Our Product Pick

Printronix Auto ID (Brea, CA) has shipped its new mid-range thermal barcode printer, the T6000. In 4" and 6" versions, with ARM Cortex-A9 CPU, the T6000 furnishes online data validation (ODV) technology, RFID capability, and Postscript/PDF support. In 4" version, it prints at 14 in./356 mm per second at 203 dpi; in 6" version, it prints at 12 in./305 mm per second at 203 dpi. An interactive screen reduces downtime and streamlines operations, while comprehensive emulations support plug-and play in network environments. As communications, it includes Serial, USB, and Ethernet, with optional Parallel and Wi-Fi. "The T6000, with an expanded set of features and models, will allow us to broaden our market with new verticals and unique applications," remarked Plamen Petkov, GM of Printronix Auto ID.

Printronix T6000 Label Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

Vantiv Validates Verifone (& P2PE)

Vantiv Integrated Payments (Durango, CO) has unveiled "one-stop" Payment Card Industry (PCI)-validated, Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE). It works in conjunction with the VX 805, MX 915, and MX 925 payment terminals from Verifone (San Jose, CA), as well as SREDKey and SecuRED magnetic-stripe technology from ID Tech (Cypress, CA). As expected, it employs Vantiv's payment processing middleware, entitled "triPOS," while supporting its Vantiv Express Gateway.

In making its announcement, Vantiv identified itself as "the first and only acquirer to be PCI-certified as a validated P2PE solution provider." As another key benefit, it continued, this new solution will enable merchants to achieve PCI-DSS compliance using the new, simplified P2PE Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), not the non-P2PE SAQ. In keeping with an extensive effort in timely areas by Vantiv Integrated Payments, it addresses implementation of EMV and non-contact NFC.

"This is a major milestone for Vantiv and the PCI Security Council, to have a validated Point-to-Point Encryption solution," exclaimed Matt Downs, Head of Channel and Business Development for Integrated Payments at Vantiv. "It allows our partners to differentiate themselves within the market by offering this solution that reduces the scope of requirements for PCI compliance. Offering PCI-validated P2PE demonstrates that Vantiv Integrated Payments continues to be at the forefront of security technology."

Payments Leader Offers PCI-Listed P2PE

Toshiba Turbocharges TCxWave

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC) has enhanced its TCxWave POS with 6th Generation Intel Core CPUs, including the i5-6300U with Intel vPro. A new preloaded option, shipping in Q4, includes Windows 10 Internet of Things (IoT). As ready benefits, the company cites easier integration of retail peripherals, shorter rollout time, multi-language capability, and compliance with PCI.

As part of this push, the TCxWave family adds standard format 14C, E4C, 145, and E45 models and wide-screen 15C, E5C, 155, and E55 models with Intel's 14-nm CPUs, M.2 Solid-State Drives (SSD), and DDR4 RAM for enhanced performance of up to 40%. As storage, all models may include standard 64-GB SSD, upgraded to 128-GB or 256-GB. Toshiba's new TCxWave models, along with the TCx 300 and TCx 700 POS, legacy of IBM, will offer preloaded Windows 10 IoT.

"We are delighted to be working with Toshiba on the expansion of their TCxWave point-of-sale systems and helping to deliver an optimal experience to their customers," contributed Rodney Clark, GM, IoT Device Experience, at Microsoft. "Our goal when we introduced Windows 10 IoT was to power verticals such as retail." Added Joe Jensen, VP and GM, Retail Solutions, at Intel. "The 6th Generation Intel Core CPU can help retailers work smarter by remotely managing their POS systems with Intel vPro technology."

Toshiba's TCxWave Gets 6th Generation Intel Core CPUs and vPro Technology

Worth Your While

Partner Summit
ScanSource
October 17-19
Greenville, SC

Money 20/20
i2i Events
October 23-26
Las Vegas, NV

Pack Expo
PMMI
November 6-9
Chicago, IL

NRF's Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 15-17, 2017
New York, NY

INSPIRE
Retail Solutions Providers
Association (RSPA)
Jan. 29-Feb.1, 2017
St. Kitts, West Indies

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Honeywell's Blue Collar Printers

Honeywell has released two new versions of compact industrial label printers, under an MP Series: the MP Compact and MP Nova. Described as the industry's "smallest, all-metal rugged label printer," at approximately 9 in. (W) x 10 in. (D) x 4 in. (H), the 4" MP Compact weighs less than 10 lbs. It may be used in any orientation, including wall mounts, manufacturing lines, or forklifts. Employing direct-thermal technology, it prints at 5 in./125 mm per second, with maximum roll diameter of 4 in./100 mm (MP Compact 4 Mark III Mobile) or 6 in./150 mm (MP Compact 4 Mark III).

