Our Product Pick

Printronix Auto ID (Brea, CA) has presented its enhanced thermal printer for barcodes/RFID, Model T6000e. Offered in 4" and 6," the T6000e encodes and prints on either on-metal or standard labels and tags for RFID. Available in resolutions of 203, 300, and 600 dpi, the T6000e has maximum print speed of 14 in./356 mm per second. As features: die-cast aluminum frame with metal door, color LCD, 512 MB RAM/128 MB Flash, and 4 GB/32 GB SD Card. It comes with nine printer emulations, full suite of connectivity, and the Printronix System Architecture. "In addition, we've significantly optimized the encoding and printing process, making it ideal for high-volume applications in RFID," related Andy Edwards, Director of Product Management at Printronix Auto ID.

Model T6000e Printer by Printronix

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Big Step for Mann

A transition for another foremost figure in the channel for POS, this time, Bruce Mann, who has announced his retirement. A long career includes GM of Indiana Cash Drawer (1975 to 1993), VP of Marketing at APG Cash Drawer (1996 to 2001), and VP of Marketing at CRS Inc. (2001 to 2019). Also, participation in the System Dealers Association (SDA), Independent Cash Register Dealers Association (ICRDA), and Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA). A longtime friend of RRN, too.

As an independent contractor, Bruce will continue to consult with companies in the channel for POS, including CRS Inc. As his replacement, James Sanders has been promoted to VP of Marketing at CRS Inc. (in St. Paul, MN). With reduced participation in business, Bruce intends to enjoy leisure travel and more time with his lovely wife, Carla.

"What a run!" Bruce exclaimed. "I have been truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful industry and be associated with exceptional companies and individuals over the past forty-plus years. While technology has certainly changed enormously, the recent pace of business model change among the various entities involved at some level in the POS industry is simply mind-boggling. I am disturbed by the disintermediation of the traditional channel; however, I am encouraged by the new and lucrative opportunities available to resellers."

Bruce Mann Retires From CRS Inc.

A Ripe Pineapple

Another channel play for gateway provider, Pineapple Payments (Pittsburgh, PA), with the strategic partnership and portfolio acquisition of fellow payments player, Paystri (Salem, MA). The two firms will jointly continue their efforts among partners, in particular, ISVs. A continuous growth path for Pineapple, which has bought Card Champ (Pittsburgh, PA) in June, Beacon Payments (Boston, MA) in April, and AthleteTrax (Pittsburgh, PA) in February 2019.

"Smart technology, easy-to-sync solutions, streamlined strategies--these are the approaches when we talk about simplifying implementation," commented Jonathan Arst, CEO and Founder of Paystri. "To be an asset to software developers, we must act as more than their resource in payments. The powerful application programming interfaces (APIs), in-house integration specialists, and proprietary payment solutions that Paystri now has access to through Pineapple ensures we remain an ally in both payments and technology. That's what sets ISVs apart from their competition."

"The synergy of our two teams working together is tangible," proclaimed Brian Shanahan, CEO and Co-Founder of Pineapple Payments. "ISVs are important to both Pineapple and Paystri, and we're dedicated to growing the integrated payments space collectively. By connecting our technology to their ISV channel, the possibilities of amplifying SaaS income are huge." Earlier in his career, Shanahan started CardConnect, which was sold to First Data (now Fiserv).

A Channel Surge for Pineapple Payments

Worth Your While - 2020

NRF 2020 Vision
National Retail Federation
January 12-14
New York, NY

Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 26-29
Nassau, Bahamas

ISO & Agent Sales Training
Electronic Payments
February 5
Boston, MA

NGA Show
National Grocers Association
February 23-26
San Diego, CA

Modex
Material Handling Industry (MHI)
March 9-12
Atlanta, GA

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
March 22-25
Las Vegas, NV

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)
April 28-30
Las Vegas, NV

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago, IL

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers
Association (RSPA)
August 2-5
Las Vegas, NV

NACS
National Association
of Convenience Stores
October 11-14
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Epson Powers Up

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has unwrapped its next-generation thermal receipt printers: the 3" OmniLink TM-T88VI-DT2 and 3" OmniLink TM-T70II-DT2. Replacing previous models, they feature Intel Celeron i3 or i5 processor, with storage flexibility (32, 64, 128 or 256 GB SSD). With support for Windows 10 or Linux O/S, they furnish maximum connectivity (USB 3.0, HDMI, and USB Type C, in addition to USB 2.0, Serial, VGA, Audio, and Cash Drawer). All in the name of future-proof.

