Our Product Pick

Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA) has debuted its new CT-S251 POS Printer. In compact form of 4.25 in. (W) x 6.5 in. (D) x 4.25 in. (H) and 2.6 lbs., the CT-S251 has print width of 2.1 in./54 mm and print speed of 11.8 in./300 mm per second at 203 dpi. As features, it brings front exiting, drop-in paper loading, and built-in buzzer notification. As connectivity, there's the possibility of USB, Serial, MFi Bluetooth, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, and toolkit support for iOS, Android, and Windows. It's offered in black or white. "The CT-S251 is perfect for high-class restaurant and boutiques where the environment requires a top-class POS printer with eye-catching design," stated Citizen Systems America.

CT-S251 POS Printer From Citizen

COMPANY BUSINESS

Pioneer POS Makes DASH

A further push into mobility by Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA). Its newest tablet, the DASH/T3, has 10" multi-touch display, with preloaded Windows 8.1. It offers several mounting choices: standard LP base, advanced UP base with two USB ports, and wall-mount kit. With each, the DASH/T3 can be detached for use on the store floor. The UP base allows the DASH/T3 to be rotated to landscape or portrait mode, or to tilt.

With dimensions of 11 in. (W) x 7.3 in. (H) x 1.9 in. (D) and weight of 2.1 lbs., the DASH/T3 carries Intel Quad Core CPU at 1.33 GHz (up to 1.83 GHz), 2-GB RAM, and 32-GB eMMC. As optional integrated devices, DASH/T3 brings magnetic-stripe reader, smart card reader, biometric reader, two-dimensional barcode scanner, and customer-facing displays (7" or 2x20). Befitting use in hospitality, it's sealed for spills and dust, and has Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi.

"The T3 was designed based on how the market has evolved, and on precious feedback from our partners," declared Gee Singgih, CEO of Pioneer POS. "It offers portability and mobility superior to other tablets in our vertical space. It's sleek and versatile. This product," he concluded, "will sell itself."

DASH/T3 Tablet From Pioneer POS

Luxe 8000i Crosses the Equinox

Equinox (Scottsdale, AZ), now part of NBS Payment Solutions, has showcased its next-generation payment terminal, earmarked the Luxe 8000i. A sleek, elegant design seeks to elevate the customer experience with this product. It features high gloss finish, horizontal layout, 5" or 7" touch display, and top face-mounted card readers. As expected, it handles MSR, EMV, and NFC, with multiple encryption keys for choice of processors.

A secure keypad has been configured using in-mold decoration technology and long-lasting hard-plastic tactile keys that improve usability and reduce keying errors. With point-to-point encryption, the Luxe 8000i meets stringent security standards of PCI 4.1. A slender mono-cable and hub system provides power and accommodates various connectivity choices. In all, Luxe 8000i holds the promise of advertising and promotions, coupons, surveys, and self-service applications.

"The Luxe 8000i is a smart, beautiful, and durable solution that looks spectacular on any counter, from supermarkets and big-box formats, to drug stores, department stores, boutiques, and hotels," proclaimed Drazen Ivanovic, CEO and President of NBS Payment Solutions. "Its robust architecture puts retailers and software developers in charge by eliminating the reliance on proprietary middleware and gateways, and ensuring a secure environment that helps reduce the burdens associated with PCI compliance. It's time for businesses to take control of the checkout experience and get their counter back."

Next-Generation Luxe 8000i Payment Solution by Equinox

Worth Your While

Inspire 2016
Retail Solutions Providers Association
Jan. 31 - Feb. 3
San Diego

NGA Show 2016
National Grocers Association
Feb. 28 - March 2
Las Vegas

Transact 16
Electronic Transactions Association
April 19-21
Las Vegas

WERC 2016
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 15-18
Providence, RI

NRA Show 2016
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Unitech's Windows Workhorse

Unitech America (Cypress, CA) has unveiled its new ultra-rugged mobile computer, designated the PA820. A number of features address harsh work environments, such as sunlight readable capacitive touchscreen with 3.5" color LCD, swappable high-capacity battery, an IP-66 rating for water and dust, and drop protection to concrete of 6 ft./1.8 m. It measures 6.5 in. (L) x 3.5 in. (W) x 1.5 in. (D) and weighs 1 lb.

As technology, the PA820 runs Windows Embedded 6.5, with Texas Instruments AM3715 CPU at 1 GHz, 512-MB RAM, 512-MB Flash, and Micro-SD. As data collection, there's five-megapixel camera, one-dimensional barcode scanner, and 20 numerical and functional keys. A full communication suite includes Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3.75G WWAN, and USB 2.0.

