Our Product Pick

Socket Mobile (Newark, CA) has devised its QX Stand for its own CHS Series 7 scanner. Intended for mobile couponing, in particular, the QX Stand measures about nine inches high, with heavy base and rubber feet. Overall, it weighs 1 lb. A small magnet built into the top of the mounting arch makes contact with the magnet housed in the CHS Series 7 for guidance in aligning and secure holding, and the quick-release mechanism allows easy mobility. In addition, its gimbal-and-socket platform allows proper scanner orientation, and charging pins fit the CHS Series 7 to draw AC power. The QX Stand is shipped in three pieces, with an AC adapter with USB cable.

QX Stand for CHS Series 7 Scanner

COMPANY BUSINESS

Tablet Joins Team

In tune with the times, Team Sable (San Jose, CA) has premiered its 7RT tablet. With seven-inch, five-point-capacitive, multi-touch display, 7RT addresses both POS & Auto ID settings, RRN.Com was told. It runs Android 4.0, with Arm Cortex A9 Dual-Core CPU at 1.2 GHz, DDR3 RAM at 1 GHz, and 4 GB Flash. As additional characteristics, it offers IP-54 and MIL-STD--810G ratings for ruggedness, with onboard Bluetooth Version 2.1+EDR, integrated 802.11b/g/n, and two-megapixel front and rear cameras.

In support of apps, Team Sable offers an optional triple-track magnetic-stripe reader and two-dimensional barcode scanner (as well as charging dock and hand strap). A 7.4-V, 5000-mAh battery pack provides five hours of battery life. A full range of I/O ports are provided, along with internal speaker. Significantly, 7RT comes with sixty-day (after date of invoice) no charge overnight replacement with call tag, as well as free lifetime tech support. Team Sable will exhibit the 7RT at the upcoming Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in August in Orlando.

"We realized that ruggedized tablet lines offered to VARs fell short on many key components for a successful implementation in the field, and that's why we designed and priced the 7RT to satisfy this demand," indicated Kathy Wu, POS Division Manager for Team Sable. "The 7RT can adapt to any hospitality and retail environments, offers needed peripherals, and is priced to sell. The 7RT tablet now allows VARs to successfully supply a Mobile POS solution into multiple verticals and applications."

7RT Tablet From Team Sable

Across the Universe (Logistically)

A single source has emerged in the supply chain with the merger of Accellos (Colorado Springs, CO) and HighJump Software (Minneapolis, MN). Overall, these two companies now serve 11,000 customers in two dozen countries with an entire suite of necessary technologies--networked trading partner connectivity, warehouse management systems, transportation planning, and route delivery. A combined entity will operate under the name of HighJump, and Accellos Founder and CEO Michael Cornell has been appointed as CEO.

"Our collective supply chain execution product portfolio is one of the broadest and most adaptable in the industry, and covers the unique needs of large enterprises, 3PL's, and SMB's," observed Cornell. "HighJump's trading partner network [based on EDI] is a model for the power of a next generation 'connect-once, access-all' network that can provide significant value to Accellos customers. Additionally, HighJump and Accellos share a common culture rooted in a relentless focus on developing innovative products and strong customer support."

Michael Cornell, CEO of HighJump-Accellos

Worth Your While

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 3-6
Orlando

VARTECH 2014
BlueStar
September 17-20
New Orleans

NACS Show
Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 7-10
Las Vegas

Pack Expo
PMMI
November 2-5
Chicago

Customer Engagement Technology World
JD Events
November 5-6
New York

ALL IN THE FAMILY

MMF "FleXes" Muscle

MMF POS (Wheeling, IL) has showcased two new enclosures for popular commercial tablet sizes. As part of the TABlock Series, the FleX-7 (for seven-to-eight-inch tablets) and the FleX-10 (for nine-to-ten-inch tablets) feature ruggedized construction, secure locking, and ease-of-use design. Black, red, and white are standard colors, with mounting to counter, cash drawer, wall, or any flat surface via VESA.

