This Week’s Product Pick

Datalogic Mobile (Eugene, OR) has upgraded its popular Falcon handheld terminal with the launch of the Falcon X3. Outfitted with either laser scanner or two-dimensional imager, running Windows CE or Windows Mobile 6.5, and in handheld and pistol grip versions, Falcon X3 can be configured in 12 different combinations to match end-user needs. Its power comes from PXA 310 and Cortex-M3 processors with base memory package of 256 MB RAM/256 MB Flash, and Summit's Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g radio provides maximum coverage. Numeric and alphanumeric keyboards are offered with backlighting and 3.5-inch TFT display for indoor and outdoor use. In response to user feedback, Datalogic Mobile has incorporated polycarbonate key caps as well as single piece battery, RRN.Com was told. The Falcon X3 features rugged construction, resisting numerous drops from 1.8 meters (6 feet), while an IP-64 level sealing protects the unit from dust and liquids. “Our new Falcon X3 delivers incredible performance from dual-processor architecture and proprietary features,” observed Bill Parnell, CEO of both Datalogic Mobile and Datalogic Scanning.

Falcon X3 by Datalogic Mobile

COMPANY BUSINESS

Intermec’s Four of a Kind

Intermec (Everett, WA) has started the new year off loudly by rolling out the 70 Series, its next-generation portfolio of ultra-rugged mobile computers. Comprised of four products over one platform, the 70 Series nearly doubles the company’s mobile computer portfolio in one release. Representing the smallest and lightest form factors in their respective classes, according to the manufacturer, each product has been targeted to an appropriate audience: CN70, field service, transportation, and logistics; CN70e, direct store delivery and route accounting; CK70, parcel delivery in courier, express, and postal operations; and CK71, manufacturing and warehousing.

Running Windows Embedded Handheld, the 70 Series has been outfitted with impressive features. These include the new EA30 two-dimensional scan engine with superior motion tolerance performance and advanced aiming system, as well as the third-generation EX25 near-far scan engine for greater distance and velocity of data capture. One of the industry’s first 802.11n dual-band WLANs brings better connectivity and communication, while on-board diagnostic and device health monitoring improves uptime and serviceability for large deployments of devices. Reliability has been addressed with Gorilla glass touch panel, rugged keypad technology, IP-67 sealing, and drop rating of 1.8 meters/6 feet across all temperatures.

According to Intermec, which always stresses its philosophy of common platforms and architectures, the 70 Series conquers daily operational challenges and streamlines productivity with its unique ability to offer one software build and one set of peripherals, including its flexible docking system, or FlexDock. This new scalable, modular docking system comes equipped with all form factors, saving space and reducing installation costs, while enabling businesses to future proof their investment. Last but not least, the company’s “INcontrol” managed services platform delivers business intelligence from the point of work.

New 70 Series From Intermec

Bigger House on the RedPrairie

RedPrairie Corporation (Atlanta) has purchased SofTechnics (Akron, OH), one of the long-time enterprise software providers in grocery and general retail, with 24 of the top 75 supermarket chains in the U.S. as customers. SofTechnics’ portfolio brings stronger functionality in areas such as mobility-enabled store inventory and price management, intelligent store ordering, and direct store delivery to RedPrairie’s E2e productivity suite. For the time being, SofTechnics products will continue to be offered separately, with RedPrairie beginning the work of integrating the two companies. Terms of the acquisition were not announced.

“The SofTechnics suite of fully integrated software solutions has helped many leading retailers manage inventory, reduce costs, improve business operations, and dramatically increase productivity,” stated Mike Mayoras, CEO of RedPrairie. “Their experience in the retail vertical will provide a new wealth of knowledge for RedPrairie's already successful efforts within this space. The continued functional expansion and enhancement of our retail platform allows us to provide customers with a broader and more flexible array of solutions for the challenges they face every day.”

Added Guy Dille, former President of SofTechnics and now SVP, Retail, for RedPrairie, “Our company is proud of its successful history in retail. Joining RedPrairie allows us to draw from an even wider pool of resources to continue providing our customers with the tools for success and quality of service they have come to expect from us.”

