This Week’s Product Pick

TSC Auto ID Technology America (Pomona, CA) unveiled its ultra-compact, two-inch-wide TTP-225 thermal transfer label printer. Significantly, the new device offers real-time clock and adjustable sensor as standard features, with options of USB host and LCD display. Additional options include label-present sensor, cutters, keyboard for printing labels in stand-alone mode or downtime periods, and inexpensive internal Ethernet adapter for easy network integration. Available in 203-dpi and 300-dpi models, the TTP-225 comes with SD Flash Card reader for storage of fonts, international character sets, and graphics, and supports common industry emulations such as Eltron and Zebra. It also features head-up sensor and carries both Serial and USB 2.0 in addition to Ethernet. For easy loading, the TTP-225 employs double-wall clamshell design with five-inch (outside diameter) center-based media bay. Top-of-form sensing--by gap, black mark, or notch--is standard and completely adjustable from side to side. “Our new TTP-225 is not only loaded with extras, but also comes with a two-year instead of a one-year warranty, while featuring an attractive price tag that is about 15% less than the cost of other printers in its class,” stated David Lundeen, VP of Sales and Marketing for TSC America.

TSC TTP-225 Label Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

Elo Opens Window for VARs

Elo TouchSystems (Menlo Park, CA) has outfitted its B-Series and D-Series All-in-One (AIO) touch computer families with Microsoft’s Windows 7 Professional and Windows POSReady 2009. With this new embedded compatibility, VARs, ISVs, and OEMs can now take advantage of one-finger gesture functionality and rich media, as well as effectively “future proof” their retail and hospitality installations in anticipation of next-generation hardware and software. In addition, both Windows operating systems offer advanced power management APIs, which allow retailers to address energy efficiency and environmental efforts.

Elo’s B- and D-Series present five highly configurable and ruggedized AIO touch systems engineered for Point of Service and Point of Information markets. With multiple connection ports and expansion slots, both the B- and D-Series fit virtually any space constraint or in-store design demand, according to the manufacturer. B-Series features 15-inch and 17-inch screen sizes and three power packages: Performance B1, fan-cooled with Intel Celeron Dual-Core 2.2 GHz; Cool and Quiet B2, fanless with Intel Atom Dual-Core 1.66 GHz; and Performance Ultra B3, fan-cooled with Intel Core 2 Duo 3.0 GHz. D-Series, also with 15-inch and 17-inch screen sizes, has been promoted as “designed for touch” from the ground up, with stable stand and tiltable display.

“Elo TouchSystems is fully committed to supporting Windows technologies in the specialized POS and POI device markets,” declared Lorna Wood, Director of Global Marketing and Communications at Elo TouchSystems. “The release of the B- and D-Series AIO touch computers with Windows 7 Professional and Windows POSReady 2009 O/S compatibility simplifies deployment of touch functionality and increases the range of options and applications for retail and hospitality establishments.”

Elo TouchSystems D-Series in Hospitality

[Editor’s Note:  Tyco Electronics also announced an immediate change in leadership for Elo TouchSystems. Mark Mendenhall, VP and GM for the past decade, has left the organization to pursue other endeavors, according to the company’s press release. In his place, James O’Toole, who led the Circuit Protection business for Tyco, has assumed the role of VP and GM of both Elo TouchSystems and Sensitive Object, which Tyco recently acquired.]

James O’Toole, VP and GM, Elo Touch Solutions Business

Leap Year for Merchant Warehouse

Merchant Warehouse (Boston), one of the leading providers of merchant accounts and credit card processing solutions, has moved to One Federal Street to accommodate its need for more space following last year’s unprecedented growth across its sales channels, within its employee ranks, and in the number of transactions it completes annually. Internally, the company grew by 29% over last year, with many of those employees hired to staff customer and agent support teams. The new office doubles the space Merchant Warehouse recently vacated at Two International Place.

“We entered 2010 with a strategy to aggressively grow the company, understanding that growth would come from both organic and new business development initiatives,” relayed Henry Helgeson, Co-CEO of Merchant Warehouse. “With the help and dedication of all of our partners, our outstanding sales agents, our management team, and dedicated employees, we achieved and surpassed many of our targeted growth objectives. We’ve strengthened our company with more talented customer service, support, and sales employees, and are now positioned to provide better assistance in these areas to our customers and partners. We are looking forward to another strong year in 2011.”

