beyond industry norms for what is expected of a barcode reader engine." In addition to medical devices, Code Corporation cites applications in kiosks, handheld devices, mobile computers, and direct part marking (DPM). In concert, it has released its firmware Version 1.16.0.

Code Enhances Its CR8200 Scan Engine

Toshiba: Goin' Mobile

Toshiba America Business Solutions (Lake Forest, CA) has unwrapped its new rugged, portable, direct-thermal receipt/label printer, designated Model B-FP2. With 2 in./50 mm print width, the B-FP2 has maximum speed of 6 in./152 mm per second at 203 dpi. A color LCD indicates battery levels, printer status, and connection via USB/Bluetooth/802.11 Wi-Fi. Overall, it measures 3.8 in. (W) x 2.7 in. (D) x 5.1 in. (L) and weighs 1 lb./0.5 kg, with 32 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM.

As additional features, the B-FP2 offers drop-in-and-print paper loading, flat-edge print-head design, long-running 2.5-mAh Li-ion battery, and emulations for Toshiba TPCL, Zebra ZPLII, Comtec CPCL, and SATO SBPL. It supports Windows 7/8/10, Server 2008/2008 R2, and OPOS/JPOS, with Software Development Kits (SDKs) for iOS, Android, Windows CE, .NET, and Java. As ruggedness, it has an IP-54 rating for water and dust (without case) and 6.5-ft./2-m drop resistance.

"We're excited to introduce our new thermal barcode printer for supply chain, logistics, and material handling professionals," shared Bill Melo, Chief Marketing Executive at Toshiba America Business Solutions. "Toshiba's B-FP2 offers the premium performance and reliability expected of desktop barcode printers in a portable form factor. The system's rugged durability, intuitiveness, and ease-of-maintenance result in a compelling return on investment (ROI) for organizations producing labels, tickets, and receipts." It starts at $995 MSRP.

Toshiba's B-FP2 Portable Receipt/Label Printer

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Week of April 13

Week of March 30

Week of March 16

INTEGRATION

Star Micronics Makes Coffee

A cup of Joe Coffee for Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). A mobile commerce app for independent coffee shops, Joe Coffee (Seattle, WA) has added support for two popular models of direct-thermal receipt printers by Star Micronics America: 3 in./80 mm TSP143II and 3 in./80 mm TSP654II. A bundle increases revenue for shop owners by over 30%, according to Joe Coffee (which charges 2.5% for the first 30 days and thereafter 9.5%, with no set-up fees or contract).

Available with Bluetooth, WAN, LAN, and USB, the TSP143II and TSP654II are easy to set-up, feature rapid print speeds (9.8 in./250 mm per second at 203 dpi and 11.8 in./300 mm per second at 203 dpi, respectively), and support both iOS and Android. As features, there's drop-in-and-print paper loading, guillotine cutters, horizontal or vertical mounting, and gray or white casing. Adding promotions to receipts for coffee shop owners is achieved via Star's PromoPRNT Cloud Service.

"It's imperative that we can integrate seamlessly into any coffee shop or cafe workflow," expressed Nick Martin, CEO and Co-Founder of Joe Coffee. "Our partnership with Star Micronics empowers us to configure ticket printing for coffee shops of all shapes and sizes including cafes with full-service kitchens. Star Micronics is the only manufacturer capable of fulfilling the high volume of orders we generate for shops in our network with the speed and reliability we require."

Star's Thermal Printers Endorsed by Joe Coffee

Coming to ACH: Success+

A newcomer to our shores, GoCardless (San Francisco, CA and London UK), will offer its new product for the matter of failed customer payments, entitled Success+. It employs machine learning to gauge trends from recurring payments data and to identify an ideal time to retry failed payments. It automatically reschedules payment retries--within the parameters set by the merchant--on the optimal day for each individual payer.

"Success+ is the first in a line of payment intelligence products that we are launching to help our customers manage their recurring payments more effectively," disclosed Hiroki Takeuchi, CEO and Co-Founder of GoCardless. "It enables businesses to retry their payments at the optimal time, when funds are most likely to be available. Of the 2,000 customers who have been testing Success+ prior to launch, 63% have seen an improvement in cash flow. Many of our customers struggle with the problems caused by failed payments, and we are now able to improve the process."

Such "intelligent retries" will be offered at the launch of Success+, with additional features to follow, including an option to not retry the payment if the probability of failure is high, which has become more common, according to GoCardless. Available now for BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing System) in the UK, Success+ will soon come to ACH (Automated Clearing House) in the U.S. Established in 2011, GoCardless now processes $15 billion of payments across more than 30 countries.

