This Week’s Product Pick

Tharo Systems (Brunswick, OH) presented its PA2000 Specialty Tamp Label Printer/Applicator to be used with the company’s H-400 Series of thermal-transfer/direct-thermal barcode printers. With more compact footprint of 16.5 in. wide x 32 in. tall x 30 in. long, and remote front-panel for easy access, the PA2000 can be installed in tight locations. Suitable for small, delicate, high-precision applications, the subsystem can apply labels as small as 5 mm x 5 mm (0.20 in. x 0.20 in.) as well as larger label sizes up to 153 mm x 203 mm (6 in. x 8 in.). Target markets include electronic components, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and plastic parts. Featuring all-metal construction and non-stick plastic surface, the PA2000 may be operated automatically or semi-automatically and applies up to 58 labels per minute, depending on packaging factors.

Tharo PA2000 Label Printer/Applicator

COMPANY BUSINESS

No Boundaries for PAR QSR

ParTech (New Hartford, NY) has put its PAR EverServ QSR software suite into general release. Built on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), PAR EverServ QSR represents the company’s next-generation enterprise platform, in keeping with its “Boundless Hospitality” framework for streamlining and modernizing restaurant operations. First premiered in July 2010, EverServ QSR has been installed by major franchisees of Carl’s Jr., Burger King, and Hardee’s, as well as independent restaurateur, SIP Coffee House. As benefits of the new POS, ParTech lists increased order speed, improved staff efficiency, and increased sales through suggestive selling and integrated marketing tools, as well as Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) Version 1.2 compliance.

The PAR EverServ QSR suite is built on the Microsoft .NET framework, which supports visually powerful user experiences, seamless and secure communications, and the ability to model myriad business processes, according to ParTech. In addition, EverServ QSR has been optimized for use with the Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 platform and has been tested on Windows Embedded POSReady 7, Microsoft’s vehicle for bringing Windows 7 to point-of-service. Above and beyond POS, the EverServ suite offers modules for Enterprise Configuration Manager, Back Office, Operations Reporting, and Kitchen Management System (by QSR Automations).

“Traditional methods of restaurant marketing, order taking, payment, supply chain management, and operations are being replaced by entirely new approaches to managing and influencing the dining customer’s behavior--from long before they venture to place their order, to long after they have finished their meal,” observed Scott Langdoc, CTO at ParTech. “The PAR EverServ POS suite was born with this new environment in mind, focusing on usability, integration, and flexible order management. Its Microsoft .Net architecture, SOA-centric foundation, and enterprise scalability provides operators the platform to simplify the process of adding new capabilities--mobile, social media, and loyalty--to interact with the new generation of consumers.”

Order Entry Screen of PAR EverServ QSR

Intermec Rides Lifecycle

Intermec (Everett, WA) keeps buying things. Its latest purchase, Enterprise Mobile (Watertown, MA), provides lifecycle services for mobile devices, including deployment, user training, help-desk support, and refresh, replacement, and repair. Enterprise Mobile will become part of Intermec Global Solutions, led by Larry Klimczyk, VP, and will be offered through the company’s PartnerNet channel program. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Earlier this month, Intermec announced it has finalized the purchase of Vocollect, Inc., the leading developer of voice-driven technology for mobile workers. Vocollect will operate as a business unit of Intermec and remain based in Pittsburgh, PA, under the direction of Joseph S. Pajer, its current President. The aggregate all-cash purchase price was $190 million plus approximately $7 million of adjustments.

“Through our PartnerNet community, Intermec provides the industry’s first truly complete and seamlessly integrated rugged mobile business solution, and our customers have experienced firsthand the benefits of deploying AIDC hardware from one source,” Klimczyk stated. “Providing comprehensive hardware, software, and services is the next level in our transformation of mobile business processes. This is the vision for IGS, and the addition of Enterprise Mobile to our solutions portfolio will prove valuable to our customers as they focus more on their core competencies and outsource mobile device management to Intermec and our partners.”

Enterprise Mobile customers span the range of industries from warehousing and logistics to field service and direct store delivery. “We have seen a significant uptick in not only the number of enterprises with large-scale mobile initiatives, but also a much higher degree of complexity requiring support for multiple platforms and a wide array of devices,” noted Steve Moore, COO of Enterprise Mobile. “Our services have enabled customers to achieve significant value in their enterprise mobile deployments; joining forces with Intermec will provide even greater business efficiencies and competitive advantage for our customers.”

