This Week’s Product Pick

Partner Tech (Irvine, CA) has debuted its PM-15-BZ bezel-free display for everyday retail needs. An upgrade to the successful PM-15, this new display also features slim silhouette, 1024x768 screen resolution, multi-touch support, and up to 30 degree tilt angle. An integrated "multi-reader" accepts MSR, I-Button, IC Card, RFID or Biometric. Plug-and-play set-up through two USB connections combines with clean cable management, On-Screen Display (OSD), integrated VFD or seven-inch LCD, and wall and VESA mounting. "The PM-15-BZ is an exciting upgrade to Partner Tech's customer display product line," stated Keith Schroer, VP of Sales for Partner Tech. "The bezel-free design really improves the cashier experience while its integrated multi-reader ensures efficient operations."

Partner Tech's PM-15-BZ Display

COMPANY BUSINESS

Suddenly POS Isn't So Square

Apparently Square, the company which would eliminate cash, and even credit cards, now feels merchants need some level of heft and functionality from their POS. Thus, Square Stand, the new mount for Apple's iPad, the bigger platform processing nearly 50% of the company's total payments and generating 100% more for an average check when compared to iPhone. Merging display holder, credit card reader, and necessary store software (dubbed Square Register POS), Square Stand has been priced at $299, as opposed to the company's payment dongle, widely offered for free. Square Stand will be sold on the company's website, by Best Buy, and through other select retailers, and looks to compete with similar schemes bypassing our channel.

In its literature, Square notes that Square Stand supports the hardware accessories businesses need, including receipt or kitchen printer, cash drawer, and barcode scanner. It locks the iPad in place and may be swiveled between cashier and customer. Notably, the front of the subsystem incorporates two credit card sensors, with long swiping strip for faster, more reliable reading. At present, Square Stand works with an iPad 2 or 3, with Apple's Lightning connection coming later this year.

"Local business owners take as a given that they need an ugly, slow, expensive, and complicated point-of-sale system cluttering their counter," proselytized Jack Dorsey, Co-Founder and CEO of Square (San Francisco). "Square Stand is elegant, fast, affordable, and easy to use. Whether you're selling cupcakes, cardigans, or cappucinos, running your business with Square has never been easier." What's next, one might ask, the Square Workstation?

Square Stand for iPad

Sato Wears New Label

Sato has announced its strategic, minority investment in Nexgen Packaging (Santa Barbara, CA), one of the leading providers of apparel brand identification and packaging products. Founded in 2006, and privately held, Nexgen focuses on the design, manufacturing, and distribution of woven and printed labels, heat transfers, graphic tags, and price tickets. It will continue to operate as an independent entity, according to Sato, and its current management team will remain in place.

"Few companies have the depth of experience and focus on innovation in variable data printing and RFID encoding as Sato," observed Andy Effron, Managing Partner of Nexgen. "Our new relationship with Sato strengthens Nexgen in the expansion of global operations and delivery of industry-leading innovation to better serve our customers. We are very excited about this partnership, and look forward to working closely with the Sato global team."

"We have seen healthy growth in our RFID business and Nexgen's brand identification relationships and item-level RFID experience are highly complementary to our own product strategy and growth initiatives," relayed Kaz Matsuyama, CEO/President of Sato Holdings Corporation (Tokyo). "The investment in Nexgen Packaging exemplifies our mission to grow internationally and strengthens the business models of both Nexgen and Sato alike." On our shores, RRN.Com readers draw barcoding, labeling, and EPC/RFID from Sato America (Charlotte, NC).

Apparel Tags From Nexgen Packaging

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

A Simpler Solution From AML

AML (Euless, TX) has unveiled its LDX10 handheld computer, designed expressly for light to medium duties in inventory control and asset tracking. Made in the U.S., LDX10 comes with AML's DC Suite software which contains seven common barcode data collection applications already pre-loaded onto the device. A standard-range linear CCD provides scanning capability, with accompanying alphanumeric keypad.

