This Week’s Product Pick

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Ft. Mill, SC) unveiled its Thor VM2 vehicle-mount computer with 9.7-inch XGA display screen. Thor VM2 integrates the two most damage-prone device components, keyboard and touchscreen, into one replaceable part for easier service. Quick Mount Smart Dock allows rapid swap out, Ignition Control automates hibernation, and Auto On triggers direct current power without on/off switching. Features include Intel Atom Z530 CPU at 1.6 GHz, 802.11 WLAN, Bluetooth, and optional WWAN. Thor VM2 runs Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 or Windows Embedded Standard. "Our commitment to supply chain innovation is constantly evolving to address challenges our customers face working in unpredictable environments," remarked Taylor Smith, Director of Product Management. "We have improved upon our legacy line of vehicle-mount computers to develop this streamlined device that enables dramatic productivity gains in the supply chain."

Honeywell's Thor VM2

COMPANY BUSINESS

More Stripes for Zebra

Busy days at Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL), as the company moves more deeply into mobility, and specifically POS, on several fronts. By buying StepOne Systems, and its retail application platform, Zebra now gains the capacity to empower store associates with an entire package of mobile checkout, customer engagement, and store operations. A new business relationship with Infinite Peripherals brings that company's sleds for popular Apple iOS devices, to be used in conjunction with Zebra's Bluetooth-enabled printers. A new strategic partnership with Hybrid Paytech furthers PCI-DSS compliance for EMV credit and PIN debit. Finally, VisibleBrands draws in Zebra's ultra-wideband real-time location system (RTLS) to offer individualized, impression-based digital coupons at the store shelf.

Simultaneously, Zebra has enhanced two of its popular mobile receipt printers with iOS support, now stocking the two-inch iMZ220 and three-inch iMZ320. These iMZ printers are among the first "Link-OS"-enabled mobile products the vendor plans to introduce in 2013. Link-OS is an advanced operating system that pairs software development kit and software applications with smart devices from the company to make them easier to integrate, manage, and maintain, Zebra announced to visitors at the recent NRF Show in New York City.

"Following a holiday season in which we saw nimble retailers outperform the industry by more effectively managing their operations and providing a differentiated shopping experience, more retailers are exploring such new solutions," reflected Keith LeFebvre, VP of Product Management for Zebra. "Mobile POS helps retailers combat the trend of 'showrooming,' in which shoppers visit physical store locations to see and touch products in person, and then purchase them online." Of Zebra's recent flurry of activity, LeFebvre added, "Regardless of where a retailer currently is with regards to its technology adoption, including mobile payment, Zebra and its partner network offer a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that enable merchants of all sizes to offer excellent customer service and an enhanced experience in the store."

Zebra's iMZ220 Portable Printer With "Link-OS"

Another Sighting of Magellan

Datalogic ADC (Eugene, OR) has brought imaging technology to its fixed scanner-scale family for checkout. As seen at the recent NRF Show in New York City, the Magellan 9800i employs full digital multi-plane area imaging for both one and two-dimensional symbologies without the need for careful item orientation by the cashier. "This product demonstrates our continued commitment to develop innovative technology and use it to help retailers and system integrators improve their store automation solutions," stated Matt Schler, GM for Fixed Retail Products.

Magellan 9800i offers an option of top-down reader for surface labels as well as customer-facing portal for mobile commerce purposes. Addition of such capability to the Magellan 9800i scanner-scale enables the cashier to continue scanning while the consumer simultaneously presents mobile coupons to be read, noted Datalogic ADC. With aluminum construction, and extremely low vertical footprint, Magellan 9800i also features clever infrared boundaries for its scale to ensure accurate weighing of produce. If any part of an item extends beyond the area of the scale, this feature requires repositioning on the part of the cashier.

At NRF, RRN.Com tested Datalogic's Magellan 9800i--as well as Motorola's new MP6000 bioptic scanner-scale, also with imaging--and was impressed with speed and reading accuracy of this technology, which easily outpaces an operator's hand speed. But even more waits in the wings. Datalogic ADC also demonstrated its futuristic automated scanning portal, which combines imagers and cameras to read products running on the conveyor belt even if the barcode is face down or covered up. Utilizing visual recognition capability developed by Evolution Robotics Retail, now part of Datalogic, this two-sided, Y-shaped pedestal has been provided to some of the major providers of checkout POS and should reach the market later this year, RRN.Com was told. As such, it may rejuvenate interest in self-checkout in this space.

