Our Product Pick

CRS Inc. (Saint Paul, MN) has stocked the Hisense HK716/HK718 POS. A choice of O/S is offered: Android with ARM A-53 Octa-Core CPU at 1.4 GHz (HK716) or Windows with Intel Bay Trail Celeron J1900 Quad-Core CPU at 2.4 GHz (HK718). Also, white or black casing, integrated 2" or 3" thermal receipt printer, secondary display at 2x20 or 10", and MSR. Additional features include true-flat projected-capacitive touchscreen at 14" (1366x768 LCD) with tilt of 0 to 90 degrees, 4-GB/8-GB RAM, and 128-GB SSD. A full suite of I/O is extended: Serial x 3, USB x 6, Ethernet x 1, Cash Drawer x 1, VGA x 1, and Audio x 1. A small footprint measures 13.5 in. (W) x 15.5 in. (H) x 8 in. (D) weighs 11 lbs. for countertops.

Hisense HK716/HK718 POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

Playing It Paysafe

A relaunched brand identity and value proposition for payment processor iPayment, now officially sharing the name of its parent company, Paysafe. In April, readers may recall, as another part of its push into North America, Paysafe (based in U.K.) announced its purchase of iPayment (Westlake Village, CA). It has adopted as its new value proposition, "Plug into Paysafe," emphasizing its reach of processing, cash solutions, and point-of-sale.

"As a result of the acquisition of iPayment, Paysafe is now one of the leading payment processors in the U.S., and it makes sense for us to capitalize on this strengthened position and go to market through one consistent brand strategy and vision," declared Todd Linden, CEO of Payment Processing, North America, for Paysafe (Montreal). "Our new 'Plug into Paysafe' position has resonated really well with our customers and partners and the iPayment team are enthusiastic about taking advantage of it as we merge together to deliver a truly unique payments offering in North America. I'm confident we have the opportunity to do something very bold and special in payments."

Addressing the SMB, and active in the channel of VARs and ISVs in POS, iPayment reported more than 137,000 merchant customers with processing volume of $28 billion in 2017. Earlier, in August 2017, Paysafe snapped up Merchants' Choice Payment Solutions (Shenandoah, TX), which processed for 60,000 merchant customers with $14 billion in volume in 2017. Now, with iPayment and Merchants' Choice, Paysafe ranks as the fifth largest non-bank payment processor in the U.S. Todd Linden previously served as CEO of Merchants' Choice (2010 to 2018).

Todd Linden, CEO of Payment Processing, North America, for Paysafe, Now Encompassing iPayment

Bixolon: The (Label) Artist

A leading provider of thermal printers to our channel, Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) released its new design software, Label Artist Mobile. Available at no charge on the App Store and Google Play, and extending the company's Label Artist (as its name describes), Label Artist Mobile allows end-users to edit and print labels from their iOS or Android devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and chosen printers from Bixolon. A USB Connection is also supported for Android.

A range of label design functions are furnished for text, barcode, and image printing. Additional benefits include customizable templates, auto count capability with sequential numbers, and reprinting of labels and stored editing functionality. It supports the following printers from the company: at 2", the SLP-TX220 and SLP-DX220; at 4", the SLP-TX400, SLP-TX420, SLP-DX420, SRP-E770III, and SLP-DL410.

"Traditionally, label printing was always operated through the PC," expounded John Kim, Director of Marketing at Bixolon in South Korea. "The requirement to replace the PC with handheld devices continues to rise in warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. We recognize this growing requirement for label editing through smart devices." Elsewhere, Bixolon has also added built-in battery (24-V 2750-mAh Li-Ion) to its 3" SRP-Q300 Receipt Printer Series. It's listed as SRP-Q300B.

Bixolon Offers Its Label Artist Mobile for iOS and Android

Worth Your While

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 17-18
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

LabelExpo Americas
Tarsus Group
September 25-27
Chicago, IL

NACS
National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)
October 7-10
Las Vegas, NV

Pack Expo
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)
October 14-17
Chicago, IL

NRF's Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 13-15, 2019
New York, NY

ALL IN THE FAMILY

A Plus Sign at Pioneer

Pioneer Solution (City of Industry, CA) has unwrapped its newest tablet for POS, designated T3 Plus. With 10" multitouch display (1280x800, 16:10), T3 Plus increases memory (from 2 to 4 GB) and storage (from 32 to 64 GB) over the T3. It runs Android 6 or Windows 10 O/S with Intel Quad-Core CPU at 1.4 GHz/1.9 GHz. Available for countertop or wall mount, T3 Plus detaches from its base (with hand strap). It weighs 2 lbs.

