This Week’s Product Pick

Fujitsu Components America (Sunnyvale, CA) has offered its new two-inch mobile thermal receipt printer, compatible with Apple iOS, Android, and BlackBerry. Titled FTP-628WSL210, this fully programmable device features both Bluetooth and USB to support connectivity with handheld computers for retail, field service, and healthcare. With dimensions of 3.3 in. (W) x 5.4 in. (L) x 1.2 in. (H), weight of 10 oz., and semi-rugged design with water resistance and five feet drop capability, it delivers 40 mm/second print speed at 320 dot lines/second. The new printer employs either 3.7 VDC Lithium-Ion battery or 120/240 VAC adapter and requires modest power consumption, printing six rolls (100 m) of paper on one battery charge. Available immediately, Fujitsu’s FTP-628WSL210 gets priced from $321 to $339 in 100 piece quantities.

Fujitsu Mobile Receipt Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

Redmond Revisits Retail

Microsoft Corp. (Redmond, WA) has finally unleashed Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail, its end-to-end solution that includes cross-channel capabilities, social and mobile commerce, enhanced merchandising functionality, and business intelligence. Windows-based and running on Microsoft SQL Server, and built on the vendor’s flagship ERP system, AX 2012 for Retail draws together POS, inventory, supply chain, and financials into one hub, while integrating with companion products such as SharePoint, Visual Studio, and Excel. Rolled out in 25 countries, it supports local languages, currencies, tax codes, and measurement standards.

“Today’s retail paradigm puts increased pressure on merchants to build lasting customer loyalty by keeping up with fast-moving trends and exceeding shopper expectations,” observed Michael Griffiths, Global Product Director of Retail for Microsoft Business Solutions. “Microsoft is all in when it comes to retail--from our stores and consumer devices to the customers already running Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail in more than 30 countries. We are taking that investment to the next level with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail.”

Several things stand out immediately with the new program. It allows customers to order items online and pick them up in their local stores. Similarly, promotions offered through mobile devices or social media will be recognized and redeemable through the retailer’s POS system. Store associates may access all such information through so-called Role Centers, or dashboards, dedicated to individual users. Finally, any need for coding has been eliminated, with distribution centers, sales channels, stores, and even layouts represented graphically for drop-and-drag manipulation.

Michael Griffiths, Global Product Director of Retail, Microsoft Business Solutions

Here Come the iPad ISVs

If Apple-based POS evolves along traditional lines, look for ISVs to emerge from the pack. One likely candidate would be ShopKeep (New York) which has quickly added customers and hardware partners, including channel players such as Star Micronics. Now ShopKeep has released kitchen printing capability for its iPad POS platform. This new solution works in conjunction with Star’s SP700 impact printer, which, notably, can be ordered through ShopKeep’s dedicated hardware web page. Pop the cash drawer, process credit cards, and print customer receipts with your iPad--and now send orders to the kitchen.

ShopKeep’s new build includes so-called Smart Memo modifiers that allow cashiers to type notes such as “skim milk, one sugar” and format the ticket to the remote printer in red ink. For quicker order entry, Smart Memo also utilizes sophisticated predictive text, suggesting previously used notes as food requests are entered. Lastly, linking the wireless printer to ShopKeep Register, the full POS system, takes just seconds thanks to the app’s built-in printer detection.

“By putting remote printing in our iPad product, we’re adding an entirely new level of efficiency and functionality for customers in restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, retail, and other businesses,” noted Jason Richelson, CEO and Co-Founder of ShopKeep. “At peak times, for example, employees can now take orders from customers waiting in line using an iPad, and through wireless printing, merchants can instantly and efficiently relay orders to the kitchen or barista.” In another sign of the times, ShopKeep offers its solution through iTunes or the iPad App Store for $50 per month, which includes unlimited live support and unlimited immediate upgrades.

