This Week’s Product Pick

Fujitsu Components (Sunnyvale, CA) unboxed its FTP-62D thermal print mechanism, which builds on the current FTP-628, and answers market demand for reduced space requirements. The FTP-62D accommodates paper rolls partially inside the printer module. This inclusion of the paper roll saves up to 8 mm in height without compromising on functionality. The FTP-62D supports high-speed printing of up to 100 mm/second at 9.5 V, offers minimum printing life of 100 million pulses/50 km, and brings label printing capabilities. Physical dimensions are 69.4 mm x 46 mm x 19 mm (2.7 in. x 1.8 in. x 0.75 in.) and weight of no more than 1.3 ounces. An innovative spring design provides benefits such as stable head pressure for better performance, grounding the thermal head to prevent damage due to ESD, and low mounting height. The FTP-62D satisfies an expansive variety of printing needs, from label printing (straight paper path) to integration in POS systems, according to Fujitsu Components.

FTP-62D by Fujitsu Components

COMPANY BUSINESS

Touch Dynamic Flies With WF35

Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ) will distribute the WF35 mobile POS solution from Widefly (Hong Kong) under an exclusive agreement for North America. Engineered specifically for the hospitality industry, WF35 targets table-side ordering, wireless payment processing, and line-busting applications. “The WF35 was designed for POS, therefore it has built-in features that most consumer PDA’s do not have,” RRN.Com was told by Craig Paritz, President of Touch Dynamic. “For example, always-on Wi-Fi (even in sleep mode), seamless roaming, and its capacity for single/locked SSID to one network.”

Weighing approximately 8 ounces and measuring 5 in. x 3 in. x 1 in., the WF35 device features 3.5-inch QVGA LCD touchscreen, 400-MHz CPU, handwriting recognition, power-saving technology, and protective flip cover. It runs Microsoft Windows CE 5.0, with typical system recovery time of less than one minute, according to its manufacturer. As another important benefit, Paritz points to VAR/ISV pricing at under $500 per device with magnetic-stripe reader included.

“We are currently working with many leading restaurant software developers to get the product certified,” Paritz continued. “We are seeing great interest in this product from both ISVs and their authorized reseller base. Due to the tremendous attention being put on everything mobile, channel partners are getting more and more requests from their end-user customers for these solutions. We expect tremendous growth.”

Mobile POS Hospitality Terminal From Widefly

IBM Brings Choice to Self Checkout

IBM (Armonk, NY) took advantage of this month’s National Retail Federation Show in New York to take the wraps off its IBM Self Checkout System 6, which brings true modularity to the category. IBM Self Checkout System 6 allows retailers to deploy any combination of scanning, payment, and bagging units for any size environment, from large “hypermarkets” to very small convenience stores. Using System 6, retailers can choose to set up the totally integrated system, separate scanning from payment, or deploy distinct “pay stations” to complement cashless lanes. Retailers may also accommodate customers using handheld devices such as smart phones or personal shopper units.

In addition to its modular form factor and smaller footprint, System 6 has been outfitted with several new features. The scan-to-bag distance has been reduced by as much as 36% compared to other offerings, according to IBM, making the checkout experience not only faster but easier for the shopper. System 6 also offers the choice of cash recycling and enhanced security, as well as the ability for retailers to do real-time cash tracking and reporting. Finally, IBM has added “follow me” lighting on all inputs so that consumers are furnished with the clear understanding on next steps and where they are in the self-checkout process.

“We recognize that retailers around the world are looking for ways to optimize their front-end checkout environment while making it part of a better shopping experience for their consumers,” Fredric Carlegren, Global Leader, IBM Self Service Products, explained to RRN.Com. “That’s why we look at self-checkout as a process--scan, pay, and bag--rather than as one monolithic device. We believe that by offering greater modularity, along with smaller footprint and greater usability features, we can help retailers be more flexible in how they deploy and shift their front-end over time.”

IBM’s Modular Self Checkout System 6

Worth Your While

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

Wide-Screen, Windows 7 for Elo’s SAW

Tyco Electronics (Menlo Park, CA) has introduced its new Elo TouchSystems 2242L touch monitor with IntelliTouch Plus surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) technology. Fully compatible with Microsoft Windows 7 for multi-touch functionality, Model 2242L features an open-frame construction and 22-inch wide-aspect display for high-definition, self-service applications. It has been available to select partners since early December 2010.