"Our customers are always looking to reduce downtime and stop costly interruptions," reported Brian Silence, North America Sales Manager for Unitech. "The PA820 was built for just that." As target markets, Unitech cited field sales, field service, and mobile ticketing. An MSRP of $1,870 was quoted.

Unitech's PA820 Ultra-Rugged Windows Mobile Computer

On the Menu: TEAMSable POS and ASI

Two strong channel players, hardware provider TEAMSable POS (San Jose, CA) and software developer Action Systems, Inc. (Silver Spring, MD), have collaborated on restaurant POS for VARs. Two specific bundles will be offered with ASI's Restaurant Manager: one featuring the TeamSable RCT150GF All-in-One POS (with Intel i3 CPU), and one featuring the TeamSable RDT150JF All-in-One POS (with Intel Celeron J1900 CPU). Both come with thermal printer and cash drawer. As additional specs for the two terminals: 4-GB RAM, 320-GB HDD, MSR, and Windows 7 Pro.

"We are excited to work with ASI by offering complete restaurant systems to the channel," relayed Michael Hsieh, Operations Manager for TEAMSable POS. "Together, we can provide VARs with superior quality and value in POS, and we can efficiently bring this to market via our distribution channels in North America." A distribution partner has been chosen and will be officially announced soon, RRN.Com was told.

As is the case with most products from TEAMSable POS, these hardware bundles come with three-year warranty and complimentary rapid replacement program valid for 90 days after the date of purchase. On its part, ASI's Restaurant Manager has 20,000 installs, supported by its worldwide VAR network. A division of Team Research (Taipei, Taiwan), TEAMSable POS has manufactured and supplied POS in North America since 2006.

A Bundle for Restaurants, Based Upon TeamSable's All-in-One POS Terminals

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INTEGRATION

A Pair of Keys for Code

A pair of nifty scanning enhancements from Code Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT). In the first, the company has received Apple Made for iPad (MFi) certification for its T500 "Bluetooth Cable." This accessory for the company's products, including such popular models as the CR900FD and CR5000, provides an easy, inexpensive connection between the scanner and mobile devices--whether iOS, Android, or Windows. In particular, it suits retail, hospitality, fitness centers, and hospital admissions, according to Code Corporation.

An RJ-50 connector at one end of the T500 fits into the scanner, while at the other end, USB plugs into the power adapter for the wall (like an iPhone 6). It can also be plugged into the computer's USB Port. A Bluetooth module is embedded into the T500. Activation of the signal takes place in the Bluetooth "discoverable" list of the desired mobile devices. Another benefit: reduced battery cost.

In its second move, Code Corporation has released its new barcode reading software, "CortexDecoder." It offers "incredibly fast read times, the ability to read more barcode symbologies, and the versatility to read damaged barcodes," according to the company. It addresses one- and two-dimensional, postal, and direct part mark codes, and, once again, iOS, Android, and Windows O/S. In order to speed integration, there's an SDK (Software Development Kit).

Code Corporation's T500 Bluetooth Cable

In the Realm of Genius

Retail Realm (Napa, CA) has endorsed the Genius Customer Engagement Platform from Cayan (Boston, MA). Debuted in 2012, with foresight, Cayan's Genius accommodates the many forms of electronic payments--MSR, EMV, NFC, and Mobile Wallets. It will integrate with the complete product line of Retail Realm--Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Systems (RMS), Retail Realm Essentials powered by Microsoft Dynamics (RRE), and the new Retail Management Hero (RMH). A replacement for RMS, RMH is currently in beta test, with full rollout expected in May 2016.

"Today's retailers expect support for different payment types and platforms, and many don't want their Microsoft Dynamics solution to be confined to a specific payment gateway or processor," cautioned Rachel Smith, Retail Realm's Director of Sales in North America. "They want ease-of-use. They want choices. They want to be able to use a gateway for their existing payment processors--or use a solution that offers both the gateway and payment processing. Genius enables customers to use the processor of their choice."

In addition to its payment processing flexibility, Cayan's Genius extends data security via tokenization, point-to-point encryption, EMV, and PCI, according to Retail Realm. It also furthers the cause of elements such as splash screen advertising, video playbook, line item display, offline processing, electronic signature capture, and gift and loyalty. "At Cayan, we strive to partner with companies who are committed to enhancing the customer experience through technology," emphasized Henry Helgeson, CEO of Cayan.

Henry Helgeson, CEO, Cayan

[Editor's Note: At press time, Cayan's Genius Customer Engagement Platform also added another ISV, Demandware (Burlington, MA), for both in-store and e-commerce settings.]

