Our Product Pick

Advantech (Irvine, CA) has unboxed its latest fanless embedded system, the EPC-U2117. In "palm-sized" dimensions of 6.7 in. (L) x 4.6 in. (W) x 2.1 in. (H), the EPC-U2117 employs Intel Atom E3900 CPU to furnish an additional 30% in processing and 45% in graphic performance. It carries dual display output, multiple storage options and I/O's, and wide range of input power (12 to 24 V DC). EPC-U2117 supports Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise and Linux O/S. Also, it has Advantech's WISE-PaaS DeviceOn for remote system monitoring. With an operating temperature range of -4 to +140 Degrees F (-20 to +60 Degrees C), it fits smart vending machines, digital signage, and self-service kiosks.

Advantech's EPC-U2117

COMPANY BUSINESS

All That Jazz: Aures

In time for this year's Retail Solutions Providers Association Show, Aures USA (Tustin, CA) has showcased its newest terminal for POS, entitled Jazz. As common of hardware by Aures, Jazz features unique, contemporary design. It has functionality consolidated into its compact base, with its flexible Z-shaped arm supporting true-flat 15" projected-capacitive touchscreen (1024x768). A single cable for connectivity, power, and video data--USB-C--eliminates clutter on the counter.

Available in gray or white, with cast aluminum and zinc frame, Jazz offers choice of three fanless processors: Intel Bay Trail Celeron J1900, Intel Skylake i3-6100U, or Intel Kaby Lake i5-7300U. Its Z-shaped arm allows for the full range of height and angle adjustments with no vibration or "bounce" during touchscreen use--even when fully extended--thus satisfying pole or wall mount environments. A full suite of ports is provided (Serial, USB 3.0, USB-C, Ethernet, Display, and Audio). It may run Windows 7/10, Android (with J1900), and Linux O/S.

"A motherboard for Jazz is designed to be universal," Jeff Burroughs, Managing Director of Aures USA, told RRN. "So resellers may pop the tiny motherboard into the Jazz or into any of the additional terminal products we'll be releasing shortly. Also, resellers love the way it folds flat, so you can cut shipping costs. It's clean, simple, and cordless."

New Jazz POS Terminal From Aures

Gathering Surity's Cloud

A new ISV for POS had been formed by industry veteran Greg Feeback, dubbed Surity Cloud POS. In the works for some months, it recently accelerated its efforts with the acquisition of established PassPort POS from Falcor Enterprises (Mobile, AL), along with that firm's 3,500 current end-users in retail and hospitality. "We were looking for something cloud-based, on Android," Feeback, Managing Partner at Surity Cloud POS, told RRN, "with above-store enterprise capabilities we can build out." As many readers will recall, Feeback previously served as Director of PixelPoint in North America for ParTech (2011 to 2016) and VP of Sales and Marketing for POSBANK USA (2016 to 2018).

As offerings, Feeback cites Surity Single User, available on Google Play, which includes all of the basic functions for POS. As its flagship solution for multiple lane merchants, there's Surity Cloud POS, with online reporting, dashboard, and full back-office management. A merchant services piece, Surity Pay, will be launched shortly. As one partner, Feeback has engaged Innovative Computer Service (Purcell, OK).

Calling Surity Cloud POS "the easiest POS Cloud application I've ever seen to set-up, use, and support," Feeback also stated, "We believe it offers an opportunity to move into untapped markets for our resellers. One of its many key features is its ability to operate beautifully in the seasonal business space, with customizable subscription billing features to meet the customer's needs." As initial markets, Feeback identified light retail, fast casual, concessions, coffee, cannabis, and food trucks.

