This Week’s Product Pick

Casio America (Dover, NJ) previewed its IT-9000 handheld terminal for multiple point-of-service environments such as retail, transportation, and law enforcement. To be offered in six models in Q1 2012, this new device incorporates thermal printer for receipts, tickets, and labels, as well as NFC reader/writer for contactless smart cards and RFID tags. Optional features include barcode CMOS imager, MSR, 3G WLAN communications capable of High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) at 7.2 MB/second downstream, GPS, and two-megapixel color digital camera. IT-9000 carries 3.7-inch VGA Blanview LCD touchscreen for visibility both indoors and outside with reduced power consumption. The device comes compliant with IP-54 dust and splash-proof standards, and can withstand drops of up to five feet.

Casio's IT-9000

COMPANY BUSINESS

NRF Takes Swipe at Durbin

A group of industry players--including the National Retail Federation, the Food Marketing Institute, the National Association of Convenience Stores, and two major retailers--have charged that the Federal Reserve failed to follow key requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 when it capped debit card swipe fees in October under terms of the Durbin Amendment. Filed two weeks ago in U.S. District Court in Washington, DC, their lawsuit claims this omission has allowed big banks to continue charging unjustifiably high swipe fees and has discouraged price competition among credit card networks. The suit was brought on behalf of both NRF and its National Council of Chain Restaurants, which warned earlier this year on the potential impact of high swipe fees on merchants depending upon small purchases. In addition to NRF, FMI, and NACS, plaintiffs include Boscov’s Department Stores (Reading, PA) and Miller Oil Co. (Norfolk, VA), the convenience store/gas station chain.

“The Federal Reserve was required by law to come up with swipe fees that were ‘reasonable’ and ‘proportional’ but what we got were neither,” suggested Mallory Duncan, SVP and General Council at NRF. “Instead, the Fed allowed themselves to be influenced by the very banks they are supposed to regulate and raised the originally proposed cap to include expenses the law said were not allowed. In doing so, they literally gave away half the savings that could have been seen by merchants and their customers. We want them to go back and follow the law this time.”

According to NRF, the Fed said in December 2010 that it had determined it costs banks an average 4 cents to process each debit transaction, and proposed that the fees be capped at no more than 12 cents per transaction--triple this actual cost. After intense lobbying by banks and the credit industry, however, final regulations adopted in July 2011 set the cap at more than five times the actual cost, or 21 cents plus 0.05% of the transaction, and, in most cases, an additional 1 cent for fraud prevention. Subsequently, both Visa and MasterCard announced they would charge the maximum amount even on small-ticket transactions the card industry previously processed profitably for as little as 6 to 8 cents. “Congress passed this law to cap swipe fees but the banks have turned a ceiling into a floor and raised fees dramatically higher for quick-service restaurants across the nation,” warned Rob Green, Executive Director of the National Council of Chain Restaurants.

Industry Players File Lawsuit on “Flawed Cap” for Credit Card Processing Costs

Truckin’ at Logic Controls

Furthering its courtship of POS ISVs, Logic Controls/Bematech (New Hyde Park, NY) has partnered with High Meadow Business Solutions (Rutland, VT), provider of RetailEdge, to address the market for small-footprint, portable POS configurations. Bundling Logic Control’s SmartBox SB8700 POS terminal with High Meadow’s RetailEdge Island allows merchants to take their systems on the road and continue to sell items, create orders, track customers, and process credit cards, according to the two parties. When they return to the home office or store, RetailEdge Island synchronizes all their data. In addition, Logic Controls will supply its CR1603 cash drawers and TD3000 table displays, meeting end-user peripheral needs.

“We have worked with Logic Controls equipment for years,” recounted Bill Breed, Sales Manager at RetailEdge. “When we were looking for the platform for our new mobile RetailEdge Island system, the SB8700 immediately came to mind. Many businesses are looking for an affordable way to operate from kiosks, trucks, or temporary locations. RetailEdge Island and the SB8700 provide the ideal solution.” This resulting package will be offered through distributors and resellers of both Logic Controls/Bematech and High Meadow Business Solutions.

Measuring 13.2 in. (W) x 11.4 in. (D) x 5.1 in. (H) and weighing 7 lbs., the SB8700 features 10.4-inch four-wire touchscreen, Intel Atom N450 processor at 1.66-GHz, multiple I/O ports, and three-track magnetic-stripe reader. It utilizes Logic Control’s LC8700 retail-hardened computer with fanless, ventless design for harsh environments. In recent months, Logic Controls/Bematech has entered into similar POS ISV bundle arrangements with International POS and CAP Software.

