This Week’s Product Pick

Accu-Time Systems (Ellington, CT) premiered PAYmate, its simple, entry-level time & attendance terminal. PAYmate features XML, HTTP, and DHCP network connectivity, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), two function keys (in and out), bright display, tough polymer case, and integrated MiFare reader. An exclusive angled mounting wedge allows PAYmate to be affixed directly to the single-gang U.S. or U.K. electrical box at the correct ergonomic slant or, by swiveling the mount, it can be positioned suitably on flat surfaces such as desks and work counters. Accu-Time Systems has designed the device to meet IP-54 environmental ratings and with an elastomeric cover that shields the Ethernet port from exposure. As with the company’s other products, the terminal’s label may be customized for channel partners and end-users, and its firmware may be upgraded in the field. “PAYmate was designed exclusively to meet some very specific needs as requested by our channel partners and payroll provider customers,” stated Peter DiMaria, CEO and Founder of Accu-Time Systems. “We believe ATS has developed a product that now allows them to expand into segments of time & attendance markets that they could not cost-effectively reach.”

PAYmate by Accu-Time Systems

COMPANY BUSINESS

“C-tailing” Chased at NCR

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) has coined the term “c-tailing” to describe its converged retail offerings in the overlapping worlds of POS, self-service, mobility, e-commerce, marketing, and social media. “In today’s world, the consumer sets the rules,” RRN.Com was told by Juliann Larimer, VP of North American Channels, during last week’s National Retail Federation Show in New York. In turn, VARs must be armed with the “vision and pieces” to bring this message to their end-user customers, Larimer proposed. To that end, NCR announced several significant new products in its RealPOS and SelfServ families, both of which go to market through the channel.

Perhaps most significantly, NCR unveiled two “All-in-One” POS terminals: RealPOS 25 and RealPOS 50, which build upon the RealPOS 40 and RealPOS 60 workstations announced last summer. RealPOS 25 targets the PC-on-a-cash drawer market with Intel Atom N270 processor, fanless operation, 15-inch resistive touchscreen, and optional color bezel. For its part, RealPOS 50 adds the higher performance needed to run graphical touch-based applications through Intel’s Celeron 900 processor. Both terminals demonstrate exceptional energy efficiency, according to NCR, with quick access to internal components, an impressive array of ports, intuitive cable routing, diagnostic indicators, and multiple mounting configurations. The RealPOS family was further strengthened with NCR’s new hybrid laser and imaging bi-optic scanner for reading one- and two-dimensional barcodes at the checkout, intended to handle mobile couponing.

At NRF, NCR also showcased its new sleek kiosk enclosure, the NCR SelfServ Slimline, incorporating SelfServ 60 kiosk hardware. “Every element of the new design is focused on the consumer, making its use in a variety of self-service solutions approachable and natural,” offered Lyle Sandler, VP of Design and Consumer Experience for NCR. Integrated peripherals include 17-inch touchscreen with motion sensor, speakers, card reader, and thermal printer. Going forward, NCR intends to piggyback its NetKey digital signage to engage customers with rich, multimedia content--as its c-tailing effort continues.

NCR RealPOS 25, With Color Bezel

[Editor’s Note: NCR recently enlisted David Wilkinson as its VP of Global Channel Sales. Wilkinson comes by way of Avaya and Nortel. Look for NCR to relaunch its ISV Program in the first half of the year, RRN.Com has been told.]

Intermec Takes Vocollect

Intermec (Everett, WA) has purchased Vocollect, Inc. (Pittsburgh), the industry-leading provider of voice-recognition solutions for industrial environments. The Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the $190 million all-cash offer, and the deal is expected to close in Q1, subject to regulatory approvals. Vocollect is privately held by Riverside Partners, the Boston-based healthcare and technology investment firm, and individual investors.

“For many years, Vocollect has built the premier set of voice-centric warehouse solutions and has achieved a strong global market-leading position,” observed Patrick Byrne, CEO/President of Intermec. “The adoption of voice in the warehouse is developing rapidly and we expect this technology to provide significant long-term growth opportunities for Intermec. When combined with Intermec’s industry-leading products and customer relationships, the acquisition will establish Intermec as a clear market leader in warehouse solutions and gives us the talent and technology base for creating unique new market-focused solutions in the AIDC industry.”

“While we were not actively seeking to sell Vocollect, we carefully considered Intermec’s proposal,” recounted Joe Pajer, CEO/President of Vocollect. “Intermec’s ability to give us additional access to adjacent technologies and know-how, as well as access to additional supply chain customers worldwide, made a compelling case for joining forces. I’m very excited about the opportunity to accelerate our pursuit of the Vocollect vision of ‘millions of workers’ using Vocollect Voice worldwide as part of the Intermec family.” Upon completion of the transaction, Pajer will lead the Intermec Voice Solutions Business and report to Byrne.