In size of 5.7 in. (W) x 11 in. (D) x 7.2 in. (H), weighing 6.2 lbs./2.8 kg, the top-facing OmniLink TM-T88VI-DT2 has maximum print speed of 13.8 in./350 mm per second at 180 dpi. In size of 6.8 in. (W) x 11.4 in. (D) x 4.5 in. (H), weighing 6.2 lbs./2.8 kg, the front-facing OmniLink TM-T70II-DT2 has maximum print speed of 9.8 in./250 mm per second at 180 dpi. As functional high-powered PC, OmniLink TM-T88VI-DT2 and TM-T70II-DT2 take up to 70% less space than traditional POS systems, noted Epson.

"Epson is continually evolving its receipt printers to accommodate the requirements of next-generation retail solutions," reflected Gregg Brunnick, Director of Product Management for POS Printers at Epson America. "Our OmniLink DT2 printers deliver the key functionality and flexibility needed to support POS applications as they become available on the market, so that our customers can streamline essential operations and, in turn, better engage with their own customers." Also, paper-saving functions reduce paper usage up to 49% on the OmniLink TM-T88VI-DT2 and up to 30% on the OmniLink TM-T70II-DT2.

Epson's New TM-T88VI-DT2 POS Printer

Cherry Goes Phishing

Cherry Americas (Kenosha, WI) has unboxed its new keyboard for the enterprise, designated Secure Board 1.0. Measuring 18 in. (L) x 7.4 in. (W) x 1.8 in. (H), weighing 1.8 lbs./0.8 kg, Secure Board 1.0 has 105+4 keys and integrated reader for smart card/NFC. It provides protection against endpoint security vulnerabilities, including attacks via USB/HID.

A pair of modes ensure integrity of data. In "encryption mode," the USB channel is locked down by the Secure Board 1.0. In "secure mode," key transmissions are automatically encrypted by the Secure Board 1.0. In addition, Secure Board 1.0 has support for Class 2 PIN, FIPS-201, PC/SC, CCID, Windows, and Linux O/S. A two-year warranty is extended.

"An evolving landscape of the workplace has increased the need for effective endpoint security measures," according to Cherry. "While most companies have implemented security measures to prevent malware attacks via phishing schemes uncovered through e-mail, many companies remain vulnerable to cyber-attacks through unsecured network devices. Combined with anti-virus software solutions, the Cherry Secure Board 1.0 provides an added layer of protection."

Cherry's Secure Board 1.0 Keyboard

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A Message From the Editor

As we enjoy another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, and business models. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ALLIANCES

Casio's Red Line

Casio America (Dover, NJ) has reached out to MenuDrive (Shippensburg, PA) in order to provide integrated online and mobile ordering in concert with its two Android-based POS: Models V-R7000 and V-R200. A direct or private-labeled system--versus local takeout or delivery portals--MenuDrive was established in 2009. In addition to online ordering and menu building, it has capabilities in loyalty, marketing, and promotions. (It bills monthly.)

"Once an order has been placed through a restaurant's online ordering interface, MenuDrive will then route the customer's order to the Casio V-R7000 and V-R200 terminals at the restaurant," relayed Casio. "A red line on the terminal operator display will flash indicating to staff that a new online order from MenuDrive is in the queue to be processed. Those online orders will appear in a separate order screen with the customer name, items ordered, and the time the order was received."

"The order will be in red indicating that it hasn't been opened to process the food preparation," pointed out Casio. "Customers have the option of paying at the completion of the ordering process or at the restaurant when they pick up their food. Those customers that paid online will be designated as pre-paid, while orders that have not yet been paid will be finalized at the V-R terminals upon pick-up."

Casio Partners With MenuDrive

[Editor's Note: Earlier this year, in April, MenuDrive was purchased by Lavu POS (Albuquerque, NM).]

A Roomie for Koomi

An upstart in cloud- and iPad-Based POS, Koomi (Montreal, QC, Canada) has called upon Helios Retail Consulting Ltd. (Toronto, ON, Canada). Addressing quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, Koomi will use Helios as its go-to-market partner for all on-site installation, support, set-up, and customer success in North America. As technology partners, Helios has Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Salesforce, and SAP. On its part, Koomi distributes via BlueStar (Hebron, KY).

"As Koomi expands its reach across North America, Helios brings great value by offering on-site support," remarked Kevin Conabree, Co-Founder of Koomi. "This face-to-face connection creates an unrivaled experience for new and existing restaurants who are used to working with service providers over the phone or chat platform. We have an extremely low churn rate because of our customer-centric approach, and Helios will help complete that experience."

