This Week’s Product Pick

ViVOtech (Santa Clara, CA) presented its ViVOpay 4800 add-on NFC reader for for payment-processing terminals. ViVOpay 4800 lets consumers use contactless cards, stickers, or NFC-enabled mobile phones to make payments and take advantage of merchandising and loyalty campaigns. Featuring ISO-14443 contactless and ISO-18092 peer-to-peer NFC technologies, the ViVOpay 4800 employs high-performing and secure processors, according to its manufacturer, as well as the Linux OS. Its patent-pending dual-loop antenna ensures consistent performance and easy connection to most popular POS and ECR brands. Finally, post-deployment firmware updates via remote download will be used to keep the system current and compliant. “Merchants want to increase store traffic, create up-sell opportunities, and do it by giving customers what they really want and value--convenience and ease-of-use,” proposed Mohammed Khan, President of ViVOtech. “Our new ViVOpay 4000 does all of that, plus it protects merchants’ billion-dollar investments in expensive PIN and signature-capture pads.”

COMPANY BUSINESS

MMF Unlocks VAR Program

MMF POS (Wheeling, IL) has introduced iConnect, its new reseller program, which went live on May 2. Intended to forge stronger ties between the company’s POS products, resellers, and distributors, iConnect allows VIP access to resources and benefits. These include product launches, channel promotions, demo programs, targeted sales material, web specials, and one-on-one technical support, RRN.Com was told by Abe Salalac, Director of Sales and Marketing at MMF POS.

“Basically, the whole objective is to communicate better with our resellers and give them the tools to sell our products, as well as differentiate themselves from their competitors,” Salalac explained. “The new program, iConnect, will help MMF POS gain valuable knowledge about our resellers’ needs which will help us provide training and new product development tailored to their market, in order to help them increase their visibility. We’ve enlisted support from BlueStar, ScanSource, and Ingram Micro DC/POS, since everything passes through our distributors.”

VARs may sign up for iConnect through the MMF POS website, with no certification requirements, and welcome packages of sample products and more detailed information to be found. Elsewhere, MMF POS also has announced its new Lifetime Limited Warranty for its Advantage Series cash drawers, which come standard with the patent-pending LockIt cash-drop compartment for maximum security. Lifetime Limited Warranty applies to any model of the Advantage Series manufactured after April 4, 2011, following online registration. A standard Five-Year Warranty is granted without such registration, according to MMF POS.

Advantage Cash Drawer by MMF POS

California Dreamin’ at Zebra

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has officially opened its global design center in Agoura Hills, California. Measuring 70,000 square feet, this new facility houses more than 200 Zebra employees responsible for the design and development of new printer products in areas such as barcode, kiosk, ID card, and RFID. Zebra said it chose this location, in part, because of its close proximity to Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, which should help draw more technical talent from Southern California universities.

“The depth, breadth, and performance of Zebra’s product portfolio are unmatched, and we have clear intentions to leverage our competitive advantage by providing this leading-edge work environment,” declared Hugh Gagnier, SVP, Business Development and Operations for Zebra. “The physical work environment can significantly impact design teams’ levels of engagement and effectiveness. We’ve taken an industry-best-practice, progressive approach to ensure the most advanced tools are at our employees’ fingertips and to meet the evolving preferences of emerging technology talent.”

In contrast to typical R&D, in which design spaces are segmented into disciplines or projects, all functions such as engineering, concept-build and test, and pilot lines are situated at the center of the facility. This approach proves more conducive to overall engineering collaboration and encourages, for example, the retail-focused team to share ideas with their healthcare counterparts, according to the manufacturer. Structured with floor-to-ceiling windows and common work areas, this open configuration allows employees as well as visiting partners and customers to see work progressing. Branching out from this central space are desks, casual seating, and meeting areas with white boards “in which development teams can create and share new ideas.”

