This Week’s Product Pick

Cherry/ZF Electronics Corp. (Pleasant Prairie, WI) has unwrapped its newest compact industrial keyboards, the JK-0700 and JK-0702. With flat design, measuring 12 in. (L) x 5.7 in. (W) x 0.6 in. (D), and weighing 0.75 lbs., both models feature quiet, short stroke keys with black coloring. JK-0702 adds three-stage adjustable white backlighting for exceptional visibility. Additional features for each keyboard include the company's scissor technology for up to 10 million key actuations, two-tone key labeling, and six-foot cable. Adjustable cable routing from the casing (left/center/right) and plug-and-play USB simplify installation, with two-year warranty.

Compact Cherry Keyboard

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Big Brother for Lavu

After winning over Gordon Ramsay on "Kitchen Nightmares," what could be next for Lavu's iPad POS? It appears two-tier distribution through Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS, one of the Big Four (with BlueStar, ScanSource, and Synnex). Under this new agreement, Ingram Micro will deliver POS Lavu in an "all-inclusive package, already configured, and ready to go" for its partners in North America. Carla Cicero, Executive Director for Vendor Management and Sales at Ingram Micro DC/POS (Carlsbad, CA), described Lavu's iPad POS as "game-changing for many businesses within hospitality."

"Our relationship with Ingram Micro is timed with our new advances in features and movement into new markets," proclaimed Travis Kellerman, SVP of Business Development and Communications for Lavu (Albuquerque, NM). "Working with Ingram Micro positions us to maximize our relationships with existing Lavu resellers, while exploring entirely new resources and channels at the same time." In addition to restaurants, Lavu has indicated its interest in the lodging market (with an accompanying appearance on Ramsay's "Hotel Hell").

As one would expect, POS Lavu is described as full-featured POS, and along such lines, the company regularly upgrades and extends the functionality of its system. Just recently, it added new customization features for its menu and check-out screens, joining color scheme, background, and font selections, as well as table layout editor, customer relationship management (CRM), and multi-location restaurant capabilities. Since its founding in 2010, Lavu has attracted customers in over eighty countries, and supports third-parties through its API.

Lavu POS Now Distributed by Ingram Micro DC/POS

A Home Run Derby at Bematech

Bematech has named Juliet Derby as its new President of the International Division. Derby previously worked in the area of human resources for Bematech, with her responsibilities extending to staffing, business planning, and sales strategies. Based in Bethpage, New York, Bematech's International Division handles the company's business in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Short-term goals include an expansion in the company's sales force, as well as strengthening of its partner program, Derby told RRN.Com.

"The Bematech brand is synonymous with high-quality restaurant and retail POS products that are unrivaled by the competition at the price points we offer," remarked Wladimir Alvarez, VP of Software Sales at Bematech, South America."Our reputation as a provider of reliable, cost-effective solutions has helped us expand in North America, where we have won several high-profile deals in the last year." Alvarez, RRN.Com readers will recall, headed efforts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico following the purchase of Logic Controls in 2009.

"We have ramped up our product line with state-of-the-art designs, all of which have been well-received by our client base and helped facilitate our growth in North America, especially in the U.S.," continued Alvarez. "Over the last 12 months, our reseller network expanded 27% and we look forward to even more impressive growth in the near future." As new products, Bematech cited its LV4000 8.4-inch LCD display with an OPOS utility as well as two new dual-core All-in-One touch terminals, the SB9011D and SB9015F, certified by MicroSale, RetailEdge, Positouch, and Future POS.

Juliet Derby, President, International Division, Bematech

Worth Your While

Modex: Supply Chain Conference
MHI Solutions
March 17-20
Atlanta

Toshiba Connect 2014
Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
April 7-10
La Jolla, CA

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 8-10
Las Vegas

WERC
Warehousing Education and Research Council
April 27-30
Chicago

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 17-20
Chicago

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 3-6
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

J2 680L Feeds Your Head

J2 Retail Systems (Irvine, CA), now part of the Aures Group, has unveiled its newest PC-based touchscreen POS terminal, the J2 680L (for "Lite"). Offering choice of three Intel CPUs--Dual-Core G550T at 2.2 GHz, i3 at 2.6 GHz or i5 at 2.7 GHz, and up to 16 GB RAM--J2 680L carries bezel-free 15-inch high-brightness LED touchscreen in either true flat resistive or projected capacitive touch technologies. Significantly, the company's "all in the head" design allows the terminal to be easily mounted on pole, countertop, or wall.

