Our Product Pick

Posiflex USA (Hayward, CA) has showcased its new line of compact, modular kiosks. In pedestal or countertop configuration, the Apex KK Series may easily transform from landscape to portrait formats. Intended for retail and hospitality environments, it furnishes projected-capacitive touch technology, in 19" standard or 21.5" widescreen display. As processing power, there's choice of Intel J1900 (Posiflex KK2000 PC) or Intel i3 or i5 (Posiflex KK3000 PC). As accompanying peripherals, Apex KK offers swipe card reader, thermal receipt printer, and 1D/2D barcode scanner. Also, Posiflex has launched its new network platform for IoT, "Canopy - Empowered by Posiflex."

Apex KK Series by Posiflex

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Silver Lining at HP

A major move into the cloud for retail and hospitality on the part of HP (Palo Alto, CA), with the premiere of its new HP Engage Console and HP Engage Catalog. Intended for end-users, ISVs, and VARs, HP Engage Console furnishes remote distribution and management of apps and hardware for POS. It will increase productivity, reduce manual need for IT, and facilitate time to market for solutions, according to HP.

Also focused on retail and hospitality, HP Engage Catalog seeks to link merchants and ISVs. It enables uploading of apps and updates directly onto servers of HP. A marketplace of apps appears on the HP POS. Both HP Engage Console and HP Engage Catalog are expected in February.

"Technology empowers today's retailers to manage their business better with versatile and connected computing devices. At the same time, retailers want to manage their applications in secure and efficient ways," declared Aaron Weiss, VP and GM, Retail Solutions, for HP. "With HP Engage Console and HP Engage Catalog, HP is bridging this gap and providing modern solutions for customers and partners to manage their fleet of devices securely and remotely."

[Editor's Note: Also, HP has certified mobile device management from SOTI (Mississauga, ON, Canada) and VMware (Palo Alto, CA) for POS.]

HP Engage Console for Device Management

Matt Grows Mellow

A captain in payments, and our channel, has decided to take some time for family, friends, and recreation in the splendors of Southwest Colorado. As one of the executives of Mercury Payment Systems, culminating in the role of CEO, Matt Taylor helped forge the synergy between payment processing and traditional POS. Upon acquisition of Mercury in 2014, he served as Group President of Integrated Payments and Emerging Channels for Vantiv. Following further consolidation in 2018, he served as EVP, Global Integrated Payments and SMB E-Commerce for Worldpay. Now that FIS has bought Worldpay, in 2019, Taylor has re-assessed his priorities. He left on New Year's Eve.

"I had a lot of opportunities to take a really big role with FIS, but I thought for a long time about that," Taylor told the Durango Herald. "And I decided it's very rare that you are as young as I am, 44--I have young kids 15, 12, and 8, are my daughters' ages--I live in a place I love and want to stay. I've got the landscape for a great life, but that life has always been an accessory to the job."

"I'm going to take a break, and I'm going to completely empty myself from the pull---the conscious and unconscious pull of that hard work--and be fully present in my life, and especially with my girls," continued Taylor in the Durango Herald. "And then, however long it takes, I'll be whoever I am on the other side of that, then I'll figure out what to do." A one-year non-compete clause with FIS ends for Taylor next January.

[Editor's Note: A complete story on Matt Taylor, written by Patrick Armijo, appeared in the Durango Herald on December 9, 2019.]

A Time Out for Payments Leader Matt Taylor

Worth Your While

NRF 2020 Vision
National Retail Federation
January 12-14
New York, NY

Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 26-29
Nassau, Bahamas

ISO & Agent Sales Training
Electronic Payments
February 5
Boston, MA

NGA Show
National Grocers Association
February 23-26
San Diego, CA

RC Show
Restaurants Canada
March 1-3
Toronto, Canada

Modex
Material Handling Industry (MHI)
March 9-12
Atlanta, GA

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
March 22-25
Las Vegas, NV

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)
April 28-30
Las Vegas, NV

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago, IL

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers
Association (RSPA)
August 2-5
Las Vegas, NV

NACS
National Association
of Convenience Stores
October 11-14
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Epson Sticks to It

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has unwrapped its new thermal receipt/label printer, designated TM-L90II LFC (for liner-free compatible). In dimensions of 5.5 in. (W) x 7.9 in. (D) x 5.8 in. (H), weighing 4.2 lbs./1.9 kg, the TM-L90II LFC accommodates standard media widths of 80 mm, 58 mm, and 40 mm with maximum print speed of 6.7 in./170 mm at 203 dpi. It becomes available in early March.

