Our Product Pick

POSBANK USA (Carson, CA) has unveiled its new direct thermal receipt printer, the A11. Measuring 5.7 in. (W) x 7.7 in. (D) x 5.7 in. (H), and weighing 3.5 lbs., the A11 has selectable print width of 2" or 3" and speed of 9.8 inch/250 mm per second at 180 dpi. With drop-in paper loading, and countertop or wall-mounting, the A11 offers USB + Serial, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. It has iOS and Android SDKs (Software Development Kits) for use in Mobile POS. As sensors, there's paper end, cover open, black mark, and partition. "With an MCBF (Mean Cycle Between Failure) of 60 million lines, TPH (Thermal Print Head) of 150 km, and Auto Cuts of 1.5 million, the A11 is reliable enough to last longer and operate in large volume printing environments," commented POSBANK USA.

POSBANK USA's Model A11 Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

JDA Jettisons POS

One of its major resellers, Veras Retail, has turned around and purchased the POS of JDA Software Group. A trio of solutions falls under this transaction, terms of which were not disclosed, including JDA Store Point of Sale, JDA Win/DSS, and JDA Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Founded in 2008 as Zoftec LLC, Veras Retail is led by Rohit Vir, CEO, and Bruce Herrier, VP--each previously employed by JDA Software Group's POS, not coincidentally. Both concerns are located in Phoenix, AZ.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the heritage of JDA's proven POS solutions," remarked Vir. "We look forward to serving the retailers who depend on these solutions to run their businesses across over 100,000 lanes worldwide, as well as building exciting new capabilities to help retailers connect with their customers." According to Tyler Owen, Senior Director of Solution Strategy for JDA, its efforts will continue in areas of workforce management, category management, store logistics, and back-office, falling under the banner of "Store Operations."

The newly acquired solutions of JDA POS will form the basis for the Veras' debut suite of "Check-Out, Stock, Extend, and Control." JDA Win/DSS will continue to be supported, but will not be rebranded or offered to new customers, according to Veras. Also, Veras will continue to honor JDA's Investment Protection Policy, allowing existing maintenance-paying customers to upgrade from Win/DSS. So "the Child is Father of the Man," to quote William Wordsworth.

Veras Retail, With CEO Rohit Vir, Acquires JDA's POS Effort

David and Goliath

A year of change for industry figure David Gosman. Widely known as the former CEO and Co-Owner of retail and restaurant ISV pcAmerica, Gosman has now joined HP's Retail Solutions Global Business Unit as Global Hospitality Segment Manager. In 2015, readers of RRN.Com will recall, pcAmerica was sold to payment processor Heartland Payment Systems. Gosman served as one of Heartland's VPs before his new position at HP. He will be based in New City, NY.

In conversation with RRN.Com, Gosman noted the fragmented nature of the hospitality channel--outside of three or four major players--and stated that one of his first tasks will be to work closely with ISVs and VARs to get more exposure for HP. "I think they appreciate talking with someone who really understands their business," shared Gosman. "Some of them I know, and some I don't. It allows me to bring my perspective to working in the channel." As areas of specific focus, he identified mobility and related payments.

"As HP continues to invest in and grow its retail business, it's critical that we have the right people in place to help us continue to deliver great products and services to our customers and partners within key segments of the market," Lorena Kubera, VP and GM of HP's Retail Solutions Global Business Unit (Houston, TX), told RRN.Com. "David's twenty years of experience in this industry makes him a great addition to the team." Kubera took the reins of HP Retail Solutions following much success in the PC and Notebook Divisions at HP.

David Gosman, Global Hospitality Segment Manager, HP

Worth Your While

WERC 2016
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 15-18
Providence, RI

NRA Show 2016
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

RetailNOW 2016
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 31-August 3
Grapevine, TX

NRF's Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 15-17, 2017
New York City

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Full Tilt at MMF POS

In response to stipulations of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as the shift to EMV, MMF POS (Wheeling, IL) has fashioned its Wheelchair Accessible Payment Terminal Mounts. Accommodating most popular models, this patent-pending series employs an adjustable arm that lowers 10 inches below standard counter heights. Its smooth tilt and rotation at multiple joints provide continuous positioning adjustments as needed--from cashier to customer and back.

For wheelchair users, as well as visually impaired customers, this configuration eliminates the need to relinquish their payment cards and PINs, while supporting PCI-DSS Version 3.0 Requirement 9.9. A key-locked mounting plate prevents unauthorized tampering or terminal removal. As additional features, there's concealed cable management channel, ergonomic handle at bottom for easy maneuvering, and easy installation on counter surfaces for left or right checkout.

