This Week’s Product Pick

PrehKeyTec (Buffalo Grove, IL) has showcased its SIK 2500 alphanumeric keyboard with protective silicon surface. Targeted at industrial, hospitality, and healthcare environments, the SIK 2500 carries an IP-65 rating against dust and liquids, while allowing operation with safety or work gloves. An epoxy-resin provides additional abrasion protection and red backlight for each of the key buttons helps illumination. Extras include biometric reader, MSR, smart card, and communication protocols such as SPI and ModBus. "From initial concept to design and production, we work closely with our clients to tailor our technologies and expertise to match the customer's criteria," indicated Catherine Shergi, National Distribution Sales and Marketing Manager. "Our capabilities and support extend throughout the life cycle of the project."

SIK 2500 by PrehKeyTec

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Constellation of Cash Drawers

It would have been easy for printer vendors to hunker down in the face of recent wide-sweeping changes in POS. Rather, this sector has shown remarkable foresight in adapting to trends such as wireless, mobility, and consumer-based platforms. As only one example, take Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ), which early claimed its stake on these emerging markets through strategic partnerships, while also introducing new products in supporting areas such as its recent DK-AirCash for Bluetooth, Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

If anything, this trend has accelerated with the news that Star Micronics will now supply its own cash drawers as part of its M-POS effort. Three versions will be offered: SMD2-1214 at 11.8 in. x 13.8 in., SMD2-1317 at 13 in. x 16.9 in., and SMD2-1617 at 15.9 in. x 16.7 in. In addition to DK-AirCash, features include all-steel construction, media slots, plastic cash tills for bills and coins, Kensington Locks, and RJ-11. Colors are black or white, the latter befitting the iPad.

Speaking with RRN.Com at the NRF Show in New York last week, Christophe Naasz, Business Development Director for Star Micronics America, acknowledged that vendors haven't had much success in the past with smaller-sized cash drawers, but feels the time is right for such products, given surging growth in non-traditional POS stations. Also at NRF, Star Micronics unwrapped another ancillary network product, called ProxiPRNT, which utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) to remotely access receipt printers and cash drawers based on the physical proximity of the tablet or smartphone device. A cash drawer may only be opened wirelessly if the clerk is standing right next to it, in other words. As one would expect, ProxiPRNT works with both iOS and Android, with low cost.

Star Micronics America Offers Cash Drawers

POS-X Gathers No Moss

Busy days at POS-X (Bellingham, WA), beginning with their new logo. "We want this brand refresh to embrace and reflect the unyielding core values of the company while at the same time to incorporate our forward-looking vision," declared Dan Moseley, CEO. As such, it will be supported by redesigned and enhanced marketing materials, product packaging, documentation, and editorial resources, produced under the direction of Ron Jackson, the new VP of Marketing.

Additionally, POS-X has unveiled two new products, an Android-based All-in-One POS Terminal (Model ION AP1) and Two-Dimensional Imager (Model EVO 2D). ION AP1 runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, specifically, with ARM Cortex-A9 CPU, 1 GB DDR3 RAM, 15-inch widescreen five-wire resistive touch display, multiple USB and Serial ports, Micro-SD Slot, IP-54 rating for water and dust, and integrated magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) and customer displays--"all at a very reasonable price," in the words of Karl Schoessler, President. It measures 15.8 in. (W) x 11.4 in. (D) x 14.5 in. (H), weighs 10 lbs. with base, and comes in stylish black and white housing. For its part, the EVO 2D Imager may be mounted with the POS-X EVO TP4 POS Terminal and EVO TM4 Touchscreen Monitor.  It features read range of 0.9 to 14 inches and satisfies digital displays as well as environments with poor lighting.

Android All-in-One POS Terminal From POS-X, Along With Brand Refresh

Worth Your While

INSPIRE 2014
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
February 2-5
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Modex: Supply Chain Conference
MHI Solutions
March 17-20
Atlanta

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 8-10
Las Vegas

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 17-20
Chicago

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 3-6
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Code Uncages CR3600

Code Corporation (Sandy, UT) has debuted its Code Reader 3600, the replacement for its previous Code Reader 3500. This new device delivers numerous enhancements, most notably, the latest one and two-dimensional imaging technology (1.2-Megapixel CMOS), flexible form factor (with or without handle), and accompanying JavaScript license. Another asset of the CR3600 is an ability to take on more than one workflow operation at any time, with multiple programming buttons. bright color display, and single blue targeting bar.

