This Week’s Product Pick

CRS, Inc. (St. Paul, MN) has displayed its Model 93W "extra-wide" cash drawer. Measuring 18 in. (W) x 5 in. (H) x 16.75 in. (D), the new Model 93W provides enough room for all POS hardware--terminal or monitor, receipt printer, and keyboard--according to the vendor. As features, it lists dual-voltage (12V and 24V) detachable interface cables, two media slots, extra-deep storage area under the till (with adjustable partitions and dedicated coin roll space), and three-position, four-function drawer lock (electronic release, manual release, lock close, lock open). In black powder coat finish, Model 93W has steel ball-bearing drawer slides and hardened steel-wire bill weights. "CRS 93W offers similar features, reliability, and compatibility as substantially higher priced competitive models," stated Bruce Mann, VP of Marketing for CRS, Inc.

Model 93W by CRS

COMPANY BUSINESS

Lately, No Stopping for ShopKeep

ShopKeep POS (New York) has corralled another $25 million in Series C funding "to help more brick-and-mortar small businesses ditch their cash registers." This new funding, led by Thayer Street Partners (also New York), comes on the heels of three consecutive years of triple growth, according to ShopKeep POS, now representing over 10,000 small businesses in the U.S. and Canada and more than $1.8 billion in annual payment processing. Previously, ShopKeep raised $12.2 million in two funding rounds in 2011 and 2012.

One of the iPad players interested in the channel, ShopKeep has moved quickly of late on several fronts. It recently expanded into Europe, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with similar plans for the West Coast U.S. In January, the company launched its ShopKeep Mobile, based on the iPod Touch with credit card reader and two-dimensional scanner. ShopKeep also has redesigned its UI to optimize the iPad POS App for iOS 7.

"I started ShopKeep because I was fed up with the software available to me in my wine store, and I knew there had to be a better way," recounted Jason Richelson, CEO, describing his firm's start in 2008 in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn. "Partnering with Thayer Street is a significant step in our evolution as a company given their deep experience in tech-enabled financial and long-term investment approach. We're aiming to be the first billion dollar Software-as-a-Service company to come out of New York."

Jason Richelson, CEO, ShopKeep POS

"Up Periscope" at MW

Merchant Warehouse, one of the payment processors most vested in our channel, has partnered with TabbedOut, provider of one of the popular smartphone-based mobile payment apps for hospitality. This agreement provides co-marketing of each company's solutions, without, as yet, direct integration with Merchant Warehouse's Genius Customer Engagement Platform (rather, through partners in POS). It's timed with the launch of TabbedOut's new management dashboard, dubbed Periscope.  

"Periscope takes the guesswork out of merchant marketing and growing their businesses," declared George Zirkel, Chief Revenue Officer for TabbedOut (Boston). "It allows merchants to see the precise return on their marketing dollars. This partnership with Merchant Warehouse and their vast merchant network gives us the game-changing reach we need to show restaurants and bars they need this tool."

"The hospitality industry is built on loyalty, amazing customer experiences and great products, and leveraging new technologies to build these experiences provides Merchant Warehouse with key business advantage," remarked Henry Helgeson, CEO of Merchant Warehouse (also in Boston). "New payment technologies in particular are changing the way businesses can connect and engage with customers, giving businesses the opportunity to collect insights for better and more strategic decisions to drive customer loyalty and engagement. Partnering with TabbedOut helps Merchant Warehouse bring these capabilities to the hospitality industry."

New Dashboard by Mobile App Provider TabbedOut, Which Will Co-Market With Merchant Warehouse

Worth Your While

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 17-20
Chicago

FMI Connect
Food Marketing Institute
June 10-13
Chicago

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 3-6
Orlando

VARTECH 2014
BlueStar
September 17-19
New Orleans

NACS Show
Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 7-10
Las Vegas

Pack Expo
PMMI
November 2-5
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Radio Days at Datalogic

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has unwrapped its PowerScan PM9500 2D Imager with wireless communications via the Datalogic STAR 2.0 Cordless System. Based on 433-MHz and 910-MHz narrowband radio technology, STAR 2.0 offers more range and robustness than Bluetooth, according to the vendor, along with greater scalability and networking possibilities. Datalogic also offers the PowerScan PD9500 with cord, and the PowerScan PBT9500 with Bluetooth.

