This Week’s Product Pick

Xplore Technologies Corp. (Austin, TX) has added features to its rugged RangerX Android Tablet. Specifically, it now runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and gives users access to the Google Play Store. It also has been re-engineered to support glove touch capability. Carrying Dual-Core ARM Cortex A9 CPU, total storage of 192 GB, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE, RangerX weighs only 2.2 lbs., with 10-inch capacitive touchscreen with anti-reflective glass. It holds both IP-65 and MIL-STD-810G ratings for endurance and provides battery life of 10 hours. "We're sensitive to the needs of the mobile workforce, and many of our customers operate in field environments where gloves are required for safety reasons or freezing temperatures," stated Mark Holleran, CEO/President.

Xplore's RangerX Tablet

COMPANY BUSINESS

BANK-ing on Digicom

Expect bigger things from POSBANK USA (Gardena, CA), following its purchase of Digicom International (Farmingdale, NY), the longstanding wholesale POS hardware supplier. Purchase price was $9.8 million, RRN.Com was told by Grace Goo, GM of POSBANK USA, and all products will be marketed under the new owner's brand. Jammy Chen, CEO and Founder of Digicom International, will serve as Sales Consultant for POSBANK USA, which markets its ANYSHOP, ANYSHOP II, and IMPREX POS.

"POSBANK USA was actively looking for a way to increase our market share and improve our resellers' pre-sales and after-sales experience in the North American market," shared Steven Eun, CEO of POSBANK USA. "Our merger with Digicom International now allows us to have fully staffed warehouses with customer, service, sales, and tech personnel on both the East and West Coasts of the U.S. We can now provide superior reseller support and faster ship times."

"Our merger with POSBANK USA was the next logical step for us," explained Chen. "Digicom has been supplying POS hardware and software products in the U.S. and Canada for almost three decades, and we were looking to widen our footprint in the North American market much like POSBANK USA. The merger of Digicom International and POSBANK USA is ideal for both companies' growth, and we can provide better service to both our VARs and end-user customers."

ANYSHOP II by POSBANK USA

Pioneer Plays Its ACE

Another evolutionary step for Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA), this time in the form of its new partner program, entitled ACE. Over the past several years, Pioneer POS has made several moves to expand its footprint in the channel for POS, such as establishing its field sales force of Nancy Smith, Nancy Szczudlik, and Scott Johnston, and addressing distribution through ScanSource, M-S Cash Drawer, and just recently, BlueStar. Now it will focus on recruitment of Value-Added Resellers-- particularly those tied to the larger hospitality ISVs--through ACE.

In speaking with RRN.Com, Michael Flores, Director of Business Development for Pioneer POS, noted that "True VARs were saying you have great product, but it's out there on the web. You can find it for a couple of bucks over my cost, and I can't make any money. We really want to support those companies that are creating the demand and designing in Pioneer POS." As an answer to web-based price quotes, one of the most pressing issues facing our channel, ACE will enforce the so-called Manufacturer's Advertised Price, or MAP, which means search engines may not advertise any of its POS terminals for anything below MSRP.

Moreover, ACE brings an impressive menu of benefits to partners, such as lead generation, warranty work, evaluation terminals, and enhanced marketing, sales, and technical support. In return, Pioneer POS expects commitment to its products, an established market position and core competency, and some level of volume and growth projections. ACE was officially rolled out at the first of the year, and the company's existing resellers have been enrolled, according to Flores. "We're getting more looks because of consolidation and acquisitions among vendors of POS," he said of Pioneer POS. "It was the right time for us to support resellers that truly add value."

Michael Flores, Director of Business Development, Pioneer POS

Worth Your While

Toshiba Connect 2014
Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
April 7-10
La Jolla, CA

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 8-10
Las Vegas

WERC
Warehousing Education and Research Council
April 27-30
Chicago

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 17-20
Chicago

FMI Connect
Food Marketing Institute
June 10-13
Chicago

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Sled Ride With Code

Code Corporation (Salt Lake City) has unwrapped its barcode reading sled for the Apple iPhone 5s, designated CR4405. Appropriately lightweight and ergonomic, CR4405 employs the company's advanced decoding platform for one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and postal symbologies. It converts the popular iPhone 5s for heavy-duty scanning environments such as retail, event management, government, and healthcare.

