This Week’s Product Pick

Intermec (Everett, WA) has expanded its SR61T scanning portfolio with three new models: the SR61THP high-performance scanner, the SR61TXR extra-range scanner, and the SR61T2D industrial scanner. The SR61THP represents the market’s most advanced motion-tolerant barcode device, according to the company, featuring unique illumination and red laser aimer to swiftly read linear, stacked, composite, and matrix symbologies at top speeds and in all colors. In turn, the enhanced SR61TXR employs Intermec’s new third-generation EX25 scan engine to offer impressive read range from near contact to as far away as 50 feet/15 meters. With five distinct product offerings, including the SR61T tethered and SR61B Bluetooth, the SR61 family now fully addresses the needs of customers in warehousing and manufacturing. In addition to one and two-dimensional scanning, these terminals capture photos and videos, transmitting such images over full-speed USB 2.0 interface. Designed to work in the most demanding environments, the SR61T portfolio withstands hot and cold temperature extremes, constant forklift vibration, and windblown dust and rain. “The SR61T industrial scanning portfolio offers customers the industry’s best scanning solution of 1D, 2D, laser, and long-range readers, with enhanced laser aiming, unmatched motion tolerance, fastest time to data capture, and greatest depth of field,” declared David Downey, GM of Data Capture Operations at Intermec.

SR61T Scanner From Intermec

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Booster Chair for Item-Level RFID

A group of leading retailers, suppliers, and industry experts has assembled to guide the adoption of RFID technology in retail. Initial focus of the Item Level RFID Initiative will be within the apparel sector, in response to the growing number of pilots and deployments both in-store and throughout that supply chain. Over the coming months, the group will work to create the strategy and framework for “industry engagement, education, adoption, and responsible use” of existing Electronic Product Code (EPC)-enabled RFID technology. This includes development of measurable value propositions for retailers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, as well as standards-based guidelines and business practices for multiple technology platforms.

“This initiative could change the way the retail industry does business--and could lead to the biggest supply-chain transformation since the introduction of the bar code,” suggested Joseph Andraski, CEO/President of Voluntary Inter-Industry Commerce Solutions (VICS), which will guide the effort in collaboration with GS1 US and GS1 Canada. Additional trade participants include AAFA (American Apparel & Footwear Association), CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals), NRF (National Retail Federation), and RILA (Retail Industry Leaders Association).

“We believe it is time for the industry to come together to advance the use of this technology throughout the retail supply chain,” stated Peter Longo, President of Macy’s Logistics & Operations, and Co-Chair of the Item Level RFID Initiative, along with Cynthia DiPietrantonio, COO of The Jones Group. The advisory board also includes representatives from Conair, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Jockey, Kohl’s, Levi Strauss, Li & Fung, VF Corporation, and Wal-Mart. In making its announcement, the group cited research performed at the University of Arkansas which demonstrates compelling results from item-level RFID implementation, including inventory accuracy rates of more than 95%, the ability to count as many as 5,000 items per hour, and out-of-stock reductions of up to 50%.

Joseph Andraski, CEO/President of VICS, Will Help Guide Effort

Honeywell Buddies Up

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) has drawn upon two powerful strategic partners, Aruba Networks (Sunnyvale, CA) and Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL) in order to strengthen its standing in mobile data collection. These new alliances were announced at the company’s first North American Partner Event, held last week in Las Vegas. Of particular interest to RRN.Com readers, Honeywell and Zebra have pledged to work more closely together to promote each other’s products through the reseller channel.

“For many years, Honeywell and Zebra have worked together in the healthcare industry to deliver solutions to hospital operators,” noted Paul Cullinane, Director of Global Accounts and Alliances at Zebra Technologies. “We are extending that relationship to take advantage of the complementary nature of our products, mutual financial and market strength, and global presence to provide our customers and resellers with best-in-class solutions.” This relationship is still in its early stages, Cullinane told RRN.Com, with plans now being formulated to address joint marketing efforts. Globally, Zebra and Honeywell plan to leverage the strength of each company's network--and resellers in common--across vertical markets and geographic regions in need of mobile terminal/printer solutions. This new strategic alliance may strike many RRN.Com readers as similar to the long relationship between Zebra and Motorola Solutions.

