Our Product Pick

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has unboxed its power charger cradle for its 3" SM-L300 portable thermal receipt/label printer. Designed to hold the SM-L300 with or without belt clip, the cradle allows end-users to readily switch between desktop and mobile modes. Debuted in April, the SM-L300 measures 4.7 in. (W) x 5.9 in. (L) x 2.7 in. (D) and weighs 1.1 lbs. It furnishes print speed of 2.6 in./65 mm per second at 203 dpi. It links to Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or iOS BLE without pairing. With no limitation on the number of devices connected, the SM-L300 "is the perfect solution for mobile POS," according to Star Micronics America.

Charging Cradle for Star's SM-L300 Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

Bixolon Pole Vaults

Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) has unveiled its new customer displays: the BCD-2000 and BCD-3000. In enhanced mono LCD, both furnish flexible character positioning, variable brightness, and easy plug-and-play USB. On its part, the BCD-2000 has adjustable heights from 6.9 to 20.8 inches, 13-degree five-option angle adjustment, 360-degree screen rotation, and pass-through cable design. It supports up to 4 lines, or 120 characters, and logos/graphics, with active area of 4.7 x 1.8 inches.

An ultra-compact design drives the second new customer display, the BCD-3000, with active area of 3.8 x 0.8 inches. It has multiple cable paths for user convenience, with angle adjustable display from 0 to 35 degrees. It supports up to 2 lines, or 40 characters, and logos/graphics. Both models have ivory/dark gray body color and blue/white display color. A download and image display utility is offered by Bixolon.

"Bixolon's next-generation of customer displays are fast, easy-to-read, and highly reliable," enthused John Kim, Director of Marketing at Bixolon. "The features of the BCD-2000 highlight the technology progression from its predecessor, the BCD-1000. Whereas, the BCD-3000 compact display complements Bixolon's SRP-Q300 cube printer for mobile POS." Offered are SDKs for iOS, Android, and Windows.

A Pair of New Customer Displays: the BCD-2000 and BCD-3000

NCR Under the "Micro" Scope

Another claim staked out by NCR Silver, this time for the so-called "micro" market. With its new bundle, dubbed "Ring Up by NCR Silver," NCR has brought in payment processing by Worldpay (Atlanta, GA). A mobile card reader wirelessly connects via Bluetooth to smartphones or tablets running iOS or Android. It fits in the pocket or can be attached to an included lanyard for portability. An app for Ring Up by NCR Silver appears in the App Store and Google Play.

As pricing for processing, Worldpay has set 2.7% per swipe or dip, $14 per month service fee, and $39 plus tax per device. In addition to MSR, it accepts EMV Chip and Swipe in Ring Up by NCR Silver. Also, it allows merchants to set up product catalogs, review sales, send e-receipts, and build their marketing database. Additional benefits cited by NCR include 24/7 service, next-day funding of sales, pre-configured tip calculations for faster checkout, and access to cloud-based reporting.

"With the addition of Ring Up by NCR Silver, we can now support businesses through every phase, from start-up to franchise," proclaimed Chris Poelma, President and GM of NCR Silver. "Ring Up by NCR Silver is the stepping stone for micro merchants or service providers looking for a reliable technology partner to grow with. Once these businesses are ready to expand, NCR Silver will be there to help." Estimates put the micro market in the U.S. at 3.7 million businesses.

"Ring Up by NCR Silver" Addresses Micro Business

Worth Your While

Profit Booster Dealer Conference
CRS, Inc.
October 19
Grapevine, TX

Money 20/20
I2i Events Group
October 22-25
Las Vegas, NV

NRF's Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 14-16, 2018
New York, NY

Shoptalk
March 18-21, 2018
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Epson Stirs Up KDS

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has fashioned two new controllers in the area of Kitchen Display Systems (KDS): the TM-L90 Plus-i LFC KDS Direct Connect and TM-L90 Plus-i LFC KDS Multi-Station. Employing the company's liner-free TM-L90 Plus-i LFC thermal printer, this approach will improve food order preparation, packaging, and delivery for QSRs and C-Stores, according to Epson America. Another model of OmniLink, which embeds the PC, the 3" TM-L90 Plus-i prints receipts at 6.7 in./170 mm per second and label media at 3.5 in./90 mm per second at 203 dpi. It supports web-based printing from multiple platforms.

