This Week’s Product Pick

Bixolon America (Torrance, CA) has presented its SPP-R400 direct thermal portable printer with four-inch print width. Carrying Apple MFi certification, with support for iOS, Android, Windows, and Symbian, the SPP-R400 delivers print speed of 3.15 inch/80 mm per second at 203 dpi. It measures 6.8 in. (L) x 5.8 in. (W) x 2.6 in. (H), weighs about 1.6 lbs with MSR, and accommodates paper roll diameter of 2.25 inches/57 mm. Technical specifications include 64 MB SDRAM, 32 MB ROM, and Serial, USB, Bluetooth Version 3.0+EDR, and WLAN 802.11b/g. Equipped with one-touch cover open and simple drop-in paper loading, SPP-R400 meets IP-54 ratings for water and dust (with protective case) and multiple drop resistance of five feet. A charging cradle supports Lithium-Ion battery.

Bixolon SPP-R400 Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

ISV Tops Off Tablets

Another leading ISV, pcAmerica (Pearl River, NY), has embraced tablet-based POS with optimization for the form factor for its popular Cash Register Express (CRE) and Restaurant Pro Express (RPE). Compatible with HP's ElitePad 900 running Windows 8, among other platforms, these new software editions support the full range of necessary peripherals such as scanners, weight scales, transaction terminals, and pole displays. All of the features of pcAmerica's stationary pair of solutions have been sustained, including inventory tracking, employee scheduling, menu planning, gift cards, mobile payments, loyalty programs, and various integrations including payroll and e-commerce platforms.

Moreover, tablet-based CRE and RPE deliver several enhancements needed for easy operation, for example, signature capture on-screen performed by the finger, without need of stylus, and storage of signatures in the database for future reference. Customer receipts may be e-mailed or printed wirelessly, of course. Finally, this new software has been tested with additional mobile peripherals from pcAmerica's partners, which are expected to be released to market in the near future.

"These new versions of Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express include all of the functions our clients are familiar with and some new ones designed especially for the tablet, making it one of the most comprehensive solutions available in this area," reported David Gosman, CEO of pcAmerica. "Many pcAmerica clients have expressed interest in a tablet solution and we developed this in response to our customers' feedback, because we want to empower them with the best technology we can provide. It's so versatile that people can use it as a complete mobile solution, put it on the countertop, or some combination of both."

Cash Register Express From pcAmerica Running on HP ElitePad 900

Look Who's Channel: Wincor Nixdorf

What do you know. Wincor Nixdorf (Austin, TX and Paderborn, Germany) has revealed plans to expand its partner program in North America. As an early step, the vendor, one of the world's largest providers of retail IT, including POS, has exhibited at this week's Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in Las Vegas. In North America, Wincor Nixdorf now distributes through Synnex Corporation (Fremont, CA), which has become much more active in POS & Auto ID of late.

Some details for the program have emerged. All store-focused categories of products will be engaged--point-of-sale, kiosk, self-checkout, cash management, and software-based back-office. "Authorized partners benefit from reduced competition through Wincor Nixdorf's deal registration process, which eliminates channel conflict," the company proclaimed in its announcement. Additional elements reportedly include accelerated rebates, demo equipment, training and sales support, marketing funds, and other lead generation activities.

"Today's retail solutions are becoming more complex, and when retailers make purchasing decisions, they must not only take into account their IT environments today, but they must also factor in their vision for the future," suggested Patrick Leonard, VP of Retail for North America at Wincor Nixdorf. "In the past, channel partners supporting smaller retail customers have been limited to lower-end POS where price supersedes capabilities. Our partner program aims to change the game by providing partners with state-of-the-art solutions that fit their unique requirements for all of their customers." Sounds good so far.

Meet the Beetles?

