Our Product Pick

Cherry/ZF Electronic Systems (Pleasant Prairie, WI) has shipped its JK-A0100EU keyboard for access control. This wired keyboard requires secondary authentication via smart card and also supports PIN. Its reader has CCID and EMV Level 1 approval, as well as ISO-7816 compatibility (with impending FIPS 201). A full-sized 104 + 4 layout for the JK-A0100EU features optimum key arrangement and the company's "touch and feel" tactile quality. In addition, convenient placement of the smart card reader allows for one-handed operation. With thin profile, the JK-A0100EU weighs 1.8 lbs. Evaluation units can be made available to qualified recipients by contacting Russell MacKenzie, Product Marketing Manager for Cherry/ZF.

Cherry Keyboard for Access Control

COMPANY BUSINESS

Ecwid: Speaking of Sync

An interesting entry from e-commerce developer Ecwid (San Diego, CA) in the form of "POS-to-Online." As its name suggests, this new solution facilitates integration of physical and virtual storefronts and ensures the merchant's catalog, inventory, customer, and transaction information always remain in synchronization. It's now offered to users of First Data's Clover POS through the Clover App Market. Support for other POS will be forthcoming over the next few months, RRN.Com was told.

Previously, merchants looking to run an online store and brick-and-mortar either had to manage elements of each separately or choose an e-commerce solution that locked them into specific store systems, postulated Jim O'Hara, President of Ecwid. With POS-to-Online, retailers have the flexibility to use their preferred point-of-sale and web presence. In addition to traditional in-store and online retail, Ecwid offers sell-on-the-go capability with its Mobile POS. It cites forty payment providers as partners.

"I was amazed that I could import all of my 300 products from my Clover Station inventory into Ecwid, and finish about 85% of my online store setup in less than five minutes," reported Mark Lenz, Owner of Smoke & Bones Woodshed in Savannah, Georgia. "We now have an online store that took me only two days to build and launch, and my customers are free to shop online or in our store while I can easily manage all of my inventory and sales transactions no matter where they decide to make their purchase." (FYI: His store specializes in woods, rubs, and grilling accessories, and not foodservice.)

Jim O'Hara, President, Ecwid

A to B for Restaurant POS

Closer ties between Aldelo (Pleasanton, CA) and Bixolon America (Torrance, CA). With this relationship, Bixolon's SRP-350plusIII, SRP-350III, and SRP-275II POS printers have been certified with the ISV's two popular software packages for restaurants, Aldelo POS and Aldelo Xera. In addition, Bixolon America has entered Aldelo's Strategic Partner Program at the Platinum Level, RRN.Com was told.

"We view these partnerships as integral to offering today's most robust and versatile restaurant POS," asserted Allyn Grindle, Director of National Business Development for Aldelo. "With Bixolon, which presents great value and quality in their products, easy integration, and marketing synergy with our company, we're found exactly what we look for in partners." Aldelo's Strategic Partner Program is "designed so that partners can budget their levels of participation in a way that gives maximum value for the investment," he added.

"Bixolon looks forward to developing this strategic partnership with Aldelo into 2015 and beyond," indicated John Choi, Product Manager at Bixolon America. "The Bixolon-Aldelo partnership is a platform to communicate value to the channel and equip them. We further align our goals to bringing innovative products to the market that the channel can leverage into profits." Aldelo has 400 resellers worldwide.

Bixolon's SRP-350plusIII POS Printer Certified by Aldelo

Worth Your While

RetailNOW 2015
Retail Solutions Providers Association
August 2-5
Orlando

VARTECH 2015
BlueStar
September 14-18
Enchantment of the Seas - Departs Orlando

Pack Expo
PMMI
September 28-30
Las Vegas

NACS Show
Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 11-14
Las Vegas

IAAPA Expo 2015
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 16-20
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Star Shines With SM-S230i

In keeping with its recent push into Mobile POS, Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has unveiled its smallest direct-thermal portable printer, the SM-S230i. It weighs less than 0.5 lbs. with dimensions of 4.5 in. (L) x 3.2 in. (W) x 1.7 in (D). At standard two-inch print width, the SM-S230i delivers maximum print speed of 3 inch/80 mm per second at 203 dpi. One- and two-dimensional barcodes and high-quality graphics are supported.

