Our Product Pick

Brother Mobile Solutions (Westminster, CO) has shipped its RuggedJet Go Series of Mobile Receipt Printers. With direct-thermal technology, the 2" RuggedJet 2035B and 3" RuggedJet 3035B furnish connectivity via USB, Bluetooth, Apple MFi, and NFC, while the 2" RuggedJet 2055WB and 3" RuggedJet 3055WB add 802.11 Wi-Fi. As weight for the 2": 7.6 oz./215 g; for the 3": 13.2 oz./375 g. All feature print speed of 4 in./102 mm per second at 203 dpi, withstand drops of 5.9 ft./1.8 m (with protective IP-54 case, 8.2-ft./2.5 m), carry rechargeable Li-Ion battery, and support common O/S (with Drivers or Software Development Kits, SDKs). "All types of businesses are positioned to serve the customer when, where, and how they demand, so we've introduced the RuggedJet Go Mobile Printer," declared Ravi Panjwani, VP of Marketing and Product Management at Brother Mobile. "This super-compact printer comes at a price point that enables a retailer or any mobile or field organization to quickly scale operations."

RuggedJet Go Mobile Printer from Brother

COMPANY BUSINESS

Pioneer Stamps Passport

Pioneer Solution (City of Industry, CA) has unwrapped its new safety temperature screening system for individuals, entitled Passport. A prominent supplier of workstations to the channel of POS--as well as to markets in healthcare--Pioneer Solution has engineered this solution in response to COVID-19. It meets guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 6-ft./1.8-m social distancing recommendations of the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC).

A choice of format is offered, to be used at key access points: Fixed Kiosk Station (with 17" All-in-One Touchscreen) and Mobile Station (with 15" All-in-One Touchscreen). Each terminal furnishes the company's antimicrobial housing, measures body skin temperature with accuracy within 0.5 Degrees F, and runs Windows 10 Iot Enterprise O/S. A thermal camera and reference heat source checks temperatures

As Fixed Kiosk, the Model Q1Y-THERMA-A2 measures 29 in. (W) x 23 in. (D) x 60 in. (H). As Mobile Station, the Model MMA-MM4FJQ-CA measures 32 in. (W) x 26 in. (D) x 65 in. (H). A full suite of ports is included, with 802.11 Wi-Fi (and battery for the Mobile Station). "One way we can overcome the virus is to use caution when in public and to have effective safeguards in place," noted Gee Singgih, CEO of Pioneer Solution. "Our temperature screening solution can help with that right now."

Safety Screening System for Temperature, Entitled Passport, Debuted by Pioneer Solution

A Collaboration: EdgeServ POS

An interesting ISV, EdgeServ POS (Sarasota, FL), has released its updated Version 2020 Software for Restaurants. Originally marketed as Synetouch, back in 2013, EdgeServ utilizes Apple iPads for full-featured POS. In 2019, eight veteran resellers acquired ownership under the formation of the Reseller Collaboration Company: 7 Peaks, LLC; Ander POS, LLC; B&B Interests; Card Systems, Inc.; Cervion Systems, Inc.; Electronic Performance Systems, LLC; JTMT, LLC; and TechXMart, LLC.

"We are excited to release EdgeServ 2020, a major update to our front-of-house iOS App," asserted Gyula Lukacs, CEO of EdgeServ POS. "The great looking design and optimized workflow are a result of our unique ISV business model that includes reseller ownership and management participation. We strongly believe EdgeServ is the best product for resellers of POS."

Accordingly, development of EdgeServ POS 2020 was guided by participants in the Reseller Collaboration Company. "VARs can now earn equity in the product that they sell and support," emphasized Hunter Allen, President of Cervion Systems, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY). "This provides a great opportunity for resellers to increase the value of their business." Added Yasser Vargas, POS Channel Manager of TechXMart, LLC, "Our three new sites were all installed with 2020, and they love it!"

EdgeServ POS 2020 for Restaurants

Worth Your While

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers
Association (RSPA)
August 2-5
Las Vegas, NV

[Editor's Note: RSPA's RetailNOW Show has been cancelled for 2020.]

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 14-15
Orlando, FL

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
September 14-17
Las Vegas, NV

[Editor's Note: Shoptalk has been cancelled for 2020.]