Worth Your While

VARTECH US/LATAM 2013
BlueStar
September 9-11
San Antonio, TX

Pack Expo 2013
Packaging Manufacturers Machinery Institute
September 23-25
Las Vegas

NACS Show 2013
Association of Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 12-15
Atlanta

Customer Engagement Technology World
JD Events
November 6-7
New York City

IAAPA Expo 2013
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 19-22
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Star Gets Its Kicks

Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has unveiled its DK-AirCash (for "Drawer Kick") modem for mobile POS. This device enables easy control of the cash drawer through either Ethernet or Bluetooth wireless communications, thereby eliminating the need for key operation or wired connection to PC or printer. It links with RJ-11 modular cable, supports portable platforms such as tablets, smartphones, and notebook PCs, and features sleek size of 6 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 1.1 in. (H) and weight of 8.8 oz., without AC adapter and cable.

"Once physically connected, you simply integrate the StarIO Software Development Kit (SDK) into your application to start using DK-AirCash," explained Christophe Naasz, Business Development Director for Star Micronics America. "By allowing secure control of your cash drawer wirelessly, you now have flexibility to configure the store layout without restriction due to wiring or other traditional infrastructure limitations. Unrestricted by the cash wrap station, the salesperson can step out from behind the counter and engage with customers on the sales floor." DK-AirCash will be sold as an option or accessory, RRN.Com was told.

Star Micronics also has shipped its "i Series" four-inch portable printer, compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows. Two models are offered, SM-T400i and SM-T404i with magnetic-stripe reader (MSR). In addition to Bluetooth, these printers feature 3.15 inch/80 mm print speed at 203 dpi, drop-in and print paper loading, LCD display, IP-54 ratings against water and dust, and auto-power-down mode. And the ISVs keep coming in mobility, most recently Appetize (Santa Monica, CA), which has employed Star's SM-S220i with its food ordering app for sporting events and concerts.

DK-AirCash Device Kicks Cash Drawers

Zebra Shuffles the Deck

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has extended its ZXP Series of card printers with the launch of its new entry-level, low-volume device, the ZXP Series 1. Targeted for large deployments of distributed printing, according to the vendor, the ZXP Series 1 produces high-quality, single-sided cards for loyalty and membership, employee and student identification, and access control and visitor badges. With compact design of 13 in. (L) x 7.9 in. (W) x 9.3 in. (H), and weight of 11.6 lbs., ZXP Series 1 outfits common settings such as reception and security desks, with minimal technical support required.

As part of this portfolio completion, Zebra also has unwrapped the next generation of its ZXP Series 3 professional printer, suited for medium to higher volume applications requiring either single or dual-sided cards. Features include expanded card support, improved monochrome print quality, and lower cost per card with the introduction of higher capacity, eco-friendly "Load-N-Go" smart ribbons. In addition, so-called "Print Touch" allows end-users to access web-based product information and support pages with their NFC-enabled smartphones. All ZXP Series 1, 3, and 7 printers incorporate this feature, centered in the printer's logo, and complemented with QR Code on the exterior of the casing for non-users.

"Zebra is consistently meeting industry needs by evolving its offering, and the ZXP Series is no exception," testified Patti Jones, Sales Manager at Raco Card Solutions (Cincinnati), one of Zebra's VARs. "The ZXP Series 1 is an exciting addition to the company's offering and meets the high demand for an entry-level printer at competitive pricing--without sacrificing quality. We're also very pleased with the NFC and QR Code capabilities across the family, which will greatly improve the level of support offered to sophisticated users."

Entry-Level Zebra ZXP Series 1 Card Printer

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PARTNER PROGRAMS

Code Clicks in Greenville

Code Corporation (Bluffdale, UT) has added ScanSource POS and Barcode (Greenville, SC) to its roster of distributors. ScanSource has stocked the entire image-based barcode reader family from Code, including the entry-level Code Reader 900FD, Code Reader 2600 with Bluetooth, and Code Reader 4100 PDT. ScanSource now joins BlueStar (Hebron, KY), Metropolitan Sales (Lynbrook, NY), and Synnex (Fremont, CA) as distributors for Code Corporation.

"Code's partnership with ScanSource is imperative to our development in retail arenas," declared George Powell, CEO/President of Code Corporation. "The possibilities this partnership presents are outstanding, and we look forward to developing our long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship." For the channel, it should be noted, Code Corporation runs its Code Alliance Partner Track as well as its Code Alliance Healthcare Track.