Code points to several unique characteristics of CR4405, starting with its swap-out, rechargeable battery cartridges, which eliminate interruptions to workflow. A disinfectant-ready plastic housing, as well as clear protective coating for the touchscreen, extend durability for the iPhone 5s. In addition, multiple locking clips fix the iPhone 5s firmly in place to prevent damage or contamination. An accompanying software development kit (SDK) has been provided, and users may choose from several charging station configurations.

"The CR4405 sled is a reflection of the robust functionality of Code's products, and how well we anticipate and adapt to market demands," projected George Powell, CEO/President of Code Corporation. "It's a way our customers can both protect their investments and minimize any issues that may result from interfacing varying technologies." Elsewhere, Code Corporation has extended its relationship with ScanSource POS and Barcode to include distribution across Europe.

Code Corp.'s New Barcode Reading Sled

A New Hopeful in Tablet POS

A new player has entered the arena for tablet-based POS, bearing an appropriate title of POStablets (Arvada, CO). Its latest offering, denoted SAN 031, combines proprietary tablet, carrying case, and presentation stand, with Windows O/S. As specifications, the tablet carries 10-inch IPS/TN capacitive touchscreen (1280x800), Intel Bay Trail-T Quad-Core CPU, 2 GB LPDDR3 (expandable to 32 GB), and Intel Gen 7 Graphics. A suite of ports, including USB, Mini HDMI, and TF Card Slot, as well as 802/11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and 8000 mAh battery, are included as standard features.

Along with its tablet, the company has fashioned plastic carrying case and sheet-metal presentation stand. As expected, this stand rotates for portrait or landscape viewing, offers near full tilt capability for transactions between staff and customers, and may lock down the tablet for security. Accompanying carrying case includes collapsible silicon handle on the back for holding the tablet in table-side ordering or line busting. A variety of credit card payment devices may be ordered, and the company will develop any custom add-ons or OEM features.

"VARs are looking to introduce mobile solutions without having to overhaul their existing product base," indicated Kent Hall, North America Sales Director of POStablets. "Our three-in-one bundle with Windows O/S offers just that. It integrates easily with Windows POS, and when added with our competitive pricing, you'll see real value for the dollar." In addition to Windows, POStablets also offers its bundle with an Android 4.2 tablet.

A Three-in-One Bundle of Tablet, Carrying Case, and Presentation Stand Offered by POStablets

[Editor's Note: POStablets should not be confused with POS Tablets, and its parent company, POS Portal (Sacramento, CA).]

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ALLIANCES

Another Roadmap to Security

A new cross-industry effort to accelerate payment security has been announced by MasterCard and Visa. As initial goals, it cites adoption of EMV chip technology in the U.S., additional solutions such as tokenization and point-to-point encryption, and development of "an actionable roadmap" for securing the future across every segment of the industry. As members, it will encompass banks, credit unions, acquirers, retailers, point-of-sale device manufacturers, and industry trade groups.

"One of the critical roles we play is to protect consumers and businesses against criminals and fraudsters," remarked Chris McWilton, President of North American Markets for MasterCard. "Only through industry collaboration and cooperation will we address the real and immediate issue of security and maintain consumer confidence and trust. EMV will be the next step in these efforts, alongside enhanced security solutions for online and mobile channels."

"The recent high profile breaches have served as a catalyst for much need collaboration between the retail and financial services industry on the issue of payment security," added Ryan McInerney, President of Visa Inc. "As we have long said, no one industry or technology can solve the issue of payment system fraud on its own. These conversations will serve as a useful forum to share ideas, break down barriers, and spur the adoption of next generation security solutions for the benefit of all."

A New Security Association Arises From Visa and MasterCard

Swarmed by Retail Pro

A new partnership between Retail Pro (Folsom, CA) and Swarm Mobile (San Francisco) hopes to further the cause of business analytics for our world. Under this agreement, end-users of the combined technologies of the two companies will gain the proverbial bird's-eye view of customer behavior and store performance. "We are looking forward to seeing more retailers turn performance data insights into their competitive advantage," relayed Alexandra Firth, Director of Marketing for Retail Pro.

Using an unobtrusive device that plugs in anywhere in the store, Swarm Mobile measures such factors as customer foot traffic, conversion rates, dwell time, and repeat visitors via the customer's smartphone ID and Wi-Fi. An analytics engine then aggregates and processes such real-time "presence" with transactional data from the POS. A single web-based dashboard allows store owners and managers to track performance and make appropriate adjustments to staff and inventory much more quickly and effectively, according to the two parties.

