Our Product Pick

Elo (Milpitas, CA) has presented its enterprise-ready computer subsystem, dubbed EloPOS Pack. In compact form factor of 10.9 in. (L) x 1.4 in. (H) x 9.4 in. (W) and 5.8 lbs./2.6 kg, EloPOS Pack has Intel's Q370 Chipset and Intel's 8th Generation Processors. A 4-GB RAM may be expanded to 64-GB, with 128-GB SATA SSD. Intended for support of peripherals, it features 16 I/O's--spanning the latest monitors via single cable USB-C to legacy printers via 12-V Powered USB. As wireless, there's Bluetooth 5/BLE and 802.11 Wi-Fi. It's offered with Windows 10 or none-O/S. A mounting bracket allows easy installation.

EloPOS Pack Enterprise Computer

COMPANY BUSINESS

SkyTab Gives the Orders

Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA) has added fully mobile tableside ordering functionality to its pay-at-the-table solution, SkyTab. Introduced in 2019, SkyTab is offered free of charge to new customers. Its mobile ordering functionality will be offered via software update to existing devices being used in the field (customized A930 by PAX Technology, Jacksonville, FL). It integrates with the software brands of Shift4--Harbortouch, Restaurant Manager, Future POS, and POSitouch--as well as Jonas Club and Oracle Hospitality (formerly Micros).

With payment support for MSR, EMV, and Contactless NFC, SkyTab includes capability for split checks, addition of tips, and choice of e-receipt or paper receipt. Also, customers will be prompted to rate their service, and if responses fall below the predetermined threshold, management will be notified by text message. In areas of customer relationship management, social media, and business intelligence, SkyTab links to Shift4's Lighthouse Business Management System. Under this most recent update, users of SkyTab may now execute the entire dining process from the initial order, and any re-orders, and ending with the final payment.

"Although pay-at-the-table solutions had previously struggled to gain widespread adoption in the U.S., we have seen considerable acceptance of SkyTab," reported Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments. "SkyTab is the U.S. payment industry's first pay-at-the-table solution available at a price point that makes it really compelling to implement. With the addition of order-at-the-table functionality, SkyTab now delivers a complete mobile solution for restaurants."

SkyTab Pay-at-the-Table Solution by Shift4

JDA: Up in the Wild Blue Yonder

A sign of the times, as JDA Software (Scottsdale, AZ) rebrands itself as Blue Yonder. As readers may recall, it purchased Blue Yonder, one of the market leaders in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in August 2018. Now, citing the growing impact of AI and ML across the supply chain, as well as retail, it has adopted this new identity in time for its 35th anniversary.

A nice reference to the cloud and endless possibilities, in the name Blue Yonder. In making its announcement, the company also cited its critical partnerships with Microsoft and MuleSoft, its move to Software-as-a-Service, and its seamless integration of products/applications. As its flagship, the new Blue Yonder has "Luminate," an end-to-end platform for maximizing the forecasting, planning, and management of inventory and labor. It will fully operate as Blue Yonder on April 1.

"After great contemplation and research, we have come to the conclusion that our company brand needs to reflect the major transformation that our business has undergone in recent times," declared Girish Rishi, CEO of Blue Yonder. "As we start a new era with a brand name that represents the realities of today and the aspirations for the future, we are ensuring that our investments and execution embody the essential elements that bring huge value for our 3,300 customers and 5,300 associates globally." Uwe Weiss, former CEO of pre-existing Blue Yonder, has been named EVP of Machine Learning.

JDA Rebrands as Blue Yonder

Worth Your While

NGA Show
National Grocers Association
February 23-26
San Diego, CA

RC Show
Restaurants Canada
March 1-3
Toronto, Canada

Modex
Material Handling Industry (MHI)
March 9-12
Atlanta, GA

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
March 22-25
Las Vegas, NV

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)
April 28-30
Las Vegas, NV

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago, IL

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers
Association (RSPA)
August 2-5
Las Vegas, NV

Impact 2020 Conference
Electronic Payments
September 22-25
Fort Lauderdale, FL

NACS
National Association
of Convenience Stores
October 11-14
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Epson Signs the Check

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has unboxed its next-generation of multifunction teller devices: the new TM-S2000II and TM-S9000II. In single pocket size of 8.1 in. (H) x 10.4 in. (D) x 5.6 in. (W), weighing 8.2 lbs./3.7 kg, the TM-S2000II includes ink-jet printer for cashier's check, endorsement of slip sheet printing, color ID card scanning, 99.9% accuracy MICR reading, and optional MSR. It has speed of 225 documents per minute (dpm), 100-check document feeder, 16 lines of endorsement or slip sheet printing, and two-year warranty. A new user interface screen (LCD) helps improve branch teller performance.