Addresses Out-of-Store POS by Bundling with High Meadow Business Solutions

Worth Your While

2012 Events

NRF 101st Annual Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 15-18
New York

INSPIRE 2012
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 29-February 1
Herradura, Costa Rica

MODEX 2012
Material Handling Industry of America
February 6-9
Atlanta

2012 Annual ETA Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 17-19
Las Vegas

NRA Show 2012
National Restaurant Association
May 5-8
Chicago

GS1 Connect Conference
GS1 US
June 4-7
Las Vegas

ALL IN THE FAMILY

D-O Rocks the Cradle for Honeywell

Datamax-O’Neil (Orlando) unveiled its PrintPAD 99EX, which extends the company’s “carry, charge, and communicate” portable printing configuration to Honeywell’s Dolphin 99EX handheld computer. Used in conjunction with Datamax-O’Neil’s four-inch thermal printer for receipts and labels, the PrintPAD cradle charges both devices simultaneously, simplifies communications and handling, and survives multiple six-foot drops to concrete. Integrated Bluetooth gives mobile workers wireless access to the printer when the handheld computer has been removed from the PrintPAD, and vehicle-mount formats are supported via cigarette lighter adapter.

As standard features, PrintPAD carries user-friendly indicator LEDs, intelligent power management, and programmable sleep mode for longer battery life. In addition, built in magnetic-stripe reader allows for the easy collection of credit or debit payments in support of POS applications. Finally, direct store delivery may be facilitated through optional DEX capabilities without need of special software or mechanical switches.

“The new PrintPAD 99EX expands our line to include another major mobile handheld computer manufacturer,” observed Paul Weslake, Senior Product Manager for Portable Printers at Datamax-O’Neil. “Our relationship with Honeywell strengthens our position in offering the most competitive solutions for direct store delivery, route accounting, and field-service applications.” Datamax-O’Neil also offers PrintPADs for the MC9000-S, MC70, and MC75 by Motorola Solutions and the CN3, CN3e, CN4, and CN4e by Intermec.

PrintPAD 99EX Configuration by Datamax-O’Neil

Batteries Included, by GTS

Global Technology Systems (Framingham, MA) has released its newest charging holster, the HMC55-H, designed for Motorola Solutions’ MC55 and MC65 mobile computers. This device employs built-in 4000-mAh GTS NEOCELL battery to continuously charge the computer’s internal battery, maximizing runtime and performance. It provides three times the runtime over traditional batteries, according to GTS, the exclusive worldwide designer and manufacturer of Honeywell Batteries.

The GTS holster eliminates the need for separate chargers, accessories, and spare batteries. Moreover, it costs less than 40% of the list price of such additional equipment, GTS estimated, while recharging from any USB port. “Using NEOCELLs in the powered holster brings the latest technology to existing devices,” relayed Mike Grosberg, VP and COO of GTS. “Due to NEOCELLs' lightweight, flexible form factor and durability, they are perfect for a holster application.”

“The charging holster is ideal for enterprise customers, especially in direct store delivery, field sales, field service, and parcel delivery markets,” added Jerry Bobinski, VP of North American Sales at GTS. “The holster keeps their computers running longer between charges, and makes recharging the device as simple as possible.” The HMC55-H represents the second generation of charging holsters from GTS; Motorola’s MC70 and MC75 devices were addressed in 2009.

HMC55-H Charging Holster From Global Technology Systems

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ALLIANCES

Master Step for Mobile Banking?

MasterCard has allied itself with mFoundry (San Francisco) to further the cause of payments based upon emerging vehicles such as near-field communication (NFC) wallets. This collaboration will draw together MasterCard’s Tap & Go PayPass scheme, as well as Mobile PayPass, with mFoundry’s SaaS-based mobile financial services platform. As RRN.Com readers may know, mFoundry represents one of the most popular mobile banking solutions in the U.S., currently the choice of 600 banks and credit unions, including Bank of America and PNC. As OEM, mFoundry powers Starbuck’s Card Mobile.

Simultaneously, MasterCard has led an infusion of $18 million in capital for mFoundry. Also participating in this round were significant industry players such as Intel Capital, FIS, and Motorola Mobility, with both MasterCard and Intel Capital representing new investors in mFoundry. This funding will be used to develop new payments-related mobile products and services targeted at financial institutions and mobile network operators, according to parties involved. It reportedly brings mFoundry’s total funding to $40 million.

