Our Product Pick

PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL) has unveiled its newest payment terminal, named A80. It accepts MSR, Chip Card, and NFC, with PCI PTS 5.x and Android 6. As significant features, there's built-in front-facing camera, 4" capacitive touchscreen, and 2" thermal receipt printer. In dimensions of 7.1 in. (L) x 3.3 in. (W) x 3.2 in. (H), it weighs 14.3 oz. As communications, there's dial, Ethernet, and 802.11 Wi-Fi (and optional back-up battery). "This next-generation countertop terminal is competitively priced and packed full of amenities," remarked Andy Chau, President and CEO of PAX Technology, noting "the A80 is also the only Android terminal supporting dial communication."

PAX A80 Terminal

COMPANY BUSINESS

Toshiba Hangs "10"

With its eye on small-to-midsized retail, and yes, hospitality, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Durham, NC) has rolled out its T10 All-in-One POS. As part of the company's new Basics Series, the T10 seeks to deliver "the perfect mix of value, performance, and style for budget-conscious businesses." As such, it goes to market driven by the channel of VARs, ISVs, and Distributors. A complement to the company's premium TCx portfolio in POS, but distinct, RRN.Com was told.

A compact design of 12.4 in. (H) x 14.2 in. (W) x 7.6 in. (D), and weight of 11 lbs., carries 15" projected capacitive touchscreen (Ratio 4:3). It may be adjusted to "lay-flat" position for self-service or wall mounting. Described as "retail optimized," with "rigorous testing," the T10 features modular system board for upgrade, optional dual displays (2x20 or 10"), and extensive I/O's, including powered USB and RS-232.

A machine running Windows (or Linux), the T10 has Intel Celeron J1900 CPU at up to 2.4 GHz, 4-GB/8-GB RAM, and 128-GB SATA M.2 SSD. In keeping with today's evolving shopping environment, it handles the needs of multimedia, the "virtual assistant," and customer engagement. In discussion with RRN.Com, Toshiba GCS indicated its interest in porting third-party software from ISVs for the T10 in time for the upcoming National Retail Federation (NRF) Show in New York City in January 2019. (A second computing platform in the Basics Series, Model D10 for POS, is not offered in North America.)

T10 Leads Toshiba's New "Basics" Product Line

A Hunger for Hospitality at Global

An appetite for acquisition continues at payment processor Global Payments (Atlanta, GA), the new owner of Sicom Systems (Lansdale, PA). A major player in quick-service and fast-casual restaurant IT, Sicom Systems offers end-to-end solutions spanning digital menu boards, drive-thru systems, kitchen management, and POS. A cash transaction of approximately $415 million by Global Payments is expected to close in Q4 2018, with the seller private-equity group, LLR Partners.

"Acquisition of Sicom aligns perfectly with our software-driven payments strategy and establishes Global Payments as a leader in one of the largest markets we serve today," expressed Jeff Sloan, CEO of Global Payments. "Sicom's technologies are highly complementary to our existing solution, Xenial, providing the combination of market-leading technology across the entirety of the restaurant vertical market. It also allows us to expand into foodservice management."

As readers may recall, Global Payments fielded Xenial after its purchase of the cloud-based software's developer, Heartland Commerce, and its parent firm, Heartland Payment Systems, in 2016. It gained the reseller networks of four key ISVs in hospitality via Heartland Commerce: Dinerware, Digital Dining, PC America, and Xpient Solutions. For its part, in June, Sicom Systems had snapped up another player in restaurant IT, Nextep Systems (Troy, MI). No end to such consolidation.

Global Payments Gets More Restaurant POS With Purchase of Sicom Systems

Worth Your While

Pack Expo
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)
October 14-17
Chicago, IL

NRF's Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 13-15, 2019
New York, NY

Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
February 3-6, 2019
Fort Myers, FL

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
April 30-May 2, 2019
Las Vegas, NV

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 18-21, 2019
Chicago, IL

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bixolon: "B" for Battery

Bixolon America (Torrance, CA) has extended its thermal printer family with the 3" SRP-Q300B. Addressing mobility, with built-in 24-V, 2750-mAh Li-Ion battery, the SRP-Q300B can support continuous printing of up to 10 rolls of paper (total 2,000 ft./600 m) with 52-hr. standby (once fully charged). It supports all major O/S--iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Xamarin, Cordova, Chrome--and also has set-up via "NFC for Android."

