This Week’s Product Pick

Radiant Systems (Atlanta) took the wraps off Quest Diversus, its new POS terminal for concession in stadiums and arenas. Part of the Quest Venue Manager product suite, Diversus offers both configurable touchscreen and membrane keypad for fast and seamless customer service. Additional functionality includes an encrypted magnetic-stripe reader, rapid credit card processing, and integrated scanner and RFID reader. To avoid service interruptions, Diversus comes equipped with two-hour back-up battery. Further, the terminal serves as an extension of the POS, equipping managers with reports and other data on the touchscreen so they can make immediate decisions during the course of an event. Diversus has been deployed initially at the Philips Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, and will be widely available in late 2011. Radiant expects to launch DiversusAir, its portable wireless touchscreen terminal, early next year.

Quest Diversus
by Radiant Systems

COMPANY BUSINESS

Google Your Wallet

Here they come. This week, in New York City, Google (Mountain View, CA) premiered Google Wallet, which empowers consumers to “tap, pay, and save with their phones” through near-field communication (NFC) payment technology. In making its much-anticipated move, Google called upon four heavyweights--Citi, MasterCard, First Data, and Sprint--in an effort to piggyback on existing infrastructure and relationships. Right out of the gate, Google Wallet is built to work with the MasterCard PayPass network, which has approximately 125,000 merchants in the U.S. and 311,000 globally, through so-called “SingleTap.” Elsewhere, the cashier will either scan or manually enter the customer’s information.

The first release of Google Wallet will come with the Nexus S 4G on the Sprint network. Upon commercial launch, payments will be supported through two schemes: PayPass-eligible Citi MasterCard and virtual Google Prepaid card. This will require an app-specific PIN and in the first release, all payment card credentials will be encrypted and stored on chip, called the “secure element,” which is kept separately from the Android device memory and may only be accessed by authorized programs. Down in the trenches, Google has begun work with POS suppliers and top retail brands, including VeriFone, Hypercom, Ingenico, and ViVOtech on the terminal hardware side.

Field tests are focused on New York and San Francisco, where many retailers, vending machines, and even taxis are PayPass-enabled, including major outlets such as CVS, Jack in the Box, Sports Authority, and Sunoco. With an eye towards Groupon, Google has also addressed a variety of consumer deals that range from 20% savings on items discovered from Google search advertisements, to $5 discount coupons upon entering the store, to “deals of the day” such as $20 lunches for $10--all redeemable through the new ecosystem. Powerful stuff.

Google Dips Its Big Toe Into POS

Firich Turns to Acrelec

Interesting posting by Firich Enterprises Co. (FEC) this week: “As of May 6, Firich USA formally transferred its direct sales and distribution business of FEC-branded products, including POS terminals, kiosks, and peripherals to Acrelec Americas. FEC-branded business in Americas will be divided into “Product Distribution” and “Product Life Cycle Services,” which will be individually taken over by Acrelec Americas and FEC USA, respectively.” Firich Enterprises, based in Taiwan, has its U.S. offices in Fremont, California. Scott Johnston, former VP of Sales of Firich USA, has left the company, RRN.Com learned when we called for comment.

“Our successful partnership with Acrelec in Europe will now be extended to the Americas,” Bill Hsu, GM of FEC, was quoted in the posting. “I am confident that this approach will create opportunities for FEC products and incremental value for FEC’s channel partners and end-user customers. America is a mature market that places a lot of value on the quality of service, so having access to technical support and efficient services will be a critical component to our success in North America.”

“Acrelec is excited to strengthen and expand its partnership with FEC,” the posting quoted Glen Carroll, President of Acrelec Americas, which was formed in 2010. “Their reputation for quality products, flexibility, and innovation fits well with Acrelec’s approach in providing complete solutions to our hospitality and retail clients.” RRN.Com readers may remember Carroll from his tenure at Partech, where he led the POS channel program, then its international sales efforts. Acrelec has its headquarters in France, with Carroll located in Upstate New York.

“At the same time, Firich USA will continue to expand on Product Life Cycle Services across North America, including warranty fulfillment, technical product support, and customer assistance,” the posting continued. “Firich USA has already begun an aggressive effort to broaden technical support and service reach across North America. With our service center already in California, it will establish two more service centers, one on the East Coast and one in the South.”