"This will be a growing concern as more litigation becomes public knowledge," advised Larry Greenberg, Director of Sales and Marketing for MMF POS. "With so much attention being paid to adoption of EMV, this issue has yet to receive the attention it should. But it's building. A prudent approach would be to tackle accessibility as part of conversion to EMV." According to Anne Gray, Senior Product Manager for MMF POS, fines for non-compliance with ADA may reach $75,000.

Wheelchair Accessible Payment Terminal Mount From MMF POS

A Play for EyePay

An overseas vendor with pedigree in security in the Middle East, called IrisGuard, has promoted its eyeball-focused biometric payment terminal, appropriately branded "EyePay." With face camera and 3.5" resistive touchscreen, EyePay has ARM CPU, 512-MB RAM, and 1-GB Flash. As communications, it has USB, Serial, Bluetooth, LAN 10/100 Base T Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 3G WAN. No need for MSR, PIN, or NFC, in this scheme, which runs the firm's dedicated platform, "IrisGuard EyeBank."

"A perfect companion," in the words of IrisGuard, it interfaces directly with existing POS or can operate in stand-alone mode. "Your eye uniquely authenticates you and it cannot be stolen, lost, or copied," continued IrisGuard. [Editor's Note: Hopefully not lost or stolen!]. In addition, EyePay includes managerial reporting, food basket inventory control, and accounting capabilities. It embraces international banking standards.

EyePOS Payment Terminal by IrisGuard

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ALLIANCES

ISVs Pop for Star

A pair of popular ISVs, e-Nabler Corp. (San Juan, PR) and Erply (New York, NY), have certified the mPOP system from Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). Accommodating tablets for Android, iOS, and Windows, e-Nabler Corp. will bundle its eMobilePOS software with Star's mPOP. In turn, Erply initially will support Android. With mPOP, both emphasize "plug and play" and the SMB.

Available in white or black, Star's mPOP measures approximately 12 in. (W) x 12 in. (D) x 4 in. (H)--without tablet--and weighs 7.8 lbs. Star has incorporated its 2" thermal receipt printer with "drop in and print" paper loading and 4-inch/100-mm per second speed. A compact cash drawer has four-bill and adjustable six- or eight-coin wells, as well as hidden space. As accessories, there's locking base bracket, barcode scanner, and stand for tablet.

"Erply is very pleased to be working with Star Micronics and supporting their new mPOP," enthused Sander Sebastian Agur, VP of Business Development for Erply. "We have always found Star's products to be reliable and easy to integrate, and the mPOP is no different. This is the first all-in-one peripheral that Erply has provided support for and we are excited to see it change the face of Mobile POS." In April, Star's mPOP was similarly endorsed by another ISV, Retail Cloud (Concord, CA).

More Software for Star Micronics' mPOP

A Quick Quest for IoT

A leading solution provider for supply chain and retail, Quest Solution (Eugene, OR), will draw upon the asset-tracking expertise of TrackX (Denver, CO). With its eponymous AssetTrack Software, based in RFID, TrackX addresses yard and distribution center management, mobile inventory, returnable and high-value items, and manufacturing work-in-process. Founded in 1994, Quest Solution has long provided solutions for barcoding, wireless, and RFID throughout North America.

"With thousands of customers and more than twenty years of experience in Auto ID, Quest has the expertise and geographical coverage to support the delivery of TrackX for an expanding customer base in Canada and the U.S.," relayed Tim Harvie, President and CEO of TrackX. "This mutually beneficial partnership provides the strong catalyst for TrackX's revenue growth moving forward." In particular, he cited "the emerging world of sensors," otherwise known as Internet of Things (IoT).

"The demand for cloud-based, enterprise-scalable asset tracking and inventory management is increasing rapidly. Through our TrackX partnership, Quest is able to expand its offering with solutions to address this demand and deliver significant value to our customers," indicated George Zicman, SVP of Sales at Quest Solution. "Also, TrackX will expand upon its implementation capacity and be in the position to accelerate deployments across Fortune 500 customers by tapping into the resources and capabilities provided by Quest Solution."

Quest Solution Enlists TrackX Platform

Code Corner

SuiteRetail (New York, NY) has launched SuitePOS for Salesforce on the Salesforce App Exchange. Using this single platform, authorized staff can easily manage retail operations and data from their storefronts or across all channels and departments, according to the developer. This data can be shared with Salesforce Retail Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Wave Analytics, and their Sales, Service, Marketing, and Community Cloud, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Accounting. Customers, items, transactions, and promotion data can be shared across Salesforce all the way through to operations, customer service, e-commerce, and marketing campaigns. SuitePOS for Salesforce runs as native iOS App. "SuiteRetail succeeds beyond expectations in bringing the cloud to the store," reported Erica Stevens, VP of Supply Chain and Information Technology at Dylan's Candy Bar (New York, NY). "New stores, new products, omni-channel promotions, and everything we do is deployed in minutes and without any headaches in IT."