In cubic shape, with top- or front-exiting configuration, the SRP-Q300B has dimensions of 5 in. (W) x 4.9 in. (L) x 6.7 in. (D) and weight of 3.8 lbs. It features print speed of 8.7 in./220 mm per second at 203 dpi. A variety of communications packages are offered with combinations of USB 2.0, Ethernet, 802.11 Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Version 4/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). A so-called "Smart Connection" supports an easy Wi-Fi link to devices running iOS.

Intended markets for the SRP-Q300B span food trucks to pop-up specialty stores, notes Bixolon. "The SRP-Q300B completes Bixolon's highly successful SRP-Q300 Series, pairing connectivity with functionality, and showcases Bixolon's ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge printing solutions for the ever-changing market in POS," expounded Alberto Hwang, GM of Bixolon America. Also stocked are the SRP-Q300 and SRP-Q300H (with B-Gate Hub) at Bixolon.

Bixolon's SRP-Q300B Thermal Printer

Socket in Your Pocket

Socket Mobile (Newark, CA) has unwrapped the newest member of its SocketScan Line--Model S840. With one- and two-dimensional, omnidirectional reading, the S840 comes in pocket-sized format, measuring 3.4 in. (L) x 2.1 in. (W) x 0.5 in. (D) and weighing 1.7 oz. It has rectangular illumination field of red with aiming dot LED. As expected, given its focus on mobility, it supports iOS, Android, and Windows.

As communications, the S840 has Bluetooth Version 2.1+EDR, with range of 33 ft./10 m. Additional features include simple scan button, good read feedback (audible, pulse, and LEDs), 16-hr. Li-Ion battery, and antimicrobial casing with rating of IP-40. It offers Software Development Kit (SDK) and works with the company's DuraCase.

"Socket Mobile recognizes the advantages and demand for 2D barcode scanners, but understands the typical 2D imager carries an intimidating price," related James Lopez, VP of Marketing for Socket. "Similar to our D740 and S740, which have been very well received, we intend to break the mold with the S840, and be the affordable, attachable 2D option in the market." As MSRP: $359 (or 25% cheaper compared to the prior version, the Model S850, which has $476 MSRP). As markets, Socket cites inventory management, sales order entry, field service, and POS.

SocketScan S840 by Socket Mobile

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INTEGRATION

Epson Keeps Shop

A new strategic relationship for Epson America (Long Beach, CA), in this case, with ISV ShopKeep (New York, NY). As a first step, ShopKeep has certified Epson's compact thermal receipt printer with switchable top- to front-load, the 2" TM-m10, and Epson's impact receipt/kitchen printer, the 3" TM-U220. Established in 2008, ShopKeep has 25,000 customers in the SMB for its cloud- and iPad-based POS.

"In order to increase sales and improve customer service, retailers and hospitality providers in the SMB must implement mobile POS solutions that deliver the latest value-added services," emphasized Tom Kettell, Director of Commercial Channel - North America, at Epson America. "Together with ShopKeep, we provide merchants with the assurance to get the most out of their mobile POS." According to Mike Sommers, SVP of Product Management at ShopKeep, "Adding Epson's POS printers, which offer great functionality and seamless integration, helps us deliver this comprehensive, feature-rich solution to our merchants."

Earlier, in September, Epson America also furthered its partnership with ISV MobileBytes (Phoenix, AZ). Already offering some models by Epson, MobileBytes has now endorsed its thermal barcode/receipt printer, the 3" TM-L90. With print speed of 5.9 in./150 mm per second at 203 dpi, it accommodates a variety of stock for labels, receipts, and tickets. "We can address the unique needs of different types of restaurants who are often looking for ways to modernize their business and improve the guest experience," observed Kettell, of working with MobileBytes.

Epson's Printers Certified by ShopKeep

BlueStar's Zeal for Zivelo

Seeing channel demand, BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has added self-service kiosk technology to its line card for distribution--via Zivelo (Scottsdale, AZ). Founded in 2008, Zivelo offers such hardware, software, and services in multiple vertical markets. In quick-service restaurants, for example, it supplies the kiosks across McDonald's in North America. It has appointed Ryan Lagace as its VP of Strategic Partnerships.

