This Week’s Product Pick

Senor Tech (Santa Clara, CA) has unboxed its iSPOS-104WP All-in-One POS with small footprint and fanless design. With Intel Dual Core D525 CPU at 1.8 GHz, 4 MB DDR3, and 32 GB SSD, iSPOS-104WP supports Windows 7, Windows CE 6/7, and Linux Kernel. A 10.4-inch projected capacitive touchscreen has been incorporated with true flat-panel design for water and dust resistance (to IP-66). Additional features include an array of ports (Serial, USB, LAN), two built-in speakers, and integrated high-speed thermal receipt printer with splash-proof guard. As options, the company lists card readers, wireless communications, and secondary 8.5-inch LCD or VFD displays. An innovative modular design simplifies the maintenance process, RRN.Com was told by Marcelo Ortega, Sales Manager for Senor Tech.

Senor Tech iSPOS-104WP

COMPANY BUSINESS

Lenovo Leans Into POS

With mobility here, there, and everywhere, Lenovo (Research Triangle Park, NC) has called upon VeriFone (San Jose, CA) to help it tackle POS. This solution, now being piloted by retailers and scheduled for general release in the fall, combines Lenovo's ThinkPad Tablet 2 with VeriFone's PAYware Mobile transaction processing. Entitled "ThinkPad Tablet 2 Mobile POS," it runs the Intel Atom Z2760 CPU and Windows 8 Pro, promising ease of integration and low power consumption, and has been outfitted with the typical scan-and-swipe jacket.

"Empowering our customers to fully capture the powerful benefits of mobile and touch technology in their businesses demands tightly integrated hardware and software solutions like ThinkPad Tablet 2 M-POS," declared Tom Looney, VP for North America Relationship Business at Lenovo. "Forging strong alliances to create these platforms with 'best-in-class' payment technology providers like VeriFone is a critical part of our 'PC Plus' strategy to help organizations become even more agile and responsive in their operations." One of the top two computer makers in the world, Lenovo now confronts the other, HP, which recently debuted its own HP ElitePad Mobile POS Solution, previewed in RRN.Com.

"Retailers are increasingly eager to adopt mobile POS but have been frustrated by proprietary platforms that ignore their major investments in the Windows-based point of sale systems on which they run their businesses," added Joe Mach, SVP and GM for Vertical Solutions at VeriFone. "VeriFone will continue to work with industry leaders such as Lenovo to provide mobile payment and mobile POS platforms that work with any smart device retailers want to employ." For this configuration, critical consumer information has been secured through McAfee as well as VeriFone's VeriShield Total Protect, which is powered by RSA.

ThinkPad Tablet 2 Mobile POS

About Schmidt at KoamTac

KoamTac, Inc. (Princeton, NJ) has engaged Mark Schmidt, formerly of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, as its COO. A familiar face in our channel, Schmidt brings more than two decades of experience with barcode scanning technology. At Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, he served as VP of Business Development. Before that, he was EVP for Metrologic Instruments, which was acquired by Honeywell in 2008.

"We are excited to have Mark join KoamTac's senior management team and to bring his experience and vision to help lead KoamTac at a time of tremendous growth and expansion worldwide," proclaimed Hanjin Lee (Ph.D.), CEO/President of KoamTac. "Mark's broad knowledge of product, market development, and business strategy will enhance our relationship with both clients and partners and help us push forward with our platform of innovation."

"I am greatly impressed with Dr. Lee's vision for expanding the utility of consumer-grade smartphones and tablets in the enterprise by creating extremely portable, smart, Bluetooth data capture accessories," commented Schmidt. "I could not be more pleased to partner with Dr. Lee to mature and grow KoamTac's already successful business in what is perhaps our industry's most exciting and dynamic growth segment." Offering its KDC product family of scanners and readers with universal compatibility for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and BlackBerry, KoamTac has turned its sights on our channel of late.

