Our Product Pick

DT Research (San Jose, CA) has unwrapped its new "three-in-one" tablets with built-in two-dimensional barcode scanner, MSR, and EMV. Designated DT315CR and DT327CR, with 10" and 7" capacitive touchscreens, respectively, both models carry Intel Atom Quad Core CPU at 1.5 GHz, 4-GB RAM, 64-GB Flash, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. With thickness of less than one inch, and weight of 2.7 lbs. and 1.1 lbs., respectively, DT315CR and DT327CR furnish five-megapixel rear camera, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and USB 3.0. A rugged design utilizes heavy plastic and magnesium-aluminum alloy enclosure with protective rubber bumpers. "In the highly competitive restaurant and retail markets, customer service and logistics management can make or break the business," stated Daw Tsai, President of DT Research. "We address this issue with lightweight, yet durable tablets with all options built-in, and delivered at an affordable price."

Mobile POS Tablets by DT Research

COMPANY BUSINESS

Point Man at Poindus

With raised plans for North and South America, terminal vendor Poindus, based in Taiwan, has engaged industry veteran Keith Schroer as VP, Americas. Specializing in industrial computing, and founded in 2009, Poindus introduced the world's first 15" zero-bezel capacitive touch display for POS, the basis for its flagship VariPOS Series. Well-established in Asia and Europe, with over 100,000 installs, Poindus entered the U.S. market in 2014 with several major OEM accounts and ISVs. It has offices in Chino, CA.

Appointment of Schroer, former VP of Sales for Partner Tech USA, refreshes its efforts. As major advantages, Schroer told RRN.Com, Poindus furnishes innovative product design, competitive pricing, and superior warranty policy. "A well for I/O's positioned at the top of the terminal makes it easier to install and support," noted Schroer. "An area that's really going to set us apart is the best warranty in the industry--three-year, next business day, advanced exchange, or five-year depot--whichever best accommodates resellers and their customers."

A range of terminals are offered: VariPOS 210, VariPOS 300/310, and the new VariPOS S. "A good form factor," in the words of Schroer, includes fanless, modular, die-cast aluminum housing with hidden cable management and an IP-66 rating for liquid and dust. As one example, VariPOS S has CPUs ranging from Intel Celeron J1900 at 2 GHz to Intel Core i5-2510E at 2.5 GHz. (Terminals and tablets by Poindus are available in both Windows and Android O/S.) "Our customers in the U.S. are extremely loyal and love the terminals," Schroer told RRN.Com. "A couple of new customers have already come in, since I joined, and terminals are going out for certification by more ISVs. Our resellers also appreciate that Poindus can provide sales, support, and financial options directly, instead of through distribution."

Keith Schroer, VP, Poindus America

Epson Cooks Up KDS

Another helping of "smart printer" OmniLink technology has been served up by Epson America (Long Beach, CA), in the flavor of the Kitchen Display System (KDS). Leveraging two of its most popular printer models, one impact kitchen and one thermal receipt, Epson now offers its OmniLink TM-U220-i and OmniLink TM-T88V-i for use as KDS Controllers. In so-called "Direct-Connect" KDS, targeted at small restaurants, these models, in Version VGA, plug directly into the monitor. Designed for larger operations, in "Multi-Station KDS," TM-U220-i and TM-T88V-i, in Version COM, combine with the new OmniLink-i Expansion Box to serve up to nine kitchen posts (e.g., Hot, Cold, Drink, Dessert). Debuted in 2013, OmniLink embeds the PC.

In addition to new hardware (in the case of the TM-U220-i and Expansion Box), Epson America has developed proprietary KDS Application Software and Configuration Utilities. In speaking with RRN.Com, Dorinda Hill, Senior Product Manager for Epson America, emphasized the simplicity of the GUI, "making it easy to configure and use." In addition, "with built-in printer, you're getting the best of both worlds," suggested Hill, "receipt, kitchen, and back-up capability." As another important benefit, OmniLink draws upon data from the POS, without modification.