It may be paired, stacked, or installed with another thermal printer from Epson America, such as the popular TM-T88V--in the TM-S9000II. Additionally, it may be configured with Epson's OmniLink TM-T70II-DT2 or TM-T88VI-DT2 printers--which incorporate functionality of the PC--in order to operate in so-called Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI (i.e., hosting of desktop environment on central server). As the "only multifunction device available today with an integrated thermal printer," the TM-S9000II furnishes essential features in one platform.

As another benefit, for backward compatibility, both the TM-S2000II and TM-S9000II run with the same consumables and Application Programming Interface (API). "Introduction of our new multifunction devices underscores Epson's commitment to ensuring that our financial institution customers have the best solutions possible to maintain high levels of productivity and customer satisfaction," enthused Rahn Rampton, Financial Services Product Manager at Epson America. "As one of the leading players in the financial services industry, we will continue to deliver on this commitment now and in the long term."

A Next Generation of Multifunction Teller Devices by Epson America Includes the TM-S9000II

Going Mobile at SATO

SATO America (Charlotte, NC) has unwrapped its new mobile thermal printer, designated PV3. Measuring 6.3 in. (L) x 4.7 in. (W) x 3.1 in. (H), weighing 1.3 lbs./0.7 kg, the PV3 has paper width of 3.1 in./80 mm and maximum print speed of 5 in./127 mm per second at 203 dpi. An outer roll paper diameter of 2.6 in./66 mm and 7.4-V 2600-mAh Lithium-Ion battery enable full-shifts in warehousing, retail, and field service.

As features, the PV3 furnishes drop-in paper loading, built-in dispenser, display panel (LCD), media sensors, status LEDs, buzzer, and 128-MB RAM/256-MB Flash. As communications, there's standard USB 2.0 and Bluetooth 4/BLE. An optional 802.11 Wireless LAN Kit will be offered.

With polycarbonate casing and rubber overmolding, it has an IP-54 rating for water and dust and 6.9-ft./2.1-m drop resistance. It supports iOS, Android, and Windows, and includes configuration tools, label design software, and Mobile Printing App. "We believe that the PV3 is the printing solution that users have been searching for," indicated Goro Yumiba, Chairperson and CEO of SATO America. Earlier, in January, SATO rolled out its "mini" desktop thermal label printer, the CT4-LX.

SATO's PV3 Mobile Thermal Printer

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ALLIANCES

Star Orbits ISVs

Another restaurant POS ISV, eatOS (Los Angeles, CA), founded in 2017, has endorsed printers from Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). A pair of models will be offered: the Star Micronics SP742 for back-of-house kitchen printing and the TSP654II for receipt printing. In addition, the TSP654II will be combined with the I-Series touchscreen computer and Wallaby stand from Elo (Milpitas, CA) in self-service kiosk format.

With multiple interfaces of Serial, Parallel, USB, and LAN, Star's TSP654II thermal receipt printer has maximum print speed of 11.8 in./300 mm and paper widths of 2.3 in./58 mm and 3.1 in./80 mm. Constructed to withstand heat and humidity, Star's SP742 impact printer has maximum print speed of 7 in./180 mm per second and paper widths of 2.3 in./58 mm and 2.8 in./70 mm. An emphasis on connectivity in both includes Bluetooth, Apple AirPrint, Star's CloudPRNT, and Software Development Kits (SDKs) for iOS, Android, and Windows.

"Star has always been one of the leaders in the POS space," observed Nicholas Brunner, COO and Co-Founder of eatOS. "With their highly innovative printers and cloud technology, eatOS will continue to bring next-generation solutions to the restaurant market." In 2018, Star Micronics launched its Star Select Club for ISVs, with three levels--Bronze, Silver, and Gold--with corresponding technical support, marketing resources, and Partner Portal. A Star VIP Club serves VARs.