Mark Schmidt, COO, KoamTac

Worth Your While

RetailNow 2013
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 4-7
Las Vegas

VARTECH US/LATAM 2013
BlueStar
September 9-11
San Antonio, TX

Pack Expo 2013
Packaging Manufacturers Machinery Institute
September 23-25
Las Vegas

Customer Engagement Technology World
JD Events
November 6-7
New York City

IAAPA Expo 2013
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 19-22
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Don't Fight the Power

Powervar (Waukegan, IL) has expanded its family of Uninterruptible Power Managers suitable for POS. Designated as Grounding Technology Solutions, or GTS, these new UPMs are offered in models from 250 VA to 600 VA, and protect against damaging events such as power outages, surges, noise associated with dirty power, and ground loops. "Installing the GTS Series UPM means thousands of dollars in savings and greater productivity," suggested Chris Walsh, Director of Marketing at Powervar. "Our retail customers have come to rely upon our products to save them time, money, and frustration."

Similar to other models in the UPM family, this new GTS Series combines surge diverter, noise filter, and low impedance isolation transformer to guarantee full conditioned power whether operating on utility power or battery. If battery, the UPM provides clean low distortion sine wave for 8 to 10 minutes (depending on load). Other features include hot-swappable batteries, full front panel controls and indicators, and both RJ-11 and USB communications interfaces for use with the company's MopUPS Express software.

The GTS Series provides added security with an entensive warranty, which covers electronics against defects in materials and workmanship for five years (the batteries are warranted for two years). In voluntary cooperation with NEMA, DOT, and FAA guidelines, Powervar manufactures its UPM products with battery disconnect plugs to eliminate the possibility of short circuit and fire during transport in truck, ship, or aircraft. All models are also in full compliance with UL, WEEE, and RoHS directives, naturally.

GTS Series of Uninterruptible Power Managers

MMF Stands Up

MMF POS (Wheeling, IL) has fashioned two new counter stands with common VESA patterns for POS. Model MMF-STND02-04 features fixed height and rigid tower, and Model MMF-STND01-04 features adjustable-height "Z"-design. Any common variations of All-in-One, LCD monitor, or touchscreen may be supported, according to the company.

With fixed height of 9 inches, and base measuring 11.4 in. (W) x 7 in. (D), MMF-STND02-04 accommodates maximum weight of 99 lbs. With maximum height of 11.9 inches and base measuring 8.5 in. (W) x 8.3 in. (D), MMF-STND01-04 accommodates maximum weight of 44 lbs. Additional characteristics of both include superior cable management, mounting plate tilt of 45 degrees (plus or minus), and ruggedized metal construction with smooth black finish.

"All of our mounting solutions are easy to install and integrate into existing or new POS stations," observed Abe Salalac, Director of Sales and Marketing for MMF POS. "Resellers can add value to their customer's POS hardware set-up by integrating any of the MMF POS small footprint cash drawers with any of our multiple POS mounting solutions. The goal at MMF POS is to provide our customers with practical, durable, and adaptable POS mounting solutions at great value."

Adjustable "Z"-Design Mount for POS

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business—in the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?

E-mail Michael Kachmar for advertising information,
or call 973-270-3284

Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?

Hurry ! Use the links below to catch up :

Week of June 24

Week of June 10

Week of June 3

ALLIANCES

Sticking with Epson

MAXStick Products Ltd. (Lancaster, PA) has received approval for its MAXStick2Go liner-free repositionable labels for use with Epson America's TM-T88 ReStick POS printers. MAXStick2Go joins MAXStick Premium as direct thermal paper rolls bearing such certification by Epson America. In addition to foodservice and hospitality, target markets for repositionable tags and receipts include warehousing, retail, reusable plastic containers, and medical diagnostics. MAXStick gets produced by MAX International, one of the large paper converters.

