Our Product Pick

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Durham, NC) has premiered its new All-in-One POS, Model TCx 800. Accentuating flexibility, the TCx 800 comes in three multi-touch screen sizes: 15" (4:3), 15.6" (16:9), and 18.5" (16:9). A choice of processors is offered: Intel i3, i5, and i7 (with 32-GB RAM). As O/S, there's TCx Sky, 4690, Linux, and Windows 10. As construction, the TCx 800 has adjustable mechanics, with "lay-flat" capacity, simplified cable management, and USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C. As an option, there's color accent possibilities. Of interest to VARs and ISVs, the TCx 800, RRN.Com was told by Brad Merritt, Director of Channel Sales at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.

Toshiba TCx 800

COMPANY BUSINESS

Another Piece of Payments: Paya

A new player has arisen in payment processing, and our channel for POS, entitled Paya (and pronounced "Pie-ya"). Formerly Sage Payment Solutions, which spun off Sage Software in August 2017 under equity firm GTCR, Paya has recruited veterans in payments. Joe Kaplan, CEO of Paya, previously served as CEO of Total Merchant Services (2012 to 2017) and CEO of Intuit's Innovative Merchant Solutions (1999 to 2008). Greg Cohen, President of Paya, previously served as COO of iPayment (2014 to 2017), Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer of Cayan (2013 to 2014), GM/VP of Verifone (2012 to 2013), and President of Moneris Solutions (2006 to 2012). Along with its rebranding efforts, Paya, based in Reston, VA, has expanded its Partner Program.

"The Paya name represents the fresh and progressive company we are building for our employees, partners, and customers as we work to become the foremost technology platform helping companies run their businesses better," declared Kaplan. "We are creating something special and compelling here. Our mission is to deliver new technologies to the market and offer innovative, integrated payment solutions that will help our customers simplify business complexity and concentrate on growing their business."

"As a partner-centric organization, we recognize that channel partners, as well as merchants, struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in payment technologies," contributed Cohen. "It is on this premise that we are laser focused on delivering a customer-first experience, with the goal of helping our partners and their customers achieve and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Leveraging our integrated software experience, we have perfected a scalable model that will empower our partners." At present, Cohen estimates current participation of approximately 430 ISOs and 500 ISVs.

At Paya: Joe Kaplan, CEO, and Greg Cohen, President

A Tale of Two EP's

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has received certification for its Model TM-m30 receipt printer from payment processor Electronic Payments (Calverton, NY). It will be bundled with so-called Exatouch POS Software from Electronic Payments. In addition to POS, Exatouch has modules for inventory and purchasing, staff scheduling, customer relationship management, and back-office reporting. A number of liquor stores in Ohio are early installs, according to the two parties.

"We've invested significant time and resources in developing industry-leading point-of-sale software and wanted to pair it with industry-leading hardware that is equal in reliability and performance," expressed Michael Nardy, Founder and CEO of Electronic Payments. "We've worked with Epson in the past, and we've found that their products uphold their reputation and credibility. When coupled with Exatouch, we deliver the best possible merchant services experience."

Introduced in 2015, Epson's 3" TM-m30 features symmetrical, cubist dimensions of 5 in. x 5 in. x 5 in., modular case, which enables either top load or front load configuration, and automatic paper cutter and rapid paper roll replacement. Offered in black or white, it has maximum print speed of 7.9 in./200 mm per second at 203 dpi. It has the company's "ePOS" technology for web-based applications and easy set-up with iOS, Android, and Windows. As choices in connectivity, there's combination of USB, Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Electronic Payments Certifies Epson's TM-m30

Worth Your While

NGA Show
National Grocers Association
February 11-14
Las Vegas, NV

Shoptalk
March 18-21
Las Vegas, NV

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
April 17-19
Las Vegas, NV

WERC
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 6-9
Charlotte, NC

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 19-22
Chicago, IL

NACS
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 7-10
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Unitech Uncages PA730

Unitech America (Cypress, CA) has unveiled its newest rugged mobile computer, the Model PA730. In dimensions of 6.2 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D), weighing 10.2 oz., the PA730 runs Android 6.0 or Windows 10 IoT Mobile. It's powered by Qualcomm Octa-Core 64-Bit CPU at 1.2/1.5 GHz, 2-GB RAM, 16-GB Flash ROM, and MicroSD. As features, it has 5" capacitive touch display (1080x1920), one- and two-dimensional scanner, five-megapixel front camera, and 16-megapixel rear camera.