In its bundled package, Epson estimates significant savings versus traditional KDS. A number of pilot installations have been successful, spanning quick-service and table-service. As for resellers, "It's an opportunity to add another tremendous solution to their portfolio, and, in turn, to better satisfy their customers and continue to grow their business into the future," Gregg Brunnick, Director of Product Management and Technical Services for Epson America, told RRN.Com. He noted sales of Epson's OmniLink family of printers--serving Tablet POS, Merchant Services, and now, KDS--soared high in 2015.

OmniLink TM-U220-i for Kitchen Display System by Epson America

Worth Your While

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

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 12-14
Paradise Island, Bahamas

Pack Expo
PMMI
November 6-9
Chicago, IL
(www.packexpointernational.com)

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Elo's Elongated M-Series

Elo Touch Solutions (Milpitas, CA) has extended its M-Series Desktop Touch Monitors with the 20" Elo 2002L. Aimed at retail and hospitality, Elo 2002L has edge-to-edge glass display, with projected capacitive touch technology, aspect ratio of 16:9, resolution of 1920x1080, and 20-ms response. It features low profile of 13.9 in. (H) x 19.2 in. (W) x 7.6 in. (D), with weight of 15 lbs. (with stand). Joining the 10" and 15" M-Series, Elo 2002L offers the same suite of peripherals: card reader, barcode scanner, customer-facing display, pole mounts, and brackets.

"There continues to be massive demand for desktop touchscreen monitors as today's operating systems and software programs increasingly rely on touch as an input," confirmed Jason Krause, Senior Manager of Touch Monitors at Elo. "Our new 2002L display boasts 11.5% larger screen area with beautiful full HD resolution and HDMI input, making it a powerful addition to the Elo product line." A more affordable pricing than the previous generation of monitor has been cited.

Also, Elo Touch Solutions has announced certification for its X-Series (enterprise-grade touchscreens, with Windows), E-Series (entry-level touchscreens, with Windows), and I-Series (tablet-format touchscreens, with Android) by LOC Software (Laval, QC, Canada). A bundle of Elo and the LOC Store Management Suite will be offered for supermarket and grocery. "Our focus is delivering integrated and affordable solutions for retailers," declared Richard Bell, Director of Sales at LOC Software. "[This certification] provides our customers with powerful options to run their business better--including point-of-sale, customer loyalty, and promotional programs."

Elo's Model 2002L Touch Monitor

Star Gleams With LAN

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has shipped its TSP100IIILAN Receipt Printer. An upgrade of the TSP100 LAN, the TSP100IIILAN, supplied with tools and cables, has selectable print width of 2" or 3" and speed of 9.8 inch/250 mm per second at 203 dpi. It features drop-in paper loading, guillotine auto-cutter, receipt de-curl function, internal power supply, and additional USB Type-A Connector. In gray or white, it measures 5.6 in. (W) x 5.2 in. (H) x 8 in. (D) and weighs 3.8 lbs.

Accompanying "futurePRINT" software allows high-volume, custom set-up while the printer is still in the box, as well as image import, receipt redesign, and coupon marketing. As expected, the TSP100IIILAN is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows. It comes with the StarPRNT Software Development Kit (SDK). Of course, it's also compatible with Star's digital receipt solution, entitled "AllReceipts."

"We are very excited to announce this product, our newest addition to the TSP100III Series," enthused Mike Hanson, EVP of Star Micronics. "With a variety of interfaces, high-speed printing, and easy set-up, it's the perfect thermal printer for any POS." Star Micronics also disclosed the choice of its TSP100III Wi-Fi for the ChowBOT App for Clover by Meerchant (San Francisco, CA) and support for its Models SM-T400i, SM-T300i, SM-S230i, and SM-L200 from Mobi Print by Arrowhead Resellers Corp. (Chandler, AZ). [Editor's Note: Yes, it's spelled "Meerchant."]

Star Micronics Ships the TSP100IIILAN

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ALLIANCES

Unitech Sows SOTI

One of the leading providers of software for so-called enterprise mobility management (EMM), SOTI (Mississauga, ON, Canada), has certified the new PA692A Android Handheld Computer by Unitech America (Cypress, CA). With MobiControl by SOTI, the PA692A extends application and content management, remote access, and advanced security features, according to the two parties. "It takes large deployments of the PA692A to the next level," indicated Shash Anand, VP of Strategic Alliances at SOTI. (Unitech also offers the PA692 with Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and CE 6.0.)