In describing his company’s new relationship with Aruba Networks, Darius Adamcyzk, President of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, said, “Our enterprise customers have made it clear that they want a secure, easy-to-deploy, end-to-end system solution that provides both wireless networking and data collection capabilities. Honeywell and Aruba have a shared vision about the primacy of customer support, and the need for robust mobile data collection across the enterprise.” To that end, Honeywell’s Dolphin 6000, 7000, and 9000 series of mobile computing devices will be paired with Aruba’s expansive, broad-based, WLAN infrastructure. As target markets, the two parties have identified healthcare, for patient identification and bedside medication administration, and retail, for on-floor wireless price checking and seamless mobile checkout.

Darius Adamczyk, President of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Far Left) Presents ISV of the Year Award to Anthony Davis of 2Go Software (Center). Honeywell Executives Behind Davis: Andrew D’Amelio, VP Sales-the Americas; Laura Kelleher, Director of Americas Marketing; Howard Finch, Channel Development

Worth Your While

Customer Engagement Technology World
(Formerly KioskCom & The Digital Signage Show)
November 10-11
New York

NRF 100th Annual
Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 9-12, 2011
New York

RSPA Inspire 2011
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 23-26, 2011
Maui, Hawaii

Supply Chain Conference
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA)
January 30-February 1, 2011
Orlando

ProMat 2011
Material Handling Industry of America
March 21-24, 2011
Chicago

NRA Show 2011
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24, 2011
Chicago

UConnect 2011
Voluntary Inter-Industry Commerce Solutions (VICS)
May 31-June 3, 2011
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

D-O Drops New Label Printer (26 Times)

Datamax-O’Neil (Orlando) introduced its RL4, touted as the most durable four-inch portable label printer in the market. The RL4 meets the MIL-STD-810 drop standard, according to its manufacturer, which requires 26 consecutive drops at 6 feet/1.8 meters to concrete. In addition to its rugged design, it incorporates user-friendly features such as backlight 128x64 LCD, four-button controls, and easy, one-handed media loading, as well as integration into all common barcode emulation languages and communication protocols.

“Datamax-O’Neil follows a year of research and concluded that customers needed a portable label printer that could withstand the rugged environments typically found in manufacturing and warehouse operations,” reported Paul Lehmann, Director of Product Management for Datamax-O’Neil. “Up until now, they have had to rely on stationary label printers or inferior portable printers which aren’t designed to withstand harsh and often punishing conditions. We’ve built the RL4 for rugged portability, and designed it so that it can be worn on belts or installed on forklifts or carts to bring label printing to its needed destinations.”

In terms of performance, the direct thermal device delivers 203-dpi resolution, with print width of 4.25 inches/108 mm, and print speed of 4 inches/102 mm per second. Physical characteristics include dimensions of 6.5 in. x 7.9 in. x 3.2 in., weight of 2.16 lbs, and Serial, USB, Bluetooth, and 802.11a/b/g ports. Described as compatible with SAP, Oracle, and AS/400 warehouse management systems, and compliant with WPA and WPA2 security and encryption protocols, the RL4 will start shipping in early January, with orders now being accepted.

Ultra-Rugged RL4 New Label Printer From Datamax-O’Neil

Texas-Sized Outdoor Signage

Texas Digital Systems (College Station, TX), supplier of the popular AccuVIEW drive-up order terminals, has unveiled outdoor LED displays for environments such as stadiums, convention centers, entertainment venues, and houses of worship. Designed for maximum flexibility, and offered in full-color and monochrome versions, the new displays can be customized for installations as large as 45 feet high by 80 feet wide, and in 13, 16, 20, and 27-mm pixel-spacing sizes to suit various viewing distances. These panels can be used for stand-alone messaging or incorporated into larger static signs.

