This Week’s Product Pick

Nextep Systems (Troy, MI) has debuted its own version of tablet-based POS. It features 10-inch projected capacitive touchscreen, along with integrated magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), barcode scanner, and wireless printing and networking. Technical specifications include Windows Embedded Standard 7, Intel Atom Dual Core CPU at 1.6 GHz, 2 GB RAM, and 32 GB SSD (upgradeable to 64 GB). A docking station provides connectivity to peripherals via three USB ports and functions to charge an auxiliary battery pack, giving users zero downtime. With ruggedized exterior sealed against dust and splashes, the tablet POS system weighs only 2.2 lbs. It integrates seamlessly with other components of the Foundation 5 product suite from Nextep Systems.

Nextep's Tablet POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

An Excellent Adventure (for Xterprise)

One of the prototypical solution providers in RFID, Xterprise (Carrollton, TX), has been merged into the SML Group, an apparel branding and packaging conglomerate based in Hong Kong. Now with controlling interest, SML Group will add Xterprise's suite of Clarity enterprise solutions to its own ViziT RFID effort, which spans labels, printing, encoding, and reader infrastructure provided through manufacturing facilities and service bureaus worldwide. Founded in 2002, Xterprise turned its entire focus to item-level tagging with RFID for retail and its supply chain some years ago. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"When we launched the RFID ViziT brand, it was our intention to bring our customers an entire one-stop shop for RFID inventory management technology," remarked Simon Suen, Chairman of SML Group Ltd. "With this strategic move of acquiring Xterprise, the SML ViziT program will be even better positioned to deliver RFID technologies that create value for customers by helping them achieve new benchmarks in inventory and operational efficiencies. It also opens new markets for the SML Group."

"We long held that to maximize our impact in the market, we needed to align ourselves with an innovative, global, RFID ecosystem partner," revealed Dean Frew, Founder and President of Xterprise. "We were impressed with the approach and enthusiasm that SML is demonstrating as it expands its RFID programs around the world. We are thrilled to join the SML team and what that will mean to delivering impactful RFID item-level solutions to customers around the globe."

Simon Suen, Chairman, SML Group

AZT POPs Out in POS

AZT POS (Tustin, CA) has unveiled its new All-in-One POS terminal, designated POP-950, and packaged in piano finishes of black, white, orange, or black/white combination. With compact footprint of 14.6 in. (W) x 12.6 in. (D) x 11.8 in. (H), and weight of 18.75 lbs., POP-950 features "Tru-Flat" bezel-free design and five-wire resistive touchscreen. Additional benefits include built-in receipt printer (250 mm/second), magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), and retractable customer pole display.

A variety of Intel CPU's (Atom, Celeron, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo) are offered, as well as Windows 7 POS Ready OS, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB HD, LAN, and plenty of USB, Serial, and Parallel ports. An aluminum base and industrial grade motherboard provide the highest degree of reliability for demanding environments, according to the vendor. Wi-Fi may be added via an optional Mini PCIe module, along with secondary LCD displays in common sizes.

"The POP-950 touch system gives instant glamour and high image to any retail store, restaurant, yogurt shop, or boutique," suggested Keddy Chen, Chief Marketing Officer at AZT POS. "We have been aggressive in launching new POS systems to the market over the last six months, all designed to provide easy-to-sell and price-aggressive products to the reseller channel and its end-user customers." Bundled with cash drawer, the AZT POP-950 carries an MSRP of $1,799, Chen said.

Multi-Colored POP-950 From AZT POS

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

A Looking Glass at Honeywell

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) has launched Remote MasterMind 4.0 (ReM 4.0), positioned as an extensive upgrade to its device management platform. Significantly, Remote MasterMind 4.0 tightens integration among all Honeywell-branded mobile devices, including rugged computers and barcode scanners, as well as consumer smartphones and tablets used in "Bring Your Own Device," or BYOD, programs. From one console, it allows system administrators to track device locations, with routes traveled, and to respond quickly to user-reported issues.

