This Week’s Product Pick

ADLINK Technology (Irvine, CA) has unwrapped its IMX-3000 Industrial Mobile Computer with Android 4.0. A Dual-Core CPU (1.2 GHz), NFC, 3G WLAN, and 1D/2D scanning improve real-time information delivery, according to the vendor. Additional features include four-inch capacitive touchscreen, five-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, and rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Built-in apps accommodate various commercial and industrial needs, with API for secondary software development. Its Secure Access Module Slot provides core system cryptography, with expandable memory via Micro-SD or Micro-SDHC. Finally, IMX-3000 has been tested to IP-54 for water and dust and 1.5 m/5 ft. drop (with protective covering).

IMX-3000 by ADLINK

COMPANY BUSINESS

"All-in-One" in HP's Sights

HP (Palo Alto, CA) has continued its parade of new POS with the small-footprint RP2 "All-in-One." Stressing performance and flexibility, RP2 features 14-inch, wide-aspect (16:9) touchscreen in either resistive or projected capacitive formats, as well as flexible mounting on countertop, kiosk, or wall. A choice of O/S (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1), Intel J1900 Quad-Core CPU, 8 GB RAM, and Intel Graphics power RP2. In addition, HP will offer the full range of integrated peripherals--single-head MSR, 2x20 display, 7-inch customer-facing display, one and two-dimensional barcode scanner, biometric fingerprint reader, and webcam.

"It will hit the sweet spot in hospitality due to its small footprint and fanless and sealed design to IP-54," Cory McElroy, Product and Marketing Manager for HP Retail Solutions, told RRN.Com, "but also specialty retail because of its contemporary design with wide aspect ratio, projected capacitive screen, and dual-hinge stand for low-profile mode. While targeted at Tiers 3 to 5 in the SMB, with an affordable price, there also has been early interest from Tiers 1 and 2 as well." In terms of support, McElroy pointed to three-year, next business day, on-site warranty.

"In today's dynamic marketplace, flexibility and reliability are critical for retailers and hospitality operators to meet the needs of their customers," observed Ray Carlin, VP and GM of HP Retail Solutions. "The RP2 and RP5 deliver performance and functionality while being designed to withstand harsh retail and hospitality environments." Speaking of the RP5, HP also announced the Model 5810 with the latest Intel Haswell Architecture, Encrypted SSD, and Wireless Remote vPro.

New RP2 POS Terminal From HP

Tablet 8 Delivered by ParTech

Another hat tossed into the tablet ring, but this time from one of the most experienced players in POS. ParTech (New Hartford, NY) has unveiled its PAR Tablet 8 for retail and hospitality applications spanning payment, customer engagement, and management and training. With eight-inch multi-touch display, the Tablet 8 measures 9 in. (W) x 6 in. (H) x 0.5 in. (D) and weighs 17.6 oz. It runs Windows 8.1 with Intel Atom Z3470 Quad-Core CPU and features 2 GB RAM, 64 GB SSD, and Micro-SD Card Slot.

With enterprise characteristics such as stable life-cycle (estimated at four years), rugged design (IP-65 for water and dust), and extended battery life (10 hours), the Tablet 8 also includes sleek styling, Mini USB charging, USB 2.0, and audio jack. It carries integrated NFC, barcode reader, and front and rear cameras, along with "Smart Back Cover" MSR and EMV payment modules. As communications, it provides 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth 4, and Dual-Band Wi-Fi. As options, charging dock, neck or wrist strap, and rubber casing for drops up to 2 m/6 ft.

ParTech's Tablet 8 for Retail and Hospitality

Worth Your While

TRA Marketplace
Texas Restaurant Association
June 22-23
Houston

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 3-6
Orlando

VARTECH 2014
BlueStar
September 17-19
New Orleans

NACS Show
Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 7-10
Las Vegas

Pack Expo
PMMI
November 2-5
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Wasp Flies Higher With V7

A major product release by Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX), which has added numerous features to its new asset-tracking package, MobileAsset Version 7. In conversation with RRN.Com, Brian Sutter, Director of Marketing, pointed to four major enhancements made in response to customer requests: support for iOS and Android, signature capture, funds tracking, and "SyncAnywhere" capability for real-time updates (whether wired or wireless). In addition, the customizable dashboard has been completely redesigned for ease of use, with active directory integration and e-mail alerts.

