This Week’s Product Pick

Xplore Technologies Corp. (Austin, TX) has unwrapped its RangerX rugged tablet running Android. Suited for demanding environments, RangerX furnishes 10-inch multi-touch display with 1366x768 resolution, both IP-65 and MIL-STD810G ratings, and weight of 2.2 lbs. with 10 hour battery life. It's powered by Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 CPU, with 32 GB of storage expandable to 192 GB of RAM. Additional capabilities include Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, front and rear-facing cameras, USB ports, RFID, and NFC, as well as FIPS 140-2 card reading compliancy. An optional integrated module with Gigabit Ethernet and HDMI-In connections expedites use by telecommunication carriers. "The RangerX is not only fully rugged, but also offers an industry-leading range of multi-faceted capabilities," stated Philip Sassower, CEO of Xplore Technologies.

Xplore's RangerX With Android

COMPANY BUSINESS

Linear Thinking at Motorola

Now's the time for linear imaging, Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) has decided. With this week's introduction of its Model LI2208 corded, general-purpose, one-dimensional scanner, the company has plugged the historic gap in its line card. This new device, not surprisingly, piggybacks on the popular form factor, ergonomics, and engineering approach of the best-selling LS2208 laser scanner. Weighing 5 oz., and measuring 6.3 in. (H) x 2.6 in. (W) x 3.9 in. (L), it incorporates proprietary linear imaging technology that greatly improves performance, RRN.Com was told by Bernadette Ackerman, Senior Manager, Product Marketing, at Motorola Solutions.

According to Ackerman, two factors contributed to Motorola's emergent interest in linear imaging. "Use of barcodes in mobile marketing has exploded in the last year or two, and, as you know, laser scanners can't read barcodes off electronic screens," Ackerman said. "Secondly, we've made enhancements to our technology, through the patent process, and can now meet, or in some cases exceed, the performance of lasers at the same price point." In the case of the new LI2208 that means read ranges of up to 30 inches for 13 mil 100% UPC barcodes and up to 55 inches for 26 mil 200% UPC barcodes. For durability, LI2208 employs the same single circuit board to eliminate points of failure as the LS2208, while meeting IP-42 ratings for water and dust.

In addition to retail, Ackerman cited target markets in light manufacturing, education, libraries, and hospitality (everything from hotel concessions to quick-service restaurants). "One of the important things is the fact that this is an open channel product," she noted of the LI2208. "We're working with our channel team to help our partners formulate the conversations they should be having with their customers when it comes to new opportunities from this device, such as reading mobile barcodes. We're counting on Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to help bring that message, in concert with VARs."

New LI2208 Linear Imager From Motorola

A Triple Play for RDS

Retail Data Systems (Omaha, NE) has been named as NCR Premier POS Dealer, meaning it will now provide all three NCR/Retalix Grocery POS platforms: ISS45, ScanMaster, and Advanced Checkout Solution for Independent Retailers (ACS-IR). With over 400 professional associates operating out of 25 sales and service locations, RDS served as the largest dealer partner for Retalix, prior to purchase of Retalix by NCR in early 2013. Under that relationship, it installed both ISS45 and ScanMaster POS systems throughout the U.S.

Following the merger, the NCR/Retalix Transition Team reviewed the dealer sales channels of both companies to determine the best overall combined sales and service approach to serve the independent grocery market, according to RDS. Appointment of RDS as NCR Premier POS Dealer has resulted. With its news status, RDS will expand its sales and support services to ACS-IR customers throughout the Midwest and Southeast and provide "a definitive roadmap toward the future NCR POS platform . . . R-10," posted the RDS blog.

"We have enjoyed a relationship with NCR for many years through our Hospitality and C-Store Divisions," commented Bob Seider, CEO/President of Data Systems, Inc., the parent company of RDS. "The acquisition of Retalix provided an opportunity to expand what was already a very strong relationship. We plan to move forward very quickly in assimilating the ACS-IR product so that we can provide ACS-IR users the same high level of sales and support services enjoyed by our other grocery customers."