Mike Mayoras, CEO of RedPrairie

Worth Your While

RSPA Inspire 2011
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 23-26
Maui, HI

Supply Chain Conference
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA)
January 30-February 1
Orlando

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

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

NRA Show 2011
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

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

RetailNOW 2011
Retail Solution Providers Association
July 24-27
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

MMF: Better Lock Up Your DVR

MMF POS (Wheeling, IL) has pushed further into the security market with the introduction of VID-Box, its new enclosure for DVR equipment. Constructed of heavy gauge steel, half of which has been recycled, VID-Box features hinged front door with cam lock and two keys (alike or random), scratch-resistant powder coat finish, and industrial black coloring. A filter-equipped cooling fan and air vents prevent equipment from overheating.

“Loss prevention is vital for every retailer,” noted Greg Carlson, CEO of MMF POS, “and we’ve already contributed with the design of the ‘LockIt’ cash drop compartment in our Advantage Series Cash Drawers. We are committed to delivering concepts which our customers demand: well-engineered and high-quality products at an affordable price. The surveillance information stored in DVRs is imperative in the event of an incident, and with the VID-Box it will be protected from tamper or theft.”

VID-Box comes in three sizes, with removable top lid for easy access, and room for more than one DVR device. Custom configurations are available upon request, as well as an optional horizontal mounting bracket kit. VID-Box has been offered as part of the MMF Security product family, as the longtime cash drawer supplier continues to broaden its POS footprint.

VID-Box Debuted by MMF Security

A Good Read From Honeywell

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) unveiled its Voyager 1200g scanner, designed to achieve superior linear scanning performance and unmatched readability on poor quality or damaged barcodes. Targeted expressly at the SMB market, Voyager 1200g handles the range of standard one-dimensional and GS1 DataBar symbologies, and may be used in either handheld or presentation modes. Futuristic-looking, it measures 3 in. x 7.1 in. x 3.8 in., weighs 4.4 oz., and delivers scan speed of 100 scan lines per second with horizontal scan angle of 30 degrees.

“In today’s fast-paced world, it is unacceptable for cashiers to spend minutes or even seconds trying to read a poor-quality barcode,” observed Ken Tadkowski, EVP of RMS Omega Technologies, the VAR based in White Marsh, MD. “The Voyager 1200g exceeds our expectations in a device that can read virtually any barcode, despite how damaged it might be. This device sets the new standard for the AIDC industry and we’re excited about its introduction to the market.”

Voyager 1200g minimizes cost by delivering multi-interface support for USB, keyboard wedge, and RS-232, according to its manufacturer. In addition, its single, shock-mounted PCB furnishes greater impact resistance and its recessed, scratch-resistant button protected by an integrated rubber co-mold minimizes damage from accidental drops. Added durability is provided in the form of hooded, scratch-resistance glass window and an IP-42 environmental rating. Lastly, automatic configuration and tool-free stand assembly help simplify set-up.

Voyager 1200g from Honeywell Scanning & Mobility

[Editor’s Note:  Honeywell Scanning & Mobility also announced several product enhancements to its retail line card. Its Dolphin 9700 mobile computer is now available with magnetic-stripe and smart-card reader through its MSCR accessory. A sled handle for the Dolphin 6500 mobile computer now allows better use of that device for high-volume scanning applications such as inventory management and stock replenishment.]

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ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Wavelink Listens and Speaks

Wavelink Corporation (Midvale, UT) has advanced its mobile device management capabilities on two fronts. First, the company announced that support for managing Apple iOS devices--such as iPhones and iPads--and Android devices will be available at the end of Q1. With its next update, Wavelink Avalanche will carry Apple iOS through the same central console as mobile devices based on Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Palm OS, and DOS. This move comes in response to customer requests, RRN.Com was told by Jay Cichosz, VP of Marketing at Wavelink.

“The use of smart phones in retail operations is growing, and our customers are looking to manage them now alongside their rugged mobile devices,” commented Lamar Van Wagenen, Wavelink’s CEO/President. “Wavelink is making this possible with support for Apple and Android devices to be followed later in the year with BlackBerry devices. Our customers have great flexibility in the devices they use as we offer infrastructure management for the widest range of hardware and platforms on the market.”

Wavelink also has offered its Terminal Emulation 7.3 with enhancements to the Speakeasy voice recognition module, such as the new speech-to-text engine. Going forward, users may train the speech engine to their particular voice patterns. This information gets saved and managed via Wavelink Avalanche as their “voice profile,” thereby improving accuracy while maintaining the user’s ability to operate any mobile device in the network.