Earlier this year, Merchant hired Jay Chaudhry as VP of Business Development, VAR Channel, to provide added leadership to grow that segment. In October, his group experienced 30% increase in signing new partners, which led to 25% growth in staff. Chaudhry credits that success to more focus on the partner relationship, support for POS bundled solutions, and the quality of the firm’s payment solutions. Going forward, Merchant Warehouse plans to launch an updated partner program early next year.

Merchant Warehouse Moves to Bigger Space in One Federal Street

Worth Your While - 2011

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

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

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

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

NRA Show 2011
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Zebra Makes Big Splash

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) showcased its new Z-Band Fun and Z-Band Splash wristbands at the recent International Association of Amusement and Attractions Show, held, fittingly, in Orlando. The new solution employs the company’s LP 2824 Plus, HC100, and S4M thermal label printers to provide on-demand barcode wristbands for cashless POS and access management for amusement parks, theme and water attractions, zoos, aquariums, sporting events, and concerts. Z-Band Fun and Z-Band Splash extend the vendor’s successful wristband product line for healthcare, familiar to RRN.Com readers.

“Bar-coded Z-Band Fun and Z-Band Splash wristbands offer cashless payment and guest data capture benefits similar to RFID, but at a significantly lower cost,” indicated Christine Weber, Product Marketing Manager at Zebra Technologies. “Durable, bar-coded guest wrist-banding can help venues speed guest transactions, reduce ticket fraud, and improve the overall guest experience.”

Z-Band wristbands arrive blank and have no value until printed. Tamper-evident and nontransferable, they can be marked with the guest’s name as well as colors and graphics for access and payment verification. Smaller LP 2824 Plus and HC100 Zebra printers handle 350 wristbands per roll, with the midrange S4M accommodating 800 wristbands per roll. Suitable for its applications, the Z-Band Splash features durable, water-resistant adhesive designed for multi-day use.

Wristbands for Amusement Parks and Water Attractions

CLEAR-ing Up Shrink

Checkpoint Systems (Thorofare, NJ) has introduced Enhanced Performance (EP) CLEAR labels for protecting small cosmetics and other high-volume items through Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS). Described as the first of its kind, the new RF label technology allows for transparent scanning of barcodes without compromising branding or interfering with packaging design for smaller merchandise. Part of Checkpoint’s EVOLVE EAS system, these labels may be applied to products in stores by employees or integrated into high-speed source tagging processes by product manufacturers so that merchandise arrives in stores shelf-ready. 

Further, EP CLEAR labels serve as visual deterrents to theft, according to Checkpoint, with pilot projects in retail demonstrating reduction in pilferage of more than 15%. Such pilots have also shown 95% or higher performance ratings for the EP CLEAR label/EVOLVE antenna combination. Lastly, the labels address environmental concerns by using less aluminum, paper, and plastic than conventional EAS formats, with waste material savings in these areas of up to 65%.

“The EP CLEAR label gives retailers and manufacturers the effective protection they seek for smaller merchandise that is highly susceptible to theft,” noted Farrokh Abadi, Checkpoint Systems’ Worldwide President, Shrink Management Systems. “The proven decline in shrink is due to potential shoplifters seeing that products are clearly protected--the label’s electronic circuit is now visible on the products. For small, high-theft items, visible deterrence is one of the most preferred methods of protection.”

Transparent EAS Label Technology From Checkpoint Systems

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INTEGRATION

Cisco on Wavelink’s Console

Wavelink Corporation (Midvale, UT) has extended its Wavelink Avalanche wireless management solution to support the Cisco 4400 Series of Wireless LAN Controllers. This allows IT administrators to centrally manage Cisco-based lightweight access point networks and platforms from one unified central console along with the rest of their wireless infrastructure and mobile devices, meaning all settings can be changed simultaneously. Thus, it significantly reduces the amount of time spent configuring, monitoring, or troubleshooting such multi-layered networks, according to Jay Cichosz, VP of Marketing for Wavelink.

Backing for the Cisco 4400 WLAN Controllers was created with Wavelink Extended Device Support (EDS). By utilizing the flexible architecture of EDS, Wavelink allows third parties such as manufacturers, resellers, and system integrators to implement Avalanche support for devices while providing additional functionality. It also continues Wavelink’s policy of vendor neutrality, Cichosz pointed out, and complements existing support for Motorola-based networks.

Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN Controllers have been designed for medium-to-large enterprise facilities. They provide the ability to set wireless parameters, manage network traffic across multiple access points, and command selected groups of devices to apply given settings in concert. All necessary system-wide WLAN functions can be handled, including security policies, intrusion prevention, RF management, quality of service, and field-level mobility. Controllers work in conjunction with Cisco Access Points and the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS).

