This Week’s Product Pick

Datalogic ADC (Eugene, OR) presented its Touch TD1100 series of linear imager readers. Weighing about five ounces, Touch TD1100 addresses close-contact, low-throughput applications. It comes with two reading window options, 2.6 in./6.5 cm for standard barcodes or 3.5 in./9 cm for wide barcodes. Depth of field reaches 5.9 in./15 cm with interface combinations of USB, RS-232, and Keyboard Wedge. The company’s Aladdin Software Configuration Program is included. “With the Touch TD1100 linear imager reader, Datalogic ADC offers increased performance, advanced features, and an innovative ‘read thru’ holder for hands-free reading of documents and small items, all at an incredibly affordable price,” declared Giulio Berzuini, GM of Hand-Held Products for Datalogic ADC. “These readers can compete with entry-level laser scanners.”

Touch TD1100 by Datalogic ADC

COMPANY BUSINESS

Isis Enchants Micros

Micros Systems (Columbia, MD) has tied its Simphony POS to the Isis SmartTap mobile commerce application, allowing consumers to make purchases, redeem offers, and present loyalty cards through their NFC-enabled smartphones. Micros pioneered this integration of Isis SmartTap at Aramark restaurant locations in Basking Ridge, NJ. Isis, as RRN.Com readers know by now, represents the joint venture between AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless. It recently delayed its much-awaited roll out planned for its first two locations in Salt Lake City, UT, and Austin, TX.

Aramark becomes the first food and beverage environment to implement Isis SmartTap, according to Micros. In this installation with the company’s flagship, cloud-based Simphony, the Micros Workstation 5A (WS5A) was equipped with an NFC-enabled reader at each of the 10 checkout lanes to facilitate tap-and-pay mobile payments, increasing speed of service. Concurrently, Isis Mobile Wallet supports promotional programs without need of further infrastructure.

“Through our work with Isis, Micros is able to provide our Simphony POS users with a new avenue to engage customers and cater to changes in transactions at the point-of-service,” stated Michael Russo, CTO at Micros Systems. “We welcome integrations that drive additional business for our restaurant customers, and are pleased to be the first POS software provider to integrate Isis SmartTap, allowing for a contactless environment by the restaurant patron.” Micros also announced that Simphony will be deployed by the Catalina Restaurant Group in its newest concept, Ranch House Café and Grill, with two sites in California.

Micros Workstation 5A Welcomes NFC

D-O Weaves NETira Suite

Datamax-O’Neil (Orlando) has launched its NETira software suite for its printer products. Offered at no cost, this trio of new applications includes NETira Configuration Tool (CT), NETira Label Designer (LD), and NETira Remote Management (RM). All have been tested and certified for out-of-box performance, according to the vendor, as well as configuration by popular communication methods such as Serial, Parallel, LAN, WLAN, and USB.

NETira CT utilizes one menu screen, described as “quick and efficient,” and allows the configuration to be applied to additional printers for greater accuracy and continuity. With NETira LD, standard and custom labels may be created with user-defined logos and graphics, then saved for recall or shared with other printers. NETira RM addresses companies with distributed environments by allowing single console management, remote monitoring of print status, and establishment of real-time printer alerts to ensure maximum productivity.

“While we have always provided software for our printers, the new NETira software suite provides easy-to-use tools to optimize the performance of the printers,” emphasized Cindy Guiles, Product Manager for NETira at Datamax-O’Neil. “NETira provides a consistent look and feel between applications and bridges our stationary and portable printers together.” The Datamax-O’Neil website lists which current printers are supported by NETira. Ultimately, of course, all new Datamax-O’Neil printers will be equipped.

New Software Tools Support Datamax-O’Neil Printers

Worth Your While

NACS 2012
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 7-9
Las Vegas

Pack Expo 2012
Packaging Manufacturers Machinery Institute
October 28-31
Chicago

Customer Engagement Technology World
JDEvents
November 7-8
New York

IAAPA Expo 2012
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 12-16
Orlando

[Editor’s Note: Datalogic ADC has scheduled its free “Retail Supply Chain in the New Economy” seminars for resellers and system integrators. Sessions will take place on October 16 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and October 18 at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Seating is limited and complimentary lunch will be served. For registration, click here.]

