Our Product Pick

Fujitsu Components America (Sunnyvale, CA) has unwrapped its new direct-thermal receipt and linerless label printer, in stock as the Model FP-2000CL. Measuring 5 in. (W) x 6.8 in. (D) x 4.9 in. (H), the FP-2000CL features print width of 3 in./80 mm and maximum print speed of 9 in./230 mm per second at 203 dpi. It has 16-level gray scale output for logos and images, logo storage memory, 2D barcode support (QR Code, PDF-417, DataMatrix), and 1.5 million cutter life-time. As communications, there's USB 2.0, RS-232, and Ethernet. As O/S: Windows and Software Development Kits (SDKs) for iOS and Android.

Fujitsu's FP-2000CL Thermal Printers

COMPANY BUSINESS

Pioneer Tees Up T5

Pioneer Solution (City of Industry, CA) has debuted its new rugged tablet, designated the T5. With 10.1" projected-capacitive touchscreen (1280x800), running Android 9 O/S, the T5 has 1.8 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon SDM450 Octa-Core CPU, 2 GB RAM, and 16 GB ROM. It weighs 1.9 lbs./0.9 kg, and carries an IP-67 ingress rating and 4 ft./1.2 m drop resistance.

As communications, the T5 furnishes Bluetooth 4.2/BLE, 802.11ac WLAN, and 4G LTE WAN. Additional features include 1 x USB, 1 x USB Type-C, microphone/speaker, front and rear cameras at 8 MP, and 5500 mAh hot-swappable battery. It ships with charging dock, spare battery, as well as 2D barcode scanner, hand strap, and protective caps.

"Pioneer Solution is passionate about developing solutions for environments of all kinds," emphasized Gee Singgih, CEO of Pioneer Solution. "Our T5 has the features necessary to withstand harsh conditions, including indoor and outdoor environments. It is sealed against dust and water, and its display technology allows the T5 to be used under direct sunlight without interference. Also, its enclosure is infused with anti-microbial additive properties for infection control."

T5 Rugged Android Tablet by Pioneer Solution

A Shape Shift to Stadiums

Another move by Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA), which has now purchased VenueNext. Established in 2014 by the NFL's San Francisco 49ers during development of Levi's Stadium, VenueNext now serves major stadiums, theme parks, and corporate campuses across the U.S. According to the presentation on its website, Shift4 paid $72 million in cash and stock for VenueNext. With this acquisition, it expects to add somewhere between $2.5 to $3 billion in end-to-end payment volume.

"We have taken the same successful vertically-integrated strategy that has served us incredibly well in the hospitality and restaurant industries, and brought it to e-commerce with Shift4Shop, and now to sports stadiums, entertainment arenas, and theme parks with acquisition of VenueNext," declared Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments. "We love their focus on the 'fan and patron experience' and making commerce simple and more enjoyable. In addition to jointly pursuing new opportunities, we intend to immediately offer Shift4's payments solution to VenueNext's existing customer portfolio."

In its suite of products, VenueNext has mobile ordering, point-of-sale, white-label applications, and mobile wallet/loyalty engine. In addition to its gateway and payment processing services, of course, Shift4 Payments offers Future POS, Harbortouch, POSitouch, and Restaurant Manager in POS. In February, it rebranded its e-commerce platform, known as 3dcart, which it purchased in November 2020, as "Shift4Shop." It will provide such e-commerce services at no charge when merchants use the company's payment processing solution.

Shift4 Payments Purchases VenueNext

Worth Your While

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 22-25
Chicago, IL
[Ed. Note: Cancelled for 2021]

SEAA Conference
Southeast Acquirers Association
May 24-26
Bonita Springs, FL

NRF Show
National Retail Federation
June 6-8
New York, NY
[Ed. Note: Virtual for 2021]

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 25-28
Nashville, TN

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
Clarion Events
August 22-24
Anaheim, CA

The NGA Show
National Grocers Association
September 19-21
Las Vegas, NV

Money 20/20
Ascential
October 24-27
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Worldline/Ingenico: "Quantum Resistance"

Worldline has received certification under Mastercard Enhanced Contactless (Ecos), the forward-looking standard released at the end of January. A new kernel supporting Ecos will be featured by Ingenico, A Brand of Worldline (since October 2020). It covers the entire Telium Tetra platform from Ingenico (in the U.S.: Alpharetta, GA). As payment terminals, this includes Ingenico's Lane Series, Desk Series, Move Series, Link Series, Open Series, and Self Series.

"Industry collaboration is integral in order to advance and secure payments across the ecosystem," related Bob Reany, EVP of Digital Devices and IoT at Mastercard. "We believe that contactless is the present and future of payments. Our work with Worldline is ground-breaking in that they are the first global partner to achieve Ecos certification--bringing enhanced contactless capabilities one step closer to the consumer."