Datalogic's Magellan 9800i Scanner-Scale

Worth Your While

Field Service USA 2013
Worldwide Business Research
April 22-25
Indian Wells, CA

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 30 - May 1
New Orleans

THE Tech EVENT
(Formerly NACStech, National Association of Convenience Stores)
May 6-10
Dallas

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 18-21
Chicago

HITEC 2013
Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals
June 24-27
Minneapolis

Pack Expo 2013
Packaging Manufacturers Machinery Institute
September 23-25
Las Vegas

Parcel Forum 2013
Event Evolution Management
October 7-9
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Elo Goes Big and Mobile for Retail

Elo Touch Solutions (Menlo Park, CA) spanned both ends of the spectrum at the recent NRF Show in New York City--previewing its new mobile tablet touch computer as well as its new 70-inch digital signage. With expected delivery in Q2, the tablet takes Elo into the battle for mobile POS. Running Microsoft Windows with Intel Atom CPU and solid-state drive, it includes integrated magnetic-stripe reading, barcode scanning, removable battery, rotating back strap, and wireless printing/networking in ruggedized form factor. "Elo's millions of real-life retail installations all over the world provide unique insight for our next generation of touch innovation," said CEO Craig Witsoe, in describing the prototype.

In terms of digital signage, Elo's Model 7001L represents one of the largest (70 inches), thinnest  (less than four inches), and brightest (700 lumens) interactive solutions on the market. Features include durable steel chassis, tempered pure-glass touchscreen, and multi-touch and gesture support. Two optional, slide-in computing modules accommodate Intel Core i3 or i5 CPUs, with support for the Intel Open Pluggable Specification for outside integration. Notably, Elo now offers warranty repair services for such products through its On-Site Exchange Program, which promises next business day advance replacement and all related shipping charges.

At NRF, Elo also announced closer ties with Retail Pro International (Folsom, CA), and its well-known platform for specialty retail. Retail Pro Prism POS for mobile and desktop as well as Retail Pro 9 retail management software were shown on the Elo B-Series and C-Series touch computers. "Together, our joint hardware and software offering enables specialty retailers to better serve their customers with technology proven to be flexible and easy to deploy," suggested Trent Waterhouse, the new CMO for Elo Touch Solutions.

Elo Enters the Market for Tablets

Source Shrinks the Kids

Source Technologies (Charlotte, NC) has continued its push into our channel with the introduction of its first thermal barcode printer for desktop settings. Kicking off the ST Workstation Series, model STw. 1110 furnishes four-inch print width from compact form factor of 6.8 in. (W) x 8.3 in. (D) x 6 in. (H) and weight of 5 lbs. This new device incorporates many of the advanced features first shown in the company's Performance Series of industrial barcode printers, released in 2011, most specifically, 300 dpi print resolution, 50 resident/scalable fonts, and PCL5e standard printer language for seamless system integration.

With plastic construction, STw. 1110 provides see-through window, double-sided top-of-form sensor, simple controls and calibration, and optional peel and present sensor. Maximum print speed is given at 4 inches/102 mm per second with roll feed, die cut, or continuous labels. Additional technical specifications include 32 MB Flash/64 MB SDRAM, Ethernet 10/100, USB 2.0 and RS-232C, and Windows XP/Windows 7.

"Entering into the thermal barcode printer market with the Performance Series, our team set to design something truly new and innovative for the industry," declared Doug Salvador, VP of Marketing for Source Technologies. "With feedback from our channel partners and thermal printer users around the world, we knew it was essential to implement those same standards in the new Workstation Series." Source Technologies, which exhibited at NRF, also addresses MICR laser printing of documents.

ST Workstation Desktop Printer From Source Technologies

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ALLIANCES

PayPalling Around With NCR

What do you get when you marry more than one million POS systems with more than one hundred million customers? An interesting partnership between NCR and PayPal, which will now work together to widen payment options in retail and hospitality. Up first will be NCR Aloha, the popular restaurant package, with integration of PayPal's payment scheme with both NCR Mobile Pay and Aloha Online Ordering. Recently introduced, NCR Mobile Pay allows restaurant patrons to browse their bill, make payment, and complete surveys through their smartphones.

