This Week’s Product Pick

DAP Technologies (Tempe, AZ) has unboxed its M7000 rugged seven-inch tablet for Windows. Weighing barely 1 lb., with 5 in. x 8 in. construction, M7000 features sunlight-viewable capacitive multi-touch screen that automatically rotates to landscape or portrait, Intel Atom Dual Core CPU at 1.6 GHz, 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM, and two-megapixel camera with flash. For use in harsh conditions, it carries IP-65 ratings for dust and water and MIL-STD-810F specification for shock, vibration, and four-foot drops to concrete. Communication schemes include 802.11b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth, WWAN with optional 3G module, and GPS. It ships with Windows Embedded 7 and 32 GB drive, upgradeable to 128 GB. "With our expertise in the rugged computing platform, DAP Technologies is designing tablets like the M7000 to help companies make the transition from the limited functionality of handhelds to the robust form factor with Windows," volunteered David Molesworth, President.

M7000 From DAP

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Wireless Cloudburst Over Distribution

ScanSource POS & Barcode (Greenville, SC) will offer WLAN Cloud Services from one of its major vendors, Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL). Through this relationship, ScanSource resellers in the U.S. and Canada have been empowered to help their end-user customers with the management of their WLAN networks from an offsite-hosted controller. ScanSource POS & Barcode represents the first distributor to offer Motorola's WLAN Cloud Services, according to the two parties.

With cloud delivery, resellers can now enhance their managed services portfolio and uncover new sources of yearly recurring revenue, according to ScanSource. Alternatives can be offered to end-users who do not want to tie up capital in appliances, controller, or software license purchases, and instead prefer an operating expense model with predictable payments. In terms of specific wireless products, ScanSource will be providing Motorola's WLAN Planner, WiNG Controller, Wireless Intrusion Prevention, and WLAN Network Assurance.

"In support of the burgeoning wireless and mobility market, we recently announced MobilETC, a comprehensive mobility education, training, certification, and partnering program for our resellers who are looking to sell, deploy, and support mobile solutions. Motorola's WLAN Cloud Services will be a pivotal part of this program," remarked Paul Constantine, President of ScanSource POS & Barcode. "There is a tremendous opportunity for resellers employing a 'Solutions-as-a-Service' delivery model, and we look forward to helping them grow that business with this new offering." Garry Reichert, Director of Wireless and Converged Technology, headed the effort for Motorola Solutions.

Paul Constantine, President, ScanSource POS & Barcode

In Charge at InfoTouch

InfoTouch Corporation (Atlanta) has elevated Douglas MacIver to COO, and revealed major plans for growth. MacIver joined InfoTouch in 2009 as Director of Channel Development, becoming VP of Sales and Marketing in 2011. InfoTouch, as many RRN.Com readers know, was one of the pioneering software developers addressing the use of touchscreen POS in retail and hospitality. Keith Neerman serves as CEO.

"We have made an historic investment in development over the past 25 months which is quadruple our previous annual development budget," MacIver told RRN.Com in an exclusive interview. "InfoTouch has hired a team of new code writers and we are investing in a dramatic evolution of our software. Many key announcements and product launches are now coming to market. We are modernizing and migrating our base platforms to a full SQL .NET 4 software platform featuring our extremely stable and robust C# and C base code sets."

"In the next few weeks, we will be launching an integrated, real-time inventory, scalable e-commerce shopping platform and a fully integrated, at the POS, online, cloud-based booking engine that will be hosted at a new domain: BookMeOnline.NET," MacIver continued. "Our new home site at www.InfoTouch.com is now starting to take shape with over 40 unique feature pages that just scratch the surface of the vertical market opportunities we will unveil in the months to come--all utilized to generate leads for our resellers, dealers, and integrators."

