This Week’s Product Pick

Harbortouch (Allentown, PA) has unwrapped its new payment system, called Perkwave, with EMV-enabled credit card terminal and customer-facing near-field communication (NFC) reader. In addition to EMV and NFC, Perkwave's proprietary "heartbeat" feature enables Harbortouch to monitor terminal status and proactively resolve problems. It also allows customers to receive e-receipts sent directly to their e-mail address and will be compatible with the Perkwave Loyalty Program currently under development at Harbortouch. "As smart cards and mobile payment technologies like NFC become more widely adopted, it's critical for businesses to be able to accept these payment types," stated Jared Isaacman, CEO of Harbortouch. "We incorporated the most prevalent of these payment technologies into Perkwave so our merchants never have to turn away customers due to not being able to accept their preferred form of payment."

Perkwave by Harbortouch

COMPANY BUSINESS

Hat Trick for HP's Tablet

HP (Palo Alto, CA) has extended its store computing portfolio with the new HP MX10, which arms its ElitePad Mobile POS with an accompanying Retail Expansion Dock for maximum functionality and multiple use scenarios. Introduced in June, ElitePad Mobile POS combines the ElitePad 900 along with sled for scanning and payment processing, the so-called Retail Jacket. Now, with the Retail Expansion Dock, HP has offered full peripheral connectivity via Serial, USB, and RJ-45 ports, dual-hinge arm for adjustable height and tilt, and "dock, lock, and walk-away" capability. ElitePad 900, RRN.Com readers will recall, features Windows 8 Pro, 10-inch display, 802.11a/b/g/n, and more rugged construction than consumer devices.

"With the HP MX10, retailers gain the advantage of a three-in-one solution that allows them to assist customers on the sales floor while still having access to full POS," observed Ray Carlin, VP and GM of the Retail Solutions Business Unit at HP. Here's how the value proposition works for MX10, according to HP: use the ElitePad for assisted selling, clienteling, and mobile manager's workstation; add the ElitePad Retail Jacket for Mobile POS; and, finally, deploy the ElitePad Retail Expansion Dock for portable and fixed POS and secure locking. In addition, the compact footprint of the MX10 Expansion Dock--10.4 in. (W) x 8.3 (D) x 13.3 in. (H) and 6.5 lbs.--makes it suitable for non-traditional, or even temporary, store implementations.

As primary market, of course, specialty retail comes to mind. During talks with RRN.Com, Corey McElroy, Strategy and Planning Manager of the Retail Solutions Business Unit at HP, emphasized that the MX10 should not be considered as simply another tablet-cradle bundle, of which more appear every day. "It's a full solution with various degrees of integration, depending on how frequently you want to make the device mobile," stated McElroy. Neither should the lower tiers define the end-user community, "more the traditional POS space, with pricing similarities to an all-in-one," according to McElroy. "It's the multi-use scenario that really excites us and our partners."

HP MX10 Retail Solution

Putting the Mystique in POS

POS Nation (Charlotte, NC) and CAP Software (Fort Worth, TX) have worked together to fashion custom POS. Two retail software products from CAP--SellWise Pro and Cash 'n Carry Pro--have benefited from this recent partnership. With such customization they deliver unique screens and features, according to the two parties, as well as end-to-end encryption to reduce the scope of PCI compliance for merchants.

"We developed a complete custom image in conjunction with the graphic design team at POS Nation to provide a unique product as a differentiator in the crowded POS marketplace," Will Atkinson, President of CAP Software, told RRN.Com. "Resellers are facing an increasingly commoditized retail POS landscape, especially with the proliferation of delivery models for even some of the staunchest channel brands, so any differentiator to help a reseller maintain some mystique--and thereby margin--is a good thing. POS Nation brings a powerful professional sales approach to the marketplace, and we're keen to work with them to promote this new solution."