“We’re excited to see a reliable and economical monitor supporting Windows Touch that is specifically designed to complement and enhance commercial scenarios,” stated Mark Relph, Senior Director, Windows Developer & Ecosystem Team, at Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA). “With the 2242L, businesses can use the touch functionality of Windows 7 to offer a unique and engaging experience to their casino and hospitality customers across a wide range of uses and applications.”

IntelliTouch Plus leverages three axes of touch information to deliver accurate, drift-free recordings of two simultaneous touch locations anywhere on the screen regardless of position or pressure applied, according to Tyco. The monitor utilizes pure-glass construction to achieve outstanding image clarity, resolution, and transmission, regardless of variations in ambient or extreme light conditions. It also supports finger, gloved hand, and soft stylus activation, with durable, scratch-resistant surface.

Elo TouchSystems 2242L Touch Monitor

[Editor’s Note: Elo TouchSystems has named Ingram Micro’s Data Capture/POS Division (Carlsbad, CA) as 2010 “Distributor of the Year: Annual Growth,” recognizing exceptional achievements in identifying and creating new markets. “In 2010, we celebrated our first complete year as a distributor for Elo TouchSystems product portfolio,” said Justin Scopaz, VP and GM of Ingram Micro DC/POS. “This honor speaks volumes to our team’s ability to ramp up quickly and provide the added value, as well as extensive resources, needed to expand Elo’s market reach and generate increased demand.”]

DAP’s Tablet Dash

DAP Technologies (Tempe, AZ) debuted two new Microsoft Windows CE 6.0-based rugged tablet computers. Both the DAP M8930 (with 7-inch full screen) and DAP M8940 (with 6.2-inch screen and 64-key QWERTY alphanumeric keyboard) carry voice readiness as well as optically enhanced touchscreens that utilize ambient light to enhance viewability in all operating conditions. Weighing about 3 lbs., both tablets conform to MIL-STD-810F, are dust and water sealed to IP-67 standards, and have been engineered to withstand multiple drops of four feet.

Windows CE 6.0 runs on the Marvell PXA300@624 MHz processor with 128-MB SDRAM and ample memory for storing data locally, including 512-MB SSD (Solid State Drive) and an expansion slot supporting up to 16 GB. Communications includes 3G/GPRS/GSM, Bluetooth, and Summit WLAN 802.11b/g radios. DAP also offers integrated options such as one and two-dimensional image scanners and vehicle cradles for trucks and forklifts.

“DAP was among the first companies to offer rugged tablet computers,” remarked Khalid Kidari, Director of Product Management and Marketing for DAP Technologies. “We have been perfecting the form factor, ergonomics, and ruggedness for years. Our new M8930 and M8940 tablets offer unprecedented viewability, delivering the operational advantages of a large screen display while preserving the portability, modularity, and ruggedness that make all DAP products so cost-effective and future-proof. Our new Windows CE 6.0 tablets are ideally suited to warehouse, trucking, and field-service applications, where systems are frequently exposed to rough handling and harsh environments.”

DAP M8940 With Full Alphanumeric Keyboard

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PARTNER PROGRAMS

An Aggressive A799

CognitiveTPG (Lincolnshire, IL) has raised the stakes for its popular A799 receipt printer. Effective February 1, all models of A799 printers will come with four-year warranty and list price starting under $400, the company has announced. Moreover, Flash Memory has been boosted to 4 MB to support additional fonts and the ability for paper-saving multi-column printing.

“The market for single-station receipt printers has become very value-oriented,” observed Kevin O’Donnell, Director of Sales for CognitiveTPG. “Our sub-$400 list price and standard warranty, combined with our outstanding durability and Receiptware marketing software, puts us in the position as the best value package on the market.” Added Roman Dziaba, Senior Product Manager, “Our new warranty proves we stand behind our products and believe in their longevity and durability.”