As palm reader, the Code CR3600 measures 5.1 in. (L) x 2 in. (W) x 1.4 in. (D) and weighs 5.5 oz. Supporting Windows, iOS, and Android, CR3600 furnishes 128 MB ROM and 32 MB RAM, Bluetooth Class II, with RS-232 and USB 2.0 (Generic HID, HID Keyboard, and Virtual COM Port). Additional benefits include quick-release, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery cartridges, battery status LED indicators with fuel gauge, real-time clock stamp, IP-55 rating for water and dust, and user feedback with vibration, audible tone, and LED, as well as paging button to assist in reader location.

"The CR3600 can be programmed with multiple applications and workflow processes that can be quickly accessed using the keypad/screen, or users can direct an acquired data set to multiple applications stored on the reader," Kerri Brand, Director of Marketing, told RRN.Com. "As an example, you can pre-load an e-form application onto the reader that parses driver's license information to populate your loyalty program, then toggle over to an age verification application to approve the patron. In addition to the JavaScript license, several pre-installed JavaScript applications are included with source code, such as inventory management, age verification, and event management. This allows new and existing resellers to quickly provide solutions to their customer base."

Code Reader 3600 Carries JavaScript License

[Editor's Note:  At press time, Code Corporation announced its distribution agreement with ScanSource POS and Barcode for Europe. "This partnership further solidifies our relationship, and builds upon the successes we've experienced in North America with ScanSource POS and Barcode," stated Mark Dunlop, Director of Global Distribution for Code Corporation.]

CognitiveTPG Hits 350

CognitiveTPG (Ithaca, NY) has previewed its upcoming A799II thermal receipt printer, with speed of 350 mm/13.8 inch per second. Demonstrated at last week's NRF Show in New York, the A799II maintains the company's reliability standards with its trademark ceramic knife delivering life of three million cuts, print-head life of 242 km/150 miles, 72 million print lines, and four-year warranty. A799II also comes with free marketing management tool to allow the retailer to dynamically create customer loyalty messages, and will ship in Q2.

"Increased transaction speed can really make a difference with customers for printing coupons or messages on the receipt," reflected Angela Mansfield-Swanson, CognitiveTPG's Marketing Director. "CognitiveTPG's patented ReceiptWare software offers the perfect, low-cost form of marketing that the customer actually keeps on hand. With its speed, the A799II printer can handle more data and graphics without increasing transaction time."

Ultra-Fast A799II Thermal Printer Coming From CognitiveTPG

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NOTES FROM THE FIELD

You'll Find "ePOS" in Epson

Always worthwhile to visit Epson America at the NRF Show, which took place last week in New York. One was struck first by the range of ISVs demonstrating solutions around the company's printers, including cloud players (AppCard, Livelenz, SmartReceipt), iPad purveyors (Revel, Raymark, the oddly-named I Love Velvet), and M-POS displayers (AnyGuest, Beehivr, Demandware). In keeping with the times, Epson now emphasizes the term "ePOS" in describing its technology's role in driving today's train load of solutions.

At the front, of course, sits OmniLink, its new family of products which embed PC functionality. At NRF, Epson America unveiled its latest model, the OmniLink TM-H6000IV-DT (for "Device Terminal"), which combines first-rate receipt printing and check processing (e.g., 300 mm/11.8 inch per second) in its footprint of 7.3 in. (W) x 11.4 in. (D) x 9.7 in. (H). Powered by an Intel Atom CPU at 1.8 GHz and 4 GB DDR3, this device runs POSReady 7, Windows Pro, or Linux, and carries an impressive suite of peripheral ports as well as Ethernet or Wireless-N connectivity. "In traditional checkout, the device allows retailers to reduce lane sizes or utilize extra space to display high-margin items," according to Epson America. "In addition, the device can easily act as a full-featured, portable POS system to accommodate pop-up displays, mall kiosks, or parking lot sales at virtually any location where an AC power outlet is accessible."