NCR RealPOS DynaKey for Grocery

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

Of EVO and ION

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) has launched two new products for our channel: EVO TP4 TruFlat POS and ION Cash Drawers. Its first entry into advanced bezel-free design, EVO TP4 TruFlat POS offers 15-inch five-wire resistive or projected capacitive touchscreen technology. A variety of high-performance Intel CPUs address demanding retail environments, including Atom, Celeron, Pentium, or Core i3. System memory starts at 2-4 GB DDR3 and ends at 4-8 GB DDR3.

Achieving an IP-54 rating, the EVO TP4 is both dust and splash resistant. A rigid die-cast aluminum alloy frame provides bump-free operation, according to the vendor, with the full array of ports, as well as "EZHD" slot for easy HDD or SSD replacement, built-in cable management, and standard reader and display accessories. As company policy, POS-X extends three-year warranty with two-day advance replacement protection.

The second product from POS-X, ION Cash Drawers, has been positioned as the lower-cost choice for small-to-midsized merchants. Both 16-inch and 18-inch versions are offered, with locking mechanism, fully adjustable tilt, heavy-duty metal bill weights, and black or silver front panels. To maximize versatility, ION Cash Drawer also comes in standalone manual version, ideal for mobile-run applications. Major printer brands such as Epson, Citizen, Star, Ithaca, and POS-X are compatible.

EVO TP4 TruFlat POS Terminal by POS-X

Making the Case for RFID, Literally

KoamTac, Inc. (Princeton, NJ) has added RFID to its family of miniature Bluetooth barcode scanners for smartphones and tablets. This new KDC450 is the sixth model in the KDC400 line of smart sleds from the company, which are offered in variations of one- and two-dimensional barcode scanning, magnetic-stripe reading (MSR), and now, RFID. All major operating systems are supported, including Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and BlackBerry.

The KDC450's RFID reader accommodates any ISO/IEC 14443 A or B compliant smartcard, ISO/IEC 15693 compliant RFID label, or NFC device (ISO/IEC 18092/21481) running in card emulation mode. An optional secondary Bluetooth port provides seamless connectivity to peripherals such as mobile printers. Additional features include one- and two-dimensional scanner, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, and charging cradle. Finally, KDC450 comes with KTSync keyboard wedging software and software development kit (SDK).

"RFID is bringing exciting changes across industries worldwide by speeding up identification and tracking and simplifying business processes," counseled Hanjin Lee, CEO/President of KoamTac. "Integration of RFID technology into our uniquely programmable KDC product line gives companies yet another powerful solution to reduce labor cost, save time, and serve customers better. The KDC450 with RFID simply opens up even more flexibility in the way the world collects and stores information."

KoamTac's KDC450 Smart Sled With RFID

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ALLIANCES

New Pals in Plastic

Two leaders in payments, Ingenico (Atlanta) and Mercury (Durango, CO), have more closely linked their hardware and software, with an eye towards the retail market. As first step, Ingenico's Telium 2 family has been certified by Mercury, including the iSC Touch 250/350 terminals, iPP350 PIN Pad, and the iSMP mobile payment sled for iPhone and iPod Touch. All such devices will be integrated with MercuryShield End-to-End Encryption (E2E), helping to reduce the cost and effort of PCI compliance for merchants, according to the two parties.

"Point of sale solutions are becoming increasingly complex, and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) are now forced to choose technologies and hope they maintain relevancy in the future," stated John Berkley, SVP of Product for Mercury, in addressing RRN.Com readers. "By integrating Ingenico's Telium-based POS technology with our payment processing platform, we are offering our partner network a fast and reliable solution to extend and improve their POS system, while future-proofing it against rapid industry changes." At present, Mercury's partner ecosystem includes more than 500 ISVs and 2,500 VARs, according to the company's figures.

