This Week’s Product Pick

Brady Corporation (Milwaukee) presented its newest stand-alone portable printer, the BMP51 Label Maker. This device offers large backlight display screen, design software, QWERTY keyboard, and connectivity options for wireless printing. Additional benefits include material recognition and automatic formatting, one inch/second print speed, and USB PC port for network support. Customers may choose from three power sources: AA batteries, AC power supply, or rechargeable Lithium-Ion technology. Top-loading cartridges contain both material and ribbon, with 200 varieties, and the cover protects the print head from dust and debris. “The BMP51 Label Maker is the perfect printer for customers who need to make labels on the go,” proposed Annie Ropella, Product Specialist at Brady. “It’s packed with features that help customers save time and make their labels faster and easier.”

Brady’s BMP51 Label Maker

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Different Vision, Declares Synnex

Largely under the radar, Synnex Corporation (Greenville, SC) has set the goal of bringing its retail VARs up onto the cloud, with all the benefits that implies for system development and delivery. This effort revolves around the distributor’s purchase of Visionmax Solutions last November and has now picked up steam under the direction of Pradip Madan, SVP of Corporate Strategy for Synnex. Based in Toronto, over the past decade Visionmax has supplied its cloud-based POS platform for major retailers such as Sears, Pizza Pizza, and Bell Canada, processing in total roughly 100 million transactions per year.

“Visionmax did something very smart by building their platform in reusable manner, assembling 1,200 classes of object-oriented code,” Madan told RRN.Com. “For somewhat smaller end-users, fifty to several thousand checkout lanes, this means lower cost than if one were to build from scratch. Even in the enterprise world, let alone in the SMB, the days of expensive software development are gone. Many folks are looking for something they can get as close to possible off the shelf, although some customization is always required.”

“Remember, for most implementations--whether big or small--people have some legacy system in place,” Madan continued. “So, much of the opportunity for resellers will be incremental, bringing the customer up-to-speed in terms of growing needs in multi-channel marketing, mobility, digital signage, even call centers. On the front-end, it’s easy to upgrade POS and CRM functionality with our browser-based cloud capability. And on the back-end, whatever ERP or financial systems they have, we can easily support with XML and EDI.”

“If the customer already has their set of requirements, then we can quote the cost of customization,” Madan responded when asked how the process works. “If the reseller participates with us in the engineering stage, they get their commission for that. If they want to do the configuration, it’s their revenue and we don’t even see it. For resellers more hardware oriented, we will do the work for them. In either case, the reseller will get recurring revenue from their percentage of the monthly fee for cloud-based service.” Synnex has promoted its Retail-in-the-Cloud suite at recent shows such as the National Retail Federation in New York and the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Pradip Madan, SVP, Corporate Strategy, Synnex Corporation

Pioneer POS Adds Asterix

Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA) has kicked off its new Asterix product family with the ST-EP4 thermal POS printer. Powered by an Epson print mechanism, this device meets high-volume needs with an MCBF of 60 million lines and an auto-cutter life of 1.5 million cuts, according to the vendor. It handles both text and graphics at 200-mm/second print speed and 180-dpi resolution, with one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and QR code capability, and three-inch print width.

Featuring small footprint of 5.5 in. (W) x 7.8 in. (D) x 6 in. (H) and weight of 3.75 lbs., the ST-EP4 can be placed vertically as well as horizontally on the countertop or can be mounted on the wall. It allows easy drop-in paper loading and accommodates roll diameter of 80 mm. Standard connectivity comes from USB/Serial with Ethernet 10/100 BaseT as an upgrade, while drivers include ESC/POS, Windows, and Linux.

Ready for distribution, the ST-EP4 represents the first of several Asterix-designated products to be introduced by Pioneer POS. “To invite resellers to experience the value and quality of the ST-EP4, Pioneer POS is offering this thermal printer for $99 with the purchase of any All-in-One touch computer in the coming months,” RRN.Com was told by Gee Singgih, VP of Pioneer POS. Next, Asterix will address the booming market for tablet computers. “Asterix will offer flexible and cost-saving solutions for many vertical markets and applications, including retail, hospitality, entertainment, government, and healthcare,” Singgih indicated.

