Week of March 12, 2012
Michael Kachmar, Editor (If not displaying properly or banners not flashing, click here.) | |||||||||||||||
This Week’s Product PickDatalogic ADC (Eugene, OR) has outfitted its Gryphon GM4400 scanner with its STAR Cordless System, completing its premium-level data collection family for general purposes. Gryphon GM4400 provides true omni-directional reading of both one and two-dimensional barcodes, according to the vendor. A Lithium-Ion battery holds 60,000 scans per charge, with batch mode capability of 1,200 linear codes. At 960 MHz, Datalogic’s STAR Cordless System handles point-to-point and point-to-multipoint installations with up to 16 readers connected to the same base station and non-susceptibility to interference from Wi-Fi infrastructures, concrete walls, or metal shelving. “Thanks to Motionex motion-sensing technology, ‘Green Spot’ read recognition, and non-flickering red illumination, the Gryphon GM4400 reader offers not only the highest level of performance, but also an intuitive device that never tires the user,” remarked Giulio Berzuini, VP and GM of Hand Held Scanning at Datalogic ADC. Datalogic Gryphon GM4400 |
COMPANY BUSINESS A Worship of Isis? Isis, the joint venture created by AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless, has received the blessing of four major payment hardware suppliers--VeriFone, Ingenico, ViVOtech, and Equinox Payments--each of whom will integrate and support the Isis Mobile Commerce Application. Under this agreement, merchants will become followers of Isis through the combination of new payment acceptance systems and near-field communication (NFC) add-on devices, as well as remote software upgrades of some terminals already in the field. Along similar lines, last week three major credit card issuers--Chase, Capital One, and BarclayCard--confirmed they will power their cards on the Isis mobile wallet. “Payment systems suppliers provide critical infrastructure for the development of mobile commerce,” remarked Scott Mulloy, CTO at Isis (New York). “Today’s announcement is an important step in enabling NFC technology adoption throughout the mobile commerce industry. It also validates the open platform approach being offered by Isis across multiple business sectors.” This summer, Isis will begin pilot projects in Salt Lake City, UT, and Austin, TX, two interesting choices, with plans for full rollout six to twelve months afterwards. In some sense, this latest announcement might be more symbolic than ground-breaking, since the quartet of payment vendors have already indicated their support for NFC, and thus, Isis, which adheres to international standards, yet clearly the groundwork continues to be laid. “As one of the leading global payment terminal manufacturers, we welcome Isis’ open approach of mobile commerce to engage with as many stakeholders of the payments ecosystem as possible,” stated Thierry Denis, President of Ingenico North America. “It is the most effective way to brings consumers and merchants the best in engineering innovation, convenience, and security of payments.” (Not according to Google Wallet, apparently, which has accused the three communication carriers of unenlightened self-interest.) Near-Field Communication Scheme Gains Support From Payment Terminal Vendors Seiko’s Partner for Portability Seiko Instruments USA (Torrance, CA) and MobileDemand (Hiawatha, IA) will join forces to offer turnkey hardware solutions across vertical markets such as retail, warehousing, manufacturing, transportation, and field service. Under this new strategic partnership, MobileDemand’s xTablet T7000, T8700, and C1200 rugged tablet PCs have been certified to work on Seiko Instruments’ two-inch DPU-S245 portable receipt printer and four-inch DPU-S445 portable receipt and label printer. One of the vendors approaching the tablet arena from an industrial perspective, MobileDemand builds to military specifications, with Windows 7 O/S, high-performance Intel CPU, and the full range of data collection and communication capabilities. Correspondingly, Seiko’s pair of printers delivers small footprint, lightweight design, and long operating lifetime of at least 328,000 six-inch printouts (50 km). “There is a lot of synergy between MobileDemand and Seiko Instruments,” observed Brian Beans, Channel Sales and Business Development Manager for MobileDemand. “Both product lines are built for use in environments where downtime is not an option. Also, providing innovative tools used by mobile workers in the field to improve operating efficiency and productivity is core to both companies.” “The partnership with MobileDemand made sense for a variety of reasons,” added Adam Ortlieb, Associate Director of Marketing at Seiko Instruments. “It will leverage both companies’ expertise, providing customers with a seamless solution that combines our high-performance mobile printers with MobileDemand’s innovative, highly durable xTablets. Ultimately, end-users gain access to a proven solution designed to accelerate transaction times, increase efficiencies, and expand revenue opportunities.” Seiko Printers To Be Teamed With MobileDemand Tablet Computers |
