Our Product Pick

POSBANK USA (Plainview, NY) has shipped its MAZIC G-1500 POS Terminal. As part of the new MAZIC Series, it features 15" projected-capacitive TFT LCD, LED Backlight (1024x768, 4:3, 300 cd/m2). A choice of processors is offered, ranging from 2.2 GHz Intel Celeron Dual-Core to 3.1 GHz Intel Core i5-7200U, with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise O/S. A full complement of ports for peripherals includes USB x 8, Serial x 2, Cash Drawer x 1, and LAN x 1. A number of benefits are cited: swappable electronics system box for upgrade and maintenance, dual-hinge construction, fanless design with internal heat pipe, and ruggedness (with touchscreen tested to 30,000 hours MTBF and internal parts selected on the basis of 50,000 hours MTBF). Also offered by POSBANK USA: MAZIC 15.6" GW-1560 and MAZIC 21.5" GW-2150.

POSBANK Ships 15" MAZIC POS TERMINAL

COMPANY BUSINESS

MicroTouch Muscle Memory

A legendary brand of hardware in our channel, MicroTouch, is set for re-emergence, following the purchase of its assets by TES America (Holland, MI). As the first manufacturer to patent and commercialize capacitive touchscreens, MicroTouch slowly faded into the background following its purchase by 3M in 2001. Now TES America plans to build upon its surface-capacitive and projected-capacitive technologies.

"With our vast industry experience and factory-direct product, I believe TES can bring MicroTouch back to the forefront of capacitive leadership," declared Mark Littlefield, President of TES America. "When backed by TES, MicroTouch customers will not only get a broad product mix of components, monitors, and touch computers, but also greater efficiency and flexibility through our regional engineering, local customer support, and global warehousing capabilities." A subsidiary of TES Touch Embedded Solutions Co. (Xiamen, China), TES America was formed in 2017.

"MicroTouch was a product of the 80's, an industry icon that provided society a glimpse into the future. And, just as Hollywood gave us a vision for touchscreens--thanks to TV hits like Knight Rider and Star Trek--MicroTouch made it a reality," reflected Gene Halsey, VP of Product and Business Development for TES America. "Since then, touch systems not only have become ubiquitous, but they are about to enter a new generation of technological growth with limitless possibilities, and with MicroTouch paving the way." More to come on this news.

TES America to Revive MicroTouch Brand

Shift4 Offers "FREE"-Commerce

Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA) has rebranded its e-commerce platform, known as 3dcart, which it purchased in November 2020, as "Shift4Shop." Further, it will provide such e-commerce services at no charge when merchants use the company's payment processing solution. It was Shift4 Payments, and its Harbortouch, which years ago introduced the concept of "free" terminals for POS, readers will recall.

As functionality of Shift4Shop, there's website builder, product and order management, and customer marketing tools. Customers may choose from dozens of industry-specific templates, all of which are mobile friendly, SEO-optimized, and customizable. Similar solutions from competitors typically cost $300 per month, estimates Shift4.

"Shift4Shop will provide a key component of our commerce ecosystem as we continue building a unified platform across geographic borders and industry verticals," explained Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4. "We have completely re-imagined the e-commerce pricing model in a way that we believe will be incredibly beneficial to our customers and extremely disruptive to the competition. We aren't just offering a free trial or a basic entry-level account--we are providing a truly premium solution at no cost. This is a game-changer for e-commerce."

An Accomplished Pilot, Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments, Will Captain an Upcoming Flight of Elon Musk's SpaceX Spacecraft.

Worth Your While

ProMat
Modern Materials Handling (MHI)
April 12-15
Chicago, IL

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 22-25
Chicago, IL

SEAA Conference
Southeast Acquirers Association
May 24-26
Bonita Springs, FL

NRF Show
National Retail Federation
June 6-8
New York, NY

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 25-28
Nashville, TN

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
Clarion Events
August 22-24
Anaheim, CA

The NGA Show
National Grocers Association
September 19-21
Las Vegas, NV

Money 20/20
Ascential
October 24-27
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Elo: My Generation (of Android)

Elo (Milpitas, CA) has unwrapped its new mobile computer with Android 10 and Google Mobile Services (GMS), designated as the M50. A "4th Generation" of Android for Elo, it has 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, and Micro-SD. It measures 3.4 in. (W) x 6.6 in. (L) x 0.7 in. (H), weighs 1.4 lbs./0.6 kg, and furnishes 5.5" projected-capacitive touchscreen. With Gorilla Glass, it has an IP-65 ingress rating and 4 ft./1.2 m drop resistance.