As notification, the PA730 has audible tone, LEDs, and vibration. In durability, it furnishes Gorilla Glass 3, an IP-65/IP-67 rating for water and dust, and 6-ft./1.8-m drop resistance. A rechargeable 3.7-V, 2960-mAh Li-Polymer battery supplies power. As price, there's an MSRP of $1,619.

"The PA730 is designed to support a number of wireless connections," emphasized Scott Chung, President of Unitech America. "It has built-in LTE dual antennas, dual WLAN bands, full LTE WWAN bands, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, so you're connected virtually anywhere. Another great feature is the 30-minute hot-swappable battery, so whatever programs or apps you had on before the swap are still running after the swap."

Unitech's PA730 Rugged Mobile Computer

Socket Says 2D

Socket Mobile (Newark, CA) has shipped its new two-dimensional scanner, entitled the Model D740. "[It's] intended to break the mold and be the affordable 2D," heralded Kevin Mills, CEO and President of Socket Mobile. As such, it's offered "with the price of 1D." Applicable to retail, warehousing/distribution, and light industrial settings, it supports iOS, Android, and Windows.

Along with the consumer-looking form factor adopted by Socket Mobile, with antimicrobial additives to its casing, the D740 has an IP-54 rating for water and dust and 5-ft./1.5-m drop resistance. In dimensions of 5.2 in. (L) x 1.5 in. (W) x 1.6 in. (H), it weighs 4 oz. In keeping with the established fashion statement of Socket Mobile, it comes in colors of construction orange, safety green, or utility gray.

A red 660-nm LED serves as light source, with trigger and indicators for scan, battery, and Bluetooth. As battery, its 3.7-V, 1400-mAh Lithium-Ion has 16 hours of charge. No software is required when utilizing the scanner in Bluetooth HID Mode. A Software Development Kit (SDK) is offered, as well as one-year warranty, by Socket Mobile.

Socket Mobile D740 Scanner

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ALLIANCES

Osprey Flies With Sterling

Sterling Payment Technologies (Tampa, FL) has offered an EMV solution for specialty retail with software by Osprey Retail Systems (New Bedford, MA). It allows end-users to accept transactions in a semi-integrated mode using popular NETePay middleware from Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA) and Telium terminals from Ingenico (Atlanta, GA). As markets, they cite liquor and wine, smoke, pet, gourmet grocery, boutiques, and non-profit and thrift shops.

"Sterling is proud to partner with Osprey and provide a solution that makes the transition to EMV painless and affordable for its retail customers," enthused Jim Raftice, President of U.S. and Canada at EVO Payments, parent company of Sterling Payment Technologies. "We are committed to offering software partners such as Osprey secure EMV solutions that are easy to integrate, flexible, and reliable." As readers will recall, EVO purchased Sterling in January 2017.

"Sterling offered levels of support during the EMV integration process that I could not find with any other partner," reported Roger Blanchard, President of Osprey Retail Systems. "As a result, we are able to provide our customers with a range of secure, PCI-compliant applications for POS." Significantly, both Sterling and Osprey Retail Systems, which was founded in 1990 and has been installed in 2,500 locations, are very active in our channel for POS.

An EMV Solution for Specialty Retail From Sterling Payment Technologies and Osprey Retail Systems

Dr. CognitiveTPG

CognitiveTPG (Ithaca, NY) has successfully completed the validation process by healthcare technology behemoth, Cerner Corporation (North Kansas City, MO). It ensures compatibility with all software and systems of Cerner for CognitiveTPG's family of thermal barcode printers, including Series CXD2, CXT2, CXD4, and CXT4. As the leader in its field, Cerner services more than 27,000 facilities worldwide.

