This Week’s Product Pick

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) debuted its TM-H6000IV multi-function printer with validation, the successor to its popular TM-H6000III. Designed to speed check transactions, receipt, and forms printing, most notably in bank environments, this new device offers numerous best-in-class features, according to the vendor. These include print speed of 300 mm/11.8 inches per second, 50% faster than the TM-H6000III, as well as greater ability to read checks in poor condition. MICR accuracy reaches 99.9% and the printer handles broader check area than its predecessor, further ensuring the highest read performance. Additional characteristics of the TM-H6000IV include smaller footprint than the TM-H6000III, easy drop-in validation, and print options to reduce paper usage over 25%. Lastly, the printer delivers an MCBF of 96 million lines and compatibility with current and legacy systems through Epson’s Connect-It interface modules. “The TM-H6000IV is designed for fast, accurate check processing, which saves time and money,” commented Mike Helm, Director of Sales and Marketing, Epson Business Systems Group. “It also offers the highest reliability and lowest power consumption in its class--which are top priorities for many financial institutions.”

Epson America’s TM-H6000IV

COMPANY BUSINESS

Star Quebec Selected

Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has announced that Revenu Quebec, the tax authority of Quebec, has certified its TSP700II, TSP800II, FVP-10, and TSP650 thermal receipt printers as compatible with the microprocessor-based sales recording module (SRM) to be installed on the POS in all restaurants in the Canadian province under the new rule that took effect on September 1, 2010. By complying with these new regulations, Star printers eliminate at least one concern on the part of restaurant operators, it was noted. Installation of the SRM will begin with new restaurants and those with past tax irregularities; by November 1, 2011, all restaurants must meet the requirement.

Implemented to combat suspected tax evasion, the rule stipulates that restaurateurs in Quebec provide all customers with receipts listing each menu item purchased and its price, as well as applicable taxes paid. All receipts must be generated through the Revenu Quebec-selected SRM, in order to counter unreported cash payments and erasure of digital sales records. Canadian authorities claim that as much as $425 million in tax revenues are avoided each year in Quebec’s 20,000 establishments.

“Star Micronics maintains an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of its customers, in Canada and wherever its products are sold,” stated Michael Hanson, VP of Star Micronics America. “As such, we were happy to take the necessary steps to ensure the compatibility of our printers with the Quebec government’s new regulations. We will continue to diligently follow legislative developments in our markets and endeavor to make it as easy as possible for retailers and restaurant operators to reap the benefits of our printing solutions.”

Automated Tax Verification Regulations Under Effect in the Province

[Editor's Note: RRN.Com readers can expect more developments in this area, as receipt printer vendors move to support the new mandate. At press time, for instance, Posiflex Business Machines (Hayward, CA) reported its Aura PP-6800 and PP-8000 printers have been configured by Revenu Quebec for SRM compatibility.]

Plug-and-Play Electronic Payments

American Express (New York) and SAP AG (Walldorf, Germany) will marshal their considerable resources to develop an integrated solution enabling SAP customers in the U.S. to process electronic payments more seamlessly with American Express. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to clear roadblocks that typically dampen corporate enthusiasm for electronic payments, most prominently, the need to deploy and manage large numbers of third-party systems. Under the agreement, American Express will license SAP NetWeaver Process Integration (PI) technology and SAP will deploy Buyer Initiated Payments, the American Express web-based automation tool for the payment process. The companies plan to make this “plug-and-play” solution available in Q1 2011.

“Automated payment solutions can be critical for companies seeking to save money, but have historically required significant investments in resources and time to implement,” observed Jaromir Divilek, SVP and GM, American Express Global Commercial Card. “With this joint effort, we will be able to offer SAP and American Express clients the benefits of faster and more cost-effective electronic payments. With its systems touching nearly two-thirds of global business transactions and its broad customer base of the world’s leading companies, SAP is an ideal partner--one that shares our deep commitment to delivering business value and innovation to customers.”

“SAP’s global reach and business process expertise in the financial services sector put us in a unique position to help customers ease connectivity with American Express payment services,” acknowledged Don Trotta, SVP and Global Head of Financial Services, SAP AG. “The collaboration with American Express underscores the proven business value of our software and further upholds our promise to help customers continually tap new potential from their SAP deployments.”