Also at NRF, Epson America announced its new financing program through Marlin Business Services Corporation (Mt. Laurel, NJ). An Epson-focused microsite will furnish online quoting and applications, with an average two-hour turnaround time for approvals, according to the new partners. "Tight budgets sometime constrain IT investments," observed Gregg Brunnick, Director of Marketing for Epson's Business Systems Division (Long Beach, CA). "By partnering with Marlin, we're addressing that pain point."

Epson's OmniLink TM-H6000IV-DT Multifunction POS Device

Even Micros Dealers Get the Blues

A new reseller, Spark Solutions Group, has emerged following the purchase of Micros Boise and Micros Spokane (Idaho and Washington, respectively) by Cowan's Restaurant Solutions (Salt Lake City). A longtime dealer of Micros and Dinerware, Cowan, now Spark Solutions Group, said it will leverage its 24/7 customer support and POS report capability to effectively track costs, theft, and time-keeping for customers, thereby improving profitability. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed, while existing sales and support teams for the two enfolded entities will be retained, according to Spark Solutions Group.

"We are very pleased to work with the staff and current customers in the Boise and Spokane markets to continue to be the type of business that restaurant owners and foodservice providers want to do business with," related Jason Cowan, President of the Spark Solutions Group. "We have been perfecting using Micros technology to enhance customer experience for the last forty years, and we're thrilled to add this expertise to these already growing businesses." We'll replicate our model in these markets, in other words.

"We value the importance of the knowledge base these great people have, as well as the strong relationships they've cultivated with customers," added Randy Gunter, VP of the Spark Solutions Group. "Coupled with our Customer Care Center, we now have over fifty people available to support our customers' needs, bringing more advanced support than ever before." Spark Solutions Group, many RRN.Com readers will remember, began as Cowan's Retail Systems in 1974 and refocused exclusively on hospitality as Cowan's Restaurant Solutions in 2011.

Jason Cowan, President, Spark Solutions Group

Code Corner

LightSpeed (Montreal) has pulled things together--payment, inventory, and e-commerce--with its Web Store for Cloud. This new platform accomplishes several key purposes, according to the company, which develops Apple and iOS-based POS. First, it consolidates online and offline inventory, sales, and reporting into one system, helping merchants identify opportunities to move goods across channels in real time to fulfill demand. Next, product information may be accessed from any browser or an iPad app, allowing salespeople to answer the customer's questions on the spot. Third, it yields an easy web store, integration with third-party e-mail services, and instant update of product images, descriptions, promotions, and discounts. Lastly, it offers lower cost of ownership by reducing the need for custom integration and additional manpower for separate systems. A subscription service, Web Store for Cloud starts at $49 per month. "We're a small organization with all of us performing many tasks," explained Jessica Cerise, Operations Manager of Anderson Ranch Arts Center (Snowmass Village, CO). "Having LightSpeed Cloud as our POS saves time for both us and our customers, because we can perform checkout anywhere in the store from multiple devices. Now LightSpeed Web Store for Cloud will allow us to continue our relationships with customers online, and it's integrated with our LightSpeed POS. It's going to be great for our business."

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Triton Pointed at TE

Sometimes we forget there's life in scanning/data collection outside Schaumburg and Fort Mill. Case in point: AML in Euless, Texas, which has just shipped its new Triton wireless handheld terminal. Interestingly, this device specifically targets terminal emulation (TE) applications at the behest of end-users, RRN.Com was told by Mike Kearby, President. Similar to the company's previous M7220, the Triton can be quickly deployed with minimal configuration time and little or no training. Specifically, it features terminal emulation clients for VT100/220, TN5250, and TN3270, with Linux O/S, an ARM9 CPU, and an MSRP of $1,495.

With physical dimensions of 8.9 in. (L) x 3.5 in. (W) x 2.3 in. (D) and weight of 17 oz., in either case without handle, the new Triton has several significant enhancements. A backlight LCD display supplies readability in sunny, dim, or dark conditions, with 802.11b/g/n Summit Wi-Fi, and clear epoxy domed tops for increased keypad durability. Also, the new handheld terminal embeds the SE965 scan engine from Motorola Solutions, offers RS-232 or USB, and either GUI or text-based menu system, depending on the user's preference.