Zebra’s New Design Center

Worth Your While

WERC 2011
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 15-18
Orlando

NRA Show 2011
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

RetailNOW 2011
Retail Solution Providers Association
July 24-27
Orlando

VARTECH 2011
BlueStar
August 15-17
Miami

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Gryphon’s Engine Runs Far

Datalogic Scanning (Eugene, OR) has unwrapped its Gryphon GFS4100 scan module, offering one-dimensional reading for OEMs targeting self-service kiosks, ticket readers, and medical laboratory systems. Solid-state imaging technology achieves read speeds of 320 scans/second, according to Datalogic Scanning. With wide field of view, the Gryphon GFS4100 accommodates long labels and can read standard EAN13/UPC-A 13-mil barcodes at distances from 1.25 in./3.0 cm to 15.75 in./40 cm. Finally, the new component utilizes advanced decoding algorithms for poorly printed and damaged labels.

The Gryphon GFS4100 OEM module has the ability to automatically sense objects and trigger itself, or be triggered remotely using input from programmable logic controller (PLC) or sensor. As with all the company’s handheld scanners, Datalogic’s Aladdin configuration software may be ordered for easy set-up. Moreover, the Gryphon’s GFS4100 incorporates Datalogic’s patented Green Spot technology. This furnishes two important user-friendly benefits for the customer: visual indicator of the accomplishment of good reads, and aiming indicator for presenting barcodes in the reader’s field-of-view.

“The self-service market extends into many different environments, some of them quite harsh,” observed Giulio Berzuini, GM of Handheld Scanning at Datalogic Scanning. “The GFS4100 scan module is constructed of high-impact, solvent-resistant plastics, making it the perfect choice in healthcare settings, where frequent cleaning with disinfectant solutions is needed. For outdoor applications, the GFS4100 scan module steps up to the challenge with an IP-54 sealing rating, so it’s highly resistant to intrusions of particulates and moisture that could compromise scanning abilities.” For two-dimensional reading, it should be noted, Datalogic Scanning supplies its Magellan 1100i scan module.

Datalogic Scanning’s Gryphon GFS4100 Module

Tally Ho at Printronix

Printronix (Irvine, CA) has launched its new “TallyGenicom by Printronix” branded printers, the first demonstrated effort to synergize two well-known industry names. This next-generation of line-matrix products, dubbed TallyGenicom 6600, delivers improved reliability, productivity, and environmental advantages, according to the manufacturer, while seamlessly integrating into current end-user work-flows. All models of the 6600 meet Energy Star requirements and are fully compatible, direct replacements for earlier TallyGenicom printers.

TallyGenicom’s 6600 series by Printronix includes the 6600Q Cabinet (for large print runs in noise-sensitive areas), 6600 Open Pedestal (for harsh environments), 6600 Quiet Pedestal (for office settings), and 6600Z Zero Tear (for preprinted tickets and serialized documents). It carries the PrintNet Suite of tools to help supply chain professionals manage their worldwide print efforts remotely, as well as WebPanel for single printer management needs. Users may choose between speeds of 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 lines per minute and flexible configurations to suit their individual requirements.

“The TallyGenicom 6600 incorporates ‘The Power of Plus,’ a series of innovations or ‘plusses’ that add up to substantial reasons for business or industrial customers to upgrade, expand, or replace their current printers,” suggested Pendy Pendyala, VP of Global Marketing for Printronix, Inc. “This printer family improves the total cost of ownership dramatically through 30% reduction in consumable cost per page.”

TallyGenicom 6600 Line-Matrix Printer Family

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ALLIANCES

A Cool Factor for MICROS

MICROS Systems (Columbia, MD) has furthered its efforts in mobile payment and customer loyalty through integration with Tabbedout from ATX Innovations (Austin, TX). This new partnership allows restaurant and bar merchants to deploy Tabbedout’s software quickly and easily through their existing MICROS POS without any additional hardware requirements or downtime, according to the two parties. MICROS and its authorized resellers will market, install, and maintain the Tabbedout application.

“Tabbedout’s powerful payment and marketing engine has enabled thousands of mobile payments at restaurants and bars across 13 states in 49 cities,” stated Rick Orr, CEO and Co-Founder of Tabbedout. “Combining MICROS’s technology and large network of key customer venues with our innovative mobile payment platform will let everyone win.” Founded in 2009, Tabbedout recently completed $5.75 million in Series A funding, bringing its total war chest to $6.5 million from investors such as New Enterprise Associates and Trellis Partners.

