Our Product Pick

Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA) has extended EMV Level 3 support for Verifone's Engage. It includes certification with payment processors First Data/Fiserv, TSYS, FIS/Worldpay, and Moneris. Integration partners in POS with Datacap now have plug-and-play access to the following models of Engage: P200 entry-level PIN Pad, P400 touchscreen multi-media PIN Pad, and M400 multi-lane retail signature-capture terminal. These devices join dozens of pre-certified hardware options from leading OEMs via Datacap's universal payments integration. "Addition of Verifone's Engage line of devices to Datacap's brick-and-mortar EMV offering further bolsters the 'one-to-many' payments solution for POS providers," related Justin Zeigler, Director of Product at Datacap Systems.

Datacap Adds EMV Support for Verifone Engage Devices

COMPANY BUSINESS

HP Turns Pro

A high-end all-in-one terminal for POS from HP (Palo Alto, CA) arrives in January: the Engage One Pro. A successor to its RP9, Engage One Pro leverages the company's power in computing, with, for instance, 10th Generation Intel Core i9 CPU, and the latest Windows 10 O/S. A trio of screen sizes (projected-capacitive) includes 15.6", 19.5", and 23.8"--with aluminum chassis (and true-flat frame), hidden power/data single cable management in the pedestal (in countertop configuration), and durable casing (for cleaning with disinfectants).

In conversation with RRN, representatives of HP emphasized several unique design features of Engage One Pro, including its oversized heat sink and dual cooling fans. An interesting approach to peripherals for POS, summarized as "bento box," provides integration on both sides of the display. In keeping with current market trends, the Engage One Pro, which complements the previously released mid-range Engage One, addresses self-service (with multiple configurations and landscape or portrait modes) as well as contactless payments. It includes the data security prowess of HP, including self-healing HP BIOS Gen6.

"Retail and hospitality operators need more power and flexibility in order to deliver the choice, convenience, and personalization customers expect," observed Aaron Weiss, VP and GM of Retail Solutions at HP Inc. "Purpose-built for today's changing retail environments, including the desire for more self-service terminals, the HP Engage One Pro blends its sleek design with excellent performance to deliver engaging and memorable experiences."As one of its strengths in POS, HP identifies its five-year product life cycle and 10-year service life--now started for Engage One Pro.

HP Debuts Engage One Pro

Warp Speed at Lightspeed

It keeps coming, that Lightspeed POS, now buying hospitality ISV, Upserve. It will pay an estimated $430 million for Upserve, which most recently reported annual revenue of $40 million and 7,000 restaurant locations in the U.S. In November, Lightspeed snapped up another major ISV, ShopKeep (New York, NY), paying $440 million and adding 20,000 retail and restaurant locations. Who's next, one might wonder.

"Combining forces with Upserve is a strategic next step in Lightspeed's vision of providing the most advanced commerce platform to high-performing businesses around the world," proclaimed Dax Dasilva, Founder and CEO of Lightspeed (Montreal, QC, Canada). "We believe this acquisition will accelerate the product innovation that has enabled Lightspeed customers to tackle the greatest challenge to their industry in decades and will add exceptional leadership to our teams in anticipation of the economic recovery of the global hospitality industry." Since its IPO in March of 2019, Lightspeed's stock price has risen approximately 80%.

"Through its analytics-based POS and restaurant management solutions, Upserve has been delivering actionable insights to restaurateurs for over a decade. Lightspeed is quickly emerging as a world-leading commerce platform for SMBs and partnering with them to deliver data-based insights through a single digital hub was a natural choice," declared Sheryl Hoskins, CEO of Upserve (Providence, RI). As many readers may recall, Upserve was formed in 2016 from the combination of Swipely and Breadcrumb POS by Groupon. It received an investment of $100 million from Vista Equity Partners in 2017.

Another Acquisition for Lightspeed: Upserve

Worth Your While

2021

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
March 21-24
Las Vegas, NV

ProMat
Modern Materials Handling (MHI)
April 12-15
Chicago, IL

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 22-25
Chicago, IL

NRF Show
National Retail Federation
June 6-8
New York, NY

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 25-28
Nashville, TN

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
Clarion Events
August 22-24
Anaheim, CA

Money 20/20
Ascential
October 24-27
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Datalogic Conjures Gryphon 4200

Datalogic USA (Eugene, OR) has unwrapped its new general-purpose linear imager series, Gryphon 4200. It comprises three models: corded (Gryphon 4200), Bluetooth (Gryphon GBT 4200), and narrow-band radio via Datalogic's STAR Cordless System (Gryphon GM 4200). In dimensions of 6.5 in. (L) x 2.7 in. (W) x 4.3 in. (D), via CCD Solid-State and Dual LED Array, Gryphon 4200 furnishes state-of-the-art read capability of 1D, including damaged codes and mobile device screens.