Star Printers Endorsed by eatOS

Poynt: Bit by Bit

A significant growth opportunity for crypto-currency, in the view of two new partners pursuing the technology at POS: BitPay (Atlanta, GA) and Poynt (Palo Alto, CA). It brings BitPay's Blockchain into Poynt's Smart Terminal--at more than 100,000 retailers. Utilizing QR Codes at the checkout, consumers may now pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP.

"Addition of open-source, decentralized currencies like Bitcoin is a natural fit in our open-commerce environment," proclaimed Osama Bedier, CEO and Founder of Poynt. "BitPay pioneered blockchain payments. Without question, they were the company we trusted to bring us into the next generation of payments."

Introduced in 2013, Poynt offers its Smart Terminal, Poynt OS, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDKs). A Smart Terminal includes 7" touchscreen, 2" thermal receipt printer, 4.3" customer-facing PIN Pad, Quad-Core CPU, Lithium-Ion battery--all in the swoopy molded casing. All payment types are accommodated: MSR, EMV, Contactless NFC, and QR Codes.

BitPay and Poynt Boost Crypto-Currency at POS

Code Corner

Prosale (Athens, GA) has released its estate sale management software. A Software-as-a-Service, Prosale comprises software, web services, and e-commerce elements. It features easy set-up with printed labels, inventory management, multi-location oversight, integrated point-of-sale, automated daily discounts, and professional reporting. As an industry, estate sales is estimated to exceed $2.5 billion in annual revenue, with aging baby boomers in the process of downsizing their homes as one of the accelerating factors in growth. "The estate sale industry is booming, but to date, it hasn't been well-served with technology solutions," suggested Allen Revak, CEO and Founder of Prosale. "Our estate sale software provides processes, procedures, and transparency for estate sales professionals to manage and grow their business profitably."

A Software for Estate Sales

PointOS (Boston, MA), which supplies restaurant software and hardware for POS, has registered as an Independent Sales Organization (ISO) backed by Fifth Third Bank. In addition to negotiating payment processing rates, it now offers next-day funding to merchants, along with pre-authorization and offline capabilities. It also offers integrated gift and loyalty programs and mobile wallet functionality. A swift onboarding process allows merchants to be approved and begin processing on the same day, according to PointOS. "By eliminating the middleman, we are able to advocate for our customers and provide honest and competitive processing rates that will actually help, not hurt, their bottom line," proposed Dylan Penebre, CEO at PointOS.

Launch of PointOS Payments

INTEGRATION

Fiserv Says "Dine and Dash"

Fiserv (Brookfield, WI) has debuted its solution for so-called "dine and dash"--in which the restaurant customer completes the payment process--for its Clover POS. Entitled "Scan to Pay," it allows customers to use the camera on their iPhone to scan the QR Code (generated by Clover) on the bottom of their receipt and pay with Apple Pay. It does not require the download of an additional app by customers, noted Fiserv.

Not only is Apple Pay quick and convenient for the guest and restaurant, continued Fiserv, it enhances security via the Face ID or Touch ID on their iPhone. Servers know the guest has paid, since completed transactions immediately show on the restaurant's devices and terminals. Additionally, guests have access to their restaurant bill on their iPhone, and if the restaurant has Clover Feedback, they can share their comments and reviews with the restaurant manager/owner.

As markets, Fiserv cites high-volume, full-service restaurants and other locations in which guests may face time constraints, such as in airports or pre-theatre dining. "As a high-volume restaurant, we wanted a more efficient way for our guests to pay," contributed Josh Molina, Owner of Makers & Finders in Las Vegas, NV. "Since we began using Scan to Pay with Clover Dining, we have been able to offer a more seamless payment experience to our guests, turning more tables while giving guests a 'wow' experience as they pay for their meal."

[Editor's Note: As readers will recall, Fiserv acquired First Data, and Clover, in July 2019.]

Fiserv Offers "Scan to Pay" on Its Clover POS

Paysafe's Silver Lining

Paysafe (Houston, TX) has expanded its payments offering with the Cloud SDK (Software Development Kit) by Handpoint (Palo Alto, CA). It addresses, specifically, the surging number of ISVs working as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and employs the A80 and A920 terminals by PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL) for MSR, EMV and Contactless NFC. Earlier, Paysafe called upon Handpoint for SDKs and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for iOS, Android, and Desktop O/S.

