This Week’s Product Pick

POS Supply Solutions (Danvers, MA) wants to help reduce forging, counterfeiting, and fraudulent returns with its new security receipt paper rolls. Customers may choose from several approaches to these custom-printed consumables. Images in ultra-violet inks may be applied to front or back of rolls in specified locations or patterns, viewable under black light, or thermo-chromic inks may be used to let images momentarily change color or disappear when rubbed. Similarly, coin-reactive ink patches applied to the back (non-thermal side) of the rolls come into view when put to nickel, dime, or quarter. Scratch inks permanently change color when roughed up and cannot be duplicated, while front-to-back print registration of images may be built into receipt design. Finally, with “Void” pantographs, that word appears when an attempt is made to copy documents. “Security receipt paper rolls are an inexpensive way to protect your business,” suggested Stephen Enfield, President of POS Supply Solutions.

Security Paper Rolls by POS Supply Solutions

COMPANY BUSINESS

XERA Made Clear

Today, in Las Vegas, Aldelo (Modesto, CA) will formally debut its next-generation XERA POS platform for hospitality. XERA, which stands for “Exceptionally Efficient Restaurant Automation,” has been quietly rolled out and evaluated for the past several months, and now Aldelo will take the wraps off and begin serious reseller recruitment. Interviewed by RRN.Com, Joel Snyder, Aldelo’s Director of National Business Development for XERA, observed, “With the greater design tools now available, we felt it was time to build this new product for high-demand restaurants and major accounts. These are the types of accounts that typically have more complex environments and requirements than smaller neighborhood restaurants.”

To that end, XERA has been built on the Microsoft .NET platform with SQL Server, Snyder noted, yielding substantial improvements in speed, flexibility, and reporting. In particular, Snyder pointed to an order-entry process that requires fewer clicks, the depth and breadth of third-party software integration, and high-resolution screen graphics “that can actually enhance the look of the restaurant itself.” XERA will be offered in both quick-service and full-service versions, with full-service bringing seating capabilities as well as guest check handling. Both packages meet the most complex menu, pricing, ordering, and routing requirements, with modular functionality and extremely intuitive user interfaces, Aldelo will tell resellers at today’s coming out party.

“We’re creating our separate dealer channel for this product,” Snyder noted. “We’re looking for dealers with strong, dedicated sales organizations, marketing savvy, and technical staff capabilities. XERA is not the kind of product that will be sold on the Internet. So far reception has been excellent--both from Aldelo resellers and non-Aldelo resellers.”

“There are several reasons why resellers should be interested,” Snyder continued. “First, XERA is definitely superior POS software and offers some real opportunities. Secondly, our dealer program itself is extremely flexible, fair, and straightforward. It includes major accounts, for instance. Plus, we have our proven track record with Aldelo for Restaurants, with over 65,000 installations.” Thus far, 15 resellers have signed with XERA prior to its official launch.

High-Resolution Screen of XERA Hospitality Software by Aldelo

HP Marks iQuote

Hewlett-Packard (Palo Alto, CA) has launched iQuote, its platform for providing distributors and resellers with regional product availability, pricing, promotions, and incentives. This new system was developed exclusively for the worldwide HP partner community through an agreement with channelcentral.net, which will configure and manage quotes for HP servers, storage, networking, software, and services. In addition, iQuote covers HP PCs, printers, and supplies, as well as offerings from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs).

“iQuote enables channel partners to provide fast, accurate quotes for improved customer satisfaction,” explained Chuck Smith, VP of Business Development, Industry Standard Servers and Software, for HP. “This centrally managed platform also enhances channel partners’ ability to increase margins by attaching additional configurations and options and winning more business.” The iQuote system is available now in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Next year, it will spread to Asia-Pacific, Japan, and Latin America.

“Synnex is offering iQuote to help our channel partners reduce selling costs with less time spent finding information,” testified Bob Stegner, SVP of Marketing, North America, at Synnex Corporation (Fremont, CA), an HP partner. “It ensures quality service for customers, which results in repeat business, while freeing up pre-sales technical personnel to pursue new business opportunities.” HP distributors may implement iQuote as stand-alone service or integrate it with existing e-commerce solutions as configuration engine.