SuitePOS for Salesforce

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Datacap Seeds TranCloud

Another handy piece of payment middleware from Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA): in this case, "TranCloud," which has been designed for mobile and browser-based EMV POS. It builds upon the company's popular integrated payments software, NETePay. A "small footprint hardware approach," and cloud-based, TranCloud is remotely configured, ordered, and shipped to the installer or direct to merchant, according to Datacap Systems. Justin Zeigler, Head of Product, elaborated on benefits for readers of RRN.Com.

"A truly processor and hardware agnostic payments solution for U.S. EMV, and future industry mandates, for browser-based POS and M-POS providers--or any POS provider that prefers to communicate via an HTTP Post instead of local client or library," explained Zeigler of TranCloud. "VARs and ISVs who sell these systems now have an easy path to EMV transition without having to force single pad options into all accounts regardless of their individual requirements. With support for PIN Pads from leading OEMs like Ingenico and Verifone, and more in certification, TranCloud provides ISVs and VARs with an offering they can tailor to each install."

"TranCloud leverages more than ten years of payments development by utilizing the industry-standard NETePay," continued Zeigler. "This translates to the most robust payments offering for browser POS and M-POS, including support for EMV, Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE), Tokenization, EMV Tip Adjustment, Gift/Loyalty, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT). The real take-home is that TranCloud is leveraging NETePay, so updates are ongoing and come to our partners without changes on their side."

A Path Forward in EMV for Browser-Based and Mobile POS

Zebra: Rho, Rho, Rho Your Code

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has released its RhoMobile Suite--dedicated to mobile app development--now with "open source" accessibility (under the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, License). This latest move covers RhoConnect (enterprise-class) and RhoElements (with native HTML, CSS, and JavaScript). Previously, two other facets, Rhodes and RhoStudio, were released. A pair of key partners were cited as early enablers: Kutir Mobility (Newark, CA) and Tau Technologies (Albuquerque, NM). More to come, RRN.Com was told.

With this latest move, ISVs are encouraged to adopt RhoMobile for both Zebra and non-Zebra devices. A trio of migration paths have been cited. First, satisfied customers may stay on Zebra RhoMobile (Suite 2.x to 5.4). Secondly, users of older versions of RhoMobile may shift to Enterprise Browser, if suitable. Lastly, for adopters of iOS and Android, in particular, now there's RhoMobile Open Source (via partners or directly).

Zebra's RhoMobile Goes Open Source

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bematech
CRS, Inc.
ECR Software
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Citizen
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Cyber Security for POS
Signature Systems/PDQ

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Moneris
Vantiv IP

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry Americas, LLC
TG3 Electronics

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

INSTALLATIONS

A Cyprus Grows in Brooklyn

A trendy restaurant in Brooklyn, the Wise Expresso Bar, has deployed Aldelo Restaurant POS (Pleasanton, CA) and the Cyprus POS Terminal by Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA). This effort was led by Super PC Systems, which is based in Brooklyn. In all, five terminals have been installed, and Wise Expresso Bar was able to go live within three work days, according to the VAR. Speed and scalability of the system were cited as critical.

Debuted this time last year, Cyprus from Pioneer POS offers either Intel Atom or Intel Core i3/i5/i7 CPUs. Furthering versatility, it features 15" resistive or projected capacitive touchscreen, and runs as thin-client or Windows. In spill-proof, bezel-free format, Cyprus has 2-GB RAM (upgraded to 16-GB), Intel 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet (with optional Wi-Fi), and USB x 5 and Serial x 4 (as well as Powered USB +12V and +24V). As desktop, it measures 14.1 in. (W) x 11.4 in. (H) x 8.9 in. (D) and weighs 16 lbs. (with base). As options, the company provides an integrated 3" receipt printer from Epson America, as well as card readers, barcode scanners, and secondary LCDs.

"We were able to accommodate [the customer's request for] 'POS-as-a-Service,'" reported Andrey Belyayev, President of Super PC Systems. "The customer received all hardware and software for free. It did not cost them any money upfront. The customer is also processing credit cards with Super PC, and therefore, we are able to keep the hand on the pulse and resolve any issues quickly and efficiently." A major reseller of Aldelo, Super PC has more than 2,000 installs in the NY Area.

A Trendy Customer for Aldelo, Pioneer POS, and Super PC Systems

Fujitsu Gets the Bends

Fujitsu Frontech North America (Foothill Ranch, CA) has fielded its new fashion category of UHF RFID Tags. Fujitsu WT-A522L, approximately the size of the typical shirt collar stay, measures 2.2 in. (L) x 0.4 in. (W) x 0.1 in. (D). Addressing suits, formal wear, and jeans, it can easily be sewn into hems, seams, or under manufacturers' labels, suitable for home washing and dry cleaning. A secondary version, WT-A522LA, carries adhesive for attachments to shoes, handbags, and other accessories.