Durability and cost were paramount in the design and selection of the display components, according to Texas Digital. Frontal access and modularity allow the overall sign to remain operational even during on-site service and maintenance. Measuring approximately 1 ft. x 1 ft., each LED module functions independently and interchangeably, making the whole procedure somewhat plug-and-play. Messaging can be changed “on-the-fly” and updated to the sign in real time with Texas Digital’s VitalCAST software solution. Further, for installations where local zoning regulations limit the use and frequency of video and message changes, the company also supplies simple point-and-click software.

“We are excited to expand our digital signage offerings into another area that is growing quickly and becoming highly visible,” shared Dennis Davidson, President/COO of Texas Digital, which partners with many prominent OEMs, ISVs, and VARs in POS. “Our customers have repeatedly expressed the need for this kind of signage and we look forward to now providing them with this complete turnkey solution that combines their outdoor and indoor signage together under one system that is supplied and supported by one provider. Furthermore, our dedicated project management teams ensure that each installation gets managed from concept to completion.”

Drive-By Displays Added by Texas Digital Systems

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INTEGRATION

Datalogic Mobile Baits Skyhook

Datalogic Mobile (Eugene, OR) will add sophisticated location-based capabilities to its family of mobile computers through an agreement with Skyhook (Boston). Skyhook’s so-called Core Engine determines precise device location by accumulating and synthesizing data from Wi-Fi access points, GPS satellites, and cell towers using advanced hybrid positioning algorithms. The Elf PDA from Datalogic Mobile will be the first product to include Skyhook’s embedded technology.

“Pinpointing the exact location of operators in the field is critical for efficient field force management and logistics,” commented Tom Burke, VP, Product Marketing for Datalogic Mobile. “Skyhook’s Core Engine provides our devices with the highest-performing location capabilities in the ruggedized mobile data collection segment. We are enthusiastic about being one of the first in our industry to offer location-based services that go beyond basic A-GPS to include location fix, both indoors and in obstructed outdoor situations.”

Geo-location is at the center of mobile innovation, according to Datalogic Mobile, and fundamental to many emerging services for both business and consumers. Precise location information not only helps workers to find and navigate to destinations, it also enhances the logistical management and tracking of field resources. For employees such as cable company repairmen, package couriers, or mobile sales associates, such accurate location information promises to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Comparative Performance of Skyhook’s Core Engine (XPS) to Wi-Fi Positioning Systems (WPS) and Global Positioning Systems (A-GPS)

Skynax Smiles On Intermec

Intermec (Everett, WA) will offer new communications server software--Skynax--through its recent acquisition of GATC, the Prague-based developer. Officially replacing Intermec’s 6920 communication server at the end of 2010, Skynax delivers unified management of mobile devices, host, and applications across any wireless network. It will benefit end-users in field service, direct store delivery, presales and merchandising, transportation and logistics, and public safety, according to the new owner.

“Skynax answers the need for companies to improve their own return on investment through better integrated tools to control their mobile computing operations, and further strengthens Intermec’s complete portfolio of solutions for our channel partners and customers,” declared Larry Klimczyk, VP of Intermec Global Solutions. “This solution offers enterprises the tools necessary to conquer communication, security, and data management issues in a complete mobility infrastructure fully supported by Intermec.” Klimcyzk joined Intermec in June, with prior experience at Symbol Technologies (now Motorola Solutions), and works closely with the company’s partners in the area of enterprise mobility.

According to VDC Research (Natick, MA), simple phone connectivity problems drive most wireless end-user requests for technical support. With its unified, scalable platform, Skynax allows IT managers to move beyond such complaints, which typically include unexpected loss of wireless network coverage, high network latency, and low bandwidth. Addition of Skynax follows recent releases of Intermec VERDEX for postal sortation operations and Intermec INcontrol for mobile device network management, diagnostics, and configuration.