As features of the TM-L90II LFC, the company cites back-feed technology for close-to-the-top printing, automatic media-type detection, label-taken sensor for printing of re-stickable liner-free labels from multiple commands without bunching together, and paper-saving white space and character reduction. As connectivity, it has built-in USB, with second choice of Serial, Ethernet, or Wireless. As expected, it supports printing from smartphones or tablets for mPOS.

"We always strive to empower our customers with the best solutions for their receipt and label printing needs," commented Gregg Brunnick, Director of Product Management for POS Printers at Epson America. "With our TM-L90II LFC thermal label printer, we deliver the flexibility, versatility, and efficiency that QSRs, restaurants, deli's, and grocers need to gain important business advantages." It replaces an earlier model TM-L90 Plus LFC offered in North America by Epson America.

Epson's TM-L90II LFC Thermal Printer

CipherLab Races with RK95

CipherLab USA (Plano, TX) has unboxed its new industrial mobile computer, christened the RK95. Running Android 9 O/S, RK95 has 2.2-GHz Octa-Core CPU, 4-GB RAM, and 64-GB Flash. With 4.3" color capacitive touchscreen, it measures 8.5 in. (L) x 3.1 in. (W) x 1.2 in. (H), with minimum weight of 14 oz./395 g, and carries certification by Google Mobile Services (GMS) and Android Enterprise Recommended (AER). In support of large-scale deployments with Android, there's Zero-Touch Enrollment from Google and ReMoCloud from CipherLab.

An emphasis on flexibility extends to readers (one-dimensional laser, two-dimensional imager, and mid-range and extended range imager), keyboards (38-key numeric and 52-key alphanumeric), and batteries (3000-mAh 8-hour or 6000-mAh 10-hour Li-Polymer). As communications, it offers Bluetooth 5, 802.11 Wi-Fi with 2x2 Multiple Input/Multiple Output (MIMO), and WWAN. Options include 13-MP camera and RFID. In addition, it has three new indicator LEDs.

In terms of ruggedness, the RK95 has ratings of IP-65, MIL-STD-810G, and 6-ft./1.8-m drop resistance (with rubber boot, 7.9-ft./2.4-m). A Gorilla Glass screen by Corning protects against chips and scratches, with an operating temperature range of -4 to +122 Degrees F/-20 to +50 Degrees C. "An advanced mobile computing platform and superior wireless extends its performance," summarized Luis Wu, GM at CipherLab USA. "It perfectly combines features that fulfill new and traditional users' legacy warehouse applications." As MSRP: $1,920.

CipherLab's RK95 Series Mobile Computer

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A Message From the Editor

As we enter another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, and business models. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

INTEGRATION

Star Rocks SteadyLAN

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ), in support of its thermal printers, has introduced its latest networking innovation: SteadyLAN. A patent-pending technology available on certain models in the company's mC-Print Series, SteadyLAN adds the Lightning USB cable connection to solve the problem of uncertain network access via Wi-Fi for iPad POS. It's available on the following printer models from Star Micronics: mCP21LB, mCP31L, and mCP31LB.

By connecting the SteadyLAN-compatible printer to the Internet via wired Ethernet LAN, and connecting the printer and iPad with the Lightning USB cable, the iPad can access the Internet without Wi-Fi. At the same time, the iPad can communicate with the printer via Lightning USB and can simultaneously be charged from the printer. As required support: iOS Version 10, or higher, and printer firmware Version 2.3.

"We're incredibly proud to announce SteadyLAN, as it will make unstable Wi-Fi signals a thing of the past," indicated Jon Levin, Director of Product Management at Star Micronics America. "We expect this new solution to greatly improve business operations in retail and restaurant settings for POS, mobile ordering, and more." As part of its mCollection, Star includes thermal printers, weigh scales, cash drawers and stands, as well as its bundle for tablet-based POS, called mPOP.

Star Micronics Debuts SteadyLAN

Bixolon Gets Fresh

Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) has pushed further into hospitality by partnering with ISV Fresh Technology (Nashville, TN). A bundle employs the SRP-S300 thermal receipt/label printer from Bixolon with the tablet-based kitchen display system from the ISV, dubbed Fresh KDS. As supported POS, Fresh KDS focuses on Square, Clover, Talech, and Union. It communicates wirelessly via Bluetooth to two models, SRP-S300L (for re-stickable liner-free labels) and SRP-S300T (with added label-taken sensor for printing of re-stickable liner-free labels from multiple commands without bunching together).