Vocollect reported revenues of nearly $120 million in 2010, representing top-line growth of nearly 15%. In addition, Vocollect’s supply chain business added almost 230 new customers, above and beyond the 200 new customers gained in 2009. Overall, the company has approximately 1,500 customers and 300,000 users globally. Intermec estimated the transaction will generate revenue synergies of approximately $10 million in 2011.

Patrick Byrne, CEO/President of Intermec

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

Motorola Welcomes Next Generation

Large companies typically use the National Retail Federation Show to demonstrate the breadth of their line card, and last week’s exposition in New York was no exception. One example was Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL), now newly independent of Motorola Mobility and the consumer world of cell phones and set-top boxes. In New York, Motorola Solutions introduced several new products, including the DS9208 presentation imager, DS4208 handheld imager, MC9190-G industrial mobile computer, and the extension of its TEAM Express push-to-talk voice solution across its computer hardware portfolio. All in keeping with the company’s vision for “Next Generation Enterprise Mobility,” which seeks to empower the mobile workforce with a greater range of devices, better network communications, and smarter customer engagement.

Responding to the popularity of two-dimensional symbologies, Motorola addressed imaging in both presentation and handheld forms with the DS9208 and DS4208. Both devices utilize new technology to more quickly read barcodes from traditional paper labels and hang tags as well as from cell phones supporting mobile couponing, loyalty, and gift card schemes. Promoted as “compact and affordable,” the DS9208 works in handheld or hands-free modes, and features an innovative spherical exit window that improves scanning performance by minimizing stray light and reducing reflections. An optional on-board parsing engine handles PDF-417 barcodes on U.S. driver licenses. For its part, the DS4208 brings both one- and two-dimensional scanning to retailers and manufacturers in the traditional point-and-shoot format.

Building on the industry’s single best-selling rugged mobile computer, the MC9000, the refreshed MC9190-G series has been outfitted with Microsoft Windows 6.5, Marvell PXA320@806 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM/1 GB Flash, and 802.11a/b/g tri-mode radio. Enhancements include multiple keypad and scan engine configurations, long-range imaging capacity of up to 30 feet, and more rugged touchscreen and scanner exit window. Backwards compatible with all MC9000 accessories and applications, the MC9190-G also integrates an RFID chip to help readers track their devices throughout the enterprise.

Motorola’s DS4208 General Purpose Handheld Imager

SATO Plays Tag With Retail

SATO America (Charlotte, NC) debuted its TG3 Series of label and tag printers, designed expressly for the retail industry. Demonstrated at last week’s National Retail Federation Show in New York, the TG3 thermal and direct thermal printers allow retailers to create durable tags that promote brand identity awareness while carrying all necessary product and pricing information. Feature benefits include high-speed printing of up to 10 inches per second, support for tags as thick as 0.33 mm, large, user-friendly LCD, and plug-in interface cards for USB, LAN, WLAN, Parallel, and Serial. The printers accommodate media widths of 3.3 inches with resolution of 203 or 305 dpi.

In addition, the TG3 Series furnishes an automated print-cut-stack function for hassle-free printing, separation of tags for batch printing (by cutting the first tag longer or using the ink ribbon mechanism to place an ink mark on the side of each batch separator tag), precision cutting of output, and the ability to perform stand-alone printing using the optional keypad. Tags and labels load with one touch of the button, according to the vendor, and sensors automatically calibrate gap or reflective markings, ensuring proper print registration. Finally, an industrial chassis and heavy-duty print mechanism and cutter assembly combine to extend durability and performance.

“Once again SATO’s focus on innovation creates an affordable and feature-rich solution to facilitate in-house markdowns and in-store promotions,” declared Gary Krause, SATO America’s Director of Marketing. “Studies have shown that nearly 40% of retailers now facilitate their markdown needs manually with hand-written markings and some dedicate sales floor staff to this task. Manual markings are not a visually pleasing procedure. They diminish the store’s branding and increase the potential for employee mistakes and loss in profitability. SATO’s new TG3 Series will help retailers enhance the customer experience and allow for accurate inventory management, higher sales, and improved employee productivity.”