Larry Klimczyk, VP of Intermec Global Solutions

Code Corner

Tracker Corp. (San Francisco) added the POS User Role feature to its Tracker I-9 software, thereby enabling retail store managers to process electronic I-9 Forms and E-Verify using any web-enabled POS terminal. I-9, of course, establishes employment eligibility verification for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Viewable at screen resolution as low as 800x600 pixels per square inch, the POS User Role eliminates the delays and workload normally faced when funneling all I-9’s through the HR department of corporate headquarters. Meanwhile, its simplified functionality blends within the workflows of on-site environments, streamlining the I-9 process without stress, while allowing managers to focus on their daily job, according to the developer. Tracker I-9 also completely integrates with the company’s current applications and systems, easily automates best practices company-wide, and most importantly, ensures compliance with Form I-9 and E-Verify laws. “Our new POS User functionality is being leveraged by one of the nation’s largest apparel manufacturers and retailers,” related Brett Weiss, COO of Tracker Corp. “Of course this unique feature will also benefit other industries, such as foodservice and transportation, which rely on managers at multiple workstations to process I-9’s. But it will be especially valuable to organizations that process high numbers of temporary or seasonal employees. We’re excited to mainstream it.”

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Gray Matters at Star Micronics

Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has issued its TSP143GT Gray, which brings charcoal coloring to the high-speed GT version of the company’s popular TSP100 receipt printer series, complementing the GT’s original colors of high-gloss Ice White and Piano Black. The TSP143GT Gray furnishes full compatibility with existing models and offers the same benefits, including high-speed print rate of 45 receipts per minute (RPM), 203-dpi resolution, two-color capacity, and futurePRNT receipt design software. It carries standard USB interface, an internal power supply, drivers and software, and user-friendly plug-and-play installation.

“Star Micronics introduced the TSP143GT Gray in direct response to feedback we received from our channel partners,” indicated Christophe Naasz, Director of Marketing for Star Micronics America. “Our reseller and software developer partners were asking for a faster version of our popular TSP100 series printer and to provide an aesthetically pleasing and consistent POS system look. The addition of the GT Gray offers more flexibility by enabling them to offer a receipt printer that matches the popular charcoal gray color used in many modern POS system set-ups.”

The TSP143GT Gray comes with three-year full warranty with the first year featuring complimentary Swap-A-Star. It’s also eligible for Star’s Extend-A-Star and Swap-A-Star enhanced service programs in the U.S. and Canada. Under Swap-A-Star, malfunctioning printers are replaced within 24 hours, under bumper-to-bumper warranty (excluding abuse, damage, and media) and with shipping paid.

Star’s TSP143GT Thermal Receipt Printer, in Charcoal Gray

One Very Clean Pallet

Over the past four years, RRN.Com has reported regularly on scanners and mobile computers retrofitted with antimicrobial coatings for use in healthcare settings. Now Intelligent Global Pooling Systems, which goes by iGPS, has taken its plastic, RFID-enabled pallet technology into this arena. The new service--“iGPS bios”--follows a year of research into the needs of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, and provides levels of pallet hygiene and security that cannot be achieved with pallets made of wood or other organic materials, according to the company, which is based in Orlando.

“The iGPS bios program consists of several premium elements,” explained Bob Moore, iGPS Chairman and CEO. “First each iGPS pallet--the world’s only retail pallet to achieve NSF International Food Equipment Certification--is inspected to ensure that its condition is pristine. Next, each pallet is individually washed and sanitized at an iGPS facility, then immediately enclosed in protective wrapping to maintain its hygienic condition. This wrapping will prevent bacteria, pathogens, and chemical contaminants, whether airborne or on supply chain surfaces, from contaminating bios pallets. The iGPS bios pallets delivered to our customers will be idea for their purposes--lightweight, robustly constructed, hygienic, made of inorganic material, and discretely traceable across the supply chain.”