ShopKeep’s Tablet-Based POS Moves to the Kitchen

Worth Your While

MODEX 2012
Material Handling Industry of America
February 6-9
Atlanta

2012 Annual ETA Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 17-19
Las Vegas

NRA Show 2012
National Restaurant Association
May 5-8
Chicago

NACStech
National Association of Convenience Stores
May 21-23
Nashville, TN

GS1 Connect Conference
GS1 US
June 4-7
Las Vegas

HITEC 2012
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
June 25-28
Baltimore

RetailNOW 2012
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 29-August 1
Las Vegas

ALL IN THE FAMILY

CipherLab Talks Tough

CipherLab (Plano, TX) unveiled its 8700 Series industrial mobile computers with full feature set, rugged construction, and necessary software tools. Measuring 9 in. (L) x 3.6 in. (W) x 2.5 in. (H) and weighing 21 oz., this new terminal carries an IP-64 rating for water and dust and spans operating temperatures for environments from refrigeration to chemical plants. It furnishes 32-bit CPU, three-inch 160x160 pixel touchscreen display, two choices of backlight LED keyboard, rechargeable 4000-mAh Lithium-Ion battery, and data input through linear and two-dimensional readers--including long-range laser--as well as RFID and GPS. Communications capabilities include WAN, 3.5G WWAN, and Bluetooth.

“The manufacturing and transportation industries are tough environments to work in,” commented Sherman Chuang, President of CipherLab. “Our products help to alleviate issues by offering flexibility and efficiency to streamline the processes. The 8700 Series is designed to handle complex data collection tasks in rough conditions.”

In addition, 8700 comes equipped with software tools for easy customization and integration. Its Software Development Kit (SDK) encompasses Mirror Terminal Emulator, Forge Application Generator, and Blaze C and BASIC Compiler. On the back-end, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) boosts data transmission speed. Alerts are provided through dual-color LEDs (red/green, blue/green), vibrator, and beeper.

New 8700 Series Mobile Computer Features Two Keyboard Configurations

Source Makes Resolution

Source Technologies (Charlotte, NC) debuted two new thermal barcode printers in its ST Performance Series, the STp.1115 and STp.1125, at the recent National Retail Federation Show in New York. Following upon the launch of the STp.1120n last July, these new devices promise “300-dpi printing at 203-dpi pricing,” according to the vendor. Offering 6 inch/second print speed for the STp.1115 and 10 inch/second for the STp.1125, both carry color graphical touchscreen display, USB and Ethernet, 32-MB Flash/64-MB DRAM, constant ribbon tension, and auto ribbon and label configuration.

“Expanding the ST Performance Series ensures our partners and customers have access to the right solution for their thermal barcode printing needs,” shared Doug Salvador, VP of Marketing for Source Technologies. “We’re pleased to reveal these two new models, broadening our product offerings to cover a wide range of applications. We have raised the bar within the thermal barcode printing industry by designing easy-to-use products that offer what users want: higher print resolution and enhanced print quality at affordable prices.”

Significantly, the ST Performance Series has been designed to utilize PCL5e, an industry standard printer language which alleviates any integration difficulties caused by proprietary languages. By the same token, PCL enables the printers to support 50 resident scalable fonts. In September, Source Technologies addressed one of today’s hottest markets with the release of its STm.58 two-inch portable thermal model with four different combinations of USB, Serial, Bluetooth, and MSR.

STp.1115 Barcode Printer by Source Technologies Delivers 300-Dpi Resolution

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INTEGRATION

A Pair of Firsts by Honeywell

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) broke new ground in two areas at the recent National Retail Federation Show in New York. First, the company moved into the RFID arena with its Optimus 5900 mobile computer, then addressed bottom-of-basket monitoring in its Stratos 2700 grocery scanner. “Today’s introductions--from revolutionizing the check-out experience with our enhanced hybrid bioptic scanning solution to our entrance into the RFID space--demonstrate our ongoing commitment to meeting the growing needs of our retail customers,” suggested Taylor Smith, Director of Product Management, Honeywell Scanning & Mobility.

The new mobile computer, Optimus 5900, which ships in February, handles EPC Gen2 and ISO 18000-6B RFID tags for inventory and item ordering. Accompanying Adaptus Imaging Technology 5.0 reads linear and two-dimensional barcodes, captures digital images, and enables electronic signature capture. Integrated 802.11b/g wireless connectivity provides users with access to critical data throughout the enterprise, while Bluetooth links peripheral devices. Weighing less than 2 lbs., with or without grip, the device runs Windows CE 5.0, PAX300 CPU at 624 MHz, and 128-MB RAM/256-MB Flash.

