Our Product Pick

Omron Automation Americas (Hoffman Estates, IL) has unwrapped its new handheld 1D/2D barcode reader, the V410-H Series. It has three versions: V410-H XD (Direct Part Marking), V410-H SR (Extended Range), and V410-H HC (Healthcare). Advanced X-Mode decoding algorithms ensure performance, while WebLink PC configuration supports Windows. In dimensions of 6.5 in. (H) x 2.6 in. (W) x 3.9 in. (D), weighing 5.7 oz./162 g, the V410-H Series has USB and RS-232 Serial, with an environmental rating of IP-52. A green aiming LED and feedback via beep, vibration, or LED provide read success confirmation. Also: easy on-the-fly switching between handheld and hands-free scanning.

Omron's V410-H Scanner

COMPANY BUSINESS

Ovvi Goes Boom

A further blend of payments and point-of-sale, with Boom Commerce (Portland, OR) backing Ovvi (Newport Beach, CA). A commitment includes "strategic investment" as well as distribution. A little background: an interest in integrated payments led National Payment Systems to rebrand itself as Boom Commerce in January, while POSsible, the POS VAR, became Ovvi in May. Terms of the investment were not disclosed.

"We're ecstatic about this investment and partnership with Ovvi," indicated Sabin Burrell, CEO of Boom Commerce. "We've looked at many POS companies over the years and Ovvi's technology is far superior to any we've seen in the market. Combining Ovvi's product and technology expertise with our vast distribution network will be immediately accretive to both companies and expand our market share in both the POS and integrated payment spaces."

Ovvi CEO Manan Mehta added: "This capital infusion and distribution partnership with Boom will jump-start our already impressive growth trajectory and give our team more breathing room to focus on what we're good at--product and technology development. Leveraging Boom's capital and distribution network and its many strategic relationships within the industry is a huge win for us as we continue improving our suite of POS technology products to enter more markets in both the U.S. and globally, and dominate the space from a technology and user-experience standpoint." (Both Ovvi and Boom Commerce reportedly see over 30% revenue growth year-over-year in 2020.)

Manan Mehta, CEO at Ovvi (at Left) and Sabin Burrell, CEO at Boom Commerce (at Right) Announce Their Partnership

Brother: We Are the Titans

Brother Mobile Solutions (Westminster, CO) has unveiled its newest industrial thermal barcode and label printer, christened the Titan Series. In dimensions of 9.8 in. (W) x 10.8 in. (H) x 17.2 in. (L), weighing 20.7 lbs./9.4 kg, it features 4.2 in./107 mm print width, with maximum print speed of 10 in./254 mm per second at 203 dpi (Model TJ-4021TN) and 7 in./178 mm per second at 300 dpi (Model TJ-4121TN). It accommodates common media types--roll or fan-fold, die cut or continuous, label and tag--with media roll size of 8 in./203 mm O.D. (Outer Diameter).

As O/S, it supports Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, with SDKs (Software Development Kits) for iOS and Android. As printer languages, it has FBPL (Brother), ZPL II (Zebra), EPL2 (Eltron), and DPL (Datamax). As options, it offers rewinder, guillotine full cutter, and 802.11 Wi-Fi WLAN module. A 3.5" full-color touch panel display addresses end-users.

"Brother has thirty years of history in industrial labeling technology and we're proud to introduce this feature-rich printer at a time the industry demands increased reliability and speed," expressed Ravi Panjwani, VP of Brother Mobile Solutions. "Operations managers appreciate that it integrates with most past and current systems for ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), and will operate seamlessly with middleware and software from industry leaders. Plus, it's backed by Brother's renowned customer service and support." As readers will recall, in April, Brother Mobile Solutions debuted its new Hardware-as-a-Service, entitled "Shift & Print."

