Our Product Pick

Teklynx International (Milwaukee, WI) has shipped its 2015 family of Label Matrix, Label View, Code Soft, Sentinel, and Label Archive. It carries support for Windows 10, more functionality, and increased system flexibility. Some specific new features: Label Matrix, address field consolidation and multi-line keyboard input; Label View, variable pick list and edit file shortcuts; Code Soft, improved "Port Watch" connection to the weigh scale; Sentinel, single server management of 1,000 printers; Label Archive, an optimized reporting tool. "It offers tiered labeling solutions replete with new customer-driven features relevant to a variety of fast-growing industries," stated David Kane, Label Design Product Manager at Teklynx.

Teklynx Barcode Labeling Software

COMPANY BUSINESS

Heartland Feasts on Digital Dining . . .

He's at it again. Robert Carr, Chairman and CEO of payment processor Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ), has added another historic ISV in POS. Digital Dining now joins pcAmerica and Dinerware, bought in February 2015, and Xpient Solutions and LiquorPOS, bought in 2014. Taken together, they form the business group, Heartland Commerce. Stay tuned, since "the company will continue seeking profitable acquisitions to support its strategy," according to the official proclamation.

Menusoft, Digital Dining's first product, was introduced in the U.S. in 1984. The firm was privately held, and Heartland plans to "substantially retain" all Digital Dining employees. With more than 100,000 customer locations, subsumed networks of VARs, and melded strategy of offering point-of-sale, payment processing, and adjacent business services, the term well-positioned describes Heartland Commerce.

"Digital Dining strengthens Heartland's obligation to providing our customers with one of the industry's largest set of commerce solutions that are effective, transparent, and open to partners in all business segments who shun deceptive pricing tactics," commented Carr. "Integrating Digital Dining into the Heartland organization allows us to gain operational synergies, substantially grow our commerce footprint, and continue our leadership." Added Graham Granger, President of Digital Dining, which is based in Springfield, VA, "The future of Digital Dining is now backed by the strength of Heartland."

Robert Carr, Chairman and CEO, Heartland Payment Systems

. . . While Exatouch Excites Electronic Payments

Another example of the power of the processors, as Electronic Payments (Calverton, NY) scoops up Exatouch POS (Boca Raton, FL). As products, in addition to its hybrid-cloud software, Exatouch has its 10" Sidekick Tablet, 15" XT Resistive Touchscreen Terminal, and 15" XT PRO Capacitive Touchscreen Terminal. It addresses vertical markets such as liquor, grocery, convenience, and spa and salon, as well as hospitality.

"As a payments processor, we understand the need for progressive point-of-sale solutions that still possess an element of familiarity to the end-user," indicated Michael Nardy, Founder and CEO of Electronic Payments. "The Exatouch product suite will fit well into our company's technology offerings and allow us to serve our partners in new and exciting ways." According to the announcement, employees of Exatouch have joined Electronic Payments, including Founder Terry Glatt.

In January 2015, Electronic Payments launched its Clover Placement Program, for First Data's Clover POS. Another effort, its Datacap Usage Program, based on that well-known company's middleware for integrated payments, addressed the role of ISVs and VARs. In concert with Exatouch, Electronic Payments encompasses NFC, EMV, Mobile Wallets, and Gift/Loyalty (called "eGiftSolutions").

Exatouch's 15" XT PRO POS Terminal

Worth Your While

IAAPA Expo 2015
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 16-20
Orlando

NRF's Big Show - Annual Conference
National Retail Federation
January 17-20, 2016
New York City

Inspire 2016
Retail Solutions Providers Association
Jan. 31 - Feb. 3, 2016
San Diego

Transact 16
Electronic Transactions Association
April 19-21, 2016
Las Vegas

NRA Show 2016
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24, 2016
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

A New Flight Plan at Wasp

Things are buzzing at Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX). As the first step in its new strategic roadmap, the vendor has unwrapped four upgraded mobile computers: the DT90 2D, the DT60 2D Numeric and QWERTY, and the HC1 2D QWERTY. They add two-dimensional scan engines (mainly from Datalogic) to existing specifications, feature sets, and form factors, at the extra charge of $50. (A fifth new device, the stripped-down DT90 Batch, targets military/government.)