A number of unique features are cited by Datalogic USA. Its "Motionix" motion-sensing technology follows the natural actions of the operator to automatically switch the scanner into "ready-to-read" mode. A "soft line viewfinder" reduces accidental reads when multiple barcodes are present in the same label. Also, Datalogic's "Green Spot" provides good-read feedback in dim lighting conditions or noisy environments.

Another benefit, in the case of the Gryphon GBT 4200 and GM 4200, is wireless charging technology. An inductive battery recharging system eliminates the need for maintenance procedures such as cleaning of contacts and replacement of batteries, increasing worker productivity. In terms of durability, the Gryphon 4200 has an IP-52 rating for water and dust, drop resistance to 5.9 ft./1.8 m, and disinfectant-ready case.

Datalogic's New Gryphon 4200 Linear Imager

Star Heaps Its Platter

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has stocked its new "extended platter" for its mG-S8200 Scale. This lightweight platter measures 8.5 in. (W) x 9 in. (L) with stainless steel finish. It gets placed on top of the original platter, with pegs to keep the extended platter in place. Once installed, it allows retailers such as yogurt shops, produce stands, and candy stores to measure more product at one time, and farmers' markets and butchers to weight larger items, improving transactions.

With the ability to measure heavy weights up to 8200 g/18 lbs., the NTEP-certified mG-S8200 Scale has readability of 1 g/0.04 oz. It's compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS, and features interfaces for USB, Serial, and Bluetooth. It may be powered via outlet or by battery for portability. A water- and dust-proof cover ensures durability.

"Star released our mG-Scales with the intention of providing full point-of-sale solution to any retail market," shared Michael Hanson, EVP of Star Micronics America. "We are now releasing the extended platter to help larger retailers complete weighted transactions with complete accuracy and ease." As part of its "mCollection," Star also has the mG-S322 Scale (320 g/11.3 oz.) and the mG-S1501 Scale (1500 g/3.3 lbs.)

An Extended Platter for mG-S8200 Scale by Star Micronics America

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Week of November 30

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Week of November 2

ALLIANCES

A Band of Rugged Brothers

A collaboration between Getac (Irvine, CA) and Brother Mobile Solutions (Westminster, CO) will offer integrated printing and labeling solutions for the warehouse, supply chain, retail, and field-service markets. It combines the laptops and tablets by Getac with the family of thermal printers by Brother Mobile Solutions. This includes the Brother PocketJet full-page mobile printer, the Brother RuggedJet 4" thermal receipt and label printer, and the new Brother Titan Series of industrial barcode label printers. With such bundles, Getac plans to expand beyond its focus on the military and government arenas.

"Today, Getac offers its comprehensive customizable solution program, called Getac Select," relayed Joe Martin, Director of the Product Solutions Division at Getac. "Inspired and driven by our customers' challenges, Getac creates innovative solutions employing a combination of rugged computing devices, software, accessories, and professional services--delivering specifically tailored solutions. Our collaboration with Brother Mobile Solutions will simplify the decision-making process for our customers, and more importantly, add a level of assurance that the computer and print solution will function reliably in the most demanding environments."

Of their collaboration, Ravi Panjwani, VP at Brother Mobile Solutions, noted: "There will even be kits that leverage 5G technologies--a winning technology combination which will enable faster, more reliable communication and data transfer to help businesses streamline processes, enhance safety, and improve customer service." A subsidiary of MiTAC-Synnex Business Group, Getac will sell uniquely configured Brother Mobile Solutions printer bundles within its existing line of distribution channels in North America. An upgraded three-year warranty covers the full kit, with service by both Getac and Brother.

Combining Getac's Computers With Brother's Printers for Warehouse, Supply Chain, Retail, and Field-Service

Epson to the Rezku

An endorsement by ISV Rezku (Sacramento, CA) for the next-generation 3" TM-m30II thermal receipt printers by Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA). Established in 2012, Rezku employs the TM-m30II, which was introduced last August, to print customer receipts, credit authorization slips, and end-of-night reports. A single TM-m30II supports four separate mobile tableside tablets for POS. In addition, customers may place orders in the kitchen, and make payment, via their smartphones.

In dimensions of the earlier Epson TM-m30, measuring approximately 5 in. x 5 in. x 5 in., and weighing 2.9 lbs./1.3 kg, the new TM-m30II Series has maximum print speed of 9.8 in./250 mm per second at 203 dpi. As communications, there's USB+Ethernet, USB+Ethernet+Bluetooth, and USB+Ethernet+Wireless. As part of this solution, Rezku also employs Epson America's 3" TM-U220 impact kitchen printer with Ethernet.