Introduced in April, Unitech's PA692A has Android 4.3, Texas Instruments OMAP Dual Core 4470 CPU at 1.5 GHz, 1-GB RAM, 8-GB Flash, and Micro SD. It features 3.8" capacitive touchscreen with Gorilla Glass, integrated two-dimensional scanner, five-megapixel camera, reader for RFID, and Qwerty or Numeric keyboard. As communications, there's USB 2.0, 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and 3.75G. Measuring 7 in. (L) x 2.9 in. (W) x 1.6 in. (D), weighing 15.2 oz. with 4000-mAh battery, it meets specifications of IP-65 and 5-ft./1.5-m drops. As MSRP, $1,730.

"Unitech's partnership with SOTI brings trusted EMM technology to today's mobile workers, allowing them the support and versatility needed to get the job done properly," remarked Brian Silence, Director of Business Development for Unitech America. "When the PA692A and MobiControl are paired, the difference between consumer grade and enterprise grade technology is unmistakable." At present, SOTI estimates it has approximately 15,000 enterprise customers.

Unitech's New Android PA692A

A Silver Lining for Lightspeed?

ISV Lightspeed POS (Montreal, QC, Canada) has engaged with SilverEdge (Loveland, CO) to distribute iPad POS. A so-called "SilverEdge Preferred Bundle" will encompass retail management software from Lightspeed, supporting hardware (stand, cash drawer, receipt printer, card reader, and barcode scanner), EMV/NFC, and 24/7 customer support, according to the two parties. Pricing starts at $90 per month.

"This new relationship with Lightspeed further demonstrates SilverEdge's commitment to only providing best-in-class solutions that help our merchants operate and grow their businesses," proclaimed Ken Salazar, President and CEO of SilverEdge. "There is no doubt that our experience with innovative point-of-sale systems, combined with Lightspeed's powerful software, provides an excellent customer experience." An Independent Sales Organization (ISO) of Wells Fargo Bank, in today's world of blurred categories, SilverEdge welcomes VARs.

"Lightspeed is helping small and independent retailers thrive by providing them the tools and insights they need to run a successful business and create an incredible experience for their customers," added J.P. Chauvet, President of Lightspeed. "With SilverEdge, we are making it easier than ever for merchants to open their first store or add new locations by providing everything they need to build, manage, and grow their business in one place." Another new relationship this month for Lightspeed: Analytics firm, RetailNext (San Jose, CA).

A New Bundle for iPad POS, In Partnership With SilverEdge

Code Corner

ParTech, a subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation (New Hartford, NY), has released its new restaurant software, Brink POS Version 3.6. Advances to order entry in V3.6 facilitate more dynamic and fluid customer experience, according to the vendor. Combos can now be made, broken, substituted, and upsized or downsized with one button press. Also in V3.6, touchscreen functionality may be employed in the kitchen for both production and expeditor stations. This eliminates the need for the bump bar. Further, with integration to Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ), and its end-to-end encryption, or "E3," as well as certification for the Model S300 PIN Pad by PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL), V3.6 supports NFC (such as Apple Pay). Additional upgrades include split checks, notes for items or kitchen chits, enhanced onscreen keyboards for mobile tablets, and assignment of different surcharges by delivery zone. PAR, which also owns PixelPoint, bought Brink Software in 2014, as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

PAR Brink POS Software on EverServ 8000

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

GTS Recharges Channel

A longstanding leader in battery and related charger technology, Global Technology Systems (Framingham, MA), has energized its efforts with unveiling of its "Test & Replace" Program and the appointing of Kara Dion as Director of Channel Business. As its name signifies, Test & Replace enables the automatic identification and switching out of bad battery packs in the field. In addition, it facilitates the recycling of such batteries. Of course, GTS supplies the new batteries.

"After several thousand field tests in customer facilities, we found that we can reduce the number of batteries they need, cut their mobile device operating costs, and significantly lower device downtime," reported Larry Murray, Chairman of GTS. "It's a much more efficient way to repower mobile devices in retail, logistics, and transportation. We believe that this is an important breakthrough in batter power and inventory management. I look forward to working with Kara in helping our partners to benefit from new efforts such as Smartphone App, Cloud-Based Server, and Test & Replace."

