Our Product Pick

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has presented its POSShield. Comprised of durable steel frame and protective plexiglass partition, the POSShield measures 30 in. wide and 33 in. tall. A sturdy base plate eliminates the need for countertop mounting or drilling, making it easy to install and relocate. A gap at bottom can be adjusted to fit the cashier's needs, and the payment terminal may be mounted on the pole, facing the customer. Intended for use in the SMB, in particular, each POSShield separates one cashier and their customer. "We understand the needs of businesses everywhere are changing rapidly," relayed Michael Hanson, EVP at Star Micronics America. "The POSShield provides the professional and reasonably priced protection businesses and consumers need now, as well as the ability to be easily reused well into the future."

POSShield by Star Micronics America

COMPANY BUSINESS

Playing It TableSafe

A pay-at-the-table solution for hospitality has been unveiled for the Oracle-Micros Simphony POS on the part of TableSafe. A computerized portfolio designed to be left at the table at the end of the meal, TableSafe allows the check to be reviewed, paid, and closed-out by the guest. Of particular interest, it eliminates the need for the guest and server to transfer paper, pens, or credit cards. In addition, it removes the friction sometimes caused by long wait times for such service.

"We are working closely with partners to ensure our customers have the technology they need to navigate current conditions and future operating scenarios," shared Chris Adams, VP of Strategy at Oracle Food and Beverage (Redwood City, CA). "TableSafe's technology helps restaurants and hospitality providers deliver a swift, low-touch experience for diners that can reduce check wait times and increase efficiencies for front-of-house staff. Those efficiency gains are incredibly important as as we expect providers will be operating at reduced capacity for some time."

Restaurants using its payment platform turn tables six to ten minutes faster, according to TableSafe. An integrated survey during the payment process provides instant feedback on guest satisfaction and buying behaviors. An e-mail receipt option allows restaurant operators to maintain contact with their guests and to nurture patron loyalty. "Our joint solution integrates the safest, fastest, and most elegant guest payment experience with operational efficiencies and unprecedented customer insights," proclaimed Gordon Gardiner, CEO of TableSafe (Kirkland, WA), Gold Level Member of Oracle's PartnerNetwork.

A Pay-At-The-Table Solution for Oracle-Micros POS

FIS Raises iQ

A new "on-the-go" business management app has been launched by Worldpay by FIS (Jacksonville, FL), called iQ Now. Available for iOS and Android O/S, iQ Now integrates data from the business, its bank, and other third-party financial institutions, enabling owners and managers to monitor "holistic" performance. It features biometric-based log-in, push notifications, and "all-in-one" functionality for the SMB.

"At-a-glance" graphs and reports provide merchants with real-time views of their business performance. A simple "click-and-point" feature allows them to drill down on key metrics such as average sale size and store productivity. A "tap-and-snap" workflow enables merchants to handle disputes and refunds on their own, by taking photos of receipts and documentation with their device's camera and submitting within the app, removing the need to contact Worldpay by FIS. A series of instructional "how-to" videos empower merchants to troubleshoot.

"We built iQ Now from the ground up with the needs of SMBs in mind," declared Nicole Jass, Head of SMB Merchant Products, Worldpay Merchant Solutions, FIS. "As SMBs adjust to social distancing and stay-at-home measures, iQ Now gives critical insights and tools to business owners so they can spend less time on non-productive tasks and gain more control over their business operations in this critical time." As readers will recall, FIS bought Worldpay in 2019, not long after the merger of Vantiv and Worldpay in 2017. Acquisition of Mercury Payment Systems by Vantiv in 2014 kicked off this consolidation in payment processing.

Nicole Jass, Head of SMB Merchant Products, Worldpay Merchant Solutions, FIS

Worth Your While

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

[Editor's Note: RSPA's RetailNOW Show has been cancelled for 2020.]

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 14-15
Orlando, FL

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

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

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

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

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Mic Drop: the JLT3608

JLT Mobile Computers (Chandler, AZ) has unwrapped its new ultra-rugged one- and two-dimensional barcode scanners, the corded JLT3608 and cordless JLT3678 (with Bluetooth 4). Available in either standard or extended range versions, these scanners employ laser aiming (655-nm), illumination via LED (660-nm), and image sensing (1280x800). As dimensions, in standard range, the corded JLT3608 measures 7.3 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 5.2 in. (D) and weighs 10.8 oz./305 g.

Special scanner capabilities include multi-code capture, simultaneous processing of up to 20 codes, control over code processing order, customizable feedback modes, and support for digital watermark technology by Digimarc (Beaverton, OR). Significantly, these scanners feature an IP-67 rating for water and dust and 8-ft./2.4-m drops to concrete. Operating temperature range is -22 to +122 Degrees F/-30 to +50 Degrees C. A vehicle cradle kit is provided for the JLT3678.

