Our Product Pick

Juniper Systems (Logan, UT) has debuted its rugged tablet Mesa 3 with Android 9 and Google Mobile Services. Weighing approximately 1.5 lbs./0.7 kg, in dimensions of 5.4 in. (W) x 8.5 in. (L) x 1.4 in. (D), the Mesa 3 has 7" display (1280x800) with projected-capacitive touchscreen. It features Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core Kryo 260 CPU, 6-GB RAM, 64-GB Flash, and Micro-SD. Wireless includes Bluetooth, 802.11 Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE WAN. It meets environmental ratings of IP-68 and MIL-STD-810G. "We test our devices to make sure they stand up to the demanding environments our customers work in every day," projected Simon Bowe, Managing Director, Juniper. An earlier version of the Mesa 3 supports Windows 10 Professional O/S.

Mesa 3 by Juniper Systems

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Toast to Hardware

In February, Toast, perhaps the hardest charging player in POS, enjoyed another $400 million in Series F Funding. Now, in March, it bolsters its Toast Point of Sale Software with new, proprietary Toast Hardware. A package comprises four elements spanning the checkout process: Toast Flex, Toast Tap, Toast Printer, and Toast Hub. "Toast Hardware--designed by our very own team--streamlines restaurant operations without sacrificing elegance, durability, and reliability," heralded Steve Fredette, President and Co-Founder of Toast (Boston, MA).

As technical specifications, the terminal, Toast Flex, has Rockchip RK3399 Dual-Cortex A72 CPU, 4-GB RAM, 16-GB Flash, and Android 7.1. A main 14" flip screen has projected-capacitive touch (LCD), and may be configured as single-screen, guest facing, and kitchen display. An additional 8" display may be wedge mounted or attached directly with the pedestal. Additional features include Bluetooth, 802.11 Wi-Fi, 5-megapixel fixed-focus camera, and an IP-54 rating for dust and spills.

Attached directly, or on-counter, the Toast Tap device supports the range of payment types--MSR, EMV, and Contactless NFC. With vertical or horizontal orientation, the thermal Toast Printer has paper width of 3.1 in./80 mm, and maximum speed of 9.8 in./250 mm per second at 203 dpi. An embedded Toast Hub in Toast Printer features color-coded inputs and two cords, in order to eliminate cable clutter. (Also available in standalone format, the Toast Hub.) A pretty slick package from Toast.

Toast Debuts Toast Flex Terminal

Pioneer: On the Eastern Front

A strategic service agreement has been entered into by NuRol Point of Sale (Atlanta, GA) and Pioneer Solution (City of Industry, CA). It designates NuRol as an Authorized Repair Partner for Pioneer Solution. As terminals for the channel, Pioneer Solution offers its 15" Cyprus, 15" StealthTouch II, 15" S-Line II, 17" StealthTouch M7, and 16" ST3.

"Since Pioneer is based on the West Coast, the shipping time for repairs to customers on the East Coast is prolonged," explained Gary Levitan, President and Owner of NuRol Point of Sale. "We're on the East Coast, so our strategic service agreement will reduce the shipping time from the current 10 to 14 days to 4 to 6 days for repairs and replacements." A long-standing reseller in retail and hospitality, NuRol Point of Sale.

"We have a full warehouse where we can actually house the product, as well as a full technical area where we're able to perform the work," continued Levitan. "We also have qualified technicians." A process of requesting repair/replacement of products will stay the same: customers will contact the reseller who has installed the hardware, who will fill out an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) on the website of Pioneer Solution.

A New Agreement Makes NuRol Point of Sale an Authorized Repair Partner for Pioneer Solution

Worth Your While

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago, IL

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers
Association (RSPA)
August 2-5
Las Vegas, NV

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
September 14-17
Las Vegas, NV

Impact 2020 Conference
Electronic Payments
September 22-25
Fort Lauderdale, FL

NACS
National Association
of Convenience Stores
October 11-14
Las Vegas, NV

FS TEC
Foodservice Technology/Winsight
October 25-27
Dallas, TX

Pack Expo
Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI)
November 8-11
Chicago, IL

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Brother Tweets "TNWB"

Brother Mobile Solutions (Westminster, CO) has unwrapped a pair of wireless desktop thermal-transfer label printers in the TD-4 Series. At print width of 4.25 in./108 mm, in each case, Model TD-4650TNWB has maximum print speed of 8 in./203 mm per second at 203 dpi, and Model TD-4750TNWB has maximum print speed of 6 in./152 mm per second at 300 dpi. As wireless, there's standard Bluetooth and 802.11 Wi-Fi. Additional features include spindle-less media loading, multicolor control panel (LED), and standard LAN, USB, Host USB, and Serial.