Moreover, administrators can now use the Terminal Emulation Screen Reformatter to boost efficiency for users providing voice input. Specific fields can be designated for speech-to-text and text-to-speech entry, and the user interface can be tailored to individuals or applications. The ability to easily import and export multiple scripts allows administrators to add advanced functions as needed, according to the developer, which touts Speakeasy’s low cost, easy implementation, and conservation of bandwidth when compared to higher-end voice recognition systems.

Speakeasy Voice Recognition Has Been Enhanced in Terminal Emulation 7.3

VeriFone Pumps Up PAYware

Although it may seem that the smart phone world is winning the tug-of-war over mobile POS, payment processors shouldn’t be written off too soon. At this week’s National Retail Federation Show in New York, to take just one case, VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA) introduced PAYware Mobile Enterprise, its feature-rich card acceptance system targeted at large retailers. Using the familiar handheld form factor, it allows items to be scanned, payment cards swiped, and receipts e-mailed to customers or transmitted to nearby wireless printers.

Significantly, PAYware Mobile Enterprise carries PCI-approved PIN debit keypad and two-dimensional barcode scanner. It also features built-in NFC and EMV smart card capabilities, ensuring North American retailers are ready to embrace those emerging technologies. VeriFone’s VeriShield Total Protect provides encryption and tokenization for data security (as always, the trump card in the payment processors’ deck). Further, VeriFone’s PAYware Connect gateway extends the payment network outside the walls of the store for sidewalk sales, delivery, and field service calls.

“With PAYware Mobile Enterprise, retailers can revolutionize customer service and store operations by utilizing versatile mobile applications and secure payment acceptance integrated with existing POS infrastructure,” declared Erik Vlugt, VP of Product Marketing at VeriFone. “VeriFone’s card encryption and tokenization solution for smart devices isolates payment actions to ensure retailers can maintain the necessary secure payment environment.”

PAYware Mobile Enterprise for Large Retailers

Code Corner

VAR Dynamics (San Jose, CA) wants to help you leverage Microsoft Dynamics CRM. To that end, this provider of private-label SaaS to the IT channel has released its new web-based plug-in registration tool, or automated assembly, for cloud-based Dynamics CRM. According to VAR Dynamics, this represents the first solution of its kind that works in the multi-tenant environment and in the “self-service” model for CRM customization. Previously, the developer noted, such customization to Microsoft CRM environments required costly infrastructure build-outs of separate dedicated environments, whether on-premise or cloud-based. “Our goal is to continuously innovate and become the platform of choice for hosted Dynamics CRM,” testified Matt Baldwin, CTO for VAR Dynamics. “For the channel, this unique plug-in registration platform now enables VARs, MSPs, ISVs, and others to cost-effectively deliver their own private-label CRM customizations using its simple web interface in the cloud. The result is that their end-user customers will reap the greatest business benefits possible from their CRM systems.”

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Barcoding Behind the Wheel

Barcoding Inc. (Baltimore) has become an authorized reseller of fleet management products from XATA Corporation (Minneapolis). Barcoding will offer XATA’s flagship solutions--XATA Turnpike and XATANET--to its 2,500 end-user customers in industries such as direct store delivery, energy, food and beverage, healthcare, and retail distribution. XATA Turnpike, an entry-level, cost-effective system for electronic driver logging, takes just 10 minutes to install and operates on popular mobile devices, according to its developer. XATANET targets fleet administrators requiring greater functionality, such as enhanced mapping capabilities, customer-defined reporting, and speed and time management.

“As one of the leaders in supply chain logistics, Barcoding is excited to bring XATA’s best-of-class technology to our distribution customers,” shared Ken Currie, Director, Marketing and Business Development, Barcoding Inc. “By partnering with XATA, an early pioneer in the mobile resource management space, we are able to offer our customers the 360-degree, real-time information they need to improve every aspect of their fleet operations.”

“We’re pleased to offer our powerful, easy-to-use solutions to Barcoding’s customers,” added Christian Schenk, VP of Product Marketing at XATA, which goes to market through monthly subscription service. “And we look forward to helping fleets of all sizes reduce costs, improve safety and compliance, increase customer satisfaction, and realize quantifiable return on their investment. Clients can also benefit from Barcoding’s integration and configuration services, which facilitate faster implementations and an even quicker ROI.”

