Our Product Pick

Koamtac (Princeton, NJ) has unwrapped its new barcode sled for the business-level tablet, Samsung Galaxy Tab Active. It may incorporate one of two miniature scanners from Koamtac, the one-dimensional laser KDC20 Bluetooth or the two-dimensional imager KDC30 Bluetooth. It also features two scan buttons to facilitate operation. Koamtac plans to add functionality in EMV/MSR/NFC for Mobile POS in Q2. "We have built a complete barcode, RFID, and payment sled portfolio for major Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets [as well as iOS]," stated Hanjin Lee, CEO/President of Koamtac. "The life cycles of these smart devices tend to last for less than two years; fortunately, we have solved this challenge."

Sled for Galaxy Tab Active

COMPANY BUSINESS

Scoring 35 at Wasp

Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX) has spiced up its partner program, WaspLink, in order to offer margins as high as 35%. In its new form, the program now has three levels--WaspLink Premier, Gold, and Platinum--with accumulating benefits. In addition to the marketing and pre-sales support of WaspLink Premier, WaspLink Gold gives an additional discount of 10% on the company's products, as well as leads, web certification training, and dedicated channel account manager. As the top tier, WaspLink Platinum increases the additional discount on the company's products to 15%, while providing previous benefits as well as partner events and presence in the company's outreach efforts to customers.

"The future of our success relates directly to our partners' success," indicated Brian Sutter, Director of Marketing for Wasp Barcode Technologies. "The number one request we receive from our channel partners is help increasing their margins. We wanted to show our VARs we value their partnerships, which is why we now offer increased margins, free training resources, and educational partner events."

"We truly care about the success of our partners and feel we have built one of the top partner programs in the channel," commented Cindy Moffitt, Channel Sales Manager at Wasp Barcode Technologies. "To further prove our commitment to our partners, we are substantially increasing their margins. Now, our top partners can expect to make upwards of 35% margins on our product line. Comparatively, almost no other IT channel partner provider can meet Wasp's margins."

Brian Sutter and Cindy Moffitt of Wasp Barcode Technologies

Breach Delivery by Heartland

With an eye towards imminent EMV, Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ) has extended comprehensive merchant breach warranty. Under this effort, the payment processor will reimburse the merchant for any compliance fines, fees, or assessments from card brands and banks because of encryption failure and loss of sensitive customer information. It will be provided at no charge to merchants signed to "Heartland Secure" in the first year, with an extension price of $8.33 per month per card entry device.

"Knowing that cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated and small businesses are their new targets, our Heartland breach warranty provides peace of mind," proposed Robert Carr, Chairman and CEO of Heartland Payment Systems. "The merchants with Heartland Secure-certified devices, who are processing with us, are fully protected by the breach warranty." As its driving elements, Heartland Secure employs EMV, the Heartland "E3" end-to-end encryption technology, and so-called tokenization (substitution of non-sensitive equivalents).

Protecting Merchants From Fines or Fees Resulting From Data Theft

Worth Your While

ProMat 2015
Material Handling Industry
March 23-26
Chicago

TransAct 15
Electronic Transactions Association
March 31 - April 2
San Francisco

Retail Realm Technology Conference
"Microsoft for the Retail Sector"
April 25-27
Las Vegas

WERC
Warehousing Education Research Council
May 3-6
Orlando

NRA Show 2015
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

A Handful of POS at Panasonic

Panasonic (Newark, NJ) has unveiled its Toughpad FZ-R1, an All-in-One Mobile POS Tablet. Measuring approximately 10 in. (L) x 5 in. (W) x 1 in. (D), and weighing 1.4 lbs., Toughpad FZ-R1 carries seven-inch, ten-point capacitive touchscreen and runs Windows 8.1. In keeping with the times, it incorporates multiple forms of electronic payment, including EMV with PIN Pad, MSR, and NFC, as well as enterprise-grade security features such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

As technical specifications, Toughpad FZ-R1 has Intel Celeron CPU at 1.6 GHz, 2-GB RAM, 64-GB ROM, Micro-SD, and USB 3.0. Additional benefits include fast-charging, full-shift battery, Bluetooth Version 4 and 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and pre-installed protective screen film. As options, the manufacturer offers camera, barcode reader, and 4G WWAN/GPS. Toughpad FZ-R1 will be available in late spring of this year, with the base model (with MSR) priced at $1,799.