A New Entry in Software, Surity Cloud POS

Worth Your While

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 16-17
Paradise Island, Bahamas

Pack Expo
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)
September 23-25
Las Vegas, NV

NACS Show
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 2-4
Atlanta, GA

Money 20/20
October 27-30
Las Vegas, NV

NRF 2020 Vision
National Retail Federation
January 12-14, 2020
New York, NY

Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 26-20, 2020
Nassau, Bahamas

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)
April 28-30, 2020
Las Vegas, NY

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Epson Eyes SaaS

With an eye towards booming adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and the role of ISVs and VARs, Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has launched its OmniLink Merchant Services (OMS) 3.0. A suite of cloud-based software technologies designed for retail and hospitality, OMS 3.0 will provide customers with additional value for their investment in Epson's "smart" thermal printers (embedding functionality of the PC) in the OmniLink-i Series and OmniLink-DT Series. With foresight, Epson first introduced OmniLink Merchant Services in 2016.

As benefits, according to Epson America, OMS 3.0 incorporates essential improvements such the necessary deployment tools, billing, and operation management reporting utilities for ISVs and VARs; customer access to their OMS activity; significant user experience improvements; and support for revised OMS workflows. A low acquisition and subscription cost are cited for customers. (A dozen ISV partners have already adopted the OMS platform, according to Epson.)

"Customer demand is driving VARs to offer cloud services," relayed Gregg Brunnick, Director of Product Management & Technical Services, Business Systems Division, Epson America. "With our newly updated OMS Cloud offering, we are enabling VARs to open up new possibilities and help them realize ongoing revenue streams. Together, we can offer merchants of all sizes a robust and unique platform breaking all barriers in enabling access to actionable data without having to worry about POS integration."

Epson Launches OmniLink Merchant Services 3.0

An AER-full at Janam

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has unveiled its newest rugged mobile computer, the XT200. In consumer smartphone format, with enterprise-grade features, the XT200 runs Android 8 (Oreo) O/S. As Google "Android Enterprise Recommended" (AER), it has an easy upgrade path to Android 9 (Pie) O/S and supports five years of software security patches. As suitable markets for the XT200, the company cites retail, direct store delivery, and field service.

It measures 6.2 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D), and weighs 9 oz., with 5" capacitive touchscreen (1080x1920) with Gorilla Glass 3. As performance, it has Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core 450 CPU, 3-GB/32-GB or 4-GB/64-GB Memory, and Micro-SD. In support of the full work day, there's rechargeable 2900-mAh or 5800-mAh Li-Ion Battery.

As data collection, the XT200 furnishes 1D/2D scanning (Honeywell's N6603), 5-MP front-facing and 13-MP rear-facing cameras, NFC, and RFID. As communications, there's Bluetooth 5/BLE, full 802.11 WLAN, 4G LTE, GPS, and Push-to-Talk. As ruggedness, it has ratings of IP-67 for water and dust, MIL-STD-810G for extreme environments, and 6-ft./1.8-m drops to concrete. Another benefit: certification to Google Mobile Services (e.g., Google Play, Google Maps, Chrome).

"Janam has a long history of supporting products and operating systems well past their official end-of-life dates," remarked Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies. "We're thrilled to participate in Google's AER program with the new XT200, committing to long-term enterprise support that our customers already expect from us, while once again raising the bar for our competitors." An earlier model, the XT100, was debuted in March 2018 by Janam Technologies.

Janam's XT200 Rugged Mobile Computer: Android Enterprise Recommended

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ALLIANCES

Brother Sticks to It

Brother Mobile (Westminster, CO) has certified liner-free, removable and restickable labels by MAXStick (Lancaster, PA) for use with its RuggedJet RJ4320BL direct-thermal mobile printer. It covers the 2.3-in./58-mm MAXStick Plus Diamond Adhesive Formation Roll (74 GSM, or Grams per Square Meter) and the 3.1-in./80-mm MAXStick2GO 4 Stripe Adhesive Formation Roll (55 GSM, or Grams per Square Meter).

"We are very pleased with the MAXStick media products that have been tested for use with our printer," contributed Mike Lowey, Director of Retail Sales for Brother Mobile Solutions. "Use of tested labels helps ensure that print quality and printhead life will be maintained, which is critical for our customers. They also get to take advantage of the great features MAXStick offers such as its eco-friendliness and linerless label roll, eliminating unnecessary waste."