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Printek Fires Salvo in Printer Wars

Printek (Benton Harbor, MI) has unwrapped its PrintekMobile AppPro thermal printer with support for Apple iOS and Android in addition to Windows. Designed for producing receipts, work orders, or tickets in the field, especially from smartphones and tablets, AppPro measures 6.1 in. (L) x 5.9 in. (W) x 2.7 in. (H), weighs 20 oz., and features print speed of 2.8 inch/second at 203 dpi resolution and four-inch maximum print width. Described as rugged and durable, it meets the IP-54 rating for water and dust resistance and survives repeated four foot drops to concrete.

As unique benefits, Chris Yeager, Marketing Manager for Printek, pointed to “an easy-to-read control face and super-simple drop-in paper loading.” A trio of LEDs will indicate general fault, wireless connection, and battery status, with sensors for paper out, black mark detection, and door open. Standard memory of 2 MB Flash/1 MB SRAM supports large and graphic-heavy print jobs and the Lithium-Ion battery delivers over 3,500 printed inches per charge.

A wide range of font types and sizes, international characters, and barcode symbologies are supported in AppPro, as well as the roster of common printer emulations. As expected, an optional magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) allows end-users to capture credit card and license information. Likewise, AppPro’s “Universal Port” allows the addition of peripherals such as barcode scanners and biometric identification modules. “AppPro printers are up to 10% smaller and 40% lighter than competitive models,” Printek proclaimed. “Even so, this rugged printer is packed with advanced features to help your mobile workforce become more productive.”

AppPro Mobile Thermal Printer Targets Apple and Android

POS Bank Makes Statement

A relatively new entry for RRN.Com readers, POS Bank USA (Gardena, CA), has introduced its AnyShop II touchscreen POS terminal. This All-in-One features an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, 64 GB SATA Solid-State Drive, and 2 GB DDR3 memory. An innovative L-Shape structure provides stability and saves space at the front counter, according to the manufacturer. “AnyShop II is a game changer in the POS industry because of its unparalleled features, functionality, and value,” RRN.Com was told by Grace Goo, Manager of the PSS Division at POS Bank USA.

For display, AnyShop II furnishes 15-inch capacitive technology with “True-Flat” design and high-definition, eco-friendly LED panel. An extensive complement of ports is provided, as well as “thumb-screw” attachment of magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) and rear-facing customer displays without the need for cumbersome tools. With smart-battery technology, AnyShop II enables continued operation in case of power failure to save the retailer’s critical data.

In correspondence with RRN.Com, Goo noted several additional features of the AnyShop II, such as compatibility with a range of programs and operating systems, “alluring style,” and variety of “illustrious back cover colors” (in addition to black or white casing). POS Bank USA carries the family of necessary peripherals such as scanners, keyboards, cash drawers, card readers, and pole displays. Founded in 1994, POS Bank USA has its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.

AnyShop II POS by POS Bank USA

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Week of September 24

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Week of September 3

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Clean Machine at Pioneer POS

Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA) has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification from the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board. Pioneer POS, which promotes “Made in the U.S.,” reportedly met all requirements two weeks early in the process. With quality surveys and audits now conducted regularly, the ISO 9001:2008 methodology will help the company across functions such as manufacturing, assembly, and delivery, according to the longtime supplier to the channel. Traceability of every component and end product, for example, should allow any problems to be detected and corrected as early as possible, or even avoided altogether.

“The bottom line is that you want to be competitive, and to do so you have to have strong quality management systems in place to continuously improve business and manufacturing processes,” Gee Singgih, VP at Pioneer POS, told RRN.Com. “With ISO 9001, we have concrete proof to show ourselves and our customers that our quality management is effective. This really sets Pioneer POS apart from our peers. It is what we expect for ourselves, but more importantly what our clients should expect.”

POS Pioneer also announced that Penny Lane Software has endorsed its Stealth S-Line with built-in Epson America receipt printer. “We scored the system with the highest ‘excellent’ ranking across all categories, including speed, touch response, port access, and serviceability just to name a few,” testified Frank Gifford, Owner of Penny Lane Software, based in Toronto. “It is quite the terminal, and having a system that is an All-in-One backed by Pioneer’s customer support is an advantage you just don’t easily find. I am pleased we are able to approve it for use with Penny Lane POS.”