"Code's products are ideal for the mobile worker and valuable barcode reading solutions for our reseller partners to deliver to their end-user customers," remarked Lisa McIntosh, Director of Merchandising for ScanSource POS and Barcode. "Code's products, coupled with our value-added services and support, will enable their resellers to enhance their offering in any number of verticals." ScanSource's "Next Is Now" series of one-day technology road shows makes its next stop in Chicago on August 13, incidentally.

Code Reader 2600 Bluetooth, Now Distributed Through ScanSource

POSBANK-ing on Genius

POSBANK USA (Gardena, CA) has embraced the Genius Customer Engagement Platform from Merchant Warehouse (Boston) in support of its POS. Both software and hardware come into play, with Genius integrated with POSBANK USA's POPs for Restaurant package and Genius payment terminals bundled with POSBANK USA's family of POS stations (available through StoreSOLV by Synnex). Debuted in 2012, the Genius Platform allows merchants to pick and choose between the widening range of non-cash payment methods at the POS, while removing customer information from PA-DSS scope, and advancing customer relationship management (CRM) efforts.

"We believe in meeting and exceeding our clients' needs, a big part of which revolves around helping them better connect with their customers," emphasized Steven Eun, CEO of POSBANK. "In partnering with Merchant Warehouse and integrating with their Genius platform, our customers now have a seamless, unified solution, while having the option to respond to customer preferences in real-time. We're excited to offer Genius's capabilities to our customers as we build our presence in the U.S."

A parade of partners for Genius has assembled. Just in the past few weeks, Merchant Warehouse has announced support from checkAppointments (Charlotte, NC), which addresses customizable online booking schemes. Similarly, High Meadow Business Solutions (Rutland, VT), and its RetailEdge POS and Inventory, now supports Genius. Solution provider Alexandria Computers (Boca Raton, FL) will promote Genius to its small retailers, restaurants, and salons. Finally, out of Belgium, Apple POS purveyor POSiOS has joined the party for its Restaurant Butler.

POSBANK USA Supports Merchant Warehouse's Genius Platform for Its POPs for Restaurant Software

Code Corner

Datasym POS, Inc. (Brantford, ON, Canada) has released its Datasym Core Back-Office software. Designed to help retailers in sales tracking, inventory management, pricing controls, and programming for POS terminals, Datasym Core has been configured in modules, according to the vendor, allowing customization and expansion as business needs grow. With mobility in mind, Datasym Core Back-Office also has been developed to work on mobile devices. With this Core Mobile Access App, retailers may employ their smartphone, tablet, or notebook for improved business operations as well as extended customer service. "Core Back-Office provides retailers with the ability to create customized reports, stock management using RF handheld devices, and real-time inventory," stated Datasym POS, Inc., one of the long-time suppliers of POS terminals to the channel.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Around the Corner at Posiflex

Visitors to this week's Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in Las Vegas may preview the new product roadmap from Posiflex USA (Hayward, CA). Three prototypes will be displayed in POS, including an All-in-One, an industrial PC, and next-generation terminals with foldable base, the company has announced. "By listening to the marketplace prior to the product's full release, we can assure our customer and channel needs are addressed to provide the right products at the right time," indicated Doyle Ledford, VP of Sales.

The first product, Posiflex's HS Series All-in-One, carrying 10-inch touchscreen, has been designed to conserve counter space by enclosing its receipt printer within its base. This terminal may be configured with magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), smart card reader, fingerprint sensor, and variety of secondary customer displays. Next, Posiflex's XT line of touchscreen workstations comes with two choices: a slim, basic foldable base or an enlarged foldable base with battery back-up, 12 V or 24 V powered USB, and pull-out hard drive. An adjustable base optimizes viewing for reduced user fatigue, according to the company, as well as reduced shipping costs when folded flat.

Lastly, the Posiflex TX multi-purpose controller presents an ultra-small-footprint industrial PC with Wi-Fi for retail and hospitality environments. This fanless and ventless controller can be mounted under the counter or on the wall to drive any retail IT, whether point of sale, kiosk, digital signage, kitchen control configurations or surveillance systems. Earlier this year, in its most recent product launch, Posiflex rolled out its KS7500 Series of 15-inch and 17-inch touchscreen terminals, with rugged fanless design, Intel Celeron Dual Core CPU at 1.6 GHz, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and Windows Embedded 8 O/S.

