Our Product Pick

MobileDemand (Cedar Rapids, IA) has unwrapped two new rugged tablets with Windows 10: the 10" xTablet T1500 and 8" xTablet T8500. Both furnish Intel Quad-Core Z3735F CPU, 2-GB RAM, and 64-GB SSD. Weighing 2.3 lbs. and 1.4 lbs., respectively, these devices offer one or two-dimensional scanner, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and GPS. Carrying ratings of IP-65/67, MIL-STD-810G, and 4 ft./1.2 m drop, they come standard with rubber bumpers and screen protection. A 8300-mAh Li-Ion battery has 8 hrs. "At a price point near $1,000 with barcode scanning capability, these fit nicely between value priced and high performance rugged tablets," proposed Matt Miller, President and Founder of MobileDemand.

Windows 10 Tablets by MobileDemand

COMPANY BUSINESS

Mercury's "Security" Rises

A tally on "Security Pays," the ambitious program rolled out by Mercury Payment Systems (Durango, CO), now part of Vantiv: enrolled, 500 POS ISVs and VARs, and certified as Qualified Integrators and Resellers (QIR) through the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Council, 50. Announced at the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in July, Security Pays has Mercury/Vantiv subsidizing education, certification, and even incentives for selling. In launching, Mercury/Vantiv has enlisted RSPA, the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI-SSC), and Visa. In July, only seven partners were QIR.

"Security is a shared responsibility, which is why we built the Security Pays program," stated Matt Taylor, Group President, Integrated Payments and Emerging Channels for Vantiv. "We saw recurring remote access breaches and other payment environments that were compromised, some of which were easily preventable. Through education, partnerships, and hard work, we are seeing progress, but we have a lot more work to do."

Similarly, more than 80 partners of Mercury/Vantiv have signed the so-called "Secure Remote Access Attestation," thereby pledging to follow industry best practices for protecting POS. Last month, readers will recall, Visa mandated that by March 2016 acquirers must ensure that all newly boarded Level 4 merchant POS software, terminal installations, and integrations be performed by QIR-certified companies and professionals. All servicing of POS applications and terminals must be performed by QIR-certified companies and professionals by January 2017. Both Visa and PCI-SSC will hold and share this list of QIRs.

A Full Crowd Awaits Mercury/Vantiv's Security Pays Program Launch at July's RSPA Show

Cleared for Take-Off

An innovative supply chain player, PINC Solutions (Alameda, CA), has received permission to employ its drones, marshaled under the title of "PINC Air," for commercial data collection. An exemption under "Section 333" from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has paved the way. As sensors, the drones may carry GPS, RFID, OCR (Optical Character Recognition), and Barcode, for applications in yard management, inventory checks of finished vehicles, asset location across geographically dispersed areas, and even cycle counting in warehousing.

"This is a major milestone in the development of PINC Air," proclaimed Matt Yearling, PINC's CEO. "With the FAA's primary concern being safety, this exemption grant supports our design goal of safely collecting supply chain inventory data in industrial environments, away from any residential areas. PINC Air operates in geo-fenced commercial zones, under the supervision of qualified personnel, while following an entirely pre-programmed path to ensure safety and effectiveness."

PINC Air Gets FAA Permission to Launch

Worth Your While

NRF's Big Show - Annual Conference
National Retail Federation
January 17-20
New York City

Inspire 2016
Retail Solutions Providers Association
Jan. 31 - Feb. 3
San Diego

Transact 16
Electronic Transactions Association
April 19-21
Las Vegas

WERC 2016
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 15-18
Providence, RI

NRA Show 2016
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Citizen Steps Out

A busy month at Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA). First, Citizen has extended its mid-range table-top barcode printer family with two models: the CL-E730 and CL-E720DT. With both building upon the CL-E720, debuted in February, the CL-E730 adds higher 300-dpi resolution, while the CL-E720DT focuses exclusively on direct thermal printing. "Fitting nicely in the price category beneath our CL-S700 product line, the CL-E720 provides great functionality with clear value benefits," according to the announcement by Citizen Systems America.

Both new models carry the characteristics and features of the CL-E720. With physical dimensions of 9.8 in. (W) x 18 in. (D) x 10.3 in. (H), and weight of approximately 24 lbs., they supply 4.6-inch/118-mm maximum print width and 8-inch/200-mm media roll capacity. Additional benefits include vertical "High-Open" case for smaller footprint, all-metal "Hi-Lift" mechanism for easy ribbon and media loading, backlight LCD control panel for easy configuration, and "ARCP" ribbon control for greater readability of labels. A full suite of ports are included, with support for Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.