ISO 9001:2008 Certification for Pioneer POS Quality Management

SAP: Bring It On, Big Data

SAP Precision Retailing has been unveiled, bringing so-called “big data” firmly into the retail arena. This enterprise-level platform delivers personalized offers and suggestions to consumers across multiple channels and touch points, including mobile devices, kiosks, and websites, with arrival timed for “the moment of decision.” It was announced at the SAP Retail Forum North America, held this week in Dallas. Another mobile application, entitled SAP Retail Store Ops Manager, also debuted at that venue, bringing store metrics, product catalogues, and workforce scheduling to the iPad.

“SAP Precision Retailing is launching at a time when companies are struggling to create direct relationships with consumers while still having to deal with the pressure of increasing marketing efficiency and promotions spending,” commented Herve Pluche, VP of the Retail Consumer Mobile Initiative for SAP Labs (Palo Alto, CA). “With this solution, companies can maximize the return on their marketing investment. At the same time, they can create an enhanced shopping experience by collecting and acting on massive amounts of data about consumer behavior in real time and delivering relevant offers while the customer is standing right in the aisle.”

SAP Precision Retailing was built on the SAP NetWeaver Cloud and employs the high-performance, virtualized SAP HANA database. Significant benefits have been reported by early users, according to SAP, such as an increase of 20% in promotional conversion rates, an increase of 15% in average basket size, and an increase of 10% in the purchase of suggested up-sell and cross-sell products. These personalized offers are created in real time by combining the consumer’s shopping context and location with the company’s knowledge of the consumer’s profile, preferences, and purchase history, along with product availability in the store.

A Holy Trinity of Mobility, Big Data, and the Cloud Engages Consumers

Code Corner

Future POS, Inc. (Butler, PA) has developed two new mobile apps for restaurants, Future POS Mobile Ordering and Future POS Remote Control, now available for Android and coming soon for Apple iOS. Future POS Mobile Ordering allows restaurant customers to place orders directly from their smartphones. It offers access to previously ordered items, configurable order types, and customizable information page for advertising. Customers visit their smartphone’s app store, search for the desired restaurant, and download the free app. For management, Future POS Remote Control delivers on-the-go access to store level data and features five scrollable screens of configurable reports and charts. It allows operators to easily link one phone to multiple stores, update menu prices, and send messages directly to the staff or POS system. “The release of our Mobile Ordering and Remote Control apps marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in our POS product line,” commented John Giles, CEO/President of Future POS. “The smartphone and other smart devices are changing the way store owners and consumers interact with the point-of-sale system, and these apps are just the beginning of what will be a comprehensive suite of apps that will improve operational productivity. Stay tuned!”

ALLIANCES

Putting the “Restaurant” in RSPA

The Retail Solutions Providers Association has established ties with the Council of State Restaurant Associations, taking it further into the hospitality arena. Part and parcel of this collaborative advocacy and educational effort, CSRA has endorsed RSPA’s Retail Technology Industry Certification Program. RSPA also will provide CSRA members with no-cost access to its PCIwise initiative on transaction data security. Significantly, CSRA will actively encourage its members, representing all 50 states, to work with certified resellers.

“CSRA is always looking to provide value to its members,” remarked Crista LeGrand, Executive Director of CSRA (Baltimore). “The Retail Technology Industry Certification Program brings synergism to both organizations through resource sharing, education, and training. This alliance will allow our members to come full circle in today’s ever-changing technology marketplace.”

“Many RSPA members have a long history of serving the hospitality industry so it’s a natural fit for RSPA to establish an alliance with the CSRA and bring together retail technology providers and the users of retail technology,” added Joseph Finizio, CEO/President of RSPA (Charlotte, NC). “The collaboration with CSRA also complements our ongoing education, best practices, and industry affairs initiatives with the National Restaurant Association and National Grocers Association. We look forward to the positive benefits this alliance will bring to our respective memberships.”

Crista LeGrand, Executive Director, Council of State Restaurant Associations

Break-Fix by FedEx?

Get ready for TechConnect by FedEx, which seeks to leverage the company’s superior delivery capabilities and three decades of repairing its own package-handling equipment. One channel player, Getac, has picked this new business to extend repair, refurbishment, and logistics services for its rugged notebooks, tablets, and handhelds. Customers can send their terminals directly to the FedEx TechConnect facility in Memphis, TN, where they are serviced and returned, sometimes the same day, and with near real-time status followed throughout the process, naturally.