Firich Glaive Pro POS Terminal

Worth Your While

RetailNOW 2011
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 24-27
Orlando

VARTECH 2011
BlueStar
August 15-17
Miami

AIM Expo
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
September 26-28
Las Vegas

NACS 2011
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 1-4
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Honeywell Revs OEM Engine

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) debuted its N5600 series of area-imaging engines, designed to meet barcode scanning needs of integrators and end-users in virtually all markets, according to the vendor. As the world’s first subsystem developed with Adaptus Imaging Technology 6.0, the N5600 offers optimized performance and color reading capability, eliminating the need for separate camera and reducing hardware acquisition costs. It scans out to 16.5 inches on 100% UPC barcodes with exceptional motion tolerance, flexible aiming options, and advanced decoding algorithms for hard-to-read symbologies, including those found on the screens of mobile devices.

“Nearly seven years ago, Honeywell technologists set out to re-invent barcode imaging,” declared Robert Hussey, Director of Global OEM Marketing. “This multi-year effort generated numerous innovations, which have become part of Honeywell’s newest and most powerful image engine platform. Introduction of the N5600 is another milestone to carry forward the next generation of performance, flexibility, and customer solutions.”

The N5600 features support for Honeywell’s TotalFreedom development platform and Remote MasterMind (ReM) device management software. TotalFreedom allows OEMs to add custom features via software plug-ins through predefined application programming interfaces (APIs), while ReM controls and monitors devices carrying the N5600. In addition, the N5600 comes backed by Honeywell’s expert OEM sales and integration support, both during purchase and throughout the life of the engine, Honeywell noted.

Honeywell’s N5600 With Color Imaging Capability

TagMaster “Parks” in North America

TagMaster North America (Tacoma, WA) unveiled its new HR-2 handheld RFID reader for so-called automatic vehicle identification (AVI) environments. Weighing 3 lbs., this touchscreen-based device furnishes read/write capability for the company’s family of 2.45-GHz ID tags and maximum 11.5 ft. read range, which can be adjusted using the configuration menu. It runs Linux, and supplies Ethernet TCP/IP, RS-232, and USB connectivity. Both software development kit (SDK) and open-source HR-2 architecture open things up for integrators, according to TagMaster.

Each TagMaster tag mounted on the windshield contains its unique ID correlated with vehicle and monthly parker’s information in the handheld, which defines where the vehicle can legally park. The device gets synchronized daily with its back-end database, so facility administrators always have up-to-date parking information. Each handheld can hold information on as many as 5,000 individuals, with event logs accessible through the web.

“With every new product introduction, TagMaster North America strives to render more convenience for the parking industry, as well as other sectors, which benefit from next-generation RFID products and embedded customized software solutions,” stated Ali Khaksar, President of TagMaster North America. “Universities, hospitals, airports, mixed-use development projects, and public parking garages are expected to reap the benefits.” With its parent company in Sweden, TagMaster North America has won several recent contracts for its RFID vehicle access system from major customers in Latin America.

TagMaster HR-2 RFID System for Vehicle Access

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ALLIANCES

SNAP Tapped by Valutec

Valutec Card Solutions (Franklin, TN) has linked with SNAP (Pearl River, NY) to bring social networking to its gift and loyalty products. SNAP, which stands for Social Network Appreciation Program, was debuted in February to leverage the power of the web for building brand recognition and viral promotion. Under SNAP, whenever the customer’s loyalty transaction occurs--in the store or online--customizable, pre-authorized messages are automatically pushed out to popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and foursquare. Businesses control their own campaigns and set rewards to be unlocked by customers at certain participant levels.

“Our customers are always looking for creative ways to expand upon their loyalty programs,” relayed Dan Brames, GM at Valutec. “At Valutec, we continue to work with innovators like SNAP that bring exciting new functionalities to our loyalty programs. Using SNAP, our clients can now promote their businesses on their customers’ social networks. In-store loyalty programs are linked to today’s hottest social networks, rewarding customers for digital endorsements.”

“We’re delighted that Valutec is bringing social networking to its customer base via SNAP,” added David Gosman, CEO of SNAP (and CEO of pcAmerica, the retail and hospitality ISV). “Customers are already talking about brands online. Now, integration enables businesses to automate the endorsements and thank their customers with extra points. In addition to the digital word of mouth, retailers have access to other SNAP functions, including comprehensive reporting and badge and leader board features that help businesses further engage with customers. With the integration, Valutec customers can flip the switch, and be up and running in no time.”