In both 4" and 6" versions, the MP Nova deploys direct-thermal or thermal-transfer technology, with print speeds of 10 in./254 mm per second (MP Nova 4 Mark II) and 8 in./203 mm per second (MP Nova 6 Mark II). (As resolution, for the MP Series, 203- or 300-dpi is offered.) Intended for tabletop environments, MP Nova has dimensions larger than the MP Compact, and ranges in weight from 12 to 16.5 lbs. Both MP Nova and MP Compact feature built-in command language, media sensing, and Serial, USB, and Ethernet, as well as optional 802.11 Wi-Fi. A one-year warranty is extended.

"It may seem counterintuitive in today's digital age, but the need for fast and reliable label printing operations has never been more critical for organizations looking to improve operations and reduce errors," observed Stan Zywicki, GM, Scanning and Printing, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions (Fort Mill, SC). "As an increasing number of warehouses and distribution centers are using labels to ensure accurate and efficient delivery of materials and products, our new MP Series label printers will provide the durability, reliability, speed, and mobility needed to help these organizations effectively meet their business needs." Elsewhere, Honeywell has completed its purchase, for $1.5 billion, of material handling automation and software engineering firm, Intelligrated (Mason, OH).

Honeywell's MP Compact Label Printer

A.I. at Revel

Revel Systems (San Francisco, CA), purveyor of iPad-based POS, has added monitoring via so-called "RevelGuard." This modem watches over the network, including cash drawers, printers, and routers, for Revel POS. Installed with the POS, it ties directly to the support team at Revel, and generates service tickets on behalf of the customer. Revel characterizes this solution as "Artificial Intelligence" for the POS.

"We're excited to announce the launch of RevelGuard that provides our clients with next level technology that both detects and solves an issue as it occurs by taking a snapshot of the current state of a client's POS system. We're able to keep POS systems running at their best," expounded Chris Ciabarra, Co-Founder and CTO of Revel Systems, which also announced integration with inventory software from PeachWorks (Southfield, MI). "If your Wi-Fi goes down, RevelGuard can detect and fix the problem before it becomes a larger issue."

"Our POS terminals were timing out, interfering with our workflow. We weren't sure where the problem originated and it was frustrating," recounted Ryan Johnston, Systems Coordinator at Burger21. "With RevelGuard we were able to discover that the issue was with our Wi-Fi network. We then installed Revel Ethernet Connect [the company's cabled solution, debuted in 2015], which resolved our issues."

Revel Adds Network Monitoring to its POS

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ALLIANCES

Ready for ISVs: Talon DVR

Ready Distribution (Beaverton, OR), has achieved certification of its video surveillance solution, entitled Talon DVR, by historic ISV, CAP Software (Ft, Worth, TX). With this system, real-time streaming video of the point-of-sale may be displayed on smartphone or PC. In keeping with such technology, data may be searched by key events, such as "no sales" and "voids." As with Ready, CAP has decades of experience in POS, including such natural markets for video surveillance as liquor and convenience stores.

"This integration gives more specialty retailers access to advanced video surveillance," enthused Derrell Ness, President of Ready Distribution. "Retailers are looking to their video systems to help reduce in-store shrink, review staffing levels, check customer service processes, study store traffic patterns, help with PCI compliance, and mitigate customer personal injury lawsuits. These functions require a video system integrated with the POS."

"We worked closely with Talon, and Ready, to provide details on our data output and we customized our formatting to their reporting tools," Will Atkinson, President of CAP Software, told RRN.Com. At the one-year anniversary of the mandate for EMV, Atkinson reports compliance "with something like 50% of our current installed base." Both CAP and Ready will market the enhanced Talon DVR via their reseller networks in POS.

