Our Product Pick

POS-X (Bellingham, WA) has unboxed its new series of terminals for Android POS. It includes the 15" Model D1, 14" Model T1 with integrated 3" receipt printer, and 11" T1 Mini with integrated 2" receipt printer. With Android 6.0, they feature Qualcomm Octa-Core Snapdragon CPU at 2.2 GHz, 1-GB/2-GB RAM, and 8-GB/16-GB ROM. A rugged construction and high-definition projected-capacitive widescreen displays are added benefits. All terminals include free cloud-based device management and two-day advanced exchange warranty service. Also, in April, POS-X announced its distribution partnership with Ingram Micro (Irvine, CA).

Android T1 POS by POS-X

COMPANY BUSINESS

ISVs Tip the Scale (at First Data)

An integration encourages ISVs at First Data (New York, NY). Under this effort, the payment processor has combined technologies of CardConnect (King of Prussia, PA) and BluePay (Naperville, IL). As readers may recall, First Data purchased both companies--major distributors of its products and services--in 2017. It paid $750 million for CardConnect and $760 million for BluePay.

Offerings for ISVs will be consolidated under the brand of CardConnect, including the BluePay Gateway and CardConnect CoPilot Partner Portal. As benefits for ISVs, First Data cited: software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs); tokenization and PCI-Validated Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE); partner tools for merchant onboarding and portfolio management; and sales and marketing support. "CardConnect and BluePay partners have already experienced immediate benefits from the size and scale of First Data," commented Jeff Shanahan, CEO of CardConnect. In particular, he mentioned Clover POS.

"First Data is committed to creating an ecosystem that helps the developer and software community realize the full advantages of integrated payments," expounded Frank Bisignano, Chairman and CEO of First Data. "We brought CardConnect and BluePay into the First Data family to evolve our ISV business into being a world-class offering. Combining these two organizations is the natural next step in furthering our momentum in the high-growth ISV space."

Frank Bisignano, Chairman and CEO, First Data

Paya Takes (Card)Flight

Paya (Reston, VA), the payment processor spun off Sage Software, has embraced mobile POS and SaaS from CardFlight (New York, NY). As reported benefits for small merchants, CardFlight's SwipeSimple brings Bluetooth Low Energy (or audio jack) EMV NFC, in-store mobile and web apps, business management merchant portal, and virtual terminal for card-not-present transactions. With this relationship, CardFlight now serves 15 of the top 50 merchant acquirers in the U.S.

"Paya is constantly looking for ways to innovate and provide our merchants what they need to grow their business and optimize their performance," suggested Greg Cohen, President at Paya (and former COO of iPayment from 2014 to 2017). "CardFlight's SwipeSimple offering is a perfect fit with our leading-edge payment services. This collaboration allows us to offer our customers an advanced, secure mobile payment solution that helps answer many of their everyday business needs."

Also, Paya has partnered with Bluefin (Atlanta, GA) to add PCI-Validated Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE). A Participating Organization of the PCI Security Standards Council (SSC), Bluefin offers its so-called Decryptx, or Decryption-as-a-Service (DaaS). Encryption occurs offsite in the Bluefin Hardware Security Module (HSM). Along with its recent rebranding efforts, begun in August 2017, Paya (pronounced "Pie-ya") has expanded its Partner Program for VARs and ISVs in POS and ERP.

SwipeSimple Payment Technology by CardFlight

Worth Your While

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
August 5-8
Nashville, TN

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 17-18
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

LabelExpo Americas
Tarsus Group
September 25-27
Chicago, IL

NACS
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 7-10
Las Vegas, NV

Pack Expo
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute
October 14-17
Chicago, IL

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Printek Fires Off FP-541

Printek Mobile (St. Joseph, MI) has unveiled its new 4" thermal mobile printer, listed as Model FP-541. Measuring 6.1 in. (L) x 5.7 in. (W) x 2.7 in. (D), weighing 24 oz., the FP-541 has maximum print speed of 5 in./127 mm per second at 203 dpi. It features easy-to-read controls, drop-in paper loading, 2.6-in./67-mm media roll diameter, and 2950-mAh Li-Ion battery (with 3500 printed inches per charge).