"The retail world is changing dramatically. Fraud liability is shifting from credit card companies to retailers in the U.S. this fall if they don't adopt EMV, and the widespread adoption of smartphones has upended brick and mortar retail strategies," observed Dan Diliberti, Senior Product Development Manager, Tablet and Payment Systems, for Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. "The Toughpad FZ-R1 addresses these dramatic changes, and equips a retailer's sales force with a powerful platform to help turn browsing shoppers into buyers and close sales right from the floor."

Panasonic Presents Toughpad FZ-R1

D-O Rolls Out RLe

Datamax-O'Neil (Orlando, FL) has debuted its new RLe Series Portable Label Printer. Offered in two versions--three-inch RL3e and four-inch RL4e--these new direct thermal devices achieve 4 inch/102 mm per second print speed at 203 dpi with support for Android and Windows. As enhancements, the manufacturer cited larger storable memory (64-MB RAM/128-MB Flash), longer battery life (8 hrs.), multiple language support, and an optional multi-bay charger. As media, RLe accepts rolls of 2.6 inches/67 mm in Outer Diameter.

A number of design characteristics stress ruggedness, such as dual-wall construction and rubber bumpers, integrated sub-structure for circuit-board protection, lightweight die-cast magnesium latches, and recessed buttons and LCD. Overall RLe holds MIL-STD-810F standards by withstanding multiple drops to concrete of 6 ft./1.8 m. As a result of this durability, Datamax-O'Neil extends two-year warranty free of charge.

As accompanying service tools for the RLe Series, Datamax-O'Neil furnishes Infinite Skyz Mobile Device Manager, which provides connectivity and configuration via Bluetooth. Also, D-O Mobile Print, developed by QualSoft Software Consultants, and offered on Google Pay, allows users to print from various web sources via Bluetooth, 802.11, or USB. (RLe has Bluetooth Version 4, 802.11a/b/g/n, and USB 2.0.) Over the past several weeks, Datamax-O'Neil has announced partnerships with two managed print service providers, Print Audit and ECi FM Audit, as well as document and label ISV, Eclipse Corp.

Datamax-O'Neil's RLe Series Portable Label Printers

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PARTNER PROGRAMS

No Auto-Pilot for Auto-Star

Busy times at Auto-Star Compusystems (Medicine Hat, AB, Canada), a well-known ISV for pharmacy, grocery, and health foods. First, Auto-Star has achieved Gold Application Development and Gold Intelligent Systems Certification as one of Microsoft's Technology Partners. Add to that, Silver Hosting, Silver Mid-Market Solution Provider, and Silver Data Center Competency. To earn such designations, partners must successfully demonstrate expertise through rigorous exams, ensure quality of services, and provide customer references, according to Microsoft.

"By achieving a gold competency, partners have demonstrated the highest, most consistent capability and commitment to the latest technology from Microsoft," related Phil Sorgen, Corporate VP, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft. "These partners have a deep expertise that puts them in the top 1% of our partner ecosystem, and their proficiency will help customers drive innovative solutions on the latest technology from Microsoft." In all, Microsoft offers twenty-eight technology competencies, FYI.

Elsewhere, Auto-Star Compusystems has forged closer relations with Bixolon America (Torrance, CA). Auto-Star cited several benefits from Bixolon's printers, which span categories of POS, Mobile, and Labeling: high print speed, compatibility with Windows, Android, and iOS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, built-in USB and Ethernet, and cost-saving paper reduction. "Bixolon is thrilled to be teaming with Auto-Star, a visionary in providing POS technologies for the healthcare and retail industries," remarked David Roberts, SVP of Bixolon America. The two companies showcased their combined solutions at the recent NRF Show in New York City.