Aimed at retail, warehousing, and logistics, Wasp's DT90 2D has 38-key keyboard, 3.2" full-color touchscreen display, XScale PXA310@624 MHz, 802.11a/b/g, 11-hour battery, and Windows CE 6.0 Pro. In pocket size, the DT60 2D has 2.7" full-color touchscreen display, XScale PXA310@806 MHz, 802.11b/g/n, 6.7-hour battery life, and Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. Finally, for manufacturing or healthcare, the HC1 2D has 3.8" full-color touchscreen display, TI AM3715@1 GHz, 802.11a/b/g, 8-hour battery life, and Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5.

In conversation with RRN.Com, Brian Sutter, Director of Marketing for Wasp, revealed aggressive plans. "In Q2 2016, all our Asset Management bundles will come standard with the 2D mobile computers, and by Q3, the same will be true for Inventory Control," he divulged. And even more awaits: In Q1 2016, Wasp also will launch its SaaS-based Asset Cloud, to be followed, again, by Inventory Cloud by Q3. "By far the biggest development effort we've ever done at Wasp," reflected Sutter.

Wasp's New DT90 2D Mobile Computer

A Strong Signal From Printronix

Continuing to revitalize its thermal printer line, Printronix (Irvine, CA) has unveiled the M4L2. It represents one of the industry's first mobile barcode printers to feature dual-antenna technology for extended, strengthened Wi-Fi, according to the vendor. Supporting frequency bands of 2.4 and 5.0 GHz, it builds upon the M4L, and carries 802.11a/b/g/n, 32-MB RAM, and 16-MB Flash (as well as Bluetooth, of course).

Measuring 6.3 in. (W) x 7.5 in. (H) x 3.1 in. (D), weighing 2.4 lbs., the direct-thermal M4L2 has maximum print width of 4.1 inches/104 mm and maximum print speed of 4 inches/102 mm per second at 203 dpi. A rubber-infused, over-molding design meets IP-54 ratings for water and dust and withstands 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete. Additional benefits include one-handed change of media; high-capacity, rechargeable Li-Ion battery; large, four-button backlit LCD (256x128); label-roll capacity of 2.6 inches/67 mm; and emulations for ZPL II and CPCL.

"The M4L2 stands for power, reliability, and ultimate mobility. We designed the product with the sole purpose of increasing efficiency in the supply chain," proclaimed Plamen Petkov, GM of Thermal Printing Business for Printronix (and former SVP of Corporate Development and Marketing for Datamax-O'Neil). "Its dual-antenna technology, extended battery life, and rugged construction allow it to easily last a full work day, even in the most challenging warehouse conditions. Our customers now have a mobile printing solution to really drive their bottom line."

Printronix M4L2 Mobile Barcode Printer

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ALLIANCES

Elo Ropes 11Giraffes

Digital signage ISV 11Giraffes (Charlotte, NC) has certified the I-Series Touchscreen Display from Elo Touch Solutions (Milpitas, CA). This solution allows users to create video content, build playlists, and schedule playback times locally, regionally, or even globally across an enterprise or franchisee network, according to the two parties. Delivered as SaaS, 11Giraffes addresses retail, restaurants, resorts, automotive, financial, medical, and convenience stores.

"11Giraffes and Elo are committed to enabling our reseller channel partners with digital signage solutions that are simple to learn, scale from small business to enterprise applications, and have a proven track record of reliability," relayed Craig Witsoe, CEO of Elo. "Our shared understanding of the interactive signage space, combined with 11Giraffe's content-creation ability, is the perfect solution for retailers and hospitality providers looking to simplify digital signage deployment, operation, and maintenance." Elo's I-Series, offered in models of 10", 15", and 22", carries wall, floor, and tabletop mounting.