"Helios and Koomi are ideal partners," enthused Nith Nadarajah, CEO of Helios Retail Consulting. "Our shared values and priority around customer service and experience highlight the strong foundation both companies are built upon. Koomi adds to an ever-growing list of high-value, innovative, and high-growth platforms that we support."

Koomi Partners With Helios for On-Site Support of Its POS

Your Dose of RFID

A partnership between two channel players, Kit Check (Washington, DC) and MPI Label Systems (Sebring, OH), strengthens medication inventory tracking with RFID. A so-called "Works With Kit Check" solution certifies the integrity of vials, syringes, bags, and other medication packages for hospital pharmacy decision-makers. It follows critical guidelines for labeling of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

"We wholeheartedly trust MPI when it comes to creating best-in-class RFID labels for our pharmaceutical partners. Their highly engineered custom RFID labels are an essential part of Kit Check's automated medication tray management system," affirmed Kevin MacDonald, CEO and Co-Founder at Kit Check. "We've worked with MPI for years because of their high quality and flexibility, and we are excited to continue our partnership. We look forward to ongoing growth together in the medication field in RFID."

Started in 2012, Kit Check is one of the leaders in RFID-based medication inventory tracking and automated tray processing, in use at more than 500 hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. So far, 85 million medications have been tagged using Kit Check/MPI RFID, according to the two companies. As one of the top label companies in the U.S., MPI has 11 manufacturing facilities, 35 sales locations, and 500 employees.

Medication Inventory Tracking by Kit Check and MPI Labeling Systems

Code Corner

Net Element (Miami, FL), which fields its Aptito POS, has launched its card-linked loyalty program, dubbed Netevia Rewards. A customer easily enrolls and pays with his or her initial credit-card swipe at the brick-and-mortar POS. All future card payments are seamlessly tracked and rewarded. In addition, customer relationship management (CRM) by Net Element can automatically send relevant offers to customers based on their purchase patterns. Greater conversion, combined with data driven messaging, should yield higher revenues for merchants, according to Net Element. "Netevia Rewards, as well as new products we will be announcing to the market next year, aim to empower our small business customers with effective, value-added services and marketing tools to help them make smarter decisions about their customers and increase sales," proposed Vlad Sadovskiy, President of Integrated Payments at Net Element.

Net Element Launches Netevia Rewards

INSTALLATIONS -- ROLLING OUT CANNABIS

Brother: Seed-to-Sale

Brother Mobile Solutions (Westminster, CO) showcased its "seed-to-sale" labeling solution for cannabis growers at the MJBizCon Global Cannabis Business Conference in Las Vegas in December. Acclaimed as the largest such gathering in the world, MJBizCon attracts 35,000 attendees from 70 countries, including 8,000 c-level executives and 1,250 investors, according to its founder, Marijuana Business Daily. An end-to-end solution, Brother's seed-to-sale package spans production, warehouse/distribution, route operations, and retail/POS.

As elements, Brother's seed-to-sale bundle includes barcode printer (its RuggedJet Series), mobile laminate printer (its P-Touch Edge), barcode scanner (Datalogic's Gryphon), and so-called Quick-Deploy Labeling. It emphasizes ease of use, stated Brother. As first step: export the Excel File into the printer. As second step: connect the scanner via USB or Bluetooth. As final step: scan the provided barcodes to print labels.

"The legal cannabis industry is skyrocketing, with the U.S. market predicted to reach $23 billion by 2022, and there is no doubt that track and trace, including mobile print technologies, will play a key role in supporting the industry's continued growth," observed Nick D'Alessio, Senior Business Development Executive at Brother Mobile Solutions. "Within the complicated web of state and municipal regulations covering cannabis, seed-to-sale labeling ranks among the toughest challenges, which is driving the on-demand labeling at every step of the supply chain". A family of its Quick-Deploy labeling kits are offered by Brother Mobile Solutions for vertical segments in foodservice, grocery, retail, and warehouse.

A Quick-Deploy Labeling Bundle for Cannabis

APG: Stash the Cash

Also at the MJBizCon Global Cannabis Business Conference in Las Vegas in December, APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN) demonstrated its cash management solution, SMARTtill, in combination with cannabis POS ISV, Postremo (Fountain Valley, CA). A turnkey, cloud-based platform, Postremo has addressed the cannabis market since 2004. Via weighable coin and note tray, details of each transaction are logged by APG's SMARTtill. APG acquired the technology in 2015.

"Cannabis is a cash business," cited Stephen Bergeron, VP of Global Marketing and SMARTtill Business Development at APG. "Due to federal legislation, U.S. cannabis dispensaries face the singular challenge of having to process most transactions in cash. [They] need robust cash management systems to run efficiently. When integrating new technologies like SMARTtill, with software like Postremo, and automated cash counts, it really adds to the bottom line."