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Worth Your While2012 Annual ETA Meeting & Expo NRA Show 2012 WERC 2012 NACStech VARTECH Canada HITEC 2012 RetailNOW 2012 |
ALL IN THE FAMILY CognitiveTPG Steps Up to DLXi CognitiveTPG (Lincolnshire, IL) has debuted the newest member of its desktop printer line--the DLXi. Building upon the reliability of the Advantage LX and Blaster models, with metal frame construction and metal print mechanism and two-year warranty, the DLXi brings advanced communications, better performance, and improved code processing, according to the manufacturer. Two versions are offered--two-inch and four-inch direct thermal or thermal transfer--with five inches/second print speed, 203-dpi resolution, and 16-MB RAM/8-MB Flash. “Because of their rugged design, many of the Advantage and Blaster printers are still operating, some even after 10 or 15 years,” noted Roman Dziaba, Product Manager for Cognitive TPG. “The DLXi was designed to provide an upgrade pathway for all these printers. Customers can upgrade to the DLXi printer to get USB communication, faster print speed, more memory, and higher energy efficiency while retaining the same reliability they have come to trust.” Significantly, the DLXi employs industry-standard connectors for its cabling, as opposed to the company’s Advantage DLX, which eventually will be discontinued. All versions of DLXi include the USB-A host port, with USB-B, Ethernet, Serial, and Parallel configurations. In addition, DLXi printers come with the Cognitive Programming Language (CPL) as default and EcPL (Eltron) and ZcPL (Zebra) language emulations for additional application options. Physically, the DLXi measures approximately 10 in. (D) x 6 in. (H) x 5 in. (W), with 7 in. (W) for the wider version. Weight ranges from 3.1 lbs. to 4.4 lbs. New DLXi Desktop Thermal Label Printers A Trio of Light Duties at Intermec Intermec (Everett, WA) has launched its new “PC” Series of light-duty label printers, the PC43d, PC43t, and PC23d (each bearing the designation of “Printer Compact”). Ideal for customers who are new to label printing or who are making the switch from laser or inkjet printers, according to the vendor, the new PC43d and PC43t come in four-inch direct thermal and four-inch thermal transfer, respectively, with double-wall clamshell construction and selectable print speeds of eight inches/second at 203 dpi and six inches/second at 300 dpi. Introduced two weeks earlier, with disinfectant-resistant case, the two-inch direct thermal PC23d addresses healthcare needs for patient wristbands and sample and document labeling. Printer dimensions are illustrated in the photo below, with the largest PC43t measuring 11.1 in. (D) x 8.9 in. (H) x 8.3 in. (W) and weighing 6 lbs. “Built with customer challenges in mind, Intermec’s PC Series of desktop printers was designed specifically to empower the user,” declared Chuck Dourlet, VP of Printers and Media for Intermec. “With its highly intuitive and flexible form, Intermec’s newest line of printers offers fast return on investment by empowering users with simple set-up, various ease of use and maintenance features, and our modular approach enabling future upgrades for investment protection.” In keeping with this mission, the PC Series comes equipped with universal icon interface or color LCD in ten languages for direct, timely notifications to reduce training and support needs. It also offers one-handed media loading and quick configuration via USB stick device, making the printers easier to install and maintain. USB is standard along with optional Serial, Parallel, Ethernet, or dual wireless card with Bluetooth and CCX-compliant 802.11b/g/n, and the printers are programmable with the ability to link standard keyboards, scales, or other peripherals. Notably, the PC43t accommodates ribbon roll size of 300 meters, suitable for its role in manufacturing and warehouse/distribution environments. Three Models in PC Series of Label Printers Suit the SMB"