Previously, Kara Dion served as Director of Marketing for GTS. "Our network of channel partners is one of our most valuable assets," she elaborated. "Our goal is to help them increase their sales and profitability by providing them with unique new technologies, support systems, and competitive advantages." It's up to the partners if they want to charge for the service, or wield as value-add and/or differentiation, RRN.Com was told.

Kara Dion, Director of Channel Business, Global Technology Systems

Heartland Has Insights

A never-ending evolution continues at Heartland Payment Systems, which has unveiled its CRM for the SMB, prosaically entitled "Heartland Insights." It builds upon the technology of Beanstalk Data, which Heartland purchased in February 2016, and ties directly to the POS. As examples of reporting, it lists: "new-versus-repeat customer business, busiest times of day by customer segment, and average customer frequency and spend." Once again, leveling the playing field for SMBs.

As recalled by readers of RRN.Com, an important string of ISVs--including Digital Dining, Dinerware, LiquorPOS, pcAmerica, and Xpient Solutions--have been entwined under the banner of "Heartland Commerce." In the area of tablet-based POS, as well, Leaf. It doesn't end there: Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ) was itself snapped up by Global Payments (Atlanta, GA) for $4.3 billion in 2015. Expected in July 2016, Heartland Insights was displayed at this week's National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show in Chicago, IL.

"Insights is a game-changer for small and mid-sized businesses," proposed Christopher Sebes, President of Heartland Commerce. "By having access to enterprise-level consumer data provided in easy-to-understand dashboards, independent operators have the ability to make data-driven marketing decisions based on customer behavior." Sebes previously held the position of CEO at Xpient Solutions.

Christopher Sebes, President, Heartland Commerce

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
Poindus America
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

"Off" Switch for CurrentC

One rollout won't be taking place: MCX, the mobile payment society conceived and funded by major merchants, and its scheme, CurrentC. Following the pilot test in Columbus, OH, and "unique feedback from the marketplace," in the phrasing of MCX CEO Brian Mooney, CurrentC has been put on hold and almost half its workforce, about 30 employees, have been dismissed. In his statement, Mooney suggested MCX will now focus on "the long game" with financial partners such as Chase.

As founding members in 2012, the Merchant Customer Exchange listed Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Lowe's, Sears, 7-Eleven, CVS, Darden Restaurants, Publix Super Markets, and Shell Oil. Its premise seemed solid enough: that consumers would shift from branded plastic cards to smartphone-based mobile payments, which merchants themselves would control (allowing reduction in credit card transaction fees). Interest followed from others such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Dillard's, Dunkin' Donuts, Gap, Sheetz, and Wakefern Food Corp.

Then the world turned. A proposed pilot took three years to form. As originally conceived, in the area of technology, CurrentC was based on scanning of QR Codes, not "contactless" NFC. In the fall of 2014, there came Apple Pay, based on NFC, soon followed by Android Pay. A storm of publicity shipwrecked MCX and CurrentC. Its underlying platform from Paydiant was sold to PayPal. As coup de grace, its most vocal supporter launched its own Walmart Pay in December 2015. "As MCX has said many times," reads the statement from Mooney," the mobile payments space is just beginning to take shape." It seems safe to say, however, it won't include MCX.

MCX Cancels Rollout of Its CurrentC Mobile Payments Scheme

Of Tops, Tolt, and Toshiba

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC) has deployed its SurePOS ACE for Tops Friendly Markets. An independent grocery retailer in the Northeast U.S., Tops reportedly completed full chain rollout within nine months. Tolt Solutions (Greenville, SC), a member of Toshiba's Together Commerce Alliance, was the primary contractor, system integrator, and service provider. Advanced benefits of Toshiba's SurePOS ACE for 4690 O/S include enhanced payment architecture, support for EMV, coupon fraud prevention, and printing of QR Codes, according to the two parties.

"The Tops, Tolt, and Toshiba teams worked with our internal and external business partners to plan and execute a major upgrade to our entire POS suite. We were able to realize the benefits almost immediately," recounted Mike Metz, VP of IT for Tops Friendly Markets. "The joint teams were able to create a conversion and roll-out plan for over 170 locations that was completed in a timely manner with zero impact on day-to-day store operations and our customers."