"Our customers' workforces scan thousands of barcodes every day to ensure accurate orders and on-time delivery," related CEO of JLT Mobile Computers Group (Vaxjo, Sweden). "They need the best equipment for scanning codes to ensure reliable operation no matter what environments they are working in. Being able to get their scanners from the same trusted supplier as their rugged mobile computers not only streamlines the purchasing process for our customers, they also gain access to JLT's renowned after-sale service and support."

Ultra-Rugged Scanner by JLT Mobile Computers

Reflexis Makes Faces

Reflexis Systems (Dedham, MA) has added facial recognition to its workforce management system, the Tablet Clock. With Reflexis Tablet Clock, which supports iOS and Android O/S, end-users follow system cues to capture their likeness from multiple perspectives. Once registered, end-users may scan their face and respond to voice commands for clock in/out and meal punch in/out--without touching the screen. (A badge number may also be employed manually, if preferred.)

With three-dimensional facial recognition offered in Reflexis Time and Attendance Version 4.3, the Tablet Clock can distinguish between the real person and photograph and other two-dimensional images. Additionally, retailers and other businesses can adjust the detection accuracy of their Reflexis Tablet Clock. Also available: geofencing capability, which permits end-users to clock in and out via their personal mobile device by entering the appropriate geofence radius.

"At this time, the safety of our customers and their store associates is the most important thing," observed Prashanth Palakurthi, CEO and Founder of Reflexis Systems. "Reducing the risk of infection by removing these critical 'high-touch' surfaces ensures that store associates stay safer." As its recommended hardware partner, Reflexis Systems has Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL).

Reflexis Tablet Clock Adds Facial Recognition

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ALLIANCES

Revolution: On the "Brink"

A partnership between ParTech (New Hartford, NY) and Restaurant Revolution Technologies (Bellevue, WA) seeks to facilitate off-premise opportunities in the table service sector. It follows the release of Brink POS Version 5.0c for Table Service by ParTech (with enhanced guest engagement and payment capabilities). An integrated digital ordering product provided by Revolution, named Order One Maverick, will extend delivery, curbside pickup, and take-out, according to the two vendors.

"Our goal for this most recent release is to firmly establish Brink as a leader in table service, particularly in the enterprise and multi-location segments," shared Ryan Volberg, SVP and GM of Brink at ParTech. "New business models and opportunities in table service are emerging before our eyes. They all have one thing in common: an emphasis on meeting the new, unprecedented needs of the off-premise guest."

As part of this effort, ParTech and Revolution will not charge subscription software fees until 2021. To get started, restaurants may sign up for a three-year contract with Brink POS or Order One Maverick by September 30, 2020. Individual agreements must be signed with ParTech and Revolution for each promotion, but customers do not need to purchase both products to receive the promotional offer. Other fees, such as installation, may apply. Revolution utilizes DoorDash.

ParTech and Restaurant Revolution Technologies Address Off-Premise Modes for Table Service

A "Dynamic" Century

An application for Microsoft Dynamics SL, and SMB, that allows users to run customer credit-card payments directly into their software has been fashioned by Century Business Solutions (Irvine. CA). As an integration, EBizCharge, applied for Dynamics SL, furnishes payments to invoices and automatically updates the Accounts Receivable (A/R) and General Ledger (G/L). It supports multiple products, including Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics CRM, Dynamics 365, and Dynamics AX.

"We always look forward to watching our integrations open doors that were previously shut for users," expressed Scott McEwing, VP of Sales for Century Business Solutions. "Our Dynamics SL integration means simpler and safer processing for merchants." It also streamlines transactions with repeat customers by safely storing customer payment information with multiple layers of encryption and tokenization.

EBizCharge for Dynamics SL comes with complimentary access to an online payment portal, which allows companies to upload invoices for their customers to pay off from their own smart devices. It sends e-mail notifications to customers to remind them of upcoming payment deadlines, and may be co-branded for the seller. McEwing: "A great asset for stabilizing cashflow, which is a top priority for businesses."

EBizCharge for Microsoft Dynamics SL and the SMB

Code Corner

ArrowStream (Chicago, IL) has offered its supply chain solution for restaurants, dubbed Inventory QuickStart. As such, it extends visibility into distributor inventory and inbound purchase order activity in order to anticipate and proactively manage around inventory stock-outs and surpluses, ingredient or product substitutions, changing distributor delivery patterns, and unpredictable consumer traffic. With instant access to data on product movement across the supply chain and configurable exception-based analysis, operators are able to identify and more effectively address such issues, according to the developer. "We quickly saw how imperative inventory visibility and alerting was to our customers and wanted to make it more widely available to other operators," indicated Jeff Dorr, Chief Customer Officer at ArrowStream. In view of COVID-19, for the time being, upfront fees will be waived for restaurant operators who sign up to use Inventory QuickStart.