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ALLIANCES Star Wished Upon by ISVs Star Micronics (Edison, NJ) has added two Independent Software Vendors to its list of certifications. First, Aldelo (Modesto, CA) has tested and approved three printers for its flagship XERA POS restaurant platform: Star’s TSP100, SP742, and SP500. Supplied with all parts and software, Star’s TSP100 for POS features throughput of 22 receipts per minute, wall mount configuration, and futurePRNT design software. Built to withstand heat and humidity, Star’s SP742 and SP500 deliver impact printing for foodservice and kitchen applications. “Star has earned their spot as a leader in the point-of-sale industry, offering innovative power-saving designs, long lasting quality, and a staff of dedicated professionals,” volunteered Harry Tu, President of Aldelo. “We are pleased to partner with them.” In the area of parks and recreation, Vermont Systems (Junction, VT) has approved Star’s TSP100 for use with its RecTrac Software. Significantly, RecTrac produces one receipt from any number of transactions among its individual modules. Factors in the selection of Star, according to Vermont Systems, included Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 compatibility, an easy-to-use methodology for displaying logos, efficient paper loading and print speed, and multiple standard interface options (USB, Ethernet, Serial, and Parallel). Lastly, Star Micronics announced that BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has been honored as its 2011 Distributor of the Year. “We are proud and excited to present the BlueStar team with the 2011 Distributor of the Year award,” commented Christine Duffy, Senior Sales Director at Star Micronics. “BlueStar has been a vital part of our continued success and we look forward to continuing our partnership.” The Distributor of the Year is given in recognition of continued year-over-year growth in sales and best practices in reseller business development. BlueStar has now won the award for eight consecutive years. High-Resolution Screen of Aldelo’s XERA Hospitality Software Now Apple POS Comes Free POSLavu (Albuquerque, NM), fast out of the gate with POS for the Apple iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone, now offers its software with zero upfront licensing costs by partnering with payment processor, Century Payments (Frisco, TX). Specifically, the POSLavu Silver Package eliminates the normal $895 licensing fee when paired with Century Payments’ Merchant Services. POSLavu Silver targets quick-service restaurant environments such as coffee shops, counter service, food trucks, and mobile cafes, according to its developer. “POSLavu has been designed as the low-cost alternative to traditional point-of-sale systems,” maintained Travis Kellerman, SVP of Operations at POSLavu. “But we’re now pleased to offer our full-function Silver-level service with no license fee. Compared to other ‘free’ software that offers limited functions, POSLavu gives you a true business management system.” Based upon Apple iOS, wireless, and the cloud, the solution furnishes customized menus, seating, meal order, tableside card payment, split checks, e-mail of receipts to customers, and back-office reporting, according POSLavu. Recently, POSLavu generated publicity through an endorsement by Gordon Ramsay, the contentious superstar chef of the television reality show, Kitchen Nightmares. In this year’s season six, Ramsay will deploy the POSLavu platform in three episodes as part of his effort to help his traditional witches brew of characters--overwhelmed waiters, talentless cooks, and clueless restaurant managers. During an episode of Kitchen Nightmares last year, most of the staff learned to use POSLavu in less than one hour, with one employee mastering the basics in just five minutes before filming started, according to Ben Harrison, SVP for Development for POSLavu, who worked with Ramsay. Bloody hell! Gordon Ramsay Always Hates the Food, But Sometimes Likes the POS |
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Code CornerAccellos (Colorado Springs, CO) has tied its load and route optimization software to agriculture-tailored Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) from SBI Software (Portland, OR). Now growers and garden centers can select orders in the SBI ERP and export them to AccellosOne Optimize. For its part, Optimize consolidates the orders into shipments and converts them to full and/or multi-stop truckloads. Such loads can be specified as one-way or round-trip. Once loads are built in Optimize, they are transmitted back to SBI ERP where they can be managed throughout the delivery cycle. Such integration exceeds customer expectations by taking into account factors such as equipment requirements, delivery windows of opportunity, appointment times, hours of service, multi-pick/multi-drop mandates, and back hauls, according to the two parties. “SBI did an outstanding job at making the integration seamless and user friendly,” relayed Ross Elliot, EVP and CTO at Accellos. “The Optimize/ERP package has the ability to consistently minimize miles, maximize capacity of loads, and reduce labor and transportation costs for our users.”
