Our Product Pick

Gilbarco Veeder-Root (Greensboro, NC) has unveiled its new self-checkout system for convenience stores, dubbed Passport Express Lane. It has four parts: software (Passport Version 12.02 or higher), hardware platform for consumer workstation and control console (Model PC60), service offering (Plus or Premium Levels), and approved peripherals (scanner, printer, PIN Pad). It allows cashiers to monitor and support consumers during their transactions from close proximity behind the counter. It also complements the company's Express Ordering. "Express Lane is the result of countless hours spent listening to customers' needs and concerns," shared Chris Whitley, VP of North America Sales and Marketing. "It will be a game changer."

Passport Express Lane

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Buddy for Int'l. Bancard: Epos Now

An effort to deliver an all-in-one, cloud-based solution for POS has been launched between International Bancard (Detroit, MI) and Epos Now (Orlando, FL). It combines the payment gateway by International Bancard, named PassPortConnect, with the software for POS by Epos Now. It will leverage multichannel distribution, including VARs and ISVs.

In speaking with RRN, John Badovinac, VP of Integrated Payments at International Bancard, cited an emphasis on advanced technology, ease of use, and customer service/support on the part of both companies. As a privately-held, "boutique" player in payments, International Bancard demonstrates "more hustle than the next guy," according to Badovinac. As an example of its personal approach, "every one of our partners meets the CEO [David lafrate]." Badovinac joined International Bancard in April 2019, bringing experience from Cayan (2017 to 2019), TSYS (2016 to 2017), and Discover (2007 to 2016).

With its headquarters in the U.K., Epos Now was founded in 2011, and now has 30,000 customers in retail and hospitality. "Partnering with International Bancard is proving to be a key factor in driving growth in the U.S. market, and we are delighted that they've demonstrated an aggressive partner-focused mentality from day one," commented Mark Little, VP of Business Development at Epos Now. Little joined Epos Now in August 2019, after roles at, among others, NCR (2018 to 2019), First Data (2010 to 2015), and Chase Paymentech (2001 to 2008).

John Badovinac, VP of Integrated Payments, International Bancard

Raising Logic Controls

It will, once again, be known as Logic Controls. In announcing its relocation from Bethpage, NY (its longstanding location on Long Island) to Orlando, FL (specifically 404 Sunport Lane), Bematech U.S. has disclosed its plans to rebrand (or should we say "re-rebrand") its name as Logic Controls in Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) and POS. Its relocation was driven by the need for greater office and warehouse space as well as the lower cost of living and cost of doing business, RRN was told.

A major factor at play was financial developments in Brazil, father country of Bematech. Acquired by Bematech from Jackson and Muriel Lum in 2009, and consequently renamed Bematech U.S., the hardware group of Logic Controls has recently been resold. In Brazil, Totvs, which owned Bematech, will now focus on software and financial services.

"This move marks an exciting period of growth and opportunity for Bematech," proclaimed Fabio Romano, Country Executive Manager and CEO of U.S./Latin America. "We expect this new location will allow us to expand our business further and deepen our relationships with our customers and partners in the U.S. and Latin America." A former Software Development Manager, Senior IT/Product Manager, and Global IT Project Manager at Bematech, Romano was promoted to Country Executive Manager for U.S./Latin America in December 2018.

A New Headquarters and Rebranding for Bematech U.S.

Worth Your While

Profit Booster Dealer Conference
CRS, Inc.
October 22
Chicago, IL

NRF 2020 Vision
National Retail Federation
January 12-14, 2020
New York, NY

Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 26-20, 2020
Nassau, Bahamas

NGA Show
National Grocers Association
February 23-26, 2020
San Diego, CA

Modex
Material Handling Industry (MHI)
March 9-12, 2020
Atlanta, GA

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
March 22-25, 2020
Las Vegas, NV

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)
April 28-30, 2020
Las Vegas, NV

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19, 2020
Chicago, IL

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Unitech Powers Up

Unitech America (Cypress, CA) has unwrapped its new rugged smartphone, designated the PA760. In dimensions of 6.4 in. (L) x 3.1 in. (W) x 0.6 in. (D), weighing 9.8 oz., the PA760 features 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU and Android 9. A full-color 5.5" capacitive touchscreen has Gorilla Glass III. As data collection: an integrated 2D barcode scanner (with dual scanning triggers), 16-megapixel (rear) and 5-megapixel (front) cameras, and NFC. Also, fingerprint access.