Each iGPS pallet has four RFID tags embedded into its all-plastic frame, which enables tracking and tracing throughout the delivery process. In addition, iGPS has begun deploying Spider AT tags throughout its pallet fleet. Spider AT represents Enfora’s battery-powered GSM/GPRS/GPS wireless tag that can transmit critical information about iGPS pallets, including alerts, event reporting, and precise location. In its literature, iGPS points to customer studies that show bottom-line savings of up to $2 per pallet load when compared to wood, due to lower transport costs, reduced production downtime, larger loads per pallet, less product damage, and fewer rejected loads.

iGPS National Sales and Innovation Center in Northwest Arkansas, Near Wal-Mart

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
Posiflex Business Machines
POS-X

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Godex International

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Touch Displays & Monitors
3M Touch Systems

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

INSTALLATIONS

Volumes of Tokenization

MBS Textbook Exchange (West Ash Columbia, MO), one of the largest players in its field, has engaged Paymetric (Atlanta) to provide its partnered bookstores with payment card tokenization solutions. MBS offers the largest warehouse of used textbooks in the U.S. and associated distribution services, in addition to front-end retail management systems. Hundreds of colleges and universities currently utilize this MBS POS/EPS system, which has now reduced the cost and scope of compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) through Paymetric’s integrated payment methodology, according to the two parties.

“We are very excited about the partnership we have formed with Paymetric and the ability to provide proven tokenization technology to our customers and are dedicated to providing them with solutions that make it easier to operate their bookstores,” relayed Jeffrey Miller, Director of Systems Sales, MBS Textbook Exchange, Inc. “By implementing this tokenization solution, MBS POS customers can eliminate some of the pain they have been experiencing with maintaining PCI-DSS compliance and mitigate unnecessary risk.” Tokenization, as RRN.Com readers should know by now, replaces sensitive consumer data with surrogate value during the transaction process, making breaches more difficult.

“The Paymetric tokenization infrastructure was designed to handle massive and growing volumes, a scenario that favors college and university bookstores because of the enormous numbers of transactions they process during peak seasons,” said Larry Wine, CEO/President of Paymetric. ”We applaud MBS Textbook Exchange for proactively reducing their customers’ pain around payment acceptance risk and compliance and look forward to partnering with such a forward-thinking organization to bring a tokenization solution for MBS POS to market.”

Paymetric Addresses PCI-DSS Needs on Campus

CRM’s Pit Boss

Foxwoods Resort Casino, the enormous complex located in the woods of Connecticut, will install the new EPICENTRAL Print System from TransAct Technologies in 300 of its slot machines for a trial period beginning in December. Through the use of this software system, Foxwoods intends to reward and motivate slot players with on-the-spot marketing and promotional materials, including special drawing entries, discount coupons, restaurant meals, show tickets, and hotel room vouchers. Foxwoods has three goals in mind from such customer relationship management (CRM) efforts: more play time on the machines, incremental purchases throughout the property, and additional visits by players in the future. “We look forward to a successful trial run and the possibility of a major expansion of the system at Foxwoods in the near future,” said Bart Shuldman, Chairman and CEO of TransAct Technologies (Hamden, CT).

EPICENTRAL connects directly to TransAct’s ServerPort TCP/IP device inside the slot machine, with player tracking and layout generator capabilities. It will work with all existing slot machine systems and games because of its autonomous nature, according to the two parties. On the front end, delivery of promotions and incentives takes place through TransAct’s Epic 950 printers. TransAct, once one of the major players in receipt printing, has largely focused on gaming, lottery, and banking in the past decade, although both ScanSource and BlueStar still stock its Ithaca POS models.