TG3 Series Thermal Printer From SATO America, With Stacker

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ALLIANCES

Tri-Technical Touts Price Checker

Tri-Technical Systems (Dubuque, IA), known for its PC/Polling and AIMsi POS software, has rolled out its Store-Floor Price Checker Solution, based on Scantech ID hardware supplied through Tri-Technical’s long-time partner, CRS, Inc. (Minneapolis).  The device displays current pricing for customers and staff by linking directly to Version 9.0 AIMsi or to Version 7 PC/Polling; multiple devices may be connected to one software module. It can also generate reports of “Not Found” items to help store owners plan their inventory. At the back-office, information on SKU/PLU gets shown on the PC screen as items are scanned on the store floor.

“This hardware/software combo will help retailers better engage their customers without creating a lot of extra work and system upkeep,” remarked Amber Earles, Project Manager, Tri-Technical Systems. “In an age where stores compete for customers and general pricing differences are usually within a few cents, one way a store can retain their clientele is by offering a better customer experience. Store-floor price checkers allow customers to verify pricing quickly and easily.”

AIMsi represents Tri-Technical’s complete POS, inventory management, accounting, and business software application. V9.0 has been PCI DSS certified and uses tokenization for credit and debit card processing. PC/Polling links select TEC, Sam4s, Sharp, and Casio cash registers to the PC for data collection and programming. The most current release, V7, includes easier navigation, advanced functionality for reporting and analysis, and interfacing to V9.0 AIMsi inventory for complete item tracking.

Hardware Sourced From Scantech ID, by Way of CRS, Inc.

A CounterPoint for RTE

Retail Technology Experts (Miramar, FL) has added CounterPoint from Radiant Systems (Atlanta) to its portfolio of POS software products for retail. To date, RTE has focused on Retail Pro, Microsoft Dynamics RMS, and the Hewlett-Packard POS platform. Last year, RTE was named to the 2010 President’s Club for Microsoft Dynamics for the fourth consecutive year, which recognizes its standing in the top 5% of Microsoft Dynamics partners worldwide. Its footprint in Retail Pro was strengthened in 2008 through the acquisition of the Retail Pro Division of SDCR Business Systems in Southern California and Clever Computing in the Midwest.

“CounterPoint’s integrated e-commerce, secure transaction processing, and affordability make it an excellent solution for retailers of all sizes, and we are excited to add it to our portfolio of POS products,” commented Mahendran Ramanathan, President of Retail Technology Experts. “Radiant’s commitment to service aligns with RTE’s mission of providing excellent support for our customers. We look forward to working with Radiant as we present the CounterPoint solution to retailers across the country.”

“Retail business owners see tremendous value in the flexibility of CounterPoint and the ease in which they can use the system to engage customers,” added Christian Nahas, VP of the Specialty Retail Division at Radiant Systems. “Retail Technology Experts is known for delivering outstanding customer service and support, and we are thrilled to add the company to our reseller base.”

New Headquarters of RTE in Miramar, Florida

Code Corner

Escalate Retail (San Diego) has revealed its new native mobile self-service application for in-store use on the new Windows Phone 7. Code-named “Project Arke,” and developed specifically for the platform by Escalate, Microsoft, and IdentityMine (Seattle), the new build allows shoppers to research and buy merchandise online while visiting their favorite brick-and-mortar retail stores. As such, it provides shoppers with detailed product information and personalized features in the context of the particular store they are visiting, thereby empowering such consumers to make more confident buying decisions without leaving the store or shopping competitive sites. Service includes barcode-based look-up of products, inventory status, related items for cross-selling and upselling, and downloadable coupons, marketing messages, and promotions. “With the elegant user interface provided by Windows Phone 7, Project Arke offers a compelling shopping experience that can inform and engage the customer in new and interesting ways, which in turn will increase retailers’ in-store sales,” suggested Mike Julson, CTO at Escalate Retail.

INTEGRATION

Janam Well Suited by SOTI

SOTI Inc. (Mississauga, ON, Canada) will have its mobile device management software preloaded on the XM Series of handheld computers from Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY). All Janam XM60+ and XM66 models will now feature SOTI MobiScan, which allows end-users to easily configure the SOTI MobiControl Agent and connection settings (Wi-Fi, Cellular, APN, cradled) on Windows CE and Windows Mobile powered devices. Published in September 2010, MobiControl Version 8 advanced three new features: web console, which eliminates the need for software installation; rapid device provisioning, via barcode scanning powered by MobiScan; and stand-alone authentication, which allows for the specification of user names and passwords to restrict access.

“With Janam’s hardware supremacy and SOTI’s dominance of the software industry, this is an ideal arrangement,” related Carl Rodriguez, CEO/President of SOTI. “We at SOTI aim to complete the cycle of delivering utmost satisfaction and performance to users by simplifying mobile device management from a software perspective and, with this new partnership, SOTI can ensure our MobiControl solution reaches those who need ultimate control over their mobile handhelds, with the simple scan of the MobiScan barcode.”