In dimensions of 8.6 in. (W) x 7.5 in. (H) x 11.2 in. (L), Models TD-4650TNWB and TD-4750TNWB support Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, with Software Development Kits (SDKs) for iOS and Android. As emulations, they have ZPL II, EPL2, DPL, and (for drop-in solutions) FBPL. As design software, they ship with Seagull BarTender and SAP/ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). A media roll size of 5 in./127 mm O.D. (Outer Diameter) may be expanded with an optional external roll holder for 8 in./214 mm O.D. (Part #PA-RH-001).

"With the addition of 'supply-chain-ready' thermal-transfer models offering Wi-Fi connectivity and advancements in speed, functionality, and price, we are firmly positioned to help meet the challenges companies face in the tracking of goods as they are built, move to warehouses, and then travel across today's fast-moving industrial supply chain," enthused Ravi Panjwani, VP of Marketing and Product Management at Brother Mobile Solutions. "In addition to delivering optimum levels of performance at an exceptional value, we very intentionally crafted our two-year premier limited warranty to cover print-head replacement--regardless of print volume--to alleviate what has been a significant pain point for operations managers." (FYI: Expect more news for the channel from Brother Mobile Solutions.)

Brother Mobile's Wireless TD-4650TNWB Label Printer

Datalogic Ups Memor 20

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has previewed its newest enterprise PDA, entitled Memor 20. In smartphone form factor, the Memor 20 has "powerful processing power, extreme ruggedness, large 5.7" high-definition touchscreen, and intuitive Android O/S," according to preliminary collateral. A novel feature is the secondary display on the top of the device for seeing notifications when pocketed or holstered.

In order to provide constant operation, 24/7, Memor 20 comes with an "extremely fast" (in the company's description) wireless charging technology proven in the smartphone market. In addition to easy charging, this capability reduces downtime and maintenance caused by dirty or defective contacts. Additionally, the one-piece battery of the Memor 20 can be swapped in the field.

"We designed the Memor 20 for enterprises that have the most demanding requirements," expressed Tom Burke, VP of Mobile Product Marketing for Datalogic, "such as distribution centers, where employees are up and down aisles and using forklifts; warehouses for inventory management, order picking, shipping, and receiving; and transportation where drivers are out on the road and required to log each package during long delivery days. A range of unique features fit different types of workers at every level of business operation." As accessories, there's pistol grip handle, vehicle mount dock, and locking "smart dock."

Datalogic's Memor 20 Enterprise PDA

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business? With the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?

E-mail Michael Kachmar for advertising information,
or call 973-270-3284

Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?

Hurry ! Use the links below to catch up :

Week of March 2

Week of February 17

Week of February 3

ALLIANCES

Electronic Payments: Whozz Calling?

Electronic Payments (Calverton, NY) has added Caller ID within its proprietary POS, Exatouch. Supplied by modem from Whozz Calling? (Norcross, GA), the Caller ID functions with Exatouch's Delivery Manager. Here, the customer's contact information automatically appears, spurred by tapping the touchscreen, upon receiving the call.

Also, staff has visibility into the customer's most recent orders, which they can duplicate for fast re-orders (or they can enter new orders). Customers who are new may be saved and referenced for future orders. An integration with Google Maps facilitates delivery. Other exclusive apps available at no cost through Exatouch includes custom modifiers and menus, table mapping, and inventory management.

"Restaurants grow by delivering a personalized experience from start to finish," indicated Michael Nardy, CEO of Electronic Payments. "With Caller ID, restaurants are able to provide a more individual level of service that keeps customers coming back. Greet someone by name, take their order quickly, and deliver an accurate order on time--you've earned a regular who will multiply profits and help your business thrive."