Chad Collins, CMO, Accellos |
INTEGRATION Sowing Tickets on the Event Farm Event Farm (Washington, DC) has tied its electronic ticketing scheme to the ROAMPay mobile commerce platform from ROAM Data (Boston). This new app, named and marketed under the developer’s name, Event Farm, works to eliminate the need for traditional box offices and paper tickets. Described as fully integrated, the solution synchronizes ticket sales via mobile devices with online inventories in real time, reportedly, and provides encrypted payment processing capabilities. Both ROAMPay’s card reader and Application Programming Interface (API) support Apple iOS and Android devices. “What is groundbreaking about what we’re doing is that our app is fully tied into our ticketing platform. We are not just independently charging credit cards on a mobile device,” emphasized Ryan Costello, Co-Founder and CEO of Event Farm. “Ticket inventories on the app are synched with online sales and vice versa. Equally as important, this service does not require the purchase of expensive hardware--it uses mobile phones and dongles--and is secure and fast. The events industry has been waiting for this solution.” Hamilton Live, the trendy music hall based in Washington, DC, has already adopted the system. “This app not only eliminated the need for a box office in our venue but it has also completely revolutionized the ‘will call’ experience for our guests,” reported Tom Meyer, President of the Hamilton. “Our funds are available to us the next business day as all transactions are automatically batched nightly. Every part of the ticketing process is electronic and mobile. It’s amazing to think this was ever done any other way.” ROAM Data API Opens Window to Electronic Ticketing [Editor’s Note: Beware, Square. In an obvious move to counter the growing attraction of Square for payment processing by smaller businesses and independent contractors, Ingenico recently took controlling interest in ROAM Data through an unspecified second round of investment. Already, ROAM Data’s mobile payment technology gets marketed through third parties such as Intuit, Sage Payment Solutions, and Total Merchant Services. Ingenico first invested in ROAM Data in 2009.] Lower Stakes in Card Game HID Global (Irvine, CA) has unboxed its value-priced Fargo DTC1000M monochrome printer/encoder for small businesses in retail, gambling, financial services, and local government. This new device prints single-color, edge-to-edge images on one side of standard CR-80 or CR-79 identification cards. The resin thermal-transfer process ensures clear reproduction of photo images, barcodes, and alphanumeric data, according to the vendor, and ribbons include standard or premium black, or choice of green, blue, red, white, silver, or gold. The DTC1000M furnishes USB or Ethernet connectivity and the embedded Swift ID software enables users to start printing cards immediately with no licensing fees. For magnetic-stripe cards, an optional module provides inline, one-step encoding and card printing. For cost-conscious organizations, the DTC1000M is shipped with refill ribbon cartridge, which when paired with the standard black resin ribbon, offers an “extremely affordable and sustainable solution.” “The new DTC1000M enables more customers to step up to Fargo quality,” professed Dan DaFore, Director of Product Marketing for Secure Issuance with HID Global. “From the affordable and convenient DTC1000M to the high duty performance HDP8500 industrial card printer/encoder, HID Global offers the broadest range of card personalization systems. With the release of this entry-level printer, HID is uniquely positioned to meet the complete set of customer needs.” DTC1000M Fargo Monochrome Printer/Encoder by HID |
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Key Advertiser LinksBe sure to visit these vendors for the latest in channel products and offers for resellers. POS & Auto ID Distribution POS & Peripherals POS Systems - Hospitality Barcode & Transaction Printers Cash Drawers Data Collection Terminals Data Collection Software Integrated Payment Solutions Keyboards Mobile Marketing & Loyalty Receipt Printers Repair & Refurbishment Touchscreens & Monitors