Further, users and administrators can access device metrics and statistics to proactively respond to errors from within the device pool. By providing protection to an employee's consumer-grade smart device, this solution enforces security measures by strengthening password protection to restrict access to company servers. Additionally, in the case of misplaced or stolen devices, ReM 4.0 allows IT managers to remotely "wipe" such devices to further ensure security.

"As data security continues to be a major concern for our customers across various industries, Remote MasterMind 4.0 offers comprehensive device management capabilities regardless of policy or device," stated Peter Fehl, VP of Marketing at Honeywell Scanning & Mobility. "Remote MasterMind 4.0's single pane-of-glass solution is central to our strategy to ensure our customers' maximized investments in AIDC technology with its unique ability to remotely manage most enterprise mobile devices, our company's scanners, and consumer-grade products." A consistent look and feel adds to the list of benefits, according to Honeywell, as well as simplified system training and adoption.

Sample Remote MasterMind Console

Higher Powers for Juno T41

Trimble (Sunnyvale, CA) has extended new functionality and configuration choices for its Juno T41 rugged handheld computer. In addition to its smartphone form factor (T41 X), this series now offers one- and two-dimensional scanning technology (T41 S), as well as enhanced accuracy for GPS (T41 G). Users may mix and match the capabilities for their individual needs: combine the X smartphone with barcode imaging in the Juno T41 XS; add enhanced GPS for the XG; and finally, merge barcode imaging and enhanced GPS and smartphone for the XGS.

All Juno T41 handheld computers carry Texas Instruments  DM3730 CPU at 1 GHz and 512 MB RAM with either Android 4.1 or Microsoft Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. Other standard features include eight-megapixel camera, multi-touch capacitive 4.3-inch sunlight-readable display, Serial and USB, all-day battery life, and two-to-four-meter GPS accuracy capability. Designed to counter the "Bring Your Own Device," or BYOD, movement, Juno T41 X furnishes SMS text and 3.75G cellular data transfer and meets military-grade standards of durability.

Scanning for the Juno T41 S reads traditional barcodes as well as two-dimensional matrix codes, captured signatures, and images. In addition, Trimble's "Scan Agent" and Software Development Kit (SDK) facilitate customization. To increase positional accuracy for remote applications, the Juno T41 G delivers one-to-two-meter GPS while supporting the GPS L1 band for use in reduced signal environments. Juno T41 G tests at an average cold start of less than 38 seconds and warm start of less than 6 seconds, according to the company, improving matters for workers in remote asset collection.

Trimble's Juno T41 S With Scanning

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ALLIANCES

Pioneer Takes the Xpress

Xpient Solutions (Charlotte, NC) has opened the doors to its Xpient Xpress POS for the quick-service and fast-casual restaurant markets. As part of this official launch, Xpient has designated Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA) as the exclusive supplier of an integrated software and hardware bundle for resellers, based around its StealthTouch POS terminal. Now enhanced for the cloud, Xpient Xpress spans payment processing, conversational ordering, scheduling, inventory, roll up reporting, and centralized data management capabilities, and carries PA-DSS 2.0 validation.

"For the past four years we have been engaged in a limited, closely monitored, release of Xpress, refining its functionality and assuring its reliability in live environments," recounted Christopher Sebes, CEO/President of Xpient. "Xpress is the ideal solution for small and growing limited service operators. The bundled solution [with Pioneer POS] will arrive with software preloaded, creating greater efficiencies in the staging and deployment cycles. We are very excited about simplifying the preparation and delivery process for U.S. resellers. Ultimately, this will translate to economies for our resellers and the restaurant owner/operator."

"We are very pleased to have been selected by Xpient as their exclusive partner for the Xpress project," shared Gee Singgih, Pioneer POS's VP and Head of U.S. Operations. "Our StealthTouch POS line is robust, reliable, and easy to maintain and is the ideal complement to the Xpress product philosophy. Our retail-hardened platforms deliver industry-leading uptimes assuring productive operations and efficiencies for Xpient Express/Pioneer POS customers. We look forward to our long term and mutually beneficial business partnership with Xpient."