Larry Klimczyk, VP of Intermec’s Global Solutions Business

Worth Your While

WERC 2011
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 15-18
Orlando

NRA Show 2011
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

UConnect 2011
Voluntary Inter-Industry Commerce Solutions (VICS)
May 31-June 3
Orlando

HITEC 2011
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
June 20-23
Austin, TX

RetailNOW 2011
Retail Solution Providers Association
July 24-27
Orlando

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Speedy Delivery at Logic Controls

Logic Controls (New Hyde Park, NY) has launched its Advance Exchange Program (AEP) to simplify the product repair process and minimize downtime for its customers. Available to VARs through the distribution channel, Advance Exchange ensures next business day delivery for replacements of Logic Controls’ All-in-One POS terminals and LC8600 Series retail-hardened computers. The program offers one or three-year coverage “at an affordable price,” and covers the Continental U.S. Customers have 30 days from the purchase of new products to decide whether to participate.

“If they have any problem, all they need to do is send an e-mail and we immediately process what they purchased, including any OS, and we pack and ship it out by 2:00 pm, so they receive it on the next day,” RRN.Com was told by Edwin Segura, International Service Manager at Logic Controls, part of Bematech. “Previously, we had basic manufacturer’s warranty and RMA process, which takes approximately five working days. We started this program to give more support to our end-users, ISVs, and VARs. It streamlines the process greatly with one point of contact.”

Logic Controls has also updated its SB-9090 All-in-One POS terminal with Intel’s Dual-Core CPU. Debuted last July, the SB-9090 now offers the Intel Atom Processor D510, which boosts running speed by 50% compared to the prior single-core system. Moreover, through integration with Intel Graphics Technology, this unit delivers state-of-the-art visual support without installing an external graphics card, according to Logic Controls.

Edwin Segura, International Service Manager, Logic Controls

Recycling Where Everyone Wins

The Retail Orphan Initiative, or RetailROI, has linked with the GEAR Foundation to launch computer recycling on an inspiring, philanthropic basis. Recognizing that retailers often pay recycling companies $8 to $10 each to remove old computer equipment, RetailROI has arranged for charitable deductions by donating these items to the GEAR Foundation. GEAR will clean up the old computers, erase and re-install the hard drives, and resell the equipment for nominal cost to those in the community who may not otherwise be able to afford one.

“This is a win-win-win program,” shared Greg Buzek, President of IHL Group and Donor Trustee for RetailROI (based, like the GEAR Foundation, in Franklin, TN). “It immediately saves retailers money on recycling costs, creates immediate jobs for physically challenged kids and young adults, and provides the funding for a future program that will allow for the donation with tax deduction of overstocked clothing for foster kids and families at risk.”

GEAR Foundation was started in 2004 by Dave and Sandy Krikac in response to the difficulties their autistic daughter, Sara, encountered in trying to find meaningful employment. GEAR (Gainful Employment and Respect) has blossomed to employ 20 special-needs young adults in two businesses: Our Thrift Store (which includes an eBay outpost) and Our Fulfillment Center. “This is perfect extension of what we are already doing with donated computer systems from individuals and families,” said Dave Krikac. For more information on all the worthwhile efforts by RetailROI, visit: www.retailroi.org.

Greg Buzek, President of IHL Group and Donor Trustee for RetailROI

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

A New Door to Digital Signage

Stratacache (Dayton, OH) has offered an innovative take on digital signage with its new translucent retail display, dubbed PrimaSee, which brings high-definition video to cooler doors, display cases, and end-caps. These see-through promotional videos, embedded within the glass panel, correspond with products visible in the background to convey point-of-purchase brand messages. One prime example would be the gallon of ice cream that trails along with the consumer during the trip down the freezer aisle, stopping at the door where the product resides.

“PrimaSee is the latest in-store media to aid consumers in their purchasing decisions,” declared Chris Riegel, CEO of Stratacache. “This technology provides full-motion, high-impact video to assist consumers with way-finding, all while allowing them to view the product on the shelves behind the message. Truly transforming the path to purchase, this unique technology will alter the retail environment within the next year.”

Unlike traditional in-store signage, PrimaSee integrates seamlessly into the retail experience, according to its manufacturer, allowing brands to showcase multiple messages and update them instantaneously through use of an embedded media player. Stratacache’s digital signage platform, ActiVia for Media, powers the system and furnishes tools to create, schedule, manage, and monitor marketing messages. In addition, consumers may be offered promotional coupons, videos, or social media interactions via two-dimensional QR Codes electronically displayed on the translucent screens.