Bixolon's SRP-350plusIII Thermal POS Printer

Keep TABS on Your P.O.'s

Toshiba America Business Solutions (Irvine, CA) has enhanced its dealer support via deployment of customer order processing from ECi Software Solutions (Fort Worth, TX). Via "ECi E-Automate," and its purchasing portal, "PO Processor," Toshiba dealers now have access to real-time pricing, price comparisons, and product availability. As they create orders, they may request confirmation of shipping and receive an accounts payable voucher in advance of the invoice. "Collaboration with ECi Software Solutions empowers our independent dealer network to operate more efficiently and effectively by fully automating the time-consuming purchase ordering process," according to Tom Walter, VP of Distribution and Aftermarket Sales for Toshiba America Business Solutions.

Such functionality extends beyond Toshiba. A wide variety of products from other manufacturers are accessible, with distribution through Toshiba. Additional benefits include private-label managed print services supplies, supply routing labels, multiple billing options (including credit card ordering), as well as the capacity to place large aftermarket contracts. Not widespread in our world, ECi has long served sectors such as office supplies and furniture, lumber and building materials, and janitorial and sanitation services.

Also, Toshiba America Business Solutions has promoted Larry White to SVP of Sales in the Americas. White joined Toshiba in 1996 as VP of Operations and Acquisitions for Toshiba Office Products. "Larry has demonstrated his ability to effectively lead the multi-channel sales team," noted Scott Maccabe, CEO/President. "I am confident that his innovative thinking and vision will continue to enhance the strategic direction and growth for the company while continuing to deliver an outstanding relationship experience to our valued partners." Going forward, increased emphasis will be placed on thermal barcode printers and digital signage, it should be noted.

Larry White, SVP Sales, Americas, Toshiba America Business Solutions

Code Corner

JDA Software Group (Scottsdale, AZ) has launched Retail.Me, its new consultancy. In leveraging POS, and applying analytical techniques tuned for big data, Retail.Me seeks to furnish planners and buyers with deeper understanding of shopper purchasing behavior, assortment performance at the shopper segment level, and more effective strategies for delivering personalized offers--whatever the touch point. Offered in Software-as-Service (SaaS), Retail.Me is available immediately to customers of JDA. "The explosion of omni-channel commerce has inundated retailers with change and uncertainty driven by the empowered customers they serve--their new boss," reflected Anand Medepalli, VP of Retail Planning Product Strategy at JDA. "With Retail.Me, retailers can very rapidly take back control with a much deeper understanding and segmentation of their shoppers. This gives retailers the confidence to make shopper-centric assortment and offer decisions knowing that they are using a blend of art from decades of retail experience [on the part of JDA]."

ALLIANCES

A Matter of Scale for Detecto

CRS, Inc. (St. Paul, MN) will distribute the family of digital retail scales from Detecto Scale (Webb City, MO), dubbed the Enterprise Series. As part of this agreement, Detecto will serve as the primary scale manufacturer for CRS, which also has handled scales from CAS USA. This brings Detecto to the dealer network of CRS in North America, which focuses on ECRs and POS. It comprises Detecto's first such effort for its Enterprise Series.

"Detecto is very pleased to have CRS marketing our Enterprise scales to their POS distributor network," relayed Fred Cox, VP of Sales at Detecto. "As an added benefit, Detecto Enterprise is the only POS scale that offers optional Wi-Fi connectivity, so we may expand into new and exciting network environments. We appreciate the support by CRS in recognizing the power of a USA-manufactured scale for this industry."