"We understand how important it is for our customers to maintain PCI compliance to ensure secure transactions," added Cort Ouzts, CEO of POS Nation. "Non-compliance penalties are crippling to small businesses. It's our job to provide our customers with the most up-to-date POS technologies and to put them in a position to succeed. Our new end-to-end encryption mitigates many of the risks merchants face on a daily basis from processing credit cards."

CAP Software's Main Screen for POS Nation

Worth Your While

IAAPA Expo 2013
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 19-22
Orlando

NRF 103rd Annual Conference & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 12-15, 2014
New York City

INSPIRE 2014
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
February 2-5, 2014
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 8-10, 2014
Las Vegas

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 17-20, 2014
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Epson Stacks Up

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has unveiled its "stacked" receipt printer/check scanner configuration. Combining Epson's TM-S2000 multifunction scanner and TM-T70II three-inch thermal receipt printer, with accompanying metal stand, this new product offers numerous advantages, according to the company, beginning with its small footprint. The TM-T70II measures 4.9 in. (W) x 7.6 in. (D) x 4.5 in. (H), for instance, and features all-front facing controls, including paper loading and receipt printing. It also delivers 250 mm/second (9.8 inch/second) print speed for both text and graphics, whether logos or two-dimensional barcodes.

Its companion, the TM-S2000, offers the fastest check scanning speed in its class, up to 200 documents per minute, with 99.9% MICR accuracy. As additional advantages, the TM-S2000 has two-sided, 24-bit color ID scanning, up to 16 lines of endorsement printing, and support for cashier's checks with two-inch print areas. Options include three-track magnetic-stripe reading (MSR) for credit and debit cards, second pocket to process exceptions or separate documents, and USB hub. In terms of size, the TM-S2000 measures 5.6 in. (W) x 10.4 in. (D) x 7 in. (H).

"Banks are always looking to optimize efficiencies at the teller window," advised Tom Kettell, Senior Manager of Business Development for Epson's Business Systems Division. "That requires feature-rich technology. Epson's new stacked solution delivers maximum performance in its very small package, which is key to optimizing workflow." Using the same application programming interface (API), it also may be easily paired with other company products, such as the TM-S9000 multifunction scanner, with no need for additional validation processes.

New Check Scanner/Receipt Printer Combination

Hands Free at Adesso

Adesso, Inc. (Walnut, CA) has stocked its NuScan 6000U Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner, designed primarily for retail POS environments. A 650-nm laser engine and 24-line scan pattern provides error-free first-pass reads on items of various shapes, according to the vendor. Speed is specified at 2,000 scans per second, with operating distance of 216 mm (8.5 inches) from the barcode. Over 20 one-dimensional symbologies are handled, including Code 128, EAN, UPC, ISBN/ISSN, etc.

Described as heavy-duty, NuScan 6000U measures 4 in. (W) x 3.5 in. (D) x 6 in. (H) and weighs 0.83 lbs. With USB, it supports Windows 8/7/Vista/XP and Mac OS X and carries Blue/Red LED and buzzer indicators with programmable tone and beep time. "Simply plug in the NuScan 6000U into the computer and it will automatically install and be ready for use," according to Adesso, which has set an MSRP of $350.

Founded in 1994, Adesso supplies keyboards as well as barcode scanners, along with a variety of more horizontal computer and audio visual products. It distributes through Ingram Micro, Synnex, and D&H, as well as e-retailers such as CDW, Insight, PC Connection, and Tiger Direct, and addresses our channel, according to Ben Wheeler, company spokesperson. Just last month, the company introduced its NuScan 4000B Wireless Barcode Scanner.

Adesso NuScan 6000U Scanner

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ALLIANCES

xPrint Marks the Spot at Bixolon

An interesting pairing of vendors, Bixolon America (Torrance, CA) and Lantronix (Irvine, CA), have teamed up to deliver iOS printing solutions for POS. This bundle employs the Lantronix xPrint Server Office Edition device, Bixolon's SRP-F310 three-inch thermal receipt printer, iPad, and proprietary customer experience app. It has been deployed in select U.S. locations by one of the leading beauty supply retailers, which was not named. A new kiosk guides customers through skin care and cosmetics, then prints their individual profile and recommended products, which may be taken to store associates.

