This Week’s Product Pick

Vocollect (Pittsburgh) has unboxed its Talkman A730 which integrates voice and scanning in one wearable solution. Measuring 5.9 in. (L) x 2.5 in. (H) x 1.7 in. (W) and weighing 9.5 oz. with standard battery, Talkman A730 carries the EA30 two-dimensional imager from parent company, Intermec. It may be unholstered for use or activated by voice command on the worker's belt. Combined with Vocollect's Voice Catalyst software and wireless SRX2 headset, Talkman A730 improves productivity while reducing the need, cost, and management of multiple peripherals. "We had great experience with our pilot program," testified Joe Beydoun, Systems and Process Manager for Lipari Foods (Warren, MI). "Our associates also like the smaller form factor and extended battery life."

Vocollect's Talkman A730

COMPANY BUSINESS

Micros Won't Be Ignored

Not to be outdone, Micros Systems (Columbia, MD) has plunged into the tablet waters with its newest hardware package for POS. Comprised of two products--mTablet and mStation--this offering seeks to blunt the appeal of consumer devices through greater functionality and ruggedness. For example, detachable mTablet furnishes screen visibility in direct sunlight, fully integrated payment processing, spill-and-drop resistant casework, and temperature range of 14 to 140 Degrees F for both inside and outdoor use. It runs Windows Embedded Compact 7 with ARM Freescale CPU, 1 GHz DDR3, 4 GHz NAND, and provides 10-inch projected capacitive multi-touch screen, Bluetooth 2.1, and 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN.

Its companion, mStation, adds the expansive peripheral connectivity of your standard POS workstation. Unlike typical mobile mounts, mStation also enables an integrated array of customer-facing displays for promotional opportunities and order accuracy verification, according to the vendor. When equipped with an optional high-capacity battery, an unplugged mStation allows deployment to remote service areas, extending the portability even further.

"These latest devices take Micros to a new level of innovation in mobility, with solutions for restaurants, hotels, and retailers operating in any mobile environment and any kind of light," declared Peter Altabef, CEO/President of Micros Systems. "Designed from the ground up as more impervious to damage from falls, the mTablet also will reduce the cost of ownership for businesses, which can experience significant replacement costs with standard mobile devices. By functioning both as mobile device, and when appropriate, as fully functional stationary device, these new products, working in tandem with Micros' industry-leading software applications, redefine our solutions." As expected, Micros has published an Application Programming Interface (API) and Development Tools.

New Tablet POS Configuration by Micros

Three New Citizens

Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA) has extended its line card with three new thermal label printers. First shown at the NRF Show in January, CL-S300 (direct thermal) and CL-S321 (thermal transfer) desktop models bring value, simplicity, and functionality, according to the vendor. Both deliver integrated power supply, Windows Drivers, and "Hi-Open" housing for easy media loading. With four-inch print width, each achieves four inches/second (102 mm/second) print speed at 203 dpi. A compact footprint, backwards compatibility, and single-button control panel complete the package.

A third printer, CL-S6621, addresses six-inch-wide labeling requirements. Introduced previously in overseas markets, CL-S6621 prints at six inches/second (150 mm/second) at 203 dpi. Benefits include an industrial twin-wall housing, "Hi-Lift" metal mechanism, standard Zebra and Datamax emulations, and 360 meter ribbon capacity. Internal Serial and USB interfaces are included, with Parallel, LAN, and Wi-Fi also offered.

"Fulfilling our promise of continuing to offer value to our users and growth through product expansion for our partners has been front and center for Citizen," reported Vic Barczyk, EVP for Citizen Systems America. "Our new desktop products meet common uses in the thermal printing space today and our unique six-inch-wide printer offers the ability to expand those common uses even further."