An Intelligent Re-Payment Solution by GoCardless

Code Corner

Ivanti (Salt Lake City, UT) has added voice functionality, in the form of Rapid Voice, to its Rapid Platform Toolset. In addition to Rapid Voice (i.e., Wavelink Speakeasy), the Rapid Platform includes Rapid Migration (i.e., Wavelink Velocity), Rapid Modernization (i.e., green screens into HTML via Wavelink All-Touch Terminal Emulation), Rapid Web (via Wavelink Velocity), and Rapid Management (i.e., Wavelink Avalanche). "Modernizing the warehouse is no easy task," reflected Brandon Black, VP and GM of Supply Chain Business Unit at Ivanti. "Ensuring the same or higher levels of productivity during this transition period is of significant concern for warehousing and supply chain organizations, and for many, the move to Android or Windows 10 means starting over again. With the Ivanti Rapid Platform, and Rapid Voice, our partners are able to help their customers migrate their existing mobile devices in a matter of minutes--all with technologies that are built for a lifetime and that have been proven to deliver, at scale, ROI." At no cost for partners of Ivanti, which owns the former Wavelink: the Rapid Platform Toolset.

Ivanti Adds Voice to Its Rapid Platform

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

GK Delivers the "Gooods"

GK Software USA (Raleigh, NC) has designed its buy-online/pick-up-in-store solution for retail: the GetMyGooods [sic] app. After downloading this app, shoppers can order the products they need from their mobile devices. Their shopping list is sent from the app to the retailer, outside existing systems, where the order is prepared in the store by associates.

Once ready, the customer is notified and can pick up their items immediately from the store, confirming their order through QR Code and paying on-site. This eliminates the need for shoppers to spend time in the store searching for essential products that might be out of stock. At the same time, the number of interactions between sales staff and customers is greatly reduced, befitting concerns of COVID-19.

"GK launched GetMyGooods in order to quickly provide the critical service of grocery pick-up while ensuring the protection of everyone involved," indicated Michael Jaszczyk, CEO of GK Software USA. "Buy-online/pick-up-in-store had been gaining momentum in retail, but rapid adoption is now critical as retailers look to provide another level of convenience as safety requirements take precedence." It offers its GetMyGooods for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

A GetMyGooods App for Retail by GK Software

Trucking With Trimble

Trimble (Sunnyvale, CA) has launched its Trimble Dispatch Advisor, which prescriptively suggests matches among loads, drivers, and equipment for carriers in transportation. It weighs variables such as location, driver hours of service (HOS), delivery time windows, and future orders. As benefits to freight carriers, it increases on-time delivery, reduces empty miles, and improves driver utilization, says Trimble.

"With Trimble Dispatch Advisor, our goal is to provide the right match the first time around," declared Chris Orban, VP of Data Science for Trimble Transportation. "The platform saves the load planner time by quickly analyzing a vast amount of data from multiple systems--considering all the possible matches and offering an optimal solution and alternatives--so the planner can be informed in selecting the right choice for their fleet."

Under this system, load planners have the final review and assignment of the match, providing the opportunity for human intervention. This allows planners to streamline common loads and consider exceptions, according to Trimble, in addition to allowing for unexpected personal obligations of drivers (such as need to return home). As an add-on module, Dispatch Advisor extends Trimble Innovative, TMW.Suite, and the TruckMate Transportation Management System (TMS) by Trimble.

Trimble Launches Dispatch Advisor for Freight Carriers

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Biztracker
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

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

INSTALLATIONS

A Convenient MNSP

Acumera (Austin, TX) has provided an end-to-end solution for compliant PCI POS for convenience-store chain Yesway. With plans for growth, Yesway currently has 400 stores in the Central U.S. A certified Managed Network Service Provider (MNSP) of Verifone and Gilbarco, Acumera has provided security, remote access, store-wide monitoring, and analytics in network operations, as well as compliance with the Payment Card Industry's Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) for Yesway.

"Acumera's technology, services, and team have become an extension of our IT Department," projected Doug New, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Yesway. "They are able to alleviate much of the compliance burden through their tools for PCI whole-store network management, and cloud-based dashboard [called AcuVigil Dashboard]." Earlier, in late 2019, Yesway deployed "Searchlight for Retail" video surveillance by March Networks (Ottawa, ON, Canada).

Acumera's new AcuLink Endpoint app, also part of its AcuVigil Platform, will enable staff at Yesway and third-party technicians to oversee end-point devices such as ATGs (Air to Ground) and DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) in addition to POS. It satisfies remote access requirements of PCI-DSS 12.3.8 and 12.3.9. Acumera was established in 2002 by the founders of Wayport--now AT&T Wi-Fi Services--Dirk Heinen, SVP of Customer Experience and Brett Stewart, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Acumera.

Acumera Brings PCI Compliance to C-Store Chain Yesway

Zebra Saddles Up

A major third-party logistics provider, Saddle Creek Logistics Services, has modernized its warehouse operations with the full suite of technologies from Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL). With 40 sites across the U.S., based in Lakeland, FL, Saddle Creek has selected Zebra's Android-based TC8000 Touch Computer and MC9300 Mobile Computer. As its vehicle-mount solution for forklift workers, it has chosen Zebra's ET50 Tablet and DC3600 Extended-Range Scanner. As mounts, it has chosen Gamber-Johnson (Stevens Point, WI).

