Our Product Pick

Fujitsu Components America (San Jose, CA) has stocked one of its smallest 24-V thermal printer mechanisms, the FTP-6xGMCL Series. Measuring 3.8 in. (W) x 1.4 in. (H) x 0.8 in. (D), and weighing 3 oz. with DCL/DSL board, the FTP-6xGMCL conserves mounting space and provides fast throughput of 8 inch/200 mm per second. In two-inch and three-inch print widths, the FTP-6xGMCL features die-cast frame with straight paper path and easy head maintenance. It accommodates a range of paper stock from 60 to 150 micrometers, including liner-less labels and thin tickets. Mechanisms may be specified with an automatic cutter, which retracts when the front cover is opened. As MSRP, the company cited $31 in 1,000 quantities.

Smaller Printer Mechanism by Fujitsu

COMPANY BUSINESS

Any Way POS by AnywhereCommerce

Addressing the need for flexibility, mobility, and profitability from POS, AnywhereCommerce (Montreal) has unwrapped its MePOS "5-in-1" Tablet System. Consisting of base station with power supply and peripheral ports, tablet tower with key lock, pillar and harness for payment terminal, and built-in receipt printer (the A798 from CognitiveTPG), when completed with tablet and terminal, the MePOS fulfills functions across cashier operation, self-service kiosk, or point-of-service. "The versatility of AnywhereCommerce's MePOS platform puts the merchant in control of how they want to run their business--both today and tomorrow," RRN.Com was told by William Nichols, CEO and President of AnywhereCommerce.

As such, it complements the "mSuite" family from AnywhereCommerce, which spans payment terminals (such as its Nomad with Chip & PIN), software libraries integrated to iOS, Android, and Windows, and payment gateway to major processors in North America. With approximate dimensions of 10 in. (W) x 10 in. (D) x 6 in. (H), the MePOS base station has 2 x USB, RJ-45, RJ-11, and Serial, with an intelligent self-diagnostic system driving peripherals. A number of forms may be fashioned by combining towers and pillars--from countertop to wall-mount (thus, the "5-in-1"). AnywhereCommerce will drop ship the hardware, which ranges from $850 to $975 depending on quantity, configuration options, and payment terminal (and without tablet). It also will be offered through major processors (except First Data, which has its own Clover POS).

In speaking with RRN.Com, Nichols emphasized opportunities for resellers of POS. In addition to hardware margin, this includes recurring revenue from transaction processing as well as Software-as-a-Service POS. Interestingly, the MePOS base features removable exterior panels which may be customized with logos, graphics, and colors by AnywhereCommerce, representing an additional source of revenue. As another benefit, Michelle Wagner, Director of Marketing and Product Strategy for AnywhereCommerce, identified the convenience of having one source for the various components required for EMV and Mobile POS. All in all, an interesting entry.

MePOS From AnywhereCommerce

Cracking the Code for Partners

Code Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT) has made major changes to its CodeAlliance Partner Program for The Americas. To be relaunched on August 1, CodeAlliance seeks to simplify things for VARs and ISVs, RRN.Com was told by Garrett Russell, VP of Sales and Marketing for Code. Under this new structure, the company's partners will receive exclusive discounted pricing, deal registration protection, an opportunity to earn rebates, and marketing development funds (MDF). Of great interest, there will be no minimum revenue requirements and the use of rebates will be unrestricted.

"All approved CodeAlliance Partners receive significant discounts from standard pricing and all CodeAlliance Partners will be able to purchase at the same discount level," elaborated Russell. "An additional discount will be provided for deal registration, and we will also allow for price exemptions on an as-needed basis. Also, we are going to have 'cross-over rewards' at some of the higher levels within our program, where we count some portion of the dollars purchased from our Alliance Partners." As an example, he cited printer vendor Citizen Systems (Torrance, CA).