“The opportunity in mobile financial services is enormous,” postulated Drew Sievers, CEO and Co-Founder of mFoundry. “While our existing mobile banking business is scaling rapidly, there are many other related opportunities that we believe can add significant incremental value to our company. I’m grateful to have such a deep and supportive group of strategic investors behind us.” Mobile banking should hit 50% customer adoption within six years, versus 15 years for ATMs and 20 years for online banking, according to statistics from the Federal Reserve cited by mFoundry.

MasterCard Partners with mFoundry for Mobile Wallets

Autotask Gets Fresh

Autotask Corporation has linked its SaaS-based IT business management platform to billing and invoicing software from FreshBooks. This integration, developed by itDuzzit, eliminates the need for users to manually synchronize data across the two popular cloud applications. In addition to streamlining the invoicing process by direct export of billing items and related information, it enables online payment by credit card, e-checks, bank transfer, or PayPal, further shortening the billing cycle, according to the two parties.

“It is mission-critical that our clients are able to choose the tools and systems they use to work with their customers and to run their businesses,” commented Len DiCostanzo, SVP of Community and Business Development for Autotask (East Greenbush, NY). “That is why we continue to develop our world-class API and why we are committed to making sure Autotask is an open platform for our users. This project is a direct result of requests from our joint users and we are very excited to have the FreshBooks integration available for Autotask clients around the world.”

“Successful IT service companies manage their businesses with Autotask,” added Sunir Shah, Head of the Platform (and “Chief Handshaker”) at FreshBooks (Toronto). “Billing with FreshBooks allows those Autotask users to streamline their invoicing processes while making the money they deserve from their valuable time and experience.” Founded in 2004, FreshBooks now serves over 3.5 million small businesses, freelancers, and service-based professionals. As demonstrated here, itDuzzit, based in Chicago, offers prebuilt connectors and integration pathways for cross-purpose, cloud-based business processes.

Len DiCostanzo, SVP, Community and Business Development, Autotask

Code Corner

Paychex, Inc. (Rochester, NY), one of the leading providers of payroll, human resource, and benefits outsourcing solutions for the SMB market, has expanded its SaaS offering with the launch of Paychex Online Mobile for Apple’s iPad. This free, secure, and easy-to-use app includes an enhanced landing page and message center, according to the developer. Employers and employees sign in once to access all the resources and support on their iPad that they now receive over the web from their PC or laptop. This information may include pay records, time and labor reports, retirement plans, and health coverage, with the capacity to make changes where and when appropriate. A key feature of the new landing page is the “report favorites” section, which may be customized for products commonly utilized, thereby supporting owners with more than one business and members of the accounting profession who serve multiple clients. “America’s businesses increasingly want access when, where, and how it works for them,” said Martin Mucci, CEO/President of Paychex. “Our tablet app offers that by giving our clients and their workers complete access to every online product they now use on their PC or laptop, not in any way scaled-down. There’s no additional set-up or different log-in, and employers don’t have to use the tablet app for their employees to use it.”

INSTALLATIONS

Seeing the Workabout for the Trees

Psion (Hebron, KY) will supply its Workabout Pro 3 rugged handheld computer to the U.S Forest Service for outdoor data collection activities from sampling timber and seedlings to surveying streams and wildlife. USFS will order the hardware under the terms of Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with Authorized Psion Gold Business Partner, Handheld Systems, Inc. (Portland, OR). Such BPAs enable federal agencies in the U.S. to establish ongoing relationships for repetitive orders to help meet recurring needs for supplies and services.

As part of the USFS’ evaluation process for the $5-million, five-year BPA, the devices were tested at the Missoula Technology and Distribution Center in Montana. Handheld Systems reportedly recommended Workabout Pro 3 due to factors such as expandability, flexibility, compact size, wireless communications, and easy-to-read display. As part of the deal, Handheld Systems modified the Workabout Pro 3 using Psion’s hardware development kit in order to achieve the IP-67 standard for water resistance required by the Forest Service.

“We looked at more than 25 devices from 12 companies for the U.S. Forest Service, and the Workabout Pro was the clear choice not only for its technical capabilities, but also because of the service and support that Psion offers,” remarked Mike Berg, President of Handheld Systems. “As an active participant in Psion’s online community, IngenuityWorking, we can attest to the outstanding support that Psion delivers to partners and that is exactly the type of partnership we need for this relationship with the USFS.” Purchasing volumes are expected to exceed 900 mobile computers annually, according to Handheld Systems, including docking stations, vehicle chargers, and spare batteries.