Honeywell’s Stratos 2700 delivers rapid pass-through scanning of linear barcodes, plus area-imaging technology for aggressive scanning of two-dimensional symbologies, according to the vendor. To help in loss prevention, the Stratos 2700 may be outfitted with an innovative bottom-of-basket monitoring system comprised of an LCD display on the scanner vertical plane and camera mounted on the checkout lane for live video feed. Additionally, the scanner/scale can be upgraded in the field to meet future POS needs with various modular hardware and software plug-ins. It will begin shipping in July.

Honeywell’s Stratos 2700 Bioptic Scanner/Scale

Airtime for ATS

Accu-Time Systems (Ellington, CT) exhibited its new wireless time and attendance product at the recent National Retail Federation Show in New York. Dependent on an embedded module dubbed “Airtime,” wireless capability can be installed in any new or existing ATS Prodigy, Maximus, or Optimus terminal. It allows the terminal to transmit to the host via cellular network such information as biometric templates, employee time-sheets, vacation schedules, and all other employee self-service features. At NRF, the demonstration also included the company’s new AccuTouch fingerscan reader.

ATS charges one monthly subscription for wireless network access, module management, and system administration, with web portal oversight of hardware. When equipped with Airtime, the company’s terminals automatically connect to the network, providing plug-and-play for the end-user. Moreover, they integrate with workforce management software and payroll systems, in keeping with the product portfolio from ATS, now the subsidiary of Amano USA Holdings, Inc.

“Airtime gives our channel partners and end-users a completely new way to collect workforce management data,” volunteered Larry Dawson, VP of Marketing for Accu-Time Systems. “They can place the terminal essentially anywhere they want as long as there is a cellular signal in the area. This is a perfect solution for buildings with no Ethernet accessibility, for remote operations like construction sites and field offices, fragmented enterprises with multiple locations, and for small businesses that want a fast and easy set-up without worrying about network connectivity.”

Maximus Time and Attendance Terminal by Accu-Time Systems Gains Wireless

Code Corner

Savi (Alexandria, VA), the wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has launched the Savi Mobile Tracking System for following in real-time the location, movement, and condition of high-value assets. This integrated platform encompasses specialized software and hardware designed specifically for securing and monitoring common cargo types--ISO containers on road and rail, closed rail wagons and tanker rail cars, fuel trucks, and in-vehicle units. Supported tag technologies include GPS, GPRS, and RFID, in addition to satellite communications. A single-screen dashboard displays all assets, location, transit, and established routes on live maps under the Savi Mobile Tracking System. Users receive real- and relevant-time updates that provide greater transparency of shipments, improve transit times, and identify diversion of assets from established routes and locations. This capability provides significant improvement in the identification of theft and the recovery of stolen assets. “The Savi solution is far superior to any solution in the market and provides the most complete range of coverage for our customers’ tracking needs,” testified Roger Kamgaing, VP of the Governments & Institutions Division at SGS (Rutherford, NJ), one of Savi’s partners. “The single-screen dashboard coupled with real-time alerts make it very easy to identify, locate, and monitor a wide range of shipments, whether they are large cargo containers in-transit, specific shipments on a single container, or individual pallets in a customs processing facility.”

Savi Mobile Tracking System

PARTNER PROGRAMS

High Times at RSPA

The Retail Solutions Providers Association (Charlotte, NC) announced that Comprehensive Retail Solutions, Inc. (Kalamazoo, MI) has become the first company to be designated as RSPA Premier Certified. As many RRN.Com readers know, RSPA launched its Certification Program in 2009. In order to achieve Premier status, CRS completed over 330 hours of online educational training courses, along with 20 plus hours of onsite training courses. “This includes RSPA’s PCIwise and our Sales and Support Specialist programs,” explained Lauren Stark, RSPA Education Manager. “Additionally, one support technician in each VAR branch must be CompTIA Network+ certified.”

“Achieving Premier Certification demonstrates our long-standing commitment to provide unsurpassed services to our customers,” indicated Les Farrance, President of Comprehensive Retail Solutions. “This status further differentiates us from our competitors. Customers will realize the benefits that our investment of hundreds of hours of coursework will provide them and they will learn the value of working with an RSPA Premier Certified Reseller.”

RSPA also divulged that its membership has doubled since 2007, now reaching 760 companies. “The constant growth in membership over the past five years reflects RSPA’s relevancy and mission, which is to serve our members and the retail technology industry overall,” stated Joe Finizio, CEO/President of RSPA, who should be credited with driving the renaissance. “This growth has helped to establish a strong, collective voice giving our members more clout within the industry. We are very excited to announce this milestone and look forward to continued growth.”