In order to simplify operation for end-users, the SM-S230i features "auto-detection" Bluetooth, which eliminates the need for configuration changes in the field when switching between iOS, Android, and Windows. A 1100-mAh Lithium-Ion battery provides 13 hours of continuous use (with five minute printing intervals) for long working environments in retail and hospitality. As paper roll diameter, the SM-S230i specifies 1.8 inch/40 mm.

In addition to Bluetooth, the SM-S230i carries USB 2.0. Other features include "drop-in & print" paper loading with simple one finger release, auto power-down mode, and cover-open/paper-out sensor. It meets drop specifications of 5 ft./1.5 m, and for payment applications, an optional magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) is offered. Next from Star Micronics America: the M-POP station, which combines receipt printer and cash drawer for tablet POS.

Star Micronics' SM-S230i Portable Bluetooth Printer

It's the Bump at Bematech

In the kitchen, Bematech (Bethpage, NY) has unwrapped its new bump bar, designated the KB9000, with projected capacitive touch technology. Measuring 8.5 in. (L) x 3.5 in. (W) x 1 in. (D), and weighing 0.6 lbs., the KB9000 addresses flexibility and durability, according to the vendor. An interchangeable legend sheet and programming software allows end-users to customize their layouts, with maximum total of 64 keys.

As features, the KB9000 has USB and PS2, audio and visual feedback, and key code memory of 1,400 strokes. In order to withstand harsh kitchen environments, it meets operating standards of 32 to 120 Degrees F (0 to 50 Degrees C) and maximum relative humidity of 80%. It may be mounted with angle bracket or VESA as part of the Kitchen Display System (KDS).

"Up until now, KDS operations have been comprised by the available bump bar designs in the market, hindering day-to-day operations," relayed Juliet Derby, CEO of Bematech U.S. "Each restaurant's KDS operation requirements are different due to variations in food preparation and order processing procedures. The KB9000 has the flexibility to reconfigure number of keys, locations, dimensions, and functions of keys to fit any restaurant's specific needs, thus maximizing efficiency."

KB9000 Bump Bar by Bematech

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ALLIANCES

Epson's Team America

A leading ISV, Teamwork Retail (Clearwater, FL), will recommend three popular receipt printers from Epson America (Long Beach, CA). This includes the workhorse Epson TM-T88V, two-inch portable Epson Mobilink P20, and three-inch portable Epson Mobilink P80. All support iOS, Android, and Windows. A leader in omni-channel commerce, Teamwork Retail was founded by Michael Mauerer, famous for Retail Pro and QuickBooks POS, who now serves as CEO.

"Teamwork Retail has proven leadership in retail innovation," enthused Tom Kettell, Director of Commercial Channel Sales at Epson America. "The company's forward-thinking technology solutions are an ideal match with our intelligent and mobile POS printers. Together, we provide retail merchants with a technological edge in a highly competitive environment."

Teamwork Retail Endorses Printers From Epson America, Including the TM-T88V

Another Pathway for TEAMSable POS

Up-and-comer Pathway POS (Mount Clemens, MI) has become the latest ISV to be recruited by TEAMSable POS (San Jose, CA). Under this new strategic partnership, Pathway POS, which focuses on the restaurant segment, will support TEAMSable's offerings in Android, including the 15" AD1000 Terminal, 10" 10N Desktop System, and 7" 7RT Tablet. As functionality, in addition to order taking and check-out, Pathway POS features real-time reporting, sales projections, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and transaction processing (including EMV).

"Our partnership with Pathway POS completes our product line card," commented Michael Hsieh, COO at TEAMSable POS. "Pathway POS is an ideal ISV partner for us because their channel-centric model matches ours, and together we can provide VARs with affordable Android-based POS solutions." On its website, TEAMSable POS lists more than two dozen ISVs.

