Our Product Pick

Team Sable (San Jose, CA) has unwrapped its 10" All-in-One Terminal, entitled 10P (Android). With capacitive 1280x800 LCD touch technology and backlight LED, Model 10P (Android) has ARM Cortex-A9 Quad-Core CPU at 1.6 GHz, 2-GB RAM, and 8-GB Flash. As communications, there' s 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and optional Bluetooth 4.0. A full suite of ports is included: USB 2.0, Micro USB 2.0, Mini HDMI, RJ-45 Ethernet, and Audio. An add-on module brings additional USB 2.0 x 3. Also, magnetic-stripe reading and barcode scanner are offered. In table stand or wall-mount configurations, the Model 10P (Android) is "perfect for retail or hospitality," according to Team Sable, "including as price/inventory checker."

Team Sable' s 10P All-in-One

COMPANY BUSINESS

ScanSource Storms the Portal

A very big deal, the biggest event in POS since Mercury Payment Systems was purchased by Vantiv in 2014. And this time, it includes distribution of hardware: ScanSource (Greenville, SC) buys POS Portal (Sacramento, CA). An all-cash transaction includes an initial purchase price of approximately $144.9 million, plus an earned-out payment of up to $13.2 million in November. Founded in 2000, with an estimated $110 million in annual sales and 180 employees, POS Portal is led by Buzz Stryker, Co-Founder and CEO, and Scott Agatep, COO.

"Acquisition of POS Portal uniquely positions ScanSource as a market leader in both the POS and payments channels," proclaimed Mike Baur, CEO of ScanSource, Inc. "POS Portal brings an excellent customer service reputation, highly regarded value-added services, and vast knowledge of the payments industry." A comparison of customers showed little overlap, surprisingly, due to true SMB focus at POS Portal. Of particular value to ScanSource: extensive encryption key libraries at POS Portal, RRN.Com was told. Also, emerging tablet-based POS.

"ScanSource has been following our growth and strategy for a few years and saw the opportunity to expand our business model," recounted Stryker at POS Portal. "As the payments channels converge, we and ScanSource are prepared to lead the channel with new services and solutions, and accelerate our strategic plan to provide the shopping and checkout infrastructure to tomorrow' s physical location merchant." Acquisition is expected to close by end of September, at which time POS Portal will function under ScanSource Worldwide Barcode, Networking, and Security.

Mike Baur, CEO of ScanSource, and Buzz Stryker, CEO of POS Portal

[Editor's Note: Next week's edition of RRN.Com will have more on ScanSource and POS Portal]

Code's Coterie

Code (Salt Lake City, UT) has elevated three management team members: Kerri Humpherys, John Deal, and Rene van Mourik. "At Code, we believe that the growth of a company comes from within," stressed George Powell, President and CEO. "One of our biggest strengths is having employees who are highly motivated with shared commitment to excellence." A leader in image-based barcode reading technology, Code recently launched its software, Code 2D Revolution.

As Director of Marketing since 2007, Kerri Humpherys "has had a tremendous influence in sales, as she implemented strategies to grow and maintain customer relations," according to Code. "These accomplishments will ensure her success in her new role of managing Code' s distribution, partner programs, and partner relationships as Senior Director of Channel Management."

Since joining Code in 2014, John Deal "has launched industry leading technology while serving as Director of Product Management," according to Code. "In his new position as VP of Product Strategy, he will drive corporate alignment between sales, marketing, engineering, and operations to ensure continued strategic success."

Starting in 2013, under Rene van Mourik' s guidance as Director of APAC and EMEA Sales, "Code has seen tremendous growth in APAC and EMEA. In his new role as VP of APAC and EMEA Sales, van Mourik will continue to provide regional leadership and oversight while lending his extensive experience, knowledge, and strategic vision." At Code, there' s the CodeAlliance Partner Program.