"We are excited to bring Zivelo on board to help meet the increasing demand for kiosk hardware around the world," contributed Mark Fraker, BlueStar's VP of Marketing. "Through this partnership, BlueStar will be better equipped to supply our customers' needs and meet demand in all verticals. Kiosk technology is a growing market, and we're looking forward to working with Zivelo to bring the best solutions to our customers."

"This has been a ground-breaking year for Zivelo," reflected Healey Cypher, Zivelo's CEO. "Zivelo has been long-established as a global leader in beautiful world-class kiosk hardware. With this year's addition of OakOS--the first kiosk-only SDK [Software Development Kit] as well as Operating System [O/S]--plus new services and financing arms, Zivelo is truly a full-service kiosk partner for any company looking to join the self-service revolution." Zivelo purchased OakLabs, developer of OakOS, in May.

Zivelo's Kiosk Family for QSR

Code Corner

JDA (Scottsdale, AZ) has offered JDA Express for Enterprise Planning (EP). As features, it includes pre-configured implementation templates and best-practice knowledge on coordination of sales and inventory--or so-called merchandise planning--in retail. As such, it offers deployment in as little as nine weeks--about 50% faster than standard EP, according to JDA. As Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), it leverages JDA Cloud, with three major benefit targets: inventory reduction, improved gross margin, and increased planner productivity. "With JDA Express for EP, we open the door to emerging retailers and those that desire a highly functional and scalable solution to take their business to the next level," proposed Duane Kotsen, SVP of Professional Services for JDA. "These customers can now enjoy robust what-if capabilities to identify sales and margin opportunities, leading to bottom-line growth through additional sales lift while also reducing out-of-stocks, and, as a result, inventory carrying costs. All of this can be delivered with an unprecedented nine-week deployment for rapid time-to-value."

Merchandise Planning Via JDA Express

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Casio Works Its Connections

Casio America (Dover, NJ) has debuted its new "connected" electronic cash registers (ECRs), designated the PCR-T540 and PCR-T2500. At their heart: Bluetooth Version 4/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). It eliminates the need for cabling, and allows the ECRs to be placed when and where needed, noted Casio. Another cited benefit: MSRP of $299.99 for the PCR-T540 and MSRP of $399.99 for the PCR-T2500.

A free app for iOS and Android, called "Connect ECR+," allows users easy set-up, configuration, and execution of daily X/Z Reports, via the Bluetooth, with categories such as Financial, Transaction, Department, PLU, Cashier, Groups, and Hourly. It also provides cloud-based dashboard for graphing of historical totals such as Day, Week, Month, or Year. Additionally, users can access the built-in Electronic Journal.

Described as "sleek and compact" by Larry Sampey, GM of Casio's Systems Products Division, the PCR-T540 and PCR-T2500 are shipped with metal cash drawer, 10-line LCD Display, built-in thermal 2" receipt/journal printer, and 2-line Customer-Facing Display (CFD). As an example of capacity, PCR-T2500 has 30 department keys and 7,000 PLU's. As additional connectivity, there's Serial RS-232 port for scanner or credit card reader, cash drawer port, and SD Card Slot. "Our new machines take into consideration our customers' wants and needs, with the price point that rivals others on the market," declared Sampey.

Casio's PCR-T2500-BK With Bluetooth

Honeywell Revs Its Engines

Honeywell (Fort Mill, SC) has unboxed its new two-dimensional scan engines, assigned as N670X and N3601. Intended for integration in devices and systems, both feature compact size and increased reading capacity. In dimensions of 0.27 in. (L) x 0.93 in. (W) x 0.64 in. (H), Model N670X weighs 3 g/0.11 oz. In dimensions of 0.32 in. (L) x 0.85 in. (W) x 0.43 in. (H), Model N3601 also weighs 3 g/0.11 oz.

With white illumination LED and red laser aiming, Model N670X offers an increased reading range of 40%, according to Honeywell. It also handles barcodes at motion tolerance of up to 19.7 ft./6 m per second. An operational temperature range of -22 to +140 Degrees F is cited. With white illumination LED and green LED aiming, Model N3601 offers an increased reading range of 80%, according to Honeywell. An operational temperature range of -13 to +122 Degrees F is cited.