In support of such mobility, there's Bluetooth 4 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. In the case of applications with multiple peripherals, this base provides USB x 3, Serial x 1, and Ethernet x 1. Integrated functionality includes two-megapixel front and rear cameras, biometric fingerprint reader, two-dimensional barcode scanner, MSR, EMV, and RFID. A secondary customer display is offered (either 2x20 or 7" LCD).

"We see a lot of opportunity in the retail and hospitality space," expressed Michael Flores, VP of Distribution at Pioneer Solution. "Boutique brick-and-mortar retailers and hip new eateries are opening at a faster pace than ever, and with our customizable printers, tablets, and All-in-Ones, we are able to serve these up-and-comers. We can preload custom images, and also put private logos and brand our customers' company or client names on the products."

T3 Plus Tablet by Pioneer Solution

CipherLab OKs RK25

CipherLab (Plano, TX) has previewed its newest rugged computer, listed as the RK25. In smartphone format, it measures 6.6 in. (L) x 2.9 in. (W) x 1 in. (D), and weighs 10.3 oz., with curved grip design. As performance, it has Qualcomm Quad-Core CPU at 1.4 GHz, 2-GB RAM, 16-GB/32-GB ROM, and Micro-SD. It runs Android 7 O/S with GMS Certification/Google Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

A pair of input methods includes numeric keypad (25 or 28) and multitouch 4" display (480x800 WVGA LCD). Its buttons are oversized, with auto-adjustment for screen readability for inside/outdoor environments. As data collection, it furnishes one- and two-dimensional barcode scanner, 8-megapixel camera, NFC/Contactless, and RFID. As communications, there's Bluetooth 4, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, and GPS.

In durability, it carries an IP-65 rating, standard 5-ft./1.5-m drop resistance, and 300 tumbles at 20 in./0.5 m. A hot-swappable 3.8-V 4000-mAh Li-Polymer battery supplies eight-hour workday. "A perfect blend of new age features and classic usability," in the phrasing of CipherLab. As markets, it cites retail, light warehousing, transportation/logistics, and field mobility. A set of utilities and software includes Wireless Mobile Deployment, Terminal Emulation, and "Barcode To Setting."

CipherLab's RK25 Mobile Computer

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ALLIANCES

Datacap Plays Feedback

A further move into third-party value-added services for payment middleware provider, Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA). As its new offering, Datacap (renowned for its "NETePay") has endorsed the online-review/customer-feedback solution from TruRating (Atlanta, GA). Established in 2014, TruRating provides insights on buyer satisfaction at the point of purchase, with web dashboard and mobile app. It boasts an 88% customer response rate, according to the parties.

"We're excited to launch our customer feedback integration with Datacap, a fin-tech pioneer that's been around longer than the term fin-tech," shared Georgina Nelson, CEO of TruRating, based in the U.K. "Their mature presence in the payments space provides even more credibility to our solution, and we're delighted to be working with such an established partner to provide merchants with access to previously untapped customer insights." Earlier, in June, Datacap announced its ties with the customer relationship management (CRM) solution from Clutch (Ambler, PA).

"Integration with TruRating represents a significant value-add for our point-of-sale partners," related Justin Zeigler, Director of Product Strategy at Datacap Systems. "Point-of-sale providers can now present additional value to their merchant clients through an engaging customer feedback solution." A full rollout of the new value-added services platform--promising recurring revenue--by Datacap Systems is expected in in Q3 or Q4 of 2018, RRN.Com was told.