"The Elo interactive digital signage portfolio was easy to integrate with our Android signage software," disclosed Jim Marascio, CTO and VP of Operations at 11Giraffes. "The result is a reliable, consistent, and widely available touchscreen platform we can offer to our resellers. Elo's I-Series hardware combined with 11Giraffe's software provides an affordable, easy-to-use digital canvas that connects mobile, social, online, in-store, and in-house brand experiences."

A Leading Digital Signage ISV Certifies Elo's I-Series

ASI Takes Action on EMV

Its eye on EMV/NFC, Action Systems, Inc. (Silver Spring, MD), maker of Restaurant Manager POS, has entered into strategic partnership with Payment Logistics (San Diego, CA). Under this pact, ASI has incorporated Payment Logistics' Paygistix technology platform into its RM Gateway Service. Well-known to readers of RRN.Com, founded in 1987, ASI addresses table service, bars, nightclubs, pizza, and quick-service. Its cloud-based solution has been dubbed RM Duet.

"When you're working with a mature POS system like Restaurant Manager that incorporates nearly 30 years of features and functionality, an off-the-shelf payment gateway just doesn't work," reported Dustin Niglio, President of Payment Logistics. "By working hand-in-hand with ASI over the past year, we've been able to develop and customize our Paygistix solution to fit the unique needs of the many Restaurant Manager users based here in the U.S. We're impressed at how methodical and thorough ASI has been in incorporating this best-in-class solution into their RM Gateway Service."

Joseph Finizio, VP of Sales & Marketing, ASI (and former Executive Director of the Retail Solutions Providers Association), describes Paygistix as "rock solid," "fully integrated," and "out-of-scope for PCI Compliance." He added, "We made it simple for our resellers--all of the product integration and business integration is through Action Systems, Inc." Going forward, ASI will pursue additional solutions for EMV/NFC. Elsewhere, it has certified the "price-power performer," Intel Atom CPU, KS6900 POS Terminal from Posiflex.

ASI's President Smiley Hsu at Restaurant Manager/Payment Logistics Installation in San Diego's Gas Lamp District

Code Corner

Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA) has released its new middleware, NETePay for Vantiv, with EMV Level 3 Certification. Initially addressing the VX 805 PIN Pad from Verifone, NETePay for Vantiv will soon support additional hardware. Also, more payment processors will be announced with EMV-enabled NETePay by Datacap Systems. "A delay in U.S. EMV Certification, along with the lack of quality education for merchants, has led to confusion and frustration in the industry," Justin Zeigler, Marketing Director of Datacap Systems, told RRN.Com. "Unfortunately, the ISVs/VARs are the entities that are merchant-facing and therefore forced to take the brunt of the backlash from their customers. Now that the leaders in the payments space are beginning to release EMV-ready products, EMV will shift from a headache to a significant sales opportunity for ISVs/VARs in 2016."

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Tri-Tech: If You Build It, They Will Come

Tri-Technical Systems (Dubuque, IA) has released Version 11 of its flagship AIMsi POS Software, now ready for EMV. It also has upgraded and enabled for mobility its e-commerce website, Active-e. "A lot of the feature enhancements in V.11 help streamline data entry and enhance the integration processes between applications and devices," Amber Earles, Project Manager for Tri-Technical Systems, told RRN.Com. Add widespread parsing of driver's licenses with scanners such as the CR900FD from Code Corporation and Xenon 1900G from Honeywell Sensing and Productivity Solutions.

"A new feature, popular with repair and service departments, is the ability for customers to view the status of service tickets and approve estimates online," noted Earles. "By pairing AIMsi V.11 with our Active-e, stores can electronically send/receive approvals for service ticket estimates. AIMsi V.11 also now interfaces with 'Smartwaiver,' an online waiver solution."