PowerScan PM9500 carries the features of its predecessors, including omni-directional reading of one and two-dimensional codes from contact to 1 meter/3.3 ft., an intuitive aiming system, motion-sensing technology, soft white-light illumination, and visual and beeper good-read feedback. About eight inches long, and weighing 14 oz., it offers an ergonomic shape, easily replaceable Li-Ion battery, and optional display with four configurable keys. In industrial black and yellow, it meets requirements of IP-65 for water and dust and survives drop specifications of 2 meters/6.6 ft.

Wireless Datalogic PowerScan PM9500

OKI Advances in POS

OKI Data Americas (Mount Laurel, NJ) has unboxed its new pair of desktop thermal printers for POS: the three-inch PT340/PT341. Featuring enhanced print speed of 12 inch/second (300 mm/second) at 203 dpi, the PT340/PT341 handles receipts, coupons, and tickets, including two-dimensional barcodes and logo images. Units are offered with dual or triple interfaces (Serial/USB or Serial/USB/LAN) and with (PT341) or without (PT340) internal power supply.

With small footprint, and low weight, the PT340/PT341 may be positioned horizontally, vertically, or wall-mounted. PT340 measures 5.6 in. (W) x 7.2 in. (D) x 4.7 in. (H), and weighs 2.6 lbs, while PT341 measures 5.6 in. (W) x 7.2 in. (D) x 6.5 in. (H) and weighs 3.7 lbs. Both versions carry drop-in paper loading, an auto-cutter, buzzer notification of print completion, sensor for paper end and near end, recess under the case to conceal connections, and optional splash guard. Internal memory stores up to 576 KB.

"The PT340/PT341 Series is the right choice for any checkout environment that requires high performance at an affordable price," indicated Mark Hernandez, Director of Specialty Products at OKI Data Americas. According to the company's website, pricing falls in the range of $200 to $300, depending on configuration. An interesting player in the channel, OKI Data Americas, which sources all of its receipt and label printers from OEMs, while distributing exclusively through Synnex Corporation (Fremont, CA). In conversation with RRN.Com, Hernandez reaffirmed his interest in VARs.

PT340/PT341 Series From OKI

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ALLIANCES

It's Crunch Time at TransAct

TransAct Technologies (Hamden, CT) has integrated the back-office restaurant management solution from CrunchTime Information Systems (Boston) for its new Ithaca 9800 food safety terminal. In addition to providing its software, CrunchTime Information Systems will resell the Ithaca 9800 under its own brand name to its customer base. Unveiled last month, and extending the Ithaca 9700, the new Ithaca 9800 has enhanced features such as wired and wireless networking, larger 9.7-inch color touchscreen display, high-definition video accompanied by audio speakers, and multi-language functionality.

A combined solution will allows kitchen personnel to streamline processes, improve quality, and reduce food waste, according to the two new partners. It leverages CrunchTime's predictive preparation capacity and the Ithaca 9800's native printing capabilities (via its pair of two-inch thermal mechanisms). Operators may access information across their recipe database, such as cooking instructions, video and pictures, and safety requirements. A wide variety of print messages may be added, such as expiration dates, ingredient lists, calorie counts, and "grab and go" times--in text or barcodes. As suitable for use in kitchen environments, the Ithaca 9800 features spill-proof design, small footprint of 11.75 in. (W) x 9 in. (D) x 10 in. (H), and recessed power switch to reduce accidental contact.

Ithaca 9800 Food Safety Terminal

Primera Flies With Seagull

Primera Technology, Inc., (Plymouth, MN) one of the leading manufacturers of specialty printers, has endorsed BarTender label design software from Seagull Scientific (Bellevue, WA). The Primera LX400, LX900, RX900, and CX1000 color label printers now ship with the BarTender UltraLite Edition, which offers frequently used features, including most text, graphics, barcode, and serializing capabilities. At present, BarTender is the only advanced software for label design that has been recommended for the high-end CX1000.