Next, the two companies will bring PayPal into NCR's Convenience-Go platform for petroleum and convenience stores. C-Go is an integrated, store-branded mobile application that allows shoppers to purchase fuel, food, car washes, and specialty items from their smartphone, either at the pump or in the store. Additionally, NCR and PayPal plan to enhance NCR's Netkey Endless Aisle for self-checkout. Looking ahead, NCR's Advanced Marketing Solution (AMS) for loyalty and promotions will eventually tie into the PayPal digital wallet.

"As a global technology leader across multiple industries, NCR is committed to partner with organizations that seek to maximize the adoption of digital wallets and mobile payments to help our customers provide more choice, greater control, and increased flexibility for their consumers," explained John Bruno, CTO and EVP at NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA). "Combining NCR's broad hospitality and retail footprint with PayPal's global customer base enables restaurants and retailers to redesign the consumer experience with mobile-enhanced shopping and payments while materially improving business processes and creating seamless consumer experiences across touch points, locations, and channels." Don Kingsborough, VP of Retail and Prepaid, handles such alliances for PayPal (San Jose, CA).

PayPal Now Featured in NCR's Mobile Pay and Aloha

[Editor's Note: Two more announcements from NCR. So-called NCR Mobile POS Optimization Consulting Services have been launched to work directly with retailers in conceptualization and implementation. Secondly, NCR has partnered with McAfee to address data security from front counter to back office through the co-branded NCR System Integrity for Retail offering.]

Sterling Shines at Aldelo

Aldelo (Pleasanton, CA) has tapped Sterling Payment Technologies (Tampa) as its Preferred Payment Partner. Under this arrangement, Aldelo VARs who use Sterling's payment processing and customer loyalty platform earn additional points towards their 2014 tier pricing with Aldelo, RRN.Com was told. Aldelo moved to newly defined channel partner levels at the start of this year. In all, five categories have been established--Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond--based on sales and services purchased from the hospitality ISV.

"Aldelo is pleased to collaborate with Sterling for this new venture," remarked Harry Tu, Aldelo's CEO. "Our partnership with Sterling will create new marketing opportunities for our dealers and their customers while increasing customer service." Aldelo will continue to support all of its existing relationships with other payment partners and its integrations to the various gateways, RRN.Com confirmed.

Last year, Aldelo and Sterling joined forces to offer their bundled package of hardware, software, and merchant services. This includes an All-in-One touchscreen POS terminal with magnetic-stripe reader, free 24/7 technical support, choice of Aldelo POS or XERA POS, and free software upgrades. A trio of familiar POS suppliers participate in the program: Partner Tech USA, POS-X, and Touch Dynamic.

New Aldelo Headquarters in Pleasanton, California

Code Corner

ZoomTee Golf (Vancouver, BC, Canada) has hit the links with its second generation of golf course management software. Among new features, tee sheet manager has added modified shotgun, which allows the golf course to maximize utilization by scheduling smaller groups with varying starts for this format. ZoomTee also has expanded administrative functions, making it easier to manage operating hours, starter times, seasons, early birds, twilights, and other aspects of tee sheet execution. Further, green fee categories, league membership, and league play have been improved in this new edition. For recruitment and promotion purposes, ZoomTee now integrates with MailChimp, one of the leading e-mail marketing services. Perhaps most relevantly, ZoomTee POS for pro shops and food and beverage operations has been strengthened in this new version, particularly in areas of reporting. Accounting reference codes support book-keeping, and discounting and split checks have been addressed. ZoomTee also has the industry's only first tee status display system, which improves guest communication, makes pro shop staff more productive, and generates advertising revenue, according to the ISV. In keeping with the times, ZoomTee, part of The Quartz Innovation Group, offers an online booking system for players and golf course supervisors.

INTEGRATION

A Small Step, or Two, for Posiflex

Posiflex Business Machines (Hayward, CA) gave sneak peeks at two ancillary new products at the recent NRF Show in New York City: its Mini-PC with Wi-Fi for store environments and its foldable touchscreen terminal base. "Posiflex has continued our practice of listening to customers and the marketplace," relayed Doyle Ledford, VP of Sales. "These additions are small, but significant, steps in continuing Posiflex's tradition of innovation and enhancing the customer experience."

Officially designated as the Multi-Purpose PC Controller, the first product carries fanless and ventless design, with aluminum die-cast housing and small footprint. In addition to Wi-Fi, major features include multiple I/O port configurations, power USB, VESA mounting, low power consumption, and dual video support. As applications, Posiflex listed POS, kiosks, digital signage, kitchen control, and surveillance systems.