Of particular interest: CognitiveTPG's newly branded CXD4-1300-SC with DocuShield. An on-demand print software solution from CognitiveTPG, DocuShield furnishes customized, multifaceted security protection for documents--either overt (e.g., background patterns, color coded), covert (e.g., encrypted barcodes, MICR), or forensic (e.g., media serialization, hidden symbol recognition). In addition to its security benefits, it eliminates the need for expensive, preprinted prescription paper (as well as locked printer drawers).

"Becoming Cerner validated is an important milestone for the DocuShield solution," reflected Kyle Turner, CEO and President of CognitiveTPG. "We can now bring the most efficient on-demand secure prescription solution to customers of Cerner, bringing us closer to becoming the top on-demand provider of thermal secure printing technology." In addition to healthcare, CognitiveTPG recommends use of its DocuShield in banking, entertainment, and supply chain.

CognitiveTPG's CXD4-1300 Barcode Printer

Code Corner

QSR Automations (Louisville, KY) has added off-premise dining to its guest management platform, DineTime. It has the capacity to set customizable tabs for carryout, delivery, or online orders in DineTime. They show when an order starts cooking in the kitchen, how long the order has been cooking, and when the order gets done. Integration with such real-time data is performed through the "Connected Kitchen" kitchen display system (KDS) from QSR Automations. Also, the guest's vehicle information will be displayed for curbside-to-go delivery. "It's all about providing that quick glance information to the front-of-the-house employees so that they can be knowledgeable when the guest or delivery partner walks through the door," projected Lee Leet, CEO of QSR Automations.

Off-Premise Module for DineTime

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

It's "JustEnough" for Mi9

Mi9 Retail (Miami, FL) has snapped up complementary software player, JustEnough Software (Irvine, CA). A leading ISV, Mi9 Retail will now add merchandise planning, planogramming, and replenishment capabilities from JustEnough to its Mi9 Unified Retail Suite. Also, JustEnough, with many of the well-known brands as customers (think North Face, Sephora, Tommy Bahama, etc.), will continue to be sold in stand-alone version, according to Mi9 Retail.

"We are executing a strategy of carefully selecting and integrating analytics-driven enterprise retail technology that will advance the industry," explained Neil Moses, CEO of Mi9 Retail. "Our customers have consistently selected the Mi9 platform for its core merchandising and business intelligence functionality. Adding JustEnough significantly increases our value proposition."

"Acquiring JustEnough will further enable the company to execute its strategy of building an end-to-end suite of products and solutions that helps retailers," observed Preston McKenzie, Special Advisor of equity firm General Atlantic and Executive Chairman of Mi9 Retail. As readers may recall, in January 2016 Mi9 Retail purchased jewelry specialist Applications Systems Corporation (Boston, MA). Earlier, in November 2015, Mi9 Retail purchased its rival, Raymark Xpert Business Systems (Montreal, QC, Canada). As kick-off for 2018, it formed its Specialty and Luxury Group Practice.

Inventory Replenishment Software by JustEnough

StayLinked Re-Tiles TE

One of the mainstays in terminal emulation, StayLinked (Tustin, CA), has significantly enhanced its flagship product, designated SmartTE. Addressing quickening mobile device migration from Windows to Android O/S, SmartTE Version 14.4 furnishes three new major features: so-called "smart tiles," device-based graphics and fonts (in place of image library or design services), and integration with industrial automation systems (for instance, conveyors). Of particular interest to our readers would be smart tiles, which allow creation and maintenance of custom keyboards, toolbars, or collection of buttons above the application layer (independent of the emulation screen).