PrimaSee Dynamic Retail Display by Stratacache

Label Printer Chills Out

Graphic Products Inc. (Beaverton, OR) has introduced its newest handheld thermal-transfer label printer, the DuraLabel 2000 PLUS. Weighing 2.7 lbs. and producing stickers on one-half-inch, one-inch, and two-inch vinyl supply, the DuraLabel 2000 PLUS brings three significant features to the product category: large LCD screen, zero printer cool-down time, and faster print speed. It targets industrial labeling applications such as lean “5S” visual planning, pipe marking, equipment identification, wire and cable wrapping, and valve and electrical panel tagging.

With dimensions of 2.6 in. x 1.3 in., the printer’s LCD screen exhibits five lines of the label design at one time with 256x128 pixel resolution. To achieve its zero printer cool-down time and no overheating during the labeling process, the device utilizes two alternating heat elements. At 0.40 inch/second, the company claims print speeds up to 50% higher than industry standards, with printed labels maintaining industrial-quality properties. Additional benefits include: pre-installed library of 250 industrial safety symbols, battery capable of printing 100 feet of labels on one charge, soft key menu system for quick navigation, storage of 32 designs, manual cutter for clean label edges, and shock-resistant construction. Currently, vinyl tapes and ribbons come in eight colors.

“Another important feature is the auto-size setting for text and images,” stressed Jeff Dahl, Manufacturing Operations Manager at Graphic Products. “Taking into account the number of lines on the label, the printer automatically sizes text and images to entirely fill the space on the label--eliminating the need to manually input the sizes in an exhaustive ‘guess-and-check’ process often required when using other handheld labelers. For anyone involved in facility management and safety, it is important to have an intuitive, portable, and cost-effective label printer that meets your demands efficiently. The DuraLabel 2000 PLUS is that printer.”

Graphic Products Ships the DuraLabel 2000 PLUS

Code Corner

GFI Software (Clearwater, FL) has offered GFI WebMonitor 2011, its web monitoring, web filtering, and web security tool that ensures employee activity stays in line with business needs and that any files downloaded are free of viruses and other malware. This new version adds several enhancements, including one enabling administrators to define policies based on time spent browsing specific types of sites (e.g., limit to one hour per week on news/sports per user) or bandwidth consumed (e.g., limit each user to 100 MB of YouTube downloads per week). It also features better proxy caching for improved performance and reduced bandwidth consumption, HTTPS scanning for filtering and control, more interactive access, blocked activity monitoring reports with drill-down capabilities, and website categorization database. GFI WebMonitor 2011 comes as stand-alone product and as dedicated plug-in for Microsoft ISA/TMG Servers, in three editions: WebFilter Edition, with control of user browsing, website categorization, and URL filtering; WebSecure Edition, with download control, virus scanning, anti-phishing, and MSN/Live Messenger control; and Unified Protection Edition, which combines WebFilter and WebSecure. “The potential threats that the Internet can introduce into an enterprise network are well known,” remarked Phil Bousfield, GM, Infrastructure, at GFI Software. “Organizations need to protect themselves from the browsing habits of their employees."

ALLIANCES

ISVs Percolating at Percon

Percon (Eugene, OR) has reached out to two software partners to extend the capabilities of its Phoenix 104/104e vehicle-mount industrial computers. Percon, RRN.Com readers may recall, was relaunched in September 2010 to specifically address the perceived need for such terminals, with 10.4-inch screen size, rich functionality, and an aggressive price point. Now Percon has called upon RFID developer Silent Partner Technologies (Tarpon Springs, FL) to incorporate its Real-Time Location System (RTLS) for forklift tracking in warehouse environments.  “Installation is so quick and easy that customers wonder why they didn’t do it sooner,” relayed Ted Kostis, President of Silent Partner Technologies. “Most deployments are stand-alone and require no IT involvement. The system can also bypass Wi-Fi networks and not rob bandwidth from current applications.”

In addition, Percon has called upon IntelliTrack (Hunt Valley, MD) to supply its warehouse management and inventory control system for the Phoenix 104/104e, with an eye towards the SMB market. “The rugged engineering of our mobile data terminals is the perfect complement for IntelliTrack Warehouse Management System and Inventory, Shipping, Receiving, and Picking Software,” relayed Rob Hougen, President and Engineering Director of Percon. “With an IP-67 environmental rating, the Phoenix 104/104e saves time and operates effectively in the harshest environments and severest weather. We look forward to our renewed partnership with IntelliTrack.”