Space-Saving HS Series All-in-One From Posiflex

YES! POS (From Eat24?)

Eat24, the food delivery app and website out of San Francisco, has announced plans to provide free POS to its customer base of restaurants. Enthusiastically dubbed "YES! POS," this cloud-based system, developed by Eat24, reportedly supports the full range of necessary functions, including reservations and table management, payment processing, shift scheduling, and consummation with major online ordering services. Currently in beta testing, it will be provided free for the firm's 25,000 customers.

This announcement comes on the heels of Eat24's new strategic relationship with Yelp, the online restaurant review colossus, which is expected to multiply customers orders many times over by the end of this year. "Restaurants are the heart and soul of our business," volunteered Nadav Sharon, Eat24 Co-Founder. "It's easy for us to send the restaurant 1,000 orders in less than one minute, but how would they manage them? We created YES! POS to solve that problem--some problem to have!"

From day one, Eat24 has been working to connect directly to POS systems to make order management easier for restaurants, purports the company. "Every time we asked other POS companies to integrate with us, they said, 'No,'" recounted Sharon. "So we built our own and called it 'YES!'" In addition to processing online orders, Eat24's POS furnishes delivery-centric features such as driving directions, tracking via GPS, and electronic signature capture.

Food Delivery App Will Tack on Free POS

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
AZT POS
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
Team Sable
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Systems - Apple Based
LightSpeed Retail

POS & Inventory Software
New West Technologies

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Printronix
Sato America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell
Motorola Solutions

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

ALLIANCES

Another Link for Barcoding, Inc.

Barcoding, Inc. (Baltimore), national integrator of data capture solutions, has joined forces with ASP Global Services (Chatsworth, CA). Through this agreement, customers will be offered turn-key warehouse management systems (WMS) comprised of hardware from Barcoding and SphereWMS Inventory Management Software from ASP Global. "A complete solution can be up and running in a matter of days for third-party logistics providers (3PL's), distributors, and warehouse operators," according to Mike Mullane, CEO of ASP Global Services.

Shane Snyder, President of Barcoding, Inc., observed, "With the growing trend of mobilizing the warehouse and extending the enterprise to field workers, our warehouse management client base has increased significantly over the past few years. Through this partnership, we are able to expand our solutions portfolio by offering ASP Global Services' web-based warehouse inventory management software, allowing us to continue to meet our customers' specific needs." As part of this package, Barcoding will supply barcode scanners and wireless printers from supporting vendors.

Recently, Barcoding, Inc. was named to SupplyChainBrain's 2013 list of 100 Great Supply Chain Partners. Winners were chosen by an online, six-month poll in which supply chain management professionals nominated vendors and service providers with solutions that improved their company's efficiency, customer service, or overall supply chain performance. Earlier, in May, Barcoding, Inc. increased its Central U.S. presence and expanded its RFID capabilities by acquiring another well-know system integrator, Miles Technologies (Lake Zurich, IL).

Mike Mullane, CEO of ASP Global Services

Epiphany at GammaTech

GammaTech Computer Corp. (Fremont, CA) has received certification from business software developer Mobile Epiphany (Aurora, CO). Three models of computers will be covered: the GammaTech Durabook U12Ci rugged convertible notebook with 12-inch screen, the Durabook T7Q rugged tablet PC with 7-inch screen, and the Durabook CA10 semi-rugged tablet PC with 10-inch screen. Loaded software, Touch Mobile by Mobile Epiphany, addresses asset tracking, inspections, work orders, and work processes.

"Our partnership with Mobile Epiphany is part of our ongoing program to offer customers innovative software solutions," remarked Jen Chen, President of GammaTech Computer. "Industries such as government, military, construction, oil and gas, utilities, security, healthcare, and manufacturing will benefit from our rugged mobile notebooks and tablets running Touch Mobile." With manufacturing in Taiwan and Mainland China, GammaTech Computer sells through resellers worldwide.