Intended for general IT, Wasp MobileAsset Version 7 has been accompanied by MobileAsset.EDU, which targets the vertical market for schools and universities. MobileAsset.EDU carries the new enhancements and adds specific tweaks for education, such as tracking of grant money and use of common jargon (such as "students" and "teachers," rather than "employees"). It also allows schools to create timely audits and maintain up-to-date maintenance reports, tasks which often prove burdensome to administration. MobileAsset.EDU may be ordered in Professional or Enterprise Editions, while MobileAsset Version 7 has Standard, Professional, and Enterprise Editions.

According to Sutter, response to MobileAsset Version 7 has been particularly strong. He emphasizes the company's free U.S.-based technical support and free starter training, as well as 30-day return policy. Also, with MobileAsset Version 7, Wasp has assembled its "Complete Plus Solution," which bundles the software, required hardware such as mobile computer and barcode printer, and iPhone license. "This new release works across all devices for real-time asset tracking, while remaining affordable for businesses of all sizes," noted Sutter. "Solutions range from $1,995 to $6,495."

"Complete Plus Solution" From Wasp

To Google (Or Not) at Motorola

In keeping with the times, Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) has decided to offer its TC55 Android Mobile Computer in two configurations, with or without Google Mobile Services. Available now with three radio platforms--Global HSPA+/GSM, Americas LTE/HSPA+, and Verizon LTE--the TC55 provides coverage to meet the 4G communication needs across enterprises worldwide, according to Motorola. Its data collection capabilities include barcodes, signatures, documents, photos, and videos.

The Standard TC55 comes with Google Mobile Services, the suite of integrated applications such as Google Maps, Gmail, Google Play, Google Search, Google Talk, and the Chrome Browser. So-called Professional TC55, which does not include GMS, prevents data gathering of user location, keypad entries, and search activities by Google, while providing customers with control of application and O/S upgrades. Enterprise-built apps are furnished through Motorola's certification process and distributed through Motorola's AppGallery. In addition, the TC55 supports the option for Motorola's RhoMobile Suite 4.0.

Unboxed in October 2013, the Motorola TC55 was designed to merge the features of an enterprise-class mobile computer with the form factor and functionality typically found in smartphones, not unexpectedly, and runs Android Jelly Bean. Specifically, this includes four-inch touchscreen, full-shift battery life, rubber boot for increased durability, and an IP-67 rating against water and dust. It also carries Extensions by Motorola, or Mx, which enhances security, device management, and performance, and works in conjunction with third-party schemes such as SOTI, AirWatch, and Wavelink.

Motorola TC55 Offers Two Android O/S Configurations--With or Without Google Mobile Services

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ALLIANCES

Another Passing Grade for Genius

A POS ISV? Your stock has never been higher, particularly with the payment processors. Along such lines, TouchBistro (New York) has been embraced by Merchant Warehouse (Boston). This integration will link the Genius Customer Engagement Platform from Merchant Warehouse with TouchBistro's iPad-based POS for cafes, bars, food trucks, and restaurants. Genius allows users to accept any kind of payment, discount, or loyalty program through one payment terminal--including EMV Chip-and-PIN, required in the U.S. by 2015.

"From pay-at-table to bill splitting, taking orders, and managing the kitchen and the floor, TouchBistro's POS is built for versatility," proclaimed Alex Barrotti, CEO for the ISV. "Our integration with Merchant Warehouse's Genius Platform helps our customers grow their businesses with future-proof solutions by accepting all payment types and immediately certifying them for the deadline to switch to EMV payments, more than one year in advance."

Genius Customer Engagement Platform by Merchant Warehouse, Loaded on VeriFone Terminal

Sticky Situation for New Printer

MAXStick Products Ltd. (Lancaster, PA) will provide its repositionable liner-free labels for the LLP1800 portable thermal printer from Martel Instruments. Initially, MAXStick will offer its 55-gsm MAXStick2GO Three Stripe and 80-gsm MAXStick X2 Full Coverage Adhesive as media options for the LLP1800, which employs specialized platen roller technology. As its primary distributor in the U.S., Martel Instruments draws upon Current Components, Inc. (Middletown, MD).

Martel's LLP1800 features two-inch print width, compact and lightweight format, "easy open" media replacement, and 10 lines of text per second print speed. It may be customized with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, numerous international character sets, barcode capability, and several different modes of operation. In this application, it may accommodate MAXStick liner-free rolls up to two inches, or 48 mm, in diameter. An environmentally friendly labeling solution, MAXStick is recyclable, silicone-free, and BPA-free, and comes in multiple colors.

