Our Product Pick

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has unwrapped its new wearable scanner, designated as the HandScanner. Weighing 1.4 oz/40 g, in footprint of 1.9 in. (W) x 1.7 in. (L) x 0.6 in. (D), the HandScanner is worn, unlike ring scanners, fastened on the back of the hand for 1D/2D symbologies. A Standard Range Model reads from 3.9 to 31.4 in. (10 to 80 cm) for manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. A Mid-Range Model reads from 11.8 to 59 in. (30 to 150 cm) for warehousing, transportation, and logistics. Used in combination with the company's mobile computers, it employs wireless Bluetooth 5/BLE. A 670-mAh rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery provides up to 15 hours of operation and 10,000 scans.

HandScanner by Datalogic

COMPANY BUSINESS

Shift4: Starts With "E"

An assertive move into e-commerce for Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA) with its purchase of 3dcart (Tamarac, FL). A feature-rich, multinational e-commerce platform, as described, 3dcart offers website builder, product and order management, and customer marketing tools. Customers may choose from dozens of industry-specific templates--all of which are mobile friendly, optimized for search engine optimization (SEO), and customizable--said Shift4 Payments.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome the 3dcart team to the Shift4 family," expressed Jared Isaacman, CEO at Shift4. "By combining this truly impressive, turnkey e-commerce solution with the Shift4 Payments' platform, we can deliver a best-in-class omnichannel experience. It's important to understand that our commitment to creating a unified commerce ecosystem goes beyond geographic borders and industry verticals. We have an ambitious vision to connect the world's commerce, and this acquisition is a critical milestone on that journey."

"We are delighted to be joining Shift4 and to enhance their end-to-end payments solution with our robust e-commerce platform," declared Gonzalo Gil, CEO of 3dcart. "We have created a world-class e-commerce solution and helped tens of thousands of businesses grow their online presence globally. As part of Shift4, I am confident we will accelerate our growth even further and position 3dcart as the e-commerce market leader." At present, 3dcart serves over 14,000 customers. In addition to its payment processing, Shift4 has software: Future POS, Harbortouch, POSitouch, and Restaurant Manager.

Shift4 Payments Bolsters E-Commerce With Purchase of 3dcart

Lightspeed's Shopping Spree

Another acquisition by Lightspeed POS (Montreal, QC, Canada), in this case, ShopKeep (New York, NY). In this deal expected to close by the end of Q4, Lightspeed will pay approximately $440 million in cash and subordinate voting shares for its fellow ISV ($145 million of the former). Once together, Lightspeed and ShopKeep will serve over 100,000 customer locations worldwide, in retail and hospitality, generating approximately $33 billion in gross transaction volume (GTV).

"ShopKeep's commitment to enabling independent businesses to dream big and rise above industry and economic challenges is deeply aligned with our own mission to power the future of commerce," proclaimed Dax Dasilva, Founder and CEO of Lightspeed POS. "This acquisition will bring ShopKeep merchants, small and medium-sized businesses that make up the backbone of the economy in the U.S., into the family at Lightspeed." As new functions for customers of ShopKeep, he cites business analytics, loyalty, e-commerce, and payments.

"Our partnership sets the stage to help business owners navigate through challenging times, keep pace with rapid change, and adapt quickly to meet the rising demands of today's customers," contributed Michael DeSimone, CEO of ShopKeep. According to the two parties, it also will bring increased investment in sales, marketing, and research and development in order "to capitalize on the increasing demand for modern, cloud-based omnichannel commerce solutions." In previous recent transactions, Lightspeed has purchased Montreal-based Chronogolf, Sydney-based Kounta, and Berlin-based Gastrofix.

Lightspeed POS, led by Founder and CEO Dax Dasilva, to Purchase Fellow ISV, ShopKeep

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

Posiflex Races With Mercury

Posiflex USA (Hayward, CA) has introduced its new line of pre-built, configurable kiosks: the Mercury EK Series. Available in floor-standing or countertop settings, the Mercury EK Series offers three versions, all with 15.6" true-flat projected-capacitive touchscreen (1920x1080). A proximity sensor, camera, and 3-in./80-mm thermal receipt printer come standard (with optional scanner, NFC/RFID, and Wi-Fi).

Since the Mercury EK Series is ready-made, an operator can get up and running quickly, noted Posiflex. A model with Android O/S has Rockchip RK3399 CPU up to 1.8 GHz (EK1610), while its two models with Window O/S have either J1900 CPU up to 2.4 GHz (EK1630), or choice between i3 CPU up to 2.4 GHz or i5 CPU up to 3.5 GHz (EK1650). A sleek design furnishes ease of maintenance, including component replacement, and cable management, with extensive set of I/O's and certification to the performance/durability of Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT/HASS).