“Janam delivers high-quality, affordable mobile computers that survive in tough environments and have the features to get the job done,” stated Harry B. Lerner, CEO of Janam. “Collaboration with industry-leading partners like SOTI enables us to deliver maximum value and we are proud to offer customers the ability to access SOTI’s robust solution.” Janam’s XM Series mobile computers, with one- and two-dimensional scanning, represent the only products in their category that weigh less than 10 ounces and have full 3.5-inch display.

Carl Rodriguez, CEO/President of SOTI

[Editor’s Note:  Busy times for SOTI, which also announced similar agreements with CipherLab (Taipei, Taiwan and Plano, TX), AML (Euless, TX), and Socket Mobile (Newark, CA), under which its mobile device management software will be integrated into rugged handheld computers from those companies. Additionally, SOTI MobiControl will be linked with the AirWave Wireless Management Suite from Aruba Networks (Sunnyvale, CA). “Our customers want to monitor and manage both network traffic and every client device on their networks to ensure the best possible user experience,” said Peter Cellarius, VP of Business Development for Aruba.]

Psion Blessed for SAP NetWeaver 

Psion Teklogix (Hebron, KY) has received certification for SAP NetWeaver Mobile 7.1 for four of its rugged devices: iKon (7505), Workabout Pro 3 (7527), NEO for Windows CE, and Vehicle Mount 8525 G2 for Windows CE. Psion Teklogix’s partners and customers using these solutions integrated with SAP NetWeaver Mobile in their environments can now experience shorter implementation times, technical enablement, and faster return on their investment, according to the two parties. Certification was performed by the SAP Integration and Certification Center, or SAP ICC.

As member of the SAP PartnerEdge program, Psion Teklogix’s mobile computing products are now featured on the SAP EcoHub marketplace. This site makes it easier for customers to discover, evaluate, and purchase solutions that complement SAP applications. It integrates community input, user feedback, ratings, and partner demos. Specifically, the four Psion Teklogix devices have been approved for the following functions: receiving and modifying data on the SAP NetWeaver Mobile client, creating and deleting new data on the SAP NetWeaver Mobile client, checking the middleware logs, checking rendering of user interface elements, query execution and memory utilization, and HTTPS connectivity.

“Our goal is to provide customers with the most comprehensive, total solutions on the market today while delivering tangible benefits,” observed Dave Perrine, VP of Enterprise Solutions at PEAK Technologies, the system integrator of supply chain automation and inventory management in Columbia, MD. “Psion Teklogix’s partnership with SAP and the certification of its four innovative, rugged devices will allow us to help meet the demands of our customers using SAP solutions.”

Psion Teklogix’s iKon Integrates Voice and Data Communications

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

STARTS & STOPS

Seagull Hatches New Web Print Server

Seagull Scientific (Bellevue, WA) launched Version 9.3 of BarTender Web Print Server, dubbed WPS. As its name suggests, this web application, originally introduced with the release of BarTender Version 8.0 in 2007, allows users to select and print BarTender label formats from within web browsers instead of directly through BarTender, which is Windows-based. Among many enhancements, the WPS client now supports much wider variety in web browsers and operating systems, according to its developer.

Although WPS still allows use of ActiveX, Internet Explorer, and printer drivers, its new Java Client-Side Print Module extends the range of possibilities. Under this new architecture, the WPS client can be employed with any of the Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Safari browsers and on any operating system that supports them, including Apple Max OS X. Further, the print code can be routed directly through the browser to the printer port, without installing Windows printer drivers on the client computer.

“Having been the first company to produce Windows printer drivers for label printers, we continue to be strongly invested in the success of Windows,” noted Jeremy Seigel, CEO of Seagull Scientific. “But we understand and appreciate that today’s enterprise software users need better multi-platform support. With our new Java-based web printing client, users can now view, select, and print label jobs from just about any browser and operating system--all without having to write a single line of code or even configure an integration process.”

Version 9.3 of Web Print Server also supports additional forms controls, including checkboxes, radio buttons, and more list controls. Although BarTender WPS comes at no charge, it requires use of the Enterprise Automation Edition of BarTender on the web server. (WPS now bears the same version number as the installment of BarTender it is designed to work with, incidentally.)