Xpient Xpress on Pioneer StealthTouch

Datalogic Rings the Bell

Datalogic ADC (Eugene, OR) has received certification for its Lynx PDA from AT&T (Dallas), the leading cellular carrier. This endorsement applies to all HSPA+ (3G/4G) Lynx PDA's, encompasses voice and data, and follows rigorous testing, according to the two parties. "Now, with the AT&T certification, Lynx PDA users will be able to stay connected to their enterprise and experience seamless communications while roaming throughout the U.S.," observed Tom Burke, VP of Product Marketing, Mobile Computers, for Datalogic ADC.

Earlier, RRN.Com readers will recall, Datalogic ADC added HSPA+, or" Evolved High-Speed Packet Access," to the Lynx, along with "Assisted" GPS, or A-GPS, using Qualcomm's state-of-the-art technology. A-GPS improves positioning speed and sensitivity for GPS, according to industry experts. It joins the Summit IEEE 802.11b/g/n radio with Cisco CCX V4 and Bluetooth for communications with Lynx PDA.

"Datalogic's Lynx PDA incorporates maximized performance, speed, and mobility in one of the most compact, ergonomic, and rugged PDA's on the market," summarized Francesco Montanari, VP and GM for Mobile Computing at Datalogic ADC. "All the elements needed to carry out tasks on the job--camera, computer, phone, data collection device--converge with the most advanced technologies in one mobile computer which can be held in the palm of the hand." Introduced as the end of 2012, Lynx PDA runs an XScale PXA 310 CPU at 806 MHz with Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5., and features 2.7-inch sunlight-readable screen, alphanumeric or qwerty keyboards, and IP-54 rating for water and dust.

Lynx PDA by Datalogic ADC Certified by AT&T

Code Corner

Wavelink (Salt Lake City) has completed Motorola Solutions' Validated Program for Wavelink Speakeasy, its terminal emulation-based voice application for the warehouse. A software-only solution hosted entirely on mobile devices rather than an external server, Speakeasy reduces network traffic and eliminates the need for expensive hardware changes, according to the developer. Existing terminal emulation applications may be utilized, reducing voice implementation time from an industry standard of three to four months to less than 30 days, estimates Wavelink. Working closely with Motorola Solutions' engineering teams, Wavelink has tested Speakeasy for interoperability with select products, including the WT4090, WT41N0, MC75A, MC3190, MC9190, MC9500, and VC70N0.

Channel Correction

In last week's edition of RRN.Com, and our coverage of POS-X, we may have misled readers about the status of the company's products. Take-away for the EVO TP4 TruFlat POS should be that POS-X has introduced an option for projected capacitive touchscreen (in addition to five-wire resistive), as well as the choice of Celeron, Pentium, and Core i3 CPUs (in addition to Atom). In the case of the ION Cash Drawers, which have been offered for several years, attention should focus on the new manual-open version for installations which do not require automatic drawer kick, such as mobile retail stations.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

No Stopping for ShopKeep

ShopKeep POS (New York), iPad-based POS purveyor, has looked to the payment processing world for strategic advantage and ongoing growth in recent days. In the first example, ShopKeep, already active in our channel, will draw upon the wide distribution capabilities of Global Payments (Atlanta), the Fortune 1000 transaction processor. "We are delighted to partner with ShopKeep, an innovative company that will help keep Global Payments at the forefront of cloud-based POS software solutions," declared Sid Singh, SVP and GM for Integrated Solutions at Global Payments.

On another front, ShopKeep has recruited Todd Lasher as its VP and GM of Channel Business. With more than 20 years of experience leading strategic partnerships in the financial services industry, Lasher most recently served as VP of Business Development for First Data, another rather prominent transaction processor. His previous employers have included Money Network, CheckFree, and American Payment Systems.

"The next step in our growth is to expand further into the channel," indicated Lasher. "ShopKeep is a software company, not a payments company, and we're unique in that we don't bundle payment processing with our point of sale product. We are an open platform, so we're the natural fit for channel distribution."