"ISVs must support the specific and evolving needs of their merchant vertical," related Jody Muehlegger, COO and Head of North America at Handpoint. "Our Cloud SDK combined with Paysafe's omni-commerce technology enables cutting-edge software providers to integrate unified payments across every touchpoint, without compromising security, control, or the customer experience." A Cloud SDK from Handpoint has point-to-point encryption (P2PE), tokenization, and tip adjustment.

"An omni-channel payments offering is vital for success in the ISV space--providing consumers with a seamless experience whether they're paying in person, online, or via mobile," relayed O.B. Rawls, CEO of Global Payment Processing at Paysafe. "We're delighted to put this into practice in partnership with Handpoint, enabling ISVs' merchant partners to provide consumers with a strong card-present payment solution." This year, ISVs in North America plan to double the number of payment methods offered, according to Paysafe's Q3 2019 Study.

O.B. Rawls, CEO of Global Payment Processing at Paysafe

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
EVO Payments/Sterling
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard
Sound Payments

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

An App Gets Rolling

A new app from POS Supply Solutions (Middleton, MA) and PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL) allows merchants to order receipt paper and supplies through their POS. It appears under "POS Supply Solutions" or "Buy POS Paper" in the PAXSTORE on PAX SmartPOS Devices. Once downloaded, merchants may select their terminal and will be presented with appropriate paper rolls. An "Easy Re-Order" feature stores previous purchases for reference.

"We saw an opportunity to make it easier for our customers to order supplies for their PAX terminals," remarked Stephen Enfield, CEO and Founder of POS Supply Solutions." Our goal has always been to make receipt paper and other POS supply buying as simple as possible. Now, customers don't even need to use a computer--our products are literally available at their fingertips."

"PAX Technology provides innovative sales-oriented business solutions," projected Heather Hatch, VP of Business Development at PAX Technology. "They aren't just for the point-of-sale--they're also capable of running non-payment application features like ordering paper and so much more to support SMBs. The POS Supply app fits in perfectly with that mission. We look forward to continuing to innovate and make it easier for SMBs to succeed."

Ordering Receipt Paper at the POS From POS Supply Solutions and PAX Technology

Of PB3, RK25, and CMP-25L

A Microsoft Certified Developer and ISV/VAR, CMI Solutions (Charlotte, NC), has addressed inventory control for convenience stores and wholesale fuel marketers with its bundle of software and hardware. It offers item-level inventory management software developed by CMI, named PB3, supported at the back door and store floor by Android-based RK25 handheld computers/scanners by CipherLab (Plano, TX). An ability to print shelf labels, item tags, and sales receipts is provided by CMP-25L mobile printers by Citizen Systems (Torrance, CA).

Announced for foodservice in September 2019, PB3 by CMI Solutions delivers recipe management, ingredient inventory, and accounting control for "true" food cost and menu item gross profit reporting. It draws upon sales data from the POS, helps identify shrink, spoilage, and waste, and flags unauthorized items at receiving (with CipherLab's RK25). A founder of the technology standard industry group, Conexxus (Alexandria, VA), CMI Solutions offers its customers Scan Data Services.

"National Association of Convenience Stores President, Hank Armour, reported during his 2019 Industry Update, that 2018 January to October foodservice gross profit was 26.3% of total per store gross profit, representing 5.1% growth over 2017," cited Jerome Sedelmeyer, Director of Sales and Marketing for CMI Solutions. "My twenty years of foodservice experience have taught me that while there is great margin potential, there are also more money leakage points in foodservice than in dry stock." Vested in 1992, CMI Solutions has 2,500 customers.

An Inventory Bundle of PB3 Food Service Software by CMI Solutions, RK25 Handheld Computer by CipherLab, and CMP-25L Mobile Printer by Citizen Systems

Channel Factoid

Year Over Year - January Sales

-Online/Non-Store: +7%

-General Merchandise: +3.3%

-Grocery/Beverage: +2.9%

-Furniture/Furnishings: +2%

-Clothing/Accessories: -0.7%

-Building/Garden Supply: -1.4%

-Sporting Goods: -1.5%

-Health/Personal Care: -1.9%

-Electronics/Appliance: -2.9%

-Overall Retail Sales: +2.7%

-"While the business sector continues to weigh significant uncertainties, consumers are providing staying power for U.S. economic growth," summarized Jack Kleinhenz, NRF Chief Economist.