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INSTALLATIONS A Pen for EPC Gen 2 ID BLUE (St. John’s, NL, Canada) has enlisted the first customer for its new pen-shaped UHF Mobile RFID Reader for smartphones and tablets. Mygrant Glass Company, one of the largest independent wholesale distributors of auto glass in the U.S., based in California, plans to deploy ID BLUE.UHF in each of its 600 delivery vehicles after successfully testing the technology. Used in conjunction with the Apple iPad, the readers confirm customer deliveries and automatically update inventory, thereby reducing the need for 15,000 paper forms each day. Weighing about two ounces, and measuring five-and-a-half inches long, ID BLUE.UHF addresses the growing adoption of EPC Gen 2 standards. The reader carries Bluetooth 2.1 communications, USB 2.0 port, and rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery for eight-hour use. Its capacitive stylus tip allows data entry and screen navigation by gloved hands, and up to 1,000 RFID tags may be stored in memory. Mobility platforms include Windows Mobile 5 and 6, Apple iOS, Android, and BlackBerry, while multi-color status LEDs provide feedback on battery level, communication status, and RFID related events, including successful reads. ID BLUE.UHF is available for a limited time, 30-day free trial, allowing users to evaluate the device risk free, announced Steve Taylor, CEO of ID BLUE. Companies interested in becoming resellers are invited to apply to ID BLUE’s new SMART (Strategic Market Alliance Reseller Team) Program. “As firms increasingly integrate smartphones and tablets into their operations, ID BLUE turns these devices into powerful asset-tracking and management tools across applications in healthcare, retail, utilities, and manufacturing,” Taylor suggested. UHF Mobile RFID Reader by ID BLUE Micros Gains New BFF Micros Systems (Columbia, MD) will implement its online ordering and guest loyalty technology for the Friendly’s Ice Cream chain, specifically its packages for webOrdering and iCare Customer Relationship Management (CRM). With webOrdering, online purchases are processed as typical carry-out requests, ensuring workflow of the restaurant staff remains uninterrupted, according to the two parties. This new system is under pilot at four Friendly’s locations, with plans for complete rollout to its corporate-owned locations and many franchisees by June 2012. Concentrated on the East Coast of the U.S., Friendly’s now operates approximately 400 restaurants, following recent closing of outlets and emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. “We sought a reliable and cost-effective product for our online ordering solutions, and found this with Micros webOrdering,” recounted Richard Del Valle, VP of Restaurant Operations Support for Friendly’s. “As Micros webOrdering is a fully integrated component of the other Micros products we utilize, all transactions and database changes are monitored through one technology partner. We continue to look for opportunities to leverage the Micros platform which is the backbone of our store-based technology and are excited about its support of our growing customer-focused initiatives.” Likewise, Friendly’s plans to launch the Micros iCare CRM platform in July 2012. At that time, it will expand its current loyalty club, Best Friends of Friendly’s, or “BFF,” to the Micros iCare technology engine, which processes member transactions, supports program rules, and conducts market segmentation and e-mailings through an advanced algorithm. Performance metrics will indicate low, medium, and heavy users, and show when and how customers pursue offers and rewards. “We are confident that Friendly’s will realize great gains from access to this 360-degree view of its guests,” offered Jeff Pinc, VP of Micros Major Account Restaurants. Friendly’s Ice Cream Adopts Micros webOrdering and iCare CRM |
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Channel FactoidMore Americans this year plan to save--not spend--their tax returns. According to the National Retail Federation’s Tax Returns Consumer Survey, 44% of those expecting refunds will stash some of their cash in savings, up from 42% who planned to do so last year and the most in the survey’s nine-year history. Two-thirds (66%) of tax payers are expecting refunds this year, the same number as last year. In all, 40% of such lucky Americans will use some of the money to pay down debt and 29% will use their “free cash” for everyday expenses. A few will throw caution to the wind and spend their refund