This Week’s Product Pick

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) unboxed its EVO-TM3-U 17-inch touchscreen monitor, the latest product in the company’s “Extreme Value” series of POS peripherals. Complementing the EVO-TM3-U 15-inch model, the 17-inch LCD diagonal display offers larger screen size and higher resolution (1280x1024 versus 1024x768) while keeping in line with EVO’s sleek modern look, according to the vendor. It features re-enforced touch panel, with its screen rated at 50 million touches per location, thereby withstanding even the heaviest use environments. Footprint measures 15.75 in. x 15 in. x 11 in., with weight of approximately 15 lbs. Further, cable management has been built into the stand to eliminate clutter. Pass-through ports include USB and 12-V RJ-45 VFD Hub, and MSR for credit card reading has been offered as an option. “EVO touchscreen monitors feature build quality that rivals much more expensive models,” said Dan Moseley, President of POS-X, “but at price points similar to low-cost alternatives.”

EVO 17-Inch Touchscreen by POS-X

COMPANY BUSINESS

Taking Hospitality’s NEXTEP

In demonstration of an emerging dynamic, NEXTEP Systems (Troy, MI) and Micros Retail Systems (Weehawken, NJ) recently collaborated to provide the integrated POS, kiosk, and digital signage network for FoodParc, the futuristic 20,000-sq.-ft. food emporium in the Hotel Eventi in New York City. Conceived by Syd Mead, responsible for the look of “Blade Runner,” and backed by Jeffery Chodorow’s China Grill Management, FoodParc puts technology front and center with self-service ordering for its five eateries through 16 touchscreen kiosks, multiple digital menu boards, and text message updates for customers. Micros Retail Systems served as the POS contractor, and drew on its long relationship with NEXTEP to augment the concept. New network software, dubbed MyNEXTEP, compiles orders from kiosks and cashiers, dispatches them to the appropriate restaurant for fulfillment, and provides queue management for each kitchen, according to the two parties.

NEXTEP, perhaps the leading integrator of advanced self-order schemes, has written interfaces to POS software from Agilysys, Casio, POSitouch, SpeedLine Solutions, Micros, and others. “Most end-users want to buy an entire solution of hardware, software, content, and services,” RRN.Com was told by Tommy Woycik, NEXTEP President and Founder. His company has both formal and informal arrangements with resellers, depending on the length, scope, and complexity of the installation. Referrals flow in both directions, with service and support decided on the case-by-case basis.

“The number one misconception in restaurants when it comes to self-service is customers don’t want it,” Woycik responded when asked about the hospitality industry’s slow adoption. “We hear this from owners all the time. But if you look at QSR, for instance, two-thirds of orders are going through the drive-through, which wouldn’t happen if people valued customer service so much. Truth be told, people value their time more than they do the customer service experience--even if it’s good, not to mention when it’s bad.”

“The second objection to these systems is more legitimate,” Woycik continued. “Installing kiosks for self-service has profound operational impact on restaurants. This intimidates large chains with established practices, infrastructures, and business models. That’s why we’re seeing much of the piloting taking place in newer, smaller chains.” Woycik shared with RRN.Com that larger chains are quietly working on the technology, including McDonald’s. Going forward, he pointed to touchscreen drive-through and smart-phone self-order as two emerging trends to watch.

FoodParc in NYC Mixes POS, Self-Order Kiosks, and Digital Displays

Top Ten Reasons Honeywell Loves ISVs

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) has established its Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Advisory Council, which will help the manufacturer identify market trends and set its strategic direction in Auto ID. Comprised of 10 members, the ISV Advisory Council also will participate in the development of Honeywell’s go-to-market product plans for new solutions. Its first meeting took place in August in South Carolina and covered topics such as hardware status, certification standards, and lifecycle services.

“We’ve seen great success in our ISV Partner Program over the past year and this council was created to expand upon those existing strategic relationships,” declared Laura Kelleher, Director of Americas Marketing, Honeywell Scanning & Mobility. “Our most valued ISVs are participants in the council. We equate their dedication and commitment to Honeywell as a sign of our mutual desire to grow our companies through innovative technology and industry leadership.”