"I am extremely excited to take on these responsibilities and am looking forward to the challenges of building a nationally recognized state-of-the-art scalable software solution for both individual and hybrid retail merchants, service businesses, and counter-service hospitality," MacIver stated. "After 26 years of serving the POS market through the reseller channel, InfoTouch is ready to bring to market a complete solution that is flexible, customizable, and now completely scalable for our thousands of partners and end-users."

Douglas MacIver, COO, InfoTouch

Worth Your While

Field Service USA 2013
Worldwide Business Research
April 22-25
Indian Wells, CA

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 30 - May 1
New Orleans

THE Tech EVENT
(Formerly NACStech, National Association of Convenience Stores)
May 6-10
Dallas

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 18-21
Chicago

HITEC 2013
Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals
June 24-27
Minneapolis

RetailNow 2013
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 4-7
Las Vegas

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Star Orbits iOS

Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has presented its complete set of iOS-compatible Bluetooth POS printers. Entitled "i" Series, and building on the two-inch SM-S220i introduced last year, new models now include the SM-T300i, SM-T400i, and TSP650II BTi. "The mobile POS market is full of challenges for businesses, big and small," noted Christophe Naasz, Director of Business Development. "Star Micronics is committed to providing innovative and reliable printing solutions to meet these demands."

The SM-S220i was Star's first portable Bluetooth printer to be certified by Apple as "Made for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch," abbreviated as MFi. Significantly, SM-S220i supports the Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP), meaning it can pair with devices running most other common operating systems, including Windows and Android. This will prove particularly advantageous for resellers offering hardware solutions, according to the company.

Star Micronics Completes Its "i" Series

Setting the Table With Touch

TouchSystems (Austin, TX) has rolled out its family of interactive touch tables, dubbed InspiraTouch, and offered in two configurations. InspiraTable furnishes the touch display and enclosure, while InspiraPoint completes the package with PC and necessary software. Screen sizes may be ordered as 42-inch or 55-inch, with additional versions to be added in the future.

InspiraTouch stands about three feet high, weighs between 160 and 190 lbs., and comes with speakers, casters, and cable management system. Infrared technology allows up to 40 touch points and so-called "anti-image sticking" eliminates ghosting, according to the vendor. With Windows XP, Windows 7, and Mac O/S compatibility, InspiraTouch also features energy saving potential of up to 50% and standard two-year warranty.

InspiraTouch Table With 42-Inch Screen From TouchSystems

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ALLIANCES

An Even Tan for Merchant Warehouse

Merchant Warehouse has added SunLync, one of the leading software developers for tanning salons, into the roster of supporters for its Genius Customer Engagement Platform. With this deployment, merchants simply choose the payment methodology they wish to offer--whether cards, NFC, QR Code, or mobile wallet--and Genius will automatically enable the POS system to perform those transactions. A division of JK Products & Services (Williamsville, NY), the SunLync package covers the full functionality of sales, inventory, marketing, human resources, and customer service for its vertical niche.

"It is our goal to deliver a product that enables our customers to grow their businesses in every way possible," stated Melissa Damiani, Sales Manager at SunLync. "With this new partnership, the merchants we serve will have the option to accept any type of payment, ensuring that they don't miss out on any business opportunities. Genius also allows our customers to offer sophisticated, yet simple, discounts and rewards to encourage loyalty by providing their customers with the most positive and personalized experience possible."

Genius Customer Engagement Platform Spreads the Lotion for SunLync

Taking Inventory at MicroBiz

MicroBiz (Menlo Park, CA) has endorsed the CipherLab 8200 handheld mobile computer for use with its inventory tracking functionality. MicroBiz, RRN.Com readers will recall, was resurrected in March 2012 following the sale of CAM Commerce Solutions to Celerant Technology. Kevin Kogler, former President of CAM Commerce with Robertson Piper, serves as CEO/President of MicroBiz. In an exclusive interview with RRN.Com, he disclosed plans to refocus on store management, including POS, for the reseller ecosystem and small-to-midsized market.  