A Round of Promotions for Kerri Humpherys, John Deal, and Rene van Mourik

Worth Your While

NRFtech
National Retail Federation
July 23-25
San Diego, CA

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 6-9
Las Vegas, NV

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 18-19
Orlando, FL

Pack Expo
PMMI
September 25-27
Las Vegas, NV

NRF's Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 14-16, 2018
New York, NY

ALL IN THE FAMILY

POSBANK Grows Assets

Several significant product introductions by POSBANK USA (Plainview, NY and Carson, CA). As extensions to its high-end APEXA Series, there' s APEXA Prime and APEXA GW. APEXA Prime carries 6th Generation Intel Core i5 CPU at 2.8 GHz, 4-GB RAM, and 64-GB SSD. It features compact footprint (base of 8.7 x 8.3 inch), sleek styling (Good Design Award 2016), bezel-free 15" projected-capacitive touchscreen (1024x768), and multiple ports (including USB x 6, Serial x 5, LAN x 1). For its part, APEXA GW furnishes wide 19.5" projected-capacitive touchscreen (1600x900). Both run Windows 7/8.1/10 IoT/POS Ready 7.

In addition, POSBANK USA has unwrapped its "super compact" All-in-One POS, dubbed the DCR Series. It integrates 8" or 9.7" projected-capacitive touchscreen (800x480), 3" thermal receipt printer, multiple card readers, and customer-facing 20x2 VFD. Entry-level DCR M4 runs on "embOS," with pre-installed POPs restaurant software, and ARM Cortex-M4 CPU at 180 MHz. For more power, DCR x86 runs Windows O/S and Intel Celeron Quad-Core J1900 CPU at 2 GHz. As size, DCR M4 measures 8.4 in. (W) x 9.9 in. (H) x 11 in. (D), and weighs 6.6 lbs.

"Our new POS terminals have been developed to meet changing needs of global customers," declared Steve Eun, President and CEO of POSBANK (Seoul, South Korea). "Upon its showcasing, we have already received fair-sized orders at home and abroad. We expect the new APEXA Series and DCR Series to help our customers successfully run their business by offering versatility, style, and functionality."

A Portfolio of New Terminals by POSBANK

Zebra's DNA Yields MP7000

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has unveiled its next-generation multi-plane one- and two-dimensional scanner/scale, the MP7000. A successor to the MP6000, in traditional bioptic form factor with CMOS Array, the MP7000 introduces the company' s DataCapture DNA software suite of tools and utilities. Designed to fit existing cash wraps, the MP7000 offers three versions: long (20 in./506 mm), medium (15.7 in./398 mm), and short (13.9 in./351 mm).

As benefits, the MP7000 has solid-state design, an "intelligent" illumination system for reduced power consumption of 60%, and spacious scan volume for maximized checkout speed. An upper housing may be removed without tools, and its horizontal and vertical scale platter has 0.01 lb. (5 g) increments to 30 lb. (15 kg). A side scanner allows shoppers to simultaneously register mobile coupons, loyalty cards, and impulse buys without slowing down the checkout transaction. Going forward, DataCapture DNA applies to the handheld, fixed-mount, and companion scanners from Zebra.

"Providing an exemplary customer experience is no longer a competitive differentiator--it' s a business requirement," relayed Bob Sanders, SVP and GM of Data Capture Solutions at Zebra. "Zebra' s new MP7000 scanner/scale will help keep checkout lines moving and allow retailers to process more transactions per day. With the introduction of the DataCapture DNA software suite, Zebra is also expanding its legacy of innovation in the barcode scanning industry."

Zebra' s MP7000 Multi-Plane 1D/2D Scanner/Scale

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Week of June 19

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ALLIANCES

Paging Bematech...

An interesting relationship for Bematech (Bethpage, NY), in the form of historic pager vendor Long Range Systems (Addison, TX). Restaurants using pagers or popular trackers from Long Range Systems may now message guests and staff directly from their Bematech POS and KDS (Kitchen Display System). Operators may also view the area of the restaurant or the table where guests are seated when the food order has been completed.

In order to operate, users enter the pager or tracker numbers, and set rules, within the POS. Subsequently, Bematech' s KDS offers multiple views of the guest location, either directly within order tiles, or on separate location "list view." Bematech will extend such services for its software and equipment at no additional cost to the restaurant.