As well as recyclable, MAXStick labels are "Silicon Free" and "Bisphenol (BPA) Free." As applications, they serve food-service, warehousing, libraries, retail, parking, reusable plastic containers, and medical diagnostics. In addition to the RuggedJet RJ4320BL, MAXStick has been certified for use on Brother's RuggedJet RJ4030. (As its model number indicates, the RuggedJet RJ4320BL has Bluetooth 4, as well as USB 2.0, Apple MFi, and NFC.)

Brother Certifies MAXStick for Its RuggedJet RJ4320BL Mobile Thermal Printer

Another NAB-bing of POS

Another hardware partner for payment processor North American Bancard (Troy, MI), in the form of TEAMSable POS (San Jose, CA). It adds to several recent recruitments by North American Bancard. In June, it partnered with Paradise POS (Tyler, TX). In April, Vend (San Francisco, CA). At North American Bancard, Pat Ward serves as VP of ISV Sales, while Ryan Malloy serves as SVP of Partner Relations.

A player in the channel of VARs/ISVs, TEAMSable POS recently debuted its new family of payment terminals--with Android 5 (Lollipop) O/S and certification for EMV/PCI--marketed under "OlaPay." A pocket-sized APT-40 Mini has 4.5" projected-capacitive touchscreen. A mobile or countertop APT-50 has 5.5" projected-capacitive touchscreen and built-in 2" receipt printer. A desktop APT-120 has 12" detachable tablet.

"We are excited to have NAB/EPX as an integrated payment processing platform for our new line of smart payment terminals," indicated Michael Hsieh, CEO of TEAMSable POS. "Our channel collaboration with a pioneering processor such as NAB will give ISOs and VARs this superior, value-add payments solution." As readers may recall, North American Bancard purchased Electronic Payment Exchange (EPX), prominent credit card, debit card, and ACH payment processor, in 2014.

OlaPay APT-120 12" POS Terminal by TEAMSable

[Editor's Note: In addition to this new relationship with North American Bancard, payment terminals by TEAMSable--including OlaPay--will be distributed in North America by the POSDATA Group (Gig Harbor, WA). As partner, POSDATA will supply software loading, remote key injection, and configuration/deployment services for TEAMSable.]

Code Corner

Casio America has released Version 5.0.1 of its software for quick-service and table-service restaurants, CHAPP (Casio Hospitality Application POS). It includes the company's mobile app for pay-at-the-table (Casio Mobile Order). Among features of CHAPP: graphical table maps, split-check screens, ease of adding checks together, ability to assign names on bar tabs, up to three suggested tip percentages/amounts at the bottom of the customer guest check, and auto-gratuity calculation based on table cover count. It's designed to operate on Casio's V-R7000 and V-R200 terminals, along with the A920 payment terminal by PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). It supports Android 5 (Lollipop) O/S. As expected, it routes information to the various printers. "A pay-at-the-table feature is proof of our commitment to delivering innovative software and maintaining our position as one of the leaders in the industry," expounded Glenn Deal, Sales Development Manager of Casio's Systems Products Division (Dover, NJ).

Casio CHAPP Software

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

An Active Citizen

A pair of new direct-thermal receipt printers by Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA): Models 3" CT-S751 and 4" CT-S4500. Available in rugged black or white casing, both carry standard USB 2.0 (with options of Bluetooth with Apple MFi, Serial, and 802.11 WLAN), paper-end media sensor, full and partial guillotine cutter, and emulation of ESC/POS. A warranty of three years is extended, with drivers and software downloaded from the company's website.

Model CT-S751 features maximum print speed of 13.8 in./350 mm per second at 203 dpi. In front-loading and front-exiting format, the CT-S751 fits tight countertop or under-the-counter environments. It measures 4.9 in. (W) x 6.7 in. (D) x 4.3 in. (H), and weighs 2.8 lbs. Its front-exiting mechanism protects the printer from foreign contaminants and liquids, noted Citizen Systems America.