As communications, the PA760 has Bluetooth 5 BLE, 802.11 Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE (with "push-to-talk" button and Google GMS). As ruggedness, the PA760 carries an IP-65/IP-67 rating for water and dust and bumper-enabled 6-ft./1.8-m drop rating. A standard 4000-mAh battery may be extended to 6000-mAh. An optional long-range gun grip is offered.

"This device knocks the competition out of the water with its ultra-fast processor," enthused Scott Chung, President of Unitech America. "It also has the most up-to-date O/S and makes it convenient for companies to download apps to make their businesses run smoothly." As MSRP, Unitech America cited $1,750.

Unitech's PA760 Rugged Smartphone

KOAMTAC Grabs the Ring

KOAMTAC (Princeton, NJ) has unboxed its new wearable rugged scanner for both barcodes and RFID, stocked as KDC180. Measuring 2.7 in. (L) x 1.6 in. (W) x 1.1 in. (H), and weighing 2.8 oz.--in Model UHF--the KDC180 reads 1D/2D symbologies, with 1" OLED display and field replaceable 1010-mAh battery, and various options such as inductive charging and keypad. It has compatibility with Android, iOS, Mac OS X, Tizen and Windows, and connects to mobile device via Bluetooth 5 BLE.

As wearable, the KDC180 can be configured as two-finger ring scanner or finger trigger glove. In either, it may be unclipped quickly and easily for sanitation or safety purposes. As accessories, there's various ring and glove sizes and multi-bay charging cradle. As ruggedness, it meets an IP-65 rating for water and dust and 5-ft./1.5-m drop resistance.

"The KDC180, designed with wearability in mind, is the first wearable RFID reader of its kind," proposed Hanjin Lee, President and CEO of KOAMTAC. "We're very pleased to bring the highest quality wearable data collectors to market. We have provided the finger trigger glove option for KDC200, 250, 300, and 350 for many years already, and this KDC180 would surpass all wearable barcode scanners and RFID readers."

Model KDC180 Wearable Scanner by KOAMTAC

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ALLIANCES

Zivelo Zips Epson

Integration of Epson America's thermal receipt printers has started at self-service kiosk maker, Zivelo. As models, Zivelo, which outfits McDonald's, has turned to Epson America's popular OmniLink TM-T88VI and TM-T88V. A joint solution goes to market through Zivelo and its channel partners, which include the two leading distributors of POS and Auto ID--BlueStar (Hebron, KY) and ScanSource (Greenville, SC).

"Epson's receipt printers are widely deployed throughout multiple industries, including retail and restaurants, so our customers were already very familiar with using and programming them," noted Ryan Lagace, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Zivelo (Scottsdale, AZ). "As our partner, Epson provides our customers with printing that is familiar, fast, and easy to install and use, all of which are essential for high-volume, self-service kiosk environments." In business for two decades, Zivelo was quietly bought by Verifone in September 2019.

"Zivelo delivers a turn-key solution in a sleek and sophisticated design that gives merchants and customers alike the best possible experience and outcome," remarked Tom Kettell, Director, Commercial Channel for North America, at Epson (Long Beach, CA). "We live in a time where everyone wants to have a fun and interactive experience that doesn't take up too much of their time. Together with Zivelo, we deliver on that desire."

Epson's Printers Accompany Zivelo's Kiosks

A Maitre'D and Sommelier

An uncorking in Canada, with Posera (London, ON) partnering with Intelligent Cellars (Quebec City, QC). Employing Intelligent's Alfred Procellar, customers of Posera's Maitre'D POS can more effectively manage, maintain, and leverage their wine inventories, according to the two parties. Intended for the restaurant industry, Alfred Pro was described as its "proprietary AI-powered smart application."

"Alfred Pro is an innovative and robust system for cellar management, and we are pleased to integrate it with our Maitre'D POS," relayed Dan Poirier, CEO at Posera. "Addition of Intelligent Cellars' system is another powerful tool that rounds out our Maitre'D." With Alfred Pro, users of Maitre'D can manage individual bottles in stock; protect product margins by automatically adjusting prices based on real-time market values of individual bottles; track the optimal tasting range for each product; and increase efficiency of wait-staff and sommeliers.

Also this summer, Posera released its stand-alone product for Kitchen Display System (KDS). It features three dozen screen display modes, including split, compact, recipe, and summary screens; station routing; meal coursing and pacing; guest paging; and real-time activity data. "[It] increases kitchen throughput, improves order speed and accuracy, while eliminating printers and paper-based kitchen tickets, directly increasing our customers' top and bottom lines," declared Poirier.