Island Pacific (Irvine, CA), one of Mercury's ISVs, has already utilized this new framework to roll out POS across several "Peek - Aren't You Curious" clothing boutiques in the U.S. MercuryShield E2E encrypts cardholder data immediately at the time of swipe, using the iSC Touch 250 devices. In addition, Island Pacific has upgraded the POS to accept EMV Chip-and-PIN and NFC transactions, as well as drawing in inventory and retail store management software. In the case of the iSMP, and mobile payments on iPhone or iPod Touch, Island Pacific has several pilots in play and expects full rollout later this summer.

Mercury Endorses Ingenico's Telium 2

Another "Level" for pcAmerica

Another new friend for LevelUp (Boston), in the form of pcAmerica (Pearl River, NY), which has added the growing smartphone-based mobile payment and loyalty platform to its Restaurant Pro Express and Cash Register Express POS packages. In the area of mobile payments, pcAmerica has interfaces to Paydiant, Isis, and Google Wallet, RRN.Com was told by David Gosman, CEO, as well as its own baked-in loyalty plans, but LevelUp represents the only combined mobile payment and loyalty solution. Many customers had requested the LevelUp integration, Gosman revealed.

As part of this integration, the pcAmerica POS software provides retailers with an option to supply LevelUp with detailed, SKU-level data, which opens the door for even more customized marketing campaigns, whether brand-funded or merchant-funded. "I'm stressing 'option' here, as it's up to the retailer if they want to turn this part on or not," Gosman cautioned. "Some businesses like to keep their data close to them."

"Integration with LevelUp was not all that difficult," continued Gosman. "And it's really simple to ring up the customer and take their payment. Just like any tender type, their transactions get logged alongside other credit and cash, making it easier to balance the register at closing. Our resellers will have yet another feature, and competitive advantage or differentiation, with selling our software. Also, it opens up another opportunity for recurring revenue." As RRN.Com readers may know, LevelUp promotes 0% payment processing fees, with revenues garnered from its marketing services.

LevelUp Payment for Cash Register Express by pcAmerica

Code Corner

LAN Services (San Jose, CA) has adorned its 24Seven shopping cart with Retail Pro POS. This combined system passes and updates information on inventories and customers simultaneously to both channels, online and in-store. It immediately uploads product and fulfillment data on the web and downloads customer orders to the POS. Synchronized Retail Pro with 24Seven shopping cart also mechanizes and schedules various inventory updates such as price and quantity, product attributes, and out-of-stock items. Additional benefits include elimination of manual data entry, support for Amazon and eBay, and generation of detailed reporting on sales, payments, and shipments.

Seagull Scientific (Seattle) had released BarTender 10.1, the latest version of its barcode and labeling software. Version 10.1 carries features and improvements that enable more complex designs, according to its developer, including comprehensive barcode support, new "layers," enhanced serialization, improved usability and new global data fields, custom page templates, and so-called conditional printing. "Hundreds of thousands of users rely on BarTender to make their production printing and marking as efficient and reliable as possible," remarked Harold Boe, President of Seagull Scientific. "With Version 10.1, we have incorporated some of the most requested features, plus a long list of innovations and improvements to make the world's leading design and printing software even better." BarTender comes in four, progressively more powerful, editions: Basic, Professional, Automation, and Enterprise Automation.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

On the Route With Brother

Rutherford and Associates (Holland, MI) has certified Brother Mobile Solutions (Broomfield, CO) as mobile printer partner for its route accounting and direct store delivery (DSD) software. Rutherford's eoStar Route Management package supports leading producers, wholesalers, and distributors of soft drinks, beer, wine, and snack foods across North America. Leveraging Microsoft .NET and SQL Server, it delivers key functionality such as warehouse management, voice picking, purchase forecasting, surveys, web order entry, and mobile sales and delivery.

"We are honored to be recognized by Rutherford for our line of mobile wireless enabled printers," remarked David Crist, SVP of Sales and Marketing for Brother Mobile Solutions, which is part of Brother International Corporation. "Achieving accuracy, speed, and efficiency in the fast-paced business of over-the-road route accounting can be tough, and we are proud to offer a range of rugged, reliable mobile printing solutions that help make the distributors' and drivers' jobs easier."