Ready Distribution's Talon DVR Video Surveillance

Level 10 Shaves Software

Level 10 (Hoffman Estates, IL) has sold its point-of-sale software effort to upstart Accuvia Software Group (Chicago, IL). This includes its Windows-based POS and iOS-based mobile POS. With "hundreds of [installed] locations throughout the U.S. and Canada," according to its figures, Accuvia offers its "Via Store" suite for retail management. Renamed and recast in 2014, after many years as TekservePOS, Level 10 will sharpen its focus on project management, an integration and repair technical center, and in-field support for POS.

"We believe the existing software clients will be well served with the new management team and focus at Accuvia Software Group," indicated John Pruban, President of Level 10. "It was important for us to ensure the clients using the software today have a good home well into the future. The ASG management team has an outstanding track record of supporting their clients." At present, Level 10 has approximately 2,000 retail software installs in the U.S. and Canada.

"We have a strong team in place to support our clients and continue to develop the products," testified Robert Pring, President and COO of Accuvia Software Group. "We will be making additional investments in the future to ensure that our solution is an attractive offering for the general retail industry." It will keep development offices in Danbury, CT.

John Pruban, President, Level 10

Code Corner

VMware, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA) has introduced AirWatch Express, its cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) for the SMB. On the same platform as VMware AirWatch, the company's enterprise-level product, AirWatch Express allows devices to be configured with apps, e-mail, and Wi-Fi. Described as "intuitive and affordable," it supports iOS, Android, and Windows. It reduces security risks by enabling companies to control configurations, prevent data leakage, and remotely wipe the device of work data if it's lost or stolen, according to VMware. "The transformative nature of mobility has caused the mobile endpoint to become the primary computing vehicle for many businesses, and these same organizations are struggling to keep up with device and app proliferation. The truth is managing mobile devices can be timely and complicated," reflected Blake Brannon, VP of Product Marketing, End-User Computing, at VMware. "Without the need for technical knowledge or additional IT staff, AirWatch Express empowers organizations to support an ever-increasing mobile workforce."

AirWatch Express Targets MDM for the SMB

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Touch Dynamic Takes the Podium

A handy solution for self-service has been configured by channel vendor Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ), in the form of its new Podium Kiosk. It supports the company's All-in-One POS Terminals (Acrobat, Breeze, and Pulse) in screen sizes of 14", 15", 17", and 18", and encompasses the Universal Printer Base. Introduced earlier, the Universal Printer Base consolidates cabling, recesses the printer to prevent damage from spills, and utilizes one power cord.

Addressing opportunities for marketing and branding, the Podium Kiosk may be ordered with custom wraps. With optional shelving on either side, there's display space for sales literature, menus, scales, or other materials. Shelves are easily removable, allowing use of the Podium Kiosk in tight spaces or corners. Overall, the Podium Kiosk has depth at base of 17.5 inches, width (without shelving) of 37.5 inches, and height (without terminal) of 32 inches.

"We wanted to provide an affordable, simple, kiosk POS solution for end-users," relayed Craig Paritz, President of Touch Dynamic. "With the Podium Kiosk, we've done that. We've created a customizable, cost-effective, sleek and ergonomic kiosk solution." Interestingly, it will be handled by the vendor's distribution partners in the U.S. (BlueStar, Metropolitan Sales, and M-S Cash Drawer), RRN.Com was told.

Touch Dynamic Debuts Podium Kiosk

NetSuite Clutches Customer Loyalty

Another partaker for NetSuite: marketing technology provider, Clutch (Philadelphia, PA). Its "Clutch Gift, Loyalty & Automated Marketing SuiteApp," based upon the SuiteCloud Platform, has gained "Built for NetSuite" Status. In doing so, it meets the standards and best practices of the NetSuite SuiteCloud Developer Network for ISVs. A leading provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and e-commerce, NetSuite was purchased by Oracle (already owner of Micros) in July. Price: $9.3 billion.

"Clutch's gift and loyalty platform gives retailers a detailed view of consumers that can be brought down to a near individual level," emphasized Guido Haarmans, SVP of Business Development for Technology Partners at NetSuite (San Mateo, CA). "Together, the 'Built for NetSuite SuiteApp' puts all of a retailer's customer data in one place, combining the power of multiple sales platforms in a comprehensive system that spans vendors and channels." (FYI: Jenna Flateman Posner serves as VP of Partnerships for Clutch.)