 Bringing the Power of the Web to Traditional Loyalty and Branding

MICROS Lands on Planet Payment

MICROS Systems (Columbia, MD) has launched its MICROS Payment Gateway (MPG) with integration to Planet Payment, Inc. (Long Beach, NY), one of the leading multi-currency payment processors. MPG will support Planet Payment’s “Pay in Your Currency” scheme, which addresses the need for dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. This allows international travelers the choice to pay in their home currency and meets the local processing needs of acquirers and their merchants, including the various flavors of EMV and local products such as Interac, the most popular debit card in Canada.

MPG complements enterprise hospitality products from the POS/PMS provider, including Opera, MICROS 3700, MICROS 9700, and Simphony. It meets PCI-DSS and PA-DSS standards and features end-to-end encryption and transaction tokenization. As part of the new agreement between the two companies, MPG will link with Planet Payment’s data center and processing platform, with MICROS supplying merchants with direct customer service and support. Any acquirer or processing customer utilizing Planet Payment’s global platform now has access to the integrated MICROS solution, according to the two parties.

“Planet Payment is dedicated to providing banks and merchants with innovative solutions that improve efficiency and profitability,” stated Philip Beck, Chairman and CEO of Planet Payment. “Through this arrangement, we can now offer our customers a single end-to-end solution that satisfies MICROS merchants across all supported verticals and geographies--whether the merchant is seeking to better serve their international clientele through our Pay in Your Currency service or a domestic solution for EMV and debit support. We look forward to offering this technology to our base of customers in North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.”

Addressing the Need for Dynamic Currency Conversion

Code Corner

ECR Software Corporation (Boone, NC) introduced Catapult Loyalty Points, an expansion of its customer relationship management suite and targeted specifically at SMB retail. This new module lets customers automatically earn points or dollars based on purchases, with rewards redeemable at the POS for merchandise discounts, gift cards, or charitable donation. For both single and multi-store enterprises, benefits get automatically tracked in real-time through the Catapult POS platform, enabling instant accrual or redemption and preventing double dipping. Earned point or dollar totals are clearly printed on the customer’s receipt after each loyalty-associated transaction. Such instant feedback encourages customers to participate by helping them keep track of loyalty benefits without the effort required to visit websites or the tedium of waiting for mailed promotion, according to the developer. Since Catapult Loyalty Points employs the self-hosted model, there are no contracts or monthly fees. In addition, retailers maintain complete control over branding and management of their program. Accrual point amounts can be set by the customer, item, or department and changed by authorized personnel to fit certain promotions or date ranges. “Catapult Loyalty Points is a flexible, common sense, and affordable loyalty solution for retailers,” indicated Peter Catoe, CEO of ECR Software. “Loyalty programs are growing in popularity because of their positive impact on customer retention and sales growth. ECRS developed this product to afford such opportunities to all retailers whether they have single locations or 500 locations.”

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Lots of Traceability at Lawson

Lawson Software (St. Paul, MN) entered general release of Lawson M3 Graphical Lot Tracker, its preconfigured supply chain traceability platform for food and beverage. An enhanced version of Lawson M3 Trace Engine, it tracks production from raw materials, through processing, and to the POS for safety, compliance, and regulatory purposes. This new offering includes powerful search engine capabilities to help companies quickly trace backwards to identify potentially tainted raw materials lots--or forward to determine the potential scope of product or safety issues.

Customer recall lists can then be generated to identify affected end products, while “lots in stock” reports identify products remaining inside an organization’s supply chain (with the option to stop further delivery). Moreover, the “grouped search” function makes it possible to examine multiple and combined product lots at the same time, which can be helpful when processing large numbers of lots or conducting root-cause analysis. Finally, for crisis planning, Lawson M3 Graphical Lot Tracker allows companies to create “what if” scenarios so they may identify inefficiencies and gaps in their processes and prepare for any eventuality.

“Food companies and consumers alike are much more aware of product safety issues today, which is driving greater need for traceability and accountability in production and distribution,” noted Patrik Sjoberg, Director of Product Management at Lawson. “Traceability, transparency, and trust are critical for companies to retain their market position and protect their reputation. In the age of globalization, goods are moving quickly across borders and through complex supply chains, so these issues are getting more challenging. Lawson M3 Graphical Lot Tracker provides enhanced capabilities that can go beyond simple tracking and tracing, ultimately helping our customers focus on product quality and brand protection.”