"Through this collaboration, LRS is thrilled to offer restaurant operators simplified solutions that significantly improve processes," indicated Michelle Strong, CMO at Long Range Systems. Supplying messaging devices and guest management solutions since 1996, Long Range Systems has an Application Programming Interface (API). It also runs its own Reseller Partner Program. In other news, Bematech has discontinued its Bematech App in the Apple Store and Google Play. A full resource center for end-users and resellers is available on its website, noted Bematech.

Customer Tracker by Long Range Systems

. . . And Filming Posera

In similar vein, one of the channel leaders in hospitality, Posera (London, ON, Canada) has embraced "Security-as-a-Service" provider Solink (Ottawa, ON, Canada). Under this agreement, Posera will distribute Solink' s video recording and loss prevention solutions. Perhaps best known for its Maitre' D POS software, Posera also promotes its new SecureTablePay--recently certified by payment hardware vendor Ingenico and processor Vantiv Integrated Payments.

"Our customers will benefit greatly from the monthly recurring service model as it requires a low up-front capital expenditure to upgrade their existing legacy solution and IP-based security video cameras to Solink' s cloud-based solution," suggested Dan Poirier, CEO at Posera Ltd. Added Mike Matta, CEO of Solink, "We' re excited to combine Posera' s reputable point-of-sale technology and customer service with the security solution that we' ve built specifically for the hospitality industry." A customer base of "30,000+" for Posera will be addressed.

Solink matches in-store transactions to corresponding video, providing store owners with multiple data points to search for and track important events such as voids, discounts, no sales, refunds, and cash transactions. This eliminates the need to manually search for events in video by time and location. When the software identifies an outlier, it will notify the owner or manager via the Solink App. Other features include e-mail reports, sharing video by e-mail or text message, case management, and live chat for customer support.

Posera Adds Security-as-a-Service to Its POS

Code Corner

TSC America (Brea, CA) has introduced new printer device types for SAP. Developed in compliance with the requirements defined in the SAP Vendor Program, these device types provide rapid integration of label printing into enterprise environments running SAP. TSC has participated in the SAP Printer Vendor Program--now holding its silver-level designation--since 2013. Its new device types, available at no cost for download, support the full family of barcode printers by TSC, including desktop, industrial, and portable. It covers 203-, 300-, and 600-dpi resolution models, and both Unicode and non-Unicode label printing applications. Earlier, in June, TSC America unveiled its new family of industrial thermal label printers for the mid-market, the MH420 Series.

New MH420 Thermal Printer Series by TSC

INTEGRATION

A Ring of Clouds for Star

Star Micronics (Somerset, NJ) has added its CloudPRNT to three of its popular printers--the thermal TSP700II and TSP800II and the impact SP700. It allows these devices to retrieve and print orders from any online ordering service integrated with CloudPRNT. Significantly, it eliminates the need for an extra tablet or terminal for this functionality, noted Star Micronics. An interface card, debuted in 2016, Star' s CloudPRNT employs JavaScript Object Notification (JSON), reading HTTP. Star also offers its Model TSP650IIcloudPRNT.

Star' s 3" TSP700II will allow pizzerias or coffee shops to accept and print an online order receipt or label for sticking on delivery or take-out. For industries outside of foodservice, the 4" TSP800II thermal printer will allow delivery services to print labels directly from their smartphone or mobile device. Finally, the 2.8" SP700 works in environments where heat and humidity can erode the type on kitchen orders. The TSP700IIcloudPRNT and TSP800IIcloudPRNT also support Star Cloud Services, including the AllReceipts App.

Also, in June, Star Micronics increased peripherals for its integrated receipt printer/cash drawer/tablet, "mPOP." It now has optional weigh scale, two-dimensional barcode scanner, customer display, and port for an external cash drawer. "With these added peripherals, retailers and restaurateurs can now transform their mPOP into a complete point-of-sale hub to accept more versatile transactions in higher volumes," heralded Star Micronics.

Star Micronics' TSP700IIcloudPRNT Thermal Printer

A Double Dose of Touch

A busy time for Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ). Achieving EMV Level 3 certification for its Quest II Tablet, Touch has drawn upon the recent integration between reader hardware from ID Tech (Cypress, CA), payment middleware (NETePay) from Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA), and processing/acquiring by Vantiv Integrated Payments (Durango, CO). "EMV Level 3 certification is going to further revolutionize the tablet space in POS," maintained Craig Paritz, President of Touch Dynamic.