“The new FedEx TechConnect will be another strong addition to our industry-leading five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty,” predicted Jim Rimay, President of Getac, Inc. (Irvine, CA). “Our customers are on the front lines of some of the most hazardous, demanding, and time-sensitive professions in the world. Consolidating the numerous steps of packing, drop-off, diagnosis, repair, and shipment entirely with FedEx provides Getac customers with unprecedented turnaround times and open system visibility for tracking both the transit and repair status online.”

In preparation for launching this service, Getac provided extensive onsite training to FedEx TechConnect technicians, according to the two parties. Another competitive advantage: through linked website portals between FedEx and Getac, customers may submit their repair authorization, print shipping labels, schedule pick-up, and even find the nearest FedEx Office where equipment packaging and shipping services are provided. Following an initial test period, Getac has opened the program to select customers from major vertical markets for its rugged hardware.

Getac Calls Upon FedEx TechConnect for Service and Support

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
Yellowfin Distribution

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

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS & Processing
RedFin Network

Barcode & Transaction Printers
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
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Scanners
Bar Codes Unlimited
Code Corporation

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

A Square With Bigger Dimensions

Still feel Square will be limited to flea markets and freelancers? Just this week, Rouse Properties, one of the largest publicly traded mall owners, started its one-month pilot program utilizing the payment scheme at three of its Bay Area locations--NewPark Mall in Newark, CA, Southland Mall in Hayward, CA, and West Valley Mall in Tracy, CA. Future plans call for roll out to its entire portfolio of 31 properties later this year, situated in 19 states. Square, of course, provides free credit card readers with no monthly fees or minimums, set-up costs, or variable percentages. Over two million individuals and businesses now accept payment through Square, which was founded by Twitter inventor, Jack Dorsey.

“Working with Square is a prime example of our continuous efforts to align ourselves with innovative companies that offer value-added services to help enhance the shopping experience at our malls for both consumers and retailers,” volunteered Andrew Silberfein, CEO/President of Rouse Properties. “Square’s technology will help put money back in retailers’ pockets while providing shoppers with its quick and highly convenient payment experience. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to exploring additional strategic alliances.”

This new foray into retail follows last month’s announcement that Square will process all credit and debit card transactions in the U.S. for Starbucks. Under this agreement, customers may utilize “Pay with Square,” its mobile application, at approximately 7,000 coffee houses. In addition, the Square Directory of participating merchants will be tied to the Starbucks Digital Network, with all that implies for location services, customer relationship management, and social networking. Simultaneously, Starbucks has invested $25 million in Square in Series D financing and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has joined Square’s Board of Directors. In upcoming editions, RRN.Com will have more on the impact on payment processing of Square, PayPal, Google, and Groupon.

Disruptive Payments Move Upstream in Retail

Another Way to Slice the Pie

Here’s another possibility for iPad, and resellers. Granbury Restaurant Solutions, the Texas-based IT provider for quick-service and casual-dining segments, has exploited the consumer platform to extend their customers’ POS footprint to neighboring attractions. One recent example is Aladino’s Pizza in Antioch, CA, which feeds players and families from the Antioch Indoor Sports Center next door. Aladino’s was running three point-of-sale terminals, two for counter service and one designated for delivery, “but the long lines and crowds of people waiting for their food made it difficult to move around the restaurant, and we were losing business as the result,” recounted Matt Fosenburg, Director of Operations with Aladino’s.

New iPad-based self-ordering kiosks placed around the sports arena now allow customers to enter their own orders and render non-cash payment through integration with the restaurant’s existing point-of-sale system. For cardholder security, Granbury brought in PayPros (Newark, CA), which supplied its PCI-compliant payment architecture for end-of-day batch processing of orders as well as the capacity for web-based customer rewards. Significantly, this new self-service platform also encourages larger checks by giving customers extra time to look through the menu for items of interest, according to the participating parties.

“Our biggest concern when implementing the new ordering solution was finding secure payment processing for the kiosks, because it only takes one breach to jeopardize our customer base and deter people from returning to the restaurant,” Fosenburg indicated. “Since we added the Granbury solution with PayPros at the start of the year, we’ve seen an enormous increase in our customer loyalty. We have seen our average sale jump by 38% and the convenience of the solution allows us to focus more on the food.” For an interesting take on the role of consumer devices in the POS and Auto ID channel, see last week’s interview with Mike Baur, CEO of ScanSource.