Integrator Adds XATA Fleet Management Capabilities

UBC Offers Free POS

United Bank Card doesn't let up. UBC, as RRN.Com readers may remember, launched its free payment terminal program in 2004, followed by its free electronic cash register (ECR) program in 2009. Now the processor has invited its ISOs to offer potential merchants free Harbortouch POS systems with integrated payments. In addition to lucrative residuals, ISOs will receive an upfront commission of $300 per terminal, according to UBC, as well as complimentary leads for merchants in their area. An approved merchant account and monthly service agreement are required for the merchant to participate in the free POS program.

UBC said it has overhauled Harbortouch hardware and software for this initiative, which began the first of the year and addresses both hospitality and retail. Features of the terminal include five-wire resistive technology, Intel 1.6-GHz Dual Core processor, 160 GB of storage space, and 1 GB DDR2 memory. Furthermore, UBC’s lifetime warranty program promises to replace defective or broken hardware--monitor, printer, cash drawer, or CPU--for as long as the storekeeper maintains their merchant account with UBC.

“This is a multi-faceted announcement,” said Jared Isaacman, CEO of United Bank Card, “and although each piece of it is exciting in itself, as a whole it is truly unparalleled. We have combined the best hardware with the best software and are offering it free of charge to merchants while providing our ISO partners with residuals and upfront money. Add free leads, comprehensive training, and advanced sales technology, and you have an unprecedented sales package for our ISO partners. It is our experiences in the POS market over the last three years that have enabled us to launch such a dynamic and industry-changing initiative.”

Harbortouch POS System Comes With Merchant Account

[Editor’s Note:  UBC has announced its move to larger facilities in Allentown, PA. The new building was the former location of Kraft Foods’ regional headquarters and features 30,000 square feet of office space and staging facilities.]

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
Pioneer POS
POS-X
Touch Dynamics

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Pay at Table
Bellatrix Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Retail Systems
Zebra/Motorola

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touch Displays & Monitors
3M Touch Systems

INSTALLATIONS

Epson Taken to Hart

Hart Stores, the community-focused retail chain in Eastern Canada, has rolled out 500 Epson TM-T70 POS printers throughout its 92 locations. Debuted in November 2009, Epson’s TM-T70 is about the same height as most cash drawers (not quite 4.5 inches) and has all front-facing controls, paper loading, and receipt dispensing for easy access, as well as print speed of 170 mm/6.7 inches per second and Energy Star certification. Scan Again, Inc. (Newmarket, ON, Canada) served as integrator for this project, working through BlueStar Canada.

“We knew the Epson printers would be reliable, and we needed that ultimate reliability, but we also wanted a printer that eventually wouldn’t take up any counter space,” related Salvatore Pugliese, VP of Information Technology and Systems for Hart Stores. “Knowing we have the ability to place the TM-T70 printers under the counter is a big advantage, and we will gain extra counter space when we redesign.”

Hart Stores faced another obstacle, in that it employs various models of cash drawers, some of which have been discontinued. “Scan Again worked with Epson to customize all new cables, which saved us at least $40,000, since we didn’t have to replace all the old cash drawers,” said Pugliese. “That was a huge advantage to this whole deal--we appreciate working with companies that provide customization and support that add tangible value to our investment.”

Epson America’s Front-Facing TM-T70 Receipt Printer

SWAGG Be Showing

Visitors to this week’s National Retail Federation Show in New York might have “mobile marketing” fatigue, since it sometimes seemed as if every exhibitor wanted to discuss the theme in some manner or another. This included hardware suppliers, software developers, and the mobile marketers themselves, who have no shortage of interesting ideas (but perhaps revenue). Clearly, however, retailers have recognized the need for, and benefits of, technology-fueled customer recruitment and retention, with all that implies for the POS and Auto ID community.

