Our Product Pick

Partner Tech USA (Irvine, CA) has shipped its SP-5514 All-in-One POS. Offered in three colors (black, metallic grey, and silver white), the SP-5514 carries Intel Celeron Quad-Core J1900 CPU at 2.4 GHz, 4-GB/8-GB RAM, and 64-GB SSD or 2.5" SATA HDD. It runs Windows 7, POSReady 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Linux. With 14" bezel-free projected-capacitive touchscreen (16:9) and backlight LED, SP-5514 has flexible configurations of USB, Serial, Ethernet, Parallel, and Powered USB. Its dust and spray-resistant front panel meets IP-65. Readers and customer displays are options. A five-year warranty is extended.

Partner Tech's SP-5514 POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

Datacap Climbs Cypress

Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA) has offered plug-and-play support for key EMV-certified readers from ID Tech (Cypress, CA). Utilizing its popular payments middleware, NETePay, Datacap now supports such models as Augusta, Augusta S, and MiniSmart II from ID Tech. As such, it re-opens an extensive installed base of All-in-One POS for upgrade to EMV by VARs, RRN.Com was told.

"ID Tech's line of EMV readers is an important addition to Datacap," testified Justin Zeigler, Director of Product Strategy at Datacap Systems. "Datacap's POS partners now have this cost-effective and easy-to-implement path to EMV for merchants who want to mitigate their charge-back liability while maintaining pre-EMV processes." In addition to ID Tech, of course, Datacap Systems supports stand-alone devices for EMV from Equinox, Ingenico, Verifone, etc

"Datacap certification with Vantiv of the ID Tech Augusta reader and common EMV kernel brings tremendous benefit to our partner base," declared Justin Ning, VP of Product Management at ID Tech. "Datacap is one of the industry leaders in delivering integrated payments and we are excited to begin working with them to enable this full EMV solution for our customers and distribution channels." Just this month, ID Tech has obtained certification as Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) Key Injection Facility from the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC).

Datacap Now Supports ID Tech Readers Such as EMV-Certified Augusta

Multi-Tasking at Posiflex

Posiflex USA (Hayward, CA) has presented its new ruggedized multifunctional tablet, designated the MT4308. In dimensions of 8.3 in. (W) x 6.2 in. (L) x 0.7 in. (D), weighing 1 lb., the MT4308 features Intel Cherry Trail Quad-Core CPU at 2 GHz, 2-GB RAM, and 32-GB/64-GB eMMC. It furnishes 8" projected-capacitive touchscreen (resolution of 1280x800) with Gorilla Glass, runs Windows 10 IoT, and holds two-megapixel front and eight-megapixel rear cameras. As wireless for the MT4308, there's 802.11a/b/g/n and 802.11a/c (in Windows 10 IoT).

With an optional pistol grip, the MT4308 may serve as two-dimensional barcode scanner. A battery pack cleverly housed in this pistol grip empowers the typical eight-hour work shift. In the case of mobile POS, the MT4308 slips into an optional docking station with 3" thermal receipt printer (speed of 7.9 in./200 mm per second), MSR, and full suite of I/O. Additional accessories include carrying strap, extended battery pack, and bracket for EMV PIN Pad.

"The MT4308 tablet in combination with the charging stations and other accessories make this product an essential tool for our staff," remarked Kris Oldenburg, Director of IT for restaurant chain Biscuitville Fresh Southern, based in North Carolina. "In our testing, the productivity and throughput in the drive-thru has significantly increased since we have started using the MT4308. Its light weight and hot-swappable batteries make the devices easy to use for our employees." It also has passed rigorous third-party HALT/HASS (Highly Accelerated Life/Stress Test).

Posiflex MT4308 Multifunctional Tablet

Worth Your While

NRFtech
National Retail Federation
July 23-25
San Diego, CA

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 6-9
Las Vegas, NV

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 18-19
Orlando, FL

Pack Expo
PMMI
September 25-27
Las Vegas, NV

NRF's Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 14-16, 2018
New York, NY

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Soft Parade at Bixolon

Bixolon America (Torrance, CA) has unveiled its "SoftAP" network support for its mobile thermal printer family, entitled SPP. Developed in-house, it supports select models of 2" SPP-R200IIIplus, 3" SPP-R310plus, and 4" SPP-R410. Users simply connect the printer to any 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and enter the network name to begin wireless printing from devices running iOS, Android, or Windows. In addition, with SoftAP, an installed base of these printers may be configured via web browser, including remote firmware updates, reboots, and setting of user log-in credentials.

"Connecting a mobile printer through an ad hoc connection has been historically cumbersome since it required non-technical users to configure a network IP address," elaborated John Kim, Bixolon's Director of Marketing. "With SoftAP functionality, we've greatly improved the onboarding experience for Wi-Fi. Users connect to our mobile printers the same way they connect to Wi-Fi networks every day--it's much simpler and more familiar now."