CRS to Distribute Retail Scales From Detecto in North America

Smelling as Sweet at Apriva

It's getting hard to find any dividing line between point-of-sale and payment processing. As the latest example, consider the new strategic alliance between Apriva (Scottsdale, AZ) and POS on Cloud (Louisville, KY), whereby the two firms will market the complementary technologies through their respective dealer networks. Founded in 2012, POS on Cloud has addressed Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) POS. Over three decades, Apriva has emerged as one of the significant players in wireless transactions, with two divisions, Apriva Point of Sale and Apriva Information Security Systems.

"Cloud technologies are pervasive and many restaurants and retailers already have or are considering a cloud POS solution because of the efficiency and business value they offer," shared Stacey Finley Tappin, SVP for North America Sales and Marketing Communications at Apriva. "Our relationship with POS on Cloud will enable us to provide our channel with a state-of-the-art, cloud-based POS solution that fully integrates with our gateway. This gives them the ability to create new revenue streams for their business by introducing fully integrated hardware, software, and gateway services."

Aptly Named POS on Cloud Runs Windows, Android, and iOS

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Bematech
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
PowaPOS
TEAMSable

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
SATO America

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Trimble MCS

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

An Import by Aures/J2

Aures Technologies has introduced its first custom-designed and branded thermal printer for POS, entitled the ODP 333. Sporting the company's trademark fashionable look, the ODP 333 has cubic format, with small footprint of 5.3 in. (W) x 6.5 in. (D) x 4.1 in. (H), and weight of 2.2 lbs., and comes in matte and lacquer finish in black or white. With direct thermal, three-inch technology, it prints at 6.3 inch/160 mm per second at 203 dpi. It will complement the touchscreen terminals from Aures and its subsidiary in the U.S., J2 Retail Systems (Tustin, CA).

Described as "exceptionally tough and full-featured," by Kurt Ericson, VP of J2 Retail Systems, the ODP 333 provides splash-proof, front receipt printout with guillotine auto-cutter, and external 24-V power supply. Significantly, it carries triple interface connectivity of RS-232, USB, and Ethernet Dual, with RJ-11 support for two cash drawers. It also comes with a low-power motherboard that automatically switches to stand-by mode after printing, for energy savings of at least 30% (and Energy Star).

In making his announcement, Ericson emphasized the ODP 333's print life of between 35 to 50 million lines. A print-head with life of 160 km and paper cutter with life of approximately 1.5 million cuts adds to durability. "Users can expect a very long life and a healthy return on the investment from this rugged and reliable printer," elaborated Ericson. "It's ideally suited for harsh environments in retail, restaurants, bars, and bakeries."

ODP 333 POS Printer From Aures/J2

Givex Ground Game

Adding to its existing portfolio, Givex (Toronto) will purchase the gift card business of Chase Paymentech. Givex will open an office in Dallas, Texas, home of Chase Paymentech, later this year in order to support its new customers. The two parties said they expect no disruption to merchants as customers are transitioned to the servers at Givex, since transactions will be processed with existing integrations and protocols.

As an additional benefit, Chase Paymentech's gift card merchants may take advantage of Givex's enhanced reporting capabilities as part of the transition. This includes product categories of Loyalty, Campaign Management, Fulfillment Services, Analytics, Uptix (Value-Added Venue Tickets), Mobile Wallet, E-Gifting, and Online Ordering. Chase Paymentech's merchants will also have preferred client access to the Vexilor cloud-based POS from Givex.

"We regularly evaluate the products and services we offer our customers and made the business decision to divest our gift card business," explained Jasper Malcolmson, Head of Solutions and Innovation for Chase Merchant Services. "We are confident that Givex will continue to provide our merchants with exceptional service when supporting their gift card needs." In his remarks, Don Gray, CEO of Givex, declared, "It was clear from the beginning of the negotiations that Paymentech was focused on finding a buyer that would not only look after their clients, but also have the ability to enhance the services being offered in a secure and innovative manner."