Citizen CL-E730 Mid-Range Table-Top Label Printer

Elo Goes Wide

Elo Touch Solutions (Milpitas, CA) has shipped its 20" widescreen X-Series All-in-One Touchscreen POS. It features 1920x1080 resolution and full HD display with 16:9 format to provide more real estate without losing line-of-sight. It employs IntelliTouch Pro projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreen technology that integrates with Elo's M-Series Customer Displays. An NFC module supports contactless payment schemes such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay.

As processing, the X-Series has 4th Generation i3/i5/i7 or Intel Celeron Quad-Core J1900. Memory is configurable from 2 GB to 16 GB, and storage from 128-GB SSD to 500-GB HDD. Peripherals are supported via Serial x 3, USB x 9, Powered USB, LAN, VGA, and Audio (as well as expansion module). Weighing approximately 17 lbs., with stand, the X-Series 20" has zero-bezel, fanless design. There's Bluetooth and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.

"The X-Series continues to be the most advanced point-of-sale system we've ever made, and the 20" widescreen is an exciting addition," declared Bill Beaton, Senior Director of Product Management for All-in-One at Elo. "The scalable, modular design, powerful Intel Core processor, and endless configuration options make the X-Series perfect for any retailer." Pricing starts at $1,479. Elo also offers its 15" and 17" X-Series.

Elo's 20" Widescreen X-Series POS

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ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Bulging Briefcase at ECRS

It's been fun watching the evolution of ECR Software (Boone, NC). Now firmly established as one of the leaders in retail automation, ECRS recently launched "Briefcase," its OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) decision support system. Suitable for users of ECRS Catapult 5.3 or higher, Briefcase addresses the growing need for analysis of transactional data. It's offered free to users of Catapult, with one-time set-up fee of $100, RRN.Com was told by Peter Catoe, CEO and President of ECRS.

"It allows users to quickly do comparative analysis of data, in order to have better understanding and make better business decisions," emphasized Catoe. "The OLAP Data Cube pre-summarizes the mountains of data generated by POS activity, in a form that allows the user to effortlessly see patterns, trends, and results. To run at optimal levels, modern businesses need digestible information from different perspectives within the organization." As such, it deepens the business intelligence reporting tools of Catapult Web Office, he added.

On each new business day, the transactional data requested from the Catapult Database Management System (DBMS) continues to stay synchronized with the Briefcase OLAP Cube. As pre-summarized retail "data marts," available for "slice, dice, and pivot," in the words of Catoe, Briefcase has Daily Sales, Hourly Statistics, Customer Activity, Items On-Hand Snap Shots, and Promotions. Once result sets are displayed, data may be sent to Excel. In addition, Briefcase goes mobile.

ECR Software Launches "Briefcase," Its OLAP Decision-Making Business Support Tool

TSYS TranSends EMV

A payment processor expressing some interest in our channel, TSYS (Columbus, GA), has certified RevChip from TranSend (Mount Laurel, NJ). Tailored to the adoption of EMV in the U.S., RevChip, which is embedded in the payment terminal, achieves EMV Level 3 and out-of-scope Payment Card Industry Payment Application - Data Security Standard (PCI PA-DSS). Additionally, it offers many sought-after EMV restaurant features such as tip adjustment, bar tab capabilities, partial payment with low balance gift cards, and no-signature option for quick-service environments.

RevChip has compatibility with payment terminal hardware from both Ingenico and Verifone. Unlike many EMV solutions, RevChip allows multiple software programs to run on one device, according to TranSend. It carries no transaction fees, supports Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay, and allows third-party add-ons such as gift, loyalty, and patron enrollment. A Software Development Kit (SDK) supports third-party POS.

"Restaurants are key to U.S. EMV migration, so meeting their needs is critical," stressed Craig Ludwig, Head of Product for TSYS Merchant Services. "The RevChip software application is highly valuable in helping our VAR and ISV business partners--as well as our merchants--to satisfy U.S. market requirements." As of 2013, TSYS was considered as number one for credit card issuers and as number two for merchant processing in the U.S.