"We are proud to add GammaTech to Mobile Epiphany's roster of hardware partners," shared Glenn Kletzky, CEO/President of Mobile Epiphany. "GammaTech brings experience and quality products to the tablet and rugged device markets. The reach of their hardware into the mass business market is a powerful complement to our process-solution software." In addition to Windows, Mobile Epiphany supports Windows Mobile, Apple iOS, and Android with its various configurations.

GammaTech's Rugged Computers

Channel Factoid

While the "Bring Your Own Device," or BYOD, movement appears in full swing, immature policies are putting sensitive organization and employee data at risk, according to the new study by TEKsystems. When it comes to BYOD policy, majorities of both IT leaders and IT professionals report that their employers fall within one of three extremes: either "nothing has been communicated," "there are no official policy guidelines," or "employees are not allowed to use their own devices at work." Among the organizations that have some form of BYOD policy in place, just half (48%) of IT leaders and one-third (35%) of IT professionals believe the policy has been made clear. Payback from BYOD also appears to fall short, with IT leaders and IT professionals reporting their organizations are not effective in delivering expected higher customer satisfaction (60% and 56%, respectively) and lower IT expenses (62% and 58%, respectively). Survey responses indicate the main value proposition of BYOD to date has been employee satisfaction, cited by 57% of IT leaders and 55% of IT professionals. Significantly, three-quarters (73%) of IT leaders and IT professionals believe that sensitive company data is at risk due to employees accessing information from their personal devices. "Without formal BYOD plans in place and consistent execution, organizations leave themselves exposed," counseled Jason Hayman, Research Manager at TEKsystems. "Additionally, they may be failing to capitalize on the potential benefits of BYOD, including increases in productivity and collaboration."

HELLO GOODBYE

A New Building Block

Block and Company, Inc. (Wheeling, IL) has named John Lanman as its new CEO/President. Lanman brings more than 25 years of consumer products industry experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as VP and GM for Fun Express, a Division of the Oriental Trading Company. Previously, he was VP and GM of Blyth HomeScents International and VP of Marketing for the Thermos Company.

"We are very enthusiastic about the future of Block under John's leadership," commented Kenneth Block, Chairman of the Board. "John brings decades of sales, marketing, and new product development experience with him. He has the business acumen and leadership skills that will lift Block and Company, Inc. to new heights. We are delighted to welcome John Lanman as our President and CEO."

Established in 1934, Block and Company is a privately held manufacturer and distributor of office products. As most RRN.Com readers know, MMF POS, prominent channel provider of cash drawers, functions as part of Block and Company. MMF POS also supplies enclosures, pedestals, and pole mounts for peripherals such as receipt printers, transaction terminals, keyboards, and monitors, as well as custom design work.

John Lanman, CEO/President, Block and Company

An Epic Voyage to Troy

Epicor (Dublin, CA) has recruited industry veteran Donna Troy as EVP and GM for ERP Americas. Reporting to Epicor CEO/President Pervez Qureshi, Troy will oversee operations and have responsibility for enterprise resource planning (ERP), wholesale distribution, and human capital management (HCM) business in her focus region. "I'm thrilled to have an executive of Donna's caliber and industry experience joining the Epicor team," stated Qureshi. "Donna has a proven track record of driving growth and profitability for leading global technology companies."

Over 35 years, Troy has held executive positions at companies such as Dell, SAP, McAfee, and IBM. At Dell, as VP and GM, she supervised the multi-billion-dollar enterprise solutions segment. At SAP and McAfee, as EVP, she developed global channels and the small-to-medium-sized business segment. Beginning her career with IBM, she fulfilled roles in sales management, systems engineering, and services, becoming the company's first global solution developer alliances executive.

"I'm excited to join Epicor, which is incredibly well-positioned to take advantage of its deep industry capabilities, customer-centric focus and visionary technology to deliver unprecedented customer value," relayed Troy. "At almost one billion dollars in revenue, the company has the infrastructure and market leadership to drive further success in the Americas and beyond. I look forward to meeting with our customers and partners to understand their requirements and priorities and together to accelerate growth and opportunity for their businesses leveraging Epicor products and services."

Donna Troy, EVP & GM, ERP Americas, Epicor