Much history between Percon and IntelliTrack, of course. Founded as Intelliscan in 1989, IntelliTrack was acquired and renamed by Percon six years later. When PSC absorbed Percon in 1999, it sold off its software product line and solutions group and IntelliTrack Inc. was born. James “Boony” Budniakiewicz, former head of IntelliTrack, holds the title of VP of Sales and Marketing for the resuscitated Percon.

Percon’s Phoenix 104 Vehicle Mount Computer at Work

3M Flies With Quanta

3M (St. Paul, MN) has found an impressive partner for its capacitive touchscreen technology: Quanta, the Taiwanese electronics juggernaut. The two companies have announced their joint venture to manufacture and commercialize capacitive touch solutions for the PC market. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the new company, separate from 3M Touch Systems and based in Singapore, has not been named.

This new agreement expands on the existing collaboration between 3M and Quanta, under which they mass produce touch modules, sensors, electronics, and systems for the PC world. “In looking at multi-touch solutions currently available on the market, we believe that 3M’s multi-touch technology is one of the best solutions for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) companies,” stated C.C. Leung, Vice Chairman, Quanta Computer. “Quanta’s manufacturing capabilities and market expertise are vital to the new company in bringing next-generation technology to consumers.”

Quanta Computer now occupies the ranking as the world’s largest manufacturer for notebook computers and other PC-related products. It currently employs 50,000 workers worldwide with consolidated revenues reaching $36 billion for Fiscal Year 2010. 3M Touch Solutions (Methuen, MA) remains the provider of touchscreens for vertical markets, including retail, hospitality, gaming, education, and healthcare, according to the announcement from 3M.

C.C. Leung, Vice Chairman, Quanta Computer (at left) and Joaquin Delgado, EVP, 3M’s Electro & Communications Business, Celebrate New Partnership for Capacitive Touchscreens

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
Pioneer POS
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
SATO America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Pay at Table
Bellatrix Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Retail Systems
Zebra/Motorola

INSTALLATIONS

Merchant Link Burnished by Copper Cellar

Merchant Link (Silver Spring, MD) has rolled out its payment processing suite for The Copper Cellar Corporation, which owns and operates 19 restaurants in Tennessee, under the brand names of Copper Cellar, Calhoun’s, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Cherokee Grill, and Chesapeake’s. Following successful pilot testing, Merchant Link’s tokenization scheme, dubbed TransactionVault, and the Merchant Link Payment Gateway have been implemented across the board. “It’s comforting to not have to worry about the security of our guests’ credit card information,” disclosed Mike Gaston, VP of Information Services for Copper Cellar Corporation. “The fact that it is not stored anywhere on our network is a huge relief.”

TransactionVault removes customer credit card data at the POS, where it would be at risk from hackers, thereby reducing the cost and scope of Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance. Specifically, Copper Cellar utilizes Squirrel POS for customer payments. Interestingly, the previous payment processor and data security solution created problems for them by posting batches twice, according to the restaurateur.

“Our old processor had double posted batches before,” Gaston recounted. “Despite not being directly responsible for the error, it made us look bad in the eyes of our guests. Merchant Link monitors for potential batch issues and ensures that problems such as these are a thing of the past for Copper Cellar, our restaurants, and our customers.”

New Payment Gateway for Tennessee Restaurant Group

Skiing, Not Surfing, the Web

Using RFID for ski passes wouldn’t qualify as news these days, but Vail Resorts in Colorado has taken the technology one step further by feeding collected data into EpicMix, its online and mobile application for social media. Constructed in conjunction with ODIN (Ashburn, VA), and employing that developer’s EasyEdge RFID software, the new platform tracks skiers everywhere on the mountain--number of visits, lift rides, trails taken--and features full integration with Facebook, Twitter, SMS, and other popular schemes so that memories (and viral promotion) may be shared. Using EpicMix, for instance, Vail Resorts calculates that this season’s pass holders had skied more than 25 billion vertical feet by mid-February. The system even awards virtual “pins” for individual achievements. (The name “EpicMix,” incidentally, ties into Vail’s RFID-based Epic Season Pass, introduced in 2008.)

“The relationship with ODIN has been how all partnerships should work: they responded to our needs, worked to our schedule, and over-delivered this world-class, scalable solution,” declared Robert Urwiler, CIO of Vail Resorts. “With ODIN’s help, we were able to deploy five mountains, hundreds of RFID readers, across thousands of miles fully integrated in just five months. The RFID operating system has performed flawlessly on readers deployed where temperatures dipped as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to EpicMix, Vail Resorts has changed the ski industry.”

