This Week’s Product Pick

Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ) has unwrapped its latest touchscreen LCD, designated the EC150. With sleek dimensions of 13.3 in. (H) x 14.4 in. (W) x 7.9 in. (D), and weight of 10.3 lbs., the EC150 employs dual-interface resistive touch technology with 15-inch screen. It supports an integrated front-facing three-track magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) and rear-facing 2x20 customer display, with VGA and DVI, USB and Serial, and smart cable management. Monitor technical specifications include 1024x768 optimal resolution, 250 cd/m2 panel brightness, 600:1 contrast ration, and 8 ms response time. “Touch Dynamic has always made it a point to listen to what customers want in their products, and this time is no exception,” relayed Craig Paritz, President of Touch Dynamic. “The EC150 is a high-quality touch monitor that delivers great value and enhanced features for every user.”

EC150 by Touch Dynamic

COMPANY BUSINESS

Cruising With BlueStar

With Carnival’s “Imagination” back to sea serving tourists, 25 tons of demo products unloaded, and VARTECH U.S./LATAM successfully completed, Steve Cuntz, CEO of BlueStar, recently took some time to chat with RRN.Com. During its unique, ultra-mobile gathering in October, held for the first time on cruise ship, docking in the Bahamas, BlueStar set course in several areas of interest for its resellers. First, the distributor reinforced its growing focus on the healthcare vertical, with Eric Knock coming onboard as Senior Manager for the discipline. Knock brings almost two decades of senior-level experience with Hill-Rom, which supplies hospital furnishings and related services. As part of his new position, he will head BlueStar’s participation in the Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center, where the distributor will demonstrate the potential of our industry’s products, in particular barcoding and RFID, for healthcare professionals.

“We also announced major relationships with security manufacturers,” Cuntz told RRN.Com. “What we’re really pursuing at this point is surveillance and security networks, including IP over the cloud. By bringing our Fusion Program into this arena, we’re pretty sure we will be positioned like nobody else.” For VARTECH U.S./LATAM, BlueStar plugged into the Carnival ship’s network to demonstrate the benefits of visibility across the enterprise, and even offered its own mobile smartphone app for the event, with agenda, maps, and roster of attendees, in both Spanish and English. “We had it written specifically for the show and it was a big hit,” said Cuntz.

Even at sea, talk could not overlook today’s disruptive technologies such as tablets and payment processing accessories. “Put simply, iPads are changing the face of POS,” Cuntz noted. “Virtually every large deal we’ve done in POS this year has had iOS. You tell young guys who wrote an app that works with iOS or Android that POS isn’t supposed to work that way, and they don’t really care--they’re just out there closing deals. Our team is spending probably 40% of their time right now walking people through the activity issues. Kind of reminds me of the early 1990s with barcoding.” Pushing forward into such emerging solutions, BlueStar has entered talks to distribute Square, which some attendees no doubt used to pay their cab back to the airport after VARTECH. Since docking, BlueStar also has launched two new “In-A-Box” Solutions for package labeling: Office Manager and Warehouse Manager. No word yet on next year's venue.

Steve Cuntz, CEO, BlueStar

HP: Check Us Out

HP (Palo Alto, CA) has unveiled its CX1 Self-Checkout System, based upon its HP RP7 POS with 15-inch touchscreen. Offered in several configurations, including bag or bagless and cashless, cash acceptance, or cash dispensing, CX1 seeks to fill the need for self-checkout in space-constrained retail settings. With single bag holder, it measures approximately 28 in. (L) x 44 in. (W) x 49 in. (H), weighs 315 lbs., and offers front access to all components and tool-less maintenance service.

CX1 has Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 pre-installed, and runs Intel’s Dual Core i3-2120 at 3.3 GHz and Intel’s HD Graphics 2000. Both one- and two-dimensional scanning are supported, with weight scale and adjustable shelf, and customer receipts that are left behind automatically retract into the bin inside the kiosk. Several major POS software packages have been certified for use with the CX1, according to HP, and customized middleware will be supplied for integration purposes in other cases.