Caller ID Functionality Added to Exatouch POS

[Editor's Note: In view of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Electronic Payments will waive Exatouch and TableTurn Support and Associated AppMarket Fees for merchants during March - May 2020. Additionally, Electronic Payments is working with their various lending partners to streamline merchant access to capital, reducing lending and cash advance fees, and eliminate any commissions that the company may receive from such lending efforts. "While we have business continuity and contingency plans for our staff, we are also thinking about our clients who are the lifeblood of our company and contribute to our success," stated Michael Nardy, CEO of Electronic Payments.]

Shift4 Delivers TakeOut7

Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA) has called upon TakeOut7 (Hartford, CT) for online ordering capability in its family of software--Harbortouch, Restaurant Manager, POSitouch, and Future POS. It now appears in the Shift4 Marketplace, part of the company's Lighthouse Business Management System. Other solutions in the Shift4 Marketplace include reservations, employee scheduling, accounting, and marketing/loyalty.

"[Along with Shift4,] TakeOut7 will allow restaurants to be up and running with their own fully integrated online ordering solution in as little as two weeks," elaborated Anurag Ahuja, CEO of TakeOut7. "Consumer demand for online ordering continues to grow and independent restaurants are anxious to find an integrated solution like the ones national chains have already launched with their own proprietary technologies. We look forward to enabling restaurants and dealers of POS to claim their share of the phenomenal growth in online ordering."

Earlier in March, Shift4 partnered with another online and mobile food-ordering provider, Menufy (Leawood, KS). Menufy digitizes the food menu and brands all customer touchpoints to the restaurant. Available in the Shift4 Marketplace, also for use with Harbortouch, Restaurant Manager, POSitouch, and Future POS, it enables customers to order on the restaurant's website and pay via credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, PayPal, and Bitcoin. It includes delivery capabilities.

Online Order Capability for Harbortouch, Restaurant Manager, POSitouch, and Future POS Software

Code Corner

Linga (Naples, FL) has announced compatibility between its rOS (for "restaurant and retail OS") and two leading Property Management Systems (PMS) by Oracle: Opera and Micros-Fidelio. Via data synchronization, the Linga/Oracle system will support the following functions venue-wide: point-of-sale, mobile ordering, loyalty programs, text alerts, self-order kiosks, central kitchen management, payment processing, and inventory management. Upstream, it feeds workflow, business automation, and financial systems. Linga, the former Benseron Hospitality, holds Gold Partner Status with Oracle (Redwood City, CA). "The goal of integrating Linga rOS with two of the largest and most used hotel and resort management platforms was to offer solutions that make managing the hotel/restaurant business easier, faster, and more efficient for guests and staff," declared Onur Haytac, CEO of Linga. "Integrating Linga with Opera and Micros-Fidelio will bring hotels up to date with the latest trends in cloud point-of-sale technology."

Linga Supports Oracle's PMS

INTEGRATION

A Loyalty Pledge (by Revel and Como)

Revel Systems (Atlanta, GA) and Como (Fort Lee, NJ) have come together to offer an "out-of-the-box" customer engagement and marketing solution, dubbed Como Essentials. Intended for the SMB, it combines "smart" loyalty, marketing automation, and data-driven tools, according to the two parties. It integrates with POS by Revel.

"Como wanted to work with Revel Systems to make our end-to-end customer engagement platform even more accessible to a broader range of businesses," relayed Yair Holtzer, Founder and Head of Como U.S. "Using our data-driven technology, the Como Essentials solution enables hospitality and retail chains to drive loyalty and increase customer spend." As capabilities, it extends customization, dashboard, and customer relationship management (CRM), added Como.

"We're excited to partner with Como in offering this new, affordable loyalty solution to our client base," related Chris Lybeer, Chief Strategy Officer for Revel Systems. "Como Essentials allows us to scalably connect our customers to the right technology for their businesses, and help restaurant and retail operators focus on making their brands the best they can be." Como Essentials has subscription cost of $79 per month, plus set-up fee of $750. Como is offering credit of $900 for customers who sign up by June 2020.