Code Corner

Avalon Solutions Group (Dallas, TX) has launched its mobile POS. Entitled "myOmny," this software specifically targets the SMB. In addition to processing transactions, it supplies automatic synching of sales, inventory, and customer information with QuickBooks. It also allows the end-user to track metrics such as gross sales, receipts, average sale, and traffic numbers on their smartphone. As security, it utilizes point-to-point encryption, with compliance to PCI and EMV. In the coming months, this SaaS'er, which sells through the channel, plans to add loyalty, appointment settings, and sales tax automation. "myOmny was designed to be an all-in-one solution for small business merchants who struggle to compete with large retailers due to lack of resources," reflected Robert Fifield, COO for Avalon Solutions Group.

Avalon's POS Software on Powa T25

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Datacap Ties With TSYS

Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA) has completed U.S. EMV Level 3 certification of its payments middleware with another of the major processors, TSYS (Columbus, GA). Initial release of NETePay for TSYS utilizes the VX 805 PIN Pad from Verifone that supports EMV, MSR, PIN, and NFC. Additional hardware supporting mobility and point-to-point encryption will be forthcoming, according to Datacap Systems. Significantly, it supports host-based tip adjustment for bars and restaurants.

This release adds another processing option to Datacap's current EMV-certified versions of NETePay, which to date include Mercury, Vantiv, Paymentech, Sterling Payment, First Data ("Rapid Connect"), and TSYS. Again, more will follow. In advance of the release of Datacap's "Tran" Apps, embedded POS providers can utilize Datacap's "PDC" to communicate with an EMV-enabled version of in-store NETePay, Justin Zeigler, Marketing Director of Datacap, told RRN.Com.

"Tablets for POS will not support EMV-enabled readers directly, at least not in the near-term," responded Zeigler to the question by RRN.Com. "Instead, EMV mobility will come in two forms: an EMV-certified and semi-integrated mobile PIN Pad with receipt printer and/or an extension of POS (e.g., tablet) using the mobile EMV reader that communicates via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi. The latter is ideal as the merchant can utilize their existing POS UI. Both will be available via Datacap's 'one-to-many' integration shortly."

Datacap Launches NETePay for TSYS

Sense + Respond From Checkpoint + Microsoft

When it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT), it should be noted, retail has an invaluable inside track: item-level RFID. In recognition, loss prevention leader Checkpoint Systems (Thorofare, NJ) has now called upon Microsoft (Redmond, WA). A resulting effort, dubbed "Sense + Respond," utilizes Checkpoint Systems' platform for IoT, the OAT Foundation Suite, along with Microsoft's Azure Cloud. It provides unequaled real-time merchandise visibility and predictive analytics for retail, according to the two parties.

A number of benefits were cited for Sense + Respond. First, elements such as omni-channel fulfillment, quality of service, and employee empowerment should improve from so-called "sensor-enabled task management." In addition, supply chain efficiency and shelf availability of products should be strengthened through better inventory and tracking. A 360-degree view of customer behavior and touch points also may be constructed through the integration of multi-model sensor data from RFID, NFC, and Location-Based Systems.

"Retailers are increasingly deploying sensor solutions for real-time insights at each step in the shopping journey, whether online, on mobile devices, or in brick-and-mortar stores," confirmed Brendan O'Meara, Managing Director of Worldwide Retail and Consumer Goods, at Microsoft. "Checkpoint's Sense + Respond solution running on the Microsoft Azure IoT Suite integrates RFID and enterprise systems into an intelligent cloud that 'connects the dots' of the modern shopper experience and empowers retailers to respond quickly to fast-evolving consumer needs." According to Uwe Sydon, SVP of Innovation for Checkpoint Systems, it's also "scalable and easy to deploy."

Checkpoint's RFID, and Microsoft Azure Cloud, Combine for Enterprise Merchandise Visibility

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bematech
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
PowaPOS

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Citizen
CognitiveTPG

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
iPayment Inc.
Mercury/Vantiv
Moneris

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Here's News: Another Merger of POS and Payments

Another sign of the times. Benseron, provider of point-of-sale for restaurants, has merged with Hybrid Business Solutions, payment processor and merchant services company. Started in 2004, Benseron offers its Bevo POS (for "Benseron Evolution") to approximately 1,000 businesses. Hybrid Business Solutions, which processes over $1 billion, will now be co-located with Benseron in Naples, FL.

It will result in "extremely competitive credit card processing rates as well as seamless integration with the suite of products, including gateway, from Hybrid Business Solutions," according to the two parties. Both companies will continue to operate under their existing titles. In addition, they will offer increased security via integration of features such as point-to-point encryption, tokenization, and EMV into the POS.