Paul Rutherford, VP of Sales for Rutherford and Associates, added: "Our eoStar software provides our customers with a complete business management solution, from the bottling plants to distribution centers to stores. The Brother portfolio of mobile wireless-enabled printers provides the versatility, flexibility, and reliability needed to complement our solutions." Two variations of portable thermal printers are offered from Brother: RuggedJet for receipts and labels, and PocketJet for full-page documents such as inventory and price lists, sales promos, and catalogue sheets.

RuggedJet RJ-4030 4" Mobile Thermal Printer

Where Micros and Sysco Meet

WhenToManage (Norwalk, CT) has expanded its subscription-based software solution for hospitality by engaging Micros Systems (Columbia, MD). With this new integration of Micros POS (3700 and e7), WhenToManage claims to work with all popular POS systems, while also offering open application programming interfaces (APIs) for further customization. Where needed, WhenToManage allows consolidation of data from several different POS systems into its single business management platform.

Another enhancement addresses invoicing and ordering from broad-line suppliers such as US Foods, McClane, Gordon Foods, and Sysco. By bundling such information into the WhenToManage reporting and intelligence software, users gain better control of food and beverage costs, according to the developer. Other just-introduced product features include enhanced mobile tablet capabilities in inventory tracking, recipe preparation, and operations.

"We are continually innovating new product features in keeping with our goal to stay in front of and provide the best solutions to our customers," proclaimed Jeff Schacher, CEO and Founder of WhenToManage. "We want our technologies to not only maximize ROI, but also simplify the daily tasks that plague the industries we serve, creating an enhanced working experience and better overall environment." Look for WhenToManage to introduce its next-generation platform later this year, entitled "Peach."

"LOG" App by WhenToManage Replaces Daily Notebooks and Clipboards for Restaurant Managers

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
Motorola Solutions

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Janam Stocks the Shelves

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has deployed its XG100 rugged handheld computer for Buy For Less, an independent grocer with 14 stores in the Oklahoma City area. Janam's XG100 was selected for its superior form factor, industrial-grade construction, fast processing speed, and strong WLAN performance, according to the two parties. Measuring 7.2 in. (H) x 3.5 in. (W) x 9 in. (L), and weighing about 24 oz., this gun-style device puts its battery inside the pistol grip, lowering the center of gravity for better balance and worker comfort. It runs Windows Mobile 6.1 with the Marvell PXA320 CPU at 624 MHz and Honeywell's Adaptus Imager.

"The Janam XG100 wireless device allows us to leverage newer, better technologies and features that are more user friendly and ultimately provide greater value to our guests," relayed Jared Black, Director of Information Technology at Buy For Less. "Additionally, the sales and support we have received from Janam are second to none; the quality and workmanship of the hardware are exceptional. We have found that Janam offers greater value for your investment capital."

"In the highly competitive grocery retail market, Buy For Less stands out as one leader," volunteered Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam. "They have an exceptional history of operational efficiency and innovation. We are pleased that they selected the XG100 and proud to count Buy For Less among our discerning customers."

Grocery Chain Deploys Janam's XG100

Black Bear Gets the DTT's

DTT (Los Angeles) has been selected to supply loss prevention and video surveillance for Black Bear Diner. Following successful evaluation of DTT's managed services at their flagship location, corporate-wide rollout has started at Black Bear and should be completed within the next two months. Headquartered in Northern California, Black Bear has 58 restaurants throughout the Western U.S.

"The initial pilot really opened our eyes to what DTT can do to improve margins and profitability," reported Robert Simpson, Director of Operations for Black Bear Diner Corporate. "These valuable services--including the 'MyDTT' portal, detailed 'SmartAudit' reports, along with POS integration--provide us with necessary actionable data. As our approved corporate vendor, we will absolutely recommend that all of our franchisees install the DTT system."

Founded in 1999, DTT focuses on digital video surveillance for hospitality and specialty retail. Customers include McDonald's, Subway, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Dunkin Brands, Taco Bell, KFC, and Auntie Anne's, among others. "DTT is very pleased that Black Bear Diner has chosen DTT's surveillance and loss prevention services package, designed specifically for their restaurants," shared Tom Moran, EVP of Sales and Marketing for DTT. "We look forward to working in both corporate and franchise locations with the strong commitment to improving guest services and enhancing efficiencies, while protecting their employees and assets."