Measuring 6.1 in. (W) x 8.3 in. (D) x 6.3 in. (H), weighing 4.4 lbs./2 kg, the SRP-S300 handles receipts and labels with standard media width choices: 80 mm, 58 mm, and 40 mm. It prints at maximum speed of 6.7 in./170 mm per second at 203 dpi. As additional benefits, the company points to water-resistant cover, back-feed technology for close-to-the-top printing, advanced anti-jam capability, paper-saving white-space and character reduction, and built-in voice error notification.

"We are delighted that ISVs like Fresh KDS continue to recognize the SRP-S300 as an industry-leading sticky label solution," remarked Paul Kim, President of Bixolon America. "We're confident that end-users will find value with this solution." As media, Bixolon recently certified environmentally-friendly, liner-free, label products by MAXStick (Lancaster, PA).

Bixolon's SRP-S300 Receipt/Label Printer Supports Fresh KDS

X-Men: Cardknox and Pax

An up-and-coming channel player in payments, Cardknox (Lakewood, NJ), has completed certification with the popular S920 card reader by Pax Technology (Jacksonville, FL). A bundle provides wireless payment processing, access to reporting in the merchant portal of Cardknox, and capabilities for in-store, online, and mail order/telephone order, or MOTO. (As additional payment terminals, Cardknox has cited the Ingenico iSC250, Verifone MX915, and ID TECH Augusta S.)

"The Pax S920 is the ideal device for merchants that are in need of a wireless payment processing solution," suggested Yanky Weiss, CTO of Cardknox. "Businesses in the retail, hospitality, and restaurant industries will greatly benefit from this lightweight terminal that can accept customer payments away from the counter. It's also a great option for non-profits and fundraisers that don't want to be limited to accepting cash or check donations only."

In dimensions of 6.9 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 2.2 in. (H), weighing 1 lb./0.5 kg, the Pax S920 furnishes 5" color capacitive touchscreen (1280x720), barcode scanner (1D/2D), dual cameras (0.3-MP front, 5-MP back), high-capacity Li-Ion rechargeable battery (5259 mAH), and thermal receipt printer (2"). With Android O/S, it accepts MSR, EMV, NFC, and QR Codes. As wireless, there's 802.11 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, and WWAN. It has certification to Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 5.x.

A Certification for Cardknox on the Pax S920

Code Corner

Cybra Corporation (Yonkers, NY), provider of MarkMagic Barcode Software, has added support for the Autobag System from Automated Packaging Systems (Streetsboro, OH). In fulfilling e-commerce needs, in particular, end-users of MarkMagic can now print shipping information directly on the shipping bags, instead of printing shipping labels and then affixing them to shipments. Accomplished with live transaction data at the moment of packing, this reduces time spent preparing outbound shipments while reducing errors, according to Cybra. As O/S, MarkMagic now supports Autobag on IBM AS/400, IBM AIX, Windows, Mac, and Linux. "A large portion of the MarkMagic client base is in the direct-to-consumer supply chain," observed Harold Brand, Cybra's CEO.

Cybra's MarkMagic Adds Autobag Printing Support

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

SATO: Oh, Mexico!

SATO (Tokyo, Japan) has established its new entity, SATO Productivity Solutions Mexico S.A. de C.V., in Guanajuato, Mexico. About 250 miles north of Mexico City, Guanajuato represents an automotive trade zone of manufacturers and suppliers. Mexico is the sixth largest producer of vehicles in the world, with 12 free trade agreements with 46 countries, including Japan, and has recently ratified the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

"By utilizing our know-how in various industry verticals, we will match hardware, consumables, and software, and provide after-sales support to provide Auto ID solutions to deliver efficiencies to customers," contributed Koichi Aoki, Director General of SATO Mexico. "I aim to replicate our successful value creation model established in other markets to deliver gains for our customers in terms of accurate traceability, productivity, and more." As technology, SATO will bring barcoding, RFID, Voice/Image Recognition, and Real-Time Location System (RTLS).

In addition to automotive, SATO Mexico will also provide service to segments such as retail, logistics, and healthcare. A "medium-term strategy of strengthening and expanding its Auto ID selling approach with direct engagement with end-users" has been revealed by SATO. In the U.S., of course, it operates SATO America (Charlotte, NC).