Measuring 7.15 in. (L) x 2.56 in. (W) x 0.59 in (D), and weighing 9.6 oz., LDX10 carries Freescale CPU at 454 MHz, 128 MB RAM, and 512 MB ROM with support for Windows Embedded CE 6.0. Features include 2.8-inch QVGA display with multi-viewing angle technology, resistive touch panel, 3000 mAh Lithium-Ion battery, and protective silicon casing with IP-54 environmental ratings for water and dust. Simplicity has been addressed throughout, with battery charging directly through supplied USB cable, no cradle required, and the company's proprietary ScreenFlash technology which turns the entire screen red or green for good or bad barcode reads or application warnings.

"Priced at $645 MSRP, and equipped with our DC Suite software, the LDX10 will be the best value on the market," remarked Mike Kearby, President of AML. "There are so many commercial applications where the requirement to scan barcodes and collect data is essential to efficient business operations, but the usage and the environment simply doesn't warrant the investment in an expensive, hardened device that exceeds $1,000 and sometimes approaches $2,000. The LDX10 with DC Suite software is the complete hardware/software solution that's affordable and easy to use."

LDX10 Handheld Computer From AML

High Style at AZT

AZT POS (Tustin, CA) has presented its new Tysso Series of POS terminals, which emphasize "high image" for retailers and restaurateurs. Designed with rounded contours, aluminum base, and choice of colors (black, white, and red), Tysso POS-3000 carries Intel Atom CPU at 1.8 GHz, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB HD, 15-inch resistive touchscreen, magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), and the full complement of ports. Other options include customer display, second LCD screen, SSD, and faster Intel Core 2 Duo CPU. Tysso POS-3000 supports Windows 7 POS Ready.

Keddy Chen, Chief Marketing Officer of AZT POS, believes the Tysso Series fills the market niche for clubs, bars, cafes, salons, and small boutiques. "There is already one reseller in New Jersey who said to us the red and white model will look great in yogurt shops he is installing," Chen informed RRN.Com. He also indicated that AZT POS plans to price the units "very aggressively." Tysso comes with three-year warranty and will be bundled with color-matching receipt printers and cash drawers.

AZT POS also premiered its bundled solution with ISV Registroid (Mobile, AL), comprised of its AZT Gold Android Tablet (with ten-inch capacitive screen), design stand, Wi-Fi-enabled receipt printer, cash drawer, and MSR. Priced at $899 MSRP, this system has been certified with Registroid's cloud-based software subscription service (which starts at $45 per month), and represents AZT's first entry into the Android POS market. Both hardware and software offer additional, supplemental revenue opportunities for resellers, Chen pointed out.

Tysso POS-3000 by AZT POS

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ALLIANCES

Dinerware Dishes Mobile CRM

Hospitality ISV Dinerware (Seattle) has adopted the mobile CRM platform from CaptureCode (Boston) for use with its Dinerware Version 3 or later. Yoforia, frozen yogurt company with two dozen locations, mainly in Georgia and North Carolina, has successfully implemented this integrated solution. Based upon the consumer's smartphone, two-dimensional barcodes, and merchant app, CaptureCode leverages all marketing channels--"social media, walk-ins, referrals, daily deals, and print media"--according to its developer.

"Integrating with Dinerware allows us to positively impact revenue for our clients through comprehensive consumer engagement from loyalty to mobile payments," declared Tony Padam, CEO of CaptureCode. "In addition to reducing swipe fees, we give our clients robust consumer analysis that gives them unparalleled insight into their businesses." Established in 2009, CaptureCode has been launched commercially in several hundred locations in North America.

"CaptureCode is easy to deploy with Dinerware, and we believe the integration between the two products results in a truly innovative solution," added Jeff Riley, CEO of Dinerware. "Our customers want to increase the frequency of repeat guest visits through individualized marketing. CaptureCode's mobile engagement platform is an ideal solution for many of them."

CaptureCode's Smartphone Consumer Engagement Scheme

EMV Expedited for Xpient

Xpient Solutions (Charlotte, NC) and VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA) have joined forces for payment processing in the restaurant industry. In particular, Xpient's IRIS POS software will support VeriFone's multimedia-enabled MX 915 and MX 925 terminals for order confirmation, combined with delivery of marketing content and prompts for upselling. VeriFone's VX 820 PIN Pad will be offered as the more traditional customer payment point for IRIS.