"Another new feature was added, giving stores the ability to maintain an e-mail blacklist for e-mail addresses that they do not want automatically added to the customer account," continued Earles. "For example, employees might 'cc' themselves on an e-mail when sending the receipt, but the store would not want that employee's address to be saved to the customer's account. In addition, stores can now capture signatures at the POS."

Golf Management Package From Tri-Tech

Pizza POS Topped With StoreCard

Restaurant ISV SpeedLine Solutions (Vancouver, BC, Canada) has enlisted StoreCard by Mercury/Vantiv (Durango, CO). A gift, rewards, and mobile payment scheme, StoreCard utilizes either the customer's smartphone or plastic card. It enables restaurant operators to compete with leading chains in this area, at minimal cost, according to the two parties.

With Mercury StoreCard, customers may load additional funds and earn cashback rewards. SpeedLine's integration includes Card Studio, an accompanying e-commerce website that allows consumers to purchase and send gift cards to friends and family. Restaurant operators who already use MercuryGift may add StoreCard with no change to the POS. (FYI: Card Studio is not offered in Canada.)

"A guest's physical StoreCard is easily converted to a mobile wallet," enthused Jennifer Wiebe, Marketing Manager for SpeedLine Solutions. "It encourages customer loyalty through rewards and faster, more convenient checkout. And StoreCard transactions are free and unlimited for SpeedLine users if the restaurant already processes credit cards." Best known for its pizza and delivery software, SpeedLine Solutions sells via VARs.

SpeedLine Solutions Adds StoreCard by Mercury/Vantiv

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bematech
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
PowaPOS
TEAMSable

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Honeywell Scanning

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
Mercury/Vantiv
Moneris

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp
PrehKeyTec

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

INSTALLATIONS

Sionic: Styled for the SMB

Sometimes lost in the buzz over all the new "Pay's"--whether Apple, Google, Android, Samsung, or 'Pal--is the SMB. Not in the case of Sionic Mobile (Atlanta, GA), which specifically fashions its mobile loyalty and payment scheme for this sector. This week, Sionic Mobile signed McBride Research Labs, maker of the "Design Essentials" brand of hair care products, to its surprisingly long list of customers (i.e., Banana Republic, Gamestop, and Gap). Here, McBride will employ the ION Loyalty solution by Sionic for its wholesalers. Eventually, this touches more than 30,000 retailers and salons in the U.S.

In addition to earning rewards, distributors of Design Essentials may apply for their own ION Loyalty account, reducing their credit card payment fees (via Chase Paymentech), and allowing them to reward their own customers with IONs. Additionally, with the new "Scan Pay" feature in the ION Loyalty mobile app, based on the smartphone's camera, distributors can accept card payments in the field without having to use extra swipe or EMV devices, according to Sionic. At present more than 100,000 restaurants and retail locations accept IONs. (Distributors may also use IONs to purchase additional products from Design Essentials).

"After examining multiple loyalty platforms and programs, ION Loyalty is the only solution that gives our distributors the flexibility to earn and redeem rewards with no restrictions," suggested Terry Armstrong, VP of Sales and Operations for McBride Research Labs. "It has an easy intuitive user interface while providing the scalability to grow with our company as we expand into new markets." As expected, ION Loyalty accommodates online sales, mobile devices, and fixed POS.

Sionic's ION Loyalty Mobile App

Revel Hits the Gas

A first place showing for iPad POS, and Revel Systems (San Francisco, CA), in the form of the Indianapolis Speedway and Legends Hospitality. Approximately 200 configurations of new iPad Air's, credit card swipes, receipt printers, and cash drawers will be deployed. In all, the Indianapolis Speedway seats 400,000 fans. Other venues for Legends Hospitality include Live Nation, Yankee Stadium, Angel Stadium, AT&T Park, the Rose Bowl, Manchester City FC, and One World Observatory and Circle Line Cruises in New York City.