CX1 Self-Checkout System by HP

Worth Your While - 2013

NRF 102nd Annual Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 13-16
New York City

INSPIRE
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 20-23
Curacao, Lesser Antilles

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 30 - May 1
New Orleans

THE Tech EVENT
(Formerly NACStech, National Association of Convenience Stores)
May 6-10
Dallas

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 18-21
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Healthy Diagnosis for Elo

Elo Touch Solutions (Menlo Park, CA) has prescribed its M-Series VuPoint touch computer for medical and healthcare environments. Offered in 15-inch (M1) and 19-inch (M2) wide-screen formats, and flexible configurations, VuPoint fulfills “near-patient” needs in entertainment, communications, and information sharing. Specific applications may include electronic medical records, self-service menu ordering, educational services, and billing review. Interestingly, molded handles have been included on the device for easy deployment on mobile carts, swing arms, and treatment tables, with overall weight of 12.9 lbs. for M1 and 15.4 lbs. for M2.

A fanless computer complies with technical standards for medical electrical equipment, according to the manufacturer, with drip-proof, easy-to-clean screen. With Projected Capacitive (PCAP) touchscreen for “fast, sensitive response” or AccuTouch five-wire resistive touchscreen for “stable, drift-free operation,” VuPoint may be adapted to individual healthcare requirements. Providers also may choose between two Intel CPUs--1.8 GHz Dual Core Atom D525 or 1.1 GHz Celeron Dual Core 847E--and multiple connections as well as optional accessories for telephony handsets, card readers, and barcode scanners.

“Designed to meet the needs of both medical staff and patients, VuPoint has been optimized in partnership with leading healthcare software providers and end-users,” reported Craig Witsoe, CEO of Elo Touch Solutions. “The intuitive touchscreen technology delivers a large display to engage, inform, and improve the patient experience beyond a typical hand-held device.” Starting price for the M-Series VuPoint was given at $2,000 inclusive of three-year warranty.

M-Series VuPoint Touch Computer for Healthcare

[Editor’s Note:  According to recent press reports, Elo Touch Solutions plans to move its headquarters and employees to Milpitas, CA, in March. In addition, Elo was honored with the 2012 Smart Partner Award in the Data Capture/Point of Sale category from Ingram Micro. “We’re delighted to recognize Elo Touch Solutions for their quality, innovation, collaboration, and dedication in working with the Ingram Micro team to accelerate our channel partners’ success,” remarked Paul Bay, EVP, Ingram Micro North America.]

Gun Control at Microscan

Microscan (Renton, WA), supplier of barcode, machine vision, and lighting solutions, has shipped two new handheld scanners, the HS-21 and HS-41X. Both are equipped with 1.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and dual-field optics to provide reliable reading of one and two-dimensional codes. Measuring 5.2 in. (H) x 2 in. (W) x 3.6 in. (D), and weighing 3.9 oz., these new devices withstand multiple drops to concrete from six feet and carry USB and RS-232 connections with low power draw, according to the manufacturer.

In keeping with Microscan’s focus, HS-21 and HS-41X address data collection for surroundings such as clean rooms and manufacturing shop floors. HS-21 satisfies the need for portable scanning in common applications such as high-contrast black and white labels, Microscan suggested. HS-41X adds proprietary X-Mode decode algorithms and innovative bright field lighting for reading difficult low-contrast codes, including direct part marks (DPM) such as dot peen and laser/chemical etch, as well as those codes which may be damaged and distorted.

Both imagers were ergonomically designed for comfort in repetitive and heavy-duty applications, and carry visual, audio, and vibrating indicators to provide confirmation of successful reads in noisy or sensitive environments. An IP-54 rated enclosure protects all sensitive components and may be cleaned with standard hospital disinfectants for use in healthcare. Compatible accessories include presentation stand with flexible neck to outfit the readers in their motion-detecting presentation mode.

Microscan’s HS-41X Handheld Scanner

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NOTES FROM THE FIELD

NCR on the End Cap

Beginning in January, NCR (Duluth, GA) will sell its NCR Silver POS at Staples office supply centers throughout the U.S., as well as on the retailer’s website. NCR Silver, which operates on Apple iOS devices, will be prominently displayed on aisle end-caps with supporting signage, according to the two parties, and with retail pricing of $499 for the bundle of receipt printer, credit card reader, cash drawer, and swivel stand for iPad. Apple devices, of course, are sold separately.