Participating in the ISV Advisory Council are the following individuals and organizations: Anthony Davis, CEO, 2GO Software Solutions (Plano, TX); Andrew Borden, Director of Business Development, Alternative Logic (New York); Debbie Geiger, VP of Marketing, Astea International (Horsham, PA); Gene Cornell, President, Cornell-Mayo Associates (Parsippany, NJ); Dan Barry, CEO, Countermind (Littleton, CO); Wade Khoury, Solutions Marketing Manager, JDA Software Group (Scottsdale, AZ); Ronald Ross, President, Magstar Total Retail (Toronto); David Gosman, CEO, pcAmerica (Pearl River, NY); Steve Bissonette, RedBeam (Alpharetta, GA); and Mike Bishop, Director of Business Development, Retail Pro (Folsom, CA).

Laura Kelleher, Director of Americas Marketing, Honeywell Scanning & Mobility

[Editor’s Note: This week, at its first North American Partner Event in Las Vegas, Honeywell Scanning & Mobility also announced two new strategic alliances of importance to resellers, one with Zebra Technologies and another with Aruba Networks. An upcoming edition of RRN.Com will cover these developments in detail.]

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

PocketJet 6 Launched by Brother

Brother Mobile Solutions (Broomfield, CO) introduced its new quartet of mobile thermal printers: the PocketJet 6, PocketJet 6 with Bluetooth, PocketJet 6 Plus, and PocketJet 6 Plus with Bluetooth. Based on the PocketJet 3, the new family offers faster throughput and improved overall performance, according to the vendor. Enhanced features include print speed of up to 6 pages per minute (PPM), longer battery life, Bluetooth Imaging Protocol support for JPEG files, and the ability to create, download, and store document templates. Each printer comes standard with USB 2.0 and IrDA interfaces.

The PocketJet 6 Plus delivers high-quality, 300-dpi resolution for the best output of text and graphics, with the PocketJet 6 providing 200-dpi resolution and lowering overall cost. Significantly, when used with the standard NiMH battery, both printers have the same form factor as the PocketJet 3 series. This enables drop-in replacement with existing in-vehicle mounting hardware. Finally, thermal media has been made available as individual cut sheets for letter and legal size documents, continuous roll paper for longer printouts, and perforated roll and fanfold paper, as well as synthetic, weatherproof media and premium thermal paper.

“Our goals for the PocketJet 6 mobile printers were to deliver products with significant performance and productivity enhancements, while at the same time giving our existing customers an easy upgrade path from our PocketJet 3 printers and allowing them to protect their investments in vehicle mounts and other accessories,” stated Peteris D’Carlo, GM for Brother Mobile Solutions. “With these new products, we were able to accomplish both goals.”

Brother Mobile’s PocketJet 6 Thermal Printer

OKI: Think Small Impact

OKI Data Americas (Mount Laurel, NJ) presented its ML1120 serial impact dot matrix (SIDM) printer for general business applications, including invoices, receipts, inventory reports, spreadsheets, and packing slips. The ML1120 delivers one of the fastest print speeds in its class, up to 375 characters per second (CPS), with an MTBF of 10,000 hours and approved monthly workload of 18,000 pages. “The ML1120 meets the needs of today’s fast-paced environments that require durability, increased productivity, and reliability at competitive pricing,” observed Howard Foster, SIDM Marketing Manager at OKI Data Americas, with MSRP of $220 quoted in the U.S. and Canada.

Operating in Super-Speed Draft, High-Speed Draft, Utility, or Near-Letter Quality modes, the nine-pin ML1120 enables users to get more done in less time, according to the vendor. Printing on cut sheet paper and continuous forms up to five parts, the new SIDM printer features an innovative zero tear and auto parking position in which forms tear off cleanly, eliminating waste. In addition, changing the paper path from the rear-push tractor to bottom-pull tractor was described as quick and easy.

The ML1120 ships standard with Parallel, Serial, and USB 2.0 connectivity, and users may add an external network print server, increasing performance. Businesses save space with the compact design, measuring approximately 14 in. x 9 in. x 6 in., and all three interface ports are located on the bottom of the unit, where cables can be easily channeled and concealed, further minimizing the SIDM printer’s footprint. Additional features include Energy Star qualification, support for all common barcodes, and two-year limited warranty.

New ML1120 SIDM Printer From OKI Data Americas

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Depth Perception at 3M

3M New Ventures (St. Paul, MN) has invested in Perceptive Pixel, Inc. (New York), an innovator in advanced multi-touch solutions founded by industry guru Jeff Han in 2006. The company’s proprietary interface technology allows users to manipulate complex data sets on-screen, in real-time and with visually rich presentation. It gained early recognition for transforming the way CNN covered the 2008 U.S. Presidential elections, allowing commentators to instantly update state-by-state results via the “Magic Wall.” Terms of 3M’s investment were not disclosed.