Significantly, the Indianapolis Speedway will employ Revel Ethernet Connect, the vendor's proprietary back-up cabling. Aimed at enterprise deployments, this scheme supplies switch-over from Wi-Fi to Ethernet or from Ethernet to Wi-Fi, and from one router to another. As other features, Legends Hospitality cited Revel's robust cloud management console, intuitive front-end, and Application Programming Interface (API).

Indianapolis Speedway Adopts Revel Systems' iPad POS

Channel Factoid

Interesting findings from "The Electronic Payment System: An Assessment of Benefits for U.S. and State Economies," conducted for MasterCard by the Perryman Group. It estimates that the electronic payments system has increased the size of the U.S. economy by more than 12% as measured in gross product, increased personal consumption expenditures by almost 17%, and increased employment by 20%. This translates to gains in business activities worth $1.76 trillion in gross product and more than 23 million jobs since 1970. This study paid special attention to the years 2004 to 2014, with significant uptick in the use of electronic payments, driven in part by e-commerce. For this period, it found that gains in business activities were worth $433 billion in gross product and generated nearly 5.7 million permanent jobs in the U.S. In the case of New York, for example, the economic impact of electronic payments for the period 2004 through 2014 is calculated at almost $33 million in gross product and 430,000 new jobs. "Most people will be familiar with the direct benefits of electronic payments," observed Ray Perryman of the Perryman Group. "Merchants benefit from increased sales and business efficiencies and consumers benefit from the convenience and safety of credit and debit cards. Less well understood are the wider benefits that electronic payments have brought to our economy."

HELLO GOODBYE

SOTI Grows "Loonie"

SOTI Inc. (Mississauga, ON, Canada) has pledged to invest $150 million in its home country over the next 36 months. It includes $50 million for research and development, more than 300 new jobs, and contemporary, five-acre, 150,000-square-foot, high-tech campus. For Fiscal Year 2015, SOTI reported 53% revenue growth and 30% increase in staff in Canada. It supplies leading solutions for Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), in particular, MobiControl.

"For two decades, SOTI's strong technology leadership and Canadian innovation has helped shape the future of mobile technology around the globe, with more than 20 million devices under SOTI management today," declared Carl Rodrigues, CEO. As new hires, SOTI will target engineering and software development, befitting the expected growth in the Internet of Things (IoT). At its SOTI SYNC Show this week in Toronto, SOTI celebrated its Channel Partner Awards. As winners: Global Partner, Barcoding Inc. (Baltimore, MD); North American VAR, Strategic Mobility Group (Schaumburg, IL); Rising VAR, One Point Consulting (London, U.K.); Market Maker, AbeTech (Rogers, MN); Cloud, OCR Canada (Markham, ON, Canada) and OEM, Honeywell Sensing and Productivity Solutions (Fort Mill, SC).

Carl Rodrigues, CEO, SOTI

Running the Nation's Kitchen

Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, has been named one of the most powerful women in Washington, DC, by "Washingtonian" Magazine. This list of 100 spans business, law, government, education, media, non-profits, and the arts. Well-known to readers of RRN.Com, the National Restaurant Association represents over 500,000 restaurants over multiple foodservice concepts, including quick-service, fast casual, fine dining, and cafeteria, along with manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.

Calling the award "no surprise," Jack Crawford, Chairman of the National Restaurant Association, stated, "Dawn's leadership has been vital in continuing to grow both the National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association's Educational Foundation as we promote key initiatives that benefit America's one million restaurants and the 14 million Americans that drive our industry. We are proud to have her included among such a prestigious list of influential women."

Sweeney has helped lead the National Restaurant Association since 2007. Previously, she served as Group Executive Director of Membership for AARP and President and CEO of AARP Services. The 2016 NRA Show is scheduled for May 21 to 24 in Chicago, IL. Among all the booze and food, the Tech Pavilion.

Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO, National Restaurant Association