Craig Ludwig, Head of Product, Merchant Services, TSYS

Code Corner

As befitting its name, Lightspeed POS (Montreal, Canada) has moved into e-commerce with the purchase of SEOshop, the fastest-growing e-commerce platform in Europe. It will launch Lightspeed eCom in the U.S. in Q1 2016. Aimed at online-only merchants, eCom will feature predictive analytics, full design customization, and complex inventory management, according to the ISV. In the coming months, Lightspeed will integrate Lightspeed eCom with its cloud-based Lightspeed POS. "This is an enormous step in the evolution of our company," enthused Dax Dasilva, CEO of Lightspeed POS. "We set out to help independent retailers grow and thrive by giving them a POS with the same back-office tools used by big retail in a user-friendly, mobile package. With the industry rapidly digitizing, online-only merchant demand has grown exponentially. Bringing SEOshop into the Lightspeed family gives us additional scale, and allows us to help store owners create a global shopping experience and sell smarter--all from an iPad--no matter how customers choose to shop."

Lightspeed eCom

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Tidying Up at MMF POS

MMF POS (Wheeling, IL) has fashioned new cash drawer trays/platforms for streamlining the organization of terminals, peripherals, and cables at the POS. Versions are offered for the company's Advantage 19" x 21" cash drawer (designated as product, MMF-P1921-04) as well as for the MediaPLUS 17" x 20" cash drawer (designated as product, MMF-P1720-04). These platforms have two stepped flat surfaces, the front at 0.75 inches high and the back at 2.5 inches high.

A skid-proof design eliminates the need for drilling into the cash drawer, with left or right placement of most major brands of peripherals. Each platform includes a top cover plate kit with four different slot configurations for secure mounting and discrete cable management. Both two-line pole displays and VESA compatible mounts can be easily integrated, with close proximity extended for touchscreen terminals or tablets.

"Retailers devote a lot of time and money creating a unique brand promise that extends to the customer experience at store level. Yet at checkout it often changes as customers see a mishmash of dusty, tangled cables, awkward peripheral placement, and clutter that is hard to keep organized and clean," reflected Anne Gray, Senior Product Manager for MMF POS. "Our new platforms organize and protect critical POS peripherals and related cables while presenting a professional appearance that won't distract from the overall customer experience. It's easy to see their value."

New Cash Drawer Platforms From MMF POS Help Streamline the Checkout

Heartless San Francisco for Am Ex

San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera has sued the American Express Company on the behalf of the state's retailers and consumers, holding it "responsible for billions of dollars in excessive and improper costs." Filed under California's "Unfair Competition Law," his suit charges that restrictions imposed by the credit card giant on participating merchants unlawfully restrained trade and violated federal anti-trust laws. It follows an earlier, successful federal court case brought by 17 states and the U.S. Justice Department.

"The party is over for American Express, and the bill is coming due in California," contended Herrera. "The federal court ruling earlier this year merely confirms what millions of retailers, economists, and U.S. Justice Department officials have known for years: American Express has rigged the game. They shook down merchants, stifled competition, and shifted costs for their extravagant member perks to even cash-paying consumers. It's unfair, it's illegal, and--under state law--it warrants tough penalties and restitution for California's merchants."

American Express has historically charged 3% on each credit card transaction--well in excess of Visa or MasterCard--accounting for an estimated $2.25 billion in fee payments annually in California. At the same time, according to Herrera's complaint, American Express prohibited its participating merchants from taking any step to encourage consumer's use of less costly payment methods, including cash. In addition to damages--put at $2,500 for each charge card transaction--it wants an injunction barring the company from enforcing its "illegal contractual provisions."

Attorney General of San Francisco Files Civil Suit Against American Express on Behalf of Merchants

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bematech
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
PowaPOS
Shopify
TEAMSable

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Honeywell Scanning

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
iPayment Inc.
Mercury/Vantiv
Moneris
Shift4

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp
PrehKeyTec

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

INSTALLATIONS

MTY Group: I Want Candy (Data)

A cleverly named gift card and loyalty provider, "DataCandy" (Montreal, Canada), will deploy its technology for the powerful MTY Food Group. MTY selected DataCandy to support its improved loyalty program, MTY Rewards, because of its capacity to integrate with diverse point-of-sale systems and payment acquirers, according to the two parties. Focused on quick-service restaurants, MTY now franchises 40 different concepts with more than 2,700 locations--the majority in shopping mall and cinema food courts or convenience stores.