Supporting Windows or Android, Quest II has an Intel Quad-Core Bay Trail CPU at 1.33 GHz, 2-GB RAM, and 32-GB SSD. In black casing, it comes in 7" and 10" screen sizes (true-flat design, projected-capacitive touch). A ruggedized construction holds an IP-54 rating for water and dust with 4-ft./1.2-m drop resistance, and full eight-hour battery life. As standard features, there' s five-megapixel camera, MSR, Bluetooth, and NFC. An integrated 3G Sim card slot opens the possibility of use in mobile-based businesses such as food trucks and delivery services, while its premium dock and 8" rear LCD transitions to fixed POS.

Also, Touch Dynamic has partnered with NCC (Greenville, SC) and Sterling Payment Technologies (Tampa, FL) to offer "Solution-as-a-Service." Under this plan, business owners may rent the package of hardware by Touch Dynamic, Reflection POS by NCC, and payment processing by Sterling Payment for up to four lanes with three- or four-year minimum commitment. "We are delighted that we can now provide our resellers the ability to offer rental solutions--for a low monthly cost--to their customers, and that these solutions include local service and support," related Chuck Prince, President of NCC.

Quest II From Touch Dynamic Gains EMV Level 3 Card Reading

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Tailwind Solutions

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas
Honeywell

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
AML
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Denso ADC
Honeywell
Janam Technologies

Distribution
Ingram Micro

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
iPayment
Sterling Payment

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry Americas, LLC
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
Innovative
SpacePole

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

JDA "Turns" the Mills

JDA Software Group (Scottsdale, AZ) has deployed its supply chain technology for Mills Fleet Farm. A longtime customer of JDA, with 37 mass merchandise stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota, Mills Fleet Farm has now added JDA Demand, JDA Fulfillment, and JDA Flowcasting. It already has JDA Advanced Store Replacement and JDA Space & Category Management.

As part of its supply chain transformation, Mills Fleet Farm will change the flow of many goods, shifting to the distribution center (DC) model to gain inventory efficiency and reduce costs. It recently announced the construction of its new 1.1 million square foot DC in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. For implementation, JDA' s Professional Services Group has called upon consulting, contract, and direct-hire tech firm, VACO Consulting (based in Brentwood, TN).

"We recognize the importance of creating the most accurate inventory plan," contributed Rich Tannenbaum, SVP at Mills Fleet Farm. "These new JDA tools, along with improved business processes, will enable us to better serve customers." Added Paula Natoli, VP of Product Management for JDA, "Mills Fleet Farm will have its more robust distribution strategy that ties together demand and supply planning, boosting their profitability and improving overall agility."

Supply Chain Upgrade for Mills Fleet Farm

Lavu: "We' re Here to Help, Burquenos"

In an example of enlightened self-interest, Lavu has offered free point-of-sale software to local businesses affected by the Albuquerque Rapid Transit Project (ART). It will be supplied to eligible businesses as long as construction continues on ART. An official schedule puts that date in November, which may be too optimistic, according to many residents of Albuquerque (which, you may or may not know, are called "Burquenos." )

"We know how difficult it' s been for businesses along the Central Avenue corridor, and this is our way of helping," Ohad Jehassi, Lavu' s President, told the Albuquerque Journal. "We' re located on the same corridor, and we' re aware of the pain at local restaurants." One of the city' s most successful start-ups, founded in 2010, Lavu now serves over 20,000 customers worldwide with its iPad-based POS.

According to Jehassi, speaking to the Albuquerque Journal, restaurants may utilize their installed equipment with Lavu POS. In addition, Lavu will supply its dedicated credit-card reader (courtesy of PayPal). "The average restaurant we serve has three to four terminals, which could mean monthly savings of about $270," stated Jehassi. "And there' s no obligation to continue Lava service after ART construction ends. We just want to help our neighbors."