“In this recession, particularly in larger cities where there are many restaurant options, being the first to offer mobile payments integrated with social media provides a ‘cool factor’ that is priceless,” cited Bob Amick, Owner of Atlanta-based Concentrics Restaurants. “Since deploying Tabbedout, which is fully integrated to our MICROS point-of-sale system, we have noticed that it not only attracts more patrons, it has increased table turns. Checking customers out to increase speed of table turns is key during peak serving times.”

Mobile Payment by Tabbedout

[Editor’s Note: MICROS also announced that Second Cup, Canada’s largest specialty café franchisor and second largest retailer of specialty coffee, has selected the MICROS e7 POS and mymicros.net restaurant enterprise system for its 300 locations.]

Voices Sweep Across RedPrairie

RedPrairie Corporation (Atlanta) has entered into an agreement to resell voice-recognition software from Voxware (Hamilton, NJ) as an extension of its own warehouse management system (WMS). Voxware 3 utilizes the latest RedPrairie APIs and comes with prepackaged voice work-flows. It has been deployed successfully to numerous customers, according to the two parties, and now will be made generally available to the market.

“RedPrairie and Voxware share a strong commitment to customer success,” remarked Scott Yetter, CEO of Voxware, which has focused its recent efforts on traceability in the supply chain. “Our joint solution sets a new standard for fast deployment of voice picking yet gives customers plenty of downstream flexibility. The result is rapid ROI today and strong cost control over time.”

Version 4.0 of Voxware 3, introduced last year, strengthens centralized management of voice applications across multiple warehouses through its Enterprise Voice Manager. “We have many large customers already using the decentralized deployment approach to reduce costs while simplifying support,” said Yetter. “One customer, Performance Food Group, operates 18 warehouses across North America and over 600 concurrent pickers in one instance of Voxware 3 located in their Richmond, Virginia, data center.”

RedPrairie Adds Voxware to WMS Offering

Code Corner

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) released Version 7.0 of its Advanced Checkout Solution for grocery. Key enhancements include web-enabled back office, which gives increased access to business information from anywhere in the retailer’s network. For example, store managers may now freely review financial data or make real-time pricing decisions. For produce and non-barcoded items, graphical look-up for the touch-enabled NCR DynaKey display helps cashiers reduce wait times as well as transaction errors. In addition, service-oriented architecture (SOA) and web services now supplement current support for the NRF’s Association for Retail Technology Standards (ARTS), including XML-based POSLog, the most widely adopted IXRetail schema. This allows retailers to reduce administration and implementation costs and integrate third-party solutions more easily. Finally, multi-lingual capability is now included in the cashier interface and back-office functions, which can further streamline usability and assist in clerk training. “Grocery retailers face continued pressures to reduce operating costs while concurrently providing convenient and hassle-free shopping experience for consumers,” reported Greg Egan, VP of Retail Solution Management at NCR. “By investing in new enhancements to help reduce IT complexity, streamline administration, and delight customers, NCR is demonstrating its commitment to help our customers solve their business problems.”

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

An Avalanche of Apples

Wavelink Corporation (Midvale, UT) has included support for Apple iOS devices--iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touches--as part of its Avalanche device management web console. This will be followed with support for Android and BlackBerry platforms in the coming weeks. Specific features have been tailored for each platform and major device manufacturers, including Apple, HTC, Samsung, BlackBerry, Sony, LG, and many others, according to the developer.

“We are excited to deliver iPad and iPhone management and security to our installed base of thousands of companies around the world,” commented Lamar Van Wagenen, CEO/President of Wavelink Corporation. “The number of smart phones and tablets connecting to corporate networks continues to grow, and IT departments are being required to secure the corporate data that is accessed and stored on each of these devices. Wavelink Avalanche allows administrators to centrally manage all the mobile assets on the network by tracking, updating, and securing them and ensuring corporate policies are enforced.”

With Avalanche, administrators can follow devices and determine street-level mapping of their location, system status, battery levels, and network configuration. Those that are lost or stolen can be wiped or locked remotely to protect corporate data; in addition, access can be denied for peripheral devices or unapproved applications, such as the camera or YouTube. Avalanche, of course, already supports Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Palm OS, and DOS, with more than six million client licenses in the field. Last month, Wavelink announced its 2010 Partners of the Year: PEAK Technologies (Columbia, MD) for North America-East; Quest Solution (Eugene, OR) for North America-West; Ryzex (Bellingham, WA) for Europe, Middle East, and Africa; and ProScan (Johannesburg, South Africa) for the 2010 Rising Star Award.