Supporting Windows, Windows Mobile, and Android O/S, the FP-541 has versions with Bluetooth 4 and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, as well as standard USB 2.0. A full suite of emulations includes Zebra CPCL and ZPL, Extech, Intermec Printer Language (IPL), and ESC POS. In ruggedness, it has an IP-54 rating and 6-ft./1.8-m drop resistance. (FYI: It replaces the RT-43 Series by Printek.)

"The FP-541 is just one of the many new mobile thermal printers we plan to launch this year," disclosed Chris Yeager, Director of Marketing at Printek, LLC. A 3" Model FP-530 is also offered. A standard two-year warranty on the case, print-head, and battery support the FieldPro (FP) Series by Printek Mobile, which markets through our channel.

Model FP-541 Thermal Printer by Printek Mobile

Dolphin Frolics in Retail

Honeywell (Ft. Mill, SC) has unwrapped its next mobile computer, dubbed Dolphin CT40. Intended for use in retail, in particular, Dolphin CT40 has 5" capacitive touchscreen with TFT and backlight LED (1280x720) with Gorilla Glass 5. With Qualcomm Octa-Core Snapdragon CPU at 2.2 GHz, 2-GB/4-GB RAM, 32-GB ROM, and 512-GB Micro-SD, Dolphin CT40 runs Android 7.1 (with compatibility through Android Q). In size of 6.4 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D), it weighs 9.8 oz.

As data collection engine, Dolphin CT40 carries Honeywell's N3601 or N6603 1D/2D Slim Imager. Additional inputs include onscreen scan button and 13-megapixel color camera. As communications, there's Bluetooth 5, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, 3G/4G LTE, VoIP, and Push-to-Talk (PTT). A 4090-mAh Li-Ion battery has 12-hour workday (and diagnostic tools).

For durability, Dolphin CT40 has an IP-64 rating and 4-ft./1.2-m drop resistance (with rubber boot, 6-ft./1.8-m). As expected, configuration, functionality, and management are enhanced by Honeywell's Mobility Edge Platform. "In order to stay competitive, retailers need to provide their customers with a comprehensive and frictionless shopping experience in the store, online, and during the delivery process," emphasized Peter Howes, President of Honeywell's Productivity Products Business. "With the CT40 and Mobility Edge, we can give our customers the technology they need to drive conversion rates."

Dolphin CT40 Mobile Computer by Honeywell

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ALLIANCES

On Your Mark for EMV

In order "to promote worldwide acceptance and interoperability," EMVCo (Mountain View, CA), one of the global technical associations in payments, now offers its QR Payment Mark. Indicating the merchant readily accepts payments via EMV QR Codes, the QR Payment Mark is offered at no charge. Additional messaging to consumers will confirm whether merchant-presented transactions, consumer-presented transactions, or both, are supported. It may also be used as an application indicator on the consumer's mobile device.

In 2017, readers may recall, EMVCo published its "EMV QR Code Specifications." As "consumer-presented," the QR Code is displayed on the mobile device and the merchant scans the code. As "merchant-presented,"the QR Code is displayed at the point-of-sale and the consumer scans the code. For details, see the website at EMVCo.

"The development of a uniform, recognizable QR Payment Mark that can be used on a royalty-free basis is an important step towards providing a universally consistent experience for both merchants and consumers," proclaimed Jack Pan, Executive Committee Chair of EMVCo (and Executive Innovation Leader at China Union Pay). As supporting entities, EMVCo has payment stalwarts American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Union Pay, and Visa. It has created similar marks for Contactless and EMV.

EMVCo's QR Payment Mark

RMH: Free POS Software!

A nifty sales strategy for Retail Management Hero (Napa, CA), replacement for the sunsetted Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS). In addition to launching its new e-commerce website, appropriately called RMH Shop, Retail Management Hero has partnered with Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA). Under this promotion, merchants who sign up with Shift4 Payments receive two free software licenses for RMH Store, unlimited RMH Manager, and card readers for EMV.

