This Week’s Product Pick

Toshiba Tec (Irvine, CA) debuted its next-generation B-EX4 Industrial Label Printer, designed to bring user-friendliness to the production line, according to the vendor. The Toshiba B-EX4 features print speed of 14 inches/second, compared to 10 inches/second for its predecessor, the B-SX4. Features include double ribbon motor control, center loading, side media opening, and the full complement of I/O ports (Ethernet, USB 2.0, Parallel, and WLAN). Its patented snap-in print head and tool-less platen replacement are two major components that now can be serviced by the end-user, reducing hardware maintenance cost. A unique LCD graphical help-desk display facilitates operational settings, reduces training requirements, and allows end-users to take immediate corrective action. Also new to the industrial printer range are the B-EX4’s thermal head resolution detection, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) address display, and automatic feeding/back-feeding function to the default position. Toshiba’s B-EX4, rated at lower than 9 W in stand-by (nearly 40% less than its predecessor) meets Energy Star requirements.

Toshiba TEC Industrial Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

No Loyalty Gap With SNAP

Seeking to bridge traditional in-store loyalty programs and booming social media, SNAP, representing the Social Network Appreciation Platform, has been unveiled by a group of industry veterans in loyalty and POS, led, notably, by David Gosman, CEO of pcAmerica, one of the more innovative Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) for retail and hospitality. Gosman serves as CEO of SNAP (Pearl River, NY), which exists as an independent entity, and now markets its web-based product for social messaging/customer loyalty that simultaneously rewards shoppers while building brand recognition and viral promotion for businesses. The general rollout of SNAP builds upon Gosman’s previous success with Tasti D-Lite, the Tennessee-based frozen dessert chain, which first adopted the scheme in January 2010.

Under SNAP, whenever the customer’s loyalty transaction occurs--in the store or online--customizable, pre-authorized messages are automatically pushed out to social networks, as well as checking them into location-based social sites such as foursquare. Businesses control their own campaigns and set rewards to be unlocked by customers at certain participant levels. Separate portals allow customers and brands to manage account options, enable features, and view reports. One of the major advantages of SNAP, Gosman told RRN.Com, is an immediate tie to customer purchasing behavior, which is somewhat unique in the social network.

SNAP, not surprisingly, gets provided to consumers at no cost, while businesses pay the freight depending on the complexity and depth of service they adopt. Significantly, SNAP has been configured to offer opportunities for the channel, with its Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) made readily available to hardware manufacturers and software developers. In addition, resellers in POS, loyalty, and payment processing will be financially rewarded for offering the new service to their end-users. 

“There is no doubt that word of mouth has found its new medium,” Gosman said. “There are a lot of businesses out there enjoying great success with in-store loyalty programs, but they’re a little lost when it comes to engaging customers on the web and social networks. SNAP allows businesses to create a presence via digital word of mouth from their most loyal customers, while reaching an entire world of new potential customers.”

David Gosman, CEO of SNAP

Microsoft and SAP, Side by Side

Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA) and SAP AG (Walldorf, Germany) have strengthened ties with the release of Duet Enterprise, their joint software integration product, and formation of the new SAP-Microsoft Unite Partner Connection program. Specifically, Duet Enterprise links Microsoft SharePoint 2010 and SAP solutions, providing end-users with easier access to business processes and data. Through the middleware, businesses will enhance their return on existing IT investments and enjoy greater collaboration that will help boost overall productivity, according to the two parties.

“Customers and partners have frequently requested deeper integration between their two leading IT solutions from SAP and Microsoft,” stated Eric Swift, GM for SharePoint at Microsoft. “Duet Enterprise delivers on that need by combining the power of the SharePoint business collaboration platform and the familiarity of Microsoft Office 2010 applications with world-leading business process solutions from SAP. The partnership between our companies has never been stronger, and we believe this release will provide substantial benefits to our customers and partners.”

Reportedly created in direct response to partner feedback and requests, SAP-Microsoft Unite Partner Connection draws together members of both the SAP PartnerEdge program and the Microsoft Partner Network. The new effort has been designed to help partners of both companies “increase their business opportunities more effectively through better understanding of Microsoft and SAP joint solutions and product road maps.” As such, it addresses synergistic co-innovation, go-to-market support, and training for the 6,000 Microsoft and 8,000 SAP practitioners around the world.