"Our retail partners consistently emphasize the value of an outstanding in-store customer experience," indicated Alberto Hwang, President of Bixolon America. "A kiosk like the one powered by Lantronix and Bixolon is the perfect example of how thought-leading retailers can further differentiate themselves. Not only does this type of solution streamline the customer's experience, it reduces marketing costs, and affords in-store sales consultants the opportunity to optimize the time spent with individual customers."

Bixolon's SRP-F310 "liquid barrier" front-exit thermal receipt printer features an IPX2 certification and offers "all-in-one plus" interfaces of onboard Ethernet, USB for WLAN dongle, USB 2.0, and either Serial or Parallel. In addition, the SRP-F310 saves space with its built-in power supply and achieves print speeds of 270 mm/second (10.6 inch/second). An xPrint Server Office Edition carries an MSRP of $200 from Lantronix.

SRP-F310 Front-Exit Thermal Receipt Printer From Bixolon America

A Wider Net for iPad POS

TransFirst (Hauppage, NY) has enlisted ShopKeep to bring iPad-based POS to customers for its payment processing services. A pilot program has started, and TransFirst plans widespread launch of this bundle through its partner network early in 2014. Based in New York City, ShopKeep POS has gotten out of the gate quickly, and truly targets resellers as one of its go-to-market strategies. "We're delighted to add TransFirst to our network of trusted associates," relayed Todd Lasher, VP and GM of Channel Business for ShopKeep POS.

"We're excited to align with ShopKeep and offer our customers the next generation of web-based point of sale technology, commented John Shlonsky, CEO/President of TransFirst. "The new relationship builds on our commitment to help businesses of all sizes and industries grow and prosper. We're looking forward to working with our merchant customers to help them take advantage of this new technology." For its part, TransFirst serves as Registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank.

ShopKeep has reported that same store sales for retailers using its iPad POS have jumped by 20%, with transactions up 13.6% over Q3 2012. Markets including Chicago, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon have emerged as rapid adopters, with the highest growth. More established markets, including Los Angeles and New York, saw the highest overall sales, but lower growth rates. Interestingly, the borough of Brooklyn, "with the highest concentration of iPad POS systems nationally," according to ShopKeep, enjoyed overall higher total revenues than either Manhattan and Los Angeles. "Our customers are typically new stores, a younger demographic, and early adopters of technology," reflected Jason Richelson, Founder and CEO of ShopKeep POS.

John Shlonsky, CEO/President, TransFirst

Code Corner

SpeedLine Solutions (Lynden, WA) has debuted SpeedLine LiveMaps, its next-generation delivery system. Offered in free 90-day trial, this new software furnishes live mapping to improve delivery and speed of service, according to the pizza ISV. An expeditor view on an optional second display streamlines dispatching, with maps and directions sent to drivers' smartphones (using native mapping apps for hands-free navigation). A live digital map of current deliveries and zones can be displayed on wall-mounted monitor, replacing common fold-outs. "It's dynamic, so managers, expeditors, drivers, and counter staff can see delivery volume and current orders at a glance," relayed Terry Haan, VP of Development for SpeedLine. "Pizza and delivery operators can define delivery zones and fees in multiple ways, even setting zones by drive time, more accurately reflecting fuel and labor costs." With address verification by so-called geocode, restaurant operators reduce delivery errors while building an accurate customer and street database for direct marketing. Finally, this new mapping system taps into advanced analytics, with heat map views illustrating market reach, purchase trends, and delivery performance by neighborhood or zone. "LiveMaps leapfrogs existing delivery mapping solutions," proposed Haan.

INTEGRATION

A NCR's Extreme Couponing

Inmar (Winston-Salem, NC) will embed digital couponing into marketing software and POS systems from NCR (Duluth, GA). Under this strategic agreement, retailers may implement campaigns and provide paperless coupons to their customers via multiple consumer touch points, according to the two parties. An entire value chain for such campaigns--offer distribution, acquisition, redemption, and settlement--will be provided under this cloud-based scheme.