Givex Buys Gift Card Business of Chase Paymentech

Channel Factoid

It might deflate the football, but it inflates spending. According to the National Retail Federation's Super Bowl Spending Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, average viewer spending on the big game on February 1 will reach $77.88, up from $68.27 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $14.3 billion (with an estimated 184 million viewers). A breakdown shows 79.3% will purchase food and beverages, 10.8% will buy team apparel or accessories, and 8.8% will splurge on new televisions to watch the game at home. Millennials will flex their financial muscle this year for Super Bowl LXIX: Young adults from 18 to 24 plan on spending an average of $92.92; those ages 25 to 34 and 35 to 44, however, will spend slightly more at an average of $101.54 and $102.82, respectively. Bars and restaurants should also enjoy good turnout, with more than 13 million viewers planning to visit their favorite local spot. While the game itself remains the focal point of interest, favored by 46.8%, another 41.3% of those planning to watch prefer seeing new commercials and simply hanging out with friends and family. A record 11.9% like the half-time show! "With renewed confidence in the economy and the outlook for 2015, consumers are looking forward to some good old-fashioned fun with their friends and family to celebrate the big game," corroborated NRF CEO/President Matthew Shay. "Retailers will take full advantage of the expected traffic from avid fans by making sure they have adequately invested in decor, party food and accessories, and other Super Bowl-related inventory."

HELLO GOODBYE

New Pecking Order at Ingram Micro

Ingram Micro's Data Capture/POS Division (Carlsbad, CA) now falls under the distributor's new entity, U.S. Advanced Solutions. Led by Tim Ament, newly appointed SVP, U.S. Advanced Solutions combines the resources of the company's former Advanced Computing and Advanced Technology Solutions. Of note to readers of RRN.Com, it emphasizes categories such as audio-visual, data capture/point-of-sale, digital signage, peripherals, physical security, and unified communications. Jeff Yelton, former President of ScanSource POS and Barcode, leads Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS as Executive Director and General Manager.

"Bringing these strategic business units under one organization enables us to be more flexible and provide complete solution delivery for advanced and high-value technologies, as well as offer the dedicated resources and operational excellence our partners have come to expect from Ingram Micro," suggested Paul Bay, President, North America, Ingram Micro Technology Solutions. "Tim has a proven track record of managing large and mid-sized enterprise businesses and a longstanding reputation for partner advocacy within the IT channel. We are pleased to have him lead this expanded team to deliver even greater business value to our partners across the entire Advanced Solutions product and services portfolio."

Ament joined Ingram Micro in 1997. He most recently served as VP and GM for Direct and Consumer Markets, preceded, in descending chronology, by VP of the Components Division, Director of Vendor Management, Purchasing, and Marketing, and Southwest Director of VAR Sales. As part of his role at U.S. Advanced Solutions, Ament will oversee the teams that support the Promark General Services Administration (GSA) schedule and Ingram Micro's Professional and Training Services.

Tim Ament and Paul Bay of Ingram Micro

A Black Belt in Barcoding

Barcoding, Inc. (Baltimore, MD) has engaged Chase Sowden as its Supply Chain Architect. Along with his Six Sigma Black Belt, Sowden has more than twenty years of experience in manufacturing and distribution across many vertical industries. Previously, he served as Chief Technology Officer for Savant Software. Prior to Savant, he worked at TZA, Pfastship Worldwide Logistics, and Connect Tec.

"As Barcoding continues to grow and add more enterprise clients, we saw the need to bring on a specialist in supply chain architecture to take our solutions to the next level," shared Shane Snyder, President of Barcoding, Inc. "Chase Sowden will help us not only deliver optimal supply chain solutions, but also ensure that we are acting in our clients' best interest to make them more efficient, accurate, and connected. On behalf of Barcoding, I welcome Chase to our team."

"I believe that any solution is a three-legged stool, and the legs are people, processes, and technology," expounded Sowden. "Without one of these pieces, the client is set up for failure. I plan to bring this ideology to Barcoding and apply it as I help architect solutions that drive revenue growth, enhance efficiency, and increase competitive advantage."

Chase Sowden, Supply Chain Architect, Barcoding, Inc.