In so-called "Direct Connect" KDS, targeted at small locations, the TM-L90 Plus-i LFC, in Version VGA, plugs directly into the monitor. Designed for larger operations, in "Multi-Station" KDS, the TM-L90 Plus-i LFC, in Version COM, combines with the OmniLink-i Expansion Box to serve up to nine kitchen stations (and with no recurring software fees). As part of its package, Epson America offers proprietary KDS Application Software and Configuration Utilities. It also offers the liner-free media.

"Our new TM-L90 Plus-i LFC controllers deliver unique capabilities in one device to support multiple kitchen efficiency workflows," expounded Gregg Brunnick, Director of Product Management and Technical Services, Business Systems Division, at Epson America. "Also, of significant benefit to end-users and VARs, no integration is required." In 2016, readers may recall, Epson America first entered the market for KDS with its OmniLink TM-U220-i and OmniLink TM-T88V-i.

Epson's TM-L90 Plus-i LFC for Kitchen Display System Controller

Two Trips for Magellan

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has shipped two new scanners in its Magellan Series: the countertop 3450VSi and in-counter 3550HSi. With "advanced imaging," these models read one-dimensional codes, two-dimensional codes, and digital watermarking technology by Digimarc (Beaverton, OR). "A significant reduction in the brightness of the illumination while improving throughput, depth of field, and speed to read," cited Nick Tabet, VP of Product Marketing for Datalogic. Additional benefits include solid-state design, larger scan zones, and multiple I/Os.

Adaptive lighting and red LEDs promote user comfort, noted Datalogic. Also, an optional Customer Service Scanner allows shoppers to enter their mobile coupons, loyalty cards, and gift cards during simultaneous checkout. An on-screen programming tool, entitled "Scanalyzer," is delivered via the top accessible USB. Both 3450VSi and 3550HSi support customizable sound, remote device management, and electronic article surveillance from Checkpoint Systems (Thorofare, NJ) and Tyco Sensormatic (Boca Raton, FL).

Intended for countertops with limited space, the 3450VSi measures 6 in. (W) x 5.4 in. (H) x 3.7 in. (D), and weighs 1.3 lbs. It features table/wall mount or optional tilting riser stand. With standard cut-out of 6 in. (W) x 6 in. (H) x 3.4 in. (below counter D), and weight of 2.2 lbs., the 3550HSi has sapphire glass scan window and stainless steel top. It replaces the Magellan 2300HS and Magellan 3300HSi Models from Datalogic.

Datalogic's Magellan 3450VSi Scanner

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ALLIANCES

A RILA-ed Up Zebra

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has pledged support for the Retail Industry Leaders Association's "(R)Tech Center for Innovation." Established in March by RILA and Accenture, the (R)Tech Center for Innovation focuses on future "Retail Technologies." Based outside Washington, DC, in Arlington, Virginia, it includes an (R)Tech Advisory Council (of retailers and suppliers of CPG) and an (R)Tech Innovation Network (of tech innovators and VCs).

"A critical goal for retailers is building a culture of innovation, which we aim to achieve," relayed Tom Bianculli, CTO at Zebra Technologies Corporation. "We look forward to our continued work with RILA as we develop next-generation offerings that will fulfill industry needs and expand operational visibility to improve the overall customer experience." Suggested Adam Siegel, SVP of Research, Innovation, and Sustainability for RILA, "Zebra's proven leadership in innovative retail technology, along with its record of commitment to RILA, makes the company an ideal partner for the (R)Tech Center for Innovation."

As the retail industry leverages, and shares, an increasing amount of real-time data, this new strategic partnership will increasingly focus on the area of data security, according to Zebra and RILA. In addition to supporting the (R)Tech Center for Innovation, Zebra participates in RILA's Asset Protection Leaders Council. "As part of the Asset Protection Leaders Council, Zebra will support and enhance RILA's charter to reduce shrink in retail," indicated Ed Tonkon, President of Retail Solutions at Zebra Technologies Corporation.