Todd Lasher, VP and GM, Channel Business, ShopKeep

Second Course for Next Gen Dine

Next Gen Dine (Las Vegas), another iPad POS hopeful, owned by Prelag Partners LLC, continues to push forward in the U.S. As case in point, the company recently deployed VMware to supply virtualization for its mobile restaurant POS system in the cloud. Accompanying Lenovo and HP Proliant servers have been provided by VMware, through CDW. With virtualization, the firm expects to better protect against computer viruses and crashes, thanks to the technology's "snapshot" auto-recovery capacity and effective compartmentalization of assets.

Simultaneously, Next Gen Dine has implemented the IBM DB2 database to enhance its operations. In particular, IBM DB2 will help leverage so-called "Big Data," and will run all of the software assets at Next Gen Dine. IBM DB2 analyzes exponential amounts of data at an accelerated speed, including "unstructured," allowing for faster processing and reliability, and resulting competitive advantage for the ISV.

Finally, Next Gen Dine has released its Kitchen Display Unit, designed to take the place of printers in the prep station. While at the prep station, all orders will be displayed on the screen in sequence and will stay on the screen and flash until marked as complete. As typical with such systems, managers may audit orders for start time, preparation length, and responsible parties. Of late, Next Gen Dine has announced several contract wins with restaurants in the Southwestern U.S.

More Tablet-Based POS Through the Cloud

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
Printronix
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

Agilysys Accepted by Yale

Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) has been contracted by Yale University (New Haven, CT) to supply its Eatec inventory and procurement system and its InfoGenesis point of sale system for campus foodservice operations. Yale employs these platforms in 23 locations, including dining centers, cafes, and retail markets. Core functionality and flexibility of the two platforms were cited, as well as additional modules for recipe, catering, and nutrition (in the case of Eatec) and meal plan, gift card, and signature capture (in the case of InfoGenesis).

"Agilysys understands the nuances of the higher education foodservice market, which is one of the many reasons we decided to partner with them," relayed Rafi Taherian, Executive Director of Yale Dining. "The Agilysys systems for point-of-sale and inventory and procurement are not only robust and reliable but also are fully integrated. Our dining outlets serve approximately 14,000 meals each day, so we needed powerful technology to handle that kind of volume. These solutions work together to give us greater visibility into our dining and financial operations. The Eatec system also allows us to track our sustainability performance, which is extremely important to us."

Earlier this month, Agilysys completed the previously announced sale of its Retail Solutions Group to an affiliate of Clearlake Capital Group for total cash consideration of approximately $34.5 million. Agilysys's business is now focused exclusively on providing software solutions to the hospitality industry. James Dennedy, CEO/President of Agilysys, commented: "We expect to leverage our solid financial position to continue expanding our solutions portfolio through investments in new product development as well as potential acquisitions."

One of Yale's Dining Halls

Slicing the Pie at SpeedLine

SpeedLine Solutions (Lynden, WA) has captured an ongoing five-year agreement for POS software support and upgrades from Capital Pizza Huts and Pizza Hut of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Covered under the contact will be Capital's 89 Pizza Hut and 9 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, as well as 47 Pizza Hut of Wayne locations in Indiana and Ohio. Both restaurateurs have been long-time clients of SpeedLine Solutions.

"In our restaurants, we rely on our point of sale systems," confirmed Vic Boydo, IT Director at Capital Pizza Huts. "Although we have our own first-level support staff, it is critical to be able to contact SpeedLine when we need expert-level assistance. This agreement with SpeedLine will also equip our restaurants with ongoing software upgrades to keep our POS technology up to date." According to Kevin Espy, Director of IT for Pizza Hut of Fort Wayne, this new agreement also locks in favorable rates.

Speaking of pizza, Revention (Houston) has been chosen as the preferred POS provider for Pieology, the latest fast casual pizza concept in California. Pieology has three current locations, with aggressive plans for growth, reportedly. In making his decision, Kyle Hopkins, Director of Franchise Development and Operations for Pieology, cited PCI-DSS compliance measures undertaken by Revention, including frequent updates.