"Next, most, if not all programs have some sort of MDF," continued Russell. "With our program, we decided to do something different, so basically we tell our partners that they can use the funds however they think best, and the usage does not necessarily need to be tied directly to Code. If the reseller is buying more product from me today than they were yesterday, I don't want to overly manage what they do with their MDF. And again, this helps keep it simple for both us and the partner."

Garrett Russell, VP of Sales and Marketing, Code Corporation

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

Datalogic Hits the Mark

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has unveiled an enhanced imager for direct part marking (DPM), the PowerScan PM9500/PD9500 DPM-Evo (cordless and corded). This new model increases functionality and performance with the addition of four configurable keys, LCD display, and proprietary DPM technology. It handles all categories of DPM, whether laser etching, preening, or ink-jet printing, as well as traditional paper labels.

In addition to its new capabilities, the PowerScan PM9500/PD9500 DPM-Evo carries features such as omnidirectional reading, soft white illumination for decreased operator eye strain, accelerometer-based "Motionix" motion-sensing technology, "3GL" (Three Green Lights) and loud beeper for good-read feedback, and the company's "Green Spot" aiming technology. With ergonomic design, it weighs about 12 oz. with length of 8 inches. An IP-65 environmental rating for water and dust, and resistance to drops of 6.6 ft./2 m ensure durability. Cordless versions are available with Bluetooth or the Datalogic 2.0 Star Cordless System.

"Use of DPM barcode technology is increasing throughout the industry as manufacturers are required to trace their products throughout the supply chain, and to provide quality and safety verification in various environments," observed Giulio Berzuini, GM and VP of Handheld Scanners for Datalogic ADC. "PowerScan DPM scanners now have the technology to provide quicker, more efficient reading of DPM barcodes. We are rolling new Datalogic DPM technology into the complete family of PowerScan devices to provide advantages for all our customers."

Datalogic's PowerScan PM9500/PD9500 DPM-Evo for Direct Part Marking

MMF Takes Its Stand on EMV

With an eye towards October 1, and the mandate for EMV, MMF POS (Wheeling, IL) has debuted its new locking payment terminal stands. These feature three levels of protection: an L-bracket to fasten the terminal to plate to prevent removal; key-locked cover which denies access to the L-bracket; and security cable slot. Customers may select the stands with or without the key-locked cover ("triple" or "dual" security, respectively). This tamper-proof design will help merchants meet compliance of PCI-DSS Version 3.0 - Requirement 9.9, noted the manufacturer.

All stands are made in the U.S. from heavy-gauge steel with durable scratch- and chip-resistant powder-coat finish in black. With pole height of two inches, they have an adjustable tilt of 30 degrees and 180 degrees rotation left to right. Outer diameter of the base is four inches with total stand weight of 2 lbs. Terminals and cables are not included.

"Our payment terminal stands give the market the opportunity to select from several physical security levels, depending on customer needs and preferences," explained Ivelisse Gomez, New Product Development Manager for MMF POS. "From basic to dual or triple locking security levels, we've got it covered, and they're available for the most popular EMV-ready terminals from Equinox, Ingenico, and Verifone." MMF POS will demonstrate its payment terminal stands at the upcoming Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in Orlando. It will also preview its cash-handing solution for low-light environments, the patent-pending "PayVue" illuminated cash drawer.

New Locking Payment Terminal Stand by MMF POS

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INTEGRATION

A Lollipop for e-Nabler

Ah, the Age of Apps. Now e-Nabler Corporation (Fort Lauderdale, FL) has put its popular eMobilePOS into Google Play, providing merchants the choice of iOS, Windows, and with this move, Android. In support of smartphones and tablets, eMobilePOS may run Android 4.0.3 ("Ice Cream Sandwich") up to Android 5.1 ("Lollipop"). Established in 2001, e-Nabler Corporation also claims to have been the first full-featured app for POS on iTunes.