Model CT-S4500 features maximum print speed of 7.9 in./200 mm per second at 203 dpi. With high-opening casing for easy loading, the CT-S4500 measures 6.7 in. (W) x 8.5 in. (D) x 5.9 in. (H), and weighs 5.5 lbs. A flat-top design makes the CT-S4500 stackable, noted Citizen Systems America. A compress drive scales down documents.

Model CT-S751 Printer by Citizen Systems America

A Go at 3.0: ID TECH

An industry-first approval for EMV Contactless Interface 3.0 has been claimed by ID TECH (Cypress, CA). As such, it certifies contactless card readers by ID TECH--including its ViVOpay--with EMVCo's updated EMV Level 1 Specification. Based in Antony, France, with offices in San Jose, CA, FIME offers consulting, solution engineering, test platforms, and certification services in transaction processing. (A line-up of the major card companies--American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, UnionPay, and Visa--formed the technical body EMVCo in 1999.)

"ID TECH has once again shown its leadership role in the payment industry, and particularly with NFC," suggested Eric Lecesne, VP of EMV Strategy and Platform Engineering at ID TECH. "Our expertise in contactless technologies has allowed us to be the first payment company with this product that meets the much improved and rigorous EMVCo 3.0 Contactless Level 1 Specification. With this new implementation and certification, our customers can be confident that our products are ready for the future."

"ID TECH and FIME have collaborated very successfully for more than 15 years," observed Stephanie El Rhomri, VP of Services at FIME. "Our expertise, comprehensive services, and proximity to ID TECH have been fundamental in helping them achieve this first approval, quickly and cost effectively. The market now has an acceptance solution that delivers increased interoperability, reducing false declines in-store."

EMV Contactless Interface 3.0 Approval for ID TECH

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Equinox
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Protech Technologies
Toshiba
WooPOS

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Equinox Payments
EVO Payments/Sterling
Ingenico

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

Zebra Carries the Weight

A bundled "Solution-as-a-Service" has been rolled out by Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL) for one of the largest freight and parcel shippers in Canada, Purolator. It will run the software platform by ISV ShipTrack on mobile computers (Models TC75X, TC5X, and WT6000) and tablets (Model ET50) by Zebra to streamline its dispatch, route optimization, track and trace, and reporting throughout its field, hub, and retail operations. In the hub, additional ring scanners by Zebra (Model RS6000) will facilitate hands-free operations.

Also, PiiComm, which provides Managed Mobility Services (MMS), in conjunction with Zebra Technologies, will jointly provide end-to-end lifecycle management with Zebra's Lifeguard for Android security solution. "Our cloud software platform, along with our help-desk and PiiComm's lifecycle management services, coupled with Zebra's industry-leading portfolio of mobile devices, gives Purolator an edge over its competition," declared Shawn Winter, CEO of ShipTrack. "[This] application gives both Purolator and its customers access to package shipment information, proof of delivery, and signature capture."

"Our relationship with Zebra, ShipTrack, and PiiComm fulfills our hardware, software, and service needs and ensures we stay ahead of the digital needs of our customers and our industry for years to come," expressed Ricardo Costa, CIO at Purolator. "This is a foundational investment and an important step forward in Purolator's digital evolution that will enable us to put our customers, recipients, and employees in the driver's seat with new innovation over the long-term." A Zebra PartnerConnect ISV, ShipTrack, while PiiComm is Zebra Premier Solution Partner. Both are located in Plantagenet, ON, Canada.

An Upgrade of Field, Hub, and Retail Technology by Zebra Technologies

Of ECRS, K-VA-T, and UTL

ECR Software (Boone, NC) has successfully deployed its Catapult POS for all of K-VA-T's locations, including its supermarkets, branded Food City, and its stores and fuel centers, branded Super Dollar. A key objective for K-VA-T has been to reduce operational complexity by leveraging Unified Transaction Logic (UTL) in ECR's Catapult. Introduced in 2018, UTL encompasses Point of Sale, Direct Payments, Self-Checkout, Pharmacy Rx, Click & Collect, Smartphone Checkout, Scales, and Fuel.