"Our partnership with Tolt and Toshiba has allowed us to seamlessly upgrade our POS systems and ensure that we are well positioned for the long term," contributed Frank Curci, CEO of Tops Friendly Markets. "With existing twenty-year-old systems, our store operators simply could not wait for new POS hardware and software to be introduced." In addition to high transaction volumes, the chain wanted to preserve an investment in its loyalty system, called "Bonus Plus."

Toshiba GCS and Tolt Solutions Bring SurePOS ACE to Tops Friendly Markets

Channel Factoid

Retailers are pulling the discount and promotional "lever" far too often in 2016, continuing this trend from the holiday season in 2015, according to "Retail Index: Spring 2016" by Dynamic Action. In Q1, retailers sold at full price 4% less than Q1 2015, and sold 63% more with promotions. In March, use of promotions jumped 86% versus March 2015. In Q1, retailers also found it harder to convert first-time buyers into second-time buyers, with such conversions falling 6% compared to Q1 2015. While revenues were up 10% in Q1 compared to 2015, retailers' ability to control profit has been unstable in 2016. Retail profits were up an average 5% year-over-year in Q1; however, most gains occurred in January, with increasing volatility in February and March. "An antiquated strategy of retailers relaying exclusively on their promotional calendars to run their operations has fostered an ingrained need for discounts by consumers, who are increasingly being trained to wait for promotions or discounts prior to making purchases," observed John Squire, CEO and Co-Founder of Dynamic Action. "The very best retailers are preparing right now to answer customers' needs and beat shareholders' expectations during the holiday season of 2016, by focusing on curbing the promotional addiction and utilizing their full data set to better manage inventory and operations."

HELLO GOODBYE

An Emperor of E-Payments

Ingenico ePayments (San Francisco, CA), the online and mobile commerce division of Ingenico, has enlisted Joseph Leija as its new GM for North America. With two decades of payment experience, Leija most recently worked with ISVs at Sage Payment Services. Before that, he was VP with Chase Paymentech. Earlier in his career, he managed the Relationship Management Team, focused on T&E, for First Data.

"Joe's background and experience are the perfect fit," related David Jimenez, Chief Revenue Officer for Ingenico ePayments. "Our North American operations are growing quickly, and we need a leader who can harness the excitement and energy of our team and the market, to optimize the work we do for our merchants. Joe has a proven track record of doing just that, and he has the international payment experience our customers require. We're excited to have him on board."

"Ingenico's ePayments team in North America is second to none and I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running," pledged Leija. "Our new Ingenico Connect solution empowers merchants to enhance the customer experience and grow their online business." [Editor's Note: In 2016, we've seen e-commerce become an increasing focus for many payment processors--meanwhile growth opportunities remain for VARs and ISVs, which currently account for only 9% of traditional merchant accounts in POS, according to market research firm, First Annapolis. Yet it's expected to grow three times faster than overall acquiring.]

Joseph Leija, GM, North America, Ingenico ePayments

Walking the Beat at NRF

The National Retail Federation (Washington, DC) has named Dan Faketty, currently VP of Asset Protection for Southeastern Grocers, as the Chairman of its NRF Loss Prevention Council. Serving on the LP Council since 2006, most recently as Vice Chairman, he succeeds Rosamaria Sostilio, SVP for Hudson's Bay Company, in this two-year post. As the industry's primary voice on loss prevention, the NRF LP Council provides research, education, and networking opportunities, in conjunction with the CIO Council and Shop.org at NRF.

Based in Jacksonville, FL, Southeastern Grocers is the parent company of the Winn-Dixie, Harveys, and BI-LO supermarket chains, with 60,000 associates and 750 stores in seven states in the U.S. Faketty has been with the company since 2005. He also served as Chairman of the Loss Prevention Committee for the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) from 1994 to 1999.

"I'm honored by this nomination, and take the responsibility very seriously," reflected Faketty. "Today's retail landscape presents many unique challenges and opportunities, but our best opportunity remains unchanged--to do everything we can to better protect our customers and the industry." Interestingly, Faketty has been certified for police officer in MI.

Dan Faketty, Chairman, NRF Loss Prevention Council