A New Strategic Partnership Between Zebra Technologies Corporation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association

Cayan's Half Dozen

Cayan (Boston, MA) has added certification for EMV with merchant processor TSYS (Columbus, GA). It allows electronic transactions with EMV via the Genius Customer Engagement Platform by Cayan. It marks the sixth such approval for EMV, following Chase (Dallas, TX), Elavon (Atlanta, GA), First Data (Atlanta, GA), Vantiv (Cincinnati, OH), and Worldpay (Atlanta, GA).

"Continuing to certify with all leading processors in the industry is an important way to enable our customers to take advantage of the most innovative technologies in the market, like the Genius Platform, without requiring them to switch processors," commented Ken Paull, Chief Revenue Officer at Cayan. Added Tim Munto, Group Executive for TSYS Merchant Services, "The payments industry is changing fast, so ensuring that we can work with customers without interrupting their core payment processing activities is critical." For its part, TSYS processes approximately 25.5 billion transactions each year.

Rolled out in 2012, Cayan's Genius Customer Engagement Platform accommodates the many forms of electronic payments--MSR, EMV, NFC, and Mobile Wallets. With tokenization and point-to-point encryption (P2PE), it complies with benchmarks such as the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS). Over the past half-decade, it has garnered support by ISVs and VARs in POS. In February, as reported in RRN.Com, Cayan unwrapped its portable Genius Handheld.

Ken Paull, Chief Revenue Officer, Cayan

Code Corner

Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) has released its InfoGenesis POS Version 4.4.10. Enhancements include full P2PE/EMV device support for major gateways and processors, as well as support for mixed environments of EMV/non-EMV. In the area of casinos, new updates include authorization of PIN, use of vouchers to be redeemed for amounts less than full value of the voucher and for tip payment, filtering comps and vouchers by eligibility for the profit center, and refund of comps and vouchers at the POS. In addition, there's new, more flexible fiscal reporting and integration framework. Looking forward, InfoGenesis 4.5 will emphasize enterprise management. "The latest version of InfoGenesis provides new capabilities that enhance the guest experience in a way that recognizes the special requirements of the hospitality industry," declared Mike Hinojosa, Senior Director of Product Management at Agilysys.

Agilysys InfoGenesis POS Version 4.4.10

CERTIFICATION

A Ring Fitted for Atlas

Atlas RFID Solutions (Birmingham, AL) has embraced ring-style barcode/RFID scanning for the yard and construction industry. Supplied by Technology Solutions, Ltd., based in the U.K., the Model 1153 will be utilized with Atlas's Jovix Software. Developed in 2011 for tracking and handling of industrial and building materials, as well as capital assets (via GPS), Jovix has been used in more than 300 sites, according to longtime VAR Atlas RFID Solutions.

Along with one- and two-dimensional symbologies, the ring scanner reads tags with passive UHF RFID (EPC Class 1 Gen 2) at maximum range of 6.6 ft./2 m. Intended to fit around the index and middle fingers of the worker, in dimensions of 4 in. (L) x 2.2 in. (W) x 2.2 in. (D) and weighing 5.5 oz., it accommodates the wearing of heavy gloves, according to Atlas RFID Solutions. It pairs to smartphone, mobile computer, or tablet with Bluetooth Class 2, and runs Android or Windows 10. A large button facilitates operation for the worker, with audible beep confirmation of scans.

"As a solution provider, we want to make the users' lives easier," commented Jeff Burns, Associate Hardware Product Manager for Atlas RFID Solutions. "This simplifies the work flow, freeing up their hands to pick up and move items. With the Internet of Things (IoT) being widely used across the industrial sector, it was timely for wearable devices to be included in materials management."