With the A799 printer’s new price point, warranty, and warranty, and "best-in-class performance," resellers can better meet the needs of their customers in today’s challenging marketplace, according to CognitiveTPG. Key features include 250 mm/second print speed, easy drop-and-print paper loading, two-color direct-thermal printing, ceramic knife auto-cutter, and all standard communication interfaces. Also, A799 has been certified to work on an extensive roster of popular POS software applications for retail and hospitality, Angela Mansfield, Marketing Manager at CognitiveTPG, confirmed with RRN.Com.

A799 Printer by CognitiveTPG

CRS Visits Dealers in the Big D

CRS, Inc. (St. Paul, MN) has released plans for its “Southwest Dealer Profit Booster Conference,” to be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011, in Irving, TX, at the Park Inn Hotel near the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Hosted by CRS, Inc. and partners such as CAS, Mercury Payment Systems, POWERVAR, Sterling Payment Technologies, and Nelson Distributing, the Southwest Dealer Conference will feature demonstrations of POS products, educational sessions on financing and lead generation, breakfast and lunch, and thousands of dollars in prizes (gift cards and hardware) supplied by the sponsors. It welcomes all existing and prospective CRS resellers.

“Of particular interest at this conference will be five distinct Independent Software Vendors,” noted Bruce Mann, VP of Marketing for CRS, Inc. “Dealers continually ask CRS to provide information on application software. We are doing one better and providing a convenient, relaxed setting for dealers to review multiple software applications and to learn how adding these to their line-up will generate greater profits.”

Participating ISVs include Blue Sky POS, Logivision, MicroSale, NCC (Reflection E-POS), and BlueFrog Technologies (Total Touch POS). Each software application will be demonstrated on one of CRS’s popular All-in-One POS workstations, which include models from SAM4S and AdvanPOS. For more information on the Southwest Dealer Profit Booster Conference, or to register, click here.

SAM4S POS Terminal From CRS, Inc.

Code Corner

Datalogic Mobile (Eugene, OR) has released its suite of Pal software applications, giving out-of-the-box functionality to its complete line of Microsoft Windows CE and Windows Mobile-based handheld computers. Pal targets four core business processes: Shelf Inventory, Order Entry, Asset Tracking, and Shelf Replenishment. Shelf Inventory provides physical inventory or cycle counting in the store or warehouse; data collected includes Location, SKU, and Quantity. Order Entry places requisitions in the field to refill stock; data collected includes Site, Order ID, SKU, and Quantity. Asset Tracking performs easy, quick management of inventory; data collected includes Location and Asset ID. Finally, Shelf Replenishment generates the pick list to replace low shelf stock; data collected includes Store, Shelf ID, SKU, and Quantity. The application suite also includes Pal Communicator, for transferring data to the PC. This utility allows data viewing in Excel, Notepad, or any user-defined host system. Pal may be downloaded from Datalogic Mobile’s website, and will soon come preloaded on all of its Windows-based devices. “We have heard from many of our business partners and end-users that they are looking for a tool to execute basic tasks associated with data capture and inventory control,” relayed Elva Martinez, Software Product Manager at Datalogic Mobile. “Pal makes it easy by giving you the tools for data collection, flexible configuration, auto data transfer, user prompts, and much more.”

BELLS & WHISTLES

A Rainbow of Receipts

POS Supply Solutions (Danvers, MA) has added colored receipt paper rolls in yellow, pink, green, and blue as part of its stock catalogue. Rolls come in several popular sizes, including 3-1/8 in. x 230 ft. thermal, 2-1/4 in. x 85 ft. thermal, and 3 in. x 165 ft. bond. Price ranges from $38 to $80 per 50 rolls depending on color and size, with minimum order of only five cases, in keeping with the company’s across-the-board reduction in minimum orders for custom rolls.

“Color receipt paper rolls are an inexpensive way to stand out from the competition,” commented Stephen Enfield, President of POS Supply Solutions. “Businesses can make a big impact simply by choosing to print on colored paper rather than white. This creates the ability for businesses to use their receipts as promotional tools.”

Memory retention studies indicate that humans are naturally drawn to color, according to POS Supply, and thus combining color with the printed word enhances customer communication and branding. Further, different shades evoke certain feelings among consumers, and may be capitalized upon. Yellow seems optimistic and energetic, pink youthful and lighthearted, green natural and environmentally friendly, and blue serene, trustworthy, and dependable, according to POS Supply’s ruminations.