Cost includes the free 30-day trial of NCR Silver. Targeted at entry-level end-users, NCR Silver employs cloud-based technology to address the roster of necessary store functions: tracking of sales, profits, and inventory; marketing to customers with targeted and customized e-mail campaigns; analysis of business trends; and management of business finances. After the 30-day trial, NCR Silver bills for $79 per month with no long-term contract required.

“Staples is the world’s largest office products company and one of the first places people go when starting a business or looking to upgrade equipment for an existing business,” observed Christian Nahas, VP of the NCR Small Business Team. “NCR Silver provides the technology that makes running a small business easier. We’re excited to make NCR Silver’s powerful technology easily available at Staples.”

NCR Silver, Shown Here on iTunes, Will Be Sold at Staples

Bematech Fights Sandy With POS

Bematech (Bethpage, NY) will provide its hardware at reduced pricing to nearby businesses with POS systems damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Under the program, extended to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, the vendor will discount off its MSRP as much as 50% for entire bundled hardware solutions and 30% for peripheral pieces such as mandatory customer displays. These discounts will be applied directly to the end-user’s price, said Bematech.

“Bematech has experienced some of the effects of the storm first hand and it is our obligation to support the community and give back in whatever way we can,” commented Wladimir Alvarez, President of the International Division of Bematech. “We hope that the restoration process is fast and look forward to assisting local businesses in getting back on their feet. We urge our partners to reach out to their customers regarding this opportunity as we would like to support as many businesses as possible.”

In order to participate, end-users and their resellers are required to jointly complete the company’s application form, which may be obtained by contacting Bridget Farrington, Marketing Coordinator, or Josephine Lu, ISV Relations/Key Accounts Manager. Once Bematech receives the form, it will work with the partner to put together the best solution to meet the merchant’s needs as quickly as possible. Situated on Long Island, Bematech’s facility was not seriously damaged by the massive weather event, which caused an estimated $50 billion in economic losses in the Northeast U.S.

Vendor Offers Reduced Pricing for Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Code Corner

Epicor Software Corporation (Dublin, CA) has showcased its System Backup & Recovery for Epicor Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Epicor Vantage, or Epicor Vista customers running on Microsoft SQL Server. Targeted at small to mid-sized business, this new service encompasses installation, configuration, monitoring, and emergency response, billed monthly per number of users following an initial set-up fee. In this plan, a copy of the customer’s Epicor ERP version is stored on-line and an embedded software agent is installed. A secure connection is made between the customer’s server and the Epicor enterprise-class data center to support data backup and failover. On a continuous basis, data from the customer’s on-premise ERP database is backed up in real-time to the Epicor data center and monitored 24/7. Access to the redundant system, in the event of an incident, is estimated within two to four hours. “Any amount of downtime can be severely damaging to a business’s bottom line and its reputation,” explained Malcolm Fox, VP of Product Marketing with Epicor. “When an ERP system goes down, or in the event of disaster, data and productivity must be restored as quickly as possible. Where every second counts, Epicor System Backup & Recovery provides the turnkey solution to support business continuity.”

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

VeriFone Sets SAIL; Anchors Fujitsu

VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA) has advanced in mobile POS on both the low and high end. In the case of the SMB customer, the payment solution provider has launched its SAIL EMV package for smartphone and tablet-based Chip-and-PIN. Spanning hardware, software development kit (SDK) for iOS and Android, and transaction management system, SAIL EMV was designed to meet all industry security standards, including EMV Level 1 and Level 2, PCI PTS 3.0, SRED, PA-DSS, and PCI-DSS. The adapter connects to consumer device via the audio jack and allows merchants to accept both Chip-and-PIN and magnetic-stripe reading (MSR).

“More than just a secure hardware solution, SAIL EMV contains all of the building blocks that banks and processors need to build a custom branded experience,” VeriFone suggested in its press announcement. “Utilizing the proven Point Gateway, transactions are quickly and efficiently managed, and users are presented with powerful tools to help analyze and grow their business. For the hundreds of thousands of merchants already utilizing the Point Gateway worldwide, the addition of SAIL EMV provides a powerful mobile add-on solution.”