At only 55 GSM (Grams Per Square Meter), versus 80 GSM for MAXStick Premium, MAXStick2Go increases liner-free label media per roll by 40%, according to company estimates. Overall, that's 80% more label media than traditional, non-removable products. Recyclable and biodegradable, MAXStick2Go contains no silicon or BPA in its release coat, while its lack of liner further eliminates environmentally unfriendly waste. No silicon also preserves the integrity of the print head and reduces unwanted damage or wear.

"Epson is a company that understands the need for products with less environmental impact--globally, as well as here in North America," declared Gregg Brunnick, Director of Marketing for Epson America's Business Systems Division (Long Beach, CA). "With this MAXStick media, our customers can get more mileage from paper rolls while reaping the benefits of repositionable labels--all while mapping to green store initiatives." Earlier this month, MAXStick Products debuted its 55 GSM direct thermal MAXStick family in a wide range of popular colors.

MAXStick Product Family

AZT Climbs the Cloud

A partnership between AZT POS (Tustin, CA) and Conductiv Software (Bothell, WA) seeks to bring a well-timed bundle of POS to the SMB. Perhaps best known for supplying its systems to the World Cup and the Olympics, and now targeting the U.S., AZT POS will supply its "AZT Gold" suite consisting of 10-inch Android Tablet, stand, receipt printer with Wi-Fi, cash drawer, and bidirectional magnetic-stripe reader (MSR). In turn, Conductiv will offer its cloud-based retail applications, with subscription fees starting at $45 per month. A straight, one-time purchase, AZT Gold has been priced at $899.

"We're giving small and medium businesses the opportunity to catch up with the big boys," maintained Robert O'Farrell, CTO of Conductiv. "We've put the best of what's possible in the hands of small and medium retailers, with a very fast ROI. For Tier Two's and Tier Three's to have the same level of real-time inventory visibility and real-time business intelligence and analytics as the Tier One retailers is really powerful stuff."

"At AZT we recognize that Conductiv has had proven success with its retail transaction, inventory management, and data access solutions in the enterprise space," reflected Keddy Chen, GM at AZT POS. "Conductiv has been a great partner of AZT. We've worked together very well, and as a result, we've created a seamless merger of hardware and software, a real turnkey solution for our customers."

Conductiv Software on AZT Hardware

Code Corner

A familiar face returns. Cougar Mountain Software (Boise, ID) has released three new retail software packages built around the company's Denali accounting platform. Addressing three levels of retail sophistication, and maintaining the nomenclature of the mountains, are: POS Basecamp, POS Ascent, and POS Summit. POS Basecamp targets users of Excel and QuickBooks, those small retail and specialty shops that want ease of use as well as inventory management. POS Ascent adds more sophistication and capabilities such as purchase order workflow and store processes. At the top of the line, POS Summit helps businesses manage inventory across multiple locations, in addition to extending vendor and purchase order capabilities, bank reconciliation, and Crystal Reports. POS Ascent and POS Summit also come with training, service, and support, according to the developer. "We have created the accounting packages to provide the right mix of business functionality and affordable prices," explained Ann Geisel, Product Manager at Cougar Mountain Software. "They are a great fit for small and growing retail businesses that want to increase their sales, better manage inventory, and use their accounting software to effectively manage cash flow."

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

At the Feet of Genius

Another alliance for Merchant Warehouse (Boston), this time with SouthWare Innovations (Auburn, GA). As a result, SouthWare's order entry system, point of sale, web-based shopping cart, and collections software will feature integration with Merchant Warehouse's Genius Customer Engagement Platform. Unveiled in 2012, the Genius Platform allows merchants to pick and choose between payment methods at POS, while removing customer information from PA-DSS scope, and advancing customer relationship management (CRM) efforts. Just days ago, Genius received similar support from e-Nabler (San Juan, PR) and its eMobilePOS app.

"Excellence is a frame of mind, and it is part of our mission to help our customers do the right thing the right way the first time," emphasized George Herndon, Account Manager at SouthWare. "Our partnership with Merchant Warehouse will help our customers take advantage of new payment and mobile commerce technologies without worrying about security or costly upgrades. It takes the guesswork out of accepting payments and lets our customers get back to business."

