This Week’s Product Pick

Getac (Irvine, CA) shipped its PS336 rugged handheld computer with multiple functions through click-on caps for RFID, Bluetooth, barcode scanner, and three-in-one card reader, the company’s so-called Flexiconn technology. Measuring 7 in. (L) x 3.5 in. (W) x 1.2 in. (D), and weighing about 19 oz., PS336 runs Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, with 1 GHz CPU, 3.5-inch touchscreen with sunlight readability, and programmable keys. Communication for GPS, 802.11b/g/n WLAN, and optional 3.5G WWAN are provided, as well as additional GIS features such as e-compass, altimeter, accelerometer, and five-megapixel camera. It meets MIL-STD-810G certification with an IP-68 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water for at least 30 minutes while remaining fully functional. “This new device offers maximum flexibility and will go a long way towards reducing the need for multiple devices in the field,” asserted Rowina Lee, VP of Getac Technology Corporation.

Getac PS336 With “Caps”

COMPANY BUSINESS

POS Rides the RAIL

Three major hospitality POS providers--Micros, NCR Aloha, and Dinerware--have endorsed the novel tableside payment scheme from Viableware (Kirkland, WA). Called RAIL, this technology platform employs digital handheld devices designed to resemble the look and feel of the traditional bill presentation folder used by most full-service restaurants. With wireless base station, integration to the POS, and hosted services, it allows guests to self-swipe credit or debit cards, auto-calculate the tip, split the bill multiple ways, pay-by-item, and e-mail receipts. Color LEDs inform servers when the transaction has been completed, if cash payment has been enclosed, or whether the guest needs help.

RAIL encrypts each card transaction directly upon swipe and eliminates the need for the restaurant to store cardholder information that could become subject to theft, thereby easing PCI compliance, noted the developer. A numeric hash tag identifies individual customers, enabling the restaurant to cultivate rapport by recalling their ordering and payment history during subsequent visits. Efforts in customer relationship management are further extended with opportunities for advertising, satisfaction surveys, frequent diner programs, and gift card purchases, with data easily collected through the electronic presentation folder.

“Our integration with three major POS companies makes it extremely simple for the vast majority of full-service restaurants to embrace modern payment methods without compromising the traditional dining experience,” declared Joe Snell, CEO of Viableware. “Now restaurant operators can plug into a single piece of technology that not only accepts any type of payment, but also addresses several key operations that impact the bottom line, from tableside service and customer retention, to credit card security and PCI compliance. This technology integration allows restaurants to maximize their current POS system to improve the customer experience and keep them coming back.”

Electronic Bill Presentation Folder by Viableware

Time on Wasp’s Side

Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX), one of the leading manufacturers serving small to mid-sized business, has recharged its product family in time and attendance. This push encompasses two parts, the release of WaspTime Version 7 software and the debut of three updated WaspTime time-clocks, B2000 Biometric, BC100 Barcode, and RF200 RFID, as well as the new HD300 for HID badges. Targeted at end-users still relying upon manual time-tracking, if not manual payroll, the WaspTime suite of hardware and software now delivers enhanced features, greater flexibility, and extremely attractive price points, RRN.Com was told by Brian Sutter, Director of Marketing, and Daniel Dean, Product Manager.

With WaspTime Version 7, several important benefits have been added from the “perspective of usability,” said Dean. These include an integrated time-clock utility for improved management and enrollment, payroll export for salaried employees, and scheduled reporting by user-defined classification. WaspTime Version 7 comes in three editions: Standard (one administrator/manager and 50 employees), Professional (five administrators/managers and 100 employees), and Enterprise (unlimited numbers of licenses). Additional licenses may be purchased.

“With these new products, we now have the most competitive package for time and attendance anywhere,” Sutter maintained. “Our entry-level system, barcode, costs under $500, for example. Resellers of the products know they will be backed with our technical support and training. Plus, WaspTime falls under the WaspLink Partner Program, with all those benefits.” All the new time-clocks feature full-color 3-inch TFT LCD, rugged keypad, wall-mount or desktop installation, and optional Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) as well as Ethernet and TCP/IP Protocol.

New Clocks and Version 7 Software for WaspTime

Worth Your While

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

Customer Engagement Technology World
JDEvents
November 7-8
New York

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

NRF 102nd Annual Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 13-16, 2013
New York City

INSPIRE 2013
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 20-23, 2013
Curacao, Lesser Antilles

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Brother Has Eyes for iOS

Brother Mobile Solutions (Broomfield, CO) has presented PocketJet 673, its new direct thermal mobile printing subsystem compatible with only iPhones and iPads. Measuring 10 in. (L) x 2.2 in. (W) x 1.5 in. (D), PocketJet 673 utilizes Wireless LAN 802.11b/g between the iOS device and the printer to produce high-resolution (300 dpi), full-page (8.5-x-11) documents for office environments or mobile workers, according to the vendor. Print speed reaches six pages per minute with support for major linear and two-dimensional barcodes. Media options include thermal cut sheet, continuous roll, and perforated roll.