BarTender Label Software Running on Smart Phone

Little Deuce Coupe From Fujitsu

Fujitsu America (Sunnyvale, CA) has brought its small-format POS terminal controllers to the North American market. First popularized in Europe, the TP-X II PoS controller, also offered as the ultra-compact TP-X II Coupe, reduce physical footprint by as much as 40% while lowering power consumption and augmenting platform versatility. Fujitsu demonstrated these products at last week’s National Retail Federation Show in New York, with general availability to follow. 

TP-X II features high-efficiency power supply--certified at 80%--enabling peripherals to be powered directly from the control unit, thereby simplifying installation and reducing the need for multiple power outlets. An optional second hard disk drive and RAID controller allows the TP-X II to be configured as an independent server supporting multiple applications and client terminals. Lastly, in addition to maximizing counter space, the TP-X II may be mounted in various deployments to meet individual store requirements.

“Fujitsu America’s customers have requested a POS controller solution that is more ergonomically desirable, eco-friendly, and more economical, so this was the opportune time to bring the TP-X II from its proving grounds in Europe,” indicated Bill King, EVP of the Global Retail Business for Fujitsu America. TP-X II will be offered as part of Fujitsu’s TeamPoS product line, RRN.Com was told, includes the TeamPoS 3600 Series and TeamPoS 3000 XL. It will also be distributed through the channel, with those details being worked out as of this writing.

Eco-Friendly TP-X II PoS Controller

Channel Factoid

Smaller retailers appear to be knowledgeable about data security and fraud prevention strategies, but unclear on potential liabilities in the event of breach or noncompliance, according to the recent NRF/First Data Small Business Data Security Study released last week. An overwhelming majority of respondents (86%) stated they care about protecting their customer information and feel payment card data security is important to their business. But almost two-thirds (64%) believe that their business is not vulnerable to credit/debit card data theft and 60% are unaware of the costs they could incur should such theft happen. While 66% of these SMB merchants claimed awareness of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), only 49% had completed their self-assessment at the time of the survey. Among those who had heard of PCI DSS, 42% did not know that merchants are obligated to conduct the self-assessment annually. Moreover, 60% of these merchants did not realize that credit card companies are authorized to levy fees for every card that has to be canceled if it is determined that they are the source of the data breach. The majority of respondents to this study (89%) billed less than $500,000 in payment card sales annually through both card-not-present and in-person transactions.

HELLO GOODBYE

Death of Ed Soladay, ParTech’s President

The following statement has been issued by John W. Sammon, Chairman of the Board and CEO of PAR Technology Corporation:

“We are deeply saddened to report the death of Ed Soladay at his home in New Hartford, New York, on January 14, 2011. Ed has been a valued member of our company since 2009. Ed was a warm and cherished friend to all of us at PAR and he will be greatly missed. Our Board of Directors and employees join Ed’s many friends in celebrating his lifetime accomplishments and offering our sincere condolences to his family.”

Sammon went on to say: “Ed was the driving force in PAR’s restaurant business expansion strategy focused on ‘next generation’ software and channel expansion. During his time at PAR, Ed brought together a strong new management team with extensive experience and led them by generating a winning attitude and a passion for success. Ed loved his job and inspired confidence in all of his team.”

Soladay was well-known throughout the POS world. He joined ParTech from Fujitsu Transaction Solutions, where he served as COO. Prior to Fujitsu, he was President of CRS Retail Systems, one of the leading POS and back-office solution providers. His death was caused by heart attack, according to ParTech’s spokesperson.

In Memoriam, Ed Soladay

Capel Rises in Manhattan’s Skyline

Manhattan Associates (Atlanta) has promoted Eddie Capel to EVP and COO, from his previous role of EVP, Global Operations. In addition to Capel’s existing responsibilities, he will now head Manhattan’s Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) operations as well as the company’s Americas professional services business. Jeff Mitchell, EVP, will continue to spearhead sales for the Americas. Both Capel and Mitchell report to Pete Sinisgalli, Manhattan’s CEO/President.

Capel brings more than 20 years of experience in overseeing supply chain organizational strategy and operations. Prior to joining Manhattan Associates in 2000, he held various positions at Real Time Solutions (RTS), including COO and VP of Operations, where he led teams that supported the supply chain efforts of companies such as Wal-Mart, Amazon.com, and JCPenney. He also served as Director of Operations with Unarco Automation, an industrial automation/robotics systems integrator.

“Eddie Capel has a long and very successful history in the supply chain technology business, and his promotion to Chief Operating Officer is a natural progression for his contributions to Manhattan’s strategy and market success,” shared Sinisgalli. “Combining our global professional services business with our other global operations under Eddie’s leadership will enable us to improve the value and efficiency of the market-leading solutions we supply to our customers.”

Eddie Capel, EVP and COO, Manhattan Associates