"SouthWare is an ideal partner for Merchant Warehouse's Genius platform," confirmed Henry Helgeson, CEO of Merchant Warehouse. "Their extensive base of loyal customers trust them to provide secure, compliant, and reliable payment processing. Using Genius, SouthWare can extend their business management and payment processing solutions beyond magnetic-stripe credit card acceptance to mobile payments, EMV, NFC, QR, loyalty programs, and more, providing increased flexibility while also enhancing the security of the platform."

Genius Customer Engagement Platform from Merchant Warehouse

A Mobile Hotelier

Agilysys, Inc. (Alpharetta, GA), now focused solely on hospitality following the sale of its retail business, has showcased its Agilysys Insight Mobile Manager. This new dashboard brings key property information for the wandering hotel manager, including arrivals and departures, special requests and considerations, room availability and status, and last but not least, revenue and projections. Users simply tap on each panel to drill down and obtain more detailed information, according to the company.

"Hotel managers are constantly moving around the property, and Insight Mobile Manager enables them to operate on their feet, without being tethered to a computer," observed Rehan Jaddi, VP of Development for Enterprise Solutions at Agilysys. "The application gives managers a broad overview of what's happening on the property, allowing them to review historical data and see what's on the books for the following day. It's an invaluable tool for busy hoteliers who want to streamline operations and maximize profitability."

A variety of formats are presented, which may be refreshed automatically or on demand and may be filtered by criteria such as property, building, or wing. This application will be fully integrated with the Agilysys Lodging Management System during the summer, followed by the Agilysys Visual One Property Management System by the end of the year. It employs user credentials and security protocols from the host system and supports iOS and Android.

A Busy Agilysys at Last Week's HITECH Show

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
AZT POS
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Systems - Apple Based
LightSpeed Retail

POS & Inventory Software
New West Technologies

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Sato America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

"NHCR" Takes New Haven

One of the most venerable POS dealerships, New Haven Cash Register, founded in 1949, and an original member of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), has renamed itself in recognition of new strategic positioning and product mix. Now answering to "NHCR," this solution provider will stay in its headquarters in Hamden, Connecticut, near New Haven, and will continue to be led by CEO Arthur Rosenbaum. Its rebranding efforts include new corporate logo, marketing materials, e-mail addresses, and web presence.

"NHCR provides a much broader spectrum of solutions than those for which we've been traditionally known and our continued business growth is being fueled by a number of these new initiatives," reported Rosenbaum. "As the marketplace fully evolves from traditional cash register solutions, we are now pursuing expanded opportunities for fully integrated, point of sale solutions with secure credit card processing, gift cards, network security, and surveillance systems. Fully leveraging our track record, technological resources, and highly trained staff, our simplified name effectively communicates this strategy and our intention to aggressively pursue these opportunities."

Along similar lines, NHCR has announced that Bill Pankracij, its Marketing Manager, has completed RSPA PCIwise Certification for Technology Providers. "Programs like the RSPA's PCIwise Certification are invaluable in providing a practical baseline of information that POS resellers can draw upon in helping their clients understand the complex and sometimes confusing nature of PCI compliance as well as the cost of non-compliance," Pankracij told RRN.Com. To date, several hundred individuals have taken and passed PCIwise, according to RSPA.

Venerable Cash Register Dealer Rebrands Itself

Motorola Hands Over MSP

AirWatch (Atlanta) has acquired Motorola Solutions' MSP (Mobility Services Platform) business, the hardware vendor's attempt to profit from device management, with terms of the transaction undisclosed. AirWatch said it plans to incorporate the leading MSP features into its own AirWatch Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) platform. Existing MSP customers will continue to receive their service directly from Motorola, which began drawing back from this business some time ago.