Consumers visiting the RMH Shop will be able to browse vetted products, compare then with what they already have, and order everything at one time, according to Retail Management Hero. It includes categorized item SKUs, pricing wizard, shopping cart, payment processing, and checkout. It recommends hardware from HP and lists VARs.

"This promotion will undoubtedly add huge value to any retail business," indicated Chris Bjork, Associate Vice President of Channel Sales for Shift4 Payments. A prime example of evolution in our industry, Shift4 Payments offers the whole spectrum of hardware (Harbortouch), software (Future POS, POSitouch, Restaurant Manager), and payment processing (Dollars-on-the-Net). It pioneered "POS-as-a-Service."

A Web "RMH Shop" (and Payment Processing Via Shift4)

Code Corner

Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) has improved its inventory and procurement solution for hospitality with Eatec Version 3.7.4. Along with its core purchasing, inventory, recipe, forecasting, production, and sales analysis functions, Eatec has modules for catering, cycle planning, retail management, nutrition, and allergens. It's offered either on-premise or SaaS, in Standard, Professional, or Enterprise. As enhancements, Version 3.7.4 improves integration with InfoGenesis POS, simplifies physical inventory counts in Eatec Pocket and Eatec Client, allows import of set-ups for Eatec, and draws in the functionality of Eatec Web. "With Eatec's modular structure and simple user interface, property operators may gain better control of their inventory and procurement and make more intelligent purchasing decisions," relayed Dylan Cook, Program Manager for Agilysys. "Based on customer feedback, we have made key enhancements to the functionality in this latest version and we're delighted to bring it to market."

Agilysys Enhances Eatec

INTEGRATION

A Rainbow SDK

Socket Mobile (Newark, CA) has released its new software development kit, designated Capture SDK. It supports the company's barcode scanners and contactless reader/writers of RFID, with installation and update via popular distribution systems such as CocoaPods and Maven. Improved architecture reduces coding for Android, and migration to iOS is simplified from the previous ScanAPI, according to Socket Mobile. (Also supported, Windows.)

"Capture SDK is designed to ease the connection management of Bluetooth," explained Len Ott, CTO and VP of Engineering at Socket Mobile. "An ability to support high-level frameworks such as Cordova, Xamarin, and React [and soon, JavaScript] have been primary drivers in design of the Capture SDK. We're excited to see developers publishing independent connectors for Capture SDK during our beta testing."

A leader in the category of "companion scanners," Socket Mobile offers its SocketScan Series. It comprises three models: S700 (linear imager, $229 MSRP), S730 (laser, $329 MSRP), and S740 (two-dimensional imager, $329 MSRP). "SocketScan provides our customers with the dependable ease of use they love about our products, providing additional features such as an intuitive interface, standard AA rechargeable batteries, and familiar, but improved, look," contributed Kevin Mills, President and CEO of Socket Mobile. A network of resellers, developers, and distributors supports Socket Mobile.

SocketScan Series From Socket Mobile

Another Gyre for LaneHawk

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has presented its new version of "bottom-of-basket" (BoB) checkout scanner, stocked as LaneHawk LH5000. With an "intelligent" lighting and camera system, flush-mounted, LaneHawk LH5000 combines barcode decoding, digital watermark decoding by Digimarc, and advanced image item-recognition with proprietary "Visual Pattern Recognition" (ViPR). Once an item is detected at the BoB, the cashier is notified in real-time through the POS. In addition, reports are generated for cashier training.

In physical dimensions, LaneHawk LH5000 measures 12.6 in. (L) x 8.2 in. (H) x 3.9 in. (D) and weighs 2.7 lbs. As examples of improvement over previous models of LaneHawk, it carries larger dual-camera field of view, recognizing items at distances up to 24 in./61 cm, and future-proof illumination LEDs. It supports Windows Server 2003/2008/2012, Windows 7 Professional, and Ubuntu, with USB Type A Host, Ethernet x 2, and, for remote management, the LaneHawk Administration Console. "It has been estimated that LaneHawk solutions help recover up to 90% of BoB losses, which for the average store can add up to over $25,000 per year," pointed out Nick Tabet, Product Marketing Leader for Handheld and Fixed Scanning at Datalogic.