Brother's Titan Industrial Barcode Printer

Worth Your While

2021

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
March 21-24
Las Vegas, NV

ProMat
Modern Materials Handling (MHI)
April 12-15
Chicago, IL

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 22-25
Chicago, IL

NRF Show
National Retail Federation
June 6-8
New York, NY

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 25-28
Nashville, TN

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
Clarion Events
August 22-24
Anaheim, CA

Money 20/20
Ascential
October 24-27
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Janam Unholsters XG4

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has extended its XG Series of gun-shaped, rugged mobile computers with its new Model XG4. In lightweight form factor of 18.5 oz./526 g, measuring 8.5 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D), without handle, it carries 4.3" multi-touch capacitive touchscreen (480x800) with Gorilla Glass 3. As performance, it has Qualcomm Octa-Core Snapdragon 660 CPU at 2.2 GHz, 4-GB/64-GB Memory, and 512-GB Micro-SD. It runs Android 9, with Google Mobile Services and Google's "Android Enterprise Recommended" (AER).

As data collection, the XG4 furnishes choice of keyboard (31-key numeric, 42-key numeric, or 52-key alphanumeric), barcode scanning (Honeywell's N6703 1D/2D imager and EX30 extended-range 2D imager), 13-MP top-facing autofocus camera, NFC, and RFID. As communications, there's Bluetooth 5/BLE, full 802.11 Wi-Fi WLAN, and USB 2.0 Type-C. As ruggedness, there's ratings of IP-65 for water and dust and 7-ft./2.4-m drops to concrete per MIL-STD-810G. Additional features include 5700-mAh rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, microphone speaker, and twin sets of dual-color indicator LEDs.

"With the rapid growth of the on-demand economy, businesses of all types and sizes are experiencing unprecedented pressure to provide better products, better service, and better pricing, in an operating environment greatly challenged by a global pandemic," noted Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies. "Outfitted with the most advanced mobile computing technology available today, Janam's XG4 is purpose-built to help organizations across multiple industries modernize their supply chains." A standard two-year warranty is provided, with optional Comprehensive Service Plans.

Janam's XG4 Rugged Mobile Computer

MagTek SREDs Payments

MagTek (Seal Beach, CA) has unboxed its newest payment reader, designated as DynaFlex. Accepting MSR, EMV, and NFC (including Samsung Pay, Google Pay, Apple Pay), DynaFlex has small footprint of 4 in. (L) x 3.5 in. (W) x 1.9 in. (D) for mobile, countertop, and kiosk deployments. It's powered by MagTek's MagneSafe SecurityArchitecture and meets Payment Card Industry - PIN Transaction Security - Point of Integration (PCI PTS POI) V5.x (SRED).

As O/S, DynaFlex supports Windows 10 and Android 4.4+. It furnishes interfaces for USB 2.0 Type-C, Ethernet LAN, Bluetooth 5/BLE, and 802.11 Wi-Fi WLAN. A card swipe and chip card slot appear on the face of the device, along with four status LEDs. A version, DynaFlex Pro, adds color touchscreen for data entry, tipping, signature capture, and messaging.

"By far, the DynaFlex platform reflects MagTek's commitment to provide retailers, merchants, and ISVs with a reader that can be integrated easily or dropped into an existing payment platform seamlessly," declared John Arato, VP and GM of Retail Solutions at MagTek. "As payment platforms grow more complex, an easy-to-integrate reader is vital. DynaFlex products meet that need while delivering the latest in security and payment flexibility." A choice of colors and custom mounts and cases are offered for DynaFlex.

DynaFlex Payment Terminal by MagTek

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Week of October 19

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Week of September 7

ALLIANCES

Up to Code

Code Corporation (Murray, UT) has added three new companies to its global channel program, entitled CodeAlliance: Agilant Solutions (Port Washington, NY), Touch Screens Inc. (Saint George, UT), and New West Technologies (Portland, OR). With more than 100 members, CodeAlliance offers sales and marketing support across multiple applications and industries. It was enhanced in January with benefits such as: tailored solutions based on geography, no minimum revenue requirements for the first year, partner exclusive pricing, deal registration, rebate programs, and use of unrestricted rebates.

Agilant designs, installs, and supports IT from its divisions in Advisory & Transformation, Managed Services, Omni-Channel Technology Services, and IT Procurement. Offering touchscreens, touch computers, and point-of-sale equipment, Touch Screens Inc. serves retail, hospitality, logistics, and government markets as wholesaler, distributor, or VAR. Since 1992, New West Technologies has focused on point-of-sale for specialty retailers such as liquor, footwear, apparel, hobbies, and now, cannabis.