Citizen America's CL-S300 Desktop Printer

Worth Your While

HITEC 2013
Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals
June 24-27
Minneapolis

RetailNow 2013
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 4-7
Las Vegas

VARTECH US/LATAM 2013
BlueStar
September 9-11
San Antonio, TX

Pack Expo 2013
Packaging Manufacturers Machinery Institute
September 23-25
Las Vegas

Customer Engagement Technology World
JD Events
November 6-7
New York City

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Star Grows Mythically

Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has unleashed its nifty little touchscreen and printer combination, named AsuraCPRNT. Standing 15 inches tall, this device serves as both customer-facing mini-kiosk and network controller for digital content, RRN.Com was told by Christophe Naasz, Business Development Director for Star Micronics America. "Asura" refers to the mythical three-headed and six-armed Buddhist deity radiating positive energy and power, explained Naasz, combined with uppercase "control print" capability.

As technical specifications, AsuraCPRNT wields an ARM Cortex CPU, 256 MB DDR2, Grayscale (8, 16, and 32 bit), and Linux and Android O/S. A seven-inch TFT resistive LCD (at 800x480 pixels) complements Star's TSP654II direct thermal receipt printer. Star's TSP654II features 300 mm/second (60 receipts per minute) print speed at 203 dpi and three-inch print width. Optional integrated magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) and two-dimensional scanner (2D) are offered, along with USB ports for additional peripherals such as biometric sensor, Wi-Fi/3G/4G dongle, and camera.

"AsuraCPRNT's computing capability, coupled with its readiness to drive content to other devices such as smart phones, merchant tablets, and digital signage, gives developers the perfect platform to create applications that engage the customer and provide an interactive in-store experience," suggested Naasz. "With unmatched utility, the AsuraCPRNT is capable of delivering audiovisual messages on its own screen as well as on external signage, managing queues and loyalty programs, tracking inventory, operating as self-service kiosk, and so much more." Such applications will help bring software revenue back to the channel, Naasz predicted.

AsuraCPRNT From Star Micronics America

Mr. (Motorola) Freeze

Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) has defrosted challenges of the cold chain with two new configurations for its mobile computers. With "freeze" abbreviated in their name, XT15f joins the Psion Omnii line of rugged handhelds, while VH10f, based upon Motorola's Omnii VH10, fulfills similar vehicle-mounted applications. Purpose-built, both Omnii XT15f and VH10f counter common problems in low-temperature environments, such as slow displays, battery drain, and condensation created when workers move from freezer to loading dock.

Bearing an easily identifiable blue bezel, Omnii XT15f comes in condensation-resistant ("Chiller") and condensation-free ("Arctic") versions along with freezer batteries designed for extremely cold conditions. "Frost-free" technology automatically defogs the scan window and specialized keyboards resist ice build-up. Omnii XT15f fulfills data capture and traceability needs in food production and pharmaceutical facilities, warehouses, and the grocery market, as well as ports and rail yards in shivery and humid climates, specified Motorola.

VH10f has been optimized for freezer environments with heated touchscreen as well as condensation-free operation. Additional features include modular design, optional quick-release mount, and rugged keyboard with 12 dedicated and configurable function keys. "By continuing to invest in the modularity and flexibility of the Omnii platform, we are providing stability for our customers while adding the latest technology to help improve productivity and efficiencies in the most challenging environments," stated Joe White, VP of Enterprise Mobile Computing at Motorola Solutions.

Motorola's Omnii XT15f for the Cold Chain

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business—in 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 May 6

Week of April 29

Week of April 22

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Game Time at Touch Dynamic

A new contest at Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ) offers an opportunity for channel partners to win four tickets to the NFL game of their choice in next year's season. Under terms of this promotion, channel partners will receive one drawing entry for each sale of Touch Dynamic's Universal Printer Base. Suitable for Breeze, Breeze Performance, Pulse, and Saturn All-in-One POS terminals, the Universal Printer Base saves counter space, reduces cable clutter, and protects the receipt printer from possible damages from spillage of liquids, according to the vendor.

Entries will be tallied until July 31, with contest winners announced on Wednesday, August 6, at the RSPA RetailNOW Show in Las Vegas. A trio of prizes will be given, including the four tickets to an NFL game with one-night hotel stay (winner responsible for any costs related to travel.) A $250 gift certificate for merchandise from NFLShop.com and Touch Dynamic Demo Case represent second and third place prizes.