Debuted two years ago, the 8200 from CipherLab (Plano, TX) addresses day-to-day data collection by store personnel. Pocket-sized and lightweight (about 5 oz.), this device carries one and two-dimensional scanning, 4 or 8 MB of storage, Micro SDHC slot, 802.11b/g WLAN, and Bluetooth WPAN. Additional benefits include phone-style LED backlight keypad, 2.1-inch 160x160 pixel display, and nearly 100 operating hours per battery charge.

"In winter, many retailers conduct physical inventory at their stores," Kogler relayed. "To help with this, we have added an affordable yet powerful handheld inventory scanner to our list of supported hardware." He pointed to Inventory Reports and Physical Count Reports (by SKU and Description) as valuable parcels of MicroBiz. An endorsement for MicroBiz from A Plus Computers (Fort Wayne, IN) was included in the announcement.

CipherLab 8200 Endorsed by MicroBiz

Code Corner

A new entry, Next Gen Dine (Las Vegas) has released Version 2.0 of its tablet-based restaurant software. Two features were emphasized:  Meal Coursing and PhotoSnap. Meal Coursing allows owners and managers to easily configure menu item course settings, with ordering information instantly sent to corresponding prep station and every terminal via the cloud. Moreover, course settings can be changed on-the-fly by servers at the table and conveyed to the proper prep station in real time. When an order gets placed, the specific menu item will be displayed on the ordering screen with the default coursing setting, configured in advance. At that point, the default course can then be switched. Hold timers may also be set to control menu item preparation. The second feature, PhotoSnap, provides an advanced level of merchant chargeback when used with the mobile device's on-board camera. Management determines the ticket value that will automatically trigger this capability. Wait staff implements that plan and photographs the cardholder, along with his or her driver's license and credit card. PhotoSnap provides high-resolution images and imprints date and time. Even further, the program captures GPS coordinates and integrates this information with Google Maps, providing precise and irrefutable charge location verification. All of this captured documentation is stored in the database in PCI-compliant format for future use as necessary. "With credit card fraud costs topping $100 billion annually, and with merchants paying over $2 for every $1 in losses dues to fees and other charges, PhotoSnap offers a robust fraud prevention tool for food and beverage venues," proposed Paul Roberts, Director of Prelag Partners, LLC, which owns Next Gen Dine.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Sato: The Fire Next Time

Printer supplier Sato has fixed plans to increase production of its environmental "Econano" thermal labels, which claim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions upon incineration by as much as 20%. So-called ACTiiEVe Corporation, which makes the chemical-absorbing adhesive layer utilized for Econano, recently opened its new factory in Fukushima, Japan, allowing this market move. Full production will be achieved in the next few weeks, according to the two parties.

With this enhanced capability, Sato predicts that as much as 10% of its total output will be comprised of Econano labels. Sato launched Econano in November 2011, and has reported sales to major electronic appliance retailers and supermarkets since that time. Further, by combining Econano technology with Sato's "Nonsepa" linerless label series, it's possible to achieve an approximate 50% in carbon dioxide emissions at the time of burning, said the supplier.

Econano Labels Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Signs of Spring for MSP

Six more retail resellers have adopted the cloud-based IT management platform from nChannel (Columbus, OH). This list includes Digital Retail Solutions (Roanoke, VA), FMT Consultants (Carlsbad, CA), JD Associates (Leominster, MA), Retail Technology Limited (Somerset, England), Rose Business Solutions (San Diego, CA), and Systems Technology Group (Buffalo, NY). Since its start last year, nChannel has now recruited several dozen members of the POS and Auto ID channel into its Value Added Reseller Program, headed by Mike Miller, VP of Retail Industry Development. Not coincidentally, Miller's background includes time spent with Microsoft's retail effort, as well as familiar names such as Casio, Kyrus, and Malloy's Cash Register.