Wearable Technology for the Construction Industry 

Trimble Logs In

Trimble (Sunnyvale, CA) has registered its FieldMaster Logs as a "self-certified Electronic Logging Device (ELD)" with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In 2016, the FMCSA mandated that carriers who do not already have an Automated Onboard Recording Device installed on their vehicles must install certified ELDs by December 18, 2017. In addition, those vehicles that do have installed Automated Onboard Recording Devices must replace them with certified ELDs by December 17, 2019.

In keeping with this mandate, FieldMaster Logs has added Hours of Service (HOS) and Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) functionality as part of its Fleet Management Portfolio. In the case of HOS, Trimble's FieldMaster Logs now tracks, and reports, the number of hours of driver activity (which the FMCSA will restrict). With DVIR in Trimble's FieldMaster Logs, safety inspections are encouraged and vehicle issues are captured and communicated to the carrier's maintenance team.

"Trimble's FieldMaster Logs App allows companies to improve productivity, profitability, and most importantly, driver safety," elaborated John Cameron, GM of the Field Service Management Division at Trimble. "We're very happy to announce that our solution meets the FMCSA's requirements for tracking HOS and DVIR well in advance of the mandate's deadline." [Editor's Note: Elsewhere, Trimble has acquired supply chain visibility expert, 10-4 Systems (Boulder, CO).]

Trimble's "FieldMaster Logs" Application

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
Poindus America
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Tailwind Solutions

API & Marketplace
Omnivore

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas
Honeywell

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Denso ADC
Honeywell
Janam Technologies

Distribution
Ingram Micro

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
iPayment
Monetary LLC
Payment Logistics
Sterling Payment

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry Americas, LLC
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
Innovative
SpacePole

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

PAR Flips Tortillas

ParTech (New Hartford, NY), a subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation, will supply its Brink POS Software and EverServ 8000 Workstations for fast-casual restaurant chain, California Tortilla. Based in Rockville, Maryland, California Tortilla has 51 locations, and counting, across the East Coast in the U.S. It previously used another vendor's server-based POS. As readers will recall, PAR bought Brink Software in 2014 to move into Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

"It's important for Cal Tort to be up-to-date with POS technology, now and in the future," remarked Brian Chase, Director of Franchise Operations at California Tortilla. "Our aging POS system was fast approaching the end of its usefulness and was becoming disruptive to the overall operations of the business. Our franchisees couldn't be happier with our selection to go with PAR's Brink Software." As additional benefits, he cited loyalty, online ordering, and menu management.

"We are pleased that California Tortilla has selected Brink for their growing business," contributed Paul Rubin, Chief Strategy Officer at ParTech. "The issues they were looking to resolve is exactly what Brink was built for--business efficiency, seamless integration, and ease of use." Introduced in 2015, EverServ 8000 has 15" projected-capacitive or resistive touchscreen, choice of Intel Braswell, Skylake, or Core i5 CPU, and 8-GB/32-GB RAM. It runs Windows 8, 10, and POSReady 7.

California Tortilla Selects Brink Software and EverServ 8000 POS Terminal by PAR

At 30,000 Feet, IBM Retail

IBM (Armonk, NY) will deploy its IBM Retail Analytics for the 8,100 sites of drug store chain, Walgreens. In addition to support for software and hardware from diverse vendors of IT, IBM Cloud will improve the efficiency of field support, according to the two parties. As readers may recall, IBM released its predictive Retail Analytics in 2015.

Specifically, based on service request history, IBM Cloud will be used to determine the level of support that will likely be needed at each location of Walgreens. In the future, this information will improve dispatching of field technicians, so they arrive at the right time to resolve an issue. Also, such data-driven insight will identify the most frequent service calls at any given location and consolidate such requests to minimize repeated instances of system downtime.

"Extending our multi-vendor services capabilities to support Walgreens stores sets an exciting new benchmark is an evolving retail industry, but it does not stop there," explained Martin Jetter, SVP of IBM Global Technology Services. "As an integrator in the cloud, IBM is always driven by the desire to think differently about the way we manage our clients' services and underlying infrastructure in any business, and we are well-suited to help them achieve the results they are seeking." According to new research by so-called MarketsandMarkets (Seattle, WA), the worldwide demand for retail analytics is expected to grow from $3.5 billion in 2017 to $8.6 billion by 2022.