Chuck Smith, VP of Business Development, Industry Standard Servers and Software, HP

Worth Your While

RetailNOW 2011
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 24-27
Orlando

VARTECH 2011
BlueStar
August 15-17
Miami

AIM Expo
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
September 26-28
Las Vegas

NACS 2011
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 1-4
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

More Radical Radix

Elecsys Corporation (Olathe, KS) introduced its new Radix FW960 ultra-rugged mobile computer with Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0 and Marvell PXA270@520-MHz processor. This new device also features 128 MB RAM, 2 GB flash memory, embedded Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and efficient power management for extended battery life. Like all Radix products, the FW960 has been engineered to withstand extreme operating conditions, meeting IP-67 standards for dust and water and MIL-STD-810F for drop and vibration. It utilizes an innovative three-level shock absorption system and high-strength, solvent-resistant thermoplastic enclosure.

In the area of peripherals for its handhelds, Elecsys has released its new FWM-90 multi-function color imager and scanner. The FWM-90 combines 1.3-megapixel camera with one and two-dimensional barcode scanner in its rugged package. Additional modules from the company include GPS receivers, RFID readers, printers, and advanced wireless communication devices. Elecsys said it will continue to sell its FW500 and FW950 handheld computers, with plans to commence production deliveries of its two new products in August.

Karl B. Gemperli, CEO/President of Elecsys, commented, “Radix products are used in the field all over the world in maintenance, inspection, meter reading, law enforcement, transportation, logistics, and other applications in extreme environments. The performance and capabilities of the new Radix FW960, combined with the modular design of our handheld computers and the broad selection of options and rugged peripherals, make it an ideal choice for custom solution development for rugged data acquisition and management applications.”

New Radix FW960 by Elecsys

Improved VISION at Microscan

Microscan (Renton, WA) presented its AutoVISION family of machine vision products for high-speed inspection and identification purposes. Included are Vision HAWK and Vision MINI smart cameras, as well as new AutoVISION Machine Vision software. This new technology seeks to simplify set-up and deployment of automated industrial systems and shorten the learning curve for engineers and technicians through an integrated, powerful tool set, according to the vendor.

Vision HAWK and Vision MINI smart cameras feature compact, self-contained housings for easy placement into the production process, and can be operated by either the intuitive AutoVISION interface or the more advanced VisionScape platform. This scalable format allows users to establish jobs in AutoVISION and later migrate to VisionScape should circumstances require more complexity. AutoVISION supports either Vision HAWK or MINI and delivers real-time feedback during programming and device configuration.

As the world’s smallest industrial camera system, according to Microscan, Vision MINI has been designed to provide reliable performance for tasks such as component identification, symbol decoding, and color matching. Bearing full lighting, auto-focus lens, and wide angle optics for close range machine vision, its small form factor (1.8 in. x 2.1 in. x 1 in.) allows for flexible positioning in tight spaces. For its part, Vision HAWK brings cutting-edge liquid lens technology for unlimited auto-focus. It also includes integrated optics and lighting, industrial protocols, and plug-and-play connectivity.

Microscan’s AutoVISION Family of Products

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business—in the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?

E-mail Michael Kachmar for advertising information,
or call 973-270-3284

Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?

Hurry ! Use the links below to catch up :

Week of June 27

Week of June 20

Week of June 13

ALLIANCES

Who Needs NFC, Anyway?

Revention POS Solutions (Houston) will soon be linked with MobilePayUSA (Irvine, CA), one of the suppliers of alternative smart-phone payment schemes seeking to outflank Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology. MobilePayUSA does not store credit card data on the phone; rather, the hosted application developer brings in its partner, TrustCommerce, to process and hold information behind secure firewalls. POS providers may enable MobilePayUSA’s suite of services through an Application Programming Interface (API), allowing PIN-based acceptance of any form of payment: credit or debit cards, store credits, gift cards, even virtual currency.