An "Out-of-the-Box" Customer Engagement Platform, Called Como Essentials, Accompanies Revel POS

Bluefin: Swimming in PCI

Bluefin (Atlanta, GA) now supports several new devices for use with its platform of Payment Card Industry (PCI) - Validated Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE). Specifically, it named the BluePad 5000 by Datecs America (Torrance, CA), Luxe 6200m by Equinox Payments (Scottsdale, AZ), and SREDKey 2 by ID Tech (Cypress, CA). Also approved: the FormAgent/XPI 5400 Application by Verifone (San Jose, CA) and new Key Injection Facility (KIF), Unattended Card Payments, Inc. (Las Vegas, NV). A pioneer in P2PE, in October 2014 Bluefin introduced its PCI-Validated P2PE Solution, which it calls Decryption-as-a-Service (DaaS).

"Consumer privacy regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) are driving merchants to secure consumer data or face stiff fines," reflected Ruston Miles, Bluefin's Chief Strategy Officer, adding "recent data breaches have cost merchants hundreds of millions in fines. Bluefin is constantly adding support for new secure device manufacturers and models, applications, and secure fulfillment facilities to make it as easy as possible for merchants of all types to protect consumer data with certified encryption using this P2PE solution."

At present, Bluefin has 125 partners, with over 100 devices/applications and 14 KIFs. It addresses, in particular, processors, gateways, and ISVs. As its most recent participants, it has added Payscout (Sherman Oaks, CA) and FroogalPay (Mountain View, CA). As part of its package, it also offers its online P2PE Manager. It enables lifecycle monitoring of devices--including key injection, device shipping and tracking for chain-of-custody, device state and attestation management, and record of every device, according to Bluefin.

Datecs BluePad 5000 Approved for Bluefin's P2PE

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

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

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

INSTALLATIONS

A Pallet-able IoT

A wooden pallet tracking platform enabled with IoT has been launched by the Pallet Alliance (Carrboro, NC). Introduced in November 2019 with both AT&T Cellular and CalAmp Bluetooth, so-called IntelliPallet has now added connectivity via spread spectrum RF--in devices of LoRa and connectivity protocol of LoRaWAN by semiconductor maker Semtech (Camarillo, CA). It retrofits wooden pallets (90% of the global market, according to the Pallet Alliance). A third-party, Viaanix (Wichita, KS), provided customization and integration services.

"Expanding Pallet Alliance's IntelliPallet IoT platform to include LoRa capability provides a flexible and economical solution for wireless connectivity in both rural and indoor applications that cannot be cost-effectively addressed using traditional cellular/GPS and Wi-Fi/BLE based networks," noted Mike Jones, Principal at Pallet Alliance. "Among its advantages, Semtech's LoRa technology enables sensor data communication over a long range with extremely low power consumption, it functions well in indoor environments, and it can be implemented at lower cost."

"With LoRa devices, Pallet Alliance will be able to create a flexible IoT platform that successfully monitors and reports pallet status, including while in transit," expounded Marc Pegulu, VP of IoT in Semtech's Wireless and Sensing Products Group. "Integrating LoRa-based solutions for geolocation and logistics monitoring enables customers to reduce inefficiencies and optimize processes." A "total visibility" capacity includes activity and location, and other sensor information such as impact, temperature, and humidity. An open API (Application Programming Interface) ties to SAP/ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).

An Advanced Solution for Wooden Pallet Management From the Pallet Alliance

Aces for Epicor

An additional five-year commitment by Ace Hardware for Epicor Software Corporation (Austin, TX). Under this decision, Ace Hardware will continue to exclusively run Epicor's Eagle POS. Over three decades, it has installed Epicor's Eagle POS at 3,400 sites of Ace Hardware. It plans to introduce next-generation retail cloud technology by Epicor.

"It only made sense to expand our partnership with Epicor as we continue to build momentum as a brand and retailer. Epicor's vision for, and commitment to, the independent retailer, coupled with its industry-specific technology, set the company apart from the rest," testified John Venhuizen, President and CEO at Ace Hardware. "Today marks the start of an expanded relationship and we're overjoyed about the potential and future developments that this will bring."

"Over the past three decades, Epicor Eagle has delivered strong point-of-sale solutions to our customers. Despite big box competition, with this software retailers are thriving through superior customer engagement and greater efficiency--including ACE retailers," proclaimed Steve Murphy, CEO at Epicor. "We're delighted to continue our partnership and are proud to be the only point-of-sale software exclusively endorsed by Ace Hardware."