Don Trotta, SVP/Global Head of Financial Services, SAP AG

Worth Your While

Pack Expo International
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)
October 31-November 3
Chicago

AIM Expo
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
November 1-3
Chicago

Customer Engagement Technology World
(Formerly KioskCom & The Digital Signage Show)
November 10-11
New York

NRF 100th Annual
Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 9-12, 2011
New York

RSPA Inspire 2011
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 23-26, 2011
Maui, Hawaii

ProMat 2011
Material Handling Industry of America
March 21-24, 2011
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Germ Free at Janam

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has targeted the healthcare industry by extending its XM Series with antimicrobial versions of the popular XM66 and XM60+ rugged handhelds. Significantly, Janam has provided “whole device” coverage in which the protective layer encompasses the scan window, display surface, stylus, and screws. Thus, the entire PDA--not just the plastic housing--has been protected by an antimicrobial coating that effectively kills micro-organisms.

The XM66AM and XM60+AM represent the only fully rugged, antimicrobial, mobile computers that deliver full 3.5-inch displays yet weigh less than 10 ounces, according to the vendor. Intended for uses ranging from medication administration to specimen tracking, the PDAs feature omni-directional one and two-dimensional scanning and have been built to withstand demanding environments, surviving repeated 4 ft./1.2 m drops to concrete and sealed to IP-54 standards. Finally, secure Cisco CCX-certified Wi-Fi enables healthcare workers to communicate with centralized systems in real-time while maintaining patient privacy.

“Healthcare, an inherently mobile industry, is increasingly adopting mobile technologies to improve efficiency, support point-of-care excellence, and increase safety,” noted Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam. “The antimicrobial XM Series is not only optimized for the industry’s mobility requirements, it delivers antimicrobial characteristics in a manner that is superior to that of its competition. One again, Janam delivers the right features at the right price.” Janam’s healthcare push will be fueled by both existing and new channel partners, RRN.Com was told.

Janam’s XM Series Now Outfitted for Healthcare

Digi’s Cellular Data Director

Digi International (Minnetonka, MN) unveiled its ConnectPort X3 programmable cellular gateway for monitoring and tracking remote assets. Featuring multiple device interfaces, including XBee/ZigBee, I/O, RS-232, and GPS, the ConnectPort X3 has been certified by AT&T and works on virtually any GSM network around the world, according to the manufacturer. In addition, it has been configured for use with the iDigi Platform, the cloud-computing service for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, and comes with full suite of familiar development tools for end-to-end device customization, management, and IT back-office integration.

“The ConnectPort X3 is our low-cost solution for monitoring and managing remote equipment such as smart meters, storage tanks, security panels, and variable message signs,” said Larry Kraft, SVP of Global Sales and Marketing at Digi International. “The low price point and device interface flexibility enable an entire new set of remote asset and monitoring applications.” ConnectPort X3 will ship next month with an MSRP starting at $249. Sample units are now available for qualified buyers.

“Digi's gateway collects tank readings from ZigBee-enabled sensors and extends the data to our i3G cloud over cellular,” testified Mike Barcum, Partner at i3G Corporation (Charlotte, NC), an early adopter. “Our customers can then easily access their remote tank information through our customizable, web-based tank-monitoring application. The ConnectPort X3 makes it easy for us to connect to and manage remote tank-monitoring systems of any size.” Not surprisingly, the solution provider has dubbed its system, “i-Tank.”

ConnectPort X3 Gateway From Digi International

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ALLIANCES

French Connection for M-S Cash Drawer

M-S Cash Drawer (Pasadena, CA) will handle ID card printers from Evolis, including Tattoo, Pebble, Dualys, Quantum, and Securion models. This recent agreement introduces Evolis to two-tier distribution for retail in the U.S., while adding prominent card technology to the line-card at M-S Cash Drawer. Evolis, based in France with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers the full range of graphic, magnetic-stripe, contact, and contactless input options--including RFID--for formats such as employee badges, student IDs, and payment cards.

“Evolis is known for designing a comprehensive range of plastic card solutions that are widely available and affordable by offering simple, on-demand, and customized printing that brings quality to the largest scope of business users,” commented Paul Masson, CEO of M-S Cash Drawer. “Evolis has developed a strong following in the reseller channel and we are excited to offer their quality ID card printing products.”