NFL Tickets for Sales of Touch Dynamic's Universal Printer Base

Dascom Plows Ten Acres

Dascom Americas, which recently addressed direct thermal printing for POS with its DT-230, has acquired 9.4 acres of land in Augusta County, Virginia, as the building site for its new headquarters. Previously located in Waynesboro, the company will move to Mill Place Commerce Park in Verona. Dascom Americas, established in 2010 as part of Dascom Holdings in Hong Kong, focuses on business transaction printing--mainly serial matrix--with Tally and Tally Dascom product lines. 

With its new facility, Dascom Americas will expand its business to include LED lighting solutions and healthy lifestyle monitoring devices. Today, such products are engineered and built in Jiangmen, China, with assembly of products in the U.S. planned for the future. Dascom's DT-230, with three-inch print width, will be sold through its network of regional and national resellers, RRN.Com was told, and represents renewed interest in our specific sector of technology on the part of the company.

"Dascom Americas is delighted to work with the great people of Augusta County in locating our new facility here," commented Ron Acorn, President of Dascom Americas. "The site provides us with excellent logistical advantages such as being near major interstates with relatively close proximity to many of our key strategic business partners and customers. We know this area and its people have a work ethic that is second to none. As we look to expand our business, Mill Place seems like a perfect home."

Ron Acorn, President, Dascom Americas

Code Corner

Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) has officially released InfoGenesis POS Version 4.4, designed for multi-unit operations and any combination of dining, bar service, and retail settings. This new build features simplified architecture, making the product easier to install and maintain. It includes certification on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, which provides greater scalability and enables customers to add data storage easily. It also incorporates SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) for maximum flexibility when creating reports, with terminals supplied POSReady 7. Enhancements have been made in every area, according to Agilysys, including increased single check tenders, expanded revenue categories, kitchen video interface for fine dining, inclusive gratuity configuration, package ordering, scheduled kitchen printer routing, and tokenization certification. "Our commitment to the InfoGenesis POS system is strong, exemplified by the investment we've made in this latest software release," stated Maris Berzins, VP of Development for Applications at Agilysys. "The solution's enhanced features and functionality will enable customers to increase efficiency, engage more fully in the guest experience, and maximize wallet share. It is our mission to deliver best-of-breed software solutions to our hospitality customers." 

.

ALLIANCES

Advantage to Vantiv

Vantiv, Inc. (Cincinnati) and NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) have joined forces to target tablet-based POS for the SMB. This new relationship begins with the introduction of Vantiv Mobile Checkout powered by NCR Silver. A package includes all payment processing services, software, and cloud-based back-office functions as well as the necessary hardware peripherals to turn the merchant's iPad into turnkey mobile POS. This includes receipt printer, credit card reader, cash drawer, and swivel stand. Vantiv said it will deliver this bundle "at an incredibly affordable introductory price."

"At Vantiv, we've been working to leverage the power and efficiency of our single-integrated processing platform to provide greater value to small and medium-sized businesses," relayed Donald Boeding, President of Merchant Services at Vantiv. "Under this new relationship, we will be able to quickly offer more small merchants powerful POS technology that balances affordability with critical functionality and mobility. Vantiv Mobile Checkout powered by NCR Silver represents our first joint effort."

Another recent move for Vantiv, in this case with Visa Offers. Vantiv becomes the first U.S. acquirer to announce their participation in this promotion redemption platform, which delivers personalized deals from top brands to an enrolled individual's mobile phone or e-mail. Significantly, Visa Offers also provides real-time ticket reduction during the authorization process, rather than credits or paper coupons for redemption. "The days of consumers walking around with their wallet stuffed with coupons are officially over," proposed Darren Parslow, Global Head of Processing with Visa.