Lavu Offers Free POS Software During Rapid Transit Project

Channel Factoid

Theft from retailers and other inventory shrink grew to $48.9 billion in 2016 from $45.2 billion in 2015, according to the annual National Retail Security Survey by the National Retail Federation. Such theft amounted to 1.44% of sales, up from 1.38%. According to this report, 48.8% of retailers surveyed saw increases in inventory shrink, while only 16.7% said it remained flat. Shrink was divided into shoplifting and organized retail crime (36.5%), employee/internal theft (30%), administrative paperwork error (21.3%), and vendor fraud or error (5.4%). Shoplifting continued to account for the greatest losses, with an average of $798.48 per incident, up from $377 in 2015. (Part of this increase came because some states have raised the threshold for crimes to be considered felonies, meaning that only larger thefts are reported, according to NRF). Not surprisingly, shoplifting was followed by an average loss of $1,922.80 from employee theft, up from $1,233.77 in 2015. Average cost of retail robberies dropped to $5,309.72 from $8,170.17 in 2015, but remained at more than double the $2,464.50 seen in 2014. For the first time in the survey, retailers were asked about return fraud, and they reported an average loss of $1,766.27. "Retailers are proactive in combating criminal activity in their stores but acknowledge that they still have a lot of work left to do," concluded Bob Moraca, VP of Loss Prevention at the NRF. "The job is made much more difficult when loss prevention experts can' t get the money they need to beef up their staffs and resources. Retail executives need to realize that money spent on preventing losses is money that improves the bottom line"

Retail Theft Grows in 2016

HELLO GOODBYE

HR Keeps Busy at APG

Another new hire for APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN), with John Ragan joining as Product Manager. With over 15 years of experience, Ragan previously served as Product Manager at Transition Networks (2012 to 2016). Earlier positions have included Application Engineer at Faro Technologies (2011 to 2012) and Director of Product Management at Comtrol (2001 to 2008).

"I am very impressed with APG' s quality and their customer centric approach," commented Ragan. "I am excited to become a member of this culture of continuous improvements and always doing the right thing for the betterment of our customers." In making its announcement, APG emphasized his extensive knowledge in working with resellers, distributors and OEMs.

"As the APG product lines continue to grow, John' s experience will help us make sure we design and build the right products for the market and for our unique customer requirements in a timely fashion," remarked Bob Daugs, Direct of Product Management at APG. "Addition of John to the product management team reaffirms our commitment to developing product lines across the POS system landscape globally." In the past four months, APG also has added Lisa Hughes as Distribution Channel Manager, Mike Doyle as European Sales Director, and Robert Banker as Director of SMARTtill Technology Sales.

John Ragan, Product Manager, APG Cash Drawer

Heating Up at HotSchedules

HotSchedules (Austin, TX), which provides cloud-based restaurant management, has named Mike Arenth as its CEO. Prior to joining HotSchedules, Arenth was Senior Advisor at Silver Lake (2015 to 2016), EVP at Ariba/SAP (2012 to 2014), and SVP and GM at Ariba (2006 to 2012). A pair of new hires were also announced: Ted Kondis, former SVP at Ariba/SAP (2014 to 2016), as Chief Revenue Officer, and Neville Letzerich, former CMO at Forcepoint (2014 to 2016), as CMO.

"Restaurants remain economic powerhouses but technology is rapidly changing the industry and I' m confident that Mike is the right person to lead HotSchedules," shared Kevin Costello, Chairman of HotSchedules. "He is a seasoned executive with proven ability to create strategic clarity, focus on organization, and drive innovation and growth, particularly in industries facing transformation." An Independent Director of Vantiv (2014 to 2017), Costello served as President of Ariba (2002 to 2014).

"HotSchedules is built on a solid foundation--great products, strong financials, very engaged users, world-class customers, and a talented team dedicated to meeting the ever-changing needs of this evolving industry," volunteered Arenth. "I' m honored and excited to lead HotSchedules to create the next generation of intelligent back-of-house solutions that will help our customers drive into the future--thoughtfully, efficiently, successfully, and profitably." At present, HotSchedules reportedly serves over 2 million users in over 130,000 locations across 26 countries.

Mike Arenth, CEO, HotSchedules