Triton Wireless Handheld Terminal From AML

A New Prism Into Mobility

One of the leading ISVs, Retail Pro International (Folsom, CA), has launched its mobile solution, dubbed Retail Pro Prism, which piggybacks on its flagship Retail Pro 9 POS. A number of ensuing benefits have been cited, such as seamless deployment across mobile platforms and desktops, support for iOS, Android, and Windows, and elimination of additional training for associates and managers. Flexibility extends beyond hardware choices and operating systems to the user's preferred database, whether Oracle, MS SQL, or MySQL, and PCI concerns are addressed through tokenization, according to the company.

"Rather than simplified Mobile POS, where features are scaled back or non-existent when compared to full desktop-based systems, as we see in all first generations, Retail Pro Prism does not scale back," professed Kerry Lemos, CEO of Retail Pro International. "We support a very wide range of specialty retailers across the globe, and have found no two to have customer engagement or mobile strategies that are alike. By marrying proven features of world-class retail software with today's technology demands in this Mobile 2.0 solution, we are bringing our customers the true freedom to retail the way they want."

In addition to native cross-platform support, Retail Pro Prism also provides real-time communications for data sharing across the enterprise, the company points out. Other key characteristics include customizable user interface which can mirror all details of the retailer's brand and process, thin-client architecture for lighter hardware demands, and unparalleled scalability. "Retail Pro Prism's ability to deliver full functionality across platforms is already changing several of our customers' in-store processes," shared Lemos, "offering a wealth of new options for optimizing the retail experience."

Enter the Prism to Mobility

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
TEAMSable

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
CognitiveTPG
Brother Mobile
Printronix
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury Payment Systems

Inventory Systems
New West Technologies

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Fujitsu Components
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell Scanning
Ingenico

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Unseen Barcodes Catch Channel's Eye

One thing that caught people's eye at last week's NRF Show in New York was the new invisible, watermark-based barcode by Digimarc Corporation, shown at work with the Magellan 9800i multi-plane imaging scanner by Datalogic ADC. Bearing the same GTIN data as UPC, these patterns may be repeated multiple times over the entire package, meaning checkout clerks and shoppers can quickly scan items without having to find and position the barcode towards the reader, with all the savings that affords. In addition to digital imaging scanners, shoppers' smartphones may read the patterns, offering ideal opportunities for mobile commerce. Both Datalogic ADC and Digimarc are based in Beaverton, Oregon, not coincidentally.

"Barcodes have had a profound effect on retail. After fifty years of service, however, the underlying technology is ripe for change brought about by digital innovations and an increasingly mobile-centric shopping experience," contended Ed Knudson, EVP of Sales and Marketing for Digimarc. "Our testing shows that professional checkers can easily scan packages carrying the Digimarc Barcode at rates exceeding 36 items per minute, compared to industry average scan rates of 24 items per minute when scanning traditional UPC codes. Elsewhere in the store, shoppers can point their mobile phones at any 'Digimarc'd' item and be instantly connected to engaging mobile experiences from the brand or the retailer."

"Just as the UPC changed the face of retail when it was introduced almost fifty years ago, Digimarc Barcodes will have similar impact," prophesized Matt Schler, GM for Fixed Retail Scanning at Datalogic ADC. While relatively new to our world, Digimarc has a long track record in numerous other industries, including copyright protection for movies, television and radio audience measurement, and in global banking to deter counterfeiting of currency. Brands such as Time, Inc., Costco, Ford, and Sharper Image are already employing digital watermark technology in magazines, brochures, catalogs, and food packaging to engage with consumers via mobile devices.

Datalogic's Magellan 9800i Multi-Plane Imaging Scanner Reads Digimarc's Watermark-Based Barcodes

Ingenico's Next Meal

Ingenico (Atlanta) will supply its Telium payment processing terminal to Honey Baked Ham for all of its 300 corporate and franchise locations in the U.S. So far, select stores have been chosen, with plans for full rollout over the next five months. This new solution will leverage EMV Chip-and-PIN from Ingenico, along with point-to-point (P2P) encryption from Voltage Security, Inc. (Cupertino, CA), dubbed "SecureData Payments" (somewhat prosaically, despite the missing space).