Les Farrance, President, Comprehensive Retail Solutions

Channel Pollinated by Wasp

Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX) has enhanced its partner program, dubbed Wasp Link, by adding new tiers and strengthening benefits. Launched in September, Wasp Link has grown by 50%, according to the provider of POS and Auto ID for the SMB market. Now four levels have been established for VARs: Wasp Link Registered, Fast Start, Gold Premier, and Platinum Premier. Simultaneously, Wasp said it plans to expand its partner program staff by 20%.

Wasp Link Registered provides marketing and sales support, the company’s newsletter, and access to the program’s web portal. Fast Start adds two-month enrollment in the program, participation in the Wasp lead generation effort, 10% front-end rebate on all software bundles, and one joint marketing campaign. Gold Premier adds six-month enrollment in the program, specified number of guaranteed monthly customer leads, 10% front-end rebate on an expanded Wasp parts list, and chair on the Wasp Advisory Council. Finally, Platinum Premier grants one-year enrollment in the program, the highest number of guaranteed monthly customer leads, quarterly MDF funds, and dedicated Wasp channel account manager.

“Our partner program, Wasp Link, has experienced incredible growth since its launch, making it the fastest growing area of our company,” indicated Dylan Schafer, Channel Sales Manager at Wasp Barcode Technologies. “Thus, we felt it was necessary to create an expanded effort to further the success of our partners. Our restructured partner program features an increased investment in our top two tiers, Gold Premier and Platinum Premier. Wasp’s technical training combined with our product, marketing, and sales resources will help our partners continue to thrive.”

POS and Auto ID Packages for the SMB

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
FEC/Acrelec
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
WorldPay US

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Mobile Marketing & Loyalty
Sundrop Mobile

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Psion Sprints to 3G

Psion (Hebron, KY) has joined Sprint’s Open Device Initiative to provide its customers with access to the carrier’s 3G network in the U.S. Under the program, the EP10 industrial-class PDA from Psion underwent testing to meet Sprint’s requirements for wireless communications, including 3G certifications for CDMA and EVDO network support. Psion reports it already has started shipping Sprint-compatible versions of the EP10.

“Sprint’s Open Device Initiative aligns with our company strategy of open innovation, and with the help of Ingram Micro, we will expand the use of the EP10 into new markets that require the durability Psion is known for with the full feature set of a traditional smart-phone,” remarked Mike Wills, VP of North America Sales at Psion. “Working with Sprint enables us to reach new customers and makes it easier for our existing customers and partners to take advantage of all that the Sprint network has to offer.” Wills refers to Ingram Micro’s Data Collection/POS Division, headed by Justin Scopaz in Carlsbad, CA.

Introduced in 2011, the EP10 addresses commercial use in retail, transportation, and field service and sales. It carries the Texas Instruments AM3715 Sitara ARM processor, 3.7-inch high-resolution color display with touchscreen, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Incorporated into the device is an omni-directional, two-dimensional imager and 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera with dual LED Flash. In keeping with Psion’s philosophy of modularity, the EP10 supports multiple keyboards, choice of batteries, slot for Micro-SD memory card, and expansion modules for customized hardware such as RFID, DEX, and biometric readers.

Certification for Psion’s EP10 Commercial PDA

SATO’s Carbon Paper

SATO America (Charlotte, NC) has introduced its “Econano” series of thermal labels that reportedly reduce carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere upon incineration. This pioneering technology was made possible through the addition of an absorptive “nano vesicle capsule” layer within the label’s adhesive. According to SATO, these new green labels can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released at the point of burning by over 20% compared to normal labels, leaving behind only ash.

Further, by combining Econano technology with SATO’s “Nonsepa” linerless label series, it’s possible to achieve an approximate 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions at the time of incineration, said the supplier. SATO estimates that for users who replace one million 50 mm x 85 mm standard labels over the course of one year, emissions can be reduced by 224 kg. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide released during the manufacture, treatment, and incineration of 4,814 plastic bags, to be precise.

“Reducing carbon emissions is a challenge for all businesses today,” observed Etsuo Fujii, President of SATO Corporation. “But the cutting-edge technology SATO employs in its Econano series labels offer our customers a helping hand in achieving their environmental targets, and provides them with solutions beneficial to all levels of consumer goods product identification and supply chain labeling.” This new technology was developed by the SATO Group in collaboration with Japan’s Tokyo University of Science.