Pathway POS on TEAMSable's AD1000

Code Corner

HotSchedules (Austin, TX) has released its mobile app for restaurant analytics, cleverly tagged "Reveal." It summarizes Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on sales, transactions, inventory, labor, social media, and weather--for display on smartphone, tablet, or browser. Users can look at current and historical performance data on daily, weekly, or monthly scales, and even drop down to fifteen-minute intervals for play-by-play details. HotSchedules' Reveal supports multiple languages and currencies, and the app is fully extensible. For restaurant managers, the potential use cases are extensive, according to the ISV. For example, if the restaurant owner notices dips in sales over the week, perhaps speed of service declined because of too few workers during peak hours, which led to below-average reviews on Yelp. Or sales average per person may have dropped due to unexpectedly high demand for promotional menu items. Overall, the app has been designed to help restaurant leaders see problems and investigate immediately. "Built on the Bodhi platform, HotSchedules' Reveal instantly delivers all of the restaurant's KPIs in the palm of the hand," expounded Sastry Penumarthy, VP of Platform Business Development for HotSchedules, which currently supports Aloha and Compris POS. "It's the only mobile-first analytics service in the industry, and we expect it to become an indispensable app for restaurant leaders."

"Reveal" From HotSchedules

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

"ON" Switch at KoamTac

KoamTac, Inc. (Princeton, NJ) has launched its new application tool for data collection, dubbed "KoamTacON." It allows users to create their custom applications in its web-based portal, before downloading and synchronizing this application with their smartphones and tablets, whether iOS, Android, or Windows. Collected data may be transferred via KDC barcode scanner from KoamTac--with Bluetooth--or by manual inputting.

Also, within this application, users may customize reports and run analysis for all collected data, which can be linked to an individual master account. All new and existing KDC customers will be offered free one-year subscriptions for KoamTacON. A subscription cost has been set at $9.95 per month per user or $99 per year per user for non-KDC customers.

KDC300 Barcode Reader From KoamTac

Benseron Opens the Comodo

Benseron (Naples, FL), supplier of Bevo, has called upon Comodo (Clifton, NJ) to secure its fielded base of 20,000 POS. SecureBox from Comodo utilizes "containment technology" to fight unknown threats to computer systems, including remote take-over, keylogging, SSL sniffing, zero-day malware, fund transfer fraud, and data ex-filtration. In particular, it combats malicious software such as PoSeidon, which specifically targets Windows POS.

"We are one of the largest providers of POS technology to restaurants and retail and specialty shops" related Onur Haytac, CEO at Benseron. "By integrating the Comodo SecureBox technology into our POS offering, we have a new age containment software that will stop any malware threats immediately. We are very pleased with how quickly Comodo has collaborated to help us customize and tailor the SecureBox solution for our needs."

Benseron Adds SecureBox by Comoto to Its POS for Data Security

Key Advertiser Links

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

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

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Honeywell Scanning

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
Mercury/Vantiv
Shift4

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp
PrehKeyTec

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

INSTALLATIONS

Earning Credit at Electronic Payments

Electronic Payments (Calverton, NY) will supply its merchant services for the Suffolk Federal Credit Union. A volunteer-directed cooperative, chartered in 1967, Suffolk Federal returns profits to members in the form of lower rates on business loans, competitive interest on savings, and reduced fees. Addition of Electronic Payments will allow it to enhance its banking offerings such as deluxe business checking, payroll services, remote deposit capture, and commercial lending, according to the two parties.

"As a credit union, we value the relationships that we have developed with our membership and work diligently to provide them the very best in service," emphasized Keith Miller, VP of Business Services for Suffolk Federal. "Based on their reputation of providing secure, comprehensive point-of-sale and processing options in a member-driven capacity, Electronic Payments is the perfect extension of our current resources." At present, Suffolk Federal has 53,000 members and eight branches on Long Island.

Michael Nardy, Founder and CEO, Electronic Payments

Cage the Elephant With Paytronix

Paytronix Systems (Newton, MA), purveyor of reward programs, has successfully deployed its geo-fencing capability for the Elephant Bar. With headquarters in Dallas, Texas, and part of the Chalak Mitra Group, Elephant Bar runs twenty-nine fast-casual restaurants, mostly in California and the Southwest. In its review of three recent campaigns, it found that approximately 30% of members visited one of their restaurants on the day they received their individual geo-fencing message.

As program members cross the radius of specific stores (which may be customized), this geo-fencing module reminds them to use the rewards they've earned or sends real-time promotions. Messages may be targeted to individual behavior, with so-called "daytime opportunities" delivered to the customer's smartphone. As an example of such targeted messaging, "free coffee" offers may be sent to members who have "free coffee" on their existing accounts.