“Perceptive Pixel has developed advanced technologies to enable intuitive multi-user, multi-touch interaction,” remarked Stefan Gabriel, President of 3M New Ventures. “This strategic investment will create potential growth opportunities for the 3M Touch Systems business unit, stimulating future innovations in a variety of industries that use multi-touch devices.”

“We recognize 3M Touch Systems as a global leader in the touch industry, particularly with its projective capacitive technology (PCT) products,” said Han. “We are excited to partner with a company that shares our strong commitment to innovation and look forward to working together to push the boundaries of multi-touch solutions.” Recognized as one of the main developers of multi-touch sensing, with home base at New York University’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Han was named to Time Magazine’s 2008 list of “100 Most Influential People in the World.”

Jeff Han Demonstrating His Multi-Touch Technology in 2006

ThingMagic Disappears Up Trimble’s Sleeve

Trimble (Sunnyvale, CA) has purchased the business of ThingMagic, Inc. (Cambridge, MA), one of the pioneers in the UHF RFID arena. Founded in 2000 by graduates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Media Lab, ThingMagic lists as customers leading companies in industrial automation, manufacturing, automotive, retail, and consumer packaged goods. Financial terms were not disclosed, and ThingMagic now joins Trimble’s Advanced Devices segment.

“Adding ThingMagic’s RFID technology and system integration expertise will allow Trimble to build more comprehensive and capable solutions for its existing markets and potentially provide entry into new markets,” stated Jurgen Kliem, VP of Strategy and Business Development at Trimble. “Similar to the widespread integration of GPS into today’s positioning solutions, we believe RFID can transform markets and is the natural complement to our existing technology portfolio.”

Earlier this year, in August, Trimble entered two-tier distribution with BlueStar (Hebron, KY), thereby bringing its products directly into the scope of RRN.Com’s readership. In addition, the company’s new Juno SD field computing device has been outfitted with 3.5G cellular voice and data capability, above and beyond its historic GPS prowess. Juno SD comes with 10 languages for worldwide users and fully compatible with Trimble’s range of Mapping & GIS field and office software.

Embedded UHF RFID Reader Module From ThingMagic, the M6e

Code Corner

RedPrairie Corporation (Alpharetta, GA) issued Store Forecast, which synchronizes inventory planning and workforce technologies into one demand stream for retailers. Significantly, Store Forecast triggers inventory replenishment by operating on signals from POS data, while also factoring in execution of events such as promotions and markdowns in order to drive scheduling and various tasks through workforce management. Up to now, retailers needed to rely on disparate demand streams to schedule supply chain and in-store operations, according to the productivity solutions provider. By spending months in the field with retail and distribution center managers, RedPrairie reportedly identified this disconnect between labor and inventory that negatively impacts the customer shopping experience, most evident in scenarios such as out-of-stocks and phantom inventory. That experience showed the leading cause of unavailable stock was not interruptions in the supply chain, but the lack of scheduled employees to shelve products and assist customers once the product reaches the storefront. “An employee with no inventory can’t make the sale, and inventory doesn’t leave the shelves if there is no employee to sell it when the customer is looking to buy,” observed Noel Goggin, RedPrairie VP of Retail Strategy. “RedPrairie’s Store Forecast solution is the only one in the industry designed to merge workforce, inventory, and store activity requirements at the store level.”

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Epson Tells Libraries to Stick-It

From time to time, RRN.Com has reported on technology for the library sector, usually concentrating on the emergence of RFID-based inventory systems. Now Epson America (Long Beach, CA), through one of its reseller partners, Bayscan (Strongsville, OH), has demonstrated an interesting application for its TM-T88 ReStick thermal printer. In this installation, 10 public libraries have been outfitted with the Epson printers by Bayscan for use in earmarking reserved books at the circulation desk.

Libraries have traditionally addressed this book reservation process with rubber bands, scrap paper, masking tape, and handwritten notes, as any literate person can testify. Using MAXStick liner-free, biodegradable and recyclable labels with the Epson TM-T88 ReStick, libraries can now apply temporary, legible, notes on books. Moreover, staff and customers can easily remove or reposition the label without damaging the goods. Ensuing benefits include reduced staffing requirements and increased overall productivity at circulation desks, according to the two partners to the solution.

“Since we started using the Epson ReStick printers, we’re checking in 1,200 to 1,500 more items daily since we don’t have to stop to hand-write the holds wrappers,” confirmed Tim Donaldson, Technical Services Manager at Westlake Porter Public Library in Ohio. “In addition, Epson created custom firmware that enables our circulation staff to print wirelessly and network the printers, bypassing our integrated library system software and allowing us to customize the holds wrappers. We will definitely be ordering more.”