Comprised of lightweight aluminum and steel, the FleX-7 and FleX-10 enclosures carry an innovative EZ-FleX spring-loaded mechanism which accommodates diverse tablets. So-called Swivel-MAX base technology allows 360-degree rotation for portrait or landscape orientation and optimized viewing angles. A bracket stabilizes credit card readers from major vendors.

These entries in the TABlock Series furnish built-in 3.5-mm audio port, bottom and top openings on the back side for power cables, and four-pin tubular lock with two keys. For added protection, there's Kensington lock opening on the base and tamper-proof cable tie opening on the case. Finally, radio transparency allows for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular service. Custom colors and logo imprint are available upon request.

TABlock Series of Tablet Enclosures

Posiflex: Go Ahead, Take PCAP

Posiflex Business Machines (Hayward, CA) will now ship its XT4015 folding touch terminal for POS with projected capacitive screen, rather than resistive screen, at no cost. This new choice enhances performance, emphasized the vendor. It features ten-point multi-touch capability, bezel-free 100% flat surface, and scratch-resistance for harsh environments, and even works with surgical or cotton gloves.

XT4015 with projected capacitive is fully compatible with XT4015 resistive, and also furnishes seamless transition for software applications. Overall, the XT4015 with 15-inch screen has an innovative collapsible base for height and viewing angle flexibility as well as reduced shipping costs. A choice of Intel CPUs are offered--Celeron G540 at 2.5 GHz, Core i3-3220 at 3.3 GHz, or Core i5-3550 at 3.7 GHz--running up to 16 GB of RAM.

A range of additional benefits are included in the XT4015, such as five USB ports, dual LAN ports, VESA wall-mount capability, control of two cash drawers, and Mini PCI-e slot for Wi-Fi, along with three DB9 and one RJ-45 ports. In order to secure valuable data, the XT4015 has RAID 1 (disk mirroring) as an option. As markets for the XT4015, the company cited point-of-sale, kitchen video, self-checkout, surveillance, and replacement of PC's.

Projected Capacitive Touch for Posiflex XT4015

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PARTNER PROGRAMS

Aerohive Buzzes at BlueStar

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) will bring the wireless mobile platform technology from Aerohive Networks (Sunnyvale, CA) to its resellers in the U.S. Previously, BlueStar supplied such technology in Canada. Founded in 2006, with over 14,000 installations worldwide, Aerohive Networks offers controller-less Wi-Fi and cloud-managed mobile networking for the enterprise market. Its product portfolio includes access points, routers, and switches, along with the HiveOS and HiveManager.

"BlueStar is excited to add Aerohive to our U.S. wireless product portfolio," commented Mike Byington, VP of Business Development for BlueStar. "Aerohive's innovative technology coupled with a strong partner program presents a compelling value proposition for our reseller community. Aerohive solutions will also serve as a complimentary infrastructure option to many of our current product offerings including our unique 'In-a-Box' Solutions."

"There has been accelerating demand in every industry for networking solutions that can meet today's mobility challenges," added Kurt Mills, VP of Channel Sales for Aerohive Networks. "As such, we're committed to increasing our channel presence and partnering with those who understand the specific connectivity needs of enterprises. BlueStar's expertise in this market and VAR network makes them a perfect fit for our proprietary Wi-Fi solutions."

Access Point for Wi-Fi by Aerohive Networks

Surely at Symbology

Symbology, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN) has moved to the level of GS1 U.S. Solution Partner. This ensures that the company has completed the education programs and meets the requirements for implementing strict barcode standards from the GS1 U.S. (Lawrenceville, NJ). For Symbology, this covers areas of digital barcodes, sequential labels, and "same day" label service. GS1 U.S., of course, rides herd on the UPC.