"Elephant Bar has taken advantage of geo-fencing to surface offers and alerts to loyalty members who are on-the-go," observed Kristen House, Mobile Product Manager for Paytronix Systems. "We're not at all surprised that they are recording 30% lift from these campaigns and are driving serious new spend from member visits." By way of reference, Paytronix Systems now supports 250 restaurant chains with 20 million guests through mobile, social, and digital marketing tools.

Geo-Fencing Brings 30% Lift in Sales for the Elephant Bar

Channel Factoid

Ambivalence on the part of Americans, apparently, on payment technologies and data security. A large majority (77%) are anxious about breaches of their financial information, according to the new survey by MasterCard. This fear runs so deep that consumers are less concerned about having their e-mail hacked (62%) or their home robbed (59%). However, consumers seem ready to embrace new ways to pay. More than two-thirds of shoppers (69%) use chip cards or plan to use them soon. Likewise, more than half (56%) currently use mobile digital payments via an app or website or plan to try it soon. In addition, eight in ten (82%) have heard of contactless or tap-and-go payments. Most people (88%) also trust that their payment network is arming them with secure technologies to protect them from fraud, and three-quarters (77%) feel that new technologies in the payment sector are having an overall positive impact on personal security. In terms of generational differences, Millennial Americans (45%) are least likely to believe that the risk of their financial information being stolen or compromised is going to increase in the next three years, compared to 58% of Gen-Xers and 61% of Baby Boomers. "All generations want to take ownership of their financial information, they're becoming more security conscious, and they're actively embracing new technologies and services that will help keep them safe," extrapolated Carolyn Balfany, SVP of U.S. Product Delivery - EMV, MasterCard.

HELLO GOODBYE

A Peter Pan From Wendy's

Syrus Restaurant Information Services (Columbus, OH), one of the prominent providers of back-office systems, has hired hospitality industry veteran Mike Tobin as its new VP of Client Relations and Project Management. During his thirty-year career with Wendy's, Tobin held leadership roles in Operations, Information Systems, and Project Management. His experience ranges from point-of-sale to multi-unit and executive-level reporting for both corporate and franchise restaurant locations.

"We are so fortunate to have someone with Mike's abilities and proven track record to come to our team," remarked Jim Karam, CEO and President of Syrus. "I can't think of anyone I've known in my time in this industry who has a better combination of skills to help us fulfill our promise to our customers, which is to use technology and information to drive operational and financial performance." Volunteered Tobin, "I am very excited to join the Syrus team, partnering with such a great organization, people, and customer base."

Founded in 1996, Syrus Restaurant Information Services provides Inventory & Ordering, Food Cost Management, Labor Management, and Enterprise Reporting via SaaS. As expected, it ties to the entire catalog of restaurant systems for POS. At present, it has more than 2,500 customers--including Wendy's.

Mike Tobin, VP of Client Relations and Project Management, Syrus Restaurant Information Services

IHL Bolsters Roster (With Roster)

IHL Group (Franklin, TN), perhaps the leading research firm in retail IT, has engaged Jeff Roster as its VP of Retail Strategy. In this new position, Roster will oversee IHL's retailer engagement, vendor briefings, and strategic IT services practice. "His extensive knowledge of retail, background in company briefings, and broad personal relationships with many of our clients will be extremely valuable to IHL as we continue to serve retailers and vendors," commented Greg Buzek, President of IHL Group.

"I'm thrilled to be joining IHL, working with a strong group of analysts dedicated to retail and hospitality, and helping to support IHL Sophia, the industry's most comprehensive database on technology installs," shared Roster. "And IHL's commitment to the Retail Orphan Initiative means more opportunities to extend the work of helping orphaned and vulnerable children through clean water, education, and computer training as well. A win-win all around."

Roster brings nearly thirty years of experience in retail technology analysis. Most recently, he served as VP of Industries - Retail for Gartner, Inc. Before joining Gartner, he worked in logistics and process improvement for now-defunct Mervyn's. Also, he serves on the Board of Advisors for the Retail Orphan Initiative, started by IHL Group in 2010.

Jeff Roster, VP of Retail Strategy, IHL Group