In May, Bixolon America extended its mobile thermal printer family with the Linux Software Development Kit (SDK). It holds Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Sample Code to speed development for Linux Kernel 2.6.32 (and higher). "With its inherent lower cost, stability, and security, organizations are beginning to look at Linux as an ideal alternative for their enterprise systems," advised Kim.

Bixolon's 2", 3", and 4" Mobile Printers

Elo's Big Shots

Elo Touch Solutions (Milpitas, CA) has unwrapped its large open-frame touchscreens for self-service and kiosk environments. Available with the company's "TouchPro Pro-M" projected-capacitive technology, the new 43" Model 4343L and 55" Model 5543L furnish 12 simultaneous touches, resolution of 1920x1080, and 12-ms response time. Each has slim profile of 2.6"; the 4343L weighs 40.2 lbs., the 5543L, 64.6 lbs.

With an edge glass construction, the surface is easy to clean. Also, sealed for dirt, dust, and grease, these screens hold an IP-65 rating. A robust ball drop test and IK06 standard support 24/7/365 public use. Both 4343L and 5543L are certified to Energy Star 7.0, and their backlight LED reduces heat and power consumption. As markets, Elo identifies retail, hospitality, gaming, transportation, and healthcare.

"The demand for larger touchscreens capable of powering the next generation of interactive and self-service kiosk experiences is accelerating," counseled Greg Sosinski, Product Manager at Elo Touch Solutions. "With Elo's state-of-the-art factory, we design touchscreens that deliver an unmatched touch experience while meeting our customers' cutting-edge requirements--including a consistent form factor over generations, a variety of display sizes, and optical clarity."

Elo Debuts Large Open-Frame Touchscreens

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ALLIANCES

Heartland Has 20/20 Vision

An effort in data-driven loss prevention for hospitality has been mounted by Heartland Commerce (Atlanta, GA) and Agilence (Mount Laurel, NJ). As part of this strategic partnership, Agilence will supply its 20/20 Data Analytics in conjunction with the payment processing/point-of-sale services from Heartland Commerce, which now encompasses five historic ISVs--Digital Dining, Dinerware, LiquorPOS, pcAmerica, and Xpient Solution--as well as the former Heartland Payment Systems. It recently released its next-generation platform, Xenial.

"Restaurant and hotel industries represent great opportunities for Agilence because they rely so heavily on data," explained Russ Hawkins, President and CEO at Agilence. "Our analytics platform provides predictive and prescriptive insight that helps streamline day-to-day operations and increase profitability. Heartland Commerce is a market leader and an ideal partner for Agilence." Earlier, in May, Agilence debuted its pharmacy solution, designated 20/20 Rx.

"Our goal was to identify a technology partner that was also a category expert," indicated Mike Todd, VP of Sales for Heartland Commerce. "Access to this flexible analytics solution allows us to deliver added value through our partner ecosystem and ultimately allows our customers to easily prioritize and react to the sources of loss across their organization." A familiar face in our channel, Todd has worked at stalwarts in POS such as ParTech (2014 to 2016 and 2010 to 2012), NCR/Retalix (2012 to 2014), and Agilysys/Kyrus (1981 to 2006).

Mike Todd, VP of Sales, Heartland Commerce

From Peach to Toast

A pair of stylish restaurant software players--Toast (Boston, MA) and PeachWorks (Southfield, MI)--have partnered. At the front end, Toast will provide its Android POS; in the back-office, PeachWorks will supply its Inventory and Scheduling. As some benefits cited by the two parties, end-users may configure dashboards, send internal and external messages, set enforcement windows, and view real-time updates. Both companies, naturally, employ Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

"Our best-in-class partner ecosystem, the Toast API Partner Program, provides our customers with the industry's finest restaurant tools, allowing users to streamline operations and grow revenue," suggested Aman Narang, President and Co-Founder of Toast. "Toast enables restaurants of all sizes to create the perfect guest experience; we are able to continue to deliver on this vision thanks to our partnership with PeachWorks." As terminal hardware, Toast endorses Elo Touch Solutions (Milpitas, CA).

"The anchor of any successful restaurant operation is the POS," asserted Jim Kanir, CEO of PeachWorks. "Together, PeachWorks and Toast form a powerful team to convert data into actionable information that management can rely on for more efficient and profitable operations. We're proud to be a part of the Toast/Peachworks partnership which provides one of the most compelling productivity combinations in the industry." PeachWorks was founded in 2005 as WhenToManage; it changed its name in 2015.