“Evolis has successfully penetrated numerous security verticals and we believe that this partnership will help us expand our reseller network further into on-demand loyalty card, gift card, and membership cards,” said Thomas Deisenroth, Sales Director at Evolis. “M-S Cash Drawer brings unique vertical market expertise to Evolis, allowing us new channel opportunities to better address both the needs and requirements of the POS world.”

Paul Masson, CEO of M-S Cash Drawer

PPI Pitches Its Tent

Payment Processing, Inc. (Newark, CA) has entered the market for mobile POS by partnering with New West Technologies (Portland, OR), one of Microsoft’s Partners of the Year for 2010 in the retail space. PPI’s integration with the Mobile X POS system from New West allows secure, on-the-spot payment processing with handheld devices at the same level of functionality as traditional POS applications, according to the two parties. Potential markets include food trucks, transportation, stadiums, ticketing, charitable giving, and event/festival sales. As always, brick-and-mortar operations may also benefit with the extension of sales to tradeshows, conferences, and outdoor settings.

As validated Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) software, Mobile X POS is compliant with the mandates created by the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council. PPI’s PayMover hosted payment platform upholds the solution. Over the past several years, PPI has courted the traditional POS channel by offering its software development kit (SDK), as well as dedicated account managers for ISVs and their resellers, marketing services, and revenue sharing programs.

“While most of the market is focused on delivering mobile card terminals, our partner, New West, has delivered their fully functioning mobile POS application,” relayed Eddie Myers, President of PPI. “This product and partnership will open the door to many new markets for our reseller partners.”

Secure Payment Processing for Mobile X POS by New West Technologies

Code Corner

Vinops (Woodinville, WA), aptly named, has released its cloud-based software for vineyards, wineries, tasting rooms, and wine shops. The Vinops product comes in three modules that work independently or together--Vineyard, Winery, and Sales--to allow end-users in the wine business to cost-effectively meet their specific needs and grow their system as required. Each module runs on the company's common framework for process, product, inventory, financial, and customer management, with web-based capability layered on top. Also included are real-time reporting and analytical tools, which the developer describes as innovative, real-time, and comprehensive. Vinops Sales, which brings mobility along with customer and wine club management, features full PCI-compliance for credit card processing. Pricing starts at $99 per month. “Our vision is to enable our winery customers’ operations and sales to be accessible and mobile,” explained Dave Shoup, President. “Vinops makes software accessible to wine businesses of any size through its subscription-based pricing model that does not include the high upfront costs associated with current industry solutions, plus fully integrated mobile applications, so the user can take their software with them on their smart-phone or tablet, whether in the winery, tasting rooms, or at events.”

PARTNER PROGRAMS

PEAK Applies Itself to Rebates

PEAK Technologies (Columbia, MD) launched its label applicator trade-in program that offers rebates to customers who upgrade an old subsystem or print engine to PEAK’s products. Under the program, PEAK will provide end-users with rebates ranging from $250-$500 for print engines, $500-$750 for “apply-only” label applicators, and $750-$1,500 for “print & apply” label applicators. PEAK distributes applicators from CTM Labeling Systems (Salem, OH) and print engines from Zebra and SATO.

The program covers customers in the U.S. and Canada and runs through December. Rebates will be awarded after equipment has been shipped, provided necessary paperwork is submitted within 60 days of equipment purchase. In addition, to qualify, customers must purchase PEAK onsite services or have an existing PEAK services contract. Rebate amounts cover base models and standard equipment all the way up to high-end and custom systems.

“Label applicator systems help our customers improve productivity, lower operating costs, and ensure reliable labeling operations,” remarked Tim Wills, VP of Marketing, PEAK Technologies. “Since an aging label applicator system can often become a bottleneck to achieving the supply chain efficiency goals of our end-users, PEAK wanted to provide an additional incentive for end-users to consider in upgrading their old label applicator systems by the end of the year.” Wills reminds end-users that the latest applicator systems feature higher throughput, enhanced precision in label placement, more user-friendly controls and displays, and RFID.