Alfred Procellar Management Supported by Maitre'D POS

In the OC: Hadfield Group

A partner in POS has been chosen by the Orange County Restaurant Association: the Hadfield Group (Newport Beach, CA). Established in June 2019 by Paul Hadfield, CEO, the Hadfield Group employs Gusto and Clover POS. A registered ISO/MSP of Woodforest National Bank (The Woodlands, TX), it's on the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI-SSC).

"Restaurants today have very unique challenges," manifested Pamela Waitt, Founder of the Orange County Restaurant Association, Orange County Restaurant Week, and Pacific Wine & Food Week. "I have been working with incredibly talented restaurateurs for decades with the goal of putting Orange County on the map as a food destination. Hadfield Group shares our vision and their products allow restaurants to align identically with this goal. We are proud to make them our first strategic partner." At present, the Orange County Restaurant Association provides equipment and technology to 1,400 restaurants.

"Thanks in large part to the support from the Association, the restaurant scene and culture here are thriving," volunteered Hadfield. "We are eager to support new clients with financial and transactional tools that will help them continue to flourish." Earlier, in 2014, Hadfield founded restaurant management software developer, Revzi (Chicago, IL). He also founded payment provider Arrow Payments (Chicago, IL).

A Newcomer, the Hadfield Group, Endorsed by the Orange Country Restaurant Association

Code Corner

A trio of third-party extensions for Appetize (Playa Vista, CA). (1) Online ordering and delivery platform, Olo (New York, NY), will allow restaurants to sync menus, as well as inject orders into the Appetize Activate POS and Kitchen Display System (KDS). (2) Mobile marketing platform, Punchh (San Mateo, CA), will enable customers to earn and redeem points, while helping restaurants to better understand their customers across multiple channels. (3) Inventory management platform, SynergySuite (Lehi, UT), will help restaurants to more accurately make inventory decisions while lowering food and beverage costs. "At Appetize, we consider ourselves to be the hub of enterprise commerce, so our Application Programming Interface (API) is extremely important," projected Alain Avakian, CTO of Appetize. "Partnering with third-party providers will continue to be one of our core strategies."

APIs by Appetize

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Lightspeed x 3.0

A new app, Retail 3.0, has been launched by Lightspeed (Montreal, QC, Canada). Intended for mobility, to be used with iPads, it features sleeker design, simplified navigation, and three new tabs: Profile, Sales History, and Retail Manager. In addition to easing sales associate workflows in POS, it allows managers to more readily perform store management functions, according to Lightspeed.

In addition to its POS, Lightspeed offers its Lightspeed Payments, Lightspeed Loyalty, and Lightspeed Analytics for the SMB. In July 2019, it added new features for inventory tracking in Lightspeed Retail. They include Negative Inventory Report, Data-Driven Dashboard, Vendor Returns, and Enhanced Product Imaging. Significantly, it supports omnichannel operations in concert with Lightspeed eCommerce.

"Lightspeed Retail 3.0 was developed to make processing sales as easy as possible through a completely new user experience that focuses on the needs of retailers and their customers," elaborated Dax Dasilva, Founder and CEO of Lightspeed. "This past summer we made significant updates to our inventory management capabilities, and this all-new app will provide increased efficiency for our customers in the SMB." At present, Lightspeed, which recently went public in an IPO, serves 51,000 independent retail and restaurants locations worldwide.

Lightspeed Retail 3.0 POS App

Revention Pays Attention

A tablet solution for restaurant POS has emerged from Revention (Houston, TX). Integrating seamlessly with its flagship Revention POS, naturally, Restaurant Tablet POS provides full functionality of online and mobile ordering, payments, loyalty, reporting, and management. It runs in conjunction with the Model G10s 10" tablet from iRUGGY Systems (Taipei, Taiwan). As ordered from Revention, Restaurant Tablet POS runs Android or iOS.

A bundle includes credit-card reader, credit-card bracket, and docking station. Accepted payments include MSR, EMV, Gift Cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. It operates both online and off-line to "improve employee productivity, increase efficiencies, and enhance the customer experience." Additional tablet hardware solutions are under evaluation by Revention, RRN was told.

"We are delighted to offer innovative tablet POS technology so our clients can experience less downtime, optimal mobility, and increased profitability," expounded Rahul Bakshi, VP of Product and Marketing at Revention. "We have always strived to deliver technology solutions that address the needs and concerns of our clients, and we are excited by the opportunity to answer the call for mobility regardless of internet connectivity." Also, Revention has partnered with restaurant order and delivery leader, DoorDash.