Lawson M3 Graphical Lot Tracker Tackles Food and Beverage Production

[Editor’s Note:  In April, Lawson Software agreed to be acquired by GGC Software Holdings, an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital and Infor, in a transaction valued at approximately $2 billion. Under terms of the merger agreement, stockholders of Lawson will receive $11.25 per share in cash. “Lawson is a natural strategic partner for Infor, offering complementary software solutions that will extend our existing portfolio, and allow us to deliver comprehensive ERP suites,” said Charles Phillips, CEO of Infor.]

Heartland’s Big Tip

In an effort to solve one of the vexing problems in the hospitality industry, Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ) has developed Tip Manager, which streamlines the process and integrates payroll data with sales pulled directly from the POS. Tip Manager ensures compliance with IRS and company policies in this area, with the ability to produce detailed reports in the event of an audit or investigation. It functions in conjunction with Heartland’s PlusOne Payroll as part of an integrated payroll, tax, and human resources platform.

“Heartland understands that tip reporting can often be challenging for many restaurants,” remarked Mark Strippy, Executive Director of Payroll Services for Heartland. “One of the most noteworthy features of Tip Manager is its ‘per-shift’ performance capability. This function will allow for easier tip tracking and will create an environment of much greater control for the restaurant operator.”

Importantly, Tip Manager allows restaurateurs to automate the calculation, distribution, and taxation of tips that are shared among indirect tipped employees. Accurate accounting of such tips may result in an increased Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) Tip Credit, according to Heartland--which can reach as high as $25,000 for midsized restaurants. It also works with IRS-endorsed programs for tracking tips--ATIP (Attributed Tip Income Program) and TRAC (Tip Reporting Alternative Commitment)--and supports compliance requirements of those programs. Improved cash flow from the elimination of “negative deposits” represents an additional benefit.

Heartland’s New Module Automates Tip Reporting

[Editor’s Note:  Speaking of employee compensation, the U.S. Department of Labor has released its first app for smart phones, an automated timesheet to help workers independently track their hours and determine the wages they are owed. Available in English and Spanish, the free app is currently compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch.]

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
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Software - Retail
Tri-Technical Systems

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Software - Hospitality
Aldelo Systems

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
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
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Pay at Table
Bellatrix Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

A Kiosk for Kanban

Looking deeper into existing technology for ancillary revenue, IMCORP, Inc. (Marietta, GA) has found new uses for self-service in the manufacturing sector, and the kanban system in particular. Recently, the solution provider--working in conjunction with its distributor, BlueStar (Hebron, KY)--repurposed Motorola’s MK590 Micro Kiosk for use by one of its customers looking to improve restocking procedures for small parts and miscellaneous hardware. This fixed-mount terminal, normally found in retail settings, allows workers to scan the kanban system card for “just-in-time” delivery of appropriate items at each location. In addition, its form factor ensures it won’t get misplaced or easily damaged, as opposed to mobile or tethered scanners.

Motorola’s MK590 features Wavelink Telnet emulation, which allows direct communication with the client’s iSeries computing system. Thus, the manufacturer’s iSeries programmers could write the necessary program without having to learn new skills, and then implement the MK590 solution without risk of losing data. From the perspective of hardware, the MK590 offers the choice of laser scanning or imaging technology, IEEE 802.11a/b/g networking, and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for connection to wireless or wired LANs.

“They had a need, and based on what we know of their environment, we took a product that is nominally advertised as a price checker and turned it into a fixed-mount scanner for doing barcode look-ups in a kanban system,” recounted Bob Lehman, President of IMCORP. “We verified the functionality of the system in our labs and then delivered a product that allowed them to build a customized solution at a lower cost and in a shorter time frame than would have been possible otherwise. Our initial feedback from the end-user has been very positive.”

Motorola’s MK590 Micro Kiosk Finds Use in Manufacturing

Blanket Deal for Trimble

Trimble (Sunnyvale, CA) had been awarded Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service for its fleet management technology. The BPA will be administered by GSA Fleet and covers Trimble’s vehicle monitoring, maintenance, driver safety, and driver identification products and services. GSA Fleet provides its services to 75 participating federal agencies and more than 215,000 vehicles, representing one of the largest non-tactical driver pools in the U.S. government. Trimble has partnered with Sprint as the wireless carrier for the BPA.