Worth Your While

ProMat 2011
Material Handling Industry of America
March 21-24
Chicago

Global Supply Chain Summit
National Retail Federation
April 10-12
Columbus, OH

WERC 2011
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 15-18
Orlando

NRA Show 2011
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

UConnect 2011
Voluntary Inter-Industry Commerce Solutions (VICS)
May 31-June 3
Orlando

HITEC 2011
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
June 20-23
Austin, TX

RetailNOW 2011
Retail Solution Providers Association
July 24-27
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

BlueStar Sweetens Cherry

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has been named the “Value-Added Distributor of the Year” for the Cherry keyboard brand of ZF Electronics (Pleasant Prairie, WI). The award honors BlueStar’s superior capabilities in value-added distribution, according to ZF, along with its commitment to augment the brands it handles. Further, BlueStar’s extensive network of resellers was credited with opening up new markets for Cherry.

“As a result of the dedication of the entire BlueStar team in their efforts to promote the Cherry product line, as well as everyone’s ability to bring value to our partners, BlueStar was selected by the ZF team for this prestigious award,” relayed Tim Soulis, Manager of Distribution Sales & Marketing for ZF Electronics USA. “We look forward to continued growth and success as we assist each other in providing quality customer care.”

Key products in the relationship have included Cherry’s POS keyboards with customizable color keycaps for easy visual recognition of common functions. Cherry also offers FIPS 201-compliant keyboards and stand-alone devices, as well as biometric features and high-performance PCSC/EMV smart card readers. For BlueStar’s industrial markets, Cherry supplies rugged keyboards with mechanical key switches rated to more than 50 million operations. BlueStar also handles Cherry’s G86-6240 Series of compact keyboards, which furnish an integrated touchpad and IP-54 spill and dust resistant key field, in addition to several washable keyboards and mice suitable for unclean environments and healthcare.

Cherry’s SPOS Biometric Keyboard

LXE’s Tecton-ic Handheld

LXE (Atlanta) premiered Tecton, its rugged handheld computer targeting supply chain applications. The successor to LXE’s MX7, the IP-65 rated Tecton accelerates real-time data capture with the PXA 320@806 MHz processor running Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 or Windows CE 6.0. Keypads protect against airborne and spilled chemical agents, and electrical components are secured to circuit boards to better withstand drops and shocks. A cold-storage configuration, dubbed Tecton CS, includes programmable touchscreen and scan window defrosters and cold-tolerant backup power source that holds the charge longer in environments as low as -30 Degrees C.

Tecton features one and two-dimensional barcode scanning that reads from four inches to 40 feet, so operators can perform warehouse functions ranging from receiving to full pallet put-aways with the same version of the computer. Scan-intensive picking can be enabled with the Tecton computer’s easy-grip removable handle with two-finger trigger, and LXE’s ToughTalk technology for voice-driven processes comes standard. The device carries state-of-the-art communications capabilities (WLAN 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, WPA or WPA2 security, and Cisco CCX Version 4) as well as 256 MB SDRAM, 256 MB Flash, and 1-GB or 4-GB Micro-SD card.

“There are some so-called warehouse handhelds that were not specifically designed for warehouse applications, and others that compromise in terms of ergonomics or processing power,” suggested Steve Newell, VP and GM of LXE. “The Tecton is the first device in the category to address all the challenges of maximizing supple chain productivity. It performs well in so many tasks because it’s light enough for scan-intensive picking, yet able to take a beating. We purpose-built this computer for the supply chain with the right combination of ergonomics, ruggedness, and computing power.”

Tecton Warehouse Computer From LXE

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Back to the Future for Zebra

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has agreed to sell its Navis business to Cargotec Corporation (Helsinki, Finland) for approximately $190 million in cash. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2011, subject to regulatory approvals, customary closing conditions, and working capital adjustments. It includes certain business operations serving marine terminal customers that comprised some small part of Zebra’s 2007 acquisition of WhereNet. All other elements of WhereNet, such as real-time location, tags, and readers, will remain with Zebra--which purchased Navis in 2007.