"Companies that seek more value, innovation, and power from data capture technology, such as barcode scanning hardware and software solutions, consistently turn to Code Corporation," emphasized Emily Scales, Code's Channel Marketing Manager. "We are looking forward to Agilant, Touch Screens, and New West gaining the success that dozens of other partners have achieved by leveraging the competitive advantages of our best-in-market solutions as well as the unique benefits of our partner program, CodeAlliance." [FYI: In September, Code announced end of life for its CR2600 scanner for healthcare. It has been replaced with the inductive-charging, enhanced Model CR2700.]

A Global Channel Program Grows at Code

Elo Walks 22Miles

A joint effort between 22Miles and Elo (both in Milpitas, CA) employs digital signage to ensure employee and visitor safety for businesses in this era of COVID-19. It combines TempDefend software by 22Miles with the popular I-Series touchscreen computers by Elo (15.6" and 21.5"). As elements, TempDefend has visual confirmation, facial and body temperature detection, and machine learning. As part of its Edge Connect Series, Elo's new Temperature Sensor Pro furnishes necessary supporting hardware, in the form of infrared bolometer and 2D camera.

In addition to initial sensing and entry approval, this solution furnishes automatic data capture, security, and compliance capacities. A variety of inputs include voice control, badge scanning, and touchscreen data entry. Additional features include facial mask detection, "Pass" sticker printing when screening guidelines are met (via ELO's stand, Wallaby), and the video-based virtual receptionist with facility administrators.

"We're pleased to be able to offer 22Miles' TempDefend as an integration option for our Elo self-service platform providing an all-in-one thermal screening and signage solution," contributed Kristin Roubie, Senior Channel Sales Manager at Elo. "This joint solution not only helps building visitors feel safe in public environments, but also streamlines deployment and management for IT with our optional EloView software for Android-powered touchscreens." [FYI: As readers may know, Elo's historic competitor, 3M MicroTouch Systems, has discontinued all of its surface-capacitive, projected-capacitive, and display products.]

A Temperature Sensing Kiosk for COVID-19

Code Corner

A new mobile app, the Givex Customer WebSuite, combines gift card, loyalty, and online ordering capabilities. As one would expect, it integrates with Givex POS, providing contactless ordering and payment for restaurant customers. As device agnostic, it requires no additional IT support, according to Givex, with automatic system changes, updates, and upgrades. "Interest in contactless payment options and online ordering has surged during the pandemic," confirmed Brittain Brown, President of Givex (Toronto, ON, Canada). "But many restaurants found it hard to justify the costs of developing their own mobile app. Givex's Customer WebSuite solution provides a cost-effective option for many clients while integrating tightly with their Givex POS. This app will allow restaurants to own the direct relationship with their customers."

Givex Offers Its Mobile App

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

GS1 US Hits the Links

GS1 US (Ewing, NJ), the standards organization in supply chain IT, has released new guidelines for its single-barcode-based GS1 Digital Link. With shopper-scannable, web-enabled 2D barcodes (QR Code or Data Matrix), the GS1 Digital Link ties consumer products to instantly updated, brand-authorized content, such as product description, promotions, and health and nutritional information. It leverages the Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) encoded into the Universal Product Code (UPC), which has been in use for four decades, and eliminates the need for multiple "on-pack" barcodes, according to GS1 US.

Additionally, the GS1 Digital Link supports the retailer's business processes, enabling faster and more accurate product traceability, efficient inventory management, and product authentication through access to expanded product details. When implemented, the barcode can give retail associates additional information such as the batch/lot or serial number, which can help prevent fraudulent returns. It can also enable more immediate access to freshness dates and product status.

"Currently, there is not a seamless, non-proprietary way for brands and retailers to communicate product data to consumers, and the proliferation of multiple codes on products causes confusion for consumers and trading partners," suggested Melanie Nuce, SVP of Corporate Development at GS1 US. "The GS1 US Implementation Guideline for GS1 Digital Link marks the beginning of a new era where emerging data carriers can enable multiple, ever-changing experiences beyond the UPC's original price look-up function and also make our products 'smart'." A recent study by GS1 US revealed that 92% of brand owners support transitioning from the UPC to 2D within five years.