Self-Service Pizza Ordering by iPad, Granbury, and PayPros

Channel Factoid

Retailers have been prudent in their financial investment for mobility, according to the 2012 Shop.org/Forrester Research “State of Retailing Online.” Exactly half of retailers surveyed said they spent less than $100,000 on smartphone efforts in 2011 while three-quarters spent less than $100,000 on tablet efforts. Overall, the average spend was $55,000. Not surprisingly, this is projected to jump in 2012, reaching $207,000. More retailers entered the playing field over the past year, according to this study. In fiscal year 2011, 18% of respondents said their company made no investment in tablet initiatives and 14% said the same of smartphones. In 2012, only 9% expect no investments in these two areas. Significantly, 45% of companies have already or are planning to implement e-receipts in their stores in the next two years, and 57% said they have or will have mobile point-of-sale options for their stores within the same time period. When asked to identify their challenges, six in 10 said their business objectives in this area remain unclear and another four in 10 cite lack of experience in designing apps for smartphone and tablet formats. Additionally, one-third (36%) feel obtaining adequate budget for mobile programs, including staff, is another top concern. “It’s easy to forget that mobile retailing is still in its infancy, and unlike what we saw with e-commerce ten short years ago, mobile is almost entirely consumer driven,” observed Vicki Cantrell, Executive Director of Shop.org. “As mobile grows, so too will retailers’ investments in technologies that make sense for their shoppers, but to get to that level of commitment, retailers must first take smart, calculated steps to maximize the mobile shopping experience both now and in the future.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Intronis Backs Up CEO

Intronis, Inc. (Boston), provider of cloud back-up for the IT channel, has named Jay Bolgatz, VP of Engineering and Delivery, as Interim CEO. He succeeds Kent Plunkett, who has left the company to pursue new opportunities and remains an investor. Founded in 2003, Intronis more than doubled its revenues during Plunkett’s tenure and has been recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S.

“I am proud to lead Intronis through this transition and next phase of growth,” stated Bolgatz. “Our vision and strategy remains firm and focused. We will continue to invest in product development and provide our channel partners with the business support and technology solutions needed to accelerate their growth and revenue potential, while addressing the market’s need for reliable data protection services.”

Bolgatz brings more than 25 years of commercial software development and IT channel experience to Intronis, spanning pre-IPO startups to large organizations. He has served as VP of Engineering and Delivery at Intronis since 2010. Previously, he held executive leadership roles at SunGard BSR, Iron Mountain, and Informix. An executive search firm has been engaged by Intronis, and both internal and external CEO candidates will be evaluated by the Board of Directors and primary investor, OpenView Venture Partners.

Jay Bolgatz, Interim CEO, Intronis

At the Center of Distribution's Inner Circle

The Global Technology Distribution Council (St. Petersburg, FL) has enlisted Rick Hamada, CEO of Avnet, Inc., as its new Chairman. Hamada takes over the position held by Tech Data CEO Bob Dutkowsky, whose two-year tenure ended last month. Over the past year, Hamada has served as Vice Chairman of the GTDC, which seeks to advance the awareness and value of the wholesale distribution industry.

“Rick has been incredibly helpful to the GTDC over the past year and we’re privileged to have him grow with us as Chairman,” relayed Tim Curran, the GTDC’s CEO. “His insight and deep channel knowledge will be invaluable in our efforts to support GTDC members and their partnerships--including in relation to fast-changing issues and opportunities affecting distributors, vendors, and solution providers.” GTDC includes Ingram Micro, ScanSource, and Synnex among its two dozen members, which in aggregate generate more than $100 billion in annual product and services revenue.

“I’m honored to serve as Chairman of the GTDC,” Hamada said. “This organization plays a vital role in the continuing evolution of the technology distribution industry. The GTDC’s resources, events, research, and initiatives have a significant and growing impact across the world. I look forward to supporting the organization’s growth in influence and value on all fronts.” Interestingly, Hamada has spent virtually his entire career with Avnet, joining the company in 1983 as technical specialist and climbing his way up the entire sales, management, and executive ladder.

Rick Hamada, CEO of Avnet and New Chairman at GTDC