Digital Video Surveillance for Western Diner Chain

Channel Factoid

"Windows 8.1 Could Become What Windows 8.0 Should Have Been," quips the title of the latest report by Gartner. It's common knowledge that Microsoft will improve features of the new user experience with Windows 8.1, expected to ship in time for holiday device sales, most prominently "start" button functionality, as well as booting to the desktop, and Internet Explorer (IE) 11. Microsoft has not released further details, but Gartner expects only minor changes to the Windows desktop, which would ensure high levels of compatibility with legacy Win32. More problems may arise from moving from IE 8 to IE 11 than with Win32 applications that run on Windows 7, the consultancy continues, and organizations should budget time to test critical applications and understand vendor support policies. Gartner makes the following recommendations, based on current details. (1) If you have considered Windows 8 only for touch-based devices, evaluate Windows 8.1 for broader deployment. (2) If you have been avoiding Windows 8, and usually prefer to adopt new OS via PC refresh, consider deploying Windows 8.1 on newly purchased PCs after you have completed the requisite testing--especially with IE 11. (3) If you are engaged in early planning phases of Windows 8 projects, pilot on Windows 8 if it makes sense, but switch to Windows 8.1 beta as soon as possible.

HELLO GOODBYE

More Action at ASI

Action Systems, Inc. (Silver Spring, MD), developer of Restaurant Manager POS, has enlisted Brian Ellery as Director of Software Development. In this role he will supervise three independent software development teams focusing, respectively, on restaurant POS software, mobile business applications, and cloud services. Ellery brings over two decades of experience in the software arena, having participated in both technology and business management. Prior to ASI, he served as Director of Software Innovation for Laureate Education.

"Brian's expertise and leadership will help ASI continue to provide the cutting-edge solutions our customers need," indicated Alex Malison, CEO of ASI. "He brings experience in innovative product development, agile management techniques, and the ability to provide measurable improvements to the efficiency of his development team. We look forward to him aiding our continued growth as a leading provider of POS software via our flagship solution, the Restaurant Manager POS system."

Earlier, Action Systems, Inc. unveiled its latest iPad POS solution, dubbed RM Kiosk. Fully integrated with Restaurant Manager, as one would expect, and sharing menu items, prices, promotions, and modifiers, RM Kiosk brings self-service to the restaurant setting. "Allowing customers to place their own orders can reduce payroll costs while increasing average checks," observed Jay Shavitz, Product Manager at Action Systems. "Less wait staff are needed and we know from our experience with online ordering that customers buy more when they have the ability to make selections as they browse the menu."

Action Systems' RM Kiosk

Cougar on the Prowl

Cougar Mountain Software (Boise, ID) has promoted Ann Geisel to the position of Product Manager. A three-year employee of Cougar Mountain, Geisel previously worked as Support Manager, where she extensively learned the needs of the customer, according to the developer. With her new title, she has responsibility for product planning, design, and marketing.

"I look forward to working with our prospects, customers, developers, and internal resources as we respond to businesses' and non-profits' needs for strong, secure, and accurate accounting solutions," declared Geisel. "Our ability to move the company forward relies on delivering quality products as quickly as possible. I'm excited about the opportunity and our future."

"Ann's leadership of Cougar Mountain's support team has been extremely successful," testified Chuck Gossett, CEO of Cougar Mountain Software. "As we transition into a new phase of product development and growth I'm delighted to have Ann as our Product Manager." Cougar Mountain's roadmap reportedly includes its new payroll product in addition to enhancements to existing general, non-profit, and retail accounting solutions. Just last week, the company ddebuted three new, laddered, point of sale and inventory packages--POS Basecamp, POS Ascent, and POS Summit--as exclusively reported in RRN.Com.

Chuck Gossett, CEO, Cougar Mountain Software