Also, Datalogic has introduced its Enhanced Partner Advantage Program. With escalating benefits, it includes levels from Silver to Diamond. "It has been designed to highlight each partner's strengths and provide all the support necessary to help businesses flourish across industries, but also, more importantly, to develop long-lasting relationships based on mutual trust and success," enthused Hilde De Bisschop, Group Channel Marketing Senior Manager at Datalogic.

Datalogic's LaneHawk 5000 Bottom-of Basket Scanner

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
Electronic Payments
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Cayan
iPayment
Monetary LLC
Sterling Payment

Keyboards & Mobile POS
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
SpacePole

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

An Order of Juice and Toast

Toast POS (Boston, MA) will supply its Android POS for quick-service restaurant chain, Jamba Juice. With approximately 875 sites across 26 states in the U.S.--of which 85% are franchisees--Jamba Juice will field both countertop terminal bundles and the new handheld device from Toast, tagged Toast Go. In making its choice, Jamba Juice cited ease of use, reliability, and multi-location management, as well as the application programming interface (API) of Toast.

Debuted in May, along with Toast KDS (Kitchen Display System), Toast Go features "generous touchscreen, 14-hour battery life, and Wi-Fi WLAN." It weighs less than 1 lb. "In 2018, one out of three new Toast restaurant customers opt for handheld devices," noted Lucy Wang, Senior Hardware Product Manager for Toast. "Thus, Toast Go."

"We are moving to Toast because our team members and franchisees require an agile, mobile, cloud-based technology in order to better serve our guests," declared Jyoti Lynch, CIO at Jamba Juice. "We also needed real-time data and analytics. Toast is always secure, updated, and online, so we can deliver top-notch guest experiences and better support our business." In 2017, Toast was recognized as the third-fastest-growing software company in North America on the Deloitte Fast 500 and was named to the Forbes Cloud 100.

Jamba Juice Picks Toast, Including "Toast Go"

"Triple the Loyalty," Says Revention

A national rollout of the loyalty program furnished by Revention (Houston, TX) for pizza chain Hungry Howie's. A customer of point-of-sale and online ordering ("HungerRush") by Revention, Hungry Howie's added loyalty ("Honeycomb") in 2016. A white-label program, customized by the two partners, Honeycomb enrolls members and tracks participating purchases and rewards. As its portal: HungerRush.

In 2017, Hungry Howie's processed over 850,00 loyalty orders, totaling over $15 million. At ratio of one to six, it has given back approximately 147,000 pizzas (medium-size, two toppings, in case you're interested). At present, Hungry Howie's has approximately 600 locations in 21 states in the U.S. It calls its loyalty effort, rather prosaically, "Howie Rewards," and cites redemption rate of 74%.

"We didn't anticipate how much impact the loyalty interface in the online menu would have," reflected Dan McKay, Director of IT at Hungry Howie's. "Most loyalty platforms plateau at 20% redemption. With Honeycomb, we've tripled that benchmark in just the first year because of the online ordering and mobile application integration." Available to all customers of Revention, Honeycomb bills monthly at $65 per store, following set-up cost of $99 per store and $199 website configuration.

Online Ordering Via Revention's HungerRush

Minding Their Q's and P's

QSR Automations (Louisville, KY) has begun deployment of its kitchen automation and guest management solutions for Boston Pizza. One of the largest casual dining chains in Canada, Boston Pizza will eventually outfit 300 locations by the end of 2018 with ConnectSmart Kitchen and DineTime by QSR Automations. A longstanding leader in its field, established in 1996, QSR Automations ties to 65 systems for POS.

With approximately 100 menu items, Boston Pizza expects to benefit from advanced routing, accurate timing on orders, and comprehensive dashboard reporting delivered by ConnectSmart Kitchen. With DineTime, it will seat guests, manage tables, wait-lists, and reservations, and, further, populate its digital database. In addition, Boston Pizza will employ the recipe viewer offered by QSR Automations, TeamAssist, in order to train staff and maintain quality.