An improved loyalty program will roll out in phases through 2016 and include offers and promotions, online enrollment, and new aggregated-across-the-enterprise, mobile application. Since its inception in 2002, DataCandy has spread to 4,000 locations across Canada and the U.S. Its platform touts real-time customer and SKU-level data for offering promotions tailored to the specific preferences of individual guests. On its website, DataCandy lists partners in POS such as Aloha, LOC, Logivision, Micros, Veloce, and Vivonet.

A New Gift Card and Loyalty Platform for the Quick-Service Restaurant Franchise Leader

Of Rum Punch, Self-Service, and iPads

Custom Business Solutions (Irvine, CA) will bring tablet-based POS to the cruise industry, and the new "Norwegian Escape." Two locations on this much-publicized ship, the District Brew House and the Food Republic, will feature cloud-based NorthStar Order Entry by CBS, which supports self-service iPads. "Using state-of-the-art technology in these restaurants is another way to improve our onboard guest experience," observed Mark Kansley, SVP of Hotel Operations at Norwegian Cruise Line.

At both restaurants, the NorthStar system authenticates the age of the guest and allows them to order food and beverage at their desired pace. According to reporting in the Ocean County Register, CBS solved problems of limited electrical outlets by placing 30 batteries in one case, for single charging. In addition, concerns of unsanitary conditions, and food-borne illness, in particular, were addressed with an antibacterial coating on the iPads. At the District Brew House, waiters carry iPads; at Food Republic, tables hold the iPads.

Custom Business Solutions Brings iPad POS to the Norwegian Escape Cruise Liner

Channel Factoid

As ranked in new research by the IHL Group:

Top Retail Software
Companies Worldwide
1. Microsoft
2. Oracle
3. IBM
4. NCR
5. SAP

Top Retail SaaS
Companies Worldwide
1. Microsoft
2. Demandware
3. IBM
4. eBay Enterprises
5. Oracle

HELLO GOODBYE

A Big Sister for Brother

Brother Mobile Solutions (Broomfield, CO) has engaged Angela Mansfield-Swanson as its new Director of Marketing. A well-known figure in our channel, Mansfield-Swanson served as Director of Corporate Marketing for CognitiveTPG for 11 years before joining Brother Mobile Solutions. In her new role, she will lead the team responsible for market plan development, brand identity, interactive and web media, public relations, customer relationship management, and advertising and social media.

"Thanks to our diverse lines of reliable, versatile document, receipt, and label printers, Brother has become a leader in the industry with a long and respected legacy of technology-based mobile printer innovations," delineated David Crist, President of Brother Mobile Solutions USA. "Adding to our team of top quality professionals further strengthens our ability to form strategic cross-industry partnerships. It will also help us better serve existing customers while reaching out to new and untapped markets. This growth trajectory presents a rich opportunity for Brother Mobile Solutions."

"I am honored to align with such a strong and respected brand," shared Mansfield-Swanson. "And I look forward to the challenge of driving Brother's continued growth and establishing even stronger partner relationships in an industry I'm proud to be part of." Other new names of interest to readers of RRN.Com for Brother: Ann Iten, Senior Product Manager, Supplies and Service; Ali Stone, Events Marketing Manager; Matt Moriarty, Digital and Channel Marketing Manager; Dan Cobb, Major Account Manager; Thomas Dimitriou, Lead Generation; and Nichole Riede and Sandra Gurule, Order Administration and Customer Service Managers.

Angela Mansfield-Swanson, Director of Marketing, Brother Mobile Solutions

A Western Pioneer

Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA) has enlisted industry veteran Kevin Collins for the new role of Director of Channel Sales/Western Region. One of the founders of the former ISV CAM Data Systems, Collins also served as Territory Manager/Western Region for Equinox Systems. As the bulk of his experience, he has worked for two major distributors of IT--ScanSource POS and Barcode and Avnet.

"Pioneer POS has always been on the leading edge of our industry when it comes to the latest products and cutting-edge technology," volunteered Collins. "With their new CYPRUS All-in-One POS and DASH Mobile Tablet, exciting times are ahead for Pioneer POS. I'm extremely happy to be part of it."

"With over 30 years in the business and relationships across the industry, Kevin is an enormous addition to the team," commented Michael Flores, Director of Business Development for Pioneer POS. "We couldn't be more pleased for what he brings to Pioneer POS." In addition to CYPRUS, Pioneer POS supplies its Stealth and S-Line for POS. It distributes through BlueStar, M-S Cash Drawer, and ScanSource POS and Barcode.

Kevin Collins, Channel Sales/Western Region, Pioneer POS