In common with other models in the J2 600 family, the J2 680L comes with hard drive (HDD) or solid-state storage (SSD) as standard. Secondary display screens, at 10 or 14 inches, may be added to the J2 680L, along with optional VGA or HDMI support. Additional peripherals include magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), biometrics, RFID, iButton, and 2.5-hour UPS. All current Windows O/S can be run on the J2 680L.

"Taking advantage of new generation, high power/low heat chipsets and the latest i3 and i5 Intel processors, our new J2 680L provides unrivaled power and connectivity," declared Kurt Ericson, VP of J2 Retail Systems. "The processors are low power and can be run in fan-on or fan-off mode for harsh environments. We are totally committed to extending product life cycles and driving down cost of ownership for our retail and hospitality customers."

J2 680L From J2 Retail Systems

Olli, Olli for ShopKeep

ShopKeep POS (New York), another of the channel-friendly iOS POS firms, has moved into pure M-POS by adopting the "Olli" retail sled from Griffin Technology (Nashville, TN). Designated as ShopKeep Mobile, this bundle dresses the iPod Touch with encrypted credit card swipe and laser barcode reader. Its software offers the full suite of capabilities and reporting, according to ShopKeep, including advanced features such as inventory management, back-office integration, customer database, e-mailed receipts, rapid item search, discount by "$" or "%," ability to turn tax on or off, printer support, and off-line mode.

"This is a complete handheld POS that is connected to the cloud. It's everything you need to run your store--in your pocket," emphasized Jason Richelson, Founder and CEO of ShopKeep POS. "It also removes one of the worst parts of the retail experience for shoppers, which is waiting in line, and creates a more personal customer interaction by removing the counter as a barrier."

A supplier of accessories for home, mobile, and personal technology, Griffin prides itself on ergonomics and styling. "People who use iOS devices understand and expect not only a solid user experience, but also a solid design aesthetic," contended Dean Shortland, Director of Business Development for Griffin Technologies. "Olli breaks the mold of other hardware by offering Mobile POS with curb appeal."

ShopKeep Mobile POS With Griffin Sled

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Channel Correction

ALLIANCES

Going Native in Boston

Merchant Warehouse has tapped Zappix to deliver mobile customer service for users of its payment services. Via the Zappix "Visual IVR and Self-Service App" for iOS and Android, merchant customers may complete online forms, access multi-media self-help resources, make secure updates to accounts, and even place calls for service, according to the two companies (both based in Boston). Additional benefits include automated alerts and notifications, as well as easy integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems via APIs.

"After the Zappix deployment, merchants will be able to access customer support resources and self-service options right on their iPhones or Android phones," confirmed Gal Steinberg, VP of Marketing at Zappix. "Zappix even makes it easier to connect directly to the right customer service representative by selecting from a visual IVR menu on the smartphone screen."

"With our focus on prompt resolution for customer service inquiries, it's important for us to extend access of our world-class support to smartphones using native app capabilities," indicated David McSweeney, EVP of Operations at Merchant Warehouse. "Instead of developing our own custom app, we selected Zappix cross-platform customer service app for our mobile initiative because it brings voice and non-voice channels together in an intuitive interface that is already proven, provides flexibility and choice in service, and is popular with customers. Because there were no changes required to our call-center software or infrastructure, Zappix was an easy choice for us."

Zappix Delivers Mobile Self-Service App for Customers of Merchant Warehouse

New West Bites into Bitcoin

As evidence mounts that bitcoin, the international digital currency and peer-to-peer payment network, might be here to stay, developers in POS have swung into action. One of the first to arrive: Bitcoin for Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) from New West Technologies, Inc. (Portland, OR). Responding to "interest that is greater than anticipated," in the words of Dan King, CEO, New West now offers this extension to its resellers. As payment processor, New West has partnered with upstart BitPay (Atlanta).