The nChannel platform currently supports Microsoft Dynamics for RMS, GP, NAV, and SL, as well as e-commerce connectors for AspDotNetStorefront, Magento, and eBay. When integrated through nChannel, these systems seamlessly exchange and synchronize sales, customer, and product data across business operations, according to the developer. Using nChannel, subscribers may link their existing financial, ERP, and POS with traditional storefronts, websites, and marketplaces.

POS VARs Recruited by nChannel

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Metropolitan Sales
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
Posiflex
POS-X

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Systems - Retail
LightSpeed Retail

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Janam Technologies
Trimble

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

CKE Feasts on EverServ 7700

ParTech, Inc. (New Hartford, NY) will supply its new PAR EverServ 7700 POS for all 3,263 Carl's Jr. and Hardee's sites run by CKE Restaurants, both corporate-owned and franchised. Following its rigorous testing and certification process, CKE has selected the top-of-the-line EverServ 7700 with an Intel i5 CPU and POSReady 7 O/S to deliver optimal performance and ensure bandwidth for future applications, according to the two parties. Significantly, EverServ 7700 features backwards compatibility with many previous models of printers and cash drawers, which will simplify deployment and reduce pricing.

"During our 10 year relationship, PAR has consistently delivered highly durable and reliable POS hardware and responsive services," recounted Jeff Chasney, EVP of Strategic Planning and CIO for CKE Restaurants, Inc. "We have done extensive lab testing and certification of the new EverServ 7700 terminal including deployments at four pilot sites and the performance has been outstanding. We are confident that the innovative design of the EverServ 7700 will provide our franchisees the best combination of durability, performance, scalability, and serviceability that will result in the lowest total cost of ownership."

"Modularity of the EverServ 7700 will enable our restaurants to upgrade key components as needs change--CPU, memory, touchscreen, disk drives, and customer displays--which will maximize the life of the POS terminals," added Tom Lindblom, VP of IT and Chief Technology Officer for CKE, which is based in Carpinteria, California and operates in 42 states and in 25 countries. "We also like the sleek new design and small footprint of the PAR terminal, which complements the image of our newly remodeled stores." Deployment of the EverServ 7700 commenced in mid-December and should be completed by the end of June.

EverServ 7700 by ParTech for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's

On the Waterfront With RFID

Like one of those huge underground mushrooms spanning acres of forest, tagging with RFID continues to spread steadfastly throughout the supply chain. Take the recent example of Tagsys RFID (King of Prussia, PA), which shared resources this week with the Port Logistics Group (Houston) to pilot two new item-level inventory programs for major gateway facilities in Los Angeles/Long Beach and New York/New Jersey. Specifically, Tagsys UHF Gen 2 RFID will be linked with the Event Tracker Warehouse Management System from Port Logistics Group to focus on shippers with "high-value apparel and consumer goods," according to the two parties.

"Our partnership with Port Logistics Group offers a unique opportunity to bring the benefits of our RFID solutions to multiple customers at a strategic point in the supply chain," suggested Alain Fanet, CEO of Tagsys. "We hope to demonstrate the benefits of RFID in the distribution center--inventory visibility and accuracy and reductions in processing costs--and be in the position to offer expanded solutions both upstream and downstream, from point of manufacturing to point of sale." Applications will span receipt of goods and outbound order verification, as well as inventory management and cycle-counting, he added.

"Our clients include major U.S. retailers and the companies that supply them," commented Bob Stull, CEO of Port Logistics Group. "RFID compliance is becoming a critical part of doing business in the retail supply chain, and we want to ensure that Port Logistics Group is a step ahead in providing distribution solutions that are RFID ready." PLG, many RRN.Com readers will recognize, represents one of the largest providers of gateway logistics services, including value-added warehousing and distribution, trans-loading and cross-docking, vendor consolidation, and national transportation. It supports major ports on both coasts with more than four million square feet of warehouse space.