"Consumers increasingly demand both convenience and an interesting experience at the point-of-sale," suggested Jennifer Miles, President of VeriFone Americas. "VeriFone's VX and MX provide new opportunities to leverage Xpient's software to more dynamically engage customers and prepare for a new era of EMV payments." All three VeriFone platforms support credit, debit, and EMV transactions, as well as NFC/contactless technology and digital wallets, while employing VeriFone's VeriShield Protect for end-to-end encryption.

"IRIS is a cost-effective, easy to use, infinitely flexible POS application that is readily adaptable to quick service, fast casual, or family dining businesses," volunteered Christopher Sebes, CEO/President of Xpient. "Uniquely configurable touchscreen technology speeds employee training and performance as well as optimizing order accuracy and speed-of-service. Combining VeriFone with Xpient IRIS provides an enhanced service for patrons and fully secure payment acceptance solution for restaurant operators."

VeriFone's MX 925 Payment Terminal

Code Corner

SmartReceipt, Inc. (Santa Barbara, CA), which leverages sales data at the receipt level for marketing and branding purposes, has added two new strategic resellers, Copperstate Restaurant Technologies (Scottsdale, AZ) and Quality Retail Systems (Schaghticoke, NY), bringing it deeper into the hospitality arena. With particular emphasis on Micros deployments, both partners will embrace SmartReceipt in conjunction with Epson America's OmniLink POS printer technology. OmniLink, debuted in January at NRF, brings processing power and memory to drive third-party applications and peripherals directly from Epson's printers. "Each year more than 250 billion POS receipts are handed to consumers in the United States alone, and most of those receipts include only the financial details of the transactions themselves, ignoring the enormous potential of this direct-to-consumer communications opportunity," indicated Jon Cassell, VP of Business Development for SmartReceipt. "Our solution will allow Copperstate and QRS customers to transform and enhance ordinary receipts into an innovative, targeted, revenue-generating marketing medium that increases customer frequency and influences customer buying behavior."

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NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Snipping the Ribbon at Intermec

Intermec (Everett, WA) celebrated the opening of its new Cedar Rapids Technology Center. This two-story, 81,000-square-foot facility, located at 601 Third St. SE in the downtown area, replaces the company's existing facility at 550 Second St. SE. It features an open floor plan, collaborative work areas, and more than 12,000 square feet of electrical, mechanical, software, and RF test labs, with approximately 170 of its 220 employees focused directly on R&D and design of emerging technologies. Total investment for the project reached $28 million, according to Intermec, with the building costing $12.5 million.

"As we mark the opening of our new Cedar Rapids Technology Center, we look forward to continued product innovation and next-generation designs that advance Intermec as an industry leader in delivering ruggedized mobility and data collection solutions," proclaimed Earl Thompson, SVP of the Mobile Solutions Business Unit for Intermec. "The new building also represents a terrific opportunity for Intermec to leverage and empower our local industry-leading R&D talent with a state-of-the-art research and test facility." Acquisition of Intermec by Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, RRN.Com readers may have heard, was recently approved by Intermec's shareholders and now awaits regulatory approval. Purchase price has been set at $600 million.

Back in the field, Intermec has provided its CN50 handheld computers for World Vision, the global Christian humanitarian organization. Paired with World Vision's "Last Mile Mobile Solutions," the CN50 reportedly has delivered up to 90% in improved time savings for aid distribution efforts. "Cameras on the Intermec CN50 have allowed us to better verify our beneficiaries, and paired with the long battery life as well as the ruggedness of the actual devices themselves, the CN50 provided everything we needed in one convenient solution," testified Jay Narhan, Team Leader of Applied Technology & Product Development for World Vision International.

New Cedar Rapids Technology Center Opened by Intermec

DT Reports for Duty

DT Research (San Jose, CA) has sought more rugged missions with its new DT398 tablet computer. With 10-inch resistive touchscreen with sunlight-readable option, the DT398 offers high-performance yet energy-efficient Intel CPUs: Core i7 for the DT398B and Celeron Dual Core for the DT398C. Befitting use in government and military environments, its common access card (CAC)/smart card reader satisfies security requirements. In addition, it has MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD-461F ratings, wide temperature range of -4 to 122 Degrees F, and IP-65 levels for water and dust protection (as well as DT's usual dark housing and rubber corner bumpers).