Flippin’ Pizza in San Diego will be one of the first restaurants to deploy MobilePayUSA through Revention. Patrick Farley, Founder and CEO of Flippin’ Pizza, told RRN.Com, “I love that I can give my customers an alternative, secure option for payment while allowing them to earn loyalty points.” A private beta with Flippin’ Pizza and Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt, another local merchant, will start this month. Following successful implementation, MobilePayUSA plans on launching its public beta in Q4.

“With NFC, card data is stored on the phone leaving it vulnerable to theft,” indicated Randy Smith, President of MobilePayUSA, which debuted in May 2010. “When payments are being made, the data transmission may be intercepted. Once captured, data can be sent to a decryption team for processing and eventual sale on the web. Concern about NFC security is a reality, and it is possibly less secure than magnetic-stripe cards.”

Revention POS Links to MobilePayUSA

[Editor’s Note:  Speaking of NFC phobia, much recent attention has gone to Naratte (Sunnyvale, CA), developer of “Zoosh,” which enables wireless mobile transactions via ultrasound communications with existing microphones and speakers. Zoosh only requires an update of software, costing about $30, avoiding the need for an NFC chip in your smart-phone.]

First KISS for Star

Keep It Simple Software (Stafford, TX) has certified Star Micronics’ entire TSP100 family of thermal receipt printers to operate with Version 3.0 of its KissPOS (formerly RegistWARE) point-of-sale software. Designed for affordability and ease-of-use, KissPOS Version 3.0 offers features such as Microsoft .NET and SQL database, “Flex-Screen” configuration technology, time-and-attendance, price-embedded barcodes, and purchase order generating and tracking. “The explosion of information and competition makes it even more important for small business owners to stay on top of their operations,” declared Greg Boerner, President of discountPOS, which owns Keep It Simple Software. “KissPOS Version 3.0 simplifies this process and the Star Micronics TSP100 is the perfect complement in that regard.”

“After our purchase of RegistWARE three years ago, we decided to do a complete rewrite of the software,” Boerner recounted to RRN.Com. “Because RegistWARE was so easy to use, we retained its basic foundation for both the retail version and restaurant version. Our Flex-Screen technology allows you to keep the most frequently sold items on the main screen, making for very fast order entry and very few mistakes. Likewise, our KissAPPS allows each business to choose its own specific functions to put on the main POS screen.”

“Star Micronics is proud to have one of its best-performing, most popular thermal point-of-sale printers certified by a progressive solutions provider like discountPOS,” added Christophe Naasz, Director of Marketing at Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ). “KissPOS Version 3.0 and the TSP100 units are an ideal pairing.” Star's TSP100 printers come with all standard operating system drivers, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, as well as specialty drivers such as OPOS and JavaPOS. Simple utilities, including receipt design, couponing, and auto-text reversal, enhance overall functionality; other benefits include “drop-in-and-print” paper loading and print speed of up to 45 receipts per minute, in the case of the TSP100GT.

TSP100GT Printer by Star Micronics

Code Corner

Here’s an interesting approach. ePartners, Inc. (Dallas) has opened its public-facing web portal (erpcloudpower.com) to let technology buyers generate pricing quotes and provision no-charge, 30-day trials of hosted Microsoft Dynamics ERP. Users may navigate the portal to view product demonstrations and conduct assessments to determine which product best fits their business. This includes the ability to select additional and complimentary Microsoft cloud-based solutions for CRM, Collaboration, E-Mail, and Unified Communications. An evaluation culminates in an instantly generated pricing quote, followed by the free, 30-day trial of the selected product. Consultants at ePartners then work with prospects to determine whether their software selections are better suited for its private cloud, Microsoft Online Services, public cloud, or even the hybrid cloud model. According to ePartners’ CEO Michael McCarthy, this “Click-Try-Buy” portal was developed as the result of his company’s alignment with Microsoft, as well as the growing demand in the SMB market for something other than traditional on-premise ERP evaluations and deployments. “There are many businesses looking to move from older and less functional ‘off-the-shelf’ accounting systems to more sophisticated and robust end-to-end ERP solutions, and this portal provides an outlet for prospects to evaluate the Microsoft cloud-based software that best meets their needs,” he maintained.