New Label Technology Cuts Carbon Emissions Upon Incineration

Channel Factoid

Technology is taking its place at the restaurant table, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast. Four out of 10 consumers said they’d be likely to use an electronic ordering system and menus on tablet computers at table-service restaurants. Five out of 10 said they would use table-side electronic payment processing, in addition to the restaurant’s smart-phone app to view menus and make reservations. At quick-service restaurants, four out of 10 consumers said they would place online orders for take-out, patronize self-service kiosks, and leverage smart-phone apps to look at menus and order delivery. Moreover, three in 10 adults said they would like to receive an e-mail with daily specials, while one in five prefer text messages to carry such information. If restaurant specials were posted on Facebook or Twitter, nearly one-third of consumers said they’d be likely to sign up, indicating the growing interest in social media. Feeding consumers’ digital hunger, nine out of 10 restaurateurs plan to use Facebook in the next year or two, with Twitter and smart-phone apps expected to be on the rise as well. “Giving consumers what they want will be crucial in 2012,” wrote Annika Stensson, Media Relations Director at the National Restaurant Association. “As the recession has caused eight out of 10 consumers to cut back on spending to some degree, it is more important than ever for operators to nudge those guests into patronizing their restaurants.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Meet the Beetles

Wincor Nixdorf (Austin, TX) has promoted Patrick Leonard to VP of Retail for North America. Leonard has served as Managing Director of Retail for Wincor Nixdorf Canada since joining the company in 2010. Before that, he worked for more than 20 years in senior management positions for retail, networking, services, and payments with NCR Canada.

“As the retail industry has become increasingly borderless, so has Wincor Nixdorf’s approach to meeting the needs of our customers through the development and delivery of world-class technology innovation,” stated Oliver Web, CEO of Wincor Nixdorf U.S. “Patrick’s depth of experience, understanding of the North American market, and record for success within the retail industry will help ensure that Wincor Nixdorf continues to meet the needs of its growing global customer base.” Although quiet in the channel, Wincor Nixdorf, based in Germany, represents one of the world’s two or three largest POS manufacturers.

During the recent National Retail Federation Show in New York, Wincor Nixdorf displayed three new members in its Beetle POS family. These included Beetle/iPrint with integrated thermal receipt printer, Beetle/X Plus for low power consumption and minimum maintenance, and the Beetle/Express All-in-One POS terminal with 10-inch touchscreen and Intel Atom CPU. In addition, the company announced an update of its best-selling Beetle/M-II Plus with the latest iCore CPU and vPro certification.

Patrick Leonard, VP of Retail, North America, Wincor Nixdorf

Playing TAG in America

TAGSYS, the item-level French RFID provider, has beefed up its executive team dedicated to the Western Hemisphere. Most significantly, Monte Lucas has been named VP of Sales for North and South America. Lucas brings more than 23 years of experience in the automation market, including 14 in RFID. He will be supported by two additional new hires, Chad Ward, Sales Director, and Michael Daily, Customer Program Director. Posted in King of Prussia, PA, all report to Bruno Davoine, Worldwide VP of Sales and Corporate Marketing.

“I am tremendously excited to take the lead in launching TAGSYS’ efforts to expand its markets in North and South America,” Lucas said. “TAGSYS provides complete, easy-to-deploy RFID solutions that will resonate in these markets, where customers are searching for reliable, cost-effective technology to improve their supply chain visibility and increase sales.” Previously, Lucas held high-level positions with Hi-G-Tek, Matrics (acquired by Symbol), Intermec, Zebra Technologies, and Paxar/Monarch (now part of Avery Dennison).

TAGSYS also has announced its partnership with Think&Go NFC to bring Near-Field Communications capability into the RFID infrastructure. Using the same RFID platform, manufacturers can benefit from distributed product information, while consumers can access personalized information and services through their smart-phones, according to the two parties. “We have been delighted to discover the complementary nature of our offerings and we are confident that the combination of our NFC Shopping Solution--which has been deployed with several leading chain stores--with TAGSYS’ widely successful RFID will bring far-reaching benefits to our retail customers,” relayed Vincent Berge, CEO and Founder of Think&Go NFC, which is based in Provencal, France, nice place to work.

Monte Lucas, VP of Sales, North and South America, TAGSYS