DT398 runs Windows Embedded Standard 7, Windows 7 Professional, or Linux. Weighing just over 3 lbs., this device addresses mobility via built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connection, as well as optional WWAN/GPS and Gobi 3G. A variety of data collection methods have been addressed, including front and rear cameras, one and two-dimensional scanner, and 13.56 MHz RFID reader.

As with most products from DT Research, the DT398 includes remote management capability through the server-based WebDT Device Manager scheme. With target applications such as construction, utilities, inspections, and public safety, DT398 represents something new for DT Research, which has focused largely on verticals such as retail and healthcare. As go-to-market partners in our area, DT Research lists Synnex, Seneca Data Distributors, M-S Cash Drawer, and Metropolitan Sales.

DT398 Rugged Tablet by DT Research

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 BANK USA
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
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

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

A Good Habit for RTT

Restaurant Revolution Technologies (San Diego) will deploy its take-out order processing and management platform for multiple locations of the Habit Burger Grill chain. RRT's patent-pending Order Management Technology, supported by call center, online, and mobile functions, and spanning customer request to pick-up, will deliver significant increases in take-out revenues as well as reduced operating costs, according to the two parties. Delivered through Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), RRT's software currently supports NCR Aloha, Micros Systems, and POSitouch, according to the developer's website.

"RRT provided us with the best comprehensive take-out order management program of all the numerous companies we spoke with during our evaluation stage," recounted Mike Mirkil, VP of Marketing for the Habit Burger Grill. "We were also very impressed with their high level of service, not only to us, their customer, but also to our customers. Their call center agents, who represent our brand when they speak with our customers every day, have demonstrated excellent hospitality skills. So far, we have been very pleased with our decision to partner with RRT and look forward to continued success."

Restaurant Revolution Technologies also has hired Tony DiCenzo as its new CTO. DiCenzo brings heavy helpings of hospitality IT expertise, having served most recently as SVP of IT at Pinkberry Ventures, preceded by similar roles at California Pizza Kitchen, Jamba Juice Company, and House of Blues Restaurants. "RRT has realized explosive growth within the restaurant industry and in order to facilitate our latest technologies, our operational plan, and to provide the enterprise-level service our clients demand, we need the extensive and broad experience that Tony can provide," stated David Schofield, CEO at RRT.

Habit Burger Grill Deploys Take-Out Order Management by Restaurant Revolution Technologies

NCR, Full of Juice

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) has plucked three more fruits from the tree of POS. First, NCR will join the budding customized mobile ordering and payment effort for Jamba Juice Company, piloted by PayPal in the San Francisco Bay Area, and now ready for widespread dissemination among the chain's 800 locations. Enter NCR's Aloha POS, with its large installed base. "In 2012, we worked with Jamba Juice to create a fantastic mobile ordering experience and NCR is a key ingredient to bringing this innovation to more locations across the U.S.," affirmed Don Kingsborough, VP of Retail Services at PayPal, which, of course, also enables payment for Jamba Juice.

Secondly, Shake Shack has implemented the NCR Pulse Real-Time smartphone app, joining 5,500 other end-users. Available for iOS and Android devices, NCR Pulse Real-Time employs the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model to deliver up-to-the-second performance metrics and notifications. Operational data is segmented for quick, simple review, such as voids and comps, net sales by hour, employee performance, and overtime alerts. "NCR Pulse Real-Time is a great tool. It gives you information that you can use right now to improve your results for the rest of the day," corroborated Giancarlo Fiorarancio, Director of Information Systems for Shake Shack, with multiple locations on the East Coast.

Finally, NCR has partnered with LevelUp (Boston) to bring that mobile payment and loyalty platform into its POS systems. Initially, LevelUp will support Aloha POS using site-based integration, while in parallel developing its solution for deployment via NCR Cloud Connect, the hardware vendor's new hosted infrastructure for POS. "As the Managing Partner of a restaurant chain that uses NCR Aloha POS and is soon to launch a white-labeled LevelUp application, I was very pleased to hear about this integration," reported Brett Schulman, CEO and Co-Founder of Cava Mezza Grill (Rockville, MD). "Having all payment transaction and marketing campaign data seamlessly filter into one system will ultimately allows us to make smarter business decisions and forge deeper connections with our customers."