One exhibitor of particular interest in this area was SWAGG, which allows consumers to carry and manage their gift, loyalty, and membership cards on their mobile devices. Run by Outlier, Inc. the wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm (San Diego), the wireless telecommunications concern, SWAGG allows consumers to import cards, view balance and reward information, and exchange gifts from participating merchants. Consumers may download SWAGG for free from the App Store, the Android Market, or direct from the company’s website. Outlier launched SWAGG in December in time for the holiday shopping season after successful beta testing and it has quickly attracted prominent retailers such as American Apparel, The Wet Seal, 1-800-Flowers, Arden B., Live Nation Merchandise, Steve Madden, JC Penney, and Crocs.

“We created SWAGG to enable consumers to have more of what they need while carrying less,” remarked Rocco Fabiano, President of Outlier. “SWAGG is part of the revolution to enhance the way consumers transact by reducing their dependence on plastic gift cards, which can be lost, misplaced, or expire before consumers have the chance to fully use them. SWAGG is designed to become part of the modern shopper’s lifestyle by leveraging the power of their mobile device.”

Farewell to the Plastic Gift and Loyalty Card?

Channel Factoid

The latest installment of the Motorola Solutions annual holiday study indicates that the majority of surveyed retail associates (55%) believe that this holiday season’s shoppers were better connected to consumer information than in-store associates due to the increasing number of online shopping tools and mobile phone applications that allow price comparisons, access to coupons, and social networking. Overall, an overwhelming majority of retailers--87%--believe that shoppers can find better deals when forced into doing so by inadequate customer service. “Retailers need to arm their mobile associates with access to real-time information to level the shopping playing field,” advised Frank Riso, Senior Director of Retail Solutions for Motorola, citing statistics indicating that nearly three in 10 (28%) store visits ended with an average of $132 unspent due to abandoned purchases driven by out-of-stocks, limited store associate assistance, and long checkout processes. More positively, the survey found that when shoppers received guidance from a retail associate armed with a handheld mobile computer, over four in 10 (43%) reported the device improved their shopping experience. Further, two-thirds of surveyed retail associates (68%) would value the capability to scan barcodes to check inventory and availability of items requested by customers using small mobile devices. And nearly 25% of surveyed shoppers said they would be very likely to take advantage of sales associates using handheld payment terminals to complete their purchase, instead of their own smart phone (9%).

HELLO GOODBYE

Autotask Lands McBain

Autotask Corporation (East Greenbush, NY) has engaged Jay McBain as its SVP of Strategy and Market Development, reporting to Chairman and Chief Visionary Officer, Bob Godgart. McBain comes from Lenovo, where he served as Director of Small and Medium Business for Lenovo Americas. He represents the second major executive appointment for Autotask in the past month, following the recruitment of Mark Cattini as CEO.

“Jay is a highly experienced channel, sales, marketing, and business development executive who has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams of professionals to new levels of success in a variety of highly competitive product categories, cutting-edge markets, and fast-paced environments,” commented Godgart. “He has an impressive track record of over 16 years of hands-on experience and a proven ability to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions in the IT industry.”

As Director of Small and Medium Business of Lenovo Americas, McBain reportedly increased market share by over 50% in 2009. During his previous tenure at IBM, he won the prestigious IBM Golden Circle Award as well as the National Top Sales Contributor Award three times and was named to IBM’s 100 Per Cent Club on 11 consecutive occasions. McBain also lectures widely on topics such as pervasive computing, managed services, and the impact of social media.

Jay McBain, SVP of Strategy and Market Development, Autotask

New Sales Leader at Ingram Micro DC/POS

Ingram Micro has promoted Eric Verhave to Director of Sales for its Data Capture/POS Division (Carlsbad, CA). A 15-year Ingram Micro veteran, Verhave has served the last five years in the Data Capture/POS Division as Senior Account Executive, covering the Northeast territory. Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS maintains offices and facilities across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, as part of the world's largest IT distributor.

“In his previous role, Eric consistently exceeded expectations from a partner recruitment and engagement standpoint,” recounted Justin Scopaz, VP and GM, Data Capture/POS Division, Ingram Micro North America. “We believe his many years with Ingram Micro and the great work he’s done in the division make him the perfect fit for his expanded duties.”

“Eric is absolutely committed to our customers’ success, and I’m confident that he will prove himself to be a valuable asset to their organizations,” Scopaz continued. “As Sales Director, he will support the division’s mission: to help its customers grow their data capture/POS businesses profitably by providing industry-leading product breadth and solutions along with world-class service.”

Eric Verhave, Director of Sales, Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS Division