Avalanche Now Supports Lightweight Access Point Networks by Cisco

Two More Sides of NCR 2ST 

Expect to see NCR’s 2ST two-sided thermal printing technology in more products outside its traditional POS role, starting with kiosk printers from Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL) and label printers from Toshiba TEC (Irvine, CA). Both companies have entered licensing agreements for NCR’s 2ST, which allows simultaneous printing on both the front and back sides of paper or other media, with color included. By using less material, the scheme helps reduce environmental impact while optimizing productivity and lowering costs, according to proponents. NCR offers its Intellectual Property licensing terms to other hardware manufacturers and paper mills interested in two-sided thermal printing.

“Integrating NCR’s two-sided thermal printing technology into our existing kiosk product line will enable Zebra to fulfill the growing demand we see for this printing capability,” related Mike Terzich, SVP at Zebra Technologies. “Our customers have come to expect innovative print technologies, and NCR’s technology should help our customers realize greater print efficiency and reduced paper consumption.”

For its part, Toshiba TEC unveiled its new direct thermal label printer with NCR 2ST at the recent Pack Expo Show in Chicago. This device features compact footprint, 203-dpi resolution, maximum print speed of 6 inches/second, and auto-feed functionality. “Toshiba TEC is one of the most innovative technology companies in the world, and we are pleased that they have licensed NCR two-sided thermal technology to create their newest label printer,” said Dan Bogan, SVP and GM of NCR Consumables Solutions (Duluth, GA). “We strongly believe that label printing is the next extension of this technology.”

Two-Sided B-SV4D Label Printer From Toshiba TEC

Code Corner

RF Code, Inc. (Austin, TX) released the latest versions of its Asset Manager and Sensor Manager software sets. Both packages leverage active RFID to provide real-time information about physical IT assets and environmental conditions that affect them, without having to deploy expensive wiring or cabling. A number of major enhancements have been undertaken, according to the developer. First, Modbus and BACnet integration modules make it easier to draw environmental data into the Building Management System. (BMS, which controls and monitors mechanical and electrical infrastructure, typically leverages Modbus and/or BACnet communication protocols.) Secondly, support has been added for RF Code’s new M250 reader, which handles multiple applications at one time. Thus, different groups--for example, facilities and data center personnel--may share the same RF Code reader as asset tag or environmental sensor. Third, multi-tag associations allow for context-level information gathering. Through placement of multiple sensors, detailed intelligence may be compiled on specific assets or locations, such as the temperature on the bottom, top, and middle of an IT rack or an environmental comparison of the designated cold aisle versus hot aisle. Such granular information will help companies make more intelligent cooling and heating decisions. “As inventors of real-time, wire-free solutions for asset tracking and environmental monitoring, we’re always looking to transcend the boundaries of what our solutions can do for customers,” declared Chris Gaskins, VP of Product Development at RF Code. “Now, we’re going beyond our traditional customers in distributed and data center IT to enable facilities and building managers to have the same real-time tools they need to run more efficient, cost-effective organizations.”

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Tech Data Assembles the iTeam

Tech Data Corporation (Clearwater, FL) now offers its resellers access to onsite third-party installation services for digital signage solutions, through an agreement with iTeam, Inc. (Westford, MA), which will work through the Digital Signage and Projectors Specialized Business Unit (SBU). The announcement was made at Tech Data’s Digital Signage Partner Summit this week in Clearwater, where 120 resellers, vendors, and industry experts convened to share strategies for building profitable practices in the segment. “Our partnership with iTeam extends our best-in-class solutions support to the field,” remarked Wendy Linsky, VP, Peripherals Product Marketing at Tech Data.

“There’s no need for resellers to invest in new staff or disrupt service levels for existing customers when building their digital signage practice,” added Bill Kazman, CEO of iTeam. “Whether it’s for one, a dozen, or hundreds of digital signage installations, resellers can use iTeam’s ‘Service-as-a-Product’ approach, resources, and expertise to confidently and profitably deploy these solutions for their customers.”

iTeam utilizes a pool of more than 14,000 certified technicians who have completed more than 750,000 IT projects throughout North America to date. It delivers IT installation and maintenance services for some of the largest U.S. technology resellers, consumer electronics retailers, and system integrators. For resellers of digital signage, it removes the burden of tasks such as site surveys, wiring, network integration, display mounting, and media player software set-up. VARs may purchase iTeam services through the distributor’s product catalogue, enabling them to bundle, quote, and order digital signage hardware, software, and associated support more accurately and quickly, according to the two parties.