Jamba Juice Loyalty and Payment App

Channel Factoid

It's official. IDC now predicts tablet shipments will exceed those of portable PCs this year. According to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker, tablet shipments are expected to grow 58.7% year-over-year in 2013, reaching 229.3 million units, up from 144.5 million units in 2012. In comparison, the slumping PC market should see negative growth for the second consecutive year. Indeed, IDC projects tablet shipments will outpace the entire PC market (portables and desktops combined) by 2015. While Apple raced to the forefront of the tablet revolution, the current market expansion has been increasingly fueled by low-cost Android devices. Another major shift has occurred around screen sizes. Apple's first generation iPad, which included ten-inch display, was perceived by many as the sweet spot for tablets. That is, until seven-inch Android tablets began to gain traction in the market and Apple responded by releasing iPad Mini during Q4 of 2012. "What started as a sign of tough economic times has quickly shifted to an ongoing change in the global computing paradigm with mobile being the primary benefactor," reflected Ryan Reith, Program Manager for IDC's Mobility Trackers, adding "IDC continues to believe PCs will have an important role in this new era of computing, especially among business users."

HELLO GOODBYE

Jackson in Action at POS-X

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) has enlisted Ron Jackson as its Director: Business Development, based in New Jersey. Familiar to many RRN.Com readers, Jackson spent the previous 15 years at Metrologic Instruments, followed by Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (after Honeywell purchased Metrologic). His former titles include Channel Marketing Manager - Latin America for Honeywell and Director of Marketing - The Americas for Metrologic Instruments. He began his career with Franklin Machine Products, distribution company for foodservice and hospitality markets.

"I couldn't be more excited to welcome Ron to the team," Karl Schoessler, POS-X President, told RRN.Com. "Our company is built around exceptionally talented people and Ron is a perfect match to lead our efforts in acquiring, growing, and retaining key accounts and relationships. He brings a robust skill set that includes developing and executing creative and dynamic marketing strategies and tactical plans."

Elsewhere, POS-X has released an updated EVO barcode scanner stand. As of May, the current EVO-SG1-ASTAND has been replaced by the larger and more stable EVO-SG1-BSTAND, with no change in price. Existing stock of the EVO-SG1-ASTAND at ScanSource, which exclusively distributes POS-X, will not be replenished, according to the company.

Ron Jackson, Director: Business Development, POS-X

An Earful of PCI From RSPA

A notable addition has been made to the 2013-2015 PCI Security Standards Council's Board of Advisors, in the form of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (Charlotte, NC). Joseph Finizio, RSPA's CEO/President, will serve as primary representative, bringing his perspective from the retail IT ecosystem of resellers and their vendors. In addition to advising on standards development, RSPA expects to play a critical role in soliciting feedback and ideas, contributing to Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and helping the council fulfill its mission to raise awareness and adoption of PCI standards.

"Appointment to the PCI SCC Board of Advisors is an important opportunity for RSPA to ensure that the interests of our membership are taken into account in the ongoing development of PCI security standards," related Finizio. "It also brings significant validation to RSPA's position as a trusted advisor and it is an indication that RSPA continues to build clout, exercise influence, advocate for our members, and maintain relevance in our ever-changing industry." In addition to RSPA, representatives will serve from stakeholders such as Bank of America, FedEx, First Data Merchant Services, Ingenico, Micros, PayPal, Starbucks, VeriFone, and Wal-Mart, among others.

"As an open and global standards body our success is dependent upon the active involvement of the payments community. And our board members play an integral role in helping drive this participation and ensuring that the interests of the wider community are reflected in the work that we're doing," commented Bob Russo, GM of the PCI Security Standards Council (Wakefield, MA). "Once again we are encouraged to see the breadth of industries and geographies represented in this group and look forward to working together to improve payment security globally."

Joseph Finizio, CEO/President, RSPA