TM-T88 ReStick Printer Simplifies Book Reservation Process

Seagull Circles Intermec, GS1

Intermec (Everett, WA) now distributes the UltraLite edition of BarTender barcode label and RFID software from Seagull Scientific (Bellevue, WA). This co-branded “starter” application software joins the Windows printer drivers that Seagull has been providing to Intermec for more than 10 years. BarTender UltraLite for Intermec, as the package has been designated, can be downloaded at no cost from Intermec’s website and will also be included on the Printer Companion CD for all fixed printers.

“Our two Northwest companies have a long history of working together successfully,” recounted Russ Clark, Global Director of Sales for Seagull Scientific. “We are excited about our expanded collaboration, as it will benefit not only our two companies, but our mutual customers as well.” BarTender UltraLite contains the most frequently used label design features, including text, graphics, barcode, and most serializing capabilities. End-users can add more functionality by contacting their Seagull reseller, RRN.Com was told.

Seagull Scientific also announced that BarTender Version 9.3 has been certified by GS1 US (Dayton, OH) under that standard organization’s BarCodes and eCom Solution Partner Program. BarTender passed tests in all nine symbology categories, from standard barcodes such as UPC and GS1-128 to more advanced formats such as GS1 DataBar. BarTender also represents the only barcode software package to be certified against the relatively new GS1 DataMatrix specification, according to the developer.

BarTender Labeling Software From Seagull Scientific

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
Pioneer POS
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, ZF Electronics Corp.

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Touch Displays & Monitors
3M Touch Systems

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

INTEGRATION

Where the Billing Now ROAMs

Sage Payment Solutions (McLean, VA), part of Sage North America, has joined forces with ROAM Data (Boston) to offer an integrated mobile payment scheme for the SMB market. Through the partnership, which integrates ROAMpay with Sage Exchange, the two companies will allow cash, credit, and debit card payments on popular mobile platforms such as Apple’s iPhone and iPad, Motorola’s DROID, and Research in Motion’s BlackBerry, and across all major wireless carriers. The combined solution features PA-DSS and PCI DSS certification, utilizes encryption, and will be generally available later this year.

“ROAM’s leading-edge mobile technology connects hundreds of existing mobile devices, expanding the reach of mobile payments to virtually every user that has a cell phone, smart phone, or tablet,” declared Greg Hammermaster, President of Sage Payment Solutions. “Our Sage Exchange platform will tightly integrate these mobile devices with most Sage accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, providing seamless mobile payments functionality.”

In addition to Sage products, Sage Exchange supports third-party software, thereby maximizing the value of the solution for SMBs with automatically updated credit and debit card transaction information. Earlier this month, Sage announced its new relationship with Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA) to utilize that manufacturer’s credit card terminals in conjunction with Sage Exchange. Not coincidentally, ROAM Data serves as Ingenico’s m-commerce solution provider and strategic partner.

More Mobile Payment Schemes for the SMB

[Editor’s Note:  Elsewhere in payments, VeriFone has entered discussions to purchase Gemalto’s POS solutions business, based in France. In addition, the two companies intend to collaborate on emerging chip card and machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless opportunities.]

The Social Service Network

ClickSoftware Technologies (Burlington, MA), which provides automated workforce management for the services industry, has linked its ClickContact self-service customer portal directly to Facebook. With this new social media extension, consumers can book and change service appointments directly on the service organization’s Facebook page, receive reminders and notifications on the expected arrival time of personnel, and help reduce the chance that the service provider will not find the customer at home. ClickContact, one element of ClickSoftware’s Service Optimization Suite, also allows customers to select their preferred modes of communication--web, automated voice mail, e-mail and SMS.

“Our social media extension integrates the ultimate customer touch point--the service call--with Facebook’s 500 million active users, triggering the world-of-mouth engine,” explained Simon Morris, VP of Marketing at ClickSoftware. “Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools are the channels consumers actively use to broadcast their experiences, both positive and negative, with service providers. With this ClickContact extension into Facebook, service providers can activate this powerful broadcast engine to communicate the positive experiences they create through their appointments and notifications.”