As data collection, the M50 supplies 1D/2D barcode scanning (Zebra's SE4710), 8-MP camera, NFC, and GPS. As communications, there's Bluetooth 5/BLE, 802.11 WLAN, and LTE WAN. Additional features include two side scan buttons, USB Type-C, and rechargeable 3.8 V/4000 mAh battery. Also, with Android O/S, Elo has offered its EloView Remote Management Platform and Elo Care Support.

"Elo brings six years of enterprise-focused Android development and leadership to the mobile handheld space," corresponded Rachel Romba, Marketing Manager at Elo. "With our broad product offering, ranging from 7" to 65", plus the new M50 mobile computer, Elo is uniquely positioned to hit every interactive touchpoint throughout a business. This allows customers to standardize on a manufacturer for both fixed and mobile use cases, and to simplify the deployment and management of their network."

Elo's M50 Rugged Mobile Computer

SATO: Stocking the PV4

SATO America (Charlotte, NC) has stocked its new portable direct-thermal label printer, assigned PV4. Addressing the needs of fulfillment in e-commerce, in particular, according to the company, it features 4 in./104 mm maximum print width and speed of 5 in./127 mm per second at 203 dpi. As features, it carries color LCD (240x320), large status LEDs, built-in dispenser, and 128 MB SDRAM and 256 MB Flash.

In dimensions of 7.3 in. (L) x 6.2 in. (W) x 3.2 in. (H), weighing 2.4 lbs./1 kg (with 7.2 V/6700 mAh battery), composed of polycarbonate body and rubber overmolding, the PV4 has an IP-54 ingress rating and 6 ft./1.8 m drop resistance. As communications, there's USB Type-C, Serial, Bluetooth 5/BLE, and 802.11 WLAN. An outer roll diameter (O.D.) of 2.6 in./66 mm enables total paper length of 718 ft./219 m.

As expected, the PV4 support Windows, iOS, and Android SDKs (Software Development Kits). Emulations include SLCS, BPL-Z, and BPL-C. "At SATO, we are continuously striving to innovate and fill the gaps per customers, and the PV4 is built to complement a comprehensive track and trace solution," emphasized Hayato Shindo, Head of Global Sales for SATO Corporation (Tokyo, Japan). "This mobile printer is truly flexible and durable for easy deployment and demonstrates our commitment to on-site optimization and our customer-first approach."

SATO's PV4 Portable Label Printer

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A Message From the Editor

As we enter another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, business models, and consumer concerns. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvement.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ALLIANCES

Revel Takes the Wheel

A partnership between Revel Systems (Atlanta, GA) and Delphi Display Systems (Costa Mesa, CA) will pursue the burgeoning market for drive-thru systems for quick-service restaurants (QSR). It integrates Delphi's digital outdoor menu board solution, dubbed Endura 55X, with Revel's POS. Also, Revel will offer Delphi's accompanying order confirmation solution, Endura 15X, and drive-thru timing solution, Insight Track.

"Revel is committed to providing solutions that help our clients thrive in an increasingly digital and off-premise environment," remarked Chris Lybeer, Chief Strategy Officer at Revel. "We recently rolled out several new solutions, such as Delivery XT and an Order Ready Board designed to help customers and delivery drivers quickly identify the status of the available orders for pick-up. We have worked with Delphi for some time, and now with the enhanced partnership we offer this complete drive-thru solution meeting the needs of both small and large chains."

At the start of COVID-19, visits to drive-thru restaurants increased by 26% and represented 42% of all restaurant visits, according to statistics quoted by Revel Systems. Even after many restaurants had reopened in July 2020, drive-thru restaurant visits were up 13%. With many dine-in locations still closed, many brands have seen drive-thru business go from 60-70% pre-pandemic to 90-95% of their business today, according to Revel.