A Value-Add Services Platform at Datacap Includes Online-Review/Customer-Feedback Solution by TruRating

Givex Gives the (Self) Orders

A partnership between Givex (Toronto) and Elo (Milpitas, CA) will pursue self-service technology for hospitality. It incorporates the I-Series by Elo with the Vexilor POS by Givex into the bundled solution, called Vexilor Ordering Kiosk. At 10", 15", and 22", Elo's I-Series employs projected-capacitive technology, Elo's "TouchPro." Anyone strolling the RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association) Show in August would conclude that the time has come to carry self-service.

"Many successful restaurant chains are already familiar with Elo's touchscreens in their high-traffic environments," observed Don Gray, CEO of Givex. "Their ease of integration is incredible. We truly believe such tightly integrated systems move customers through the queue faster and are the future of the guest experience." As target markets, the two parties cite segments of quick-service and fast-casual.

"A combination of Vexilor POS and the Elo I-Series allows for seamless deployment of commercial-grade solutions for Android across multiple touchpoints within the restaurant chains served by Givex," enthused Dave Murphy, Senior Director of POS Strategy and Partner Development at Elo. "This makes it easier for Givex to deploy and manage new and innovative solutions that enhance the customer experience and increase the restaurant operators' average check." In addition to Vexilor POS, Givex, founded in 1999, offers Gift & Loyalty, Tiger Tableside Ordering, Uptix, and Rx Analytics.

Vexilor Kiosk, With Elo Touchscreen, by Givex

Code Corner

Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA) has delivered its new Lighthouse Business Management System 5. Utilized with the company's hardware, software, and payments processing, Lighthouse Business Management System 5 has customer engagement tools, employee scheduling, reporting capacity, and remote system management for POS. Under the banner of "SmartPOS," developed in conjunction with Jon Taffer, host of TV's "Bar Rescue," there's focus on outreach/social media. In addition, its app marketplace brings third-party solutions across online ordering, reservations, marketing, financials, etc. In reporting, Lighthouse Business Management System 5 features payment processing information such as transactions, deposits, and chargebacks, as well as ticket-level data, discounts, voids, inventory, employee performance, and detailed sales results (by customer, department, item, order type) pulled from the POS. In the words of Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman, "All the tools needed to succeed in today's competitive business environment."

Lighthouse Business Management System 5

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Epson = mc2

Another endorsement of Epson America (Long Beach, CA), in the form of leading purveyor of iOS POS, Lightspeed (Montreal). In support of its two software packages, Lightspeed Restaurant and Lightspeed Retail, this ISV will field the following thermal receipt printers (3") by Epson: TM-m30, TM-U220, TM-T88V, and OmniLink TM-T88VI. (As an "intelligent" device, Epson's OmniLink embeds functionality of the PC.)

Addressing table-service and take-out, Lightspeed Restaurant prints both kitchen/bar chits and sales receipts. Similarly, Lightspeed Retail prints sales receipts and loyalty rewards, while amassing data for reporting and analytics. Interfaces for printers include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. In all, ten different printers by Epson have been certified for use with Lightspeed, which has over 50,000 customers.

"Lightspeed offers a powerful all-in-one cloud platform allowing its customers to raise the bar for consumer experiences," testified Tom Kettell, Director of Commercial Channel - North America, at Epson America. "With this integration, we are delivering a centralized experience for Lightspeed's hospitality and retail clients to help them save time and money." As other ISVs, Epson has recently added electronic beverage control system Berg Liquor Co. (Monona, WI) and beauty and wellness solution provider Millennium Systems Int. (Parsippany, NJ).

Lightspeed Certifies Epson's POS Printers

BlueStar at Mach 1

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has extended its play in wireless networking via Mach Networks (Carlsbad, CA). As part of the distributor's line card, managed solutions by Mach Networks enable resellers to earn monthly recurring commissions selling data plans, including 4G LTE. Areas of interest with BlueStar may include kiosks, digital signage, point-of-sale, and video surveillance, with focus on AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

"As a leading provider of fully managed 4G LTE solutions, we needed a fulfillment partner that could keep up with our demand," emphasized Donald Ochoa, CEO of Mach Networks. "We selected BlueStar based on their ability to deliver the routers we need, when and where we need them." He cited his company's experience working with retail chains, quick-service restaurants, banks, and other distributed enterprises.