As features for eMobile POS, the ISV includes credit card processing with EMV and NFC, cash and check payments, invoicing, customizable e-mail or paper receipts, inventory management, price control, gift card and loyalty capability, and real-time tracking of sales data. It integrates with QuickBooks, Sage, Retail Pro, and Microsoft Dynamics RMS. By working with companies such as Samsung, PowaPOS, CRS, Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, and Star Micronics, eMobilePOS offers complete packages for plug-and-play installation of POS.

"eMobilePOS is no novice in this business with a fourteen-year track record of successful POS installations," indicated Joel Vazquez, President of e-Nabler Corporation. "By making the Android version of eMobilePOS available in Google Play, we can now tap into the fast-growing market for Android among merchants and stay true to our commitment of 'e-nabling' business automation on the platform of preference for our customers." Software may be configured for any sales environment such as retail, food and beverage, field service, and delivery, according to e-Nabler.

At Play on Google Play for eMobilePOS

Blown Dry by Mobivity

Mobivity has tied its SmartReceipt technology, which adds marketing messages via the printer at the POS, with the SuperSalon POS from Rogers Software Development. SuperSalon is used by more than 12,000 salon clients and locations in forty countries, with brand names like SuperCuts, Vidal Sassoon, Fantastic Sam's, and Great Cuts. Under this multi-year agreement, Rogers will license SmartReceipt for all of its current and future customers. The new partners are both located in Chandler, Arizona.

Installation of SmartReceipt is accomplished automatically via update of SuperSalon. Licensees will also have access to additional capabilities, such as digital calls-to-action, real-time coupon offers, data analysis, customer surveys, loyalty program enhancements, and third-party receipt advertising--all for an additional subscription fee. As hardware provider, Rogers draws upon POS-X (Bellingham, WA).

"We are delighted to partner with Mobivity and integrate their innovative SmartReceipt technology with our product portfolio," contributed Micheal Eicher, CEO at Rogers Software Development. "Adding SmartReceipt as a bundled feature to the SuperSalon POS platform is a key part of our vision in making the point-of-sale a data-driven, revenue generating resource as well as a payment processing utility." Recently, Mobivity also announced it will power mobile marketing solutions for all 27,000 locations of Subway in the U.S.

On-Receipt Marketing Added to SuperSalon POS

Code Corner

Arrowhead Corporation (Chandler, AZ) has released its upgraded mobile print utility under the brand name of "Mobi Print." It gives users the capacity to print documents, PDF's, images, or even direct command codes such as ZPL (Zebra Programming Language) and CPCL (Comtec Printer Control Language) with iOS and Android. With variable data input, and seamless integration, Mobi Print functions wirelessly with many brands of thermal printers, including, but not limited to, Zebra Technologies. It allows easy printing from FileMaker, iOS Apps, Safari, Chrome, and Mail. Tools that were once only available on PC's, such as media type selections and print darkness, are now configurable with Mobi Print, according to the ISV. "With Mobi Print we have built a solution that brings exciting new capabilities to the world of mobile printing," declared Brent Grandil, VP of Engineering and Technical Development for Arrowhead. "Our wide variety of print methods allows the printing of invoices, labels, and receipts with one click."

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

ShrinkFree at RetailNext

RetailNext (Long Beach, CA) has launched its next-generation loss prevention system of video surveillance, integrated monitoring, and retail analytics. It allows merchants to define high-risk transactions, establish exception reporting, and resolve cases faster with one-click access to transactions, receipts, and corresponding video. According to the company, it may cut thefts by 75% or more, reduce shrink 0.2 to 0.3 points, and, through overall understanding of shopper behavior, save 40% to 70% in capital expenditures.

Among its capabilities, this system includes advanced video management--both live and recorded--from all stores in the chain, regardless of location or device. By creating "dwell zones" around high-priced merchandise, or at less-trafficked locations in the store, merchants may direct sales associates to monitor customers. Finally, the system provides time-stamped video and additional tracking of events such as door openings, keypad usages, and panic buttons.