"Manufactured to extremely high quality standards at our U.K. plant, the LLP1800 can be fully customized and is available globally in any order quantity," elaborated Joanne Hockaday, Commercial Manager for Martel Instruments. "The combination of our versatile, compact printer and MAXStick liner-free labels brings about a fantastic printing solution for a huge range of needs. Our first liner-free label printer is an excellent printing solution for MAXStick labels."

Thermal Printer From Martel Instruments Uses Repositionable, Liner-Free Labels by MAXStick

Code Corner

ECR Software Corporation (Boone, NC) has launched its latest retail automation package, Catapult 5.3. It offers retail clients access to more than forty new features and enhancements, redesigned user interface, and overall architecture transition. Catapult 5.3 consists of three parts--the Catapult Legacy Product, the new Java-based Catapult Point of Sale (Code Name: Transaction Server), and the new HTML5-based Web Office. Catapult 5.3 Transaction Server and Web Office represent the most dramatic progression of Catapult since its emergence as one of the first "Windows Touch" retail POS software applications in the early 2000's, according to the ISV. Also, as expected, Catapult 5.3 is PA-DSS certified. Complete redesign of the product will culminate in late 2014 with the release of 100% Java-based Catapult 6.0. "I really like the new Scale Aware feature in 5.3; it's working out very well," testified Cristina Fish, Director of IT for Sparkle Markets in Ohio and West Virginia. "We are using it not just for produce, but also things like self-serve donuts and postage stamps. Catapult Transaction Server feels very smooth and more advanced than previous software versions."

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Hostess You Don't Tip (Courtesy QSR)

QSR Automations (Louisville, KY) has presented its DineTime for Android. A well-known provider of kitchen display and guest management technologies, QSR Automations recently offered DineTime Host to link the restaurant guest and hostess station, metaphorically speaking. It provides wait list management, reservations facilitation, guest book maintenance, and key operational analytics. Three levels are offered: Free (up to 600 waiting party limit), Premium (up to 1,200 waiting party limit for $49 per month), and Elite (unlimited waiting party limit for $99 per month, with enhanced reporting and export of guest data).

DineTime allows customers to find restaurants from their mobile devices using various filtering methods, including restaurant ratings, distance, and cuisine. Linking with DineTime Host, it displays estimated wait times, allowing customers to add their name to the wait list, if desired. A number of restaurants in the company's home city employ the DineTime system, with national roll-out planned for later this year.

"We launched DineTime for iPhone in late March," stated Lee Leet, Founder and CEO of QSR Automations. "Android makes up roughly half of the smartphone market, and with so many requests, our Android Version could not have come at any better time. Now nearly every restaurant patron has the opportunity to skip the wait with DineTime. Also, restaurants have more direct contact with their patrons."

DineTime Mobile Reservation System

iSIGN of the Times in POS

A new development has purveyors of mobile commerce looking to partner with, if not outright own, POS VARs. As one example, iSIGN Media Solutions has snapped up POS Canada (both based in the Toronto Area). Already reselling iSIGN's Proximity Marketing System, POS Canada also handles ParTech and NCR, additional software from Maitre'D, LOC Software, and QSR Automations, as well as its own payment processing package, POSePay. Under terms of this agreement, iSIGN plans to acquire all outstanding shares of POS Canada on or before the end of July. As one benefit, POS Canada's existing customer base of 2,000 merchants immediately become prospects for iSIGN's Point of Sales Data Acquisition (PDAQ).

"Integrated data from point-of-sale, digital signage, and proximity mobile broadcasting will be the first of its kind in the world, providing information from a range of sources in real-time to advertisers, brands, and the hospitality and retail industries," exclaimed iSIGN. "Our data partners and clients consider the ability to review, compare, and potentially combine insights from mobile interaction data with those derived from point-of-sale installations to be of prime importance." Following completion of this deal, iSIGN intends to file additional patent applications, ancillary to its already granted patent Application No. 11/986,650, Art Unit 3693.

iSIGN's patent application, covering "method and system for out-of-home proximity marketing and for delivering awareness information" was published in 2008. An additional patent application will be requested for integration of data from CRM and POS, according to iSIGN. Founded in 1989, POS Canada also serves as major distributor of hardware for hospitality and retail, with its dealer network in Canada and the U.S.