Tech Data Digital Signage Demonstration

Mobile ResNet Books Your Room

Agilysys (Cleveland) has launched its Mobile ResNet app, which empowers guests to book rooms directly into the property’s Lodging Management System (LMS ResNet) via web-enabled smart phones as well as iPad or iPod Touch devices. In an early installation, Boyd Gaming Corporation has incorporated Mobile ResNet into “B Connected Mobile,” purportedly the first multi-property, smart-phone-based loyalty program in the gaming industry. Rolled out in July, B Connected Mobile delivers personalized offers and information--including best rates available on hotel rooms--directly to Boyd Gaming customers on their mobile devices.

“Increasingly, hotels are looking for technology that speeds delivery of services and gives guests more options,” confirmed Tina Stehle, SVP and GM of Agilysys Hospitality Solutions Group. “Our new Mobile ResNet application offers maximum flexibility to guests, many of whom are on the move and looking for ways to save time. It is exciting to see how Boyd Gaming has incorporated this application into its broader nationwide loyalty program to enhance service and offer a more personalized guest experience.”

Boyd Gaming, based in Las Vegas, operates 16 properties in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana. The company’s B Connected program, which is free to all adults age 21 and older, lets players earn and redeem points for their play at any participating Boyd Gaming casino, as well as participate in non-gaming promotions and discounts. B Connected Mobile may be downloaded at no cost at the iPhone App Store. Such emerging smart-phone extensions round out the LMS system, which includes modules for accounting, activities scheduling, attraction ticketing, condo rental, food and beverage management, and remote check-in.

B-Connected Program Leverages Smart Phones at Boyd Gaming

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
Pioneer POS
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

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touch Displays & Monitors
3M Touch Systems

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

INSTALLATIONS

Psion Fits Jordache

Jordache Enterprises has called upon Psion Teklogix (Hebron, KY) and its VAR, Millennium Technologies (Butler, NJ), to streamline inventory control at its largest warehouse, located in New Jersey. Under the project, Millennium has rolled out Psion’s 7535 rugged handheld computers and logistics software for improved pick, pack, and receive functionality. The 7535 features an easy-to-use keyboard, allows barcode scanning, and includes total recall capability. This automatically restores settings, applications, and configurations in the case of system problems, according to Psion, ensuring seamless productivity.

“We were running an older inventory management system and needed an upgrade with wireless work stations and IT support, so we turned to Millennium Technologies,” recounted Ezri Silver, VP of Logistics and Purchasing at Jordache Enterprises. “Millennium recommended the Psion 7535 for our I-Series connectivity, and we could not be happier with the functionality, scalability, and ease-of-use of these devices. Now, Jordache is able to enhance our company’s mobile environment, which enables our staff to populate real-time information into our existing ERP, making it immediately accessible through the enterprise--globally.”

When commenting on the deployment, Ron Caines, President of Worldwide Sales for Psion Teklogix, noted the recent growth of IngenuityWorking.com, his company’s collaborative online community. Launched six months ago, the social network has received more than 112,000 unique visitors and has grown to over 8,000 registered members, with 4,000 development discussions underway. Users share their insights and expertise on everything from hardware and software to innovative technologies and best practices, according to the vendor.

Warehouse Project Leaders for Jordache: Vahe Barsoian, IT Operations Manager (at left) and Ezri Silver, VP of Logistics and Purchasing

Barn’s Full of Automation

E-SoftSys (Blue Bell, PA) has placed its AntiqueSoft retail management solution in the Vermont Antique Mall, one of the largest such venues in New England, with 500 dealer spaces and 18,000 square feet of display space on two floors in its classic-style, renovated barn. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, E-SoftSys provides its AntiqueSoft POS and Space Rental package, along with credit card and QuickBooks interfaces, and optional web portal for reporting. Uniquely for this vertical segment, AntiqueSoft employs an SQL Server database for greater efficiency and reliability, allowing dealer history transactions accumulated over several years to be stored and retrieved.

“AntiqueSoft offers options that we use on a day-to-day basis,” testified Gregg Morrow, owner of Vermont Antique Mall. “The floor plan layout is wonderful for renting booths and tracking the rents we charge versus the rents we need to collect. Our employees did not want to change but after a few days learning the new POS module, they now wonder why we did not switch to this earlier. Our accounting department likes many reports provided by the software, including tracking A/R and vendor pay-outs. With our size, we also needed the capacity to move a lot of customers through in a speedy manner, and the new system is quick and accurate, with returns and look-ups readily made.”