"We are able to focus on operational improvements with DineTime and ConnectSmart Kitchen," recounted Cavin Green, VP of Business Technology at Boston Pizza. "Rather than going with stand-alone systems, CSK and DineTime talk to each other, allowing us to take full advantage of the software's broader suite of capabilities and features. As well, we're eager for how these systems will potentially be able to interact with other key platforms such as forecasting and e-commerce."

Boston Pizza Deploys QSR's ConnectSmart Kitchen

Channel Factoid

A Look at Clouds

-Accelerating Momentum: At present, 91% of firms are using cloud computing in some form. Three-quarters of businesses have between one and five years of experience with cloud solutions. Six in 10 companies have more than 40% of their IT architecture in the cloud.

-Moving to Secondary Providers: Already, 83% of firms have performed some type of secondary cloud migration. Most involved the move of either infrastructure or applications to an additional cloud provider in order to take advantage of more features (44%), better security (41%), lower costs (37%), or open standards (35%). Half of companies rely on a mix of cloud vendors and third parties for their cloud services. About 40% of firms primarily work directly with cloud vendors.

-Internal IT Changes: In order to leverage the cloud, internal IT has needed to create new policies (51%) or update existing procedures (50%). In security, policies have been created or modified by the majority of firms (71%). In all, new or improved cloud security skills were described by 69%. Other entries on the skills building list for the cloud include app-specific knowledge (59%), virtualization (53%), optimization (52%), and performance analytics (52%).

Source: "Cloud Computing Operational Efficiency in the Channel," CompTIA, April 2018

HELLO GOODBYE

A Chad Counts at Cherry

Cherry Americas (Pleasant Prairie, WI) has enlisted Chad Vendette as its new Director of Marketing. He joins the company from specialty foodservice equipment maker, Broaster Company, where he served as Director of Marketing (2012 to 2018). Earlier, he served as Director of Marketing for dispensing products manufacturer, San Jamar (2006 to 2012).

"This position brings an extraordinary opportunity to work with a dynamic, customer-centric, and innovation-focused company," remarked Vendette. "Cherry Americas is on the move and is driven to expand its offerings of world-class computer peripherals to grow its brand throughout North America."

"Cherry Americas' success is largely attributed to its people and Chad's deep experience in successful marketing practices, coupled with his enthusiasm, make him a natural fit for our organization," observed Greg Peterson, VP and GM of Cherry Americas. A longtime supplier to our channel, Cherry Americas offers its full line of keyboards for POS, including MSR, Smart Card, and Biometrics. It distributes with BlueStar (Hebron, KY), Ingram Micro (Irvine, CA), and ScanSource POS and Barcode (Greenville, SC).

Chad Vendette, Director of Marketing, Cherry Americas

At No Risk: iPayment

iPayment (Westlake Village, CA) has engaged Victor Marotta as its VP for Risk. An experienced executive in payments and merchant services, Marotta most recently served as EVP and CFO for Global Electronic Technology (2016 to 2018). Previous roles include VP of Merchant Services for Merrick Bank (2014 to 2016), SVP of Risk and Compliance for Planet Payment Inc. (2006 to 2013), and Director of Global Corporate Credit/Risk Management for First Data Corporation (1997 to 2004).

"I am very excited for the opportunity to work with an amazing team at iPayment," volunteered Marotta. "iPayment has such a diverse portfolio across a differentiated suite of business units and family of brands. I'm looking forward to utilizing my experience to lead a fantastic group of individuals and help the company deliver on its charter to provide world-class merchant services and support."

"The Vice President of Risk is an important position at iPayment," reported Robert Purcell, CFO at iPayment. "We rely on their guidance and experience to not only lead in the area of risk management, but also to help drive growth and contribute to our organization's leadership. Victor not only has the background and experience to thrive in this important role, he is also a great person and is extremely results-oriented." In April, iPayment was purchased by U.K.-based Paysafe.

Victor Marotta, VP of Risk, iPayment