"We are very excited about seeing our two companies come together," contributed Onur Haytac, CEO of Benseron. "We will have more to offer our customers, making their experiences with us even more fulfilling. We see this as a huge win-win all around, most of all for our customers. It is our mission to continue to do everything possible to exceed expectations."

Onur Haytac, CEO of Benseron, With "Best of Naples" Awards for Point-of-Sale Systems

All That Glitters for Mi9 Retail

Another case of consolidation, this time ISV. Now Mi9 Retail (Miami, FL) has snapped up jewelry specialist Applications Systems Corporation (Boston, MA). A new group devoted exclusively to jewelry retailers will be formed at Mi9 Retail, which is routinely touted for its proficiency in merchandise management, retail analytics, and store operations software. A busy time for Mi9 Retail, which purchased rival Raymark Xpert Business Systems (Montreal, Canada), in November 2015.

As part of the deal, ASC brings its 100-member User Group. "With Mi9 Retail's recent acquisition of Raymark, and now with ASC, the entire jewelry industry will reap benefits," suggested Craig Rottenberg, President of Long's Jewelers (and customer of ASC). "ASC will now combine its industry knowledge with the resources and cutting-edge technologies of Mi9 Retail. Independent jewelers will have the opportunity to utilize world-class software--from point-of-sale systems to data analysis, mobile applications, customer relationship management, and clienteling--that will better manage operations and improve customer engagement into the future."

"We look forward to the benefits our Jewelry Group's customers will experience from our combined expertise," volunteered Neil Moses, President of Mi9 Retail. "These are compelling times for Mi9 Retail as we continue to scale the company and deliver advanced technology to our customers across varied retail sectors worldwide." Barry Kraft, ASC's EVP, will lead the Mi9 Retail Jewelry Group as General Manager.

Mi9 Retail Adds Jewelry ISV ASC

Channel Factoid

Some interesting notes from 2015 by ShopKeep. On average, the merchants surveyed start selling at 6:42 AM and close at 9:49 PM, and most take their first break at 11:45 AM. ShopKeep's Pocket App, which allows merchants to view store performance, was checked the most during the hours of 1 PM to 3 PM. ShopKeep's 24/7 customer care service, offered for free, was busiest on Tuesdays. In terms of markets, retail had its highest sales months in July and August, and its lowest sales months in January and February. In the case of clothing stores in particular, average start time is 10 AM. In the case of quick-service restaurants in particular, most transactions take place between 12 PM and 1 PM. November 25th was the busiest day of the year for liquor stores, while gift shops saw the most sales on December 12th. ShopKeep, of course, sells iPad POS.

HELLO GOODBYE

He's Cognizant of Sales

CognitiveTPG (Ithaca, NY) has engaged Philip Oyos as its OEM and Channel Sales Manager, Americas. Previously, Oyos served as Sales and Marketing Manager for MMF POS. Additional employers include XMOS, Renesas Electronics, NEC Electronics, and Martan Inc. A longstanding player in retail and the supply chain, CognitiveTPG supplies thermal printers such as the 799/799II for point-of-sale, M320 for mobility, and C-Series and DLX/DLXi for labeling.

"I am pleased to announce that Phil Oyos has joined the CognitiveTPG team as OEM and Channel Sales Manager, Americas," commented Nigel Ball, VP of Sales and Marketing at CognitiveTPG. "Phil has national experience and relationships in many markets, including retail POS, industrial, medical, consumer, communications, building management, and automotive." Added Oyos, "It's good to be with the CognitiveTPG team and I'm looking forward to success in 2016."

Philip Oyos, OEM and Channel Sales Manager, Americas, CognitiveTPG

From Prince to President at NCC

National Computer Corporation (Greenville, SC) has elevated Chuck Prince, formerly VP of Operations, to President. In this new role, Prince will focus on managing day to day operations, including all activities related to sales, customer service, and dealer relations. Doug Harris will remain in his position as CEO.

"My commitment to NCC, our dealers, our product, and to Chuck in his new role is stronger than ever," indicated Harris. "I believe that focusing one hundred percent of my time and efforts on product development and exploring new technologies will ensure NCC continues to deliver innovative software solutions that meet the needs of our channel partners and their customers." A worldwide network of reseller partners has enabled NCC to install over 40,000 systems for POS.

"I am committed to maintaining the strengths and the values that have made NCC successful," reflected Prince. "While maintaining these core competencies, I will continue to look for ways to grow and improve on the incredible foundation built by Doug." Prior to joining NCC in 2009, Prince worked in retail and hospitality at Toshiba TEC America.

Chuck Prince, President, National Computer Corporation