In addition to customer demand, numerous advantages are cited for this "crypto currency." A guaranteed exchange rate offers processing fees substantially lower than those of credit cards or money transfers, for example. By using advanced cryptology to control the creation and transfer of funds, bitcoin eliminates opportunity for fraud and identity theft, according to its proponents. Finally, since the system won't allow payment cancellations, charge-backs are impossible.

Although users send payments by broadcasting digitally signed messages to the network, the process of ringing up store sales does not change for RMS. A merchant tenders the bitcoin, then the consumer scans the QR Code on their smartphone, or accompanying presentation device from New West, in order to approve the terms. Upon such approval, the exchange rate is locked in through BitPay, and the transaction is completed.

Accepting Bitcoin Via Microsoft Dynamics RMS

Code Corner

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has enlarged its Internet of Things (IoT) platform, called Zatar, with support for location services based on iBeacon technology. Developed by Apple, iBeacon recognizes the presence of iOS and Android devices and communicates via Bluetooth Low Energy. An IoT application can easily take advantage of the Zatar platform and iBeacon to enhance the customer experience while improving company operations, according to Zebra. The owner of a retail store, for example, can use Zatar to set-up an iBeacon and personalized messaging application. Taking it one step further, the retailer can offer a value-added experience for their customers by knowing their proximity to products and offering related coupons or discounts in real time via Zatar and iBeacon. "As iBeacon technology becomes more widely deployed, retailers will have an immediate opportunity to transform consumer shopping experiences by integrating location services and display messaging in their stores with minimal investment," reflected Phil Gerskovich, SVP of New Growth Platforms for Zebra Technologies.

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Teklynx: Long Live the Barcode

Let's not forget the barcode, which still pays the bills. Here, Teklynx International (Milwaukee) has released two updated versions of its popular label design programs: LabelView 2014 and CodeSoft 2014. Both packages support the Windows 8.1 O/S as well as new GS1 QR Codes. "Numerous features were developed in direct response to end-user feedback and intensive industry research," related David Kane, Product Manager for Teklynx.

LabelView 2014 addresses end-users with mid-level needs, according to the developer. New capabilities include enhanced ease of use (print window stays open between jobs, for example), improved network licensing tolerance (lengthening run time in case of system disruption), multi-user form designer (with automatic population of critical data), and superior error detection (will halt print jobs with missing files). CodeSoft 2014, targeted at more complex labeling needs, also adds simplified data positioning (grid cells rather than coordinates), Visual Basic Script (for enhanced text formatting and customization), and full integration with the company's enterprise label management solutions (Archive, Sentinel, and Teklynx Central 4.0).

As pathways to future growth for end-users, label converters are offered for both LabelView 2014 and CodeSoft 2014, as well as delivery by SaaS. "The subscription licensing option allows our end-users to keep pace with software releases as a result of evolving technology requirements, at a lower upfront cost," suggested Laura Henderson, GM of Teklynx. "By updating our best-in-class applications on an annual basis, we are able to stay ahead of key trends and regulations while responding to end-user and partner feedback--and hold our position as industry leaders."

LabelView 2014 by Teklynx

In the Aisles With Farley

Aloha Data Systems (Las Vegas) has updated its StoreTender POS for the supermarket, grocery, and convenience-store segments with Version 8.0. Described as "complete re-imaging of the software," this new release delivers cloud-hybrid data storage, subscription-based pricing, 14 day trial, and the new moniker, "StoreTender Online." Driving StoreTender, of course, would be Kenneth Farley, President of Aloha Data Systems, the creator of Quicksell Retail POS, which ultimately became Microsoft Dynamics RMS.

Significantly, StoreTender Version 8 employs large touchscreen buttons rather than the familiar form-based design of Windows. A customer-facing screen along with video playback and RSS feeds engage both employees and customers, according to Farley. Included are necessary functions such as payment processing, certification with NTEP Weights and Measures, frequent shopper loyalty program, and in-store charge accounts. Finally, the back-office controls customer, inventory, vendor, employee, merchandising, and security.