"Seagull has supported Primera color printers for years," relayed Mark Strobel, VP of Sales and Marketing for Primera. "When our customers told us they wanted more powerful label design capabilities out of the box, it was natural for us to partner with Seagull to provide their BarTender software with our printers." Primera's products are sold worldwide through its authorized resellers and distributors, and current owners of the specified printers may download BarTender UltraLite at no cost.

Primera LX900 Color Label Printer

Code Corner

You'll see Sparkfly at Hooters. As part of the new Hoot Club loyalty program, Sparkfly will integrate its customer loyalty platform with the diverse POS systems employed by Hooters--Radiant/Aloha, Positouch, Micros, and an internally developed ITWercs--allowing digital promotions to be redeemed at any location. (Hooters has 400.) This collaboration also enables consumers to enjoy the benefits of Hooters Hoot Club through numerous forms of media, including mobile, digital, e-mail, and print. Redemptions are tracked in real-time, and Sparkfly's technology generates detailed transaction data such as basket size, average spend, frequency of redemptions, and purchase history. Hooters will use such data to tailor individual offers and rewards to guest preferences, and to gauge the effectiveness from each media channel. "When Hooters runs loyalty programs and offers, the consumer experience needs to be consistent across all forms of media and all physical locations," remarked Chris Duncan, CIO of Hooters of America. "With Sparkfly's technology integrated into the core of our transactional infrastructure, it offers an effective turn-key solution that will enable us to seamlessly deliver that experience for our guests." Sparkfly is located in Atlanta, where initial roll-out occurred with Hooters.

Loyalty for Hooters

CERTIFICATION

A Bill of Health for TSC

TSC Auto ID Technology America (Pomona, CA) has received blessings from one of the giants in healthcare systems, Cerner Corporation (Allentown, NJ). Receiving much-sought certification were five of TSC's direct-thermal desktop models and two of its thermal-transfer industrial models: TDP-225, TDP-225W, TDP-244, TDP-247, TDP-345, ME240, and ME340. All were subjected to rigorous testing by Cerner's Technology Certification Lab, ensuring they properly print labels for its hospital, pharmacy, patient ID, and other related programs. Testing took several months to complete, RRN.Com was told.

All printers installed into such Cerner environments require Ethernet capabilities, it should be noted. In terms of software, Cerner Millennium Applications, Version 2005.02.06 (and higher), are suited for TSC. In addition, the following operating systems (and higher) may be supported by Cerner/TSC: IBM AIX Version 5.3-ML3, HP-UX Version 11.23 and 11.31, and Red Hat 5.3 Enterprise (CUPS Version 1.3.7).

"Earning the Cerner certification is a big achievement that underscores our continuing effort to expand our presence in the healthcare market, while reinforcing our reputation as a world-class supplier of barcode label printers," commented Kevin Aie, CEO of TSC Auto ID Technology America. According to its 2013 Securities and Exchange filings, Cerner's customer base consists of approximately 45,000 physicians and 10,000 medical facilities. It includes 2,700 hospitals, 4,150 physician practices, 550 ambulatory facilities, 800 home health facilities, and 1,750 retail pharmacies, to be exact. An excellent entry.

TDP-225W Wristband Printer by TSC

A Game of Tag, Says Teklynx

Teklynx International (Milwaukee), one of the leaders in barcode labeling software, has cautioned resellers on recent changes in the area of food supply. Specifically, the vendor points to the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), the Food Information for Consumers (FIC) Regulation, and proposed U.S. FDA changes to Nutrition Facts labels. All three present possible challenges, with significant risks from non-compliance, cautioned Laura Henderson, GM of Teklynx, which supplies its Label Matrix, LabelView, and CodeSoft.

Seeking to improve track and trace procedures through the supply chain for food, PTI proposes an industry-wide, standardized approach for labeling. It has been endorsed by both Walmart and Sam's Club, which announced they would begin rejecting produce shipments with non-compliant labels by January 1, 2014. According to Teklynx, which cites widespread unpreparedness, label software should allow for the generation of templates with algorithms built-in for the ability to calculate "CRC 16" for voice picking, the unique two-to-four-digit code that must now be included on produce shipment labels.