Toast POS Will Tie to PeachWorks Back-Office

Code Corner

Rootstock Software (San Francisco, CA), supplier of supply chain Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), has released RootScan, its mobile app for iOS. It encompasses inventory management, order fulfillment, work order management, and shipping/receiving. Barcode scanning can be done via the native mobile device camera or by using standard industry equipment. RootScan is directly connected to Rootstock and requires no integration or third-party middleware. It has been built using the Salesforce Mobile SDK (Software Development Kit). "We are very pleased to deliver the power of Rootstock ERP literally into the hands of our customers," volunteered Patrick Garrehy, CEO of Rootstock. "This new application was born out of our team's understanding that in order for our customers to stay competitive and profitable, they need the right tools which will not only provide them with greater efficiency, but will also allow them to leverage the technology they already have--in a way that is familiar and recognizable to their employees."

INTEGRATION

Clearent Quickens the PAX

Clearent (Clayton, MO), one of the payment processors participating in our channel, has delivered its Quick Chip technology for EMV (Level 2) on devices by PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). An early participant in Visa's Quick Chip VAR Incentive Program, Clearent now promotes its seamless, semi-integrated, turnkey payment solution for EMV for ISVs (in concert with its Partner Success Program). It accommodates Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, RRN.Com was told.

In keeping with this technology, Clearent's Quick Chip and PAX's suite of terminals reduces chip card transaction time from 15 seconds to 2 seconds, allowing merchants to deliver faster check-out for their customers. "It gives the merchant peace-of-mind knowing that the payments software vendor takes security seriously and will go the extra mile to ensure that they are preventing fraudulent transactions from occurring," expressed Andy Chau, President and CEO of PAX Technology. Earlier, in May, Clearent announced their Quick Chip technology on POS terminals by Dejavoo (Manhasset, NY).

In addition to offering Quick Chip, the payment devices from PAX will feature Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE). "Now software vendors can offer a seamless integration on multiple device lines while staying ahead of the curve when it comes to data security--it's the perfect recipe for high merchant satisfaction and retention," relayed Dan Geraty, Founder and CEO of Clearent. As another benefit, emphasized by Clearent, semi-integration with EMV keeps the POS "out-of-scope" for PCI PA-DSS. At present, Clearent serves 45,000 merchants with $14 billion in annual processing volume.

PAX Technology's S300 Payment Terminal

AB&R Delivers

AB&R, historic Auto ID VAR (formerly known as American Barcode and RFID), will upgrade the package delivery capabilities of OnTrac. A USPS DirectPost and Workshare Partner, and integrated with over 30 different multi-carrier ISVs, OnTrac serves eight western states, an area home to 65 million consumers (20% of the population in the U.S.). As key part of this agreement, AB&R is working with OnTrac to move their devices over to Android, citing more "touch-friendliness."

AB&R and OnTrac are also developing an "easy-to-use, customizable" delivery application for the field. It will allow service providers at OnTrac to adjust their routes by dragging and dropping addresses, while integrating web maps for turn-by-turn navigation and data sync functionality with system administrators at OnTrac. Interestingly, OnTrac offers its own Application Programming Interface (API).

"If you make an online purchase from an e-commerce site that ships from the Western U.S., then most likely OnTrac is the parcel logistics company behind the delivered package," noted Mike Stryczek, CEO of AB&R. "We are excited to be working with the OnTrac team on this next-generation route management solution for enhanced driver efficiency, increased flexibility, and superior package tracking." Both AB&R and OnTrac (VP of IT: Timothy Elder) are based in Phoenix, AZ.

An Upgrade for Major Package Delivery Firm, OnTrac, With Android and New App

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Tailwind Solutions

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas
Honeywell

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
AML
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Denso ADC
Honeywell
Janam Technologies

Distribution
Ingram Micro

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
iPayment
Sterling Payment

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry Americas, LLC
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
Innovative
SpacePole

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

AAA: Call POS

One of the largest driving clubs, AAA Washington, with more than one million members, has called upon multi-channel management software provider nChannel (Columbus, OH) and point-of-sale provider Lightspeed (Montreal, QC, Canada). In conjunction with its existing Microsoft Dynamics GP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), AAA Washington will outfit its 18 retail locations, including five new Cruise & Travel stores, throughout Washington and Northern Idaho. In addition to planning, the Cruise & Travels offer inventory such as wallet protectors, travel books, clothing, luggage, and passport photos.

"Before we launched our Cruise & Travel stores, we recognized the critical role the back-end platform would play in providing the flexibility we need to serve our members," recounted Jim Ryan, CIO of AAA Washington. "To meet their evolving needs, we sought an open and agile platform--and nChannel was the missing link in our efforts to do that. By leveraging nChannel's open API-based integration, we transitioned from our rigid legacy POS system."