"Loss prevention professionals are being tasked with greater responsibility and accountability for the success of the overall retail business, but with generally smaller budgets and fewer resources," reported Alexei Agratchev, Co-Founder and CEO at RetailNext. "Our in-store analytics platform not only provides loss prevention professionals with state-of-the art video management, point-of-sale exception reporting, asset protection, and other loss prevention functions, but does so as part of a comprehensive platform that allows the entire retail enterprise to eliminate single-point solutions and expand return on investment (ROI) with one centralized investment."

RetailNext POS Video Camera for Loss Prevention

In IoT We Trust

Trustwave (Chicago, IL) has expanded its security services to encompass the Internet of Things (IoT). Under this new offering, called, naturally enough, Trustwave Managed IoT Security, both sides of the spectrum will be covered--incorporating security into the manufacture of IoT and monitoring security for implementation of IoT. This spans devices, software, servers, and networks, according to Trustwave. It draws upon the SpiderLabs team of "ethical hackers" and the Trustwave TrustKeeper cloud-based portal.

"As everyday objects connect to the network, IT teams struggle to manage assets and attack vectors previously outside their purview," suggested Steve Kelley, SVP of Product and Corporate Marketing at Trustwave. "Manufacturers of these products also struggle with getting them out to market on time while ensuring security. Trustwave's Managed IoT Security helps both parties overcome those challenges by identifying and remediating security weaknesses within the products and ecosystem surrounding them in addition to round the clock monitoring to detect and deflect breaches."

Even as interest swells, security often remains an afterthought for new IT projects--including the Iot, according to Trustwave. As uncovered by its 2015 Security Pressures Report, 77% of respondents said they felt forced to unveil IT projects that were not security ready. And fully 98% of applications tested by Trustwave in 2014 had at least one vulnerability.

Trustwave Unveils Managed IoT 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

TransFirst: "F" Stands for Franchise

TransFirst (Hauppauge, NY) has been tapped as the preferred vendor for merchant services by the International Franchise Association (IFA). Processors were evaluated on two dozen specific requirements during the request for proposal (RFP) process in January, according to IFA. As determining factors in its choice, IFA cited TransFirst's expertise in customer care, operations, and end-to-end program management, along with its broad scope of payment solutions and standard one-call resolution.

"We are pleased to have been chosen as IFA's preferred vendor for merchant services," relayed John Shlonsky, TransFirst's CEO and President. "TransFirst, as a full service processor, is committed to meeting the needs of IFA members with the best possible rates, customer service, and payment processing tools." Added Steve Caldeira, IFA's CEO and President, "TransFirst's abilities to build and support customized payment solution programs will be helpful to our members." Prior to TransFirst, Shlonsky served as President of Merchant Services for First Data Corporation.

As the world's oldest and largest organization in its space, IFA has more than 780,000 franchise establishments spanning 300 different business format categories. On the heels of this agreement, Pak Mail Centers will become the first franchise system to collaborate with TransFirst, introducing its payment processing services at its hundreds of sites for packing, crating, and shipping in the U.S. "Our new alliance with TransFirst will benefit not only our franchisees, but our customers as well," reflected Alex Zai, CEO and President of Pak Mail Centers of America.

John Shlonsky, CEO and President, TransFirst

Kid Stuff at Aptos

A software cloud has passed over Kid City, with seventeen discount children's clothing stores in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, courtesy of Aptos (Montreal). After an evaluation and selection process, Kid City chose the cloud-based retail suite from Aptos, including Store and Mobile Store POS, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Merchandising, WebIM (for Inventory Management), and Sales Audit. Average store size is 10,000 square feet with 15,000 SKU's. Aptos, of course, is the former Epicor Retail Solutions.

"We saw tremendous value in Aptos' expertise and its proven cloud offerings," testified Jack Shamosh, President of the parent company of Kid City, Youngland Kiddie Shops. "We're a small retailer looking to grow, and Aptos offers solutions I can use today and those I can 'turn on' tomorrow when I'm ready. The system is broad so my business can easily grow with the Aptos Cloud; this was a very important consideration. We also see the stability of the core system plus enhanced inventory management as being critical to driving business and profits."