"A smooth launch reflects not only the adaptability and power of the Catapult Platform, but also how well our companies work together," enthused Jim Griffin, VP of Strategic Initiatives at ECR Software. "We appreciate K-VA-T as industry leaders, as customers, and as business partners. And we've made lasting friends in the process." A Catapult Community furnishes an online meeting space for end-users at ECRS.

"It has surpassed our greatest performance expectations," cited Don Mascola, VP of IT for K-VA-T. "Unified Transaction Logic has given us a dramatic increase in transaction speed and power while reducing our reliance on third-party silos." A privately held company, K-VA-T has over 120 locations in Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.

From Left to Right: Jim Griffin, VP of Strategic Initiatives, ECRS; Pete Catoe, Founder and CEO, ECRS; Don Mascola, VP of IT, K-VA-T; and Mark Noble, VP of Development, ECRS

Channel Factoid

-Online and other non-store sales were up 11.6% year-over-year and up 1.7% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

-Health and personal care stores were up 3.4% year-over-year and up 0.5% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

-General merchandise stores were up 2.3% year-over-year and up 0.2% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

-Grocery and beverage stores were up 2.1% year-over-year and up 0.5% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

-Clothing and clothing accessory stores were down 1.6% year-over-year but up 0.5% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

-Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 1.7% year-over-year but up 0.5% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

-Building materials and garden supply stores were down 4.7% year-over-year but up 0.5% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

-Sporting goods stores were down 5.3% year-over-year and unchanged month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

-Electronics and appliance stores were down 5.8% year-over-year and down 0.3% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

National Retail Federation (Washington, DC)

Retail Sales Rise 2.3%

HELLO GOODBYE

A Changing C-Suite at Code

After 20 years as President and CEO, George Powell has left Code Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT). Subsequently, its Board of Directors has appointed Barclay McFadden III as Interim CEO and Dennis Kaill as Interim President. Also, McFadden will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Code.

McFadden has been Code's Chairman since 2001. Before joining Code, he served as the Chairman and CEO of Stow Mills (1976 to 1997). Kaill has been on Code's Board of Directors since 2015. He previously served as President/Managing Director of Microscan Systems (1998 to 2007).

"George and I, along with our experienced and professional associates, took Code from a near bankrupt internet start-up to a leading barcode technology company, especially within healthcare," related McFadden. "I wish George the best in his future endeavors." Added Kaill: "Before I joined Code's Board, Code was a key partner of Microscan. My familiarity with the company, its products, and the management team will make for a smooth transition."

VP of Sales, North America and Global Marketing, Garrett Russell commented: "Code has become a leading provider of barcode scanning solutions during the past 10 years that I have been with Code. I look forward to working with Barclay, Dennis, and our future CEO as we execute on our long-term strategy."

Dennis Kaill, Interim President, Code Corporation

Out of the Woods: Toshiba

Toshiba America Business Solutions (Lake Forest, CA) has enlisted Kerstin Woods as its VP of Product and Solutions Marketing. At Oracle, previously, she served as Senior Principal Product Director, Cloud Business Group (2010 to 2017) and Senior Director, Cloud Channel Product Marketing (2017 to 2019). Earlier, she was Senior Solutions Manager at Sun Microsystems (2006 to 2010). In her portfolio at Toshiba America Business Solutions: multifunction printers, thermal barcode printers, network document solutions, digital signage, and POS.

"We are delighted to have Kerstin join Toshiba," shared Bill Melo, Chief Marketing Executive of Toshiba America Business Solutions. "She brings an unique blend of technical and marketing skills, channel development experience, and expertise in delivering cloud-based services to Toshiba. We're looking forward to Kerstin having an immediate and significant impact on our ability to reach our ambitious growth targets."

Kerstin Woods, VP of Product and Solutions Marketing, Toshiba America Business Solutions