Each of the new scan engines furnish Parallel or MIPI I/O's. (The MIPI Alliance, readers will recall, sets interface standards for mobile and mobile-influenced industries. It's based in Piscataway, NJ.) Another benefit of the Models N670X and N3601: low power consumption (typical current of 205 mA and input voltage of 3 to 3.6 V). "Our new imagers not only provide advanced options for scanning both traditional and colored barcodes with higher accuracy, but they also enhance existing technology, by freeing up space in devices for other components," suggested Lu Wang, GM of Sensing and IoT at Honeywell.

Honeywell's N670X 2D Scan Engine

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
Electronic Payments
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Toshiba GCS

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Paysafe
Sterling Payment

Keyboards & Mobile POS
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
SpacePole

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Fujitsu
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

It's Friday at Yumpingo

An intelligence platform for restaurants, dubbed "Yumpingo," has launched for TGI Friday's in the U.S. With real-time collection of customer feedback and subsequent data analytics, Yumpingo will be utilized to optimize menu development and streamline service across nine states by TGI Friday's. As part of its move into the U.S., Yumpingo, which is based in the UK, has opened an office in New York City.

"The restaurant industry has traditionally relied too much on gut feel, antiquated spot check surveys and misleading online reviews to track and optimize guest experiences, with a tiny proportion of real customers ever feeding back on their experience," maintained Sherif Mityas, CEO at TGI Friday's. "We know technology can solve this. Yumpingo's platform is a real-time solution which taps into the silent majority of our guests, giving the entire TGI Friday's team complete certainty of how to optimize customer satisfaction with our people and our product."

A thin handheld computer in leather casing, replacing the credit card reader, is offered by Yumpingo. According to its figures, as many as 66% of guests participate in the program without incentive, and 20% leave their e-mail addresses. "TGI Friday's is the perfect partner for us as we scale globally and bring our at-the-table, one-minute review platform to the restaurant market in the U.S.," enthused Gary Goodman, Founder and CEO of Yumpingo. "We share a common vision: to transform the entire customer experience by using technology to seamlessly connect customers and restaurants digitally in live service."

TGI Friday's Deploys British Restaurant Customer Engagement and Intelligence Platform, Yumpingo

Smooth Sledding for Appetize

An excursion into fast-casual restaurants for Appetize (Playa Vista, CA), which will supply its POS for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. A growing franchise chain, Tropical Smoothie Cafe recently celebrated the opening of store #700. (It has plans for 2,000 by 2024.) A major player in arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and theme parks, Appetize has hardware partners such as Elo, Infinite Peripherals, Partner Tech, and Touch Dynamic. It has raised equity funding of over $50 million.

An expanse of technology by Appetize will see deployment, including terminals, handheld devices, kitchen display systems, and eventually, drive-thru capabilities. As primary software, "Activate" by Appetize has support for iOS and Android. In addition, Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to roll out the backend management system by Appetize, "Connect."

"We are moving to Appetize because their solution offers our team and guests a mobile and cloud-based platform that's powerful and easy to use," indicated Marina O'Rourke, VP of IT at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. "Our franchisees need a solution that can support an omnichannel ordering environment, as well as the ability to manage one or several locations from a centralized, web-based platform that is constantly accessible and secure." Also cited in the decision: availability of third-party Application Programming Interfaces (API's) by Appetize.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Chooses Appetize POS

Channel Factoid

What's Up, PCI-DSS?

-Compliance in full with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) has fallen for the first time in six years: 52.5% of organizations compared to 55.4% in 2016.

-Geographically, companies in the Asia-Pacific are more likely to achieve full compliance (77.8%), compared to those based in Europe (46.4%) and the Americas (39.7%).

-Such differences may be attributed to the timing of geographical compliance roll-out strategies, cultural appreciation of awards/recognition, or the maturity of IT.

-By business sector, IT services tops out with over three-quarters of organizations (77.8%) achieving full status. Retail (56.3%) and financial services (47.9%) were significantly ahead of hospitality organizations (38.5%), which demonstrated the lowest compliance sustainability.