SpeedLine POS Solution for Pizza

Channel Factoid

More than half of IT professionals (59%) believe security metrics are too complicated for non-technical management. Conducted by the Ponemon Institute and commissioned by Tripwire, Inc., this recent survey also found half of IT professionals (51%) do not feel their current metrics accurately communicate risk management efforts to their executives. In addition, 53% don't believe or have doubts that security metrics used in their organizations are properly aligned with business objectives. When asked, "Why don't you create metrics that are well understood by senior executives?" respondents pointed to numerous factors, in addition to information being too technical: 48% said more pressing issues take hold: 40% said they only communicate with executives when there is an actual security incident; 35% said it takes too much time and too many resources to prepare and report metrics to senior executives; and 18% said senior executives are not interested in the information, in any case. "Chief Information Security Officers talk about the importance of leveraging metrics as a way to influence business leadership and build a risk management practice within their companies. Unfortunately, they struggle with the bigger challenge of producing meaningful metrics while those they use are rarely aligned with business goals," warned Rekha Shenoy, VP of Marketing and Corporate Development at Tripwire.

HELLO GOODBYE

BlueStar's Star Billing

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has been recognized as the 2012 Distributor of the Year by Star Micronics (Edison, NJ). This is the ninth consecutive year BlueStar has received this distinction from Star. "BlueStar has been an integral part of our prolonged success and we look forward to continuing and building upon that success in the coming years," remarked Christine Duffy, Senior Sales Director for Star Micronics America. Several members of the BlueStar team visited Star Micronics' Global Headquarters in Japan in May 2013 to tour the facilities and attend the award ceremonies.

BlueStar also has disclosed some details for the upcoming 2013 VARTECH US/LATAM Show in San Antonio, Texas, which takes place on September 9 to 11. New to this event will be "Solutions Showcases," which debuted earlier this year at VARTECH Canada 2013 in Quebec City. These areas of the CodeZone illustrate "solutions in action" across vertical markets such as retail, hospitality, warehousing, and healthcare, according to the distributor. In addition, "Solutions Sessions Workshops" will focus on the effectiveness of total technology packages for resellers.

"Our objective for this year is to help our partners to embrace the changes we're experiencing in our industry," explained Mark Fraker, VP of Marketing with BlueStar. "As such, we've overhauled VARTECH and its components to help our partners better sell new solutions that focus on mobility. We've made it easier than ever for them to connect with the best manufacturers and independent software developers in the channel, as well as with our BlueStar team of experts, so they can take charge of their businesses and see real growth this year and beyond."

BlueStar visits Star Micronics in Japan (from left to right): Christine Duffy, Senior Sales Director, Star Micronics America; Hiroya Mochizuki, President, Star Micronics America; Mark Fraker, VP, Marketing,
BlueStar; Steve Cuntz, President, BlueStar; Hajime Sato, CEO/President, Star Micronics Co., Ltd.; Kazuyoshi Terao, Executive Manager, Star Micronics Co., Ltd.; Christophe Naasz, Business Development Director,
Star Micronics America; Takayuki Aoki, GM, Special Products Division, Star Micronics Co., Ltd.

A Quantum Leap in Marketing

Quantum Retail (Minneapolis), provider of supply chain management and inventory optimization, has drafted Scott Aubitz as its Chief Marketing Officer and VP of Product Strategy. Aubitz brings over 15 years of relevant experience across industries such as technology, retail, financial services, and risk management. Most recently, he served as Chief Strategy Officer and SVP of Product Management at Telvent DTN, the global IT firm. Additional employers have included Thomson Reuters, in research, and Target Corporation, in retail.

"Scott brings precisely the right talent and experience to these critical functions at Quantum Retail," proclaimed Steve Buege, CEO. "His appointment is an important step in our growth strategy as we continue to strengthen our position in the market and advance our product offering. We welcome him to the company and look forward to working with him."

"The retail market is growing increasingly complex every day with retail executives looking for ways to harness the proliferation of data and channel options to gain competitive advantage," Aubitz observed. "Quantum gives them an intuitive yet powerful platform to optimize their inventory performance across all channels and stores. I'm excited to be joining an organization with such a unique offering and market position."

Scott Aubitz, CMO and VP of Product Strategy, Quantum Retail