"Our engagement with NCR is going to equip retailers using their marketing software and technology solutions to effectively leverage the increasing popularity of digital coupons for better sales and profitability," declared David Mounts, CEO of Inmar. "Because our real-time commerce solutions complement NCR's innovative marketing software and point-of-sale solutions so effectively, retailers that 'opt in' will be able to introduce digital promotions into their marketing efforts with remarkable speed, and at minimal cost." For its paperless, digital coupons, Inmar reported an increase in redemption volume of 234% in the first half of this year (28.5 million versus 27.5 million for all of 2012, in fact).

Also, NCR will integrate the transaction processing engine from GuestLogix (Toronto) into its self-service kiosks and POS, for use in the global travel industry, beginning with airlines. "The omnichannel best practices that retailers have adopted are now extending into many facets of the travel industry," observed Tony Fernandez, VP of Commercial and Business Development of the Americas for NCR. Applications are expected to include baggage fees, priority boarding, seat upgrades, lounge access, and destination-based products, delivered through self-service kiosks and mobile technology. A market of 1.15 billion passengers visit the world's top 100 airports each year, according to industry experts.

A New Strategic Partner, Inmar, Brings Digital Promotions

Going Mobile at CompTIA

CompTIA (Downers Grove, IL), the global IT industry association, has introduced its new skills certification, dubbed "Mobility+." As the name suggests, this course covers deployment, integration, and support of the mobile environment, with topics such as device management, troubleshooting, security, and network infrastructure. It's best suited for individuals who are CompTIA Network+ certified or have equivalent working knowledge, reportedly, as well as no less than 18 months of experience in the administration of mobile devices in the enterprise.

"Accommodating mobile devices and apps and optimizing the mobile experience for customers and employees alike are top priorities for virtually all organizations," proposed Terry Erdle, EVP of Skills Certification for CompTIA. "But the various facets of the mobile ecosystem present many challenges for IT professionals, who must balance user expectations with requirements for availability, reliability, and security. CompTIA Mobility+ will identify IT professionals who possess the validated skills to optimize performance and mitigate risks and threats." Specific issues faced by channel players will be addressed, according to CompTIA.

CompTIA has offered two pathways for Mobility+ Certification. Extensive coursework will be provided by Logical Operations (Rochester, NY), an "authorized learning content partner," in both student and instructor editions. In terms of training, Mobile Comply (Pontiac, MI) will extend its "Mobility Plus for the IT Professional: CompTIA Mobility+," in either online or onsite formats. This is the second mobility-related certification by CompTIA in 2013. In October, CompTIA "Mobile App Security+" was established for the developer community.

New Mobility Certification by CompTIA

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
TEAMSable
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Systems - Retail
Vend

POS Systems - Apple Based
LightSpeed Retail

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Printronix
Sato America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Bluebird/Pidion
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Fujitsu Components
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Ingenico

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

City-Wide Soda, Pets, and Loyalty

A so-called universal loyalty card from LOC Enterprises (Cincinnati) has attracted its first follower, Dave's Soda and Pet City, which operates seven superstores for the two product categories in its name in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Introduced to merchants at the National Retail Federation Show in January, and promoted to the channel for POS at the Retail Solutions Providers Association Show in August, the LOC Card seeks to consolidate individual merchant loyalty programs in order to simplify enrollment and encourage participation for consumers. One card, or key fob, becomes the customer's touch point, with the summary programs tracked via the dashboard at LOC. No changes are required to the merchant's hardware, payment processor, or existing loyalty system relationships, according to the developer.