Another new product, WT-A533, targets use by industrial laundry providers. With simultaneous reading of hundreds or thousands of items, the WT-A533 automates processes and reduces labor costs when compared to conventional systems, usually HF. It has the same size and soft exterior as its predecessor, the WT-A522, but with increased read range and durability, according to Fujitsu Frontech North America, which also targets POS.

"UHF RFID technology will significantly reduce the labor cost compared to single garment processing at tuxedo and high fashion rental companies. Also, fraud and counterfeiting in high fashion apparel is on the rise," observed Randy Fox, VP of Sales and Marketing at Fujitsu Frontech North America. "Including an 'invisible' RFID tag in high-value garments and accessories will provide positive confirmation of an item's authenticity and also help reduce such incidents of fraud. The WT-A522L Fashion Tag and WT-A533 Linen Tag provide any garment manufacturer, rental, or laundry operation with one-stop shopping for RFID."

Fujitsu WT-A522L RFID Fashion Tag

Channel Factoid

Only 21% of merchants have completed an omni-channel payments program, according to "Omni-Channel Payments for Merchants: Myth or Reality?" by PCM Research and ACI Worldwide. This includes primarily large grocery and department stores. Notably, 46% have no plans for an omni-channel payments program within the next 12 months. When asked about their organization's ability to innovate, 50% responded that they are in the "early" or "innovator" stages. The other half categorized themselves as "technology followers." Asked why they aren't moving faster into an omni-channel retailing environment, two obstacles were prevalent: finding the business case and/or business sponsorship for the necessary funding. Almost two-thirds (63%) were interested in alternative payment schemes (such as Mobile Wallets). Asked whether they have common fraud prevention capabilities across all channels, the majority of respondents (53%) said no, 39% said yes, and 8% were unsure. In the area of payments, 42% said they have no common set of security across all channels today, 9% were unsure, and 49% of retailers claimed they had such capabilities. Not surprisingly, implementation of omni-channel has shifted from an in-house, or on-premise, model to hosted Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). "Although an encouraging number of merchants are firmly entrenched in their strategies, there is still work to be done for many others," stated Alex Rolfe, Managing Director at PCM Research.

HELLO GOODBYE

Epson's Succession

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has announced that John Lang, President and CEO, will retire on June 30, 2016. On July 1, Keith Kratzberg, SVP of Sales and Marketing, will assume the role of President and CEO. Lang joined Epson America as VP of Finance and CFO in 1987, becoming President and CEO in 2002. Kratzberg joined Epson America in 1996, becoming SVP of Sales and Marketing in 2011. Recently, he also led Latin America.

"Since I began at Epson almost three decades ago, I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with an incredible team of professionals across the Americas, at our Seiko Epson headquarters, and around the world," reflected Lang. "Together we have helped bring innovative, reliable, and easy-to-use technology solutions that enrich all aspects of our customers' lives--from business to the home. It has been an honor to be part of a company that has set a high bar for integrity, quality, and collaboration."

"I'm excited to step into this role and look forward to further enhancing Epson America's position as a market leader," contributed Kratzberg. "I'm honored to have been affiliated with the management, employees, partners, and customers of Epson under John Lang, and look forward to continuing to grow and develop his legacy of leadership, innovation, and partnership. Moreover, I appreciate the support Seiko Epson has shown me."

Keith Kratzberg (Left) Rises to President and CEO of Epson America, Following the Planned Retirement of John Lang (Right)

[Editor's Note: Closer to home, perhaps, Epson America has received certification for its TM-T20II, TM-T88V, and TM-U220 receipt printers by dry cleaning ISV, Liberty Computer Systems (Holly Springs, NC).]

Sweeping Up the Breadcrumb

Breadcrumb, or Groupon POS, has been purchased by restaurant management software provider, Upserve (Providence, RI). Founded in 2011, and sold to Groupon in 2012, Breadcrumb employs iPads and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). It has approximately 6,000 installs across the U.S.

"Breadcrumb and Upserve go together like peanut butter and jelly," proposed Angus Davis, Founder and CEO of Upserve. "Our product range offers restaurants the most comprehensive solution on the market. The huge scale of our cloud-based platform is unmatched, the quality of our 24x7x365 customer support sets us apart, and our future is bright for continued innovation."

Seeds for this acquisition were first sown when Breadcrumb and Upserve began integrating their two systems through an informal commercial partnership in late 2015. Designating its solution as the "smart management assistant," Upserve addresses reservations, menu optimization, human resource management, social media, and payments. It also integrates with legacy POS such as Oracle/Micros and NCR Aloha. As part of this deal, terms of which were not disclosed, Rosie Atkins, formerly of Breadcrumb, becomes VP of Product at Upserve.

Angus Davis, Founder and CEO, Upserve