"In this partnership with GS1 U.S., we look forward to big things--helping organizations ensure correct barcode use throughout many industries--for identification, traceability, and efficient operations," relayed John Gorowsky, VP of Sales and Marketing at Symbology. "AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) continues to increase in importance as technology capabilities advance throughout the world." With over thirty years of barcode experience, Symbology now joins this select fraternity.

In the area of preprinted sequential labels, Symbology addresses the tire, library, fresh produce, medical laboratory, and material handling industries. By way of support, it supplies the full line of barcode verifiers, from handheld to high-speed inspection, from vendors such as Axicon (Cincinnati, OH), RJS (Minneapolis, MN), and Webscan (Longmont, CO). In 2012, Symbology purchased its tire label distributor, Advantage ID.

Produce Traceability Labels by Symbology, GS1 U.S. Solution Partner

Code Corner

One of the newcomers in Android POS, TouchSuite (Boca Raton, FL) has moved quickly to solidify its offering for the salon and spa segment, dubbed Firefly. First, the firm released its integration for social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Next, an integrated marketing suite has been launched based upon e-mail communications. Examples include appointment reminders, birthday and special occasion offers, and follow-up thank-you notes. A variety of templates require minimal customization, according to the company. Variables such as dollar amount per spent per appointment can also be added to the program for campaign triggering purposes. "Our clients in the salon and spa space are in need of efficient, simple, and cost-effective tools with which to connect to their customers and market themselves in the digital arena," proposed Sam Zietz, CEO. "With our latest advancements through the new marketing suite and social media channels, we know that we are satisfying that need and allowing them to compete even against large, national salon chains."

Firefly by TouchSuite

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

iOS for IoT, Sees Trimble

Trimble (Sunnyvale, CA) has added Apple iOS compatibility to its ThingMagic Mercury API Software Development Kit. This comes with the release of Mercury API Version 1.23, which removes complexities and speeds time to deployment for VARs and OEMs developing solutions based on ThingMagic's readers and embedded modules, according to Trimble. Existing ThingMagic customers under current support contract may download this API.

In particular, Mercury API enables developers to design and test the following criteria: reader and tag commands; read functionality such as setting antennas, protocols, and filtering; advanced operations such as killing and locking tags; privacy and security features; and performance and memory optimization. In order to address diverse vertical markets, it's matched with products such as the Mercury xPRESS flexible development platform. This clears the way for more solutions, based on consistency of platform, with the ultimate target of the Internet of Things (IoT).

"Feedback from RFID end-users has shown an increased demand to use the most popular mobile devices and operating systems," reported Tom Grant, GM of ThingMagic at Trimble. "We first responded with Android support in the last release of our Mercury API and have now added iOS support. In doing so, we are expanding the population of devices that can manage and control ThingMagic." Located in Woburn, Massachusetts, the ThingMagic Business was founded in 2000 by PhD's from MIT's Media Lab, before purchase by Trimble.

Trimble Adds iOS for ThingMagic RFID

Shout Out at Motorola

Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) has unveiled TekSpeech Pro, its enhanced voice-directed solution for core warehouse management functions. A number of technical advancements have been added to TekSpeech, first introduced ten years ago, including its zero-training, speaker-independent, speech-recognition engine and more flexible architecture for diverse mobile computers and environments (so-called multi-modal operation via speech, scan, touchscreen, or keyboard). Apps span picking, packing, receiving, cross-docking, put-away, replenishment, loading, and quality inspection, as expected.

Included in TekSpeech Pro are tools for customization and integration into Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). A Speech Process Analyzer, serving as business intelligence data-capture platform, allows accurate reporting on user and system performance in order to evaluate and improve processes. Importantly, users can speak naturally regardless of accent, sex, or speed of speech. In addition to this new platform, of course, the vendor supplies the full range of supporting network and data collection hardware.