Wavelink Device Management Console for iOS

VeriFone, From Payments to Paymedia

VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA) has debuted “Paymedia,” its new subscription-based portfolio of payment and loyalty services targeted at the SMB merchant. In addition to credit and debit, Paymedia brings digital couponing, mobile commerce, and location-based social media through ties with companies such as Mocapay (Denver) and vPromos (Dallas). It builds upon VeriFone’s PAYware Connect “intelligent” gateway, with VeriShield Total Protect providing end-to-end encryption and tokenization to alleviate PCI compliance issues.

“VeriFone has created this complete digital media ecosystem to bring the full potential of online payment-oriented and social media services to the offline retail counter,” relayed Paul Rasori, SVP of Marketing for VeriFone. “Paymedia ensures merchants can meet the rapidly evolving needs of media-savvy consumers and take advantage of the latest systems, including NFC-capable payment acceptance, without risking upfront investments.” With Mocapay and vPromos in the fold, VeriFone will announce more third-party integrations throughout the year.

“Our reseller partners can provide complete integrated solutions that drive consumers into merchants’ stores and further entice them with value-added services,” Rasori noted. “With Paymedia, resellers can transform their sales operations into the recurring revenue business model that fosters long-term services-oriented relationships with merchants.” Additionally, resellers and acquirers may take advantage of sophisticated online tools such as automatic compliance updates, on-demand terminal status reporting, and real-time merchant attrition alerts, according to VeriFone.

Paul Rasori, SVP of Marketing, VeriFone

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Software - Retail
Tri-Technical Systems

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Software - Hospitality
Aldelo Systems

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Pay at Table
Bellatrix Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

Epson Powers Up

Southeastern Data Cooperative (SEDC), which supplies hardware and software solutions for utility companies, has selected Epson America’s TM-H6000 multi-function printer with TransScan digital check imaging and ProofPlus ID scanning as part of its “utilityPOWERnet” suite of billing, accounting, and capital credit software. Sixty of SEDC’s 215 member customers have been updated with the new hardware, and the remaining 155 customers are scheduled to roll out in the coming months. Epson’s TM-H6000 is the only POS printer with both integrated check and ID scanner for purposes such as electronic check conversion (ECC), thereby lowering check-handling costs and reducing fraud and liability, according to the vendor.

For SEDC, requirements included faster receipt printing, as well as the ability to scan and endorse checks, read MICR information, and print receipts in one pass. In addition, SEDC required that the new solution adhere to industry standards to ease placement into its existing cash register system. Epson’s printer was integrated into SEDC’s POS at walk-in and drive-thru bill pay areas. After scanning checks and ID cards, the images are archived for use with remittance systems.

“Technology is our business, and we believe in offering only the best solution to our customers,” declared Sarat Yellepeddi, VP of IT Development at SEDC. “We evaluated several POS printers and found Epson to be the best-of-breed for both the technology features and hardware compatibility. The Epson TM-H6000 with check and ID imaging was the hands-down best fit for our needs.”

Epson TM-H6000 with TransScan and ProofPlus

It’s Labor Day at HighJump

HighJump Software (Eden Prairie, MN) has supplied its labor management system (LMS) for Quiksilver’s distribution center in Mira Loma, California, which handles apparel, footwear, and accessories across the Quiksilver, Roxy, and DC Shoes brands. Initial deployment will include performance management for 120 team members working in the high-speed pick modules, to be followed by all 500 employees who perform processes such as unloading, receiving, packing, and moving product. Quiksilver has been one of HighJump’s warehouse management system (WMS) customers since 2001.

“HighJump has served as the trusted partner of Quiksilver for many years,” said Andres Castillo, SVP of Distribution Operations, Quiksilver. “Labor management was the next progression in making our distribution center operations more efficient and supporting plans for growth. HighJump’s labor management system was the logical choice given their knowledge of our operations, integration with the existing HighJump WMS, and our years of strong fellowship.”