on major purchases, such as cars or new televisions (12%) and vacations (11%). More so this year than in the past, Americans are eager to file their taxes. According to the survey, 64% will have filed their documents by the end of February, the highest number since 2006. An additional 21% will file in March and 14% will wait until the last minute and file in April. Not surprisingly, the number of people who submit their taxes online continues to grow. This year, 61% of U.S. taxpayers will file their taxes in this fashion, up from 58% last year. A breakdown of preparation methodologies shows: 36%, computer software; 21%, professional accountant; 19%, tax preparation service; 11%, friend, spouse, or other relative; and 14% by hand. “After a few rocky years, consumers are now more vigilant about how they spend their money and the importance of preparing for future financial stability,” observed Matthew Shay, CEO/President of the NRF. “Increased consumer savings proves extremely beneficial to shoppers and businesses in the long run.” |
HELLO GOODBYE Grom Crosses Street to Synnex Seeking to raise its visibility in the IT channel, Synnex Corporation has named Mary Ellen Grom as its new VP of U.S. Marketing. For the past eight years, Grom served with success as the Director of Marketing for ScanSource. Previously, she held the position of Experience Director at Experience Engineering Consulting, where she helped develop intellectual property for the improvement of customer loyalty for various international clients, including Gates/Arrow. As many RRN.Com readers may know, the two distributors--Synnex and ScanSource--are located in close proximity to each other across Pelham Road in Greenville, SC. In her new position, Grom will work directly with Bob Stegner, SVP of Marketing for North America, to implement strategies, directions, systems, and policies to track, measure, and analyze performance, according to Synnex. She will oversee business and market development, research and planning, and promotion and advertising. She will also be accountable for coordinating with the sales team and managing the activities and projects of the marketing staff. “Mary Ellen joins Synnex with over 15 years of channel experience,” stated Stegner. “Her caliber of channel marketing knowledge, talent, and enthusiasm will further develop our U.S. channel marketing strategies.” After some years of relative quiet, Synnex appears to be ramping up efforts in the POS and Auto ID arena. Last summer, it promoted Luke Allison, another former ScanSource employee, to Program Manager of its STORESolv Program. Mary Ellen Grom, VP of U.S. Marketing, Synnex Corporation More Claar-ity at D-O Datamax-O’Neil has tapped David Claar as its new VP of Engineering, with global responsibility for the technical direction of stationary and portable printing solutions. Claar will lead Datamax-O’Neil’s New Product Development, Current Product Development, Common Executable Environment, and Regulatory Compliance teams. With BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering as well as an MBA, he comes to Datamax-O’Neil with two decades of printer design and leadership experience and will be based out of the company's headquarters in Orlando. Prior to joining Datamax-O’Neil, Claar served as VP of Engineering for Memjet Home and Office, Inc., provider of color printer technologies. He also filled engineering management positions at HP, with primary focus in the R&D and manufacturing areas. While at HP, Claar reportedly developed strategic relationships with Canon, Jetfax, Motorola, Nokia, and others to explore technology innovations and partnership opportunities. In January, Datamax-O’Neil pushed further into retail with the launch of its RL3 direct-thermal, portable, three-inch label printer. Built to withstand “the often rough-and-tumble environments mobile workers experience,” in the words of Paul Weslake, Senior Product Manager at Datamax-O’Neil, the RL3 features dual-wall construction, rubber bumpers, and magnesium and stainless steel casing. It weighs 2.4 lbs. with battery, carries 802.11a/b/g wireless communications, and comes with two-year warranty. Look for Datamax-O’Neil to unveil several more products targeted towards the retail vertical market, RRN.Com has learned. David Claar, VP of Engineering, Datamax-O’Neil |
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