“Agencies are under increasing pressure to reduce fleet costs and the BPA will make it easier and faster for fleet managers to implement our technology and benefit from improved efficiencies,” stated Bryn Fosburgh, VP of Trimble. “Trimble is committed to helping our federal government customers reduce fleet management costs, improve driver safety, assist with compliance and environmental federal directives, and improve the productivity and efficiency of mobile workers.”

Trimble GeoManager Fleet Management integrates GPS, vehicle diagnostics, driver safety, wireless communications, and hosted software application suite. GeoManager extends visibility into real-time field status and allows fleet operators to better manage overall vehicle and workforce performance to lower costs and improve productivity, according to its producer. An accompanying module, Trimble DriverSafety, monitors and reports on aggressive driving maneuvers; this allows agencies that share cars to identify potentially troublesome drivers and their associated behavior.

GSA Approves Trimble’s Fleet Management for 75 Federal Agencies

Channel Factoid

Can this be? Newtek Business Services has released its Small Business Authority Market Sentiment Survey, polling approximately 1,800 respondents, and it shows an overwhelming lack of cloud computing knowledge. (Q1) “Do you know or have you heard of cloud computing?” Yes: 29%; No: 71%. (Q2) “If you know or ever heard of cloud computing, can you describe it?” Yes: 26%; No: 74%. (Q3) “Do you have data or critical information, software or hardware in your physical office such as server, tower, or hard drive that may not be secure? Yes: 22%; No: 78%. (Q4) Is all of your critical computer hardware, software, and data stored and backed up off-site? Yes: 29%; No: 71%.  Commenting on the fact that 78% of respondents think their data is secure, yet 71% said their data is not backed up off-site, Barry Sloane, CEO/President of the Small Business Authority, commented: “Server huggers beware. The cloud is approaching, and the security blanket of the server in the closet on-site and having an assistant back up important business data and confidential client information needs to be put behind us all. Our survey this month is quite telling about what independent business owners really need to know about the cloud and how misinformed they are about data safety and security.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Jesta Gestures to Chemtov

Jesta I.S. Inc. (Verdun, QC, Canada), which supplies supply chain systems for retailers, manufacturers, and distributors, primarily in soft goods, has named Moris Chemtov as President. With over 25 years of successful business experience in the company’s target areas, Chemtov represents the ideal professional to lead the Jesta I.S. team to the next level, according to the announcement. He also brings strong, wide-ranging relationships with many of today’s leaders in the specialty and soft goods industries, as well as previous experience at Jesta.

“In the near future, retailers and wholesalers will be looking to capitalize on their transactional systems,” Chemtov said. “From my vantage point, the only company well-positioned to provide such functionality, both in depth and in breadth, is Jesta I.S. We have created an upgrade path and implementation methodologies in order to ensure continued satisfaction and secured investment for our clients.”

Most recently, Chemtov served as Director at Deloitte Consulting. Prior to joining Deloitte, he was Founder and President of TIE Consulting Inc., which advised retail management. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive positions with leading players such as Retek (now Oracle) and Richter Systems (now Jesta I.S.).

Moris Chemtov, President, Jesta I.S.

Cibley to Guide ISOs into POS Harbor

Harbortouch, the POS Systems Division of United Bank Card (Hampton, NJ) has enlisted industry veteran Jerry Cibley as the National Sales Trainer for its ISO team. Cibley’s resume includes an extensive list of POS software companies, both established and entrepreneurial in nature: Focus on POS, The POS Man, Aloha Data Systems, Write Touch POS, and Odyssey Solutions among them. Harbortouch, RRN.Com readers may recall, offers merchants free POS terminals with their integrated payment processing.

“We are thrilled that Jerry has joined the Harbortouch team,” commented Brian Jones, EVP of Sales & Marketing at United Bank Card. “He brings with him extensive knowledge of the POS industry. As National Sales Trainer, his role with UBC will be to train our sales partners on the intricacies of the POS business so that they can become POS experts themselves, ensuring their success with the free Harbortouch program.”

Cibley may be familiar to RRN.Com readers in another capacity. Following the tragic death of his son in an automobile accident four years ago, he has become an advocate for the restriction of cell phone use while driving. His story has been reported extensively and he has spoken widely on the subject, on forums such as the Oprah Winfrey Show. He played an active role in pushing for the recently enacted legislation to ban highway texting in Massachusetts.

Jerry Cibley, National Sales Trainer, Harbortouch, United Bank Card