"The Posiflex Mercury EK Series opens up multiple opportunities for operators to implement self-service into their retail, hospitality, or specialized setting," emphasized Doyle Ledford, VP of Sales and Marketing at Posiflex USA. "With its highly modular configuration and its flexibility of Windows or Android O/S, along with its compact form, the Mercury EK Series is an exceptional product to bring an efficient, manageable self-service solution into any retail operation at an affordable cost." It joins Apex, Paragon, and Stellar Kiosks at Posiflex USA.

Mercury EK Series Kiosk by Posiflex USA

EP Cooks Up KDS

A timely play by Electronic Payments (Calverton, NY), with its offering of sticker labels and complete kitchen display systems (KDS). With such new elements of its Exatouch POS, the payments processor has endorsed the controller Model TM-U220 impact printer from Epson America (Long Beach, CA). Additional components for Exatouch KDS may include display and bump bar from Logic Controls (Orlando, FL).

"Restaurants are being challenged this year like never before, which is why we sped the development of our kitchen display system and label integrations with Exatouch," reported Michael Nardy, Founder and CEO of Electronic Payments. 'These intuitive solutions simplify the work of restaurant staff so they can focus on customer service. Any restaurant taking advantage of these tools will instantly see how effective they are, both operationally and in terms of profitability."

In approximate dimensions, depending on version, of 6 in. (W) x 10 in. (D) x 6 in. (H), and weight of 5 lbs./2.3 kg, the Model TM-U220 by Epson America has maximum print speed of 6 in./152 mm per second, two colors, and maximum print width of 3 in./80 mm. A variety of sticker labels now within Exatouch POS accommodate container sizes for quick-service restaurants, pizzerias, and other establishments offering delivery and curbside service. A Version VGA of TM-U220, so-called "Direct Connect" KDS, plugs directly into the monitor for small restaurants. A Version COM of TM-U220, so-called "Multi-Station KDS," addresses larger users with an Expansion Box.

Electronic Payments Adds Kitchen Display Systems

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ALLIANCES

Star Fine Dines

Another ISV, RezPlus (Ottawa, ON, Canada) has endorsed the Model mC-Print 3 thermal receipt printer by Star Micronics (Somerset, NJ). Established in 2005, RezPlus provides online ordering, online reservations, web design and hosting, and e-gift/e-marketing for fine-dining restaurants. In particular, it embraces CloudPRNT by Star Micronics, which communicates directly with the server, employing JavaScript Object Notification (JSON).

In cube-shaped dimensions of 5.2 in. (W) x 5.5 in. (D) x 4.9 in. (H), the mC-Print3 has paper width of 2 or 3 in./58 or 80 mm and maximum print speed of 9.8 in./250 mm per second at 203 dpi. It has front loading and front exiting, with multiple connectivity, including USB, Lightning USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and Star's CloudPRNT/WebPRNT. It supports iOS, Android, and Windows. Additional features include splash-proof enclosure and print-flat and paper-saving technologies.

"RezPlus understands the challenges that so many of our restaurant customers are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic and is providing solutions to help them adapt to what is an unprecedented business environment," related Rachel Repp, Business Development Manager for RezPlus. "Star is helping to make these solutions more accessible through the CloudPRNT technology that is allowing for fine-dining restaurants to easily implement an online ordering service." As one of its partners, RezPlus has the distributor, BlueStar (Hebron, KY).

[Editor's Note: Star Micronics America has launched its Empower Program Sweepstakes for VARs and ISVs in POS. An invitation has been extended for entries, with winners receiving free exposure in Retail Reseller News. In order to participate, click here.]

RezPlus Endorses Star's mC-Print3 Receipt Printer

N.A. Bancard "Factors" in Loyalty

A new partnership between gift card and loyalty provider Factor4 (Broomall, PA) and payment processor North American Bancard (Troy, MI). It allows the companies' partners and merchants to custom brand their gift card and loyalty program, for in-store, online, and mobile. It's currently delivered via the Factor4 app, and will be integrated with the proprietary payments app, Payanywhere, by North American Bancard.

"NAB always strives to offer world-class solutions to improve the payment experience for merchants and their customers," noted Preet Patel, VP of Product for North American Bancard. "The partnership with Factor4's gift card and loyalty app will allow us to offer enterprise-level solutions to small business owners that will add value to existing customers and attract new ones." Earlier this year, North American Bancard deepened its sales channel commitment with increased financial benefits as part of its PEAK Program.

"We are excited to partner with NAB and to provide their merchants with a robust solution that generates new revenue streams, reduces attrition, attracts new customers, and motivates customers to make repeat purchases," proclaimed Dan Battista, CEO at Factor4. "By integrating Factor4's gift card and loyalty solution, NAB now provides merchants with every payments tool they need to run their businesses effectively." A long list of partners in payments and POS for Factor4.