With StoreTender Online, pricing has been set at $39 per month per PC (with another $5 per month per PC for call-back phone support). "With the 14 day trial and no long-term commitment, there's no risk for the merchant," espoused Farley. "None of the software out there in this price range fully meets the needs of the grocery market, but we do."

StoreTender Version 8.0

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
TEAMSable

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Printronix
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Trimble MCS

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury Payment Systems

Inventory Systems
New West Technologies

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Fujitsu Components
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell Scanning
Ingenico

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Serving Up Level 10

No more TekservePOS (Hoffman Estates, IL), as the long-standing reseller of POS has decided to rebrand itself as Level 10. Announcing the change on its website, TekservePOS emphasized it has added new services and capabilities in response to an ever-evolving market place for retail IT. Over the past dozen years, this has included full project management, an integration and repair technical center and warehouse, in-field technician teams in the U.S. and Canada, 24/7/365 help-desk, and POS software suite.

"Simply put, we have grown into more than just a POS hardware reseller and, as a result, our name is no longer reflective of who we are as a company," the blog notes. "We took careful consideration in choosing our new name, but when we focused on our core values during the process, the right choice became quite evident. A '10' is culturally known as being the best, or highest, level of achievement, and that is the 'level' we continually want to enable our internal and external customers to reach."

"Our new brand will launch by March 1, 2014," according to the blog. "Over the next few weeks our team will be communicating with the market place and our customers in order to amply prepare them for this change in order to make it easy and seamless. There are no changes to management or personnel, just an increased level in our commitment to our partners and how we do business."

John Pruban, CEO/President of Level 10, Formerly TekservePOS

Deep Dive in Mercury's Pool

Mercury Payment Systems (Durango, CO) has launched its Mercury Developer Network, an online community and resource center on payment processing for developers of POS. At its heart are two integration toolkits--MercuryPay for processing of common payment types, and MercuryGift for stored-value gift-card processing. At present, Mercury Payment works with more than 500 ISVs in the SMB arena.

Via this new web portal, developers will have access to sample code, conversations with the company's technical team and other developers, as well as information on best practices. More specifically, this includes API documentation, complete code projects hosted on GitHub, vertical market implementations,  guides for meeting system requirements, and event resolution on StackOverflow. Invitations to industry executive briefings and user group meetings are also extended as part of the Mercury Developer Network.

"We saw a need in the POS developer market to create a one-stop shop for our partners to have access to collaboration tools and thought leadership, while still holding on to personalized customer service and technical support 24/7," reported John Berkley, SVP of Product at Mercury Payment. "By providing our developers with direct access to POS analysts and technology experts through an online community, we believe we are helping speed up integration times and helping the Mercury Network build differentiated POS solutions. This is one of the many services that differentiates Mercury in supporting the integration process."

Portal for Mercury Developer Network

[Editor's Note: As widely reported, Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ) has filed a lawsuit in federal court against Mercury Payment Systems, alleging false advertising, unfair competition, and intentional interference with contractual relations. At the center, not surprisingly, the appropriate setting of interchange fees. In a company statement, Mercury Payment Systems said it will vigorously defend itself against such charges and added its "rapid growth in the electronic payments market is directly attributable to the value and flexibility we provide our merchants and partners, and we stand by our business and pricing practices."]

Channel Factoid

Even as online shopping continues to grow, more U.S. shoppers are planning to make purchases from physical stores, according to the results of the latest study of "seamless retailing" by Accenture. One-fifth (21%) of U.S. shoppers said they plan to increase their in-store purchasing, up from just 9% in the previous year. Asked to name what retailers need to improve the most in the overall shopping experience, 40% of respondents ranked improving the in-store shopping experience, compared to just 16% who said the same of online shopping. Overall, shoppers are looking to take advantage of seamless retail services involving the store. In the most recent survey, 19% of shoppers said they are using "click and collect" services (reserving or buying an item online and then traveling to the store to collect it) more often in the study period, compared to 12% who said the same in the 2012 survey. Shoppers are "webrooming" more than "showrooming" across all product categories, except grocery. Accenture's study found that 78% of U.S. shoppers had webroomed (browsing online and then going to the store to make their purchase), while 72% had showroomed (going to the store to see their purchase then searching for better pricing online). Even more telling is the fact that growing numbers of shoppers expect the retailer's product offerings to be the same across different shopping channels--51% in 2013 compared to 43% in 2012. More than half (57%) also expect promotions to be the same across channels and 69% expect prices to be the same. "The lines between the different shopping channels are blurring, but the good news for traditional retailers is that the store continues to play an important role," observed Chris Donnelly, Global Managing Director of Accenture's Retail Practice.