SAIL EMV for Chip-and-PIN by VeriFone

Shiny Apple at ShopKeep

Most news from the multitude of Apple-based POS developers goes unreported by RNN.Com for the simple reason that these firms sell direct and have no interest in the reseller channel. One exception appears to be ShopKeep POS (New York) which has its product distributed by BlueStar. Just recently, ShopKeep debuted two new extensions to its platform: full kitchen printing capabilities and integrated time-clock capacity. With the former, ShopKeep formally announces its entry into the quick-service market, as defined by independent coffee shops, ice cream stores, pizza parlors, and bakeries.

“How many times have you walked into a café and they are writing orders down with pen and pad of paper and then ringing you up separately?” asked Jason Richelson, CEO and Founder of ShopKeep POS. “Our latest release takes all of that friction away. You can select an item, add all the options, and modify the price, all from your ShopKeep POS iPad register. Best of all, the order automatically prints to the kitchen, which keeps operations running smoothly--especially at peak times.”

Apple POS Developer Extends Its Platform to Quick-Service

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
J2 Retail Systems
Pioneer POS
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS & Processing
RedFin Network

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Janam Technologies
Trimble

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

Scanners
Bar Codes Unlimited
Code Corporation

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

BarCode ID Foretold by Oracle

BarCode ID Systems (Atlanta) has developed an automated inventory process, leveraging supply chain software from RFgen (El Dorado Hills, CA), for the Oracle E-Business Suite at Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation. Based in Virginia, Toshiba Mitsubishi manufactures drives, motors, and advanced automation for various industrial uses. It required an efficient way to get accurate inventory, shipping, and receiving information into Oracle E-Business Suite by mobile workers inside the warehouse who were previously entering data manually. This solution, which included enterprise printing, consulting, and integration services by BarCode ID Systems, drew upon mobile computers from Motorola Solutions and barcode printers from Zebra Technologies.

According to Chris Eakin, Inventory and Warehouse Supervisor at Toshiba Mitsubishi, “We found that the RFgen solution from BarCode ID Systems for Oracle E-Business Suite was the easiest to implement and will save us many hours of development and implementation time. RFgen will be used by multiple groups within Toshiba Mitsubishi and we expect to enjoy higher accuracy and increased volume while minimizing the need to hire additional employees.” Further, Toshiba Mitsubishi reportedly considered Oracle’s Mobile Supply Chain Application (MSCA) to provide needed inventory automation, but “quickly found it has less functionality at higher cost” than the solution from BarCode ID Systems and RFgen, according to the participating parties.

RFgen, which holds Gold Status in the Oracle Partner Network, also announced Oracle Validated Integration of the RFgen Mobile Framework 4.1 with the Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1. This supports real-time warehouse and manufacturing voice-directed workflows as well as providing on-demand connectivity for mobile devices such as barcode scanners, PDAs, tablets, and smartphones, according to the two software developers. “Oracle Validated Integration applies our rigorous technical review and test process,” stressed Kevin O’Brien, Senior Director, ISV and SaaS Strategy at Oracle. RFgen, as one would expect, also accommodates Oracle JD Edwards, SAP, Microsoft, and Deltek Costpoint.

Toshiba Mitsubishi Turns to VAR for Oracle E-Business Suite

Psion Plugs the Leak

Psion (Hebron, KY) has deployed its Managed Services for Ferguson, the largest wholesaler of residential and commercial plumbing and lighting supplies in the U.S. Part and parcel, Psion has supplied its EP10 rugged mobile computer to 700 of 3,500 trucks in the company’s delivery fleet, with plans to complete the implementation in all vehicles by the end of 2013. Agreement was reached in May, before the acquisition of Psion by Motorola Solutions.

Powered by “mprodigy,” the business analytics package from B2M Solutions (Atlanta), Psion Managed Services will help Ferguson optimize efficiencies for this mobile deployment through asset, configuration, and compliance management. With signature capture, GPS, and wireless capabilities, Ferguson will have access to real-time data for maximum visibility and device security. Now it plans to evaluate Managed Services for other Psion devices in its warehouses.