"Rezku is an essential partner for Epson," enthused Tom Kettell, Director, Commercial Channel - North America, at Epson America. "The company's dedication to providing a full-featured cloud-based iPad POS solution with unlimited VIP service is vital for the modern restaurant that needs dependable solutions and cannot afford any downtime, especially today. Together, we can empower restaurants with the latest technology, and allow them to spend more time focusing on serving their customers in the most efficient and safest possible way while maximizing revenue, even at limited guest capacity."

Rezku Endorses Epson's TM-m30II Receipt Printer

Code Corner

Elo (Milpitas, CA) has enhanced its access safety solution, delivered as the Elo Access App. Originally launched to fulfill and manage wellness-check questionnaires, Elo Access App now offers advanced features such as mask detection, automated temperature screening, and facial recognition for pre-authorized individuals. Additional benefits include central database reporting, e-mail notification for administrators, and privacy mode on mobile devices (via QR Code). It works in conjunction with Elo's Temperature Sensor Pro, with infrared bolometer and 2D camera, and the company's Android-based touchscreens, such as the 15" I-Series. Using the EloView Platform, the Elo Access App also can be deployed and managed remotely. A version of Elo Access App, with EloView, may be purchased as an annual subscription through the company's distribution partners."A simple, complete, and highly visible safety check for employees and visitors," suggested Craig Witsoe, Elo CEO.

Elo Access App for Safety Screening

INTEGRATION

DLS: Let It RAIN

Diversified Labeling Solutions (DLS) has expanded its product line of trade-only labels and consumables to include RAIN RFID. With access to an array of inlays and face sheet materials, DLS will supply stock or custom-printed labels for RAIN RFID. As many readers may know, RAIN is a global alliance that promotes the universal adoption of UHF RFID.

"RFID labels are an important addition to our Auto ID portfolio," commented James Cirigliano, VP of Marketing at DLS (Itasca, IL). "This product also provides an opportunity for DLS to leverage the expertise of our parent company, TSC Auto ID Technology, and the acquisition of Printronix Auto ID. By combining our expertise in the production of thermal and pressure sensitive labels with Printronix Auto ID's RFID experience, we are able to provide reliable, high-performance RFID labels to our distributors."

Perhaps not coincidentally, in October, TSC Printronix Auto ID upgraded its RFID printer line-up with expanded printing and coding capabilities and "better, more attractive pricing." It includes models Printronix Auto ID T800, T4000, and T6000e. Addressing both desktop and industrial printing needs, this family offers print widths from 4" to 6" with print resolutions of 203, 300, and 600 dpi. Upgrade kits allow customers to add RFID capability to printers already in the field, too.

Diversified Labeling Solutions Adds RFID Capacity

CryptoTap Cleans Up

An unattended, wireless, contactless payment solution for the "self-cleaning" industry, dubbed CryptoTap, has been fashioned by Genesys Technologies (Colorado Springs, CO) and MagTek (Seal Beach, CA). Addressing car washes and laundromats, CryptoTap employs MagTek's DynaWave Reader Module and MagneSafe Security Architecture. It accepts NFC payments from cards, mobile wallets, and wearables.

A customized version of DynaWave was provided for the system. With USB and UART connection, it has an IP-65 rating for water and dust and an operating storage and temperature range of -22 to +158 Degrees F/-30 to +70 Degrees C. Along with wireless communications, this ruggedness supports environments such as outdoor car washes and high-use laundromats, according to MagTek. In the same vein, an accompanying administrative application, MyCryptoPay, is cloud-based.

"Working with the MagTek team has helped us hit the market at the right time," reported Dave Richards, VP of Genesys Technologies. "We are in the self-service cleaning industry during a pandemic and coin shortage. It's good to know we can deliver a contactless solution everyone is looking for, at a really reasonable price, and at a critical time." A longtime partnership has existed between Genesys and MagTek.

A Wireless, Contactless Payment Solution for Car Washes and Laundromats, Called CryptoTap, From Genesys Technologies and MagTek

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Epson America
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
ShopPOSPortal

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard
PAX Technology
Sound Payments

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

Software
Fast Order Now
Touch Window

INSTALLATIONS

ECRS Arms NSG

ECRS (Boone, NC) has rolled out its unified transaction platform, entitled CATAPULT, for North State Grocery. In brands of Holiday Market and SAV-MOR Foods, North State has 22 stores in Northern California and Southern Oregon. Included in this deployment of CATAPULT: POS, LoyaltyBot, Self-Checkout, Flex Market Kiosks, and Fuel Integration. In the future, CATAPULT's WebCart and Mobile Scan & Go are planned for North State.