Revel Partners With Delphi Display Systems for QSR

A "Lofty" Partnership

A pair of powerhouses in labeling software, Loftware (Portsmouth, NH) and NiceLabel (Wauwatosa, WI), have combined forces. A nice match, given the extensive partner network of NiceLabel and the enterprise-wide reach of Loftware. Terms of the transaction, forming an entity operating under the umbrella of Loftware, were not disclosed.

"Our customers, channel and technology partners, and the overall market will benefit from our strategic vision to provide broader and deeper labeling solutions in addition to expanded scale, world-class services, and global support. It also unites the best talent in the industry to drive new levels of innovation," expounded Robert O'Connor Jr., President and CEO of Loftware. "Loftware and NiceLabel have both seen sustained growth and expansion over the past several years, especially in 2020 when labeling solutions have become so critical to supply chain continuity. This move brings together two thriving organizations, providing momentum for significant expansion over the next decade and beyond."

"We are delighted to combine with Loftware and look forward to expanding opportunities for our channel partners and end customers by providing new solutions and innovations to help them grow their business," expressed Chris Walsh, CEO of NiceLabel. "The two companies offer truly complementary solutions that are more vital than ever. This combination represents an opportunity to further accelerate growth, especially as organizations look to address evolving customer and regulatory environments and standardize labeling across worldwide operations."

A Synergy in Label Software, Channel and Enterprise, by Loftware and NiceLabel

Code Corner

POSaBIT Systems Corporation (Kirkland, WA), which focuses on cannabis and other cash-only businesses, has launched its payment platform for electronic ACH. After setting up their account, which ties to their bank, customers can use POSaBIT ACH to purchase products at any participating dispensary affiliated with POSaBIT. Significantly, it accommodates in-store, curbside, and delivery. Also, it allows deliver drivers to complete sales with ACH without internet connectivity--a necessity in many delivery areas for cannabis. "A contactless, cashless payment is the safest option for customers and delivery drivers," affirmed Ryan Hamlin, CEO and Co-Founder of POSaBIT. "The cannabis delivery market is growing exponentially and we believe that POSaBIT ACH is, by far, its best payment solution."

POSaBIT Debuts ACH for Cannabis

CERTIFICATION

Code Flips Over FIPS

Code Corporation (Murray, UT) has received certification in meeting the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) for its CR2700 Barcode Scanner Series. Awarded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this validates use of the CR2700 in facilities under management by the U.S. Government, including military hospitals and medical centers and outpatient clinics of the Veterans Administration. Certification may be found in the NIST Database by searching for #3389.

"Code partnered with industry experts to secure the FIPS certification," relayed Ryan Hoobler, VP of Engineering for Code Corporation. "We worked closely with invaluable players such as WolfSSL [Edmonds, WA], a proven software development company with a validated encryption library. Implementation of that library was tested by renowned corporate security firm Corsec [Herndon, VA]. Code can proudly state we maintain the highest integrity of FIPS implementation."

In addition to security via FIPS, the CR2700 offers CodeShield Level 3 disinfectant-ready plastic casing in its white/light gray version for healthcare. (A dark gray version with CodeShield Level 2 for retail, manufacturing, and warehouse/distribution was debuted in November 2020.) As features of the CR2700, Code cites ergonomic design, patented dual-field optics and glare reduction, multiple programmable buttons, good-read indicators, smart battery technology, Bluetooth 5 BLE, an IP-65 ingress rating, and its CortexRM Remote Management.

Code's CR2700 Approved for Use in Government Facilities Via Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)

CIMA Eyes the Channel

A move into our channel for cash recycling vendor, CIMA Cash Handling America (Houston, TX). Addressing the needs of banks and credit unions, as one example, CIMA has received certification for CashWare Software from ISV Benchmark (Alpharetta, GA) for CIMA Models AST7000, AST7016, and AST9000. As some readers may recognize, Benchmark is one of the largest resellers of such hardware in the U.S.