Impact 2020 Conference
Electronic Payments
September 22-25
Fort Lauderdale, FL

NACS
National Association
of Convenience Stores
October 11-14
Las Vegas, NV

FS TEC
Foodservice Technology/Winsight
October 25-27
Dallas, TX

Pack Expo
Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI)
November 8-11
Chicago, IL

2021

NRF Show
National Retail Federation
June 6-8
New York, NY

[Editor's Note: The NRF Show has moved from January to June.]

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bixolon Goes 4" Liner-Free

Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) has presented its liner-free thermal desktop label printer, stocked as the Model XL5-40. In dimensions of 7.3 in. (W) x 11.3 in. (D) x 6.8 in. (H), weighing 6.2 lbs./2.8 kg, the XL5-40 has 4 in./108 mm print width and maximum speed of 6 in./152 mm per second at 203 dpi. (A Model XL5-43 has maximum speed of 5 in./127 mm per second at 300 dpi.) It's compatible with common programming languages, including SLCS, BPL-Z, and BPL-E, with support for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Chrome, and Xamarin. 

As features of the XL5-40, the company includes anti-jamming, anti-curling, long-lasting dual platen rollers; unique guillotine cutting system with peel-off sensor (dubbed "Taken Sensor"); and optional mono LCD Graphical User Interface (GUI). As connectivity, there's standard USB 2.0 and USB Host, with optional Serial, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4/BLE, and 802.11 Wi-Fi. As label design software, the XL5-40 has the company's Label Artist II and Label Artist Mobile (and BarTender by Seagull Scientific). A "SoftAP & Smart Connection" facilitates set-up for Wi-Fi, with "XPM & XCM" web-based printer management from Bixolon. 

"Companies from the supply chain to e-commerce desire to make their labeling operation more eco-friendly and sustainable," observed John Kim, Marketing Director at Bixolon, Ltd. (Seoul, South Korea). "This new top-of-the-line sustainable linerless label printer will be a key driver to improve efficiency and productivity, while reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) due to the XL5-40's exclusive design and technology." As specific markets for the XL5-40, Bixolon identifies e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing, among others.

Bixolon's XL5-40 Liner-Free Thermal Desktop Label Printer

All Along the Barcode

An end-to-end, off-the-shelf, barcode labeling and verification system has been fashioned of software from Teklynx International (Glendale, WI) and hardware from Printronix Auto ID (Brea, CA). Specifically, it combines Teklynx's CodeSoft label designer and Label Archive traceability software with Printronix's ODV-2D Thermal Barcode Printer, Verifier, and Validator. With 4 in./104 mm print width, the ODV-2D has print speed of 8 in./203 mm per second at 203 dpi (direct-thermal) and 300 dpi (thermal-transfer). It handles 1D/2D.

"We're enthusiastic about this unique integration because it directly supports Teklynx's efforts to help companies around the world barcode better," relayed Travis Wayne, International Product Manager at Teklynx. "We've designed a unique end-to-end solution that makes it simple for manufacturers to access one system to identify what was designed, approved, and printed. This first-to-market integration promotes the efficiency of in-process validation and data retention for audit requirements and print process analysis."

"We're very happy to work with Teklynx to deliver this compelling solution for closed-loop barcode label printing," related Andy Edwards, Director of Product Management at Printronix Auto ID (which is owned by TSC Auto ID Technology Company). "Our ODV-2D system's ability to grade labels and overstrike those with bad barcodes, combined with Label Archive's full traceability of label design, delivers a closed-loop solution that has never been seen before in the label printing landscape, adding next-level efficiency to the labeling process."

An End-to-End Label Printing, Verification, and Validation Combo by Teklynx and Printronix Auto ID

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ALLIANCES

Growing With Cannabis

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) will provide several of its hardware products in support of the e-commerce solution for cannabis dispensaries offered by Marijuana Software, LLC, called OMMPOS. It includes Star's cube-shaped 3 in./80 mm mC-Print3 Thermal Receipt Printer, 3 in./80 mm TSP743II Thermal Label Printer, and Star's CD3 Value Series of Cash Drawers and mG-Scales. Marijuana Software, LLC (Hillsboro, OR) will offer this solution to their cannabis dispensary customers in conjunction with online ordering and its POS.