Revention Restaurant POS on iRUGGY Tablet

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Equinox
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Protech Technologies
Toshiba
WooPOS

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Equinox
EVO Payments/Sterling
Ingenico
North American Bancard

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Seiko Instruments
Star Micronics

Video Surveillance
Envysion

INSTALLATIONS

A Customized Zebra

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has deployed its Model MC3300 mobile computer, running Android, for North Central Sight Services (Williamsport, PA). At the core of its mission, the non-profit NCSS offers employment opportunities for the visually impaired and blind. Its 29 visually impaired workers count, package, and ship computer and office supplies as part of a program under the U.S. AbilityOne Commission. A Warehouse Management System (WMS) was supplied by VAR CSSI Technologies (Lewisburg, PA).

In its WMS, CSSI standardizes about 80% of the functionality of the MC3300, while customizing the other 20%. In the case of NCSS, CSSI has created "success" and "error" notifications that appear in enlarged green or red text, respectively, along with audible notifications and voice-directed picking. "We've had a long relationship with NCSS, and this project brought us even closer to their business," expressed Joe Tosolt, CEO of CSSI, one of Zebra's Registered ISVs and PartnerConnect Solution Partners. "It improves business processes."

"This solution has helped us modernize our warehouse from a manual-based process to an automated one that has increased worker productivity and picking accuracy which has led to the near elimination of returns," recounted Terri Kio, Industry Operations Manager, North Central Sight Services. "Working with companies like Zebra and CSSI who are committed to helping visually impaired staff has made a measurable difference in our business with the technology and by making our staff feel supported in their careers." At Zebra, James Morley-Smith serves as Global Director of User Experience Design.

Screen Display of Enlarged Text on Zebra MC3300

Mobivity Plays Checkers

Mobivity (Chandler, AZ), one of the prominent customer engagement players--emphasizing mobility, per its name--will provide its solution for major drive-thru restaurant chain, Checkers & Rally's. With over 875 locations in the Eastern U.S., Checkers & Rally's will send personalized mobile offers and promotions via SMS text messaging. It employs Mobivity's platform, "Recurrency," and specific module, "Reach."

"We're thrilled to partner with the innovative team at Checkers & Rally's in delighting guests with personalized and relevant offers direct to their mobile phone," related Dennis Becker, Chairman and CEO of Mobivity. "Leveraging data to ensure consumers are engaged with the right message at the right time is essential in attaining high returns on marketing spend and increasing guest frequency. It's a privilege to play a key role on Checkers & Rally's ambitious digital strategy."

"Using data, personalization, and attribution are top priorities for our digital marketing strategy, and Mobivity's Recurrency blends these capabilities into one cohesive platform for mobile engagement and increased guest frequency," reported Jason Carrigan, VP of Digital Marketing and Guest Experience at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. With more than 40,000 global restaurant locations, Mobivity has installs at customers such as Blimpie, Subway, and Smashburger. Its initial technology, in 2014, based on paper, was called "SmartReceipt."

Customer Engagement by Mobivity for Checkers & Rally's Restaurant Chain

Channel Factoid

-"A generation naturally more comfortable with technology."

-40% of Gen Z have some experience of in-app payments and 15% make in-app payments regularly--significantly higher than all other consumers (who measure 27% and 9%, respectively).

-34% of Gen Z have used a mobile wallet (versus 26% of other consumers) and 14% (versus 10%) regularly make payments in one.

-47% of Gen Z buy goods on their mobile smartphone more often than any other platform--the same as Millennials (Ages 25 to 39).

-In contrast, only 28% of Generation X (Ages 40 to 54) and 10% of Baby Boomers (Over 55) prefer mobile shopping.

-53% of Gen Z prefer to shop in stores that accept contactless payments, while physical cash is also used by 79% of Gen Z when shopping in brick-and-mortar stores.

-51% of Gen Z would use voice technology to make a one-off entertainment purchase, while 43% would be prepared to pay for groceries using voice commands to their smart fridge.

-30% of Gen Z can see themselves using cryptocurrency to make purchases in the next two years if they knew more about it, or have already used it. And 38% believe that using cryptocurrencies would be an effective way to combat card fraud.

Source: "Lost in Transaction: Gen Z Expectations at the Checkout," Conducted by the Paysafe Group (London, U.K.)

A Message From the Editor

As we enjoy another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, and business models. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

HELLO GOODBYE

Elevated at Elavon

A new Chief Revenue Officer and President of Elavon North America (Atlanta, GA): former EVP of Revenue and GM, Joe Myers. He joined the payment processor in 2011 as Customer Management Director in the U.K., and was promoted to Head of Customer Management and SVP (2014 to 2017), then EVP of Revenue and GM (2017 to 2019). Prior, he served as Director of Commercial Credit for Experian (2007 to 2011) and Sales Director for Equifax (2003 to 2007).