"We're delighted to have Dave's Soda and Pet City as one of our first LOC Card merchants," shared Jack Kennamer, CEO of LOC Enterprises. "Dave is a hands-on operator who saw first-hand the pain points his customers were having with merchant loyalty cards. Our data, as well as multiple other studies, show that the biggest issues consumers have with loyalty programs are 1) enrollment, 2) managing all their cards, and 3) getting pummeled with all the e-mails and texts trying to engage customers. The LOC card eliminates all these issues for the consumer and brings costs savings to the merchants."

According to Dave Ratner, Owner and CEO of Dave's Soda and Pet City, several customers called to request the LOC Card following exposure in the local newspaper, which he took as strong confirmation of the program's potential. "We have a very successful loyalty program, but the LOC Card made too much sense for me not to do it," Ratner stated. At RSPA, LOC told RRN.Com that it charges merchants $1 per year for enrolling the consumer and providing his or her profile, while providing the physical card for free. "It's incredibly cheap for the merchant, and the consumer pays nothing," professed Chuck Furedy, Chief Sales Officer for LOC Enterprises, and three-decade veteran of the former Symbol Technologies.

Universal Loyalty Card From LOC Enterprises

Avero Feeling Puckish

Wolfgang Puck Worldwide has adopted business management software from Avero (New York) for its 30 restaurants worldwide. This includes Avero Slingshot, the cloud-based SaaS analytics package, as well as customizable Avero Flash Reports. With 4,000 customers, Avero integrates to over 40 POS systems and works with many VARs, RRN.Com was told by Sandhya Rao, VP of Marketing and Product. It also offers Avero Mobile and Avero Loss Prevention.

"Previously, we had implemented a reporting solution that was designed for our finance department, but it made it difficult for our operators to leverage that data to make better business decisions," recounted David Robins, Managing Partner at Wolfgang Puck Worldwide. "Switching to Avero provides our finance department with the critical data and analytical tools they need, plus Avero's easy-to-use interface allows our operators to quickly understand key business drivers and make on-the-fly adjustments to improve server productivity, reduce labor, and minimize food costs. A welcome bonus to the partnership is the top notch customer service to align our objectives with the way the software is used, and help our teams get answers immediately when we need them."

In addition to reselling opportunities, Avero allows POS VARs to integrate new hardware systems on an individual basis, Rao noted. "This is great for resellers who are trying to get their foot in the door with established businesses, since it lowers the risk of adopting new POS systems for the customer," she suggested. "They can try something new but still get rolled up reporting across all their stores via Avero." Prior to Avero, Rao served as VP of Marketing for ShopKeep POS.

Trending Sales Data Displayed by Avero

Channel Factoid

A majority of consumers plan to spend the same or more compared to last year during the holidays, while seeking out better deals, according to The NPD Group. Specifically, 12% plan to spend more (versus 10% in 2012), 67% plan to send about the same, and 21% plan to spend less (versus 23% in 2012). Comparison shopping and online product research remain consumers' top pre-purchase actions, according to this survey. As purchase drivers, consumers identify: special sales price (57%), overall value for the price (56%), free shipping (42%), and availability of unique products or brands (17%). Specific consumer purchasing plans seem similar to last year, with the same top ten items on their holiday shopping list, including clothing (41%), toys (31%), movies/DVDs (21%), fragrances (15%), video gaming (14%), small personal accessories (12%), footwear (11%), housewares (9%), sporting goods (8%), and electronics (6%). Overall, the holiday shopping season will kick off earlier this year, with 17% of consumers having already started and 22% meaning to start before Thanksgiving. With online shopping projected to grow 5% over 2012, other channels remain stable: discount stores (52%), online (43%), national chains (29%), department stores (22%), toy stores (19%), warehouse clubs (18%), outlet stores (17%), electronics stores (17%), clothing specialty stores (15%), and off-price retailers (15%). "Consumers are feeling better about the economy compared to last year and they plan to take advantage of sales during key periods," shared Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst for The NPD Group. "With fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, government distractions, and lack of newness in the marketplace, retailers will have to rely more on promotions to excite the consumer."