"Voice-directed solutions in the warehouse traditionally have been costly and complex to implement and required proprietary hardware and software," suggested Joe White, VP of Enterprise Mobile Computing for Motorola Solutions. "We are reinforcing our ten-year commitment to this market with TekSpeech Pro--bringing flexibility and performance to a completely open, multi-modal solution that will help partners and customers deploy voice-enabled applications that can improve worker productivity and business profitability." According to research by Motorola Solutions, picking and replenishment will experience 142% growth in multi-modal operation and workflows over the next five years.

Next-Generation TekSpeech Pro Voice Debuted by Motorola Solutions

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POStablets
POS-X
TEAMSable
Toshiba GCS

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Intermec by Honeywell
SATO America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning
Intermec by Honeywell
Trimble MCS

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Discover
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury Payment Systems

Inventory Systems
New West Technologies

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

A Familiar, Fresh Face in POS

After decades of prominence, the name "Cowan" will disappear from the channel for POS. In its place: Spark Solutions Group (Salt Lake City, UT). Started as Cowan's Retail Systems in 1974, and renamed Cowans Restaurant Solutions in 2010, Spark Solutions Group serves the hospitality, recreation, retail, and medical industries, with customers throughout Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. It focuses on Micros.

"Change is a good thing, and we are really excited for the sleek new look and our next forty years of business," declared Jason Cowan, President of Spark Solutions Group. "Our client-focused service, top of the line products, and our leadership team will remain the same. It's just time for a fresh face that is more relevant to the growing and changing technology industry that we service."

"We've updated and reinvented the company concept to focus on technology, yet remaining restaurant-centric," promised Randy Gunter, VP at Spark Solutions Group. "Our new branding allows us to be more fluid as these technologies rapidly change and morph." This name change took place last week.

Spark Solutions Group, Formerly Cowans Restaurant Solutions

Compass Points to SaaS

Compass Group of North America (Charlotte, NC) will expand its deployment of Elevate POS from Agilysys, Inc. (Alpharetta, GA). Compass Group's initial phase roll-out, which began in January, focused on corporate dining; now schools, healthcare facilities, and other foodservice locations will be targeted by Compass. Elevate POS is currently installed in more than two dozen locations, with new sites being added every month, according to the two parties.

A cloud-based, single-pass system, Elevate POS furnishes remote deployment capabilities, flexible configuration, user-friendly order entry, and unified enterprise reporting. A monthly subscription fee includes support and maintenance, and upgrades are delivered automatically as new versions are released. It also employs VeriShield Total Protect, an advanced end-to-end encryption technology from VeriFone that shelters cardholder data and helps reduce PCI scope for merchants.

"Compass Group is a leader when it comes to using technology, and we are pleased that the company is expanding its use of Elevate," shared Tony Ross, VP of Sales for Agilysys. "Elevate is designed to focus on simplicity without sacrificing functionality. Often, simple service outlets looking for a POS solution come to the conclusion that their budget can't accommodate traditional on-premise technology. With Elevate, these customers can significantly reduce their cost of ownership while enjoying the benefits of comprehensive POS."

Elevate POS System From Agilysys

Channel Factoid

During its recent Users Group Conference in Chicago, ShopperTrak polled its audience of retailers and financial players on the subject of retail analytics. According to these executives, conversion rate trumps all other desired metrics, cited by 79%. This was followed by traffic (17.5%) and units per transaction (2.5%). Understanding shopping and buying behavior tops the list of challenges, cited by 44%. This was followed by using big data to make business decisions (25%), omni-channel pressure (17%), staying up-to-date on the latest technologies (12%), and merchandising and store design (2%). When it comes to in-store analytics, retailers are comfortable with most of the underlying technologies. Two-thirds (66%) are very or somewhat familiar with Bluetooth Low Energy/iBeacon, while 84% are very or somewhat familiar with Bluetooth. For mobile wallet, results were 57% for very or somewhat familiar and 39% for very unfamiliar or not familiar. Over the next twelve months, 40% of attendees described themselves as very likely to implement Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth Low Energy/iBeacon in some form. "Based on the feedback we received and research we collected, retail challenges, opportunities, and expectations continue to evolve alongside disruptive changes in technology," concluded Russell Evans, VP of Global Marketing for ShopperTrak.