“We’re looking forward to experiencing the EPICENTRAL Print System and hearing feedback from our loyal gamers,” remarked Lou Rosa, VP of Slot Operations for Foxwoods. “With over 6,000 slot machines on our award-winning property, we’re always looking for ways to differentiate Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods from the competition and believe this partnership will help us do just that.”

Coupons and Vouchers for Slot Players, Courtesy of TransAct Technologies

Channel Factoid

Consumers believe themselves to be savvy and informed bargain hunters when it comes to grocery shopping, according to the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) 2010 U.S. Grocer Shopper Trends. “Shoppers have gained renewed appreciation for saving money through home-cooked meals, comparison shopping, store selection, brand preference, coupons, and more,” observed FMI CEO/President Leslie Sarasin. This interest in home cooking has impacted the number of weekly trips to the grocery store, which continues an upward trend and averages slightly more than two visits per week, 2.06 to be exact. Indeed, nearly six in 10 shoppers say they are making two or more grocery shopping trips per week. Shoppers are spending an average of $99.90 weekly on groceries, up 1.5% compared to last year’s average of $98.40. Price was named as the most important factor (75%) for choosing one’s primary store, followed closely by high-quality fruits and vegetables (73%), and items on sale or money-saving specials (67%). Supermarkets held their place as the most frequented channel for 56% of shoppers, unchanged from 2009. This is the first time in five years that the supermarket share has not declined. Supercenters are the second most popular choice with 27% of shoppers, followed by limited assortment stores cited by 7% of those surveyed.

HELLO GOODBYE

Under Control at ScanSource

ScanSource (Greenville, SC) has named Greg Bergman as its new VP of Financial Planning and Analysis. In this role, he will serve as the company’s Corporate Controller, where he will oversee and manage daily financial operations for the distributor. In addition, Bergman will work closely with ScanSource’s North America, Europe, and Latin America financial teams to expand and enhance the company’s planning and analysis capabilities.

Bergman brings nearly 30 years of relevant experience to his new position. Prior to joining ScanSource, he spent 10 years at Pfizer, where he fulfilled various financial leadership roles, leading efforts to restructure and strengthen the financial processes of the organization, as well as implementing new reporting and metrics systems. During that time, he served as Finance Director for a $1 billion division with operations throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, and before that, Regional Controller for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, based in London. Previous to Pfizer, Bergman worked for nearly 20 years in roles of increasing responsibility at Monsanto Company, including financial posts in manufacturing, sales, supply chain, shared services, HR, and IT.

“Greg brings a wealth of knowledge to ScanSource, not only from a financial leadership position but also from an international perspective,” said Rich Cleys, CFO, ScanSource, Inc. “His experience working with large, global companies ensures he will bring great intelligence, fresh ideas, and a commitment to growth to our team.”

Greg Bergman, VP of Financial Planning and Analysis, ScanSource

Revionics Revs Up Hafner

Revionics, Inc. (Roseville, CA) has enlisted technology veteran Marc Hafner as its CEO/President. Hafner comes from NEC Corporation of America, where he held the office of VP and GM, Server and Systems Software. Earlier, he served as CEO of PerformanceRetail (PRI), the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business intelligence solution for retailers that was subsequently sold to both Oracle and Dresser, Inc.

“Marc is an innovative strategist, committed to building strong relationships with customers and partners,” stated Jeff Smith, Founder and Board Member for Revionics. “His demonstrated ability to strategically grow companies will help us continue to add to our success to date, which includes deployment of our price optimization solution to retailers representing over $40 billion in revenue.”

“On behalf of the Board of Directors for Revionics, I am happy to welcome Marc Hafner to the team,” added Vispi Daver, Partner at Sierra Ventures, the Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm and lead investor. Revionics supports more than 20,000 retail locations with its SaaS for lifecycle price optimization, which attempts to predict customer behavior and covers every-day, promotion, and mark-down pricing and planning. Markets include grocery, drug, convenience, and general merchandise.

Marc Hafner, CEO/President of Revionics