"For over 15 years, we've been building our brand and expanding our reach, while delivering the same distinctive designs we have offered our customers since 2000," volunteered Lucy Wallace Eustice, Co-Founder and Designer of clothing accessory vendor, MZ Wallace (New York, NY). "Staying connected to our customers has always been part of our brand DNA and as we continue to grow it remains a top priority. With the Clutch/NetSuite integration, we'll have a deeper understanding of who our customers are, globally, allowing us to provide more targeted and effective experiences each time they engage." As other high-profile customers, Clutch lists Crabtree & Evelyn, Godiva, Lacoste, and The Body Shop.

Dashboard for Clutch's Customer Loyalty Platform

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bematech
CRS, Inc.
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
Poindus America
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

POS Software
Action Systems Inc.

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Citizen
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas
Honeywell

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
AML
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Honeywell
Janam Technologies
Unitech America

Distributors
Ingram Micro

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Moneris
Payment Logistics
Vantiv IP

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry Americas, LLC
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
Tailwind Solutions

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

Janam Stops the Leaks

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has supplied its XM5 rugged mobile computers for Coastal Pipco, wholesale distributor for agriculture and landscape irrigation systems. It will use the XM5 to manage its pipe, valve, and fitting inventory in its warehouse in Oxnard, CA. As integrator, RedLine Solutions (Santa Clara, CA), addressed problems of manual data entry, need for real-time visibility, and given the nature of products, hard-to-read symbologies.

"Janam's XM5 mobile computer has increased productivity within our warehouse by nearly 60%," reported Patrick Davis, Receiving Coordinator for Coastal Pipco. "We now have real-time visibility into our inventory and have significantly reduced the time needed to identify the right product within our warehouse. The XM5 is one of the biggest contributors to our bottom line." Founded in 1997, RedLine Solutions focuses on Oracle's Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Oracle's Mobile Supply Chain Applications (MSCA).

Debuted early in 2015, with an eye towards device migration, Janam's XM5 supports both Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and Android 4.2, with Qwerty or Numeric keypad and 3.5" resistive touchscreen. As communications, it has 802.11 Wi-Fi, 3G/4G WWAN, Bluetooth Class 2, and GPS. Embedded RFID/NFC, laser scanner or area imager (N4300 and N5600 from Honeywell, respectively), and front- and rear-facing cameras serve data collection. As technical specifications, XM5 has ARM Cortex-A8 CPU at 1 GHz, 512-MB RAM, 1-GB ROM, and Micro-SD. It measures approximately 6 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 1 in. (D) and weighs 10 oz., including long-shift 4000-mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery, with an IP-65 rating for dust, dirt, and water jets and 5-ft./1.5-m drops.

Another Contract Win for the XM5: Coastal Pipco

A Fashion Show at Impinj

Impinj (Seattle, WA) has fashioned its new "xSpan" RAIN RFID Gateway. With smaller dimensions than the company's familiar xPortal or xArray, measuring 18.8 in. (L) x 8.7 in. (W) x 3.5 in. (D), and at less cost, xSpan supports Passive EPC Gen 2 RFID. Significantly, it features steerable-beam, phased-array antenna, with two-directional, rather than circular, tracking capability. This provides "transition detection" of items.

"Businesses that need to monitor items transitioning from one space to another, or determine item location along a path, will find the Impinj xSpan well suited to their requirements," explained Craig Cotton, VP of Marketing and Product Management at Impinj. In addition, "xSpan has the aesthetics to blend into high-end retail stores, yet is rugged enough for warehouse logistics and shipping environments." As targets, Impinj identifies retail, logistics, and healthcare.

A single xSpan provides continuous item visibility in a coverage area of up to 1,000 square feet, suitable for the store floor, back room, or hallway. (It may be combined for larger spaces.) It has Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) and light weight of 6 lbs. (without mounting plate) for easy installation on ceilings and walls. It maintains peak performance with Impinj's patented Autopilot technology, which, as its name signifies, automatically optimizes xSpan's settings based on its environment. It ships in October 2016.