Automotive Industry to Drive SATO Mexico

IDWare: Out, Fraud!

An interesting ISV, IDScan/net (New Orleans, LA), has unveiled its new loss prevention solution, entitled IDWare Profit. It follows a successful pilot program with Rouses Market, a 65-store grocery chain in the Southeast U.S. In the first five weeks of its five-store pilot, Rouses Market reduced returns by 36% at participating locations. It now plans to roll out IDWare Profit company-wide in the coming months.

With IDWare Profit, retailers may employ an iPad-based kiosk installed at customer service to scan an individual's ID when they seek to return merchandise. A record is created of the customer and return (in the cloud database). A manual review of the return is triggered by set dollar threshold over given time period for the customer. Also, with the system, retailers may scan vendor IDs to verify deliveries and rendered services. Finally, IDWare Profit allows stores to manage and track routine operations and audits via time-stamping for employee tasks.

"IDWare Profit is giving frontline staff the information they need to make smart decisions," proposed Denis Petrov, CEO of IDScan/net. Since 2003, IDScan/net has served over 7,000 customers with identity verification, including IBM, Shell, AMC Theaters, Borgata Hotel, and Dave & Busters. It has developed more than 300 custom applications.

[Editor's Note: On its website, IDScan/net solicits reseller partners.]

Identity Verification From IDScan/net

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Equinox
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
WooPOS

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Equinox
EVO Payments/Sterling
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Epson America
Seiko Instruments
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

INSTALLATIONS

On Dumac's Grocery List

A commitment by C&S Wholesale Grocers (Keene, NH) for Dumac Business Systems (Syracuse, NY). An exclusive strategic partnership will see Dumac providing its RORC Version 6 POS software for 1,000 grocery retailers in the U.S. A full-featured platform, RORC Version 6 includes e-commerce, personalized loyalty marketing, and self-checkout capabilities. A single lane store or multi-lane store may be supported.

"Technology and competition have pushed the grocery industry into an incredible period of change," noted Corey Quiring, VP of Retail Services at C&S Wholesale Grocers. "At C&S, we're committed to bringing innovative technology solutions that will help our independent grocery customers stay connected to their shoppers. With this new technology, we enable our independent retailers to maintain their competitiveness against larger retailers and online channels."

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with C&S," enthused Howard McCarthy, President and CEO at Dumac. "Along with C&S, we are completely changing the way independent supermarket owners connect with their customers." As readers may recall, Dumac purchased the Retailer Owned Research Company, or RORC, in 2016. An upcoming RORC Version 7 will be entirely cloud-based with in-store redundancy and revised, more intuitive, GUI, according to Dumac.

C&S Wholesale Grocers Picks RORCv6 by Dumac

Zebra's Office Party

Office Depot has upgraded its customer service and supply chain operations with Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL). A deployment of 10,000 Android-based TC51 touch computers by Zebra, supported by its Workforce Connect Push-to-Talk (PTT), has "improved productivity, accuracy, and delivery performance," according to John Gannfors, Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer for Office Depot. It replaces previously deployed commercial-grade devices.

Additionally, in its distribution centers, Office Depot has deployed the RS507X cordless ring scanners with Bluetooth from Zebra. By standardizing on the TC51 and RS507X, Office Depot has eliminated the need for separate picking devices and two-way radios, according to the two parties. Associates in the store now have access to 40 applications for more proactive omnichannel personal selling and customer service with the TC51. Also, Office Depot now employs Zebra's TC56 touch computers for its fleet management and proof-of-delivery (POD).

"Our business customers are looking for a personalized and interactive experience in our stores," expressed Kevin Moffitt, Chief Retail Officer at Office Depot. "Zebra's mobile computing solutions have allowed us to simplify day-to-day operations to enable our associates to focus on what matters most--spending time assisting our customers with selecting the right solutions for their business." As support for this install: Zebra One Care; as security, Zebra's LifeGuard for Android.

Office Depot Deploys Zebra's Mobile Touch Computers, TC51 and TC56

Channel Factoid

-Restaurant industry sales are expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2030.

-An increasing proportion of meals will not be cooked at home, leading to the continued rise in delivery, virtual restaurants, subscription services, and grab-and-go at retail locations.

-Cloud kitchens will continue to rise, fueled by the expansion of centralized kitchens and the growth of online, delivery only brands.

-Consumers may grow increasingly loyal to third-party delivery apps, thereby impacting loyalty to individual restaurants.