An installation has been completed at Green America in Southern California. "Once the SMARTtill systems were in place, we had an immediate change in behavior," reported Matt Bell, VP of Business Development for Postremo. "Knowing that all their actions were traceable, employees had to break their bad habits. A receipt is issued for every transaction and the system keeps track of discrepancies. When one occurs, the system notifies a manager and helps us identify opportunities for training. It holds employees accountable while protecting everyone's interests." [Editor's Note: A bag of new ISVs at MJBizCon.]

A Bundle of Postremo POS Software and SMARTtill Cash Management Solution by APG Addresses Cannabis Market

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Equinox
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Protech Technologies
Toshiba
WooPOS

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Equinox
EVO Payments/Sterling
Ingenico
North American Bancard

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Seiko Instruments
Star Micronics

Video Surveillance
Envysion

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Shopify Hits the Accelerator

An upstart customer loyalty app has been endorsed by popular point-of-sale and e-commerce platform, Shopify (Ottawa, ON, Canada). As "Customer Loyalty Accelerator," it empowers merchants to identify their high-value customers and reward them with an immediate cash incentive to be redeemed on their next return visit--not the points or percentage of purchase price of traditional methodologies. In exchange, the customer provides contact information for the merchant.

"We are honored to integrate our app with Shopify to provide a new level of merchant opportunity by delivering relevant and compelling rewards that will drive higher return customer revenues and great ROI," indicated Alan Steinberg, CEO of Encore Incentives, the parent company of Customer Loyalty Accelerator (Mesa, AZ). "For Shopify merchants looking to boost customer return visits, we believe no other incentive program can increase customer spending as effectively." (Another product at Encore, "RewardsCardPlus," has gained traction serving state fairs, carnivals, and special events customers.)

Available on the Shopify App Store, Customer Loyalty Accelerator supports, as its hardware, Clover POS by First Data. A 30-day free trial is offered. A starter plan is $24.95 after the 30-day free trial. As background, the two leaders of Encore Incentives share previous time at Intel: Alan Steinberg, CEO of Encore, as Marketing Manager (1980 to 2000) and Scott Goble, CTO and VP of Engineering of Encore, as Director of Software Engineering (1993 to 2008). [Editor's Note: Hurray, Big Data!]

Customer Loyalty Accelerator by Encore Incentives

Datalogic Sorts It Out

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has debuted its image-based barcode reader for sorting applications, stocked as the AV500. In dimensions of 5.1 in. (W) x 4.9 in. (D) x 7.8 in. (H), weighing 6.4 lbs./2.9 kg, in die-cast aluminum, the AV500 addresses high-speed environments in retail e-commerce, postal/parcel, and airport baggage handling, covering all conveyor sizes and handling damaged or plastic-covered symbologies. Advanced technology of AV500 increases throughput volume by 50%, according to Datalogic.

As elements, the AV500 has high-resolution 5-megapixel CMOS sensor; image acquisition up to 32 frames per second; dynamic, sequential, or adjustable focus; and multiple lens choices. In manual reading processes such as overhead scanning or manual conveyor loading, the AV500 can work with continuous frame acquisition, avoiding any user disturbance from flashing white or red integrated illumination. In addition, successful reading processes are indicated visually by means of the company's patented "Green Spot."

A software, entitled "PACTRACK," allows the AV500 to increase system productivity and traceability, enabling multiple packages and barcodes to be read in one pass, with minimal package spacing. Where needed, customers may manage all of their AV500 imagers remotely, via Ethernet IP. Installation and configuration are made easy with multi-language, browser-based, on-board HTML. Also, dedicated GigE Port supports fast image transfer for optical character recognition (OCR).

Datalogic's AV500 2D Barcode Reader

Channel Factoid

-"Retailers should view returns as an opportunity to jump-start sales in Q1 2020, through enhanced return experiences and increased foot traffic," according to recent research.

-77% of consumers say they are likely to purchase other items when returning or exchanging items in-store.

-20% of consumers say they spend even more than the value of the item they returned.

-76% of consumers say they look for discounts and offers on other products before returning items whether during the holidays or throughout the year.

-53% of consumers have used gift cards to purchase something while making returns or exchanges.

-94% of consumers agree they are more likely to buy from retailers that have flexible return policies.

-Consumers are more likely to return or exchange an item if retailers offer the following: easy in-and-out in-store returns (36%), an extended return policy timeframe (20%), or free shipping (18%).