“We’ve been using Psion handhelds in our warehouse for years and have always been pleased with Psion’s service and its devices’ ease-of-use and durability,” recounted Joseph Zanette, Solutions Manager for Ferguson, which is based in Newport News, VA. “With the EP10, we’re able to eliminate our manual paper process, saving us time and money, and allowing us to meet our customers’ need for real-time delivery tracking and an electronic proof of delivery.” According to Mike Wills, VP of North American Sales at Psion, Ferguson should enjoy at least 20% increase in process efficiency from its new platform.

Managed Services for Plumbing Wholesaler, In Support of the EP10

Channel Factoid

An annual survey among financial institutions, mobile operators, and payment processors, conducted by global payments software provider Compass Plus, has revealed that the growth of new payment channels is viewed as the biggest challenge facing the electronic transaction industry--cited by 30%, an increase of 8% over 2011. Other key issues include the growth of NFC and contactless technology (21%), the need for simple user authentication (18%), and the rise of non-traditional payment providers (17%). In addition, there was broad agreement from those surveyed on the speed of mobile banking adoption, with the majority (59%) feeling that this pathway will account for 10% to 30% of total banking within two to three years. Overall, fraud, security, and compliance were forecast as top concerns for the industry in 2013. Hacking of web-based banking remains the biggest fraud threat at 27%, versus 29% last year. Customer-not-present fraud placed second at 26%. Card skimming was perceived as the fastest-growing threat with an increase of 7% year-on-year. In 2011, respondents were polarized on the speed of NFC uptake, but 67% now expect this scheme to reach mass adoption in one to three years. “The industry still remains in a period of turbulence with technology-led disruption at its core,” indicated Maria Nottingham, CMO for Compass Plus. “Marrying innovation and speed with security and compliance is paramount.”

HELLO GOODBYE

CognitiveTPG Counts on More Beans

CognitiveTPG (Ithaca, NY), longstanding supplier of barcode and receipt printers, has enlisted John Hall-Thurnheet as its CFO. Hall-Thurnheer brings more than two decades of experience in finance, operations, contract administration, and negotiations to his new position, having served as CFO for Turbine Blading and Parts as well as Stork H&E Turbo Blading. In 2009, he was certified as Six Sigma Gold Belt by SSA & Company, following completion of an extensive curriculum.

“CognitiveTPG is pleased to welcome John to the team as we prepare for growth,” stated Kyle Turner, CEO/President at CognitiveTPG, which recently was acquired by the private equity firm of DeltaPointCapital Management LLC (Rochester, NY). “John brings the expertise and proven track record of a successful CFO. His strong combination of skills and experience will be an important addition to our management team.”

Hall-Thurnheer expressed his sentiments on the new appointment: “This is an exciting time to be joining CognitiveTPG. The company is positioned for significant growth and expansion and has the infrastructure, resources, and seasoned team of professionals needed to achieve it. I look forward to working closely with the management team in achieving our financial targets.”

John Hall-Thurnheer, CFO, CognitiveTPG

Ellis on Agilysys A-List

Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) has promoted Robert “Robb” Ellis to COO, effective immediately. Ellis has functioned as SVP and CFO of Agilysys since October 2011. Prior to Agilysys, he worked with Radiant Systems, joining the company as Corporate Controller and later managing the global team as VP of Accounting and Financial Operations. He began his career with Arthur Andersen and Deloitte Consulting.

“Robb’s background and expertise, particularly as they relate to the hospitality and retail markets, make him uniquely qualified for the position of Chief Operating Officer of Agilysys,” shared James Dennedy, CEO/President. “We continue to make improvements in the company’s business model and leadership to optimize operations in a way to support our personnel, improve service to our customers, and deliver greater value to our shareholders. Robb brings a unique perspective to the job, and I look forward to his continued contributions to the business.”

Agilysys also has placed its InfoGenesis POS with Hotel 1000 in Seattle’s trendy downtown waterfront. “We selected the InfoGenesis POS system because of its successful installation at several other Benchmark Hospitality luxury properties,” commented Barbara Hills, GM of Boka Restaurant & Bar at Hotel 1000. “It seamlessly connects food and beverage operations with the hotel’s property management system, which enables us to provide a higher level of service and maximize productivity.”

Robb Ellis, COO, Agilysys