The second product, foldable touchscreen terminal base, allows setting of proper height and viewing angles to maximize user comfort and productivity. In addition, the subsystem simplifies counter installations by reducing cable/connector requirements and even lowers shipping costs by folding flat. Options include secondary hard disk drive display, back-up battery, and powered USB port with integrated power supply. Posiflex, of course, serves as one of the leading POS providers to the channel.

Ruggedized Mini-PC With Wi-Fi by Posiflex

Surf City for Android (Via Wavelink)

Wavelink (Salt Lake City) has published Terminal Emulation for Android 1.3, with new features to simplify deployment of such devices across the enterprise. This platform furnishes soft input panel (SIP) keyboards, for example, enhancing usability and efficiency by allowing end-users to access the most important command and function keys. TE for Android 1.3 also allows devices to roam in and out of coverage through Wavelink Connect Pro, seamlessly engaging the host while sustaining existing sessions, according to the developer. Advanced encryption, fail-over, and troubleshooting have been extended through the network logging feature.

"Now enterprise organizations have an option to support and maintain ruggedized Android mobile devices as part of their overall system make-up," indicated Mikkel Storm, Principal Product Manager with Wavelink, which is now owned by LANDesk Software. "Our new TE for Android ensures that our customers' emulation needs are supported, no matter what operating system or devices they're using. Our customers have invested considerable resources in their existing infrastructure and we're preserving that by supporting Windows and Android-based devices."

In addition to TE for Android, Wavelink and Oracle have teamed up on the next generation of Wavelink Studio Plus for Oracle Store Inventory Management (SIM). This recast version of Wavelink Studio enables end-users to navigate Oracle SIM on their ruggedized mobile devices with scanners through an enhanced Graphical User Interface (GUI). Both Terminal Emulation for Android 1.3 and Wavelink Studio Plus for Oracle SIM were demonstrated at the recent NRF Show in New York City. Overall, Wavelink TE supports more than three million devices worldwide, including nine of the ten largest retailers.

Wavelink Extends Terminal Emulation

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Metropolitan Sales
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
J2 Retail Systems
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
Posiflex
POS-X

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS & Processing
RedFin Network

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Janam Technologies
Trimble

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

HaaS From the Heartland

Direct Source (Minneapolis) will provide Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) for end-users in retail. Under monthly subscription to this plan, customers are provided with site survey, hardware and associated software, project management and installation, and service and support. In addition to enterprise PDAs, handheld mobile computers, and tablets from leading vendor partners, Direct Source will reportedly include traditional payment terminals and loss prevention/video equipment as part of this offering.

"Mobile devices change so fast, and retailers are struggling to map out short and long-term strategies," observed Brad Fick, President of Direct Source, which targets tier-one and claims to draw upon 2,500 installation specialists across North America. "We're now able to help retailers implement the latest mobile solutions and refresh hardware in cycles, without making the long-term commitment to one platform or device. This is more cost-effective and ensures that the retailer has the most up-to-date devices in place."

Several months ago, Direct Source was honored as one of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility's Partners of the Year. "Awards specifically recognize those partners that have gone above and beyond in their commitment to both our legacy products and our evolving product and services offerings. This relationship and commitment is vital to our success," commented Laura Kelleher, Americas Marketing Director for Honeywell Scanning & Mobility at its Touch Point 2012 North America Partner Conference in Miami in October.

Brad Fick, President, Direct Source

Mind Your Mini, Merchants

Now we move to iPad Mini, as merchants find the newer, smaller, form factor less unwieldy for many mobile environments. Case in point: ShopKeep POS (New York), one of the very few iOS-based developers with any interest in the POS channel. At the end of last year, RRN.Com readers may recall, ShopKeep POS entered into distribution through BlueStar (Hebron, KY) and its "In-A-Box" methodology.

Following the latest consumer hardware trend, ShopKeep POS has unveiled its iPad Mini register with MagTek's uDynamo credit card reader, priced at $49 per month. With iPad Mini, as with the full-sized iPad POS, cashiers may ring up orders, accept credit cards for payment, communicate with kitchen printers, and e-mail receipts. After entering the store and making their purchase, customers proceed to the pick-up counter for their order. Morning rush hour and lunchtime were cited as ideal times for such service.