Channel Chatter

HELLO GOODBYE

FreedomPay Takes Wing

FreedomPay (Radnor, PA) has enlisted payments industry veteran Brian Voigt as its SVP of Strategic Partnerships. Voigt brings two dozen years of experience to his new role, having served as VP of Bank of America Merchant Services, with particular focus on mobile commerce and related POS. In addition to Bank of America, he has held executive positions at several multi-national payments companies, including First Data and Chase Paymentech.

"We are delighted to welcome Brian to FreedomPay as an essential part of our team," commented Tom Durovsik, CEO of FreedomPay. "The payment industry is rapidly evolving, and Brian is among just a handful of payment executives capable of structuring emerging market opportunities and complex enterprise programs, as well as forging global strategic partnerships." As specific markets for growth, FreedomPay has tagged Latin America and Europe.

"This is an exciting time to join FreedomPay as it delivers real innovations to the commerce ecosystem through the world's most innovative commerce platform," volunteered Voigt. "Up until now, companies have only envisioned a rapid evolution of commerce. FreedomPay is the only company I know of today that is delivering on that vision." The company's cloud-based platform, dubbed the transaction superhighway, "seamlessly bridges the gap across in-store, web, and mobile by interconnecting POS systems, transaction hosts, incentive engines, and other disparate systems."

Brian Voigt, SVP, Strategic Partnerships, FreedomPay

TraxWare Recruits Rommel

A familiar face hopes to bring RFID to the channel for Entigral Systems (Raleigh, NC). As Director of Channel Development, John Rommel, former Director of RFID Channel Development for Motorola Solutions, has been charged with recruiting resellers for Entigral's TraxWare sensor automation software platform. Before Motorola, Rommel was GM of the Americas for Tagsys, where he led the company's sales and marketing team for RFID.

"I'm thrilled to be at Entigral," stated Rommel. "With my experience, I understand the needs of the VAR community and I know the right type of partner that can work with Entigral and continue to help the company grow. Entigral has embraced an indirect channel sales strategy and we are excited to be able to start sharing leads with our partners."

Founded in 2003, Entigral Systems addresses so-called "smart manufacturing" through TraxWare. Applications include capital and fixed asset tracking, work-in-process management, warehouse and supply chain operations, and inventory replenishment. "We have known John for many years while he was at Motorola," recollected Booth Kalmbach, CEO/President of Entigral. "We are thrilled to have him bring his talents to our company."

John Rommel, Director of Channel Development, Entigral

Syrus Gathers No Moss

Syrus Restaurant Information Services (Columbus, OH), one of the leading players in business intelligence for hospitality, has hired Brian Graham as its first COO, reporting to Jim Karam, CEO/President. Graham brings more than twenty years of diversified business experience to his new post. Most recently, he served as VP of Data Analytics at Battelle, the world's largest nonprofit research and development organization.  

Currently, Syrus serves many nationally recognized brands in the quick-service and fast-casual industry, including Wendy's, Burger King, Church's Chicken, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, in addition to restaurant franchisees and restaurant supply chain partners. Its recent rapid growth is expected to continue as such industries look for ways to capitalize on today's hot ticket, "Big Data." Graham will be responsible for developing the operational platform that supports the company's strategic plan, with an overall focus on business development and execution.

"What attracted me to Syrus was not only its culture and leadership but also what they have already done and the potential they have created," related Graham. "Syrus has built a solid platform that both underpins its unique service delivery model and also provides a significant foundation for unique services and offerings which will translate into new customer insights and drive value for its current and future customers."

Brian Graham, COO, Syrus Restaurant Information Services

[Editor's Note: "A rolling stone gathers no moss" is attributed to Syrus, the writer of maxims in early Rome.]