"Although this integration is primarily for a cash recycler to integrate to banking environments, it will work in retail applications, too, like check cashing or cannabis POS," Vik Devjee, VP at CIMA, told RRN. "One of the areas I did want to share with you that would be quite relevant for the retail reseller channel would be our range of consumer facing/touchless cash handing solutions. We will be aggressively pushing this range of products to VARs and ISVs in POS."

As its customer facing/touchless cash handing solutions, CIMA has its Series of CASH@POS. It includes CASH@POS INLANE300, CASH@POS INLANE600, and CASH@KIOSK300. All allow customers to make payments and receive change--accommodating notes or coins, in either case--without handing money to the operator. New S3: As markets, CIMA cites pharmacies, cafes, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants (QSRs).

CIMA’s Customer-Facing CASH@KIOSK300

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Electronic Payments
Epson America
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Revel Systems

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard
PAX Technology

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

Channel Chatter

A note from Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA) that its printers have been certified for cleaning and sanitizing. A number of specific chemical and cleaning agents are approved following the company's internal testing of its printers for point-of-sale (Models CT-S310II, CT-E351, CT-E651, CT-S751, CT-S4500, CT-S601II, CT-S601IIR, CT-S651II, CT-S801II, and CT-S851II) and barcode/labeling (Models CL-E300, CL-E303, CL-E321, and CL-E331). "Installing products that are able to be properly cleaned in an effort to help reduce the transmission of contaminants and germs is a very valuable dynamic during these times of distancing and cautionary measures," shared Norimitsu Kato, President and CEO of Citizen Systems America. "We are glad to confirm this ability at no additional cost and ask the user base to follow the proper cleaning instructions that we have posted on our website."

Citizen Systems Offers Cleaning Guidelines

INSTALLATIONS

Janam's Ticket to Ride

As fans return to the stands, Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has supplied its Model GT1 contactless access pedestal for the Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. Integrating Janam's XT3 mobile computer, which runs Android 9 and 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU, the GT1 supports the NFC protocols of both Apple Wallet and Google's Smart Tap. It allows arriving guests to "tap-and-go" or self-scan their paper or digital tickets. After evaluation, Olympia is considering Janam's technology for use at additional sites, including Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers.

In height of 52", with base measuring 13" x 15", the GT1 weighs 49 lbs./22.2 kg, and fits indoor or outdoor environments and the needs of portability. As connectivity, there's Power, Ethernet, and USB. GT1 may be outfitted with either Janam's Model XT2+ or XT3 mobile computer. Each employs Honeywell's 1D/2D Scan Engine. (Model XT2+ has Android 6 and 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Quad-Core CPU.)

"Janam is the most trusted hardware manufacturer in sports and live entertainment, and we are thrilled to partner with Olympia Entertainment to provide a ground-breaking contactless ticketing solution that enables fans to safely enter the building," reported Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies. "The transition from paper-based tickets to digital phone passes is a key ingredient of the accelerating proliferation of 'social distancing' and contactless consumer transactions." Additional markets for the GT1 include healthcare check-in and curbside pick-up in retail and restaurant segments, RRN was told.

Janam's GT1 Access Pedestal at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit

Goodwill Hunting at Celerant

Celerant Technology (Staten Island, NY) has been chosen as the recommended retail technology provider by the Goodwill National Cooperative Purchasing Program (NCPP). A number of features have been added to Stratus Enterprise by Celerant to fit the donated goods nature of Goodwill. It includes product inspection, categorization, sorting, tagging, and pricing. A 'color code' system has been fashioned.

"It became clear very early in our product search that Celerant checked all of the boxes and provided practical solutions to virtually all of Goodwill's unique challenges," shared Doug Carden, VP of the Goodwill National Cooperative Purchasing Program. "We look forward to a long-term partnership with Celerant and encourage our Goodwill members to consider the Stratus Enterprise system for their business needs." In the U.S. and Canada, Goodwill has 3,300 stores, in 165 regional parts.