“RFID is the natural choice for social media programs, but the accuracy has to be 99% plus to keep participants happy, and the software has to be scalable as well,” suggested Patrick J. Sweeney II, ODIN’s Founder and CEO. “Vail is the tip of the iceberg for social media applications that tie the physical world with the virtual world through Facebook, Foursquare, and other popular sites. Sports teams, trade shows, and events are all starting to adopt RFID to create unique and long-lasting guest interaction.”

Vail Resorts Ties RFID Badges to Social Media

Channel Factoid

Business passengers expect growth in corporate travel in 2011, with increases in both flights and budgets, according to an annual global survey published by Ascend. The poll found 49% expect to fly more for business in 2011, compared to 35% last year and 10% in 2009. Almost the same total, 48%, foresee an increase in travel budgets, compared to 28% last year and 9% in 2009. Only 8% of travelers feel their 2011 budgets will decrease, compared to 20% last year and 54% in 2009. Looking at what has improved for fliers over the last two years, respondents noted greater efficiency in check-in and pre-flight (49%), more choice of low cost airlines (26%), and cheaper fares more available (25%). In terms of what has gotten worse over the last two years, respondents rated the following as the three low points: crowded planes, increased security queues, and the decline in “on board” service. North American residents were feeling the most sorry for themselves, apparently, with fully 70% saying that airline travel has grown worse. Offered the opportunity to say what has improved, 40% of North Americans said, “Nothing.” Peter Morris, Ascend’s Chief Economist, believes the poll underlines the symbiosis between corporate travel and economic recovery, “To get the global economy going again, business people have to fly. After the challenges of 2009 and 2010, travelers clearly feel now is the time to start rebuilding their businesses.”

HELLO GOODBYE

CognitiveTPG: The Media is the Message

CognitiveTPG (Lincolnshire, IL) has enlisted Brian Hardin as Director of Media Sales in support of its 2011 growth plans in that arena. Hardin joins CognitiveTPG after 10 years of generating sales in the Rocky Mountain Region for label and packaging companies such as Imagine! Print Solutions, Inc. and WS Packaging Group. He will be based in CognitiveTPG’s label conversion plant in Golden, CO.

Hardin said, “I’m excited about the opportunity. CognitiveTPG has a strong channel business, quality printing products and resources, and vast potential to grow its custom label business.” Commenting on his appointment, Ted Pauls, GM for Media, added, “Brian’s experience demonstrates his ability to achieve results and lead teams, which will be a valuable asset to this division of our company.”

CognitiveTPG also announced that its A799 thermal receipt printer has been certified to run with POS and Inventory Management software from Visual Retail Plus (Hackensack, NJ). “The CognitiveTPG A799 receipt printer easily passed our performance and quality testing, including our unique ‘WIL’--width, inseam, length--format used for specialty retail stores,” reported Hili Shrem, Director of Business Development at Visual Retail Plus. VRP is a scalable solution for multi-store and multi-register businesses with e-commerce support.

Brian Hardin, Director of Media Sales, CognitiveTPG

SoftTouch Bullish on Toro

SoftTouch (Coconut Creek, FL) has hired Ariana Toro as Director of Business Development. With more than seven years of experience in marketing, public relations, and communications, Toro will support the company’s efforts in the restaurant and hospitality market, “overseeing new customer relationships, while maintaining organic growth within the existing SoftTouch reseller network,” according to the ISV. She will also be responsible for the company’s marketing initiatives, media relations, and social media campaigns.

Prior to joining SoftTouch, Toro served as Project Manager for SkillStorm, the national IT services and consulting firm. She also worked as Project Manager for StormStaff, which provides accounting, legal, and administrative staffing; Project Manager for SGIS, the national government contracting firm; and Public Relations and Marketing Manager for IK Multimedia, an international music software developer.

“We are pleased to welcome Ariana to the SoftTouch team,” commented Michael Paycher, President of SoftTouch. “Leveraging her expertise and knowledge, we anticipate significant expansion of our brand in the restaurant POS industry for 2011.” Founded in 1994, SoftTouch supplies its flagship system, SoftTouch POS, as well as mobile platforms such as DineBlast Mobile and SoftTouch iPOS.

Ariana Toro, Director of Business Development, SoftTouch