A Solution for the Restaurant Supply Chain

A Message From the Editor

As we enter another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, and business models. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Social Distance for the Gift Card

Factor4 (Broomall, PA), one of the providers of gift card and loyalty solutions for the SMB, has posted its Gift Plus App in the Clover App Market. An enhanced version of its Gift Card App, the Gift Plus App enables merchants to e-mail or text gift cards directly from their POS. Also, merchants may still issue and redeem plastic cards with the Gift Plus App, similar to the Gift Card App, which was rolled out in 2017.

In addition to contactless methodology, the Gift Plus App offers low monthly program fees and provides unlimited gift card transactions, access to reports, and technical support, stated Factor4. There are no transaction fees, while it brings opportunities for white-labeling for VARs/ISVs. A 30-day free trial is offered, along with "buy one, get one free" on all card orders through this summer for the Gift Plus App.

"In a time when social distancing has become important, this is a great way to help everyone feel safe and to help merchants continue to sell gift cards even if their businesses are closed," proposed Dan Battista, Factor4's CEO. "Factor4 has continued to see strong demand for plastic gift cards as well as an increased desire from merchants to add e-Gifting." In February, Factor4 added to its roster of partners in payments technology with Robert Carr's Beyond (Princeton, NJ).

A Non-Contact Gift Plus App by Factor4

Zebra Does Loca-Motion

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has introduced its next-generation inventory solution, entitled Zebra MotionWorks Warehouse. Utilizing the company's data intelligence platform, Zebra Savanna (debuted in 2017), as well as technology for Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), Zebra MotionWorks Warehouse modernizes operations by tracking assets, automating processes, improving worker productivity, and reducing shipping errors, according to Zebra.

Addressing warehouses with cross-docking workflows or high-volume staging areas that require quick turns--even tracking items in motion--Zebra MotionWorks Warehouse integrates with most Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). It supplies real-time directed workflows based on worker and asset location, with notifications, and its centralized dashboard monitors work in progress. As hardware, it employs Passive RFID Tags and Zebra's Model ATR7000 RTLS Readers.

According to Zebra's 2024 Warehousing Vision Study, more than three-quarters (77%) of decision makers agreed that they need to modernize operations across the warehouse to remain competitive in the on-demand economy. Almost half (49%) of decision makers in North America identified outbound packing, staging, and loading as challenging. An overwhelming majority (94%) will have implemented or plan to implement trailer load optimization and/or load compliance solutions by 2024. A 55% will adopt Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS).

Introduction of Zebra MotionWorks Warehouse

Key Advertiser Links

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

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

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

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

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

INSTALLATIONS

Toshiba Tills the Homeland

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC) will deploy its Self Checkout System 7 and SurePoint 4820 POS Terminals for grocer chain, Homeland. With 33 locations in Oklahoma, part of the larger chain HAC, Inc., which includes Piggly Wiggly, Homeland will install four lanes in each store for Toshiba's Self Checkout System 7. As reseller, onsite trainer, and service provider, there's Truno Retail Technology Solutions (Lubbock, TX), Toshiba Diamond Level Partner.

In addition to faster checkout time for customers, if cleaned regularly, Toshiba's Self Checkout System 7 facilitates social distancing. At Homeland, it has delivered better than 40% customer utilization, surpassing the 30% objective set by Homeland. "As a community-centric and employee-run organization, it is vitally important to deliver elite service to every customer," remarked Chris Smith, VP of IT for Homeland. "Toshiba is helping us accomplish this objective."

Introduced in 2018, Toshiba's Self Checkout System 7 has three form factors--kiosk/pay station (Model 6800-1K0), cashless/with bi-optic scanner bed (Model 6800-100), and cash recycling/with bi-optic scanner bed (Model 6800-110)--powered by Toshiba's Checkout Environment for Consumer Service (CHEC) Software. It features enhanced audio tones, language switching toggle, onscreen graphics, and conformance with the American Disabilities Act. In addition to its Back Office System Server (BOSS), with Self Checkout System 7 Toshiba has offered its Enterprise Back Office System Server, or eBOSS.

Homeland Grocery Chain Deploys Self Checkout System 7 by Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions

Janam's Dentist Appointment

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has supplied its XM75 Rugged Mobile Computer for the Dentists Supply Company. With its main warehouse in Reno, NV, and distributing throughout the U.S., the Dentists Supply Company offers products from 350 manufacturers. It employs the XM75 in conjunction with SAP's Warehouse Management System (WMS). A reseller participated, Barcodes, Inc. (Chicago, IL). "Our staff has easily adapted to this new solution," reported Mark Decker, GM for the Dentists Supply Company.