"Mastercard Ecos technology enhances the protection of sensitive customer cardholder data and secures our ecosystem for the future with quantum-resistant technology," proclaimed Michel Leger, EVP of Global Solutions Development, Terminals, Solutions, and Services, at Worldline. "This certification also demonstrates our readiness to support our partners and customers as they upgrade to latest security and privacy requirements and it proves our company's platforms to be future-proof to support these requirements." According to industry estimates, for the third-quarter of 2020 contactless penetration represented 41% of in-person purchase transactions globally, up 30%.

First Enhanced Contactless Certification (Ecos) by Mastercard Goes to Worldline/Ingenico's Telium Tetra

Sledding With iPhone 12

Socket Mobile (Newark, CA) has extended its enterprise-grade barcode scanner to the Apple iPhone 12 Series, under "DuraSled." As solutions for delivery services, stock counting, and ticketing, according to Socket Mobile, three versions are offered: 1D DS800, 1D/2D DS840, and 1D/2D/ID DS860. As features, the company cites one-handed operation (weight of 3.8 oz./109 g), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, aiming via LED, good-read feedback, 9-hour replaceable battery, dual device charging connectors, magnetic docking, and protective rubber construction.

With DuraSled, employers can now support workers who use the iPhone 12 Series (iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and iPhone 12 Mini) in addition to supporting older iPhone 6,7,8,10, and 11. All versions of DuraSled use the same chargers, accessories, and Socket Mobile's Capture SDK (Software Development Kit). As certified by Apple for iOS, the Socket Mobile Capture SDK now integrates with over 700 applications.

"An ever-increasing number of companies count on iPhone applications to run their businesses," confirmed Vanessa Lindsay, Senior Product Manager at Socket Mobile. "The DuraSled turns your iPhone into a one-handed solution that combines the versatility of the iPhone and the power of an enterprise-grade scanner." Among its partners, Socket Mobile has ShopKeep/Lightspeed, Shopify, Square, Talech, and Vend. It distributes through BlueStar, Ingram Micro, ScanSource, and Synnex.

Socket Mobile's Enterprise Barcode DuraSled

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A Message From the Editor

As we enter another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, business models, and consumer concerns. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvement.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ALLIANCES

Star Takes Your Tikt

A contactless restaurant ordering solution has been fashioned by ISV Retailcloud (Concord, CA) and Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). It employs the Tikt software module by Retailcloud with the mC-Print3 direct-thermal receipt printer by Star Micronics America. In compact, cube-shaped dimensions of 5.2 in. (W) x 5.5 in. (D) x 4.9 in. (H), Star's mC-Print3 has paper width of 3 in./80 mm and maximum print speed of 9.8 in./250 mm per second at 203 dpi. A wide choice of I/O ports, and methods, are offered, with support for iOS, Android, and Windows O/S.

Using Tikt, customers may see the menu, order their food, and pay their bill from their mobile devices. At the heart of this solution, there's Star's CloudPRNT communications protocol, which works with the online ordering service to receive and relay orders to the kitchen. In addition to the benefits of self-ordering by customers, business owners and service providers do not need to maintain an SSL Certificate for Star's CloudPRNT. A JASON format furnishes server/client simplicity.

"Tikt takes dinners to the next step, allowing them to scan the QR Code and connect directly with servers and the kitchen, while improving the overall service quality," elaborated Kevin Colaco, President of Retailcloud. "It also allows restaurants to operate more efficiently, ultimately improving turnover and increasing upsell opportunities." According to Retailcloud, virtually any POS will work with its Tikt.

A Contactless Restaurant Ordering Solution by Retailcloud and Star Micronics America

A Bushel of Barcoding

A new partner for Barcoding, Inc. (Baltimore, MD), in the form of TELUS Agriculture (Tampa, FL). As system integrator for the U.S. and Canada, Barcoding, Inc. will support food distribution and consumer packaged goods (CPG) production based on two of its new partner's platforms: Ignition by TELUS and Exceedra by TELUS. It will recommend hardware, stage and deploy hardware (via its "GoLive Services"), and provide maintenance and support for systems (via its "StayLive Services").

A division of Canada's TELUS, the national telecommunications company, TELUS Agriculture was formed in September 2020. It acquired Ignition, which focuses on warehouse management systems (WMS), direct store delivery (DSD), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) for food distribution. It also acquired Exceedra, which focuses on trade promotion optimization, demand management, and sales and operational planning for CPGs. (Both entities purchased from AFS Technologies.)

"We're delighted to partner with Barcoding and to bring their industry-leading knowledge of mobile and edge technologies to our customers. When a company decides to invest in the Ignition and/or Exceedra suite, they will now have a solid partner for enabling technologies and infrastructure," expressed Jonathan Greene, SVP of Customer Development at Ignition by TELUS. In another win, Barcoding, Inc. has deployed wireless temperature tracking, via Honeywell, for Dot Foods, one of the largest foodservice redistribution firms in North America.