"Joe is highly regarded not only within our business, but across the organization and among our customers and partners," indicated Jamie Walker, CEO of Elavon. "Our industry is changing rapidly. Managing through this change requires a proven leader like Joe, who understands our business, has an exceptional track record of building strong relationships with partners and customers, and who knows how to inspire employees to deliver exceptional value to our clients."

"Our business is built around the customer," observed Myers. "We think about it as the four 'E's of 'easy'--which is making our solutions easy to buy, easy to sell, easy to connect to, and easy to use. I'm delighted to have this opportunity." A recent move in the market for U.S. Bank, parent of Elavon, with its purchase of software developer for POS, Talech (Palo Alto, CA). Currently, Talech has 8,000 customers.

Joe Myers, Chief Revenue Officer and President of Elavon North America

The Full Monty

An interesting player in the supply chain, focusing on robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), called GreyOrange (based in Atlanta, GA), has engaged industry veteran Monty Waltz as its Head of Global Sales and Enablement. He joins the company from Revionics, where he served as SVP of Sales (2016 to 2019). Previous roles have included SVP of Sales for Americas for Steelwedge Software (2015 to 2016), SVP of Strategic Accounts for Revionics (2009 to 2015), and SVP of Sales for Americas for Manhattan Associates (1998 to 2009).

"Automation and AI within the supply chain, especially with respect to fulfillment, is only going to increase in importance over the next five to ten years. What we see today is just the tip of the iceberg," predicted Waltz. "I'm looking forward to combining my expertise in supply chain technology and retail to help GreyOrange improve fulfillment orchestration for companies across the globe in this exciting time of growth and development."

"Monty's proven record of growing revenue through customer acquisition and expansion makes him a valuable addition to the GreyOrange team as we continue to gain customers and revolutionize supply chains through our unique combination of AI-driven software and advanced robotics," contributed Samay Kohli, CEO of GreyOrange. "His experience driving sales and strengthening senior-level relationships across the retail and consumer product industries makes him a perfect fit for GreyOrange."

Monty Waltz, Head of Global Sales and Enablement, GreyOrange

He'll Bring the Groceries

Park City Group (Salt Lake City, UT), the parent company of ReposiTrak, an e-commerce, compliance, and supply chain platform for business-to-business environments, has appointed Peter Larkin, the former President and CEO of the National Grocers Association, to its Board of Directors. Before his tenure at the NGA (2010 to 2019), Larkin served as President and CEO of the California Grocers Association (1996 to 2007), VP of the Food Marketing Institute (1989 to 1996), and Director of Public Affairs at the Kroger Co. (1982 to 1988). He will sit on Park City Group's Audit and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees.

"Park City Group is on the leading edge of helping grocers, distributors, wholesalers, and suppliers modernize their systems and effectively compete in an increasingly fast-paced world," commented Larkin. "In addition, Park City has always been focused on the needs of its customers first and foremost. I look forward to sharing my experience and expertise in this area, helping the company drive even more value for its customers."

"Adding one of the industry's top leaders to our already strong Board of Directors is a notable achievement, demonstrating the progress Park City Group has made in establishing a position of trust within one of the largest industries in the United States economy," suggested Randall Fields, Chairman and CEO of Park City Group. "For more than four decades, Peter has been a voice for grocers around the country, and nobody understands their needs and their challenges better than Peter. We will certainly benefit from his expertise and his counsel."

Peter Larkin, Former President of the National Grocers Association, Added to Park City Group's Board of Directors

A VP for ISVs

Another new hire for First American Payment Systems (Fort Worth, TX), with Dana Odom enlisted for the new position of VP of Integrated Software Vendors. He brings two decades of experience in the payments industry. It includes SVP of ISV Channel at Pivotal Payments/Nuvei (2018 to 2019), VP and Managing Director of ISV Sales Channel at Clearent (2016 to 2018), Senior Director of Integrated Payments Sales and Strategy at TSYS Merchant Solutions (2013 to 2016), Director of Corporate Product Strategy at PayPros (2009 to 2013), National Sales Manager at Elavon (2007 to 2009), and Product Specialist at Panasonic POS (2000 to 2007).

"Dana brings extensive insight into what ISVs look for when selecting a long-term payment technology partner," emphasized Bill Lodes, EVP of Business Development and Strategy at First American. "He also possesses a strong command of how ISVs can scale their businesses through integrated payments. This, combined with his successful track record in leading new business teams and driving new business development strategies, will further enhance First American's expertise in the ISV market."

Dana Odom, VP of Integrated Software Vendors