Receipt Paper Rolls From POS Supply Solutions

[Editor’s Note: Elsewhere, Excellent Packaging & Supply (Richmond, CA), which distributes so-called nature-based packaging for foodservice, will handle BPA-free cash register/POS consumables from Ritemade Paper. “We first learned about the demand for BPA-free thermal paper when one of our customers asked us if we knew that most thermal paper contained BPA and wanted to know if we could provide them with safer, non-toxic replacement,” reported Allen King, President of Excellent Packaging & Supply.]

Baskets Get Brains

Shopping Baskets Plus (Glenview, IL) wants to help retailers combat price comparison shopping by consumers with smart phones by putting QR codes on their plastic shopping baskets. When scanned with the smart phone’s camera, the codes link to the retailer’s designated website--typically the weekly specials pricing page--thereby helping to close the sale. Customers carrying the new shopping baskets also serve as “mobile advertising vehicles” which draw the interest of others inside the store, according to the vendor.

“QR codes are still novel enough that adding them to shopping baskets will seem cutting-edge and appeal to a desirable audience of upscale shoppers,” related Randy Pickard, GM of Shopping Baskets Plus. He cited findings by IDC Retail Insights that suggest over 8% of consumers are already using smart phones to transform the way they shop. Shopping Baskets Plus was founded by Pickard in 2010 as an Internet-based distributor of products in its category.

The fee for adding QR codes to the shopping basket order starts at $200 for quantities of up to 500 baskets. This compares to the base cost of $3 to $9 per basket. Two QR code labels are applied to each shopping basket, one on each side. QR codes are printed on heavy-duty vinyl adhesive labels with UV-resistant coating. Standard and jumbo-sized baskets in six different colors may be outfitted.

QR Codes Link Shoppers to Price Specials

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 Dynamic

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

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

ALLIANCES

Epson’s Balancing Act Checks Out

Balance Innovations (Lenexa, KS) and Epson America (Long Beach, CA) have joined forces to streamline check processing for Balls Food Stores, the chain with 29 locations near Kansas City. The system marries the vbEPIX electronic check processing platform from Balance with Epson’s CaptureOne check scanner. “They have made a tremendous impact on how we handle checks,” Mike Beal, CFO of Balls Food, said of the two products. “The solution is seamless and easy for our teammates to use.”

Balls Food has used Balance Innovations’ VeriBalance cash office management technology for several years, according to the two parties. vbEPIX integrates with VeriBalance and the POS system to reconcile customer checks: store bookkeepers simply image all the checks with Epson’s CaptureOne as part of the VeriBalance till balance process, and check date and images are transmitted electronically and automatically for processing. Checks no longer need to be physically transported to the bank and deposited. This system helps the retailer lower transaction costs, improve cash flow, eliminate bank adjustments, and identify returned items sooner.

Moreover, with vbEPIX, retailers can eliminate traditional check encoding and 10-key functions along with associated errors. Once the check has been imaged, vbEPIX determines the most cost-effective way to process the transaction and sends it through the appropriate network for clearing. Significantly, vbEPIX allows retailers to process all check types--including personal, WIC, and payroll--electronically through one method.

Epson America’s CaptureOne Single-Feed Check Scanner

MI9: Payment Data Now Classified

Shift4 Corporation (Las Vegas) has brought its payment processing platform, dubbed “Dollars On The Net,” to the Intelligent Retail System by MI9 (Toronto). Under the new agreement, MI9’s suite of POS and back-office management software has been fully integrated and pre-certified with Dollars On The Net, minimizing PCI DSS certification costs and enabling the combined system to be quickly and inexpensively implemented, according to the two parties. Going forward, MI9 customers will no longer be required to store, process, or transmit sensitive cardholder data. Neither will they need to maintain complex encryption keys.

“Our partnership with Shift4 and their Dollars On The Net payment gateway enables MI9 to offer our retail customers an enhanced solution that takes their POS out of scope and provides features and advantages unique within the payment processing industry, including card security via tokenization,” declared Enrica Carroll, MI9’s VP of Business Development. Founded in 2001, MI9 promotes its business intelligence expertise, as befitting its name. Its customers include Tuesday Morning, Barney’s New York, Danier Leather, Hard Rock Café, Aubuchon Hardware, and Home Depot Mexico.