Vantiv Mobile Checkout Powered by NCR Silver

Barcode Bosom Buddies

Two leaders in barcode labeling, Teklynx and Niceware, both based in the Milwaukee area, will combine capabilities to help resellers with custom design requirements. As newly certified partner, Niceware will participate in enterprise sales, training, and pre- and post-sale support for Teklynx, in addition to bringing its extensive application expertise. This new partnership goes into effect on August 1, 2013, and covers the popular Label Matrix, LabelView, and Codesoft by Teklynx.

"As Teklynx continues to invest in our reseller channel, our priority remains providing the best support and resources," remarked Laura Henderson, GM of Teklynx Americas. "Teaming up with a respected industry leader like Niceware International creates another opportunity to support our resellers and end-users." Teklynx recently rejuvenated its partner program in harmony with the hiring of Jenna Wagner, Global Marketing Director, who has business development, channel account management, and lead generation experience.

"Our partnership with Teklynx will allow us to broaden our scope as an independent vendor of software," noted Andrew Matter, President of Niceware International, LLC. "This partnership will synergistically offer channel partners additional assets as they sell and support integrated labeling software solutions. Because of our success, we have elected to broaden our reach by working with multiple software partners." Up to now, Niceware has served as master distributor of NiceLabel Software for North and South America.

Teklynx Calls Upon Niceware

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Systems - Apple Based
LightSpeed Retail
ShopKeep POS

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Sato America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp
PrehKeyTec USA

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

More Scoops by Mercury

Mercury (Durango, CO) will deploy its MercuryLoyalty for all five of the brands of the Global Franchise Group--Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery, MaggieMoo's, Pretzelmaker, and Pretzel Time--following preliminary testing which demonstrated impressive growth in sales. Tied directly to the POS, MercuryLoyalty sends promotional offers and coupons to select customers via SMS text, e-mail, and social media. Customers can share such offers, such as the successful "30 cents per scoop" campaign, with their friends over Facebook and Twitter, thereby serving as force multiplier for the merchant.

In the test, more than 32,000 customers at 16 Marble Slab and MaggieMoo's sites in six states signed up to receive special deals. Average transaction value increased by 50% for MaggieMoo's and by 80% for Marble Slab, according to Mercury, with customer feedback for day-to-day operations and future marketing campaigns as an additional benefit. "MercuryLoyalty provides an important service to our valued merchants so they can bring back existing customers and build revenue," observed Travis Priest, VP of Merchant Marketing Services for Mercury.

Sales in the frozen dessert industry have remained flat at $25 billion annually for the past five years while competition has intensified, according to the National Dairy Board, part of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. "We are seeing a lot more head-to-head competition with fast-food giants," acknowledged Allison Lauenstein, Brand Director for Marble Slab Creamery and MaggieMoo's Ice Cream & Treatery. "Mobile marketing is a fast way to drive impulse buys like ice cream."

Example of Facebook Campaign Distributed by MercuryLoyalty

[Editor's Note:  Mercury will pay the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) membership dues for new members who agree to attend the upcoming RetailNOW Show in Las Vegas on August 4-7. Such fees may cost up to $4,000 annually, depending on the company's annual revenue. "Companies that provide information technology services to the retail market should seriously consider joining RSPA," suggested Matt Taylor, CEO of Mercury. "Our offer is a great opportunity for companies interested in improving their business and sharing ideas."]

Food Safety Wrapped Up?

Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (Gardendale, AL), one of the largest cooperatives of independent food wholesalers in the U.S., will shrink-wrap food safety with ReposiTrak, the platform jointly owned by Leavitt Partners and the Park City Group (Salt Lake City, UT). The ReposiTrak system, which includes Document Management and Track & Trace, will be adopted by the 14 ROFDA members. Established in 1962 as the Southeastern Food Cooperative Association, and expanded nationally in 1988, ROFDA furnishes value-added programs, services, and best practices to 10,000 independent grocers and nearly 50,000 suppliers, according to its website.

"We selected the ReposiTrak solution for three reasons," explained Francis Cameron, CEO/President of ROFDA. "The technology on which it is based is a proven, scalable platform; it is easy to use and inexpensive; and it is simple to implement because it is web-based and requires no hardware or software installation. We see the ReposiTrak system becoming an industry standard for the retail supply chain, helping all trading partners meet the new federal food safety requirements, reducing unsalable products, and keeping the end consumer happy."