A graphical drop-and-drag methodology supports use of smart tile "collections." Each may contain one or more "pages" of related, graphical, on-screen buttons. As another benefit, they may be assigned to devices in the field via Client Setting or Screen Recognition Host Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Also, they can be centrally managed and imported into StayLinked SmartTE Servers.

"SmartTE Version 14.4 increases options and ease-of-use of graphical elements, making modernization faster," suggested Justin Griffith, CTO at StayLinked. "And the Automation API (Application Programming Interface) delivers capabilities never before available in terminal emulation." Established in 2002, StayLinked supports major vendors of rugged mobile computers (e.g., CipherLab, Datalogic, Honeywell, Zebra). As Director of Channel Development-Americas, there's Kevin Hoostal, former Channel Sales Manager of Psion Teklogix (2005 to 2010) and Senior Account Manager of LXE (2001 to 2005). Both gone!

StayLinked Releases SmartTE Version 14.4

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Denso ADC
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Cayan
iPayment
Monetary LLC
Sterling Payment

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry Americas, LLC
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
SpacePole

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

Honeywell Gives the Fifth

A new system from Honeywell (Fort Mill, SC), dubbed the "Connected Retail Solution," reportedly demonstrates gains in worker productivity of 20%. It comprises software, mobile computer (such as the Honeywell Model CT60), and speech-recognition headset with Bluetooth (such as the Honeywell Model SRX-SL). A major grocery chain has served as pilot, according to Honeywell. Either iOS or Android is supported.

Using voice prompts, the Connected Retail Solution helps retailers standardize and streamline store tasks for their associates, including replenishing shelves, fulfilling online orders, and confirming inventory levels. In particular, it solves issues such as missing shelf tags, incorrect set-up of marketing displays, and untimely introduction of new products. In the case of store operations, it provides overall improvements in staffing and supply chain management. Also, it facilitates buy online/pick-up in store activities for customers.

"Faced with greater competition from online-only retailers, physical stores need to invest in the productivity technology and best practices that distribution centers have deployed to their workforce," postulated Taylor Smith, President of Honeywell's Work Solutions Business. "With our software, we can help retailers reduce training times for new workers, improve efficiency, and access greater amounts of data about their store operations. Our pilots have demonstrated that retailers can effectively apply the science from distribution centers to their brick-and-mortar stores."

Honeywell Debuts the Connected Retail Solution

A Big Burp at ParTech

ParTech (New Hartford, NY) has deployed its Brink POS Software for Hot Head Burritos. A fast-casual chain, Hot Head Burritos has 72 locations in AL, CT, FL, IN, KY, and OH. It joins another recent contract win for ParTech for the 51 locations of California Tortilla in DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, and WV. As hardware, ParTech, part of the PAR Technology Corporation, offers the Models EverServ 550 and EverServ 8000.

"Our partner, BMC-POS, assisted in determining that Brink is the best fit for our business," relayed Ray Wiley, CEO of Hot Head Burritos. "It's important to us that all of our franchisees are pleased with the software in place so they can effectively run their restaurant and provide the best service to their guests." A longstanding reseller in hospitality IT, Business Machines Company, or BMC-POS, is based in Lansing, MI.

With the new system in place, menus may be centrally managed. In addition, online ordering and loyalty features allow Hot Head Burritos to reach more customers, offer rewards, and more actively track data. "A cloud-based solution was desired by Hot Head Burritos that would support their business goals and growth plans," summarized Paul Rubin, Chief Strategy Officer at ParTech. Prior to its purchase by ParTech in 2014, Rubin was CEO and Co-Founder of Brink POS Software.

Hot Head Burritos Deploys PAR's Brink POS

Channel Factoid

Payment Trends to Watch

#1) Coming: Voice, AI, and IoT

In the next 24 months, 30 billion devices with voice, AI, and IoT will be connected to the Internet. In 2018, those connected devices will make $150 billion in transactions.

#2) Software as the New Hardware

Merchants in the U.S. will spend $2.2 billion in 2018, and $2.4 billion in 2019, on software for POS. Additionally, spending on customer analytics and loyalty management will hit $1.4 billion in 2018 and $1.6 billion in 2019.