-"PCI Compliance standards are slipping across global businesses and this simply can't continue," warns Rodolphe Simonetti, Global Managing Director for Security Consulting at Verizon. "Consumers and suppliers alike trust brands to secure their payment data, so we must act now to remedy this state of affairs. We urge businesses to reassess their measurement methodologies for PCI control effectiveness, and to concentrate on managing the sustainability of their data protection."

Source: 2018 Payment Security Report, Verizon (Basking Ridge, NJ).

Falling PCI-DSS Compliance

HELLO GOODBYE

A "Worthy" Role at Bematech

A leader in kitchen display systems (KDS), and POS, Bematech (Bethpage, NY) has named Worth Wells to the newly created role of National Sales Manager. He has extensive experience in hospitality IT as Director of Regional Sales at QSR Automations (2013 to 2017), Regional Sales Manager at Sicom Systems (2007 to 2011), National Accounts Manager at Radiant Systems (2006 to 2007), and National Accounts Manager at HME Wireless (2003 to 2006 and 2012 to 2013). As well, he grew up working in family-owned restaurants.

"We are excited to have Worth on board," commented Juliet Derby, President of Bematech International. "His industry expertise, coupled with his ability to identify the customer's pain points to tailor the proper KDS solution for them, will be an invaluable asset as we continue to grow our KitchenGo Platform." He's based in Atlanta, GA.

In May, Bematech launched its independent KDS for iOS, with the moniker of "KitchenGo allee" (for improved employee productivity and enhanced customer service, thus "allee" in French). It supplements the company's KitchenGo Premium for Android O/S, and KitchenGo Ticket. "It's time for Bematech to be recognized not only as a hardware vendor, but as a total solution provider in the POS space," stated Derby.

Worth Wells, National Sales Manager, Bematech

Channeling Bill P.

An growing player in payments, appropriately entitled Sound Payments (Jacksonville, FL), has elevated Bill Pittman to SVP of Sales and Strategy. He previously served as VP of ECR/POS Solutions. An extensive resume includes Executive Director of Technical Integrations at Sterling Payment Technologies (2016 to 2017), EVP of the Technical Services Group at PowaPOS (2014 to 2016), SVP of Product Strategy at ROAM Data (2012 to 2014), Senior Manager of Product Management for the Global Payments Product Group at Amazon (2010 to 2011), and VP of Payment Solutions at Hypercom (2006 to 2008).

Also an entrepreneur in payments, and our channel, Pittman founded Go Software, developer of "PCCharge," in 1993. It was eventually sold to Verifone. His second start-up, TPI Software, established in 2001, offered the payment gateway software "Smart Payments Server," which is still used by many of the industry's payment processors and ISO's. He sold TPI to Hypercom in 2006. A third company, SoundPOS (no relation to Sound Payments) addressed SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) POS in 2009.

"With Bill's leadership in the Sound Payments Commerce Solutions Channel, we'll continue to grow as a company and contribute to the industry by providing innovative software solutions and unparalleled customer service," remarked Andrew Russell, President of Sound Payments. As hardware, Sound Payments offers the E500 Storefront ECR for payments/POS by PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL).

Bill Pittman, SVP, Sales and Strategy, Sound Payments

Right on "Qu"

Hospitality provider Gusto POS (Bethesda, MD) has rebranded as "Qu." A relative newcomer in quick-service and fast-casual restaurant IT, with six-year track record, Qu will focus on enterprise-scale, omnichannel POS. As some advantages, Qu cited its gesture-based, conversational ordering design; virtual store-grouping model; and API-first approach.

"As Qu, we build upon our success and reflect our unwavering commitment to 'quick'--from how we serve our clients to how they serve their guests," explained Amir Hudda, CEO at Qu. "With its inherent flexibility, Qu is uniquely qualified to give restaurateurs the tools they need to move faster, stay nimble, and increase profits."

"We believe that this segment of the industry is at an inflection point in terms of the next wave of technology adoption, particularly at the enterprise level," reported Bobby Yazdani, Founder and Managing Partner at Cota Capital (San Francisco, CA). "Qu has the right mix of technology, talent, and partners to drive this change." As customers, Gusto POS has small-to-midsized chains such as Luke's Lobster, Heine Brothers' Coffee, Simple Greek, Saladworks, and Yogurt Mountain.

Gusto POS Refreshes Itself as "Qu"