With OMMPOS on the website, customers may place orders for pick-up or delivery. Simplifying the process for business owners, such orders are sent to the mC-Print3, and stored, and executed (without need of SSL Certificate) using Star's CloudPRNT. In view of COVID-19, online ordering via OMMPOS has been offered for dispensaries at $15 per month, and $1 per order.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer this powerful, easy-to-use solution for online ordering. It used to take a lot of technical know-how to set up a website shopping cart, and until now it has been very difficult for dispensaries to keep the inventory on their website accurate," explained Raja Afrika, Co-Founder of Marijuana Software, LLC. "Now, with our push button solution, anyone can instantly add a shopping cart to their existing website or use our instant website option if they don't already have one." A third-party money transfer service has been offered for online payments, also, via CanPay.

A Suite of Products by Star Micronics Certified by Marijuana Software, LLC

Setting the Silverware

A pair of longtime software partners--Maestro PMS and Silverware POS (both in Markham, ON, Canada)--have presented an "In-Seat Contactless Platform" for digital menu/guest ordering/guest payment. Intended for use by restaurants in hotels and resorts, the In-Seat Contactless Platform sends QR Codes to the customers' smartphones, uploading the full menu, and enabling order placement, food preparation, gift card/loyalty tracking, and digital payment of the bill.

"In today's post-COVID world, contactless technology is a must for building customer confidence, adding differentiation, and driving revenues," confirmed Lucky Thalas, EVP of Silverware POS. "We've created a digital dining platform adaptable to multiple outlets in the hotel environment that eliminates guests' touch-point concerns. The In-Seat Contactless Platform replicates the elevated dining experience of a luxury or boutique hotel restaurant, but it is driven through the diner's mobile device to minimize wait-staff integration."

All transaction data is shared between the Silverware POS and Maestro Property Management System (PMS) in the In-Seat Contactless Platform. In addition to accurate billing and record keeping, it enables hotel and resort managers to track and view guest spend and personalize the guest experience with discounts, gifts, and concierge-level service. As "an industry first," reportedly, it will be made available at no cost in 2020 to subscription customers of Silverware POS.

Integration Between Maestro PMS and Silverware POS for Contactless Restaurant Service in Hotels and Resorts

Code Corner

Code Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT) is merging the scanning software products and services formerly provided by its wholly-owned subsidiary, TachyonIQ, into the Code brand structure. A flagship offering that was formerly under the TachyonIQ brand, in demand for mobility applications, is CortexDecoder. Going forward, this will be called Code CortexDecoder. "One of the key reasons Code Corporation is taking this action is we have been approached by a number of companies around the world seeking complete solutions that combine our industry-leading software with our innovative hardware products," indicated Kent Hansen, CEO of Code Corporation. "Numerous OEMs, for example, are integrating our data capture and barcode imaging technology into existing systems or plan to use a mix of our hardware and software solutions to develop new workflow systems. We consistently receive feedback that they appreciate the simplicity of relying on one source, Code Corporation, for best-of-breed solutions to their barcode scanning challenges."

Code CortexDecoder Software

A Message From the Editor

As we enter another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, and business models. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

EP Puts Extras in Exatouch

Electronic Payments (Calverton, NY) has enhanced its Exatouch POS System. In this latest edition, new tools give business owners greater command of their inventory management and promotional offers to maximize sales and profitability, according to the payment processor. In addition, new register and receipt settings improve ease of use and allow for more direct communication with customers and employees.

In Inventory, an Item Details Application features: frequently used fields located at the top of the work area; customizable register button colors; receipt descriptions for items that can be defined differently for customers and back-of-house staff; item location details to keep track of stock; new price reduction options; and scheduling of promotions by dates and times. In Register and Receipt Settings, there's: application of discounts to each tender type accepted and display of the discount on the customer sales receipt; alerting of restaurant and bar employees with pop-up messages of possible billing problems; and changed item labels identified for restaurant and bar employees. In Promotions, Exatouch POS offers: built-in frequent buyer discounts, loyalty, and buy-one, get-one (BOGO)--now fully personalized and customizable.

"Our teams are continuously developing Exatouch to include adaptable and in-demand tools that make the system not only beneficial, but indispensable, to all types of businesses," reported Michael Nardy, Founder and CEO of Electronic Payments. "We support entrepreneurs at every turn with our innovative products and services, but particularly by taking into account their feature requests for Exatouch--something that really sets us apart in the industry. Our goal is to keep refining and strengthening our offerings to help our merchant partners better serve their customers, streamline operations, and increase revenue."