"Each of our stores had its own database running on antiquated systems, so we knew there was a lot of room for improvement, and we recognized the opportunity to learn more about our customers and move our business forward," continued Shamosh. "This is important, as it's not uncommon for the Kid City customer to span ten to fifteen years." He also looks forward to the use of mobility--smartphones and tablets, both iOS and Windows--by store associates, for both selling and day-to-day store operations.

Aptos Adopted by Children's Clothing Retailer

Channel Factoid

It appears diners have an appetite for technology--before, during, and after their meal. According to "Technology and Dining Out," conducted by OpenTable, 86% of diners regularly view menus online before their visit, 25% turn to reviews from other diners (rather than from professional critics), and 83% would like to add their names to the wait list before arriving. During their meal, 25% of diners "always" or "frequently" use their phones to research and decide what to offer, and 23%. take photos to remember the experience. As for mobile payments, 46% of diners say they have "never" used their phone to check-out, "but like the idea." After the meal, 18% of diners routinely engage with the restaurant's loyalty program via technology. Just 6% of diners are "very likely" to download the app of an individual restaurant or restaurant group, 31% are "very unlikely," and 24% are "somewhat unlikely." This survey of more than 6,000 diners across the U.S. concentrated on ten metro areas, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.

HELLO GOODBYE

At Service at FieldAware

FieldAware (Plano, TX), which offers made-for-mobile field-service management, has named Charles Jackson as its new CEO. Jackson brings more than fifteen years of experience in the tech industry, primarily as an executive in the supply chain. At Ariba/SAP, he served as EVP of Customer Management and Managing Director of Network Solutions. He joined Ariba/SAP after it purchased Quadrem, where he was COO, then CEO.

"The rapid growth of mobile devices as business tools has enabled field services to expand beyond the traditional 'service tech' definition, to virtually any function that is performed outside the office," observed Jackson. "FieldAware has built a highly flexible mobile service platform that is unmatched in this market and uniquely positioned to take advantage of its explosive growth. We have an incredible opportunity in front of us and I'm excited to join the team."

"Charlie brings the right experience and leadership needed to capitalize on FieldAware's great potential," remarked Bill Beamish, former CEO and Board Member at FieldAware. "He has a talent for helping customers understand, deploy, and benefit from new innovative technologies, and for growing emerging companies into market-leading enterprises." Last year, FieldAware raised $24 million in funding led by Summit Bridge Capital; it currently has 1,000 customers.

Charles Jackson, CEO, FieldAware

Yummy Take-Out for RRT

Restaurant Revolution Technologies (San Diego, CA), provider of online and mobile order management solutions, including customer loyalty, has enlisted Bruce Phillips as its VP of Client Development. Before coming to RRT, Phillips was VP of Client Development for Integrated Ordering Systems. He brings experience working with major restaurant entities such as Yum Brands, A&W, and Long John Silver's.

"It's an honor to be joining the RRT team, and I look forward to helping current and future RRT clients increase off-premise take-out revenues with our patent-pending take-out solutions as well as brand relevance with our award-winning customer loyalty platform, " shared Phillips. "What especially excites me is how RRT's best-in-class applications provide important and profitable solutions to problems most multi-unit restaurant operators are struggling with." At the heart, RRT's call centers.

"On behalf of our organization, I'm happy to welcome Bruce to the team, and look forward to getting the benefit of his extensive sales and operations background," commented David Schofield, CEO of Restaurant Revolution Technologies. "With our suite of solutions and service offerings, our sales team members need to be intimately aware of operational and technological challenges restaurant chains face. Bruce is a longtime restaurant industry veteran with a thorough understanding of daily execution and service oriented pressures. We are thrilled to have him."

Bruce Phillips, VP of Client Development, Restaurant Revolution Technologies