Moving Beyond the UPC with GS1 Digital Link

A Weighing in Webb City

A trio of weight scales for retail and supply chain has been introduced by Detecto (Webb City, MO). A 420 Series are Class II legal for trade and can be used for weighing herbs, cannabis, gourmet coffee, and jewelry purposes with 10, 20, and 50 mg precision. Scales satisfy NTEP and OIML (excluding Models 420-100 and 420-2000) and feature eight different units of measurement, rechargeable battery, and one-inch-high backlighted blue LCD. An air shield enables precise measurement.

A DP Series offers accuracy to 50 mg and sizeable stainless-steel platform at 13 in. x 10 in. It has 17 different units of measurement, counting mode, rechargeable battery, one-inch-high backlighted blue LCD, and RS-232 Serial for printer output. Applications include high-volume or heavy samples in soil testing, food-service (including recipe making and baking), chemicals, and inventory parts counting.

A waterproof WPB Series fulfills heavy washdown environments with limited space that require over/under check-weight capabilities. It's NTEP and OIML legal for trade and comes in capacities of 6 lbs., 12 lbs., and 30 lbs. Accuracy is 1 gram. A stainless-steel base and platform, at 8.7 in. x 7.1 in., has an IP-68 rating for use in meat and poultry processing plants, food processing (meat/fish/vegetable, fruit), meal portion control, delis, and cafeterias selling by weight. A built-in 120-V AC power cord is included with the WPB Series.

Detecto's 420 Series Scales for Retail

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Epson America
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
ShopPOSPortal

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard
PAX Technology
Sound Payments

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

Software
Fast Order Now
Touch Window

INSTALLATIONS

Tis the Season to Be Kiosks

Aila Technologies (Natick, MA) has deployed its Interactive Kiosks across 500 locations for Metro Canada. Utilizing the 10.2" iPad and 12.9" iPad Pro, with integrated image-based scanning (dubbed "TrueScan"), Aila's Interactive Kiosks furnish functionality for check-out, custom ordering, price checking, couponing, and Buy Online, Pick-Up in Store (BOPIS). In support, and incorporated within, there's the Model TM-m30 thermal receipt printer by Epson America (Long Beach, CA).

"The seamless integration of Epson's TM-m30 thermal receipt printer with Aila's Interactive Kiosk gives retailers even more freedom to enable self-service workflows for both customer self-service and associate-facing experiences," related Matt Kowalczyk, Co-Founder and CTO of Aila Technologies. "By combining our solutions, retailers can deploy exceptionally compact and modern self-service solutions complete with receipt printing across their brick-and-mortar locations, quickly and with ease." As benefits: line-busting during the busy holiday season, more control of labor costs, and easing concerns of COVID-19.

Another channel vendor, Touch Dynamic (South Plainfield, NJ) has also engaged the Epson TM-m30. A newly launched Pavilion Kiosk by Touch Dynamic encloses the TM-m30 with 27" touchscreen. Also, the Slim Podium Kiosk by Touch Dynamic mounts the Epson TM-m30 in its base. "The world is in high demand for contactless solutions now, and kiosks have become the new normal for retail and hospitality," projected Dawn Saquic, Sales and Marketing Manager for Touch Dynamic.

Interactive Kiosks by Aila Technologies, With Epson's TM-m30 Thermal Printer, Deployed at Metro Canada

Scanning in the Clover

Fiserv (Brookfield, WI) has offered "Scan to Order" for its Clover. A touchless system now spans digital menus, ordering capability, and cashless payments--synched to the kitchen and Clover POS. As benefits, Fiserv cites elimination of paper menus, faster table turns, larger transaction volumes, and increased security of customer payment data.

"As COVID-19 continues to disrupt communities across the country, restrictions in place limit operations, and delivery service surcharges eat away at profit margins, and table service restaurants remain among the most severely impacted businesses," reflected John Beatty, Co-Founder of Clover. "With the launch of Scan to Order, we are helping our restaurant merchants get back to business, responding to the way customers want to interact with a touchless order and payment process that is safe, convenient, and cost-effective." As typical in such systems, a Clover-generated QR Code is scanned by the customer's smartphone.