"With MSP, AirWatch gets a fully featured product line for enterprise mobile computers and a talented team with tremendous domain expertise," indicated Girish Rishi, Motorola's SVP of Enterprise Solutions. "AirWatch will provide size, scalability, and significant investment in this space, which will benefit our MSP customers. Motorola Solutions and AirWatch will collaborate to ensure that the product support transition is seamless."

"We are delighted to welcome both the MSP associates and technology to the AirWatch family," volunteered David Dabbiere, COO of AirWatch. "We highly value their shared focus on customer satisfaction and know they are trusted partners in the mobile space." As elements of synergy, AirWatch pointed to MSP's depth and richness of features and functionality, which will complement AirWatch EMM's ease of use across multiple device and O/S types, reportedly.

Mobility Services Platform Sold to AirWatch

Channel Factoid

Top 10 POS Theft Threats

#1-Short Ringing of less expensive items or nothing at all

#2-Floating Receipts for switch during future, similar transactions

#3-Line Item Voids to reduce check amount and keep difference

#4-Discounts to reduce check amount and keep difference

#5-No Sale to open the drawer for theft

#6-Manager Void by dishonest supervisors

#7-Saved Checks without closing the transaction to keep payment

#8-Top Sellers of Cheap Items, which get switched with better merchandise

#9-Collusion between dishonest managers and employees

#10-Employee Breaks enabling theft by covering employees

-Cited by eConnect, loss prevention software provider

HELLO GOODBYE

POS-X Multiplies Its Forces

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) has enlisted Harold Thomas from NCR to serve as Director of Business Development. This represents the second key sales hiring in the last month for the company. Ron Jackson, formerly of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, also has joined as Director of Business Development. Prior to POS-X, Thomas worked at NCR for 30 years, most recently as Senior Product Manager for POS.

"Harold's industry experience is second to none," remarked Nick Melnyk, VP of Sales for POS-X. "We feel fortunate to have added someone with such a well-rounded background to the POS-X sales team." In addition to Thomas and Jackson, POS-X's Business Development effort includes Mehmood Bhimani, Amara Walsh, and Will Easley (with responsibility for ScanSource).

"I love working with these guys," testified Thomas. "It's great to be focused on providing tangible value to our partners that simplifies the complex and challenging task of selling retail solutions." Thomas will be based out of Atlanta.

Harold Thomas, Director of Business Development, POS-X

Above PAR in Vegas

ParTech (New Hartford, NY) recently named its 2012 Partner Award winners for North America and Latin America at the PAR Partner Conference in Las Vegas. Winners were chosen for their support of, and success with, PAR's EverServ Ecosystem for hospitality. Two categories enjoyed one recipient: "Product Innovation Award" for Ideal POS Ltd. (Winnipeg, MB, Canada), and "New Partner Award" for POS Technical Services (Anaheim, CA).

Six VARs received "Partner Growth Awards": Celerity POS (Calgary, AB, Canada), Softec Systems (Everett, WA), Star Cash Register (Edmonton, AB, Canada), Systems Services (Baton Rouge, LA), Vista Entertainment Solutions (Los Angeles), and Tecseris (Buenos Aires, Argentina). "Partner Excellence Awards" went to three VARs: Grupo Asesores (Mexico City), POS Canada (Mississauga, ON, Canada), and, once again, Vista Entertainment Solutions (Los Angeles). Finally, "Key Customer Win Awards" were presented to Acklins (Quito, Ecuador) for Noe Sushi Bar and Ahead Solutions (Lima, Peru) for China Wok.

"Our partners have done an outstanding job of collaborating with us and adding value to the total solution they provide their customers," stated Mark Bunney, Director of Channels & Alliance Partners for ParTech. "The companies we recognized with the 2012 Partner Awards were exceptional in terms of incorporating our products with additional products and services that enhance the customers' value proposition. We're proud to honor this year's winners and we look forward to their continued success."

Kyle Robinson, Business Development Manager for Systems Services, Receives 2012 Partner Growth Award From Bill Dueger, Senior Director of Channel Sales at ParTech