"We understand that not all Goodwill stores operate in the same way, which is why it is so important for us, as the coop's technology partner, to offer a flexible retail platform which can be easily configured to meet the specific needs of each Goodwill business," elaborated Ian Goldman, President and CEO of Celerant Technology. "Equally as important, is to provide an innovative solution that can help the Goodwill businesses adapt to meet the evolving needs of their customers with tools such as curbside pick-up and text message marketing." A longtime leader in specialty retail ISV, Celerant also offers its Cumulus POS for the SMB.

Celerant Supplies Its Stratus for Goodwill

Channel Factoid

-Square: 857
-PayPal: 852
-Bank of America: 849
-PNC: 849
-Chase: 844
-Stripe: 841
-Elavon: 836
-Industry Average: 836
-Intuit QuickBooks: 835
-Wells Fargo: 833
-Global Payments: 824
-First Data/Fiserv: 819
-Worldpay from FIS: 798

Source: "2021 U.S. Merchant Services Satisfaction Study" by J.D. Power

Tech Performs Well, While Service Suffers

Seeding the Corn

As part of Georgia Tech's Professional Education, Amy Corn has been appointed as Academic Program Director of the forthcoming Financial Technology (FinTech) Program. A Founder and CEO of the AWC Strategy Group, Corn brings three decades of leadership in telecommunications and FinTech, including SVP of Corporate Communications and Marketing for Global Payments (2007 to 2018) and Executive Director for Telesales and Continuity Marketing for Verizon Wireless (1989 to 2006). "In the last year alone, the technological demands of the digital economy have shifted dramatically and the need for adaption is stronger than ever," observed Corn. "Professional education that adapts to the pace of change will bolster the ability for workers and corporations alike to innovate and transform." In making its announcement, the Georgia Institute of Technology noted that companies in Atlanta process 70% of the world's transactions.

Amy Corn, Director of the Financial Technology Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology

HELLO GOODBYE

Zippin' Along

Zippin (San Francisco, CA), which addresses "checkout-free" brick-and-mortar retail--via shelf-sensors, overhead cameras, and proprietary software, including AI (Artificial Intelligence)--has engaged Gary Jacobus as its SVP of Business Development. He joins the company from SSP America, one of the leading operators of food and beverage concessions in the travel sector, where he served as SVP of Business Development (2018 to 2020). Additional roles include Head of Business Development for Sports and Entertainment at Aramark (2013 to 2018), VP of Global Marketing Partnerships at the National Basketball Association (2009 to 2012), and Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships at the U.S. Tennis Association (2007 to 2009).

"As retailers look beyond the pandemic, they see a world changed forever," commented Krishna Motukuri, CEO of Zippin. "Technologies that would normally take several years to achieve mass adoption have become commonplace in a matter of months, and frictionless retail is no exception. Gary's expertise will help continue our momentum and take advantage of the demand we're experiencing. His knowledge in both the airport business channels and pro and collegiate sports venues makes him the ideal candidate to lead our global expansion."

"Zippin's platform changes everything," enthused Jacobus. "Guests at a sporting event, shoppers in a grocery store, travelers in an airport, or students on a college campus will now be able to grab onto something to eat or drink and get on with their lives. Zippin eliminates the friction and keeps us moving--all the more important at a time of social distancing and keeping workers and shoppers safe." A number of pro sports stadiums, in addition to corporate campuses, have Zippin.

Gary Jacobus, SVP, Business Development, Zippin

Gathering Clover at CPS

Card Payment Services (Fort Lauderdale, FL) has enlisted Doug (Javier) McKim as its Southeast Regional Sales Director. He previously served as Assistant VP at Bank of America Merchant Services (2014 to 2019). At CPS, he will be responsible for both indirect and direct sales in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, including VARs. He will be based in Orlando, FL.

"I encourage our CPS sales partners in the Southeast Region to use Doug McKim as an additional CPS resource to grow your Clover POS and First Data Payments portfolio as well as value-added solutions including ADP Payroll, Tabit, and Vend POS," related Joseph Creegan, GM - Card Payment Services, POS and Payment Solutions. (FYI: According to its website, CPS also supports software for POS from Aldelo and Aptito.)

Douglas (Javier) McKim, Southeast Regional Sales Director, Card Payment Services