"We are thrilled to align with Mach Networks to bring fully managed LTE connectivity solutions to a full range of enterprise environments," relayed Michael Freeman, Networking Lead at BlueStar. In 2017, Mach Networks received Cradlepoint's Emerging Partner of the Year and CIO Review Magazine's Top 20 Solution Provider of the Year. Also, it recently received the 2018 AT&T APEX Program Fast Start Award. A long partnership in network hardware exists between BlueStar and Cradlepoint (Boise, ID).

BlueStar Expands Its Play in Wireless Networking

Omnivore's VIP Room

Another participant in the "Universal" Application Programming Interface (API) for POS from Omnivore (Hayward, CA): NightPro (Boston, MA). Acquired by booking app Tablelist in 2016, NightPro, as its name suggests, is one of the leading venue management systems for nightlife. It encompasses bookings, payments, customer relationship management, and integration with social media--via iOS or Android.

"Omnivore's team made it easy for us to plug into so many different systems for POS," stressed Tim Officer, CTO of NightPro. "We are looking forward to growing our portfolio of venue partners with them." In particular, NightPro cited Oracle/Micros (Redwood Shores, CA), Squirrel Systems (Burnaby, BC, Canada), Maitre'D/Posera (London, ON, Canada), and Veloce (Levis, QC, Canada) in POS.

"NightPro's POS integration with Omnivore will allow our venue partners to sync real-time spends and itemized receipts to customers and reservations in NightPro, helping them to drive sales, provide excellent customer service, and run their operations more efficiently and effectively," remarked Kyla Moore, CEO of NightPro. In early 2017, readers may recall, Omnivore established its third-party app marketplace for reservations, delivery, gifting/loyalty, mobile ordering, labor management, etc. As part of its new partnership, NightPro will offer an introductory rate for current customers interested in POS.

Omnivore Adds NightPro to App Market

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
Electronic Payments
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Cayan
iPayment
Sterling Payment

Keyboards & Mobile POS
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
SpacePole

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Fujitsu
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

A MobileByte of Chicken

A rising player in iPad POS, MobileBytes (Phoenix, AZ) has deployed its platform for the Goalz Restaurant Group. Over the next several years, MobileBytes POS will be rolled out at 200 planned franchise locations of Church's Chicken in FL, KY, OH, CO, NC, and SC. In the case of recommendation, installation, and training for this contract, MobileBytes turned to VAR Meritage Technologies (Billings, MT).

In addition to online and mobile ordering via their smartphone, consumers will enjoy gift cards with MobileBytes. "Goalz was reluctant at first because they were primarily users of traditional POS," reported Jason Lehman, CEO of Meritage Technologies. "But when they discovered MobileBytes had everything they wanted in a simple, powerful system, it reinforced their need to start something new."

Also this month, MobileBytes has partnered with customer engagement platform provider Como (Fort Lee, NJ). According to Yair Holtzer, President of Como America, "Our out-of-the-box data and machine-learning tools, under 'Como Sense,' fully integrated with MobileBytes' POS, will enable restaurants to engage with customers in a more relevant and personalized way, and drive more revenue as a result." In addition to Meritage Technologies, MobileBytes has signed VARs such as California Retail Systems (Ventura, CA), Cervion Systems (Tarrytown, NY), Emerald Business Systems (Eugene, OR), Essential Systems Solutions (Frederick, MD), NexTouch (Scottsdale, AZ), and Spark Solutions Group (Cottonwood Heights, UT).

MobileBytes' POS Chosen for Church's Chicken

A Material Witness for Teklynx

An example of enterprise label management by barcode software supplier Teklynx (Milwaukee, WI). In this install, the Teklynx Central GHS (for Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) was employed across three companies of Shepherd Material Science (Norwood, OH). As many readers may recall, full compliance with GHS (and ISO) was mandated by OSHA in the U.S. by June 2016.

"We'd reached the point where each department had its own labeling system," explained Diana McDonough, Senior Developer for Shepherd Information Systems. "Our raw materials department used one labeling system, our sample department used another labeling system, our shipping department used another labeling system, and the list goes on and on. We were looking to implement one centralized labeling system that could be used throughout the entire company."