"We like our guests, and we like to see them, so the most important thing for me is that we welcome them right away so they never feel like we are too busy for them," mused David Steingard, CEO of Laughing Man Coffee & Tea, the New York-based coffee shop founded with actor Hugh Jackman which promotes fair trade policies and donates all of its profits to charity. "With the iPad Mini we can take the extra step of fulfilling orders further down the line, outside, or wherever we need to. It helps move the line, but more importantly, it tells our customers that we are continually working to make their coffee experience better."

ShopKeep POS Embraces iPad Mini

Channel Factoid

A new look at the role of loyalty programs in the restaurant industry across the U.S. indicates high levels of consumer participation and enthusiasm. Respondents to the recent survey estimate an engaging rewards program would increase their visits to the sponsoring restaurant by an average of 35%. Nearly two-thirds of such consumers (65%) said they would recommend restaurants to friends and family based upon an appealing rewards program. Four out of five of these people prefer rewards programs with clearly defined propositions in which they earn points rather than receive periodic, unexpected, free items. In addition, consumers want simple rewards program enrollment while at the restaurant, with additional information to be filled online after they have left. Although many consumer wallets are bulging with plastic cards, 60% of respondents stated they don't mind carrying the membership card for the rewards program if it's necessary. In terms of charges, only 10% of respondents have paid fees to join restaurant rewards programs, yet 50% state they would be willing to do so if the programs offered adequate value. Finally, one rewards program membership covering multiple restaurant brands has significant appeal for consumers. Fully 73% would welcome such convenience. "The Loyalty Pulse study provides clear evidence directly from consumers regarding the effectiveness of restaurant rewards programs and the value associated with using the rewards program data to tailor and target guest e-mail communication," summarized Dennis Duffy, President of Loyalogy, the consulting firm which sponsored the study, covering the ages of 25 to 65 with household incomes of $75,000 or more.

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HELLO GOODBYE

Queen Bees at Wasp

Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX) has recognized its top resellers for 2012, under the umbrella of its popular Wasplink Partner Program. Two firms have been honored: Barcodes Inc. (Chicago) as 2012 Wasp Partner of the Year, and EMS Barcode Solutions (Plano, TX) as 2012 Wasplink New Partner of the Year. In order to keep momentum building, the supplier of POS and Auto ID also announced its "One Million Views" sweepstakes, which addresses small business video marketing. Details of the contest, which ends on February 4, may be found here.

Barcodes Inc. ranks at or near the top for every Wasp product category. In accepting his award, CEO Dan Nettesheim said: "Barcodes Inc. is excited and honored to be named Wasp's Partner of the Year. Working with Wasp has helped us offer robust and reliable solutions to our clients in asset tracking, inventory control, and point of sale. Being one of the Wasplink partners has provided us with the sales and marketing support that has been essential to growing our business." Reportedly, Barcodes Inc. has experienced more than 200% Wasp sales growth in the last year.

Similarly, in just one short year, EMS Barcode Solutions became Wasp's third overall reseller. Business Development Director Eric Sutter attributed this success to Wasp's lifetime product support. "Wasp fully backs the journey to implementation as we walk customers from pain points to complete solutions," said Sutter. "Plus, they're extremely knowledgeable and fun to work with. "

Eric Sutter, Business Development Director for EMS Barcode Solutions, Receives 2012 Wasplink New Partner of the Year Award From the Wasp Team

A New Sheriff at Barcoding, Inc.

Barcoding, Inc. (Baltimore) has promoted Shane Snyder to President, with Jay Steinmetz, Founder, retaining the role of CEO. In his new position, Snyder will direct day-to-day business operations and lead expansion into target markets for automated data capture and wireless technology, according to the systems integrator. Snyder joined the company as VP of Sales in 2010, subsequently leading the national sales team, recasting the inside sales organization, and opening the new office in Chicago.

"During his tenure as VP, Shane Snyder proved to be the driving force behind the growth and stabilization of our sales team," stated Steinmetz. "Shane's deep understanding of our business model, target markets, and breadth of mobile solutions more than qualify him to assume the role of president." A familiar face in the industry, Steinmetz started Barcoding, Inc. in 1999 and now ranks among the most powerful resellers in its areas of focus.

Before coming to Barcoding, Inc., Snyder served as EVP of Sales for Catalyst IT Services. He began his career in sales at Kronos Incorporated and went on to become the company's National Director of Sales in 2001. "The constant evolution of technology and growing number of organizations recognizing the potential of data capture and mobility solutions make it an exciting time to work for Barcoding, Inc.," Snyder testified.

Shane Snyder, President, Barcoding, Inc.