ClickSoftware also announced that its Mobility Suite will run on key components of Sybase SQL Anywhere by the end of 2010. “By leveraging the Sybase infrastructure in conjunction with our SAP alliance, we create the most attractive solution for mobile service industries today,” suggested Moshe BenBassat, CEO of ClickSoftware. His company’s Mobility Suite offers an agnostic, wizard-based development platform for third-party applications, it should be noted.

Simon Morris, VP of Marketing, ClickSoftware Technologies

Channel Factoid

A majority of Californians (60%) say the way they spend and save has forever changed in the wake of the economic downturn, according to the latest Citi California Pulse. As a result of these adjustments, nearly three-quarters (74%) feel in better control of their finances and more responsible in their borrowing and saving. Across the board, residents of the Golden State claim to have cut down on credit card charges (63%), to have reduced the amount of money they owe (55%), and to have postponed major purchases (54%). In addition, strong majorities report pulling back in an array of discretionary spending areas: restaurants (71%), new clothes (69%), vacations and travel (64%), brand name items (62%), going to the movies (60%), celebrations for special days, such as birthdays (59%), and home improvements (58%). The changes cut across income levels, as respondents with incomes of more than $100,000 per year are just as likely to report behavioral adjustments as those earning less. Among those making more than $100,000, 62% say they have reduced debt, compared to 55% overall; 49% report saving and investing more, compared to 34% overall; and 47% have postponed major purchases, compared to 54% of all respondents. “For more than a year, our survey has consistently shown that Californians are changing their approach to spending and saving,” reported Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann, President of Citibank California. “They are taking more control over their finances, carefully making decisions about how they spend their money, and thinking more about their financial future.”

HELLO GOODBYE

D-O Taps GM in Asia-Pacific

Datamax-O’Neil (Orlando) has appointed Joseph Lim as its Regional General Manager for the Asia-Pacific market, with responsibility for leading sales teams, driving revenue, and expanding the printer company’s footprint throughout the region. Most recently, Lim served as Manager of Partner Programs ASPAC at Cisco Systems. He also has held senior sales and marketing positions at Intermec, Singapore Arktech, and other technology-focused companies.

“We are pleased to have Joseph as part of the Datamax-O’Neil team and his experience within the Auto ID industry will help us continue the significant progress we’ve made in building our partner relationships and expanding our business in the Asia-Pacific marketplace,” commented Christian LeFort, President of Datamax-O’Neil, part of Dover Corporation’s Product Identification Group. “We welcome Joseph to our team and look forward to him applying his results-driven experience to our sales activities and implementing strategies that continue to expand our customer base.”

“Datamax-O’Neil has made some significant strides in the Asia-Pacific region in the last several years, expanding its presence with a larger sales, marketing, and service infrastructure,” Lim said. “I’m excited about the opportunities for Datamax-O’Neil in this strategic region, and I look forward to building our existing partnerships, establishing new relationships and alliances, and creating an even more dynamic presence for Datamax-O’Neil.”

Joseph Lim, Regional General Manager, Asia-Pacific, Datamax-O’Neil

Big Guns Drawn at Infor

Infor (Atlanta), the ever-expanding provider of business applications to mid-sized companies, has named Charles Phillips as CEO and member of the board of directors. Phillips brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the software industry, capped by his tenure as President and Director of Oracle Corporation. Jim Schaper, Infor’s current Chairman and CEO, will remain chairman of the company, as well as serving as Senior Operating Partner at Golden Gate Capital, Infor’s primary shareholder.

“Infor has quietly built the third largest enterprise applications company in the world, with 59% compound annual revenue growth over the last seven years, higher margins than eight of the top 10 application companies, and a track record of leading innovation,” relayed Phillips. “With over 70,000 customers in 125 counties, including divisions of large corporations, Infor is poised for growth as the next-generation platform ships in January.” Phillips pointed in particular to Infor’s acquisition expertise, having successfully amalgamated over 70 companies.

Infor also has released Infor CRM Business, powered by Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and developed under its ISV agreement with Redmond. Going forward, Infor plans to extend this core Dynamics CRM functionality, adding industry-specific configurations and content for added value. Targeted vertical markets will include distribution, manufacturing, and the public sector, with the focus, once again, on mid-tier customers.

Charles Phillips, CEO of Infor

[Editor’s Note:  For those keeping track, Phillips stepped aside as CEO of Oracle last month after Mark Hurd, former HP CEO, joined the company. On its part, HP has hired Leo Apotheker, former CEO of SAP, as its new CEO, and perhaps more significantly, has added Ray Lane, Managing Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, as non-executive chairman of the HP board of directors. As part of his resume, Lane served as President/COO of, yes, Oracle.]