In smartphone format, with enterprise-grade features, the XM75 runs Android 6. It measures 6.5 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 1.2 in. (D), and weighs 10.5 oz./300 g, with 4.3" capacitive touchscreen (480x800) with Gorilla Glass 3--as well as, significantly, 24 numeric keys. As performance, it has Qualcomm Quad-Core Snapdragon CPU at 1.2 GHz, 2-GB/16-GB RAM, and Micro-SD. A removable and rechargeable 4100-mAh Li-Ion battery supports the work day.

As data collection, the XM75 furnishes two-dimensional scanning (Honeywell's Model N6603), 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, NFC, and RFID. As communications, there's Bluetooth 4, full 802.11 Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, and GPS. As ruggedness, there's rating of IP-67 for water and dust, and 5-ft./1.5-m drops to concrete. Another benefit; certification to Google Mobile Services (e.g., Google Play, Google Maps, Chrome). A trigger handle for the XM75 was chosen by Dentists Supply Company.

Janam Supplies Its XM75 for Dentists Supply Company

Channel Factoid

-Vendor management and contract negotiation are particularly time-consuming endeavors for IT professionals. Nearly half (48%) claim they can spend weeks, or months, renegotiating vendor contracts each year.

-As they work to achieve their priorities, IT organizations employ an extensive list of vendors. In fact, half (50%) report working with more than 11 vendors, while 20% work with between five and seven, and 16% work with between eight and 10.

-The number of vendors IT professionals manage is impacting contract negotiation time. Only 19% of IT professionals spend just hours negotiating their vendor contracts. That compares to 33% that spend days, 35% that spend weeks, and 13% that spend months.

-Operations reports are also time consuming for IT professionals. Only 20% spend minutes producing IT operations reports while 52% spend hours, 22% spend days, and 6% spend weeks.

-Findings from the survey also show that Unified IT--standardization of endpoint management, security, and enterprise service management--remains an ambitious goal, not the reality, for most IT organizations.

Source: Survey on Unified IT by Ivanti (Salt Lake City, UT)

Mobile Device Management by Ivanti

HELLO GOODBYE

Int'l. Bancard Endorses CSO

International Bancard (Detroit, MI) has engaged Josh Elsass as its Chief Sales Officer (CSO). He joins the company from Beyond, where he served as SVP of Sales (2019 to 2020). Also, he has served as SVP of Strategic Partnerships at AE Media (2018 to 2020), preceded by Division Manager, Detroit (2015 to 2016), and then VP of Sales, New York (2016 to 2018), for Heartland Payment Systems. Earlier, he was Regional VP of Sales for Michigan, Ohio, and Northern Indiana for digital marketing firm, Hibu (2003 to 2014).

"Josh possesses exceptional talent, drive, and leadership experience. He'll be a fantastic addition to the executive team of International Bancard," commented David lafrate, CEO and Founder. "International Bancard continues to redefine the industry with our proprietary, integrated payment technologies and multiple sales and distribution channels. We're confident Josh will expand our strategic partnerships, continue growing our diverse portfolio, and significantly broaden our reach in emerging markets."

"The opportunity to be a leader in a Detroit-based FinTech company is extremely exciting," contributed Elsass. "International Bancard is a well-positioned, innovative electronic payments provider, and I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of International Bancard." In April, International Bancard, which goes to market via ISVs, VARs, and ISOs in POS, announced its ground-breaking partnership for payment processing in telemedicine with TherapyAppointment (Mills River, NC).

Josh Elsass, Chief Sales Officer, International Bancard

A New Maitre D' at NRA

A new President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association (Washington, DC): hospitality industry veteran, Tom Bene. Also serving as CEO of the NRA's Educational Foundation, Bene follows Marvin Irby, NRA's Chief Financial and People Officer, who has served as Interim CEO. In his resume, Bene includes EVP (2013 to 2016), then President and CEO (2016 to 2020), of Sysco. Also, he spent 24 years at PepsiCo (1989 to 2013), culminating in the role of President of Foodservice.

"Tom brings to the Association and Foundation decades of experience from across the restaurant and foodservice industry," emphasized Melvin Rodrigue, Chair of the National Restaurant Association Board (and President and CEO of Galatoire's Restaurant Group). "Our industry's operators, suppliers, and employees have been hardest hit by the coronavirus. Tom's business acumen coupled with his remarkable record of success will be invaluable for our members and our industry as we begin the process of reopening and rebuilding."

"The National Restaurant Association and its Educational Foundation are critical components of the industry's ongoing success and we are at a crucial moment in our industry's history," testified Bene. "I am honored to have the opportunity to bring together the collective passion and influence of the full industry including multi-unit, independent, and franchise operators, while continuing to build the next generation of foodservice leaders and employees." A recast of the restaurant industry, by all accounts, will follow the challenges of 2020.

Tom Bene, President and CEO, National Restaurant Association