At Work at Barcoding, Inc.: Justin Irvine, Operations Manager (Forefront), and Clint Wood, Quality Control Technician (Background)

Code Corner

Code Corporation (Murray, UT) has released an iOS version of its CortexScan App for use with the Apple iPhone and iPad. It enables reading of more than 40 different barcode symbologies, via proprietary decoding algorithms, reports the company. Also, settings for several common use cases are pre-optimized to address various industries and workflows. As underlying technology for CortexScan, there's Code's CortexDecoder, which enables reading of symbologies of any quality, angles, and surfaces--including curved or reflective surfaces--as well as damaged symbologies. "An iOS version of the CortexScan App demonstrates the speed, accuracy, and flexibility of our world-class barcode scanning technology," indicated Brian Lampright, Senior Product Manager at Code Corporation. "It will open new possibilities for users and developers seeking new, better data-capture options."

Code's CortexScan App for iOS

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Hey SDK, Need Price Check

A longtime barcode ISV, Dynamsoft (Vancouver, BC, Canada) has launched its new Label Recognition SDK (Software Development Kit) enabling the digital extraction of content from physical labels. In expanding data-capture capabilities in automotive, government, retail, and warehousing, it may be used to ensure pricing accuracy or in verification of physical assets, thereby improving workflows and productivity, according to Dynamsoft. As customizable for "short and sparse content," it employs optical character recognition (OCR).

With this so-called "Zonal OCR," users may specify their reference region. As an example, specifying the SDK to only scan zones to the left and bottom of the barcode on the price tag. Or specifying specific content structures, such as automotive industry Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). And in non-barcode settings, Dynamsoft Label Recognition can be used to extract information via OCR on items such as warehouse pallets, pharmaceuticals, and employee ID Cards. As advanced capability, it supports the reading of text from video streams, with automatic frame correction. Available in pricing by licensing types, the Dynamsoft Label Recognition SDK works with C/C++ Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) on Windows and Linux O/S.

"One example where Dynamsoft Label Recognition is ideal is the grocery store, where prominent price labels are often used to call out sales," explained Amy Gu, President of Dynamsoft. "Such labels do not always match the price on the barcode, resulting in price checks during checkouts, which are frustrating customer scenarios. Our technology makes it simple for an employee to move down an aisle to scan multiple labels and barcodes and instantly call out any mismatches."

Dynamsoft Offers Label Recognition Software Development Kit (SDK) to Extract Data Digitally

Agilysys Turns Glitzy

Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) has turned to glitzy mobile payments provider CITCON (Santa Clara, CA) to pursue next-generation payments. A leader in mobile wallets, in particular, with global footprint, CITCON focuses on products such as PayPal, Venmo, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. It's the only fully-licensed U.S.-based acquirer of Alipay, WeChat Pay, and China UnionPay. It has teams based in North America, Europe, and China.

"We are seeing strong demand for acceptance of mobile wallet brands by our hospitality customers' guests, and we believe that the CITCON/Agilysys partnership can successfully meet these needs," relayed Dr. Prabuddha Biswas, CTO of Agilysys. "The pandemic has shown the value of contactless QR-based transactions and QR-based mobile wallets. Enabling these payments through CITCON helps position Agilysys customers as progressive health and safety leaders."

Also, Agilysys has added its new Guest Loyalty and Promotions Module as part of its Agilysys Engage. It features all of the following capabilities: multiple guest types, program tiers to recognize frequent patrons, targeted guest promotions, flexible accrual and redemption options, non-paper-based coupon programs, and self-service guest loyalty portal. Integrated across the full Agilysys Hospitality Solution Suite, of course.

A Partnership in Mobile Wallets for Hospitality Between Agilysys and CITCON

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Electronic Payments
Epson America
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Revel Systems

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard
PAX Technology

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
Star Micronics
Woosim Systems

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

INSTALLATIONS

Revel's Salad Days

A fresh win for Revel Systems (Atlanta, GA), which has been chosen to provide its cloud-based Revel Enterprise, including POS, for fast-casual restaurant chain, The Salad Station. Now focused on the Southeast, The Salad Station expects growth approaching 100 locations across the U.S. At present, 12 locations have deployed Revel Enterprise. "Revel Enterprise has been proven to help brands easily scale as they drive growth through franchising," commented Greg Dukat, CEO at Revel Systems.

In keeping with current trends, The Salad Station will also leverage Online Ordering XT from Revel Systems. A native solution, Online Ordering XT will allow The Salad Station to control the customer experience and eliminate third-party service fees, according to Revel Systems. In addition, for payments, The Salad Station has Revel Advantage.