Asterix ST-EP4 Thermal POS Printer

Worth Your While

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

NRA Show 2012
National Restaurant Association
May 5-8
Chicago

WERC 2012
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 6-9
Atlanta

NACStech
National Association of Convenience Stores
May 21-23
Nashville, TN

GS1 Connect Conference
GS1 US
June 4-7
Las Vegas

HITEC 2012
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
June 25-28
Baltimore

RetailNOW 2012
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 29-August 1
Las Vegas

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Triple Play at POS-X

Busy times at POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA), which has shipped its new EVO PC4 Retail Box POS computer and made two additional moves of interest to resellers. EVO PC4 Retail Box was designed to set new standards for size versus performance, according to the vendor, and replaces POS-X’s MiniPOS. Measuring 10.6 in. (W) x 8.7 in. (D) x 2 in. (H), and weighing 4.2 lbs. with metal housing and fanless operation, this subsystem carries an Intel Atom Dual-Core CPU at 1.8 GHz, 2-GB DDR3 RAM upgradeable to 4 GB, and 32-GB solid-state drive. A full complement of ports includes six USB, four Serial, and LAN, with three-year Advanced Exchange Warranty extended by POS-X.

“EVO PC4 Retail Box is our most innovative, compact POS computer to date,” commented Dan Moseley, President of POS-X. “Incorporating the latest energy-efficient CPU technology, the Retail Box’s Intel Atom D525 chipset provides Dual-Core performance while utilizing a fraction of the energy needed to power a typical desktop computer. Moreover, the Retail Box’s petite footprint and optional wall brackets allow for easy installation under the counter or beside the register.”

POS-X also announced that it now offers free 365/24/7 technical support to better serve its dealers and end-users. Based in the U.S., this service center includes remote desktop troubleshooting. Finally, POS-X has offered cash tills for Canadian currencies for its cash drawers. The new 16 in. x 16 in. and 18 in. x 18 in. models are distributed with no brokerage fees through ScanSource, which handles POS-X exclusively.

Rear View of EVO PC4 Retail Box by POS-X

Vehicle Mount Docks at DAP

DAP Technologies (Tempe, AZ) has previewed two new products targeted at warehouse environments, its V1010 vehicle-mount rugged computer and its “intelligent docking system” with wireless USB. The V1010 carries high-resolution XGA 10-inch touchscreen and choice of Windows Embedded 7 and Windows CE 6.0 for seamless migration. Communications are provided through three advanced methodologies: wireless USB, carrier-independent broadband from Qualcomm’s Gobi 3000 radio, and integrated ZigBee technology. The vehicle-mount computer runs on the Intel E660T industrial processor and has 2-GB DDR2 RAM and 32-GB solid-state drive, as well as its own four-hour back-up battery.

“The V1010 packs a lot of power and functionality into a slim form factor that transitions from vehicle to vehicle with ease,” stated Eric Miller, VP at DAP. “Its 10-inch display complements our 7-inch rugged tablet and our widely deployed 12-inch vehicle-mount computer.” In conjunction, the new intelligent docking system offers an innovative, patent-pending, quick-connect and disconnect structure that incorporates both traditional contacts and wireless USB. Beyond securing the computer to forklift or truck and providing power, this mounted system ensures interoperability between fixed and roving devices from DAP.

Under this architecture, customers are no longer limited to the number of I/Os on the computer, according to the company, since the mount employs expansion modules to accommodate peripherals such as barcode readers, document scanners, printers, weight scales, and telemetry transceivers. “We know there is no such thing as one solution fits all. Customers often need both tablets and fixed-mount computers,” remarked Khalid Kidari, DAP’s Director of Product Management and Marketing. “With this cradle, customers get a sturdy docking system that accommodates both form factors for ease of purchase and implementation, thereby maximizing return on investment.” Shown at the recent Modex in Atlanta, both products will be offered in Q4.

DAP Technologies’ V1010 Vehicle-Mount Computer

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ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Am Ex Takes First Crack at Twitter Ads

Card members and merchants of American Express (New York) will get first access to Twitter’s new advertising scheme for the SMB market, which is scheduled to debut in late March. Further, American Express will award $100 in such Twitter exposure to the first 10,000 businesses that register at the dedicated website of ads.twitter.com/amex. Merchants register with the Twitter account they use for business and will be contacted in the next few weeks via Twitter direct message on their eligibility and additional program details.

“Small businesses were among the first to embrace Twitter as a way to connect and interact with consumers in real-time,” related Dick Costolo, CEO of Twitter. “Today, we’re announcing a simple way for small businesses to amplify their voices on Twitter and reach a new set of potential customers using our ‘Promoted Products.’ With their deep commitment to supporting small businesses, American Express is an ideal partner to help us launch this new advertising offering.”