North American Bancard Partners With Factor4

Code Corner

Cardknox (Howell, NJ) has offered its SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) payment processing for online supermarket and grocery platforms. A digital PIN Pad, as required by the USDA, supports the merchant's shopping cart. As integration tool for VARs and ISVs, there's software development kit (SDK). Additionally, for brick-and-mortar merchants, the gateway of Cardknox may be integrated with the payment processing devices and/or POS. Upon integration, either e-commerce or brick-and-mortar, merchants enjoy the range of payment methods--such as MSR, EMV, NFC, eWIC, and Mobile Wallets--as well as competitive processing rates, advanced data encryption, and simplified Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance, according to Cardknox. "Our e-commerce integration will enable online retailers to create a secure online grocery ordering experience that's accessible to consumers at every income level," relayed Yanky Weiss, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Cardknox.

SNAP EBT Payment Processing at Cardknox

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Zebra Grazes With SAP

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has placed its Zebra Enterprise Browser on the SAP App Center. Available for trial and online purchase, it integrates with the popular cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP), SAP S/4HANA. A mobile browser, it allows developers to save time by quickly building applications with minimal coding--for functions such as barcode scanning, signature capture, printing, and RFID--as well as simplified upgrades of device O/S.

"Zebra is pleased to introduce its first application on SAP App Center," confirmed James Pemberton, Director of ISV Strategy for Zebra Technologies. "Integration of Zebra Enterprise Browser with the middleware, SAP's Internet Transaction Server (ITS), enables keyboard layouts and other capabilities on mobile devices by Zebra. We are committed to working closely with businesses that use SAP solutions."

A Silver Partner in SAP's PartnerEdge Program, Zebra Technologies has replaced its Zebra Pocket Browser and RhoElements with the Zebra Enterprise Browser. As O/S, it supports Android and Windows Mobile/CE. FYI: For each purchase from the SAP App Center, which now encompasses 1,600 third-party solutions, SAP will plant one tree.

Zebra's Enterprise Browser on SAP App Center

GS1 US: Get your GTIN

GS1 US (Ewing, NJ), the standards organization in supply chain IT, has introduced its new single product identifier, or Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), for use with new products. Addressing, in particular, e-commerce, and the SMB, the new GTIN accompanies the Universal Product Code (UPC). At one-time cost of $30, small businesses can create an individual GTIN, manage related product data, and share the information with trading partners via the central GS1 US Data Hub.

Additionally, a business that licenses an individual GTIN will automatically be included in the GS1 Global Registry, which many retailers and online marketplaces use to verify product identification and confirm product authenticity. A note: since requirements may vary by retailer, smaller businesses should consult seller guidelines to understand which GS1 identification standards are needed to support electronic data exchange, shipping, and other purposes. An estimator tool, and other resources, have been created at GS1 US for the SMB.

"Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen an uptick in the number of small businesses needing to identify their products to sell online," observed Bob Carpenter, President and CEO with GS1 US. "We want to support these small brands on their journey and provide them with an authentic GTIN that will not only be accepted by a variety of retailers and online marketplaces globally, but also make it easier for consumers to find and buy their products." Earlier this month, GS1 US published its new Implementation Guideline for its GS1 Digital Link.

GS1 US Sets New Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) for New Products in the SMB

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

A FlyBuy Over BOPIS

A location-based solution for buy online/pick-up in store (BOPIS), developed by Radius Networks (Washington, DC), has been deployed by specialty retailer of crafts and fabrics, Joann (Hudson, OH). A nicely entitled "FlyBuy," it's been rolled out "within days" for all 865 stores of Joann. According to Joann, over 80% of all of its curbside customers now see wait time under three minutes, with many under one minute.

As functionality, FlyBuy enables the retailer to: accurately determine when the customer is coming to pick-up their order, with updates along the way; prioritize order fulfillment based on the arrival time of each customer; meet the customer with their order exactly when they arrive; and deliver smooth, safe, personalized, and contactless service. As additional benefits, it has staff-facing interactive dashboard, integrates with third-party delivery services, and supports back-end systems. In September, it was adopted by El Pollo Loco, Giant Eagle, and Hooters.

"It is predicted that we will see a 90% increase in digital sales over the previous holiday season," shared Jeff Baskin, EVP of Global Partnerships at Radius Networks. "Now, more than ever, it's essential for retailers to get an efficient location-based pick-up solution in place to maximize profits. When you can provide a frictionless customer experience with little to no wait time, customers will return." Additional modules of FlyBuy by Radius Networks include: Pay, Tableside, and Drive-Thru.