For its part, FIC incorporates food labeling changes mandated by the European Union. This includes highlighting allergens in the ingredients list, improving legibility, and indicating the country of origin on unprocessed meats. Such changes affect food manufacturers in the U.S. who export or sell online to Europe. In this case, the Teklynx website offers FIC-compliant label templates for download, and its software features variable field styling, which automatically identifies particular ingredients. As an example, peanut products appear in boldface type.

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Changes in Works For Food Labeling

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POStablets
POS-X
TEAMSable

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Intermec by Honeywell
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning
Intermec by Honeywell
Trimble MCS

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury Payment Systems

Inventory Systems
New West Technologies

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Fujitsu Components
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Zebra: Imagine There's More RFID

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has named Working Bikes as the grand prize winner of its "Imagine More" RFID Innovation Contest. Working Bikes submitted an idea to use RFID to better track and manage the organization's donated bicycles that are refurbished and distributed in countries throughout Latin America and Africa. Zebra, in partnership with its VAR, American Barcode and RFID (Phoenix), will now flesh out the details, with the process documented and shared with the public via social media.

Since its founding in 1999, Working Bikes has donated more than 45,000 bicycles to humanitarian organizations around the world, providing people in underserved communities with an efficient means of transportation. Its three-story warehouse, based in Chicago, holds thousands of bikes at any time, which volunteers move from floor to floor for receiving, repairs, and shipping. In all, "Imagine More" received four dozen submissions, with ideas ranging from keeping track of physical health to protecting animals to empowering the visually impaired. A panel of judges chose Working Bikes based on "creativity, global reach, positive impact, and RFID relevance."

"Through RFID technologies, businesses and people around the globe are changing how the world works and plays. By driving more visibility, RFID makes processes more efficient, informs smarter business decisions, and assists innovators in creating change," celebrated Debbie Murphy, VP of Global Marketing, Zebra Technologies."I want to thank all the 'Imagine More' contest participants for their thoughtful submissions. We are thrilled to help Working Bikes realize the power of RFID and bring its innovative idea to life."

Zebra Taps Working Bikes Company as Its Contest Prize Winner

Another Apostle for EMV

Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA) has been chosen by CardConnect (King of Prussia, PA), an up-and-comer in payment processing, as its EMV Chip-and-PIN provider and Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) co-development partner for its 50,000 merchant customers in the U.S. CardConnect will draw upon the entire value chain of Ingenico's payment offerings, according to the two parties, from EMV and NFC-ready devices to the On-Guard data encryption solution. Such integrated payment systems will enable merchants to secure cardholder data and conveniently accept all payment types across multiple channels, including in-store, mobile, and unattended transactions, reportedly.

"As a global leader in the payments industry, Ingenico is committed to working closely with payment processors in the U.S. to enable seamless payment acceptance across all customer touch points," commented Thierry Denis, President of Ingenico North America. "We're very happy to join forces with CardConnect in bringing Ingenico's P2P data encryption and EMV-ready payment solutions to their vast merchant customer base. Our market-proven solutions will enable CardConnect to expand quickly into new business channels."

"Merchants are under intense pressure as they strive to juggle new forms of digital payment, protect their customer's information, comply with new PCI DSS 3.0 rules, and prepare for the upcoming shift to EMV cards," reflected Jeffrey Shanahan, CEO/President at CardConnect. "Never before has the payments industry faced such daunting challenges, all at once. The best way for merchants to excel here is to adopt secure, EMV-ready products and solutions that will reduce their PCI scope through encryption and tokenization. We're eager to work with Ingenico to provide these services to our merchants."