“We are committed to providing cutting-edge products, services, and programs to help our small business card members and merchants grow,” declared Ed Gilligan, Vice Chairman of American Express. “This partnership with Twitter gives our small business owners access to a powerful tool for reaching and engaging existing and new customers.” Twitter’s user base now reaches more than 300 million, although questions remain concerning the receptivity of consumers to self-serving marketing messages.

New Promotional Platform for Small Business

Walking Through Wi-Fi With Android

Ekahau, Inc. (Reston, VA), one of the market leaders in Wi-Fi planning and optimization, has released its Ekahau Mobile Survey for smartphones and tablets running Android OS. Ekahau Mobile Survey 2.0 extends fully-featured site survey and heat-mapping capabilities for enterprise Wi-Fi networks through these emerging platforms, previously provided only for laptops. Costing $399, it also brings professional verification and analysis into the price range suitable for IT administrators of small and medium-scale wireless networks, Ekahau suggested.

“Performing site surveys by carrying a laptop computer around for extended periods may not be ideal for some people,” advised Jussi Kiviniemi, Director of Product Marketing at Ekahau. “The touch-operated Ekahau Mobile Survey for smartphones and tablets changes the way Wi-Fi networks are deployed. Operation could not be much simpler: import a floor plan image, or take a photo of the fire escape plan. Then walk around the area, tapping your location on the touchscreen. You will immediately see the network infrastructure layout as well as coverage heat maps on your tablet or phone.”

Key features of the previous Ekahau Mobile Survey have been included in Version 2.0. Foremost among them: active and passive on-the-spot network testing for data, voice, and real-time location tracking systems (RTLS); touch-operated map view with wireless access point locations, configurations, and current status; and continuous network monitoring, from the client device perspective, including error logging. Lastly, data gathered utilizing Mobile Survey 2.0 can be integrated with Ekahau Site Survey (ESS), the leading laptop-based planning tool for Wi-Fi networks, although this is not necessary for effective operation.

Heat Mapping on Ekahau Mobile Survey 2.0

Code Corner

Pizza and delivery POS developer SpeedLine Solutions (Lynden, WA) has forged new partnerships with Sorbis in New York and Hospitality Management Systems in Kansas City. Sorbis, founded in 2000, will represent SpeedLine POS in New York and New Jersey, with very high concentrations of pizzeria operators in both states. “We are pleased to add SpeedLine to our repertoire,” said Leonard Kupersmith, VP of POS for Sorbis. “We can now meet and exceed the needs of the growing fast-casual and pizza market with one of the proven industry leaders.” Hospitality Management Systems, the subsidiary of Carroll Business Systems, enters the pizza and delivery segment of the market after many decades of industry experience and will represent SpeedLine POS in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Southern Iowa. “We believe that the combination of ‘best-of-breed’ software like SpeedLine and our local 365/24/7 service and support will be very compelling to the pizza/sandwich segment,” said Mark Carroll, President of Hospitality Management Systems. With these two new members, the SpeedLine Reseller Alliance now provides local sales and service for SpeedLine POS to pizza and delivery restaurant companies in 20 U.S. states. “It is exciting to partner with these hospitality IT veterans,” said Craig Baker, Channel Sales Manager at SpeedLine. “The restaurant business thrives on face-to-face relationships, and local sales and service is just a more effective model for independent pizzerias.”

INTEGRATION

UHF Takes NEO to New Places

Psion (Hebron, KY) has added UHF RFID reading to its NEO rugged handheld computer, furthering its suitability for applications such as small-item inventory. This new UHF module was developed in collaboration with CAEN RFID, the Italian firm with North American offices in Staten Island, NY. Based upon CAEN’s Quark RFID Reader, it combines linear or circular polarized antennas and meets multi-regional, multi-reading requirements. In addition, it supports EPC Class 1 Generation 2 and ISO 18000-6C protocols as well as CE (Conformity European), FCC (Federal Communications Commission), and IC (Industry Canada) certifications.

“This product is ideal for customers with heavy demands of inventory management, asset tracking, apparel, and container tracking. The UHF mount gives it additional flexibility to address the retail market,” proposed Pierre Bonnefoy, Global Director of RFID Solutions at Psion. “This new UHF reader is providing a unique combination of light ergonomics and high tag-reading capability.”