"Retail Pro is the undisputed leader across multiple retail categories. We're thrilled, and based on early feedback, so are our customers," divulged Leif Borden, Director of POS Partnerships at Swarm Mobile. So far, its analytics solution has been installed in more than 20,000 retail locations in the U.S., and support has been extended for LightSpeed, Vend, and Erply, as well as Retail Pro in POS.

Swarm Mobile Brings Business Analytics

Code Corner

Harbortouch (Allentown, PA) has released its new POS Sales Center iPad app. One notable new feature allows resellers to complete entire merchant applications with all supporting documents and submit them directly through the app. Moreover, the app carries an intuitive wizard that steps the reseller through the process of completing the Merchant Application, POS Service Agreement, and POS Account Set-Up Form. A camera on the iPad can be utilized to take photos of supporting documents so that the entire process can be handled within the app. Further, the app allows resellers to prepare proposals for potential merchants and then automatically populate the application documents upon agreement. Lastly, this update adds live demo functionality for hospitality, quick-service and delivery, and retail, helping to streamline the sales process.

Harbortouch POS

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

3xLOGIC: "No Where to Hide"

A leading provider of video surveillance, 3xLOGIC (Westminster, CO), has added remote access to its VIGIL Video Management System (VMS). This new capability allows store owners and managers to view overlaid activities in POS, whether live or in search mode, on any iOS or Android mobile device. As retail partners, 3xLOGIC, which also supplies the cameras, includes Radiant and Retalix by NCR. In addition to retail, it addresses markets such as education, warehousing, banking and finance, and healthcare.

With search functionality described as comprehensive, yet intuitive, 3xLOGIC VIGIL Mobile supports analog, IP, and megapixel camera feeds, including 180-degree panoramic and 360-degree hemispheric. Additionally, VIGIL Mobile provides pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) control via virtual joystick. It may be downloaded at no cost from the company's website.

"Remote accessibility has always been one of the priorities at 3xLOGIC," elaborated CEO Matthew Kushner. "Unlike other mobile apps that only stream reduced resolution video, VIGIL Mobile allows users to view real-time, high-resolution video--with complete POS searching capability--on their handheld devices. VIGIL Mobile ensures our users have the video resolution, via tablets or smartphones, necessary to remove ambiguity and guesswork from active investigations--resulting in both increased effectiveness and apprehensions for loss prevention."

View of POS Provided by 3xLOGIC VIGIL

Microsoft's Mother and Child Reunion

Junction Solutions (Englewood, CO) has sold its Junction MCR software suite to Microsoft. An extension to Microsoft Dynamics AX for direct marketers and multi-channel retailers, Junction MCR provides cross-channel visibility between stores, website, and catalog/call center operations. It was built directly in Microsoft Dynamics AX and includes advanced functionality for merchandising, pricing and promotions, customer service, inventory management, high-volume pick and pack operations, small parcel order fulfillment, and direct store delivery (DSD). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"This is an exciting milestone for Microsoft Dynamics AX Retail," declared Jeff Grell, CEO of Junction Solutions. "Microsoft has created the first complete omni-channel retail solution operating on the advanced .NET architecture using the SQL Server single database. No other publisher of retail software has anything close to this level of functionality paired with the most advanced technology. This transaction illustrates the commitment Microsoft has to building the best omni-channel retail solution in the marketplace."

Junction MCR has become part of the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 RS release, marketed directly and through the channel. Addressing consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, and life sciences, as well as retail, Junction Solutions, which has won numerous awards from Microsoft for its ISV/VAR activities, will continue to base its solutions on Microsoft Dynamics AX. Of course, for readers of RRN.Com, two dates loom large when it comes to Microsoft: April 8, when support ends for Windows XP, increasing security risks, and April 24, start of the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Technology Conference in Las Vegas, run by Retail Realm, which will reveal plans for RMS and AX.

Microsoft Buys Junction MCR Suite

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POStablets
POS-X
TEAMSable

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Intermec by Honeywell
Printronix
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

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

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury Payment Systems

Inventory Systems
New West Technologies

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

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

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Heartland Sings Oklahoma

Heartland Payment Systems has broken ground on its new sales headquarters in Edmond, Oklahoma. Heartland will occupy 13,000 square feet of the new 22,000 square foot building. Its corporate headquarters will remain in Princeton, New Jersey. One of the nation's biggest payment processors, particularly in restaurants, the company reported net revenue last year of $599 million, up 13% from $530 million the year before, and net income of $88.1 million versus $76.2 million.