-54% noted that the retailer's return policy has frustrated them in the past, presenting an opportunity to improve the shopper experience.

-71% of consumers prefer to return or exchange items in-store, with 80% of women responding in this manner, compared to 62% of males.

Source: "Holiday Gift Return Plans," Conducted by Valassis (Livonia, MI)

An Opportunity to Jump-Start Sales

HELLO GOODBYE

Chair for MacKeith

A new chairperson has been named for the W2W - Women in Retail Committee at the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA): Michelle MacKeith, VP of Operations at Pinnacle Hospitality Systems. A thirty-year veteran in the channel for POS, MacKeith worked for Data Business Systems in roles such as Software Support Manager, Sales Director, and Director of Hospitality Solutions, before joining Pinnacle in 2011. She replaces outgoing W2W Committee Chairperson Cindy Marcoux, VP of Partnership Development at Worldpay from FIS.

"I'm thrilled to chair the W2W Committee," shared MacKeith. "I look forward to helping to take the W2W community to the next level of what was stated through our mission statement, 'To unite, lift, and empower women in technology by providing educational opportunities and peer-to-peer collaboration in a supportive environment.' I'm passionate about our RSPA community, especially helping women to become 'BYCB' (Best You Can Be)."

"Any and all retail technology women professionals can join W2W as it is not exclusive to members of RSPA," continued MacKeith. "By joining you will receive information about this group, upcoming events, and networking opportunities. Also, the W2W Committee advises on content development and presenter selection for the W2W Event at RSPA's RetailNOW Show." [Editor's Note: Back in Las Vegas in August for 2020.]

Michelle MacKeith Named Chairperson of RSPA's W2W - Women in Retail Committee

A Robyn in the Avery

Avery Dennison (Glendale, CA) has promoted Robyn Buma to VP of Global Procurement for Label and Graphic Materials and Industrial and Healthcare Materials. She joined Avery Dennison in 2000, and most recently served as Senior Director of Global Procurement, based in the Netherlands. In her new role, she will be based at the firm's facilities in Mentor, OH.

"We are very pleased to announce Robyn's appointment to this important leadership position," contributed Georges Gravanis, President of the Label and Graphics Materials Group at Avery Dennison. "Robyn has a successful track record in our organization, broad product knowledge, and a strong focus on building supplier relationships. With her leadership, I am confident that we will continue to stay on the leading edge of material trends, especially in support of our goals for Sustainability 2025."

Also, Avery Dennison has purchased Smartrac's Transponder (RFID Inlay) Division. At proposed price of approximately $249 million, Smartrac's Transponder Division, also based in the Netherlands, has global revenue of approximately $140 million and 900 employees. "This acquisition reflects a continuation of our strategy to invest, both organically and through M&A, to shift our portfolio towards faster growing, higher value categories," declared Mitch Butler, Chairman, President, and CEO of Avery Dennison.

Robyn Buma, VP of Global Procurement, Avery Dennison

Charlie in Charge

Ordermark (Los Angeles, CA), which aggregates mobile orders for restaurants, has enlisted industry veteran Charlie Jeffers for the newly created role of Head of Innovation. Prior to Ordermark, he progressed from Sales Executive to Director of Sales to CEO at TakeOut Technologies (2009 to 2019). Earlier roles have included VP of Sales at Custom Business Solutions (2006 to 2009), Partner at Retail Automation Products (2005 to 2006), VP of Sales at CC Productions (2000 to 2005), and Sales Executive at Micros, now Oracle Hospitality (1987 to 1994).

"Charlie is one of the restaurant technology industry's most respected leaders, with deep expertise in integration of POS," suggested Alex Canter, CEO of Ordermark. "His knowledge and leadership, having worked with hundreds of restaurant chains and dozens of POS companies, will help Ordermark to ensure that its technology and services meet the very high standards we have for data integrity and reliability." As customers, Ordermark has Buffalo Wild Wings, Papa John's, Popeyes, Which Wich, and Yogurtland. It recommends printers from Epson America, tablets from Samsung, and labels from StickyPOS.

"I could not be more delighted to join Ordermark at an exciting time for the category and the company," expressed Jeffers. "Ordermark is the clear industry leader, and is gaining momentum with core technology and integration opportunities that allows for more innovation in the future. In this new role I look forward to working with Alex and the team at Ordermark to help restaurants and virtual kitchens become more profitable, and tackle the myriad integration challenges and revenue and market share opportunities of online ordering, mobile ordering, and ghost kitchens [i.e., kitchens set up for the preparation of delivery-only meals]."

Charlie Jeffers, Head of Innovation, Ordermark