“We’re delighted to now be offering 4Go and TrueTokenization to MI9's customer base and reducing the scope of their PCI DSS compliance headaches while increasing their speed, reliability, and flexibility,” shared Dave Oder, CEO of Shift4. His company’s “off-the-shelf” solution will offer support for U.S. and Canadian PIN Debit, signature capture, check verification, and Shift4’s “It’s Your Card” gift-card scheme.

Shift4 Headquarters in Las Vegas

Channel Factoid

Retailers have put store expansion high on their agenda for 2011, according to the new NRF Foundation/KPMG report entitled “Retail Horizons: Benchmarks for 2010, Forecasts for 2011.” Close to half (41%) said that their companies intend to increase domestic store expansions in 2011, up from 25% in 2010. Additionally, 25% will expand overseas, rising from 21% one year ago. Signaling an overall consensus that the worst is behind them, 58% of the retailers surveyed report that cost reduction/cost containment will remain one of their company-wide strategic initiatives, falling sharply from 81% in 2010. In comparison, 69% identify m-commerce as an important strategic initiative, up considerably from 28% last year. Recognizing significant changes in customer shopping behaviors, three-quarters (74%) of retailers in 2011 will increase their consumer insight and data-gathering initiatives (versus 65% in 2010). Another 75% will make customer service one of their top priorities (versus 56% in 2010). Regarding the supply chain, greater focus will be put on optimizing the distribution network, with support increasing from 38% in 2010 to 52% in 2011, and for cross-docking, up from 17% to 24%. “These findings dramatically demonstrate that retail expansion is back on the agenda,” maintained Mark Larson, Partner, KPMG’s Retail Group. “After several years of belt tightening, retailers are also ready to begin experimenting again with new brick and mortar concepts. They will, however, move ahead with cost discipline in mind.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Star Shines on Duffy

Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has elevated Christine Duffy to the position of Senior Sales Director, following seven years of success as National Sales Manager. In her new role, Duffy has responsibility for the strategic business direction and executive management of the printer products business for Star Micronics America. Based out of the company’s corporate headquarters, Duffy reports to Michael Hanson, VP, Star Micronics America, Inc.

“Star Micronics is pleased to appoint Christine Duffy to the position of Senior Sales Director,” Hanson said. “In her time as National Sales Manager, Christine’s leadership has been a driving force behind the company’s growth, establishing Star Micronics as the second largest printer manufacturer in the world. Through many years of industry experience and commitment to the reseller channel, Christine has become a recognized industry icon and we look forward to her and Star’s continued success under her vision and leadership in this new position.”

Duffy has been with Star Micronics for over 25 years and was an original member of the company’s mini-printer sales team. She credits her term as Distribution Sales Manager with establishing long-term channel relationships that laid the foundation for her success as National Sales Manager. An active member of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), Duffy sits on multiple committees within that organization.

Christine Duffy, Senior Sales Director, Star Micronics America

Wavelink “Channels” Ungs

Wavelink Corporation (Midvale, UT) has named Kelly Ungs as its Senior Director of Channels. In his new role, Ungs will lead the company’s channel sales team and oversee training programs for both partners and large direct customers. Ungs joins Wavelink from Intermec, where he spent 15 years as Principal Product Manager and Software Strategist.

“Since its inception, Wavelink has developed strong relationships with device manufacturers and other channel partners that have proven to be a catalyst for growth,” noted Lamar Van Wagenen, CEO/President of Wavelink Corporation. “Over the years, Wavelink has been able to build the industry’s most extensive channel partner program, and we are excited to have Kelly bring his industry expertise to expand those relationships and generate additional growth opportunities for Wavelink and all of our partners.”

Ungs commented, “During my 25 years in the mobility market, I have admired the innovation and leadership of Wavelink. The company is now well-positioned to lead the way in mobility solutions and managed services, and our channel partners will be an important part of that success.” In addition to Intermec, Ungs has worked with technology firms such as MCI Communications, Sprint, and Telxon.

Kelly Ungs, Senior Director of Channels, Wavelink Corporation