Exatouch POS by Electronic Payments

In Proximity at KOAMTAC

A social distancing solution has been added to the popular KDC Bluetooth (BLE 5.0) Barcode Scanners by KOAMTAC (Princeton, NJ). A proximity alert can be defined using the menu on the KDC BLE 5.0, via KTSync App, or by scanning the dedicated barcode, and can be adjusted in increments of 3.3 ft./1 m, up to 16 ft./5 m. "As we return to work in our warehouses and manufacturing line, we have our employees' health at the forefront. We understood that if we wanted proximity alerts, so too, would our customers," expressed Hanjin Lee, President of KOAMTAC.

It supports all KDC BLE 5.0, including those with inductive charging, an alphanumeric keypad, and reader for RFID. The KDC will send its notification to the connected host device, where it will record violations throughout the work-shift and be available for review by supervisors. Utilizing the KTSync App, each violation can also trigger an e-mail to the supervisor in real-time to ensure the company's social distance policy has been followed.

As manifestations, the proximity alert delivers loud beeping, social distancing message on screen, and vibration of both the KDC BLE 5.0 and accompanying smartphone or tablet. So, it functions in noisy work environments and ensures accessibility. Workers may continue to employ the scanner when the proximity sensor activates, although the warning continues until the employees are at the predetermined, safe distance. It's featured in the latest firmware download by KOAMTAC.

KDC BLE 5.0 Barcode Scanner by KOAMTAC Adds Social Distancing

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
ShopPOSPortal

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard
PAX Technology
Sound Payments

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

INSTALLATIONS

Shift4 Spikes the Ball

Shift4 Payments (Las Vegas, NV and Allentown, PA) has been named as the Official Credit Card Processing Company of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium. All transactions in the arena will employ the processor's suite of payment technologies, including its contactless QR Pay and its mobile SkyTab. Enclosed and climate-controlled, Allegiant Stadium seats 65,000. (Shift4 introduced its QR Pay for smartphones, at no additional charge for customers, in June 2020.)

"We are very pleased to be the Official Credit Card Processing Company of the Las Vegas Raiders," shared Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4. "As a Las Vegas-based company that processes over 3.5 billion transactions annually, including for many of the largest casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, we cannot wait for the inaugural season to kick off, and to show off how seamlessly our payment solutions work for customers and businesses alike." As part of the deal, there's the "Shift4 Club."

"Because Allegiant Stadium has been designed to be an unparalleled, state-of-the-art facility, we need to bring in reliable partners who can help us deliver an incredibly fun and easy experience to our fans, and Shift4 certainly fits that bill," cited Marc Badain, Raiders President. "We hope our visitors and valued merchants will be especially impressed with Shift4's contactless and mobile payment technology that makes stadium purchases so fast and easy." As ticketing and sponsorship agency, Legends Global Partnerships represented the Raiders.

"Shift4 Club" at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas

Revel's Taco Night

Revel Systems (Atlanta, GA) will deploy its Revel Enterprise POS across all 700 sites of fast-casual chain, Moe's Southwest Grill. Implementation services and support will be handled by HonorBuilt, the former OnsiteRIS (Atlanta, GA). In addition, Revel's API (Application Programming Interface) will support restaurant cost management by Decision Logic (San Diego, CA) and omni-payment transactions by FreedomPay (Philadelphia, PA). This new contract marks the fourth engagement in which Revel Systems has partnered with Focus Brands--following Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, and Carvel.

"As we work through the challenging restaurant landscape, we understand the increasing importance of making everything easier for our customers and in-restaurant crew members," reflected Erik Hess, President of Moe's Southwest Grill. "Ensuring Moe's has best-in-class technology in place that is scalable, flexible, and includes advanced digital consumer capabilities is imperative to our success and ability to innovate. Revel's platform has demonstrated that this is the best technology solution to roll out to our entire franchise system."

"Revel has become the leading choice for large chains who want to move from legacy solutions to a cloud-based POS and we are very proud to partner with Moe's Southwest Grill to fuel the success of their business," volunteered Greg Dukat, CEO of Revel Systems. "Even during these very demanding times, major brands realize the need to move away from solutions that hamper their ability to meet rapidly changing consumer needs. We are working hand-in-hand with Moe's to deploy our flexible solutions to help improve the customer experience, increase efficiency, and drive down costs."