"The digital menu feature of Scan to Order saves us time and money by allowing us to completely eliminate three types of printed menus, saving us hundreds of dollars per week," reported Ben Bate, Co-Owner of Ludwig's German Table in San Jose, CA. "We can update a single online menu on the spot to highlight specials or remove sold-out items. And now we usually sell-out of the daily specials that appear at the top of our digital menu." One million Clovers in the field.

New Scan to Order Functionality by Clover

Channel Factoid

-Only 2 of 10 consumers have complete confidence their food is safe to eat, and 6 of 10 will never eat at an individual restaurant again if they contract foodborne illness or food poisoning.

-Most consumers (70%) say it is important to know how their food and ingredients are sourced, stored, prepared, and handled.

-Slightly more than 80% of surveyed consumers say companies have an important role to play in implementing food safety solutions and an ethical responsibility to ensure the safe handling of their food.

-Almost 7 of 10 (69%) of food and beverage decision-makers say the industry is prepared to manage food traceability and transparency, but only 35% of consumers agree.

-Furthermore, only 13% of consumers believe the industry is extremely prepared today to manage food traceability and to be transparent about how food travels through the supply chain, whereas 27% of food and beverage decision-makers report feeling this way.

-An overwhelming majority (90%) of food and beverage decision-makers acknowledge that investments in traceability-focused solutions provide them with competitive advantages by enabling them to meet the expectations of consumers.

-41% of food and beverage decision-makers report that RFID tags improve food traceability within the supply chain more than any other technology, yet only 31% currently use them within their own organization.

-Approximately 90% of surveyed food and beverage decision-makers expect to use rugged handheld mobile computers, barcode scanners, and mobile thermal label printers within the next five years to digitally manage and track food products and related information.

Source: "Food Safety Supply Chain Vision Study," by Zebra Technologies Corporation, Lincolnshire, IL.

Consumers Demand Traceability and Transparency

HELLO GOODBYE

At Full "Sale" From Oceania

SATO America has looked inside to find its new VP of Sales, Kerry Langley. She previously served as Managing Director of SATO New Zealand Ltd. and Head of SATO Oceania Region (Australia and New Zealand). She reports directly to Steve Sundstrom, SVP of SATO America, at SATO America's headquarters in Charlotte, NC.

"I am extremely excited to have Kerry join SATO America's leadership team as the Vice President of Sales," commented Sundstrom. "Kerry has a proven track record of leadership and outstanding growth within SATO's Oceania Region. What sets Kerry apart is her passion and drive to partner with our customers and solve their critical business problems. I look forward to working with her to drive SATO America's continued growth and success."

Also, SATO America has debuted its wide-format industrial thermal label printer, the Model SG112-ex. With 10.5" print width, the SG112-ex has maximum speed of 6 in./150 mm per second at 305 dpi, with continuous or tear-off operation. Introduced in North America in August, following success in Japan, it replaces the Model SATO M10c.

Kerry Langley, VP of Sales, SATO America

Return of Guckes

An expanding player in payments, linked2pay (with lowercase), has enlisted industry veteran Sarah Guckes as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Before she worked outside the industry in automotive technology, her resume includes roles as VP of Marketing at First American Payment Systems and VP of Product Marketing at Bank of America Merchant Services. She will be responsible for building the brand and deploying go-to-market strategies across multiple channels.

"We are thrilled to have Sarah leading our marketing strategy given her vast marketing experience and in-depth payment knowledge," relayed Robert "Jay" McShirley, CEO of linked2pay. "As we embark on this next chapter in our company and continue the growth of our leadership team, marketing will be a critical component to our growth strategy." A division of Transmodus, linked2pay is based in Oxnard, CA.

"I'm delighted to join linked2pay at a time of extensive growth as we deliver a competitive, innovative payment technology suite for agents, banks, partners, and integrators," said Guckes. At linked2pay, she joins Bill Lodes, recently hired as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), who served as SVP/EVP of Business Development at First American Payment Systems.

Sarah Guckes, CMO, linked2pay