“Following the sale of Navis, Zebra will benefit from a sharper focus on its core business to drive consistent long-term growth, extend industry leadership, and deliver greater returns to shareholders,” commented Anders Gustafsson, CEO of Zebra. “Our suite of products, solutions, and technologies positions Zebra as the innovation leader in asset tracking with specialty printing, RFID, and real-time locating solutions that can be applied to solving customer challenges across a broad range of industries and applications. This commitment to our core business will enable us to better direct our resources to those activities that offer the highest risk-adjusted returns, including returning capital to shareholders through our share repurchase program.”

Based on a strategic review of its business, the company determined that the highly industry-specific nature of Navis limited its application in other industries and was insufficiently aligned with the core business. Navis provides planning and management solutions for moving containers and heavy equipment in marine terminals and other complex business environments. Continued Gustafsson regarding Zebra, “We will continue to drive profitable growth through global expansion in under-served regions, investing in product and channel development, and building stronger customer relationships through large system integrators and Independent Software Vendors.”

Divesting Navis Helps Zebra Refocus on Core Business

RedPrairie Escalates Retail Standing

Where will it end? First SmartTurn, then SofTechnics, then ShipComm. Now the RedPrairie buying binge continues with Escalate Retail, the cross-channel retail solutions provider. More than 500 retailers run their businesses on Escalate’s software, which supports buying on the web, in the store, through mobile devices, and over the phone. Associated functionality includes relationship marketing, clienteling, and order management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but New Mountain Capital LLC, which took control of RedPrairie last March, sure seems to be making good on its promise to fund growth.

“With this acquisition, RedPrairie will be ideally positioned to manage both supply chain and retail activities, from the time the customer first makes contact with their retailer--no matter the channel, touch point, or device--all the way through to fulfillment,” declared Mike Mayoras, CEO of RedPrairie (Atlanta). “Additionally, we have enhanced our ability to leverage our Workforce and Inventory Management solutions to help retailers optimize inventory and fulfillment processes regardless of where the order is in the supply chain.”

“The consumer has evolved,” indicated Stewart Bloom, CEO of Escalate Retail (San Diego). “More than ever, consumers are using a number of different channels to interact with retailers outside of the store, from online and mobile devices, to call centers and social media among others. Our merging with RedPrairie results in unparalleled capabilities to optimize the customer experience, from search to sale to delivery.”

St. John Knits Implemented Escalate Retail, Now Part of RedPrairie, in January

Code Corner

Charge Anywhere (South Plainfield, NJ) has offered Charge Anywhere for Android, its free payment app available from the Android Market. One of the unique features of Charge Anywhere’s new build is its ability to accept multiple tender types, according to the developer, including credit cards, check, cash, and ACH payments. In addition, Charge Anywhere’s mobile payment software and gateways are supported by all major credit card processors in the U.S. and Canada. Moreover, merchants can qualify for the lowest swipe rates on card transactions and run an efficient, professional operation by adding an optional Bluetooth card reader/receipt printer. This small, battery-operated, peripheral device prints or e-mail receipts at the point-of-sale. Finally, merchants may combine their mobile payment transactions with other Charge Anywhere solutions for integration to back-end accounting applications such as QuickBooks. “Charge Anywhere is excited to participate in the explosive growth of Android and interest in mobile payments,” said Paul Sabella, CEO/President. “Business owners can download our mobile payment app for Android smart phones and tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy and start to grow their business anywhere, anytime.”

STARTS & STOPS

Unlocking the EPC Number

Checkpoint Systems (Thorofare, NJ) has introduced its Open EPC Number Management Solution for the apparel industry. Delivered through SaaS, and based upon the OAT Foundation Suite, this stand-alone platform frees retailers and suppliers to purchase RFID labels from any service bureau provider, according to the company. Checkpoint took control of OATSystems, the RFID application and middleware developer, in 2008 to further its plans to become the one-stop shop for inventory tracking for retail and manufacturing.

“In an RFID-enabled retail environment, each item requires its unique EPC number consisting of the Global Trade Item Number, GTIN, which identifies the type of item, as well as serialization data which defines it,” noted Prasad Putta, EVP of Checkpoint Systems’ Merchandise Visibility Solutions. “But due to many factors, including global distribution, multiple suppliers of merchandise, multiple service bureaus, and high volume of goods, vendors and retailers find it increasingly difficult to manage and ensure unique EPC numbers across their operations.However, this is critical to providing the data integrity needed to extract the full value of RFID.”