#3) Evolving Transmission Networks

Including hardware, software, and services for IT, banks and financial institutions in the U.S. will spend nearly $5 billion to increase transaction volume capability.

#4) Innovation in Security

Vendors in the U.S. plan to spend $1 billion on security software in 2018. Technologies will include voice, AI, and even cryptocurrencies.

Source: IDC Market Research Sponsored by the Electronic Transactions Association (Washington, DC).

HELLO GOODBYE

Joe Knows the Code

Code Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT) has enlisted Joseph "Joe" Croce as its Director of Sales for North America. With more than two decades of experience, Croce served as VP of Sales for Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia (1996 to 2011). His responsibilities included the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia 76ers, Comcast SportsNet's Regional TV Station, and the Wells Fargo Complex. Additional roles include SVP of Sales for Comcast Spectacor (1996 to 2010) and VP of Sales and Marketing for NovaCare Rehabilitation (1988 to 1996).

"I am so happy to be joining the team here at Code," remarked Croce. "I have had a successful career leading sales teams and strategizing to obtain corporate growth year after year. I can't wait to continue sharing my expertise with the amazing sales team at Code."

"We are really excited to have Joe join the Code family," commented Garrett Russell, VP of Sales and Marketing for Code. "He is a strong addition to our management team and I am confident his leadership experience will guide our sales team and organization to success." A longtime supplier of scanning technology to our channel, Code.

Joe Croce, Director of Sales, North America, Code

iPayment's ISV Prince

An aggressive player in electronic transactions, iPayment Inc. (Westlake Village, CA), has engaged Alex Benjamin as its Director of ISV Business Development. Prior to iPayment, he served as Head of Strategic Partnerships at Worldpay (2015 to 2017). Previous titles include Director of Enterprise Sales at Acculynk (2015), Director of Sales at BlueSnap (2014 to 2015), and Global Business Development Manager at American Express (2012 to 2014).

"I'm very pleased to be part of such an experienced team at iPayment and for the opportunity to build and cultivate new channel partnerships with ISVs," proclaimed Benjamin. "If there is one thing my experience has taught me, it's that ISVs are looking for not just awesome technology, but the right mix of partnership benefits and payments expertise. iPayment's reputation for being a partner-first organization is well-known and will be a large part of the integrated channel's success."

"We are delighted to have someone of Alex's specialized experience on board," flourished Denise Tahali, SVP of Partner Sales. "Alex has the unique blend of energy and expertise to help build our integrated channel and fortify relationships with ISVs and other partners." He's based in Atlanta, GA.

Alex Benjamin, Director of ISV Business Development, iPayment

Coffey Brews at DTT

Video surveillance leader DTT (Las Vegas, NV) has named Mike Coffey as its new CEO. He brings executive leadership experience across the Internet of Things (IoT), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and Managed Services Provider (MSP). Prior to DTT, he served as CEO of MSC Sense LLC (2017 to 2018), COO of Kore Wireless (2016 to 2017), and CEO of Wyless (2014 to 2016). Sam Naficy, previous CEO and Founder of DTT, has shifted to Chairman of the Board of Directors.

"I am eager because of DTT's stellar reputation," shared Coffey. "I knew there was an excellent opportunity for DTT to leverage my skills and experience with technology-enabled businesses into new growth opportunities. I'm looking forward to spending the first few months learning more about the company, getting to know the DTT team and our tremendous customers, and ensuring we work together to continue providing truly innovative loss prevention solutions to the hospitality and retail industries."

Also, DTT has closed an $80 million funding with equity firm Capital One Growth Ventures and the acquisition of loss prevention VAR, LP Innovations (Milford, MA). "Acquisition of LP Innovations will provide truly unparalleled solutions for existing DTT and LP Innovations customers as we look to expand our service offerings for both companies," indicated Naficy. As partners, DTT has many in POS.

Mike Coffey, CEO, DTT