HELLO GOODBYE

New Chairs at ScanSource

ScanSource (Greenville, SC) has announced several new worldwide management appointments "in an effort to help our vendor and reseller partners grow their business and find new opportunities," in the words of Mike Ferney, President of Worldwide Communications and Services. First, Christy Thompson has been promoted to VP of Worldwide Marketing. Thompson joined ScanSource in 2005 as Director of Strategic Marketing and has more than 16 years of experience in marketing leadership positions, according to the distributor.

ScanSource also has added new worldwide controllership positions, specifically the elevation of Len Parramore to VP and Controller, Worldwide Barcode and Security, and Tim Ramsey to VP and Controller, Worldwide Communications and Services. Parramore joined ScanSource in 2007 and most recently served as Controller of North American Operations. Ramsey joined ScanSource in 2005 and most recently served as VP, Worldwide Reseller Financial Services.

Finally, David Hertwig has been named as the new VP of Worldwide Reseller Financial Services. Hertwig has been with ScanSource for 15 years, and moves from the position of VP of Sales for ScanSource POS and Barcode. He previously served in sales management positions for ScanSource POS and Barcode and ScanSource Catalyst. A familiar face in our industry, Buck Baker, holds the title of President of Worldwide Barcode and Security. "Our goal is to continue to strengthen our services and support," he elaborated.

Christy Thompson, VP of Worldwide Marketing, ScanSource

A Block of Heavy Metal

Block and Company, Inc., (Wheeling, IL), privately held provider of office products and cash handling equipment, has appointed John Cruickshank as its VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Block, MMF Industries, and MMF POS are divisions of Block and Company. A longtime player in our channel, MMF POS supplies cash drawers, enclosures, and platforms for POS.

Most recently, Cruickshank served as VP of Finance and CFO of Designed Alloy Products, a family owned specialty steel manufacturing business based in Aurora, Illinois. Prior to that, he worked in financial and strategic leadership roles with New Star Metals, Reliance Metals Canada, and Corus America, all of which are companies involved in some facet of the steel industry. He began his career with Price Waterhouse Coopers and Unilever PLC.

"We are pleased to welcome John to the Block team," commented John Lanman, CEO of Block and Company. "John brings decades of finance and strategic leadership experience. His keen industry knowledge and his extensive business acumen are the perfect fit for our businesses. We welcome his leadership to Block and Company."

Advantage Cash Drawer by MMF POS

Omniscient in the Omnichannel

The Stephenz Group (San Jose, CA), one of Silicon Valley's largest independent branding, marketing, and digital agencies, has launched its new division, inRetail, in order to address the growing consumer demand for omnichannel retail--the always-on, always-available shopping that merges e-commerce and physical stores. Leading this new effort will be Lance Thornswood, as VP/Managing Director. A veteran of Target, Thornswood was consistently recognized for his ability to blend creative, technology, and operations, according to his new employer. In his two-decade career, he has worked with major retailers such as Apple, L.L. Bean, Marshall Field's, J.C. Penney, Sears, and Kmart.

inRetail's parent, The Stephenz Group, has extensive experience with retail technology brands such as Epson, Elo Touch Solutions, Intermec, HP, Visa, and MasterCard. "We saw a gap in the market," remarked Barbara Zenz, CEO/President of The Stephenz Group. "There aren't many agencies out there today with both a proven track record in retail technology and the in-house retail expertise required to enable exceptional consumer experiences across all touch points. We've combined the services of a world-class digital agency, a creative studio, and that of an IT consulting firm with the unique talents of industry experts to deliver the kinds of services retailers need to stay ahead of the omnichannel curve."

"Retailers have never had it tougher," suggested Thornswood. "Consumers want everything to be connected, and they want a single, seamless experience from their tablet to their desktop to the aisles of your stores, where they're pulling out smartphones to compare your products and prices to everybody else's. inRetail is a powerful new ally. With our insider knowledge of the retail industry and our ability to do everything it takes, we're set to help retailers thrive in the face of a massive retail revolution."

Lance Thornswood, VP/Managing Director, inRetail, at The Stephenz Group