In choosing its barcode labeling software, Shepherd needed support for its new Microsoft Dynamics AX Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). It allows employees to create accurate labels, in correct volumes, and in less time, by pulling necessary elements directly from the centralized database, with its approved Safety Data Sheets (SDS). A longtime customer of Teklynx, Shepherd employs its label design "CodeSoft," label approval and storage "Archive," and print automation "Sentinel"--under Central GHS. According to McDonough, implementation of the new labeling system resulted in "a ripple effect of savings" throughout other areas at Shepherd Material Science.

Teklynx Solution for GHS Compliance

Channel Factoid

RSPA VAE Winners

-Software: Future POS (Butler, PA)

-Hardware: Touch Dynamic (South Plainfield, NJ)

-Hardware/Software: CRS Inc. (Saint Paul, MN)

-Reseller Support Services: Vend Lease Co. (Baltimore, MD)

-Technology Distributor: BlueStar (Hebron, KY)

-Electronic Payments/Financing: Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA)

-Hall of Fame Inductee: Gordon Meister (Retired NCR Executive)

Source: Vendor Awards of Excellence, Retail Solutions Providers Association, Nashville, TN, August 2018

Gordon Meister Joins RSPA Hall of Fame

HELLO GOODBYE

Giles Enables Ingenico

Ingenico Group (Atlanta, GA) has engaged Bradford Giles as its SVP of Marketing and Sales Enablement for North America. An experienced executive in payment technology, Giles previously served as VP of Channel Marketing for Cayan (2014 to 2018), now part of TSYS. Earlier roles include Senior Director of Marketing at PTC (2012 to 2013), and Director of Marketing at Avid Technology (2011 to 2012).

"Ingenico Group's position as a leading technology company in the payments industry is evident from the number of acquisitions and commitment to innovation and R&D we've made. This is critical to how we work with our partners and serve our customers," commented Jennifer Miles, EVP of North America for Ingenico Group. "As we continue to expand our technology leadership position, Bradford Giles will play an important role in defining the strategies necessary to strengthen our position in the market."

"Ingenico Group has been a perennial leader in the payments industry and I'm excited to lead the marketing organization in North America as the company continues to expand its position in the market," contributed Giles. "As a leading technology provider, we believe our partnerships go beyond signing a piece of paper--they involve working together to mutually grow our businesses." Expect to hear from Giles.

Bradford Giles, SVP of Marketing and Sales Enablement, North America, Ingenico Group

Au Revoir by Ray

A note on social media has announced the retirement of one of the leading executives in POS, Ray Carlin (effective July 31). A long list of titles fills his resume, most recently, VP of Hospitality Strategy and Solutions Management for Oracle (2014 to 2018). Starting as SVP of NCR (1977 to 1997), Carlin moved to President of Zaiq Technologies (1999 to 2002), EVP of Retalix/NCR (2003 to 2009), President and CEO of StoreNext Retail Technologies (2003 to 2009), and VP/GM of the Retail Solutions Global Business Unit at HP (2009 to 2014).

"I have been fortunate to have enjoyed an amazing career. I have had the opportunity to work alongside true professionals each step of the way," writes Carlin. "It has been an honor and privilege to work with so many outstanding leaders, colleagues, great customers, and partners."

"While it's true that I am starting a new chapter, I intend to keep busy while spending more time with family and friends," continues Carlin. "If our paths cross, I will welcome it!" As one sign of his influence, several hundred colleagues offered congratulations on his post on LinkedIn. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Ray.

Ray Carlin Announces Retirement

CSSI Lewisburg

CSSI Technologies (Lewisburg, PA) has enlisted Bob Eberly as its Label Sales Specialist. He brings experience in this technology as Regional Sales Manager at InfoSeal (2008 to 2012) and Regional Sales Manager at PrintXcel (2000 to 2008). He will cover the East Coast in the U.S.

"We are very pleased to welcome Bob to our team here at CSSI Technologies," remarked Joe Tosolt, President at CSSI Technologies. "Bob's years of success guiding customers in the selection and implementation of barcode labels and RFID tags will provide immediate benefits for our manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution customers, who will improve productivity and process quality with the implementation of optimized label and tag solutions." In its portfolio, CSSI has Zebra, Honeywell, and Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Bob Eberly, Label Sales Specialist, CSSI