HELLO GOODBYE

High Times in Hamden

A leading VAR, NHCR (Hamden, CT), has promoted David Tendler to the newly created post of GM. Here, he has responsibility for all daily activities of the firm, including sales, implementation, and support. He will continue to report to Arthur Rosenbaum, CEO/President of NHCR.

"David has been an integral part of NHCR for twenty-seven years," noted Rosenbaum."He has worked his way through our organization in several different roles while always maintaining a professional approach and 'get it done' attitude. During the last few years he has taken on the role of support manager and once again has done an excellent job. We are delighted to be promoting David and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his expanded role."

"NHCR is well-positioned for growth and I'm enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead," exclaimed Tendler. NHCR, the former New Haven Cash Register, was founded in 1949, and carries an entire line of ECRs and POS. It was an original member of the Independent Cash Register Dealers Association (ICRDA), now the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA).

David Tendler, GM, NHCR

Dye Cast at Citrix

Citrix has named Brian Dye as its Group VP and GM for the Mobile Platforms Group. Dye joins Citrix after spending more than ten years at Symantec where he held numerous leadership roles in product management, engineering, support, and operations, most recently as Senior VP for the Information Security Group. Before Symantec, he filled similar offices at Procter and Gamble, E Ink, and Xerox PARC.

"Brian's strong qualifications in security and information management, including data mobility, are uniquely suited to further our customers' mobility priorities," commented Sudhakar Ramakrishna, SVP and GM of the Enterprise and Service Provider Division at Citrix. "He will provide great value to all of our customers, helping them succeed in a time when secure enterprise mobility is transforming how business is done." Along such lines, his company offers XenMobile, part of the Citrix Mobile Workspace Suite.

"As organizations mobilize their business, security and control are top of mind, and IT is increasingly turning to MDM (Mobile Device Management) and EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) solutions," confirmed Dye. "Citrix is a leader in these areas and uniquely positioned to help customers meet these pressing challenges." Dye will be based in the Citrix offices in Santa Clara, California.

Brian Dye, Group VP and GM, Mobile Platforms Group, Citrix

Faster Reflexis

Reflexis (Dedham, MA), which supplies store execution and workforce management systems, has enlisted Brett Friedman as its SVP of Global Sales and Marketing. Previously, Friedman served as SVP of Global Supply Chain and PLM at Infor. He also has held VP positions at Allegro, SAP, and i2 Technologies (now JDA).

"Brett Friedman further strengthens our executive team, all of whom have more than twenty-five years of experience in deploying software solutions for some of the world's most demanding customers. He has a demonstrable track record of driving revenues in multiple industries and leading from the front," remarked Prashanth Palakurthi, Founder and CEO of Reflexis. "Addition of this proven sales leader, as well as other executives, combined with recent growth equity funding from investment firm Sageview Capital LP, positions Reflexis for further market success."

"The platform of workforce management and Reflexis StorePulse real-time execution solutions enables companies to achieve operational excellence and drive rapid best-practice response to trends, events, and customer demand," declared Friedman. "I'm thrilled to join Reflexis, which our customers consistently rate as #1 for recommendation, ROI, innovation, and customer service. We will build upon these strengths to scale our sales and marketing teams."

Brett Friedman, SVP of Global Sales and Marketing, Reflexis

Transition for Tran

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) has drafted Louis Tran as VAR Partner Manager. Before joining his new employer, Tran worked for seven years as Vendor Business Manager for Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS (Carlsbad, CA), where he handled channel vendors such as Honeywell, Intermec, Elo Touch Solutions, Hewlett-Packard Co., NCR, and Microsoft. While at Ingram Micro, Tran grew Honeywell revenue by 38% from 2011 to 2012, according to his web profile.

Louis Tran, VAR Partner Manager, Honeywell Scanning & Mobility