"Heartland has been part of the vibrant Edmond community for many years," commented Tony Capucille, Chief Sales Officer at Heartland Payment Systems. "Our sales team has grown significantly over the past few years and our new headquarters will give us the additional space we need to continue to expand our sales operations team well into the future."

Heartland partnered with Bockus Payne Associates Architects to design the layout for the new facility in Fischer Hall Office Park. The interior design employs vintage raw materials such as reclaimed wood, glass front offices, and exposed structural and mechanical systems. "The open floor plan and clear lines of sight reflect the Heartland culture of teamwork and collaboration," suggested Vince Lombardo, Executive Director of Sales, Great Lakes, for Heartland Payment Systems.

Ground-Breaking Ceremony in Edmond, Oklahoma. From Left to Right: Nick Massey, City Council Member; Victoria Caldwell, City Council Member; Vince Lombardo, Executive Director of Sales, Heartland Payment; and Tony Capucille, Chief Sales Officer, Heartland Payment

All Hail Agilysys

Caesars Entertainment Corporation has settled on Agilysys InfoGenesis as its enterprise-wide POS. Not unexpectedly, Caesars also deploys the Agilysys Lodging Management System for room assignment as well as the Agilysys Stratton Warren System for inventory and procurement. The company's resorts operate primarily under the Harrah's, Caesars, and Horseshoe brand names, with locations on three continents.

"Expanding our relationship is a significant endorsement of our solutions," proposed Jim Dennedy, CEO/President of Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA). "Caesars Entertainment has long been acknowledged in the gaming industry for their ability to leverage innovative technology solutions to improve the guest experience and property performance. Our focus on partnering for success and quality of service, and providing direct, honest counsel on how best to deploy technology distinguishes Agilysys as valued solutions provider."

In making its decision, Caesars Entertainment cited the flexibility, scalability, and reporting capability of Agilysys InfoGenesis. It natively supports cashless engagement with property guests and integrates easily with other applications, such as gift cards or mobility, according to the two parties. Other features include packages and prix fixe menus, electronic signature capture, and multi-language capability. InfoGenesis POS is delivered as an on-premise or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution.

InfoGenesis POS Across All Caesars' Properties

Rambler Redux

AnywhereCommerce (Montreal) has unveiled its new mobile payment acceptance device, Rambler 3.0. This third generation release of the product furnishes redesigned form factor with flexible rubber grips that fit over most smartphone and tablet cases (and are removable). It employs the company's patented audio jack connectivity (at 3.5 mm) and advanced encryption technologies (AES, TDES with Fixed/DUKPT). All major operating systems are supported--Android, iOS, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8. Also BlackBerry, should anyone care.

Measuring approximately 2 in. (W) x 2 in. (H) x 1 in. (D), and weighing less than 1 oz., Rambler 3.0 delivers two-track magnetic-stripe reading. Significantly, its internal 225 mAh battery doesn't draw from the mobile device battery. In addition, its plug-and-play application programming interface (API) can easily be integrated into payment applications.

"With over 500,000 units in operation throughout the world today, our Rambler product line continues to prove itself a dominant solution, dependably serving m-commerce needs across multiple global markets," emphasized Mitchell Cobrin, Founder and CEO for AnywhereCommerce. "The latest design innovations in Rambler 3.0 incorporate engineering improvements to further enhance the product line's reliability and performance. With updated design, users no longer have to remove their smartphone/tablet case in order to take magstripe orders." Among markets cited, in addition to general retail: professional services, flea markets, limousine and taxi, trade shows, farmer's markets, and home parties.