Some service bureau providers are taking advantage of this problem by bundling EPC number management together with their print service bureau offerings, which locks retailers and their vendors into using them as the single-source provider of RFID labels, according to Checkpoint. Even when customers want to do their own in-plant printing, these vendors are requiring the use of proprietary encoding software, printer versions, and label formats to work with their number management systems.

“We often hear from our customers that they want multiple service bureau suppliers and don’t want to be forced into buying from only one vendor,” Putta continued. “Checkpoint’s Open EPC Number Management Solution frees apparel retailers and manufacturers from getting locked into one provider. It offers them flexibility to obtain service bureau services and consumables from multiple providers, while still ensuring unique number management.”

Checkpoint Systems Launches Open EPC Number Management Solution for RFID Tags

[Editor’s Note: Checkpoint Systems also announced it will buy Shore to Shore, Inc. (Centerville, OH), an apparel and footwear label and tag maker with production locations in 13 countries. Shore to Shore posted revenues of approximately $75 million for 2010. Initial purchase price for the all-cash transaction was put at $68 million, less any debt, with another $20 million for meeting specified near-term business results.]

United Merchant Services: Free POS!

They stay busy, the payment processors. This time, United Merchant Services, Inc. (Hackensack, NJ) has launched its Free POS Program, which passes out the company’s UP-3000 “Mini POS.” Targeted at small business owners, UP-3000 gets powered by Intel’s N270 Atom Processor and incorporates eight-inch touchscreen, two-inch thermal printer, magnetic-stripe reader and the company’s proprietary payment platform. Standard I/O includes USB, LAN, Cash Drawer, and Dial-Up Modem. It is intended to replace Electronic Cash Registers (ECRs).

“The Free POS Program is going to elevate our business partners to an entirely new level and assist in increasing the overall size of their merchant portfolio,” remarked Bryan Daughtry, VP of Sales and Marketing for United Merchant Services. “With our experienced sales and support team, and their many years of experience with POS systems, our partners will not have to go through hours of online webinars and certifications. Instead, they can focus on sales and let the experts here do the heavy lifting related to programming, installation, training, and ongoing support.”

“Our Free POS Program has the shortest contract term available when compared to other programs,” Daughtry added. “Coupled with added benefits such as a rental program for merchants requiring more robust systems, free gift card processing, and lead generation for qualified partners, we are confident that the solutions we offer provide the best value in the industry.” In addition, United Merchant pointed to the success of its latest dealer incentive program, which extends POS software, payment module, $200 credit towards future hardware/software purchases, and lifetime residuals.

UP-3000 Furnished by United Merchant Services

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
SATO America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Pay at Table
Bellatrix Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Retail Systems
Zebra/Motorola

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INTEGRATION

NCR’s Crystal Ball for Service

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) has added predictive capabilities to its managed services offering. NCR Predictive Services, which falls under the framework of NCR Interactive Insight, will foretell failures on self-service terminals before they happen and dispatch technicians before consumers are impacted, according to the vendor. Initially, it will be made available for NCR SelfServ Automated Teller Machines and NCR SelfServ Checkout Stands. It combines reporting from these devices (diagnostic, not customer behavior) with insights from the NCR Services data warehouse, which maintains records from more than two million consumer points of service and 12 million repair actions.

For example, NCR will track component activity, such as receipts printed in the self-checkout terminal or ATM. When the printer nears the end of its lifecycle, or exhibits early signs of failure, the device may be proactively replaced before such failure occurs. Whenever an anomaly gets detected, the predictive system will suggest suitable resolution--either service technician dispatch or remote diagnostic session with an NCR customer engineer. A wide variety of configuration options are available, depending upon the security levels required.

“This shift from a reactive service model to a predictive one will create new value for our customers by ensuring that their mission-critical self-service devices have the highest levels of availability,” maintained Chris Askew, SVP of Services at NCR. “The promise of consumer self-service resides in its successful interaction, every time. The break-through service innovation we have introduced today will help our customers deliver this promise, guaranteeing successful, positive experiences for consumers.”

NCR SelfServ Mini Checkout

Apple of Panini’s “I”

Panini (Dayton, OH) has developed an Apple Mac interface for its check scanners for Remote Deposit Capture (RDC). This solution represents the first to offer native support in the Mac environment along with true MICR capture, according to the company. In making the announcement, Panini quoted research from Net Applications that indicates Apple Macintosh market share in the U.S. has been consistently growing and in October 2010 reached its high of 11.4% of all desktop-deployed operating systems.