-Governments are likely to impose further regulation and oversight of third-party delivery.

-At some point, it's likely drive-thru's will need to accommodate interactions with self-driving vehicles.

-The restaurant of the future will be smaller in size. Smaller restaurants could incorporate more automated kitchen equipment and the typical kitchen layout may change.

-The industry workforce will likely exceed 17 million by 2030.

Source: "Restaurant Industry 2030: Actionable Insights for the Future," by the National Restaurant Association (Washington, DC).

A Greater Focus on Technology for Restaurants

Channel Chatter

The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) has updated its Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) Standard for cardholder data protection with the release of Version 3.0. "Driven by industry feedback, the program changes in Version 3.0 will streamline the assessment process and provide more flexibility for component and solution providers," explained Gill Woodcock, PCI SSC VP and Global Head of Programs. All necessary details appear on the website of the PCI SSC.

HELLO GOODBYE

Drawing Its Sabre

Fourth Enterprises (Austin, TX), which merged with HotSchedules in July 2019, has appointed Clinton Anderson as its new CEO. He replaces Ben Hood, founding CEO of Fourth Enterprises. As combined entity, Fourth and HotSchedules supplies workforce, inventory, and back-office management for the restaurant and hospitality industries. It supports 120,000 locations worldwide via Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

"I look forward to working closely with our exceptional senior leadership team," relayed Anderson. "We will drive innovation and growth by remaining focused on providing our customers with the solutions they need to be successful and providing exceptional experiences for our people." As his qualifications, Anderson served as SVP, then President, of Sabre Hospitality Solutions (2014 to 2019) and, earlier, Partner of Bain & Company (1994 to 2012).

"Clinton has a breadth of business experience and strategic vision to lead the organization in the next stage of its growth," testified Doug Bayerd, Principal at Marlin Equity Partners, which backed the merger, along with Insight Partners. "This includes a commitment to our people and core values, and a focus on delivering value to both the customer and the end-users. On behalf of the board, we look forward to working closely with Clinton as Chief Executive Officer."

Clinton Anderson, CEO, Fourth Enterprises

Now Pitching for Noble

An entry in mobile ordering and marketing, Noble (Boston, MA), has enlisted Jon Dienstag as its VP of Strategy and Development. He joins the company from the Boston Red Sox, where he began his career as an Intern in 2004, the year Boston broke the 86-year World Series drought (Curse of the Bambino). As Special Assistant to then President/CEO Larry Lucchino, he led nearly 200 day-of-game employees. He rose to his final position as Director of Strategy and Development - Retail.

"With his expertise in retail concessions and event operations management, Jon's leadership will be extremely valuable and will make a significant impact in growing the Noble Network of establishments," relayed Varun Pathak, CEO at Noble. "Most importantly, Jon shares our passion for disruptive technologies that win the hearts of the people in-venue, both guests and operators. His proven track record will be instrumental in managing the company's growth today and in the future. We're very pleased to add him to our senior management team."

"I've seen what Noble offers venues and consumers and I'm excited to join the team," projected Dienstag. "During my time at Fenway Park, I saw firsthand the difficulties of long waits at concession stands and I'm eager to join a company that is developing emerging technology to improve venue experiences. I look forward to helping the Noble Network reach new markets and to provide consumers with the most appealing mobile digital ordering solution available today."

[Editor's Note: Available for iOS and Android, Noble works with major POS.]

Jon Dienstag, VP of Strategy and Development, Noble

Sergent at Arms

Paysign (Henderson, NV), which has prepaid card programs and payment processing services for corporate, consumer, and government sectors, has engaged industry veteran Kim Sergent as its Chief Marketing Officer. She previously served as VP of Marketing for Financial Services at InComm (2017 to 2019). Her career progression includes VP of Americas Marketing at Manhattan Associates (2015 to 2017), VP of Product Marketing at First Data Corporation (2010 to 2015), and Director of Channel and Consumer Marketing at CheckFree/Fiserve (1999 to 2010).

"Kim is a proven marketing leader whose B2B and B2C marketing expertise will be invaluable as we expand our solutions and enter new markets," related Mark Newcomer, CEO of Paysign. "We are especially happy to have Kim on board to grow company awareness and promote, position, and elevate the brand at Paysign. Kim is a natural fit to join our team, with exceptional experience and talent to lead our marketing efforts."

Kim Sergent, Chief Marketing Officer, Paysign