Alex Romanov, Founder/CEO, iSIGN

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POStablets
POS-X
TEAMSable
Toshiba GCS

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Intermec by Honeywell
SATO America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning
Intermec by Honeywell
Trimble MCS

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Discover
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury Payment Systems

Inventory Systems
New West Technologies

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Jesta Fits Peter Harris

Jesta I.S. (Montreal) will deploy its end-to-end retail software suite for discount chain Peter Harris Clothes/Label Shopper Stores. This includes Vision Merchandising, Vision POS, and Vision Financials from Jesta I.S. Founded in 1970, Peter Harris/Label Shopper has 54 stores in the Northeastern U.S. Jesta I.S., as many RRN.Com readers know, serves as one of the leading suppliers of enterprise software solutions for retailers, manufacturers, and distributors, focused primarily in soft goods and specialty industries.

"After extensive research and due diligence, we found Jesta I.S.'s retail solution to be the strongest in sales analysis," recounted Peter Elitzer, CEO/President at Peter Harris Clothes/Label Shopper Stores. "We especially liked what Jesta I.S. offered with their algorithms. After all, it's about getting the right merchandise to the right stores, not only based on historical data, but on-hand merchandise as well."

"We are very happy to partner with Peter Harris Clothes/Label Shopper Stores," added Moris Chemtov, President of Jesta I.S. "We understand the competitive nature of the retail landscape and are confident our tools will enable them to meet their significant expansion goals across both banners. Using the Vision Suite of solutions, they will optimize their business practices, improve efficiency, and grow their customer base."

Clothing Chain Adopts Vision Suite for Retail

Punchh: "Soup For You!"

Coyly named Punchh (Sunnyvale, CA) will outfit the San Francisco Soup Company with its iBeacon-based Mobile CRM. With 17 sites around the Bay Area, SF Soup Company will offer its app for iOS and Android on the Apple Store and Google Play, respectively. It allows customers to earn loyalty points, redeem rewards for purchases and referrals, find locations, and receive news and offers through their mobile devices. It also gathers and collates customer information for SF Soup Company.

This platform employs the restaurant industry's first use of iBeacon, according to the two parties, in order to identify program members. Knowing such customers are near the location allows SF Soup to send personalized offers, such as when their favorite soup gets served. As partners, Punchh has ISVs such as Granbury, Maitre'D, Positouch, and Revention, and OEMs such as Micros, ParTech, Squirrel Systems, and VeriFone.

"Part of what makes our concept so popular is the convenience and portability of fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches," volunteered Steve Sarver, Co-Founder of SF Soup. He and his wife, Jennifer, launched the company in 1999. "Punchh's Mobile CRM technology stood out for us because it will really help us serve our customer's better without impacting line speed and reward them for their patronage, while driving same-store sales." Among its customers such as Aurelio's Pizza, Rita's Italian Ice, and Schlotzskys, an increase of 10% in same-store sales was cited by Punchh.

Mobile CRM, With iBeacon, for Fast-Casual Chain

WhenToManage Breaks Bread

As full licensing, WhenToManage (Norwalk, CT) will supply its restaurant business software for fast-casual chain Panera Bread. In order to improve the usability of Panera Bread's back of the house system, WhenToManage tailored the design of its cloud-based operations and reporting applications. This new solution has been rolled out to approximately 800 company bakery-cafes, with 1,000 franchise bakery-cafes expected to be onboard by mid-2015, according to the two parties.

With WhenToManage, Panera Bread's managers can access operational management systems through one simplified, and mobile, dashboard. Here they can manage food costs, inventory, forecasting, and employee communications. Previously, cafe managers required training on numerous systems with different log-ins. Now this has been replaced by one click on tablet or computer, asserted WhenToManage.

"WhenToManage really understands restaurant operations, so they customized the solution for our distinct needs," explained Mike Nettles, VP of Architecture and Cafe Solutions for Panera Bread. Added Jeff Schacher, CEO of WhenToManage, "Everyone on our professional consulting team has previously worked in the restaurant industry. We feel the pain of needing to manage and gather data on the moment's notice." On its website, WhenToManage lists partners such as Digital Dining, Future POS, Micros, NCR Aloha/Radiant, and RPower.