Walgreens Adopts IBM Retail Analytics

Channel Factoid

It's independence and efficiency when it comes to shopping for the Generation Z (born between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s). A new survey, "Meet Your Future Power Shopper," conducted by Adyen, finds that if their preferred shopping experience is matched, 50% of Gen Zers would buy more. Point #1: They want their space. Only 7% of Gen Zers welcome recommendations from sales associates while shopping. Rather, to research products, they visit the store's website (49%), use word of mouth (45%), or navigate megastore apps (43%). Point #2: They embrace the future. Over the next 12 months, as part of their shopping experience, 44% of Gen Zers want Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), and 39% want to "just walk out" of stores with their purchases. Point #3: Some technologies seem to turn them off. Only 35% would like to see biometrics--such as retina and fingerprint scanning for purchases--become part of their shopping experience. And perhaps surprisingly, only 26% of Gen Zers have warmed up to purchasing from messaging apps. "A unique generation of shoppers," reflected Roelant Prins, Chief Commercial Officer at Adyen (San Francisco, CA). "They are growing up in an age where information is at their fingertips."

HELLO GOODBYE

iPayment Doubles Down

One of the payment processors active in our channel, iPayment, Inc. (Westlake Village, CA), continues to build its team. As VP of Partner Sales, Steven Koller joins from First Data. As Director of Strategic Accounts, Ashton Eller joins from First Data and TASQ. As VP of Strategic Account Management, Kathleen Houseman joins from Castles Technology and First Data. Also, Shawn Lally, former Director of Business Development, has been promoted to VP of Agent Sales.

"Over the past year, iPayment has made significant investments in partner support, operational efficiencies, and new products and technology tools, but when I joined iPayment earlier this year, it was evident to me that we needed to expand our existing team to achieve and exceed our annual goals," shared Denise Tahali, SVP of ISO and Agent Sales. "I am thrilled that we were able to attract some of the industry's best and brightest to complement our existing resources. I feel that we now have the best team in the business and I am excited about what the future holds."

"Our operational processes, support infrastructures, and technology platforms are all built to support our partners," exclaimed O.B. Rawls IV, CEO and President of iPayment, Inc. "We are very confident that with our expanded talent pool, focus on delivering an incredible experience for both partners and merchant customers, and wide array of new payment and business management solutions and value-added services, we will exceed our annual growth targets this year and beyond." In June, iPayment debuted its new gateway, dubbed "Expinet." It will "drive new opportunities in the integrated space."

New faces at iPayment: Steven Koller, VP of Partner Sales; Ashton Eller, Director of Strategic Accounts; and Kathleen Houseman, VP of Strategic Account Management

Opt-In at Opterus

Opterus (Toronto, ON, Canada), provider of store execution and management software, has engaged Gary Stonell as its VP of Business Development and Marketing. Previously, he worked for social media content management platform, Sysomos. His roles included Enterprise Account Manager (2013 to 2015), Enterprise Senior Sales Manager-East (2015 to 2016), and Regional VP of Enterprise Sales (2016 to 2017). In addition to SaaS, he brings experience in CPG.

"In today's fast-paced retail store environment, retailers need the best tools to help them execute on critical store tasks and stay up-to-date with communications from headquarters," observed Stonell. "Opterus brings all of that and more in a simple and elegant cloud-based solution. I am delighted to join the amazing team at Opterus, and am committed to helping grow the business and generate further marketing momentum for our signature platform, Store Ops-Center."

"We view his appointment as a sign of our commitment to being the leader in store information and execution management," commented Janet Hawkins, Founder and CEO of Opterus. "With the continued rollout of new features to our platform as well as the rapid growth of our customer base, we knew we needed someone with Gary's background and caliber to provide further support to our sales and marketing teams. I am confident he will play a key role in the success of Opterus." Founded in 2006, Opterus has been deployed in 45 countries.

Gary Stonell, VP of Business Development and Marketing, Opterus