"Replacing the legacy system brought several challenges as the processes built into and around that system had to transfer over to CATAPULT," explained Steve Kasper, Director of Management Information Systems at North State Grocery. "Working together with ECRS, we were able to install CATAPULT with very little interruption to our employee-owners and their customers." Installation began in March and ended by October.

"The ECRS team really enjoyed working alongside the talented North State Grocery team and their visionary leadership," expressed Pete Catoe, ECRS Founder and CEO. "Running all aspects of a grocery enterprise with a single-source system is the solution that ECRS provides for our customers. It is a technical strategy that NSG has embraced and will benefit from for years to come."

ECRS Rolls Out CATAPULT for North State Grocery During COVID-19

Appetize Fills Stadiums

Appetize (Los Angeles, CA) has added five more major stadiums to the roster of customers for its advanced mobile ordering system, designated as "Interact." They include: Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles, CA), AT&T Center (San Antonio, TX), Children's Mercy Park (Kansas City, KS), Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX), and Holt Arena (Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID). In 56,000-seat Dodger Stadium, for instance, the system includes 780 fixed or handheld terminals for POS.

With Appetize Interact Mobile Ordering, customers may also avoid keypads, touchscreens, and cash by using their smartphones to order and pay directly, through in-app mobile ordering or an app-less mobile website. For added convenience, Appetize Interact Web also supports location-aware QR Codes. It may be launched by scanning the QR Code, with embedded location information for delivery. Its mobile ordering technology has been shown to yield, on average, a 22% increase in order size versus orders made at the POS, according to Appetize.

"Since we first enabled mobile ordering at stadiums in 2012, Appetize has led the way with innovative cloud point-of-sale and digital ordering solutions. Today, we're proud to power the food, beverage, and retail business of almost two-thirds of U.S. major league sports teams," remarked Max Roper, Co-Founder and CEO of Appetize. "Like many top venues we partner with, these five stadiums are making the move to a modern, mobile-enabled operating model that will continue to be commonplace long after COVID-19."

Appetize Adds Five U.S. Stadiums to Customer List

Channel Factoid

-Number of credit cards in use in the U.S.: Over 1 billion.

-Average American has 2.7 credit cards, down one whole card from 3.7 in 2009.

-70% of Americans have at least one credit card.

-34% of Americans have three or more credit cards.

-14% of Americans have at least 10 credit cards.

-Market share among major credit card brands in the U.S.: Visa, 52.8%; Mastercard, 31.6%; Discover, 8.1%; American Express, 7.5%.

-Average credit cards per person by generation: Silent Generation, 3; Baby Boomers, 3.5; Gen X, 3.2; Millennials, 2.5; Gen Z, 1.4.

-Average household credit card debt in the U.S.: $5,331.

-60% of Americans believe the U.S. will go cashless.

Source: Shift Credit Card Processing (Fischers, IN)

Average American Has 2.7 Credit Cards

HELLO GOODBYE

Ashley Ascends

First American Payment Systems (Fort Worth, TX) has elevated Ashley Rangel to VP of Business Operations Support. Most recently, she served as the Director of Operations. She first joined First American in 2003 as Loss Prevention Analyst. In her new role, she will oversee the support teams for the company's government and non-profit subsidiaries, as well as various operational departments within First American.

"Ashley's industry knowledge continues to be a valuable asset to the organization and her work ethic is second to none," testified Michael Bradford, VP of Operations for First American Payment Systems. "We are thrilled to recognize her contributions with this promotion and look forward to her continued success." FYI: Also this month, First American enlisted veteran Chuck Springer, formerly of Epsilon, GameStop, and Armor, among others, as its VP of Information Security and Compliance.

Ashley Rangel, VP of Business Operations Support, First American Payment Systems

High Noon in Durango

FIS/Worldpay will close its ultra-modern 80,000-square-foot building in Durango, CO, and move its 250 workers to permanent work-from-home status, according to reporting in The Durango Herald. As the showcase headquarters of Mercury Payment Systems, before its acquisition by Vantiv, which became Worldpay--all of which has been purchased by FIS--the building opened to great fanfare in May 2014. At-the-time Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper helped cut the ribbon.

Unsurprisingly, it will take some time to repurpose the building--one of the largest in Southwestern Colorado. With LEED Silver designation, it includes medical clinic, fitness center with locker rooms, cafe, and extensive public river frontage. "You can't just put an 80,000-square-foot building on the market. It's not that simple. So, we've already started conversations with FIS about the best community use," stated Michael French, Executive Director of the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance. And so, an era ends.

FIS/Worldpay to Close Durango Complex