Introduced in 2008 as the replacement for the Workabout MX, NEO weighs about 10 oz. and measures 6.5 in. (L) x 2.5 in. (W) x 1.5 in. (H), with angled, high-resolution color display for easier viewing and eight-hour battery life. It runs Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 6.1 and offers the full range of expected data capture and communications functions. Further benefits include an IP-54 environmental rating, “push-to-talk” for voice and messaging, and 48-key or 26-key numeric keyboards. Earlier, Psion had outfitted NEO with HF RFID from CAEN.

Psion Adds CAEN RFID’s UHF Back Pack

MagTek’s Magic Wallet

MagTek, Inc. (Seal Beach, CA) has launched its Qwick Codes Mobile Wallet, designed to protect consumer data during transactions with existing technology while resisting calls for NFC. This scheme combines three MagTek properties. The first, Qwick Codes, are dynamic, one-time-use tokens that replace payment card information. The second, MagneSafe, represents one of the industry’s leading secure card reader and authentication methodologies. Finally, this subscription-based service resides “in the cloud” at Magensa, the PCI-certified and wholly-owned subsidiary of MagTek.

When using the Qwick Codes Mobile Wallet, the end-user opens the app, swipes the preferred payment card through the complimentary MagneSafe reader they received with their paid subscription, and then enters transaction details such as maximum dollar amount and expiration date. From there, the Qwick Code gets created and substituted for the actual card swipe data. Used in conjunction with the end-user’s smartphone or computer, this technique eliminates exposure to skimmers carried by store associates and unattended terminals.

“The mobile payments eco-system is growing at a faster pace than ever before with regard to new technologies and security,” noted Andy Deignan, VP for Global Marketing and Strategy for MagTek. “Consumers continue to rely heavily on their mobile and computing devices for shopping and payment convenience. We believe there is a way to leverage a big portion of the back-end payment infrastructure that already exists while enhancing the user experience up front with better security, offering greater convenience and trust for the variety of ATM, POS, and online payment and identification transactions.”

Qwick Codes Mobile Wallet on iTunes

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
FEC/Acrelec
Pioneer POS
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 ADC
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

Repair & Refurbishment
AMCOR Tech Solutions

Touchscreens & Monitors
TE/Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Self-Service, From Soup to Nuts

ShelfX (Boulder, CO) has found an early adopter for its novel end-to-end self-service system in Udi’s Food. With multiple locations throughout the Rocky Mountain State, Udi’s format emphasizes “grab and go” of ready-made meals, an ideal environment for ShelfX, which seeks to do away with the traditional checkout and inventory process altogether through use of RFID, NFC, kiosks, and sensitive weight scales. An initial pilot project should be completed by May 2012, according to the two parties.

“With ShelfX in place, customers come into Udi’s Bread Café, grab an RFID-enabled ShelfX Card, pick up their sandwich, salad, or drink stocked on ShelfX Smart Shelves, and proceed to the ShelfX Kiosk for payment processing,” explained Udi Baron, Owner and President of Udi’s Food. “The customer then simply swipes their credit card or loads cash onto their ShelfX Card and leaves with fresh Udi’s food in hand. Now, not only are we making healthy, tasty food, but with ShelfX, we’re hoping to get it into the hands of our customers even faster.”  

For future purchases, Udi’s customers may keep the ShelfX Card, topping them with credit at their own convenience via dedicated online platform. An accompanying ShelfX App for smartphone or tablet helps shoppers keep track of their buys. For the retailer, ideally, pricing and inventory will be updated in real-time, allowing low inventory warnings and even automated product re-ordering. ShelfX was founded in 2011 by Ran Margalit, after being frustrated by frequent long waits while shopping, reportedly.

ShelfX System in Udi’s Bread Café

It’s Always Sunny for Signage in Philadelphia

Horizon Software International (Atlanta), one of the leaders in K-12 service technology, has deployed 100 digital signs throughout cafeterias in the School District of Philadelphia. For this project, Horizon partnered with Touchtown, Inc. (Oakmont, PA), which develops operational IT solutions for senior living, educational, and corrections facilities, all gathered under the banner of “communities.” Strategically placed, the high-definition digital “SourceBoards” allow 85 schools in the district to broadcast web-based content such as nutritional information, menus, school news, and upcoming activities.

SourceBoard integrates seamlessly with Horizon’s POS and back-office software, not surprisingly, while also carrying an entire nutrition education library and menu planning system. Horizon introduced the system one year ago in response to new legislation affecting K-12 school lunch programs as well as increased public awareness of healthy diet and physical fitness for children. “Digital signs are an effective tool to help inform, educate, and empower students,” commented Randy Eckels, President of Horizon, when SourceBoard was first taken to market. In other words, kids might pay attention.