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Citrix Put in “Motion”

Motion Computing (Austin, TX) has received “Citrix Ready” verification for its new Motion CL900 Tablet PC, making its complete product line so designated. The Citrix Ready Program identifies solutions that are trusted to enhance virtualization, networking, and cloud computing from Citrix, spanning solutions such as XenDesktop, XenApp, XenServer, NetScaler, and GoToMeeting. Motion's CL900 weighs just 2 lbs. with 10-inch display, Intel Atom Z670 processor, and multi-touch or active pen capability. It joins Motion’s C5v, F5v, and J3500 Tablet PCs in gaining approval from Citrix.

“It is essential that all our products are Citrix Ready in order to provide our customers with computing solutions that are truly optimized for mobility,” observed Mike Stinson, VP of Marketing for Motion Computing. “Citrix has been a long-standing partner of ours, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with them in order to offer Citrix solutions on Motion Tablet PCs.”

“Virtual computing solutions from Citrix make it possible for today’s professionals to work anywhere, and Tablet PCs are an ideal form factor for this type of mobile use,” added Joe Keller, VP of Community and Alliance Marketing at Citrix Systems (Fort Lauderdale, FL). “Because Motion Tablet PCs are verified to be compatible with Citrix desktop virtualization solutions, customers can be confident that the combined solution will provide users anytime access to the applications and data they need in order to get their jobs done.” To date, the Citrix Ready Program incorporates over 2,800 partners who have demonstrated more than 18,000 product verifications.

Motion Computing’s CL900 Tablet PC

Vocollect Counts to Four

Vocollect (Pittsburgh, PA), now part of Intermec, has unveiled its latest offering, Vocollect VoiceClient for Handheld Computers Version 2.0. This new build provides voice-directed workflow support for four of the major hardware vendors in the logistics and distribution market: Intermec, Psion, LXE, and Motorola Solutions. It also marks the first release of Vocollect Voice for Intermec’s flagship 70 Series of mobile computers.

Version 2.0 delivers the following enhancements and capabilities: greater flexibility for multi-lingual workforces, with 30 languages; extended battery life and maximum efficiency during the charging process for devices operating with the Vocollect SRX wireless headset; interleaving of voice and scanning when needed, with native scanner support; and compatibility with the roster of diverse barcode formats used with voice applications. Specifically, Version 2.0 handles Intermec’s CK71, CK70, CN70, CN70E, and CK3; Psion’s WorkAbout Pro 3, WorkAbout Pro G2, and NEO; LXE’s MX7 and HX2; and Motorola’s WT4000 and MC9500-K Series. Many of these devices also function with the Vocollect SRX headset, enabling them to integrate easily with vehicle mount and other fixed applications. Later this year, Vocollect will introduce VoiceCatalyst, which will further extend Vocollect Voice for multi-vendor mobile computers.

“As part of our continuing commitment to the voice-centric warehouse, and in order to provide the best voice software to our partners and customers, we’ve enhanced and extended our VoiceClient to even more industry-leading mobile computing devices,” remarked Lyle Sprinkle, Director of Product Management at Vocollect. “While the vast majority of distribution customers prefer dedicated voice appliances, certain customers with multi-functional needs, as well as those looking to evolve over time from their current hardware platform, may prefer to have their voice-directed workflow solution provided on rugged mobile computers. Vocollect is now the leader in this market, as the only voice solution provider to support four of the major vendors of such devices.”

v

Vocollect Releases VoiceClient for Handheld Computers Version 2.0

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Casio America
Logic Controls
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Software - Retail
Tri-Technical Systems

POS Software - Hospitality
Aldelo Systems

Barcode & Transaction Printers
CognitiveTPG
Datamax-O'Neil
TSC America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Mobile Marketing & Loyalty
Sundrop Mobile