"Companies, like AAA Washington, recognize that in order to differentiate and grow, they must provide convenient, unique, and memorable experiences across all channels," commented Steve Weber, President and CEO of nChannel. "The technology and business process choices they make have long-term effects on the success of their retail store strategy. We've been closely involved in this project to ensure AAA Washington is maximizing operational efficiency, while delivering the best experience possible for members. nChannel is dedicated to making the seamless transition to newer, more robust platforms."

A Combination of Lightspeed and nChannel Supply POS for Largest Driving Club in U.S.

ParTech Grabs a Slice

ParTech (New Hartford, NY), has deployed its Brink POS Software and EverServ 500 and 550 Terminals for bubbling fast-casual chain, Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint. With 50 locations in 15 states in the U.S., Uncle Maddio's, based in Atlanta, GA, has another 150 locations in development. Retail Data Systems, based in Omaha, NE, with 25 offices in the U.S., led this project.

In making its choice, Uncle Maddio's sought better credit card processing, gift card capability, loyalty program integration, and deeper reporting functionality. "What attracted us to ParTech was their ability to grow and shift with our business needs," observed Jenelle Brown, VP of Operations with Uncle Maddio's. "They always take our feedback and use it to further advance their technology."

"A truly seamless integration of technologies is possible when the right team is assembled," reflected Walt Davis, GM of Retail Data Systems. "This project was not focused only on POS terminals, but on streamlining processes to gain maximum efficiencies across the board." As additional revenue streams, Uncle Maddio's has now implemented online ordering and third-party delivery with its new POS.

ParTech Deploys Brink and EverServ for Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint

Channel Factoid

According to the recent 2017 Trustwave Global Security Report, the biggest share of business network data breaches last year involved the retail industry, at 22%, followed closely by the food and beverage industry, at nearly 20%. Incidents affecting POS systems increased to 31% of the total in 2016, up from 22% in 2015, while incidents affecting e-commerce environments fell to 26% from 38%. Perhaps due to lagging EMV, incidents involving POS were most common in North America (49% of worldwide total). Breaches of so-called card track data, at 33% of incidents, primarily came from POS. In comparison, breaches of card-not-present data, at 30%, mostly came from e-commerce transactions. Financial credentials, including account names and passwords for banks and other financial institutions, accounted for 18% of incidents. In some good news, the median number of days from an intrusion to detection decreased to 49 days in 2016 from 80.5 days in 2015. "As intrusion detection and breach containment times were relatively better, other threats like malvertisements became cheaper and malicious spam saw increases," found Trustwave.

HELLO GOODBYE

Mr. Lufkin Goes to Washington

POS Partners has opened its newest office location in Washington, D.C., led by Doug Lufkin, Business Development Manager. Previously, Lufkin served as Sales Manager, Northeast U.S., for QSR Automations (2016 to 2017). Additional positions have included Senior Sales Executive for Micros Systems (2008 to 2009) and Regional Sales Director for Future POS (2000 to 2008). Significantly, POS Partners sells Future POS.

"I am thrilled to have been chosen by POS Partners," shared Lufkin. "It's amazing to be a part of a team that is committed to developing relationships with their customers rather than selling a product and disappearing. POS Partners offers an entire suite of products for restauranteurs designed to increase sales and profit. I've been in search of a company like POS Partners, and I'm happy to have found my home."

"Doug brings a great deal of valuable experience to the team," contributed Lance Bell, President and CEO of POS Partners, which is based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. "We are delighted that he is heading up our new office in Washington, D.C." This brings the number of outposts across the U.S. for POS Partners to 15.

Doug Lufkin, Virginia/D.C. Business Development Manager, POS Partners

Barcoding, Inc. Signs Veterans

Barcoding, Inc. (Baltimore, MD), another major Auto ID VAR, has expanded its "Consumables by Barcoding" practice with the addition of three supply chain veterans. First, David Reba, former National Account Manager at SATO America (2008 to 2017), will serve as Director of Consumables Sales at Barcoding, Inc. In addition, David Stevens, former Channel Account Manager at SATO America (2013 to 2017), will serve as Consumables Sales and Project Manager at Barcoding, Inc. Finally, Peter Zalinski, former DairyTracker Product Manager at Data Specialists, Inc. (2011 to 2017), will serve as Product Manager of Identification Solutions and NetSuite Liaison at Barcoding, Inc.

"We've found that many companies are turning to small, local converting shops to fulfill their labeling needs due to their local presence. This can add risk due to limited ability to provide services and scale with the customer's needs. Eventually, the customer may need to change vendors as their needs evolve," related Reba. "Whether small, mid-size, or enterprise, it may be in their best interest to use organizations that have consulting services, such as Barcoding, Inc."

A Veteran Team for Consumables at Barcoding, Inc.: David Reba, David Stevens, and Peter Zalinski