A common software architecture, Zebra's DNA Software, installed across the mobile devices, allows Saddle Creek to seamlessly share data with its cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS). Saddle Creek also employs Zebra's DS-9908-R Scanner and ZT610 Barcode Printer to verify orders, print labels, and speed up the shipping process. About 200 to 300 labels are printed per run, according to Saddle Creek.

"Omnichannel fulfillment and logistics require a vast array of sophisticated technology solutions that help retailers, manufacturers, and e-commerce companies get products where they need to be quickly and cost-effectively," observed Tony Hollis, Director of Technology and Innovation for Saddle Creek. "Zebra's mobility, scanning, and printing solutions have been an integral part of our ability to modernize our operations, increase customer satisfaction, and grow our business." According to Mark Wheeler, Director of Supply Chain Solutions for Zebra Technologies, "Saddle Creek Logistics Services has taken an innovative, forward-thinking approach."

Saddle Creek Logistics Services Deploys Zebra's Mobile Computers, Scanners, Tablets, and Printers

Channel Factoid

A look at core retail--excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants--shows "essentials" offset some of the overall decline.

-Grocery and beverage stores were up 25.6% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 25.7% unadjusted year-over-year.

-General merchandise stores were up 6.4% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 5.7% unadjusted year-over-year.

-Health and personal care stores were up 4.3% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 5.5% unadjusted year-over-year.

-Online and other non-store sales were up 3.1% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 12.1% unadjusted year-over-year.

-Building materials and garden supply stores were up 1.3% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 10.1% unadjusted year-over-year.

-Electronics and appliance stores were down 15.1% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and down 16.2% unadjusted year-over-year.

-Sporting goods stores were down 23.3% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and down 24.4% unadjusted year-over-year.

-Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 26.8% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and down 25.2% unadjusted year-over-year.

-Clothing and clothing accessory stores were down 50.5% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and down 52% unadjusted year-over-year.

Source: National Retail Federation (Washington, DC)

There's No Slump in Liquor Sales

HELLO GOODBYE

Payroc Picks Paul

Payroc (Tinley Park, IL) has engaged payments industry veteran Paul Vienneau as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He joins the company after serving as CTO of Merchant Services at TSYS, following the acquisition of Cayan, where he began his role as CTO in 2012. His resume also includes: CTO at NaviNet (2001 to 2012), CTO at NxStep Technologies (1998 to 2001), and Senior Software Engineer at Invensys (1996 to 1998). He also has experience in mergers and acquisitions.

"We are very excited to have Paul leading all our technology and innovation initiatives," commented Jim Oberman, CEO of Payroc. "He comes to Payroc with a treasure of experience and success in payments. Moreover, his people and leadership skills are unique and outstanding, and we are blessed to have him."

"Payroc is on a promising glide path towards disrupting the payments space, and I feel confident that my experiences and lessons learned, coupled with those of our amazing team members, position us for success," contributed Vienneau. "With the rapid evolution and innovation driving payments today, I can think of no better group of individuals who are best poised to tackle the opportunities ahead."

Paul Vienneau, CTO, Payroc

[Editor's Note: Also, Payroc has purchased an ISO, Gateway Payments LLC (Destin, FL), which serves the Gulf Coast in the U.S.]

Brenda Takes AIM

A new member for the Board of Directors at AIM, the industry trade association for barcode, biometrics, RFID, RTLS, and RAIN: Brenda McCurry, VP of Supplier Services, POS and Barcode, at ScanSource (Greenville, SC). A familiar channel personality, McCurry has worked at ScanSource since its early days in 1993. Prior to assuming her current role as VP of Supplier Services, POS and Barcode, she held positions of Marketing Manager and Director of Merchandising at ScanSource.

"We are delighted to welcome Brenda to our Board of Directors," remarked Mary Lou Bosco, COO at AIM (Pittsburgh, PA). "She brings leadership in key areas such a relationship building, strategy development, and technology growth that is conductive to AIM's vision to further the adoption and interoperability of automated data capture technologies in the global marketplace." (A lineage of 50 years for AIM, which stands for Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility.)

A graduate of Clemson University, McCurry volunteers as a mentor at Greenville's Frazee Dream Center, the free pre-school and after-school program for under-resourced children, and formerly served as a board member for the ScanSource Charitable Foundation. She has been recognized as a ScanSource President's Club winner and has also participated in the ScanSource Leadership Institute. Before ScanSource, she spent ten years in sales and product management at other firms in IT distribution.

Brenda McCurry, VP of Supplier Services, POS and Barcode, at ScanSource, joins Board of Directors of AIM

[Editor's Note: Also in April, ScanSource added to its line-card the full suite of cloud software solutions by Microsoft. Under this agreement, partners of ScanSource in North America--VARs and ISVs--can sell licenses for Microsoft 365, Office 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365.]