“We are delighted to welcome Vermont Antique Mall into our rapidly expanding base of AntiqueSoft customers,” shared Kat Shenoy, CEO/President of E-SoftSys. “Our expertise in incorporating the latest technology into our software, excellent customer support, and our ability to provide cost-effective solutions is making it easier for antique mall owners to move from their legacy systems to AntiqueSoft. We are committed to constantly enhance the AntiqueSoft product, based on client feedback, and to provide our clients with the tools to streamline their business processes, improve customer service, reduce costs, and increase revenue.”

Vermont Antique Mall at Quechee Gorge Village

Channel Factoid

After going head-to-head with discounted holiday gifts like luxury cashmere sweaters and appliances last year, gift cards are expected to emerge as winners this holiday season. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2010 Gift Card Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, Americans will spend an average of $145.61 on gift cards, up from $139.91 last year. Total gift card spending should reach $24.78 billion, with 77.3% of shoppers buying at least one, and individual cost rising to $41.48 from $39.80 last year. In terms of venues, shoppers intend to target: department stores, 39.2%; restaurants, 33.4%; book stores, 23.7%; electronics stores, 19.0%; movies and entertainment, 14.1%; and even coffee shops, 13.9%. For proponents, gift cards allow recipients to select their own present (45.8%) and also represent greater convenience in the shopping process (17.8%). For naysayers, the gift cards are too impersonal (24.1%) and hold the possibility of expiration or added fees (18.9%). “This holiday season we expect Americans to gravitate toward both sale and non-sale items, including gift cards, which in recent years have been passed up for heavily discounted merchandise,” noted Matthew Shay, CEO/President of NRF. “With people focusing less on price and more on value this holiday season, Americans may choose to buy gift cards due to their convenience and popularity among gift recipients.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Birdsong Heard by Pivotal Payments

Pivotal Payments (Montreal and Melville, NY) has hired payment processing industry veteran Keith Birdsong as CTO, with oversight for all of the company’s IT initiatives. Most recently, Birdsong served as Director of IT at United American Insurance. Even more significantly, he spent eight years at Heartland Payment Systems as Executive Director of Software Development where he was responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining processing applications and all relevant enterprise portals. Prior to Heartland, Birdsong held various development and leadership positions during 13 years at Electronic Data Systems (EDS).

“I am excited to be joining Pivotal Payments, a company I’ve kept an eye on for quite a while and watched grow exponentially,” stated Birdsong. “My focus and challenge will be to not only improve the company’s IT infrastructure, but to tighten processes from the bottom up. I am looking forward to leading the IT team as we develop operations and payment processing systems that will keep Pivotal a leader in operational efficiencies while providing flexible and scalable processing platforms to support our growth.”

Earlier, in October, Pivotal Payments allied with BizTracker, the division of ALLBiz Software (Seminole, FL), to integrate its credit and debit card processing into BizTracker’s Infinity POS solution. “This partnership will offer more value to BizTracker’s customers,” observed Cindy Blankenship, Senior Sales Executive, VAR/Business Development at Pivotal Payments. “Merchants will have access to enhanced business reporting and our 24/7 customer support line, allowing them to work smarter while saving time and money.”

Keith Birdsong, CTO of Pivotal Payments

Landing of Green Alien

Alien Technology Corporation (Morgan Hill, CA) has named Peter Green to the position of CEO and member of the Board of Directors, replacing George Everhart. This change of leadership will help propel Alien Technology to the next level of success as UHF RFID enters its high growth phase, according to the company. Green brings senior management experience at large companies such as Intel, Texas Instruments, and ON Semiconductor, as well as CEO experience at start-ups Imara Battery and Advent Solar.

“Peter is an experienced business manager with a passion for excellence, innovation, and market growth,” commented Duane Zitzner, Chairman, Alien Technology Board of Directors. “He comes to Alien Technology highly motivated and with an excellent track record of organizational development and execution to support corporate objectives. The Alien Technology Board of Directors is very excited about the company’s future and of this new appointment.”

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to take Alien Technology to the next phase in its growth,” said Green. “The market conditions are ripe for explosive growth and Alien Technology is well positioned as the market leader. I look forward to providing strategic direction to the organization in both the development and expansion of UHF RFID.”

Peter Green, CEO of Alien Technology