3600RW RFID Label Printer Applicator From CTM, PEAK’s Supplier

A Pattern for Apparel Labeling

CYBRA Corporation (Yonkers, NY) has introduced its suite of in-plant printer supplies specifically targeted at apparel manufacturers trying to cope with new government and retailer mandates. This includes item-level RFID tags for EPC (Electronic Product Code) compliance with retailers such as Wal-Mart, Dillard’s, and JCPenney; fabric care labels with batch numbers for Section 103 of the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act); and VICS (Voluntary Inter-Industry Commerce Solutions) color-to-size tickets for manufacturers of women’s ready-to-wear, men’s sportswear, footwear, and intimate apparel. CYBRA supplies its MarkMagic barcode labels, RFID tags, and electronic forms software, and sells through its network of resellers in the U.S.

“We’ve had many customers approach us for cost-effective alternatives to service bureaus for meeting these new compliance marking mandates,” reported Harold Brand, CEO of CYBRA. “As suppliers to the apparel industry since 1990, we understand their workflows and are able to offer them integrated solutions that will save them time and money by giving their plant personnel the capability to print the labels, tags, and tickets they need, on demand, anywhere in the world. These new offerings provide them with improved quality control, faster turnaround, and dramatic reductions in shipping costs.”

“MarkMagic technology ensures that all documents produced will have the latest data--prices, sizes, batch and lot numbers, as reflected in the enterprise resource planning (ERP), warehouse management (WMS), and other manufacturing systems,” Brand continued. MarkMagic products are used by thousands of customers worldwide, according to CYBRA, and the platform has been selected as the barcode print engine of leading software developers such as Manhattan Associates, Infor, and VAI. In addition, CYBRA supplies EdgeMagic, an integrated RFID control solution for large-scale government and industry projects as well as closed-loop asset management applications.

CYBRA's MarkMagic Software

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
Posiflex Business Machines
POS-X

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Godex International

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry Electrical Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Touch Displays & Monitors
3M Touch Systems

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

INSTALLATIONS

Geo-Fence Marks Mobility Frontier

Mocapay (Denver) has joined forces with eNational Payments (Chicago) to outfit its mobile commerce architecture with location-based “geo-fencing” for select Maggiano’s Little Italy locations. Such geo-fencing identifies and tracks customers within the defined perimeter (in this case, two-mile radius of the restaurant) to quickly customize and deliver marketing messages and services. As part of the launch, Maggiano’s customers will be enticed by loyalty and reward offers through Mocapay. Further, eNational Payments will support the scheme’s mobile wallet, which allows customers to pay and reload their accounts, check transaction histories, and download directions.

“We wanted to improve the way restaurants do business and enhance the customer experience,” indicated Sean Kumar, CEO of eNational Payments, registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank. “We believe expanding into the mobile space is the best way to do this. Our goal at eNational Payments is to get people to remember our merchants’ products and their brand, and to fully engage with them before, during, and after the transaction.”

“Mocapay solves the ‘last mile’ problem to deliver closed-loop marketing ROI that provides measurable data to merchants and marketers through an embedded marketing engine so merchants can maximize exposure and ultimately improve the bottom line,” declared Kevin Grieve, CEO of Mocapay, which has forged relationships with many POS software houses in addition to end-users. “Mobile phones are the next-generation channel to communicate with consumers. This implementation will provide both the merchant and the consumer with a 360-degree level of engagement which has not been seen before.”

Two-Mile E-Commerce Zone for Maggiano’s Little Italy

WebSphere, WebSphere, He’s Our Man!

IBM Corporation (Armonk, NY) has raised the spirits of Varsity (Memphis, TN), the front-runner in cheerleading and dance team uniforms and accessories, by helping to double its sales and expand into global markets with its new multi-channel online retail store powered by IBM WebSphere Commerce. Employing this new platform, Varsity has consolidated all of its merchandise and service offerings into one easy-to-navigate shopping portal that is fully integrated with its social networking strategy and field sales consultants. IBM Business Partner Trifecta Technologies (Allentown, PA) was selected as Varsity’s implementation partner for the project, in large part because of its “Store-in-a-Box” solution.