"Honey Baked is known for great products, service, and heart," remarked Bill Bolton, VP of IT. "Providing secure choice of payment will enhance consumer comfort with our brand and is another way to deliver our vision and tradition of exceeding customer standards. Ingenico's payment technology and expertise, along with Voltage's P2P encryption solution, gives our customers peace of mind while providing convenience when shopping in our stores."

"Our payment solutions are diverse and flexible to fit any retail environment," suggested Scott Tubbs, SVP of Retail for Ingenico North America. "They can enhance the value proposition of any brand. This particular customer engagement once again confirms the successful deployment of our strategy on the brink of the EMV rollout in the U.S." Earlier, Ingenico announced its "per device" payment plan run in conjunction with managed mobile services provider, Stratix (Norcross, GA).

Ingenico Serves Up EMV Chip-and-PIN

Channel Factoid

Ten-and-a-half million scans of mobile triggers such as QR, UPC, and NFC were reported by Scanbuy, Inc. during the holiday season from November 22 to December 31. Compared to last year, that's up 33%. The most popular type of content accessed in such mobile engagement campaigns were application downloads, discounts, and sweepstakes. The most "liked" brands by users of this service were Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Activision, Tanger Outlets, and Kohl's. Industries that saw the most scans included high-tech and retail. In terms of devices, 56% of scans came from Apple iOS, compared with 42% from Android O/S. Gender statistics showed that 37% of users were female and 63% were male. Of total scans processed, users from 35 to 44 scanned the most (25%), followed closely by those from 23 to 34 (22%). Other user age groups included: 45 to 54 at 19%, 55 and over at 15%, 18 to 24 at 12%, and users under 18 at 7%. Top malls for consumer scanning throughout the country included Lake View Plaza in Illinois, Palisades Mall in New York, Westminster Mall in California, Mall of America in Minnesota, and The Florida Mall in Orlando. "The increase in mobile scans during the holiday season demonstrates a clear interest in consumers wishing to connect with their favorite brands and stores," concluded Mike Wehrs, CEO/President of Scanbuy.  

HELLO GOODBYE

A Fresh, Familiar Face for Elo

Elo Touch Solutions (Milpitas, CA) has enlisted Jeff Burroughs as its Director of North America Channel Sales. Burroughs brings more than one dozen years of noteworthy experience from Epson America, where he served as National Channel Sales Manager, preceded by Distribution Manager. Earlier, he worked as Sales Manager for Javelin Systems.

"We are thrilled to have Jeff join the Elo team," commented Dan Ludwick, VP of the Americas for Elo Touch Solutions. "Jeff is a highly respected professional within the retail technology industry--a thought leader focused on practical approaches to effective selling and channel optimization."

While at Epson America, Burroughs helped create and launch the channel program for more than 1,000 VARs and ISVs spanning the hospitality, retail, transportation, financial, and healthcare markets, as well as global distribution relationships. "I am excited to help Elo solidify its leadership position for channel service and support, ease of doing business, channel program benefits, product features, reliability, innovation, and sustainable channel profitability," enumerated Burroughs. He replaces Bill Nulf at Elo.

Jeff Burroughs, Director of North America Channel Sales, Elo Touch Solutions

Jerry Wilson, XERA Warrior

Aldelo (Modesto, CA) has named Jerry Wilson as its Director of Business Development for XERA POS, its flagship restaurant software system. Wilson has worked in point of sale, and sales to the channel, for more than three decades. Previous employers of note have included ParTech, BMI, Abacus Business Solutions, Progressive Software, and Ibertech (creator of Aloha, way back when, many RRN.Com readers will recall).

"XERA is poised for a breakout year with the software releases already in the pipeline," Wilson told RRN.Com. "A great example is the iPad touch version scheduled for later this quarter. Having a native application that runs on the iPad in conjunction with XERA POS software or as a stand-alone unit is very appealing."

Jerry Wilson, Director of Business Development for XERA POS, Aldelo