Powered by Park City Group, ReposiTrak enables grocery warehouses, supermarkets, packaged goods manufacturers, food processing facilities, drug stores, and pharmaceutical companies, as well as logistics partners, to track and trace products and components throughout the food, drug, and dietary supplement supply chains. In addition, the technology addresses the market need of receiving, sharing, and maintaining regulatory and insurance documentation in one convenient location. ReposiTrak reduces risk in the supply chain by linking "backward chaining" sources and "forward chaining" recipients of products in near real-time, according to its developer.

ReposiTrak Displays Regions With Safety Problems

Channel Factoid

Use of tablets such as iPad for M-POS (Mobile POS)has grown at an impressive rate of 38% in 2013, according to the new study by IHL Group, entitled "Mobile POS: Hype to Reality." In North America, this market will surpass $2 billion in hardware/software sales by year's end. According to IHL, 28% of North American retailers plan to adopt M-POS in some form this year. An even greater number (33%), however, do not plan to implement such systems in any form within the next three years. In retail settings, the specialty sector will deploy almost half (45%) of all tablets for POS, according to this study, with popularity across small independent merchants as well as large mall-based chains. In the case of North America, retail M-POS devices will cannibalize 12.4% of traditional POS shipments by 2016, IHL projects. Areas of highest replacement will be department stores and specialty soft goods. Fully 85% of larger retailers believe M-POS will be additive to the number of transaction points in their stores over the next few years, rather than replacements for traditional fixed POS stations. "Mobile POS continues to receive a lot of hype and some specific announcements have received a lot of press," observed Greg Buzek, President of IHL Group. "But the vast majority of retailers are taking a slow and methodical approach to the use of Mobile POS. There are key operational issues in device and merchandise security, cash handling, payments, bags, customer service levels, and traffic flow that must be worked through or the use of the devices will be disruptive in a negative way for retailers."

HELLO GOODBYE

Simon Sez at Elavon

Elavon has tapped Simon Haslam as CEO/President, succeeding Mike Passilla, who recently departed the company. Former President of Elavon International Markets, Haslam came to the payment processor in 2005 following the purchase of the Pan-European merchant acquiring business of Citibank. He is credited with leading Elavon's successful expansion throughout Europe, South America, and Latin America.

"Elavon's mission is to drive growth for our customers and partners around the world," related Haslam. "We take this calling seriously. As an industry leader with a global presence, we see how our customers' needs are evolving and are in an unique position to bring new solutions to them--solutions that help them grow our business. Our investment in bringing new products to market, including the establishment of our 50-person innovation lab, "The Grove," will ensure we continue to deliver on that mission."

"Elavon is an international company and naming a global leader solidifies our strategy of expansion into many countries and emerging ways of doing business," indicated Pamela Joseph, Vice Chair of U.S. Bancorp Payment Services, which owns Elavon. "Simon's experience and passion for growth and innovation make him the best individual to lead Elavon as we continue to extend our global reach and the value we deliver to our customers." With his promotion, Haslam will move from his current base in London to Elavon's Atlanta headquarters.

Simon Haslam, CEO/President, Elavon

Hearing From Aireus

In case you haven't noticed, ISIS POS (Markham, ON, Canada), another of the contenders for hospitality POS on iOS, has changed its name to Aireus. Taking an interesting step, the developer recently debuted its speech recognition software module, entitled "Voice," which ties into Aireus Professional POS and does exactly what its name would suggest. Utilizing the iPod Touch with earphone, Aireus Voice allows servers to place orders, create checks, look up daily specials, print and modify items, e-mail receipts, and send messages.

"Say something like 'Start new check' or 'Order coffee with cream and no sugar,'" proposed Paul Perri, EVP. "Aireus not only understands what you say, it's smart enough to know what you mean. So when you ask 'Print receipt' the system will reply, "For what table number or tab name?'"

Paul Perri, EVP, Aireus