Pay at Table
Bellatrix Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

“You’re Hired!”--Trump Tells MICROS

MICROS Systems (Columbia, MD) has deployed its OPERA2Go for the Trump Hotel Collection. SoHo and Chicago properties will be first to pilot, followed by the remaining locations in Las Vegas, Waikiki, New York, Panama, and Toronto. MICROS OPERA2Go will provide unprecedented levels of mobility for hotel employees, according to the two parties, by allowing the utilization of smart-phones and tablets for functions such as check-in, check-out, reservation look-up, room changes, updated traveler profiles and preferences, and housekeeping room status task sheets--as well as key statements such as Guest Report, Due-in Report, and Due-out Report.

“We selected OPERA2Go as an important extension of our OPERA Property Management System,” relayed Mike Straube, Corporate Director of Finance for Trump Hotel Collection. “Providing critical reporting functionality, such as the Due-in Report, to the General Managers and Front Desk Managers in a mobile platform will allow them to provide premium service to our guests anywhere on or off the property. We especially look forward to having the ability to check-in and check-out our exclusive clientele who prefer to avoid the front desk.” (Editor's Note: Who’s hiding behind those Foster Grants?)

MICROS also announced integration of its POS with the Bally BOSS (Beverage Ordering Service System) by Bally Technologies (Las Vegas), which permits slot players to order drinks electronically through the machine’s touchscreen. The order is then sent to the proper MICROS-equipped service bar for preparation and delivery. Casinos benefit from increased efficiency and business intelligence on productivity, while players do not have to stop playing or wait for the cocktail server (another benefit to the casino). “At the enterprise management level, reporting features provided by MICROS and Bally BOSS allow the casino to improve the quality of its customer service, stock its bar more appropriately, and better target customers for drink specials and marketing campaigns,” reported Jonathan Seigle, VP of Casino and Resorts Division for MICROS Systems.

Lobby of Trump Hotel in SoHo, New York City

Healthy Win for Epicor

Epicor Software Corporation (Irvine, CA) will roll out its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for StatLab Medical Products, the distributor of high-volume healthcare consumables based in Texas. Thirty ERP vendors were contacted by consulting firm West Monroe Partners (Chicago) on behalf of StatLab, and Epicor was ultimately chosen for its ability to meet 20 key features and 280 functional requirements, in addition to the usability of the software, total cost of ownership, and quality of the technical platform, according to the two parties. “We haven’t had an integrated ERP and CRM system,” shared Cara Skowronski, Director of Continuous Improvement at StatLab Medical Products. “And given the rapid pace of our business, we need this fully integrated solution so everyone has consistent access to up-to-date information in the office and on the road.”

Up to now, StatLab was utilizing home-grown, multiple systems that communicated once per day, resulting in large amounts of redundancy and rework--pricing was inconsistent between CRM and ERP systems, the status of inventory wasn’t real time, and employees were making excessive phone calls or doing extra off-line research to provide the most accurate information to customers. As part of the upgrade, Epicor will allow StatLab to replace manual data collection with mobile devices and computers on the shop floor, thereby providing the company with better inventory management and truer costs for production and distribution. Moreover, StatLab hopes to give customers accurate freight estimates at order entry, which is of major concern in this industry due to the nature of shipment sizes.

As part of the Epicor implementation, StatLab also plans to launch an e-commerce option, another service it was previously unable to provide to its partners due to limitations within its existing IT framework. “Many of our customers are asking for online ordering capability or EDI to transmit orders and we look forward to being able to provide this for them,” Skowronski said. Founded 35 years ago, StatLab now numbers 63 employees and 2,500 customers.