Ace Hardware Stays With Epicor Software

Channel Factoid

-Partner of the Year, USA: Barcodes, Inc. (Chicago, IL)

-Partner of the Year, Canada: OCR, Ltd. (Markham, ON, Canada)

-Partner of the Year, Voice: Manhattan Associates (Atlanta, GA)

-Partner of the Year, National Broadline Reseller: CDW (Vernon Hills, IL)

-Partner Excellence: Taylor Data (Florence, SC)

-Platinum/Elite Partner of the Year: Procensis (Warminster, PA)

-Gold/Silver Partner of the Year: Scan Technology (Manchester, TN)

-Solution Partner of the Year: Information & Computing Services (Jacksonville, FL)

-Distribution Partner of the Year: BlueStar (Hebron, KY)

-Synergy Partner of the Year: HighJump (Minneapolis, MN)

-ISV Partner of the Year: VMWare (Palo Alto, CA)

Source: Future Makers Conference, Honeywell Productivity Products, February 2020

Barcodes, Inc. and OCR Canada, Ltd. Celebrate Honeywell 2019 Partner of the Year Awards

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, and business models. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

HELLO GOODBYE

Mr. Roberts at Bixolon

Bixolon America (Gardena, CA), one of the leading suppliers of receipt and label printers in the channel, has promoted David Roberts to Executive Vice President (EVP). He joined the company as Senior Vice President (SVP) in 2005. Previously, he served as General Manager (GM) of M-S Cash Drawer (1999 to 2005).

"I've happily been with Bixolon America for fifteen years, seeing steady growth year after year," shared Roberts. "We've most recently enjoyed our best years ever, with new product lines and securing many of the industry's most cherished global accounts. As EVP, I look forward to continued growth and reaching new benchmarks."

"We're putting in a lot of energy and investment in order to diversify our business," commented Paul Kim, President of Bixolon America. "I expect to leverage David's great leadership qualities to keep our team focused and to reach the future goals of Bixolon America." A number of new products were previewed by Bixolon at the Modex show earlier in March..

David Roberts, Executive Vice President, Bixolon America

Upserve Drafts CMO

Upserve (Providence, RI), which supplies its restaurant management platform, has enlisted Aman Devgan as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). His resume includes CMO of Kapitus (2017 to 2020), Chief Product and Marketing Officer of Propel Marketing (2015 to 2017), Chief Sales and Markets Officer at 1&1 Internet, Inc. (2014 to 2015), and SVP of Web.com (2011 to 2014). A Master's Degree in Computer Science from the University of Nebraska was followed by MBA from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.

"My last two teams brought cutting-edge, data-driven platforms to the SMB financing and marketing industries," reported Devgan. "A similar revolution is imminent in the POS space, and I believe Upserve is the company prepared to lead that charge. Upserve is using its technology to enhance guest experiences, streamline business management to free up time, and make cash flow visible, more easily managed and predictable, which solves key problems for any restaurant owner."

"We're coming out of a year of rapid growth, and Aman's experience building high-performance, scalable marketing teams will only help our numbers continue to soar," observed Sheryl Hoskins, CEO of Upserve. "I'm thrilled to have him join the leadership team at Upserve." At present, Upserve supports over 11,000 restaurants, with more than 57 million active diners, and processing over $11 billion in annual sales.

Aman Devgan, Chief Marketing Officer, Upserve

An RSVP for NAB's Parkinson

A kudos for Jim Parkinson, Chief Experience Officer (CXO) at North American Bancard (Troy, MI), with his acceptance into the Forbes Technology Council. A professional community for technology executives, supported by Forbes Magazine, the Forbes Technology Council is modeled on the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). A track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as professional achievements and honors, are cited as member criteria.

"It is a tremendous honor to join the ranks of many distinguished professionals on the Forbes Technology Council," remarked Parkinson. "Forbes has created a platform that fosters innovation and encourages the meaningful exchange of ideas. I look forward to sharing my insights and expertise as new technological solutions continue to enhance business efficiencies."

"We are pleased to welcome Jim Parkinson into the community," stated Scott Gerber, Founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Technology Council. "Our mission is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social, capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and to make an even greater impact on the business world." A payment processor active in the channel of VARs and ISVs in POS, North American Bancard handles in excess of $45 million in electronic payments annually.

Jim Parkinson, Chief Experience Officer, North American Bancard