Moe's Southwest Grill Chooses Revel POS

Channel Factoid

-New research shows that 8 in 10 SMBs, or 77%, that were closed at some point during the pandemic of COVID-19 have since reopened in some capacity.

-A majority of SMBs, or 55%, are optimistic about their business's recovery, particularly in the case of merchants in retail verticals.

-Overall, 61% of SMBs reported they were closed in some way during the pandemic of COVID-19.

-Of the 4 in 10 that did not close during the pandemic of COVID-19, more of these SMBs now report being open without restrictions when compared to March through May 2020.

-Almost 40% of SMBs have seen an increase in e-commerce sales during the pandemic of COVID-19, most with at least 10%.

-Of the SMBs that accept debit and credit card payments, 48% have seen an increase in customers using or asking for contactless payments.

-By comparison, in earlier research released in March 2020, only 27% of SMBs had reported an increase in contactless payments usage.

-Over half, or 55%, of SMBs are implementing new processes or strategies to stabilize sales that were not used before the pandemic of COVID-19, including adding new services or products, diversifying or establishing new sales channels, and increasing marketing efforts.

-Of surveyed SMBs, half, or 50%, have leveraged delivery or mobile services in response to the pandemic of COVID-19.

Electronic Transactions Association (Washington, DC) and the Strawhecker Group (Omaha, NE).

A Move to Re-Open for the SMB

HELLO GOODBYE

APG Ups Buckholz

APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN) has promoted Jarrett Buckholz to Director of Operations for North America. He joined the company in 2003 as an Intern in Marketing. In the following years, he has fulfilled critical roles in Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Operations.

"Mr. Buckholz brings almost two decades of experience holding previous roles in every department at APG," commented Paul Griffiths, President and CEO at APG. "He has been a conduit to accelerating both internal and external growth, building relationships at every level of our company. As we continue to source and supply best-in-class cash drawer solutions, Jarrett's wealth of knowledge and expertise will position us to grow in alignment with our strategic initiatives."

"As the Director of Operations, I am delighted to drive customer focus and responsiveness across APG's manufactured and sourced product lines, while continuing to provide on-time shipments, shipment accuracy, and continuous improvement at APG," contributed Buckholz. "Throughout my 17 years' experience, I have watched APG build on the strong foundation of quality products and customer focus through its emphasis on continuous improvement. I am excited to help grow that foundation and to spearhead improvements that will make APG, and the support of our customers, even better tomorrow than it is today."

Jarrett Buckholz, Director of Operations for North America, APG Cash Drawer

Paysafe "Acquires" U.S.

A newly formed U.S. Acquiring Division established by Paysafe (Houston, TX) will be led by CEO Afshin Yazdian. An experienced executive in payments, Yazdian most recently served as President of Priority Payment Systems/Cynergy Data (2013 to 2020). Other roles have included Board Member of SparkBase (2011 to 2015), President of TouchSuite (2012 to 2013), and EVP and General Counsel of iPayment (2001 to 2011). As readers of RRN may recall, iPayment was purchased by Paysafe in 2018.

"We're delighted to complete our executive leadership team in payment processing with the appointment of Afshin," remarked Philip McHugh, CEO of the Paysafe Group (London, UK). "The current COVID-19 outbreak poses significant challenges for our direct merchant customers as well as our ISO and Agent partners. We're confident that Afshin, with his track record of building and managing high-growth organizations, and his laser focus on customer service, will ensure that we all emerge stronger as the market stabilizes."

Earlier this year, another prominent figure in payments, Paulette Rowe, joined Paysafe as CEO of its Global Integrated and E-Commerce Solutions Division. She previously served as Head of Payments and Financial Services Partnerships at Facebook (2018 to 2020) and Managing Director at Barclaycard Payment Solutions (2012 to 2018). A farewell to O.B. Rawls, former CEO of Global Payment Processing at Paysafe, and veteran of TASQ, Hypercom, and First Data, who's retired.

A Pair of Leaders at Paysafe: Afshin Yazdian, CEO of U.S. Acquiring Division, and Paulette Rowe, CEO of Global Integrated and E-Commerce Division