New ERP System Streamlines Delivery of Medical Consumables

Channel Factoid

As demonstration of growing influence, CFOs have authorized 26% of IT investments, while CIOs have authorized only 5%, according to the survey of recent activity spearheaded by Gartner, Inc. Conducted among senior financial executives, this study also showed that 42% of IT organizations report directly to the CFO, while 33% of IT teams report to the CEO. When asked for suggestions on ensuring successful and effective relationships between IT and business processes, senior financial executives pointed to clear ownership of the project (38%), making the business case for the project (37%), and the quality of project management (36%)--all of which figure more heavily than technical prowess. Only 47% of survey respondents viewed IT as being strategic, while 28% said IT merely fulfills what is asked of it. Overall, 35% of organizations see IT as being a strategic driver of business performance, 8% view IT as a key contributor to the enterprise’s competitive position, and 4% regard it as transformational. Going forward, 41% of senior financial executives believe IT is appropriately funded for 2011, and 31% said that IT has the technological capability to move the firm forward. However, only 30% answered that IT truly meets its mission, meaning that 70% do not believe that IT is providing sufficient business benefits. Furthermore, only 32% of CFOs describe their CIO as their strategic partner. “This high level of reporting to the CFO, as well as their influence in technology investments, demonstrates the need for companies to ensure that their CFO is educated on technology, and underscores just how critical it is that the CIO and CFO have common understanding on how to leverage IT for an enterprise,” commented John Van Decker, Research VP at Gartner.

HELLO GOODBYE

Hamada in Command at Avnet

Avnet (Phoenix) announced that Rick Hamada has succeeded Roy Vallee as the company’s CEO. This transition was first made public in February and became effective with the beginning of Avnet’s Fiscal Year 2012. Vallee will continue to serve as Avnet’s Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Hamada has occupied the office of COO since July 2006, with direct responsibility for Avnet’s two operating groups, Electronics Marketing and Technology Solutions.

“Avnet is performing well, and we have significantly expanded our global footprint, firmly establishing our company as a global leader in value-added technology distribution,” declared Vallee, Avnet’s CEO for the past 13 years. “We continue to grow much faster than the markets we serve, while meeting or exceeding our stated return on capital goals. Rick is more than ready to become CEO with the skills, experience, passion, and values needed to lead Avnet to the next level of performance. This is the perfect time for this transition, and I truly believe that Avnet’s future is bright.”

Hamada joined Avnet in 1983 and rose through the ranks to take on key leadership responsibilities in sales, marketing, and business development. From 2002 to 2006, he served as Global President of Technology Solutions and achieved laudatory financial results. “I consider it my privilege to lead this great team,” said Hamada, “and I look forward to working closely with Roy and the Avnet Board of Directors to deliver on Avnet’s key business objectives and commitments.”

Rick Hamada, CEO, Avnet

Davoine Tagged by TAGSYS

TAGSYS (King of Prussia, PA) has signed Bruno Davoine as its new VP of Sales and Marketing. Davoine has more than 20 years of sales management experience in the IT, software, and telecommunications sectors. Prior to joining TAGSYS, which addresses RFID-based item-level tracking in a variety of industries, he served as President and GM of Tahoe SAS, and held sales and management positions at Cable & Wireless Ltd., Adobe Systems, and Symbiotic.

In these previous capacities, Davoine implemented successful sales efforts for new vertical and geographic markets, and helped establish new direct and channel programs, according to his new employer. In the telecommunications market specifically, Davoine has experience in realigning strategy from the selling of component technology to complete enterprise systems--in much the same way the RFID market has had to transform itself from providing tags and readers to developing holistic systems, TAGSYS noted. “Bruno’s leadership will be invaluable as we continue to develop end-to-end solutions built around our unique RFID expertise, technology, and other core competencies,” stated Alain Fanet, CEO of TAGSYS.

“TAGSYS has transformed itself from an RFID components company into a total solutions provider,” Davoine professed. “I am convinced that RFID, as part of a complete information system, presents a huge opportunity in enhancing the consumer experience. RFID solutions, much like telecommunications solutions, can not only change the way information is processed within an enterprise but also the way the brands will interact with consumers in the future. I look forward to developing new sales and marketing strategies to capitalize on these opportunities.”

Bruno Davoine, VP of Sales and Marketing, TAGSYS