Source: National Retail Federation (Washington, DC)
Excludes automotive, gasoline, and restaurants.

Overall Sales Up 2.7%

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, and business models. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

HELLO GOODBYE

A General at Ingenico

A new EVP of North America at Ingenico Group (Atlanta, GA): current executive, Peter Stewart. He joined Ingenico as Chief Financial Officer for North America (2016 to 2018), before becoming Chief Financial Officer for Banks & Acquirers, based in Paris, France (2018 to 2020). Earlier, he served as VP of Finance at ADVA Optical Networking (2008 to 2016).

"Peter brings his wealth of global leadership experience working with technology companies, both in fintech and the larger industry, that Ingenico benefits from greatly," emphasized Matthieu Destot, EVP of Ingenico Banks & Acquirers. "I, along with the Executive Committee, am excited as he begins this new role leading the region. His technology background and track record, coupled with his understanding of how Ingenico helps elevate the customer experience, will drive success as we continue to expand our presence in the region."

"I am honored and humbled to be appointed the next leader of the North America Region, and I'm very excited by the opportunity that we have in front of us," manifested Stewart. "We will continue to build upon our position of thought leadership, our market strength, and most importantly, our ability to execute our strategy across both our Retail and B&A business unit activities."

[Editor's Note: Earlier this month it was announced that Ingenico Group will be merged with another payments titan, Worldline. A deal, worth $8.6 billion, will create the world's fourth-largest payments firm.]

Peter Stewart, EVP of North America, Ingenico

All Rise at RSPA

The Retail Solutions Providers Association (Charlotte, NC) has named Attorney Jill Miller as its Legal Counsel. She will work alongside longtime Legal Counsel Bob Goldberg until his retirement in December 2020 after 32 years of service to RSPA. A Partner in law firm Bodman PLC (Detroit, MI), Miller chairs its Data Privacy and Security Group. She has dedicated her legal career to representing entrepreneurs and companies that serve the retail vertical, noted RSPA, with particular emphasis on electronic payments, compliance, and contract matters.

"Jill will bring a methodical and knowledgeable approach to creating opportunities," commented RSPA President and CEO John Kirk. "Her unique personality, experience, and approach will prevent and solve problems for our members. Jill is the right person at the right time. We are proud to have her on our team and in our community."

"I look forward to the opportunity to interact with RSPA members and to help them navigate the ever-changing legal landscape," shared Miller. "I pride myself on providing practical, business-focused advice so that my clients can focus on running their business. Bob Goldberg has set a very high standard as Legal Counsel and I am committed to building on that tradition of excellence."

Jill Miller, Legal Counsel, Retail Solutions Providers Association

It's Heads at Paytronix

Paytronix, one of the leading purveyors of loyalty programs, has enlisted two new executives for its team: Andrea Mulligan as Head of Customer Success and Marc Schultz as Head of Data Privacy and Security. A veteran in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Mulligan has served as VP of Customer Success at Pica9 (2017 to 2019), President and Founder of Sophity (2014 to 2017), and Senior Director of Services at Veracode (2012 to 2014). At Paytronix, she will supervise 57 people.

As his experience, Schultz brings twenty years of progressive roles at Staples, Inc. It includes Senior IT Manager, Director of Retail Systems, and, lastly, Head of International Data Security and Global Data Privacy (2014 to 2020). A member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), he holds status of Fellow of Information Privacy.

"Both Andrea and Marc are important additions to the Paytronix team," expressed Andrew Robbins, CEO of Paytronix Systems. "Experience in their respective industries will help Paytronix customers quickly enjoy the value the platform brings while resting assured that the data within is being kept safe from bad actors, specifically as digital payments become the norm." Also, Paytronix has been chosen to upgrade the loyalty program for convenience-store chain, Daily's. It will replace an existing system based on fob-and-RFID, supplying mobile app and integration with NCR Radiant POS. Daily's has 36 stores in Florida.

At Paytronix: Andrea Mulligan, Head of Customer Success and Marc Schultz, Head of Data Privacy and Security