U.S. Forest Service Selects Psion’s Workabout Pro 3

Wolverine Runs With Pioneer POS

Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA) has rolled out its Stealth S-Line All-in-One POS for Wolverine Worldwide, Inc., which supplies footwear and apparel under brands such as Hush Puppies, Patagonia, Harley-Davidson, and Wolverine. Looking to retrofit 100 stores in the U.S. and U.K., bearing two terminals each, Wolverine turned to Bob Brooks Computer Sales (Auburn Hills, MI), which recommended Pioneer POS for its product functionality and customization capabilities. For this install, Pioneer added RAID plus an internal Compact Flash reader, as well as both changing and cleaning up internal cabling for the S-Line to fit the retailer’s specific needs. S-Line will run SAP Retail to handle the storefront POS, which interfaces with SAP’s own back-end ERP server.

Chris Bunda, Account Manager for BBCS, pointed out that the footprint of the S-Line “reduced counter space to improve sales” for Wolverine. Moreover, Pioneer’s S-Line comes in three sizes--with 12, 15, and 17-inch touchscreen--and integrates an Epson America thermal receipt printer as well as offering peripherals such as magnetic-stripe readers, barcode scanners, and secondary displays. BBCS also implemented Motorola Solutions’ MC75A Enterprise Digital Assistant for store inventory and OKI Data’s office printers. In summary, Chris noted that the S-Line is “now the standard POS for all stores, and implementation will reach about 150 units, with 50 installed so far, and total project amount being about $450,000.”

Pioneer POS also announced that its Stealth S-Line has been approved for use with hospitality software from Focus POS Systems (San Antonio, TX). “Together, we offer an innovative end-to-end solution with flexibility where the customers can trust they are getting quality from companies that have solid track records with reliability and firm positions in the POS market,” said Michael Flores, Business Development Director at Pioneer POS. In November, Pioneer POS addressed PCI-DSS requirements with encrypted card readers powered by MagTek’s MagneSafe Security Architecture for its StealthTouch-M5 and S-Line POS platforms. This encrypted reader has been certified to work with gateways from Mercury Payment Systems, Payment Processing Inc., First Data, and Element Payment Services, among others.

Stealth S-Line All-in-One POS Terminal

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Casio America
Logic Controls
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
WorldPay US

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Mobile Marketing & Loyalty
Sundrop Mobile

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Grocery List of EDI

Edict Systems, Inc. (Beavercreek, OH) has been selected as the preferred Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) provider for the Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) cooperative. Thirteen of the fourteen member companies have signed on and moved some or all of their EDI processes to the Edict platform, which has been provided under special group terms. Edict’s SaaS suite includes data translation services, trading partner connectivity, supplier on-boarding with testing and certification, and web-based portal, dubbed GroceryEC.com.

“We are excited to partner with the ROFDA organization,” shared Dave Rike, VP of Sales for Edict Systems, which is wholly owned by Advant-e Corporation. “In today’s economy, many distributors, wholesalers, and retailers are looking for ways to reduce costs and become more efficient. Edict helps by providing its complete outsourced supply chain solution for themselves and their suppliers. Outsourcing EDI enables each ROFDA member to rapidly expand their supply chain connectivity without adding resources.”

“Edict’s proven commitment to the independent grocery retailer provides the basis for ROFDA’s endorsement,” stressed Francis Cameron, EVP/COO for ROFDA (Gardendale, AL). “Our partnership has solidified through the collaborative efforts of not only Edict and ROFDA, but also that of our members. It’s a great example of passionate people recognizing an opportunity, coming together, and finding solutions that align interests.” Founded back in 1962 as the Southeastern Food Cooperative Association, ROFDA and its members now service thousands of independent grocers throughout the U.S.

ROFDA Settles on EDI Supplier for Its Independent Grocers

RTLS Over Your WLAN

Ekahau, Inc. (Reston, VA), one of the leaders of Wi-Fi-based Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), has enlisted Juniper Networks (Sunnyvale, CA) to help drive mainstream sales of its products. Ekahau has enrolled in the Juniper Networks Technology Alliance Program, and will integrate Juniper’s family of WLAN controllers and access points into its market-leading RTLS and WLAN planning and analysis tools. Unlike traditional RFID systems, Ekahau RTLS can leverage wireless networks to query its Wi-Fi tags without proprietary sensors or readers, according to the two vendors. This platform also allows end-users to generate alerts, alarms, requests, and other work-flow and safety-related events.

“Ekahau RTLS is delivering industry-leading performance, from enterprise-wide visibility down to bed-level accuracy, by simply using RTLS software and tags over the existing wireless network,” declared Tuomo Rutanen, SVP of Business Development at Ekahau. “This partnership enables enterprise customers to deploy RTLS applications over their Juniper Wi-Fi networks in a very cost-effective way. Ekahau’s leading expertise in RTLS, and Juniper’s global reach in the enterprise markets, makes this a successful partnership for both parties--and for our joint customers.”