Ease of use and implementation was paramount for choosing Horizon’s SourceBoard, reported Wayne Garsela, SVP of Food Service for the School District of Philadelphia. “The support received throughout the entire process has made this project a huge success in our district, and the value of the solution aligns with our continued focus on nutrition education for our students,” he volunteered. Proponents of SourceBoard also point to the lack of classroom time for teaching students about such subjects, as well as reduced paper usage in support of green efforts in schools.

Philly School District Rolls Out Digital Signage in Cafeterias

Channel Factoid

More than one-third (38%) of small business decision-makers utilize smartphones or tablets to help manage their daily operations, according to the new opinion poll by Employers Holdings, Inc., which provides worker compensation insurance. The larger the small business, the more likely these new hardware platforms become: 28% or those with one to four employees, 36% for those with five to 19 employees, and 63% for those with 20-plus employees. When it comes to mobile business applications, 41% of small entities indicate interest in categories such as mobile banking, customer relationship management, risk management, payroll management, and insurance policy management. Overall, mobile e-mail leads this parade of apps at 93%, followed by location-based navigation services at 64%, social media (Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter) at 41%, and mobile banking at 41%. Companies in the transportation, communication, and financial services industries were the most likely to be interested in using mobile apps--47%. Perhaps not surprisingly, younger companies (10 years or less in business) are more likely to use social media, tallying 52%. That’s compared to 28% of those in business for 11 to 19 years and 28% of those in business for 30-plus years. Likewise, among the nearly half of companies that exploit mobile apps, those with the fewest employees (one to four) are the most likely to include social media--54% compared to 46% for those with five to 19 employees and 24% for those with 20-plus employees.

HELLO GOODBYE

Changing of the Guard at Informatics

Informatics (Plano, TX), which operates Wasp Barcode Technologies and System ID Warehouse, has announced that Ed Burke has stepped down as President after 12 years. “Blessed to have the opportunity to live out my second dream,” Burke intends to mentor Dallas-area chief executives as part of Vistage International. The new President of Informatics will be Tom O’Shea, who until now has served as VP and GM.

“Ed has been a valuable member of our organization since Datalogic acquired Informatics in 2005,” testified Marco Rondelli, CFO for the Datalogic Group of Companies. “He has led Informatics, providing consistent growth and profitability. We wish him great success in his next phase of life as he retires from his commendable tenure with Datalogic.” Informatics, many RRN.Com readers know, has become one of the leading providers of automatic tracking solutions for the SMB market in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia since its founding in 1986.

Burke leaves the company in good hands with 12-year veteran O’Shea, according to Informatics, as the two successfully navigated the economic downturn in 2009 and set the company up for renewed growth in recent years. Along with O’Shea, the balance of the management team at Informatics remains in place. Although his resignation became effective February 1, Burke will continue to assist in the transition over the next four months.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Ed and the Informatics team for more than 12 years. Ed has always been a person of great integrity and vision,” contributed Mike Baur, CEO of ScanSource, Inc. “Through his leadership, Informatics has grown to be one of our top partners. I wish Ed much success as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.”

Ed Burke and Tom O’Shea at Informatics

He Counts the Euros for BlueStar

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has appointed Manel Baranera as CFO for its European Operations. In his new position, Baranera will oversee the distributor’s European investments and capital structure, manage budgets and forecasting, cultivate and maintain credit line relationships, and help fuel projected growth across the region. He will work from BlueStar’s Barcelona office.

In addition to his background in accounting, finance, and business management, Baranera brings extensive experience in the Auto ID and RFID arenas, having served as CEO of Datopack, one of the leading Spanish distributors in such areas. In his former role of CFO at Impuls ID Distribution, he administered financials for six companies in five countries. BlueStar, RRN.Com readers may recall, purchased Impuls ID Distribution in January 2010 as part of its international push.

“Our strong financial position has been instrumental in BlueStar’s global growth,” observed Doug Bivins, BlueStar’s VP of Finance. “Manel will focus on maintaining this strength in the midst of significant regional economic headwinds. With more than 15 years of experience in distribution, Manel’s industry knowledge and leadership will play a key role in the financial oversight and structure of our European region.”

Manel Baranera, CFO, European Operations, BlueStar