Impinj's xSpan RAIN RFID Gateway

Channel Factoid

By 2030, cash purchases will make up only 10% of money spent in Canada, according to a prediction by payment processor Moneris Solutions Corporation. Compared to 35% of overall transactions in 2014, this 70% decline will coincide with an increase in the use of digital payment technologies, especially among younger Canadians. A look at the popularity of mobile wallets, for instance, shows the following results: preferred over cash or card by those 18 to 24, 25%; 35 to 44, 24%; 45 to 54, 18%; 55 to 64, 10%; and 65+, 6%. Canadians said they would be more likely to use a mobile wallet under the following circumstances: knew it was secure, 62%; it was accepted at more stores, 42%; it was available for my kind of credit card, 40%; it was available for my kind of phone, 38%; and more people were using it, 37%. Not surprisingly, credit cards are the most frequently used payment type. Percentage of Canadians who "always" or "often" use: credit cards, 60%; debit cards, 56%; contactless cards (tap-to-pay), 31%; mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.), 3%; cash, 46%; and retailer apps (such as Starbucks), 5%. Exactly half of Canadians said they would leave their physical wallet at home if they could store all their loyalty cards on their phone, followed by other desired mobile wallet benefits: e-mail receipts, 48%; acceptance by more stores, 46%; can hold identification (driver license, health card, etc.), 41%; and can be used for public transportation, 35%. "More Canadians, especially younger ones, are tapping their cards to pay as opposed to inserting them into payment terminals," reflected Rob Cameron, Chief Product Officer at Moneris. "We've seen the number of contactless transactions more than double this year, which is a strong indication that mobile payments are going to see a huge lift."

HELLO GOODBYE

Zebra's Emperor of EAI

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has promoted Tom Bianculli to the newly created role of Chief Technology Officer. As CTO, Bianculli will spearhead to company's efforts in the growing market for Enterprise Asset Intelligence (EAI). He formerly served as VP of the Technology Office at Zebra. Earlier posts have included Engineering Lead for Imaging Product Development at the former Symbol Technologies, Director of Electrical Engineering for Data Capture Products for Symbol Technologies, and Senior Director for the Emerging Business Office, Engineering, at Motorola Solutions (which bought Symbol Technologies, and sold it to Zebra, readers will recall).

"The formation of the Chief Technology Office is a company first for Zebra, underscoring our deep commitment to innovation and growth," commented Anders Gustafsson, CEO of Zebra Technologies Corporation. "Tom was an ideal fit for this role as he has been an integral part of advancing Enterprise Asset Intelligence. We are committed to building solutions that enhance real-time visibility for our customers and partners, and Tom's leadership as our new CTO will help make this happen."

Bianculli and his team have been spearheading the development of new, vertical-specific EAI solutions, according to Zebra. One example is the recently launched Trailer Load Analytics solution in the transportation and logistics industry, which utilizes Zebra's software and sensors "to aggregate data across thousands of dock doors to indicate the 'next best action' to dock managers in real-time, thereby increasing load efficiency and asset utilization." As key elements, EAI encompasses digital trends of cloud computing, mobility, and IoT.

Tom Bianculli, Chief Technology Officer, Zebra

NCR Counts Its Benjamins

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) has chosen its new President and COO: Mark Benjamin from Automatic Data Processing (ADP). Benjamin began his career as ADP's SVP of Small Business Services, moving to the position of ADP's President of Employer Services International. Most recently, he served as ADP's President of Global Enterprise Solutions, an international, multi-billion-dollar business with 20,000 employees.

"Mark brings relevant experience and a great track record of leadership and performance to NCR," remarked Bill Nuti, Chairman and CEO of NCR. "Mark's knowledge of cloud-based services, building strong recurring revenue models, the global environment, and our go-to-market industries will be invaluable to this next phase of our growth. I'm proud to have a person of his integrity and background joining my team. This is the right time to add this critical role at NCR. The company is performing well, we have established momentum in key markets and solutions, and continued focus on execution is our top priority."

"I am honored to join the NCR leadership team," shared Benjamin. "NCR has quickly emerged as a leading innovator with strong vision, the right strategy, and solid growth prospects. Their strategic focus on omnichannel is paying off for them and their customers. As the omnichannel market matures, customers are increasingly looking for a company that can provide innovative, integrated solutions that harness the powerful insights of data. I look forward to helping NCR, and our customers, achieve their full potential over the coming years."

Mark Benjamin, President and COO, NCR