AnywhereCommerce Presents Rambler 3.0

Channel Factoid

A new report on consumer packaged goods from Intermec by Honeywell shows that half of respondents, 51%, still use pen-and-paper processes in at least part of their direct store delivery (DSD) operations. Likewise, only 41% of companies report that their route sales representatives have the tools they need to do their jobs effectively. An almost identical amount, only 42%, believe that their DSD systems are ready for the future. A first step highlighted by respondents for addressing such issues would be reviewing and re-engineering of current operations, technologies, and systems, but just 32% of consumer packaged goods organizations have undertaken such efforts in the past year. Of those companies that have recently undergone process re-engineering, however, as high as 30% have received, or expect to receive, average annual savings exceeding $500,000. In related questioning, 57% of companies say their consumers expect better traceability of products. It seems this demand has not reached retailers, with just 35% of suppliers claiming they have felt pressure from their retailers to improve traceability. "The results of this survey clearly show that business today is increasingly complex and challenging and there is no sign of that letting up," summarized Brian Shulte, Industry Director for Direct Store Delivery at Intermec by Honeywell. "It's also clear that companies are looking for ways to address their growing challenges."

HELLO GOODBYE

End of Era at RSPA

As we go to press with this week's RRN.Com, the Retail Solutions Providers Association (Charlotte, NC) is putting the final touches on the press release announcing its new CEO, who comes from outside our industry. We will introduce him in good course, but first some words of appreciation for the work of Joe Finizio, former CEO, who has moved into the role of RSPA's Executive Director of Industry Strategies and Relations. It's not an exaggeration to state that RSPA enjoys its current health and status largely because of Finizio's work over the last eight years.

A few supporting facts. Since 2007, its membership has tripled from 380 companies to 1,150 companies. RSPA's trade show, RetailNOW has doubled in size, with 2,100 attendees and 175 exhibitors. At one time deeply in debt, with an unprofitable play at distribution, the late PC4, RSPA now enjoys financial stability, indicated by the $100,000 in scholarship money it awards each year. By any standard, Finizio has transformed the group from an old boy's club into an effective, well-regarded advocate for the channel.

New Role for Joe Finizio at RSPA

POS-X Divides to Conquer

Another move forward by POS-X (Bellingham, WA), which has now formed regional channel teams for the U.S. and Canada. As Eastern Regional Channel Manager, Jack Dorton, recently hired by POS-X, will be located in Florida. Just added by POS-X as Western Regional Channel Manager, Ramon Mendoza will be located in Texas. For the past fifteen years, Dorton has worked in our channel, with roles such as Channel Manager for MMF POS, Channel Sales Manager for TransAct Technologies, and POS Sales Manager for Positive ID (now part of ScanSource). As background, Mendoza brings fifteen years of experience for two POS VARs, having served as VP of Operations for Untill USA and Service Technician for SDCR Business Systems.

"I enjoy working closely with the resellers, getting to know and understand their market, and helping them to achieve more success," stated Dorton. "It's important to make my trainings precise and memorable, demonstrate quality new products and technology, and collaborate on ways to garner more business and customers."

"Having the technical background and actually being on the front lines as an ISV/VAR, I can really add value, based off firsthand experience and industry knowledge," stated Mendoza. "I'm looking forward to sharing my experience with all of our resellers and assisting them in any way that I can in order to help them become more efficient and more profitable."

"At POS-X we are always striving to make the customer experience the best it can be," summarized Nick Melnyk, VP of Sales and Service for POS-X. "By forming the regional channel teams we are taking another step in enhancing this experience. The regional channel managers along with our inside sales representatives will be able to get even closer to the resellers and better nurture the reseller relationships." Outside the U.S., Felipe Barragan serves as Latin America Channel Manager

Jack Dorton, Ramon Mendoza, Felipe Barragan

The Lifeblood of FreedomPay

FreedomPay (Radnor, PA), which provides its e-commerce platform, has enlisted Marc Pereira as its new VP of Technology. Pereira joins FreedomPay after serving nearly twelve years in strategic executive roles at eBay Enterprises. He most recently served as Senior Manager of Developer and Technology for the company. Before eBay, he worked as Lead Manager of Software Engineering for GSI Commerce.

"Marc joins our senior management team in a crucial role," corroborated Tom Durovsik, CEO of FreedomPay. "Our industry is evolving rapidly and Marc represents the level of elite talent that keeps us in a leadership position. Our technology is our lifeblood, and Marc's background insures our commitment to making payments smarter."

"I'm delighted to join FreedomPay as it continues its rapid growth into Europe and Latin America," stated Pereira. "My unique skill will be an important asset to the company in managing its expanding development pipeline, and I plan to act as the liaison between our business development and sales functions to make sure our message comes across at all levels for this aggressive and innovative company." The company employs the clever term "transaction superhighway" when describing its network.

Marc Pereira, VP of Technology, FreedomPay