Panini’s new build supports the Mac OS X operating system and utilizes Vision API Version 3.6. It works in conjunction with the company’s Vision X and I:Deal check-scanning products, which specifically target the SMB market. As RRN.Com readers may know, Panini and Epson America are the two major competitors for RDC in that space.

“We are very excited about this segment,” shared Michael Pratt, Chief Marketing Officer for Panini. “There are a significant number of Mac-based small businesses and consumers that, until now, haven’t been able to take advantage of the benefits of RDC, so this initiative has been a priority for Panini.” Panini will be making additional announcements regarding Mac OS X, including new customers, partnerships, and channels, RRN.Com has learned.

Remote Deposit Capture for the Mac OS X

Channel Factoid

A new study published by ExactTarget and CoTweet, entitled “The Social Break-Up,” finds more than 90% of consumers have disconnected with at least one brand on Facebook, e-mail, or Twitter because of irrelevant, too frequent, or boring marketing messages. Leading the way, 91% of consumers have unsubscribed from permission-based marketing e-mails, while 77% report being more cautious about providing their e-mail address to companies versus last year. In other results, 81% have either “unliked” or removed some company’s posts from their Facebook news feed and 71% report being more selective about “liking” companies on Facebook versus last year. About half, 51%, expect that such “likes” will result in marketing communications from brands while 40% do not believe it should result in such contact. Lastly, 41% have “unfollowed” one or more companies on Twitter. “Consumers remain willing to engage with marketers via the inbox, Facebook, and Twitter,” observed Jeff Rohrs, Principal of ExactTarget’s Marketing Research and Education Group. “However, consumers understand now more than ever that they are in control of marketers’ messages.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Barber Grooms POS for Retail Group

The Retail Optimization Group (Trumbull, CT) has recruited Bert Barber as POS Specialist and West Coast Branch Manager. Barber brings over 20 years of experience in the convenience-store and petroleum industry, spanning POS manufacture, installation, sales, service, and trouble-shooting. His qualifications include certification on VeriFone’s Ruby, Sapphire, and Topaz payment processing terminals as well as the Gilbarco Passport POS system.

Barber started his career at VeriFone, where he wrote the manuals for Ruby. Working there, he moved from Technical Writer to Trainer to Regional Service Manager. After VeriFone, he owned and operated his own service and consulting business, installing Ruby and Sapphire systems across the U.S. Most recently, for the past three years, he worked with Jones and Frank, the large petroleum equipment provider, as both Service Manager and Branch Manager.

“Bert’s working knowledge of the POS system allows for him to provide comprehensive in-depth training and programming that is not usually available at the time of installation,” stated Mark Lotstein, President of the Retail Optimization Group. “He has managed large roll outs and installations of new equipment or software upgrades for sites from one to 125 locations, including scheduling, training, implementation, and testing of the new equipment to ensure the least amount of down time and to reduce the learning curve and inconvenience. When the retailer is given knowledge of their system, how it works, and what it can do for them, they are able to get the most useful information from it, allowing them to maximize their potential and profits.”

Bert Barber, POS Specialist, Retail Optimization Group

OnForce Rolls With Segway Executive

OnForce (Lexington, MA), the outsourced tech talent bureau, has named Robert Tozier as its VP of Service Operations. Prior to joining OnForce, Tozier was VP of Service & Customer Operations at Segway. At Segway, he led the team that provided support to customers in more than 60 global markets as well as technical training programs that supported the company's innovative product technology.

“As OnForce continues to re-invent how IT and CE field services are fulfilled, Rob brings impressive operational and services experience that will help OnForce continue to provide superior service delivery to our vast community of users,” commented Peter Cannone, CEO of OnForce. “Rob will strengthen our executive team and greatly support our dedication to customers.”

“I am looking forward to being a part of a progressive technology company like OnForce,” said Tozier. “The company’s proven leadership and continued innovations in the variable demand labor space are impressive. I am excited to support those innovations by driving operational efficiencies that will help deliver high-quality service to the tens of thousands of service buyers and service professionals that make up the OnForce community.”

Robert Tozier, VP of Service Operations, OnForce