A Leading Specialty Retailer in Crafts and Fabrics, Joann, Installs Location-Based BOPIS Curbside Solution by Radius Networks

FIS Burns Rubber

The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, one of the major providers of automotive dealership software, documents, and professional services, has chosen as its exclusive payment processor: FIS. Under this multi-year agreement, Worldpay from FIS has assumed all payment processing activities for Reynolds and Reynolds' integrated payment solution, dubbed "ReyPAY." A privately held company, Reynolds and Reynolds has 4,300 employees and about $2 billion in annual revenue.

"ReyPAY is an integral part of the Reynolds Retail Management System and delivering the type of overall consumer experience that our dealership customers want to deliver," indicated Jon Strawsburg, VP of Product Management for Reynolds and Reynolds (Dayton, OH). "We have a lot of confidence in Worldpay's innovation and vision for the future. It's the type of partnership that we're confident can lead to operational excellence and accelerate time-to-revenue for dealers, as well as be a major convenience for their customers."

"Working with Reynolds and Reynolds, we are able to deliver smarter payment experience for automotive dealerships and their customers in a secure and seamless way," corroborated Dan Brames, Head of North America and International Solutions at FIS (Jacksonville, FL). "Reynolds and Reynolds has a long history of excellence in the automotive industry, and we look forward to working collectively to help modernize dealers' everyday operations with advanced payments and accounting processes." FYI: In the beginning, recall, Mercury to Vantiv in 2014; then, Vantiv to Worldpay in 2017; finally, Worldpay to FIS in 2019.

Automotive Dealership Software Giant, Reynolds and Reynolds, Selects Payment Processing by Worldpay from FIS

Channel Factoid

-At roughly half of pre-pandemic COVID-19 levels, foot traffic now remains steady in brick-and-mortar locations, as of October 30.

-States with most increase:
Oklahoma: +4.6%
Georgia: +4.4%
North Carolina: +4.3%
New Jersey: +2.7%
Utah: +2.7%

-States with most decrease:
Wisconsin: -6.4%
Colorado: -6.3%
Illinois: -6.3%
Maryland: -4.2%
Connecticut: -4.2%

-Sports centers/outdoor sports are seeing an +11.6% uptick, while hotels/accommodations are seeing an equal decrease of -11/6%.

-Places of worship are up +3.3%, while retail is down -4%.

-Medical locations are up +2.3%, and marijuana dispensaries are down -8.2%.

Source: "Zensights: National Snapshot of Brick and Mortar in America," by Zenreach (San Francisco, CA).

Steady as She Goes for Foot Traffic

HELLO GOODBYE

Twin Peaks

Peak-Ryzex (Columbia, MD), supplier of supply chain and mobile workforce solutions, has added two executives to its senior leadership team. Brad Tracy has joined as SVP of Sales for North America, and Jim Polcaro has joined the company as Chief Information Officer (CIO). Each will report to Juliann Larimer, President and CEO of Peak-Ryzex.

A familiar figure in retail IT and POS, Tracy most recently served as Global Retail Segment Manager at HP (2013 to 2020). A long career at NCR (2002 to 2012) began as Senior Product Manager, progressed through VP of Retail Marketing, and culminated in VP of Retail Channel Sales. In his most recent role, Polcaro served as VP of Information Technology at Maryland's SECU Credit Union (2013 to 2020).

"With both of these appointments, we have added domain expertise and leadership skills, and I am thrilled that both Brad and Jim share a commitment and vision to deliver strong, innovative results for our customers," commented Larimer. "Now more than ever, we see our customers looking for new ways to improve their operations and enhance their customer experience. Jim's expertise in driving digital transformation coupled with Brad's extensive go-to-market experience give us the opportunity to expand the ways in which we serve our customers."

New Executive Hires at Peak-Ryzex: Brad Tracy, SVP of Sales, North America (at Left), and Jim Polcaro, Chief Information Officer (at Right)

G-Man at NRF

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has enlisted veteran labor policy expert Edwin Egee as its VP for Government Relations and Workforce Development. As part of his responsibilities, he will manage the NRF's Committee on Employment Law and its Health and Employee Benefits Committee. He comes to the NRF from the National Labor Relations Board, where he served as Director of the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs.

"Ed brings a wealth of labor policy experience and expertise to our advocacy team," enthused David French, SVP for Government Relations at NRF (Washington, DC). "Over 50 million American jobs depend on a healthy retail industry, and Ed will be a tremendous asset for those workers as we address the many labor and workforce issues that face our industry."

"This is an excellent opportunity to work on behalf of an industry that provides both a first step into the workforce and rewarding careers for many millions of Americans," stated Egee. "Retail is a huge industry that deals with every aspect of workforce policy and I look forward to working on its behalf." In October, as part of its RISE Up Program, designed to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, the NRF released new suggestions for Retail Operations and Customer Conflict Prevention.

Edwin Egee, VP for Government Relations and Workforce Development, National Retail Federation