Tagsys Teams With Port Logistics Group for Gateway Facilities

Channel Factoid

Here we go again. A change in federal tax law that decreased the take-home pay of many working Americans will ripple throughout the economy, according to the National Retail Federation's 2013 Tax Returns Survey, conducted by BIGinsight. When asked how the new federal tax laws have affected spending, saving, or budgeting of their households, nearly six in 10 (58.2%) of those polled said their plans have been either somewhat or greatly impacted. Specifically, nearly half (45.7%) predict they will spend less overall, and more than one-third (35.6%) will watch for sales more often. An additional one-third (33.5%) will reduce how much they dine out and one-quarter (24.5%) will spend less on "little luxuries" such as trips to coffee shops, manicures, and high-end cosmetic items. Of those greatly impacted, nearly half (49.2%) will delay major purchases, such as cars, flat screens, or furniture, and more than half (58.2%) will cut the times they eat out. Another 43.4% will contribute less to savings, 46.4% will comparison shop more often, and 54.4% will spend less on clothing. "A smaller paycheck due to the fiscal cliff deal early last month, higher gas prices, low consumer confidence, and ongoing uncertainty about our nation's fiscal health is negatively impacting consumers and businesses across the country," postulated Matthew Shay, NRF CEO/President. "Every day we hear about building the middle class. We can only do that if we tear down barriers that prevent consumers from investing their hard-earned money back into our nation's economy. It's really that simple."

HELLO GOODBYE

Qaliber on the Pedestal

Seiko Instruments USA (Torrance, CA) has announced that its Qaliber RP-E Series of POS printers has been honored by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion with the 2012 Good Design Award in the Thermal Printer Category. Qaliber RP-E Series were recognized "for the smallest footprint to free up space at the POS, fastest printing speed for better user experience, and high reliability for low maintenance costs." Qaliber printers also offer the choice of standard and front-access control options for deployment flexibility, anti-jamming heavy-duty auto-cutter, and oversized LEDs for notification of printer status.

"It is an honor to have our Qaliber printers recognized with the distinguished 2012 Good Design Award," shared Mark Matsuda, Marketing Manager for Qaliber POS printers. "It is a testament to SII's continued commitment to innovation, excellence in design and manufacturing, and customer satisfaction."

Based in Tokyo, the Good Design Award was originally created in 1957, out of the belief that design was essential in breaking out of the cycle of poverty in Japan. Every year, JDP receives approximately 3,000 submissions from more than 1,000 companies both inside and outside of Japan. These entries are screened by approximately 60 design experts before these prestigious awards are distributed.

Qaliber POS Printer by Seiko Wins Design Award

HID's Ivy League CIO

HID Global (Irvine, CA), one of the leading worldwide physical security providers, has enrolled Bridget Burke as its VP and CIO, where she will be responsible for the company's business applications, data networking and infrastructure, and customer information programs. She will also function as Chief Security Officer (CSO). Burke brings 25 years of experience, including time as Chief Technology Officer for United Technologies, Director of Program Management at Harvard University, Senior IT Executive at Columbia University, and Co-Founder of Gryphon Software Corporation.

"Creating the new role of CIO is part of our 'Genuine HID' commitment to enhance the customer experience by driving innovation that aligns our IT and business strategies, streamlines our information systems, and extends HID Global's scalability to address current and future customer requirements," stated Denis Hebert, CEO/President. "With Bridget's proven success in leading global IT strategy and programs, her information technology and security leadership will be a great asset for HID Global at this stage of our development and lead us to the next level of growth." Just recently, HID Global entered into distribution in the U.S. through the Ingram Micro North America Physical Security Business Unit.

"Joining HID Global as CIO at this exciting time at the company is an exceptional opportunity," said Ms. Burke. "HID Global has built a solid global reputation as a technology and industry leader in the secure identity industry and is known as a trusted source for innovative products, services, and solutions. I am looking forward to being part of this dynamic team as HID Global addresses tremendous opportunities."

Bridget Burke, VP and CIO, HID Global