“Quiksilver’s selection of HighJump’s labor management system is representative of our commitment to provide solutions that support our customers’ continued improvement of their distribution operations,” added Russell Fleischer, HighJump’s CEO. “Customers can achieve even greater efficiency in their workforce when introducing the labor management system that works in conjunction with their WMS. We look forward to helping Quiksilver achieve the benefits they anticipate.”

Apparel Maker Quiksilver Boosts DC Operations in Time for Summer

Channel Factoid

Despite an explosion in consumer conversation technology, Americans have cut back substantially on the opinions they share by word-of-mouth about companies and their products, according to recent research from Colloquy. Of more than three thousand U.S. consumers surveyed, 58% said they often have conversations with family, friends, and co-workers about their purchases. That’s down from 75% when Colloquy posed the same question in 2008. Additionally, 57% of respondents said they often recommend products and services to others, compared to 73% in 2008. It seems the tough economy over the last two years may be responsible for this dampened willingness to discuss brands. For example, of respondents who reported their households are doing better economically this year than last, 71% said they often have such conversations. That’s very similar to what Colloquy found two years ago, before the recession became “the meltdown.” Yet, among those who now see themselves as worse off, just 56% reported having brand talks and 55% said they make product recommendations. “Consumers on shrinking budgets don’t seem to be in the mood to talk about the hottest new restaurant, the brightest plasma screen, or the best airline,” said Jim Sullivan, Partner at Colloquy. “Or, if they are in the mood to talk, they may be sensitive to the possibility that others in more dire straits are in no mood to listen.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Roberts Boosted by Bixolon

Bixolon America (Torrance, CA) has promoted David Roberts to SVP, with responsibility for the strategic business direction and executive management for the company’s printer product lines and channel program for the Americas. For the past six years, Roberts has served as VP of Sales and Marketing, with particular focus on developing new direct/OEM opportunities. “A key component of Bixolon’s successful strategic growth will continue to be built on its excellence in delivering extraordinary customer service to both the channel and to its OEM customers in the U.S., Latin America, and Canada,” Roberts told RRN.Com.

Before joining Bixolon America, Roberts was GM for the East Coast and Latin America at M-S Cash Drawer, where over seven years he developed and managed numerous multi-million-dollar accounts and averaged more than 30% year-over-year growth. Prior to that, he spent over 16 years as successful entrepreneur in the hospitality industry in Latin America. Roberts speaks both Portuguese and Spanish fluently.

“Bixolon America is pleased to appoint David Roberts to the position of Senior Vice President,” said Sam Son, President of Bixolon America, Inc. “During his time as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, David’s leadership, his established relationships with tier-one customers, and his in-depth industry knowledge has been one of the driving forces behind Bixolon’s continued growth.”

David Roberts, SVP, Bixolon America

Wincor Wants Weber

Wincor Nixdorf (Austin, TX) has named Oliver Weber as its CEO of U.S. Operations. Weber joined Wincor Nixdorf in September 2003 as Head of the Corporate Controlling Department at the company’s headquarters in Paderborn, Germany. In April 2007, he was appointed CFO and COO of Wincor Nixdorf U.S. Earlier in his career, he worked at Accenture and ABB in Switzerland and the U.K.

“During his tenure, Oliver Weber has been instrumental in supporting the growth of Wincor Nixdorf in the U.S. financial services and retail industries,” shared Eckard Heidloff, CEO/President of Wincor Nixdorf, AG. “He has deep understanding of the U.S. market, our company, and our solutions. We look forward to continuing this U.S. growth pattern under his expanded leadership.”

Weber assumes the reins from Jens Bohlen, who had served as acting CEO for Wincor Nixdorf U.S. since October 2010 in addition to his position on the Wincor Nixdorf Executive Board and SVP of the company’s Global Services Division. Bohlen will remain on Wincor Nixdorf’s U.S. Board of Directors. Wincor Nixdorf introduced its new CINEO family, which spans ATMs, cash-handling terminals, and self-checkout platforms, in January 2010, although the company remains relatively quiet in the channel.

Oliver Weber, CEO, Wincor Nixdorf U.S.