Ingenico's iSC480 Payment Terminal

Channel Factoid

A new report by Honeywell Scanning & Mobility finds significant savings from re-engineered Direct Store Delivery (DSD). When surveyed, 49% of prominent consumer goods executives feel increased transportation costs have severely impacted profit margins in the past 12 months. But companies that have carried out so-called process evaluations over the past year to improve their DSD have cut, or expect to cut, costs on average by $734,000 annually. Additionally, approximately 20% of all respondents have experienced, or expect to experience, at least $1 million in tangible cost savings through DSD process re-engineering. According to the report, which concentrates on larger firms, it would seem, these are the top five areas identified by survey respondents, with projected average annual savings: fuel, $889,000; merchandising, $725,000; delivery, $686,000; and payment procedures, $665,000. Overall, nearly 60% of surveyed organizations view DSD as key to their company's business strategy going forward. Currently, more than one-third of respondents (35%) say operational efficiency and productivity have been the primary goals of their re-engineering efforts, followed by 19% each for revenue generation, reducing operating costs, and improving in-store execution (e.g., building in-store promotional displays on time). "The report shows clearly that re-engineered DSD processes provide an opportunity for business transformation and competitive advantage," concluded Brian Shulte, Industry Director for Direct Store Delivery for Honeywell Scanning & Mobility.

Benefits of DSD

HELLO GOODBYE

New Chef for Pizza ISV

SpeedLine Solutions (Abbotsford, BC, Canada), one of the leaders in pizza and delivery POS, has recast its management team in pursuit of continued growth. First and foremost, Bryan Champ has been promoted to the new role of Managing Director, expanding on his previous responsibilities overseeing customer service and operations. Additional internal promotions include Jay Daunheimer in the new position of Product & Technology Manager and Pam Miedema in the new position of Operations Manager. Daunheimer previously worked in software development, Miedema in operations, sales, and customer service.

Concurrently, Marty Champagne has joined the company as Customer Service Manager and two new supervisory roles have been created. SpeedLine training veteran Chris Clark will serve as Installation Supervisor and new employee Monnu Bains will serve as Development Supervisor. Before coming to SpeedLine, Champagne worked at eBay, and Bains worked at Signature Recruiting and Si Systems.

"With the pace of growth at SpeedLine, our focus is on managing the change to continue to deliver the level of quality product and service our clients have come to expect from us," explained CEO/President John de Wolde. "We are making these organizational changes now to ensure that we manage the growth effectively." A customer satisfaction rating of 97% has been maintained for the past four years, noted SpeedLine.

Bryan Champ, Managing Director, SpeedLine Solutions

What Bullwhip Effect?

A single set of numbers for managing every stop in the long supply chain, from factory to store? According to JDA Software Group (Scottsdale, AZ), its new "JDA Flowcasting" accomplishes this task. To be rolled out at this week's JDA Focus 2014 in Las Vegas, this new platform encompasses point-of-sale, inventory, and promotions, without omission or error, surpassing previously touted philosophies such as Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR).

Simultaneous with this launch, JDA has embraced the founders of this methodology, Andre Martin, as its Flowcasting Advisor, and Darryl Landvater, as its Senior Product Director. Both Martin and Landvater come to JDA from RedPrairie, where they established RedPrairie's Collaborative Flowcasting Group. With more than ninety years of combined experience, and authorship of several books on the subject, Landvater and Martin pioneered the very first implementations of so-called distribution resource planning systems.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome both Andre and Darryl to the JDA Flowcasting team," exclaimed Hamish Brewer, CEO of JDA Software. (In addition to expertise, they bring their patented algorithms, he noted.) In describing JDA Flowcasting, Martin stated, "It actually becomes the model of the business and enables them to remove the planning disconnects of the supply chain, eliminating the bullwhip effect." Bullwhip describes greater and greater swings in inventory in response to changes in customer demand, as many RRN.Com readers will recall.

Andre Martin, Flowcasting Advisor, JDA Software Group

Listening to Caruso

A new entity in business analysis and video surveillance, eConnect (Las Vegas), has called upon hospitality industry veteran, Michael Caruso. As VP of Global Sales, Caruso will lead the sales team in expansion of the company's software package, entitled "Video Centric Big Data." As its name describes, this gathers transactional data from point-of-sale, casino systems, and related games, and synchronizes it with digital video surveillance, in order to reduce loss from theft and help increase operational efficiency.

In his new position, Caruso will draw upon more than two decades of relevant experience. He previously served as Director of Sales for Casino Resorts in North America at Agilysys, preceded by Director of Global Hospitality Software Sales at Inter-American Data, which was purchased by Agilysys. With major brands such as MGM Resorts, Wynn, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands, his team worked on technology projects valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.

Michael Caruso, VP of Global Sales, eConnect