With WebSphere Commerce, Varsity’s website supports the company’s extensive catalogue of cheer and dance products enhanced by dynamic tools for discovery and purchase. Now underway is Varsity’s first marketing campaign to drive traffic to the site from Twitter and Facebook. Until recently, such campaigns have focused solely on creating an end-user community by discussing topics related to cheer and dance. Having amassed more than 200,000 members on Twitter and Facebook, Varsity now plans to engage these audiences with branded content such as exclusive web sales on its products, according to the two parties.

“We’re now in a position to not only complement the efforts of our sales staff in the field, but also to provide coverage in areas not served by our representatives,” noted Shannon Ahern, Varsity’s Executive Director of e-Commerce. “Supporting new markets both domestically and internationally will be significant to our continued revenue growth. WebSphere Commerce’s marketing engine and social networking strengths will enable us to provide a highly personalized and interactive experience for our customers.”

IBM Helps Varsity Capture the Worldwide Market for Cheerleading Wear

Channel Factoid

According to the National Retail Federation’s Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $688.87 on holiday-related shopping this year, up slightly from last year’s $681.83. According to the survey, 61.7% of shoppers say the economy will impact their spending, down somewhat from last year’s 65.3%. Many shoppers will compensate by spending less (81.5%), shopping for sales (54.1%), using more coupons (40.6%), and comparison shopping online (30.9%) or with newspapers and circulars (28.1%). While many traditional categories like clothing and books will appear on wish lists this year (cited by 48.2% and 47.3%, respectively), one interesting item will appear more often: jewelry, which will jump to 23% from last year’s 20.8%. Gift cards will likely remain the most requested present again this year, with 57% of people asking for plastic to buy what they really want. Popular holiday shopping destinations will include discounters (65.1%), department stores (54.5%), grocery stores (46.7%), the Internet (46.7%), and clothing stores (33.6%). “As Americans open up their wallets for more discretionary gifts like jewelry or take advantage of sales to buy for themselves, retailers will begin to truly believe that the worst may be behind them,” suggested Matthew Shay, CEO/President of NRF.

HELLO GOODBYE

Wavelink Lifts Cichosz

Wavelink Corporation (Midvale, UT) has promoted Jay Cichosz to VP of Marketing, with responsibility for the overall strategic and tactical direction of the company’s marketing, communications, and public relations activities. During his dozen years with Wavelink, Cichosz has served in functions such as Product Director, Product Manager, Director of Product Management, and Director of Marketing. Before Wavelink, he worked with the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group in project management and electrical manufacturing and also owned his own business.

“Jay has demonstrated a proven track record while at Wavelink in both product management and marketing,” said Lamar Van Wagenen, CEO/President of Wavelink. “He has an extensive knowledge about our company and industry that leads to his ability to deliver clear, strategic messages that communicate the benefits of our solutions. He has proven successful in strengthening our brand, and we are confident in his ability to continue to solidify Wavelink’s leadership position in the marketplace.”

“I look forward to continuing my efforts at Wavelink in enhancing the company’s leadership in the industry,” shared Cichosz. “As I work closely with the company’s management team and its distributors and resellers, I am excited for the future as we have developed a strong product roadmap that will allow us to further differentiate ourselves and will meet the needs of our customers.”

Jay Cichosz, VP of Marketing, Wavelink Corporation

Ford in Zebra’s Driver Seat

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has appointed Ashley Ford to VP of North America Sales, Specialty Printing Group (SPG). Since joining Zebra in 2005, Ford has successfully led the company’s overall sales and go-to-market and business development strategy for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). In his new role, he will be responsible for building upon Zebra’s multi-channel sales model as well as growth into new vertical markets and applications.

“Ashley’s extensive knowledge of Zebra’s business and proven track record of strengthening our EMEA business make him a natural fit for our North American management team,” commented Mike Terzich, SVP, Global Sales & Marketing, Zebra SPG. “We are thrilled to have his expanding input as we look to grow our business and broaden our channel network.”

“Our growth potential and exceptional reputation in North America create exciting prospects for Zebra,” said Ford. “I’m looking forward to engaging with our entire community of channel partners, ISVs, and strategic business partners to identify the most compelling market opportunities for Zebra’s products and solutions.” Prior to joining Zebra, Ford held senior sales and channel management positions within the IT, printing, and communications industries with firms such as Samsung Electronics, Xerox Europe, and AST Computer Europe.

Ashley Ford, VP of North America Sales, Specialty Printing Group, Zebra