Ekahau RTLS can be deployed locally to serve single buildings or an entire campus, or it can be installed in the data center to provide enterprise-wide visibility in internal or externally hosted cloud architectures. As part of the deployment of Ekahau RTLS, the company’s Wi-Fi Site Survey suite of products has also been integrated into the solution, providing end-users and system integrators with the tool-kit for network planning, verification, tuning, and deployment. Target markets for RTLS include environments such as hospitals, warehouse/distribution centers, manufacturing plants, universities, and entertainment venues.

Ekahau Heat Mapping for Real-Time Location System

Channel Factoid

A new study by Randstad Technologies shows that IT employee job attachment has declined, with both retention and engagement levels falling from last quarter (by 8% and 6%, respectively). These new findings also show IT workers have mixed emotions about 2012, with 50% expecting their companies will cut benefits next year and 48% believing their companies will expand their workforce. More than half of respondents (54%) feel they will receive pay raises next year, while more than one-fifth (22%) anticipate likely pay cuts. Interestingly, IT employees are more likely than employees surveyed overall to say their company has great things coming in the future (81%) and has been making the right investments (67%). While only 25% are worried about losing their jobs, workers in IT are more likely than employees in other industries to take precautionary measures, by putting more money towards savings (37%), checking job boards (32%), and networking via online sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn (28%). In terms of attitude, 74% of IT employees feel inspired each day to do their best in their jobs, 63% enjoy going to work every day, and 66% believe their efforts are recognized and valued. On the flip side, once again, 49% are likely to seek new jobs in the next six months.

HELLO GOODBYE

KSS Retail Optimizes Sales Team

KSS Retail (Cincinnati), which supplies price optimization and merchandising models, has named Andy Kalamaras as SVP of Sales and Professional Services. Kalamaras brings two decades of executive experience working with leading technology players such as Accenture, Epicor, and MicroStrategy. Most recently, he served as Northeast Regional Sales Director for Guidance Software, exceeding sales goals and helping to lead the North American implementation of Salesforce.com. He was Director of Sales for MicroStrategy, Senior Consulting Manager for Epicor, and Consultant at Accenture.

“As we ready to launch our next generation of PriceStrat capability, we are focused on delivering maximum value to our existing and future clients by transforming how they will optimize prices and promotions moving forward,” stated Yael Cosset, CEO of KSS Retail, which is owned by the Dunnhumby Company, itself part of the U.K.’s Tesco. “In this environment, Andy is uniquely positioned to provide sales and service leadership globally to help meet our business objectives.”

KSS Retail also announced it will deploy its solution for the Bashas’ and Food City family of grocery stores throughout Arizona. Supporting 120 locations, KSS Retail will allow more effective modeling, measurement, and pricing strategies, according to the two parties. Located in the Metro Phoenix Area, which many industry experts cite as being one of the most competitive grocery markets in the U.S., Bashas’ joins retailers such as 7-Eleven, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Fred’s Inc., and Raley’s in using KSS Retail for price optimization.

Andy Kalamaras, SVP, Sales and Professional Services, KSS Retail

VICS Fits Tagsys

Tagsys (King of Prussia, PA) has signed onto the VICS Item-level RFID Initiative (VILRI), which advocates for the use of EPC-enabled RFID. Tagsys enters the company of leading technology vendors, brand owners, manufacturers, and industry trade associations in supporting this effort. VILRI, which is administered by the Voluntary Inter-Industry Commerce Solutions Association, or VICS, works to quantify the benefits of individually tagged stock and demonstrate how such schemes can improve business processes in the retail value chain.

“Tagsys is focused on providing complete RFID-based solutions to the apparel and footwear supply chain, and we recognize the importance and value of the VICS Item-Level RFID Initiative in educating the market and driving the adoption of this technology in that sector,” indicated Douglas Karp, VP of North American Operations for Tagsys. “By participating in the VILRI, we further enhance our efforts in promoting item-level RFID adoption in the retail sector, while simultaneously gaining new market insight that will help us develop solutions to better meet the needs of our customers.”

Tagsys has taken part in a number of large-scale, item-level deployments, including an installation for French sportswear retailer Serge Blanco that tracks garments throughout the supply chain to the POS. It expects to contribute both technical and business process knowledge to the VILRI subcommittees on which it will serve. “We are pleased that Tagsys has chosen to participate in VILRI, and look forward to incorporating the experience and knowledge they have gained in the apparel and retail markets into our own efforts,” said Joseph Andraski, CEO/President of VICS (Lawrenceville, NJ).

Douglas Karp, VP, North American Operations, Tagsys