GUI Dashboard for Restaurant Management by WhenToManage, Adopted by Panera

Channel Factoid

According to recent survey findings on field service, more than one-third of such firms (38%) expect to save thirty minutes or more per technician per day by changing and improving workflow processes. For larger companies, this may generate average annual savings of $875,000. As reported in this survey, 75% of respondents have conducted process reviews in the past twelve months, most of which were driven by continuous improvement programs. But 25% have not, and of that group, 63% have not performed process reviews in more than five years. Identified as the most highly ranked opportunities to improve technician efficiency were daily schedule management and communication, clock-in and clock-out processes, parts look-up, and resolution information and knowledge look-up. Additionally, top-rated areas for workflow improvement were planning and forecasting, scheduling, and appointment management. Perhaps the primary disconnect from survey data would be the fact that 65% of companies indicate they are fairly diligent about conducting process reviews of their field-service operations, yet only 27% indicate they do so while keeping an eye on revenue objectives. "The good news is field-service leaders are chomping at the bit to capture savings when simple process changes across the entire field organization can drive these big bottom-line results," observed Tim Eusterman, Senior Director of Industry Marketing for Honeywell Scanning & Mobility. "But our survey results also show that too many field-service leaders are not placing equal focus on reviewing the process changes that will meet the stated priority strategy goal: to grow revenue."

HELLO GOODBYE

California Dreamin' for Historic VAR

More expansion for Barcoding, Inc., one of the leading players in Auto ID & Mobility, this time with the opening of its West Coast office in San Diego led by Micheal Ghandy, Director of Sales. This marks the VAR's third location in the U.S. In addition to its Baltimore headquarters, Barcoding, Inc. has its Technology Integration Center in Chicago, which resulted from the 2013 acquisition of VAR Miles Technologies. Many RRN.Com readers will remember Ghandy from his years at Psion (now part of Motorola), where he served as Regional Sales Manager, then Channel/Business Development Manager.

"As a systems integrator, we are focused on providing our customers with high-quality service and support in helping them achieve their business goals with our custom-tailored solutions," expounded Ghandy. "Our new office will enable us to uphold this commitment and give both West Coast customers and partners easier access to our expertise and resources."

Micheal Ghandy, Director of Sales, Western Region, Barcoding, Inc.

He Who Buys for TSYS

TSYS (Columbus, GA) has enlisted Walter Taylor as its Global Chief Procurement Officer, responsible for corporate procurement, vendor management, and supplier management. Taylor has three decades of technology and operations experience in the payments and financial services industry. Prior to joining TSYS, he served as EVP of IT Strategy for Genesis 10. Previous posts have included COO of Pariter Solutions, the now-defunct payment processing joint venture between Bank of America and Wells Fargo, as well as SVP of Bank of America. He will report to Paul Todd, TSYS' new Senior EVP and CFO.

"Walter brings a tremendous depth of procurement, vendor, and supplier management knowledge in the financial services industry to his new position at TSYS," remarked M. Troy Woods, CEO/President. "We are pleased to welcome Walter back as a member of our senior leadership team and look forward to him further strengthening our procurement practices to support our growing global payments business." Earlier in his career, Taylor helped develop the TSYS TS2 technology platform.

Last month, TSYS announced its partnership with one of the most prominent sellers of iPad-based POS, ShopKeep POS (New York). Under this agreement, TSYS will offer ShopKeep--and its cloud software--along with its own payment processing services for end-user customers. Both TSYS and ShopKeep POS have shown some interest in recruiting POS VARs.

Walter Taylor, Global Chief Procurement Officer, TSYS

Glossing Up Sales in Auto ID

Supply Chain Services (Oakdale, MN) has recruited Jeff Glosson as Sales Engineer. Glosson brings twenty-plus years of relevant experience to this Auto ID VAR. This includes stints as Mobile Solutions Architect for Stratix Corporation, System Engineer for Peak Technologies, and Technical Services Manager for IDentitrak Technologies.

"Adding Jeff to our IT team reinforces our commitment to architecting, designing, and implementing the best possible barcode solutions for our customers' supply chain needs. In other words, helping customers operate better," commented Chip Emery, CEO. "We are expecting that the rapid growth we have experienced will continue and want to ensure we have the breadth and depth of technical talent to meet that growth."

Jeff Glosson, Sales Engineer, Supply Chain Services