In making its selection, The Salad Station also praised the open architecture and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) of Revel Enterprise. As one example, it has implemented the customer engagement and marketing technology of third-party developer, and partner of Revel Systems, Como (Ft. Lee, NJ). At 11 locations, it has attracted more than 16,000 participants for its new loyalty program.

The Salad Station Picks Revel Enterprise

IB "Cynches" Ace Hardware

International Bancard (Detroit, MI) will supply its payment processing gateway--in conjunction with ISV Cynch! (Littleton, CO)--for Ace Hardware. It supports the repair and service center management solution by Cynch!, called "RepairStorm," employed by Ace Hardware. As such, it supports the broader commerce solution, "OrderStorm," which is supplied by Cynch! (As a point of clarification, OrderStorm is the original company name, which has been rebranded as Cynch!)

"From day one, IB invested in really learning about our business and goals," shared Dan Sallis, CEO of Cynch! "They have a great process which got us to market amazingly quickly. We integrated to their PassportConnect payment technology in just over two weeks and benefitted from their go-to-market support. Now Ace Hardware retailers and other outdoor power equipment retailers have a one-stop solution for their POS, repair and after sales service, inventory management, customer account management, and e-commerce."

"International Bancard is thrilled to partner with Cynch! in order to provide a true omnichannel solution for hardware stores and other high volume, high inventory retail stores throughout the U.S.," enthused John Badovinac, VP of Integrated Payments at International Bancard. "Cynch! was built on a unified platform and delivers a seamless experience for retailers who want to accept card-present and e-commerce payments, manage repairs and service, and effortlessly reconcile inventory across all channels." A steady stream of new software partners for International Bancard which recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary. In January, for example: SambaPOS (restaurants, New York, NY) and Summit Computer Networks (pizzerias, Cranberry Township, PA).

International Bancard Serves Ace Hardware With "RepairStorm" by ISV "Cynch!"

[Ed. Note: As another software partner, Ace has Epicor POS (Austin, TX).]

Channel Factoid

Big Dogs

Here's the percentage of retailers expecting to increase their spend with each vendor in 2021:

-59%: Microsoft

-42%: Oracle

-36%: Amazon

-29%: Cisco

-28%: Salesforce

-28%: Zebra

-23%: HP

-22%: NCR

-20%: IBM

-20%: Shopify

Source: "2021 Competitive Market Leaders Study - When and Why Vendors Win," by IHL Group (Franklin, TN).

Greg Buzek, Founder and President, IHL Group

HELLO GOODBYE

Joltin' Joe at Linga

Linga (Naples, FL), which offers its software platform, Linga rOS for restaurants, has engaged industry veteran Joe Finizio as its VP of Sales. A wealth of experience in our channel includes time at Micros Systems, Sharp Electronics Corporation, ASI/Restaurant Manager, and most recently, Toast. He also served as the past President/CEO of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) and member of the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council Board of Advisors.

"Linga has an exceptional sales proposition for today's market," proposed Finizio. "Linga's rOS platform software is a phenomenal product for SMB, mid-market, and enterprise restaurants. The company's partner-centric sales channel focus is an excellent business opportunity for traditional POS providers and POS/Payments providers pursuing nationwide white-label solutions for the restaurant market."

"Joe Finizio brings Linga additional management strength with his sales and marketing knowledge, and most importantly, the expertise gained from being part of a fast-growing company in today's business environment," cited Onur Haytec, Founder and CEO of Linga, likely referring to the recent emergence and prominence of Toast. "That foundation of experience and his ability to embrace and utilize new sales and marketing methods and processes will benefit Linga's sales initiatives."

Joe Finizio, VP of Sales, Linga

The Hoff at Qu

Qu (Bethesda, MD), which supplies its POS for quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, has enlisted Matt Haselhoff as its SVP of Sales. He joins the company from Omnivore, where he served as SVP of Sales, then Chief Revenue Officer. Previous employers have included Heartland Payment Systems, Integrated Store Solutions, and POSitouch.

"Having spent the last five years helping brands extend the life of their legacy platforms, Matt is the ideal addition to Qu because he understands how challenging it can be for brands to respond to rapidly changing industry dynamics," contributed Amir Hudda, Qu's CEO. "His passion and experience in this space will be crucial to realizing our goal of becoming the market leader, powered by innovation and a deep sense of responsibility in helping restaurant brands succeed."

"I'm honored and excited to join Qu's leadership team and begin the next chapter by bringing a robust technology platform that helps restaurateurs be more successful in serving their guests," reflected Haselhoff. "Qu is revolutionizing cloud-based POS to be a solid platform for restaurants to evolve their business as the industry continues to transform to meet the needs of today's omnichannel customer."

Matt Haselhoff, SVP of Sales, Qu