“As the popularity and demand of the iPhone and iPad grow beyond the consumer spectrum and into the enterprise world, companies are finding increasingly innovative ways to integrate iOS devices into their field operations,” relayed Ravi Panjwani, VP of Marketing and Product Management for Brother Mobile Solutions. “The PocketJet 673 is the first mobile thermal printer specifically designed for use with only an iPhone or iPad that delivers fast, full-page documents from virtually any location with an ad-hoc Wi-Fi connection. It helps eliminate the time and costs associated with printing from fixed locations and gives Apple iOS users an operational efficiency they didn’t have previously.”

As part of its release strategy, Brother Mobile plans to engage the reseller channel of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), VARs, and System Integrators to fully customize the PocketJet 673 for emerging enterprise applications running on its target smartphones and tablets. To that end, the company will provide technical direction, software development kit (SDK), and the command reference guide for such parties. Panjwani stressed that this is not an AirPrint-compatible device, but an enterprise-grade mobile printer that requires collaboration between the vendor, the developer, and the customer. PocketJet 673 ships in December 2012.

Brother Mobile’s PocketJet 673 Thermal Printer

Snuggling With Square

An enclosure for Square Register has been debuted by aptly named nClosures, Inc. (Traverse City, MI), supplier of the Rhino product line. Dubbed Sentry Squared, and priced at $199, this new configuration secures and protects both the iPad and accompanying Square card reader plugged into the audio jack. Made in the U.S., and composed of recyclable aluminum in white or black, Sentry Squared mounts on walls, table tops, counters, and even under cabinets, accommodated with adjustable viewing angles, according to its manufacturer.

A slot in the base provides power cord pass-through, with similar cut-outs for mounting bolts, controls, and camera use. In addition, an ability to rotate makes it easy for users to share product or service information and to capture customer signatures. Interestingly, nClosure recommends peripherals on its website, specifically the TSP143LAN and TSP654 receipt printers from Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) and Vasario 1416 or Vasario 1616 cash drawers from APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN).

“As more of our customers requested stands for iPad and Square, it became evident to us that there was a growing need for a secure, good-looking, yet simple POS product for small businesses,” recounted Dan McKean, Director of Sales at nClosures. “Increasing security concerns over handing an iPad to a customer combined with the desire for professional-looking mounts that provide signature-capturing capabilities led us to the design and creation of the Sentry Squared.” As target markets for Square Register, this vendor listed boutiques, coffee shops, art galleries, and specialty food retailers.

Holder for iPad and Card Reader by nClosure

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ALLIANCES

Fujitsu Turns (Retail) Pro

Fujitsu will arm its TeamPOS 7000 All-In-One POS terminal with software from leading ISV, Retail Pro (Folsom, CA). These bundles will match several tiers of Fujitsu TeamPOS 7000 with Retail Pro’s Version 9.2, Release 5, which delivers features such as loyalty program, serial number tracking, and advanced UPC management. Fujitsu Frontech North America (Foothill Ranch, CA) made the announcement at this week’s Retail Pro Global Conference in San Francisco.

“We are very pleased to be working with Retail Pro and their latest class-leading software,” remarked Pat Cathey, SVP of Fujitsu’s Retail Solutions Group. “When paired with Fujitsu’s TeamPOS 7000 All-In-One terminal, it is the perfect match for the needs of the specialty retail space, where customer brands must be predominantly displayed. Working with Retail Pro and their proven integration partners permits quicker deployments that better match real-world customer needs and scenarios.” In his comments, Mike Bishop, VP of Business Development at Retail Pro, pointed to Fujitsu’s global reach.

Rolled out at this year’s National Retail Federation (NRF) Convention, Fujitsu’s TeamPOS 7000 was designed for deployment flexibility, simple maintenance, and low energy consumption, as well as support for “enhanced customer experience” practices. “The TeamPOS 7000 AIO terminal is a key building block for creating the retail environment of the future,” stated Brian Yates, Director of Retail Product Marketing at Fujitsu America. “This vision starts with multiple in-store touch points sitting atop an open architecture with remote system management.” Technical elements include Intel chipsets, performance levels from low-end Atom to high-end Core i5, LCD touchscreen with IP-53 rating for water and dust, and the full complement of ports for peripherals and connectivity.

Fujitsu TeamPOS 7000 All-In-One Terminal Gets Retail Pro

Android: Lord of the Rings?

Socket Mobile, Inc. (Newark, CA) has extended support for Android for its Socket Bluetooth Cordless Ring Scanner (CRS) 9P. This update makes it possible for manufacturers, logistics providers, and package carriers to track assets and inventory in real-time using the latest smartphones and tablets, according to the supplier of specialty handheld computers and peripherals. Both the SocketScan 10 keyboard wedge software and SocketScan 10 software development kit (SDK) will enable support for Android for the CRS 9P.

“With manufacturers like Casio, Fujitsu, and Panasonic offering rugged Android tablets, Socket Mobile has received numerous customer requests for Android support for our Cordless Ring Scanner,” reported Tim Miller, COO of Socket Mobile. “Socket Mobile is committed to meeting customer needs in the constantly changing mobile device landscape. Besides adding Android compatibility, we are also evaluating market demand for support for the Apple iPad and other iOS devices.” CRS 9P, of course, also runs with Windows Desktop and Windows Embedded Handheld, as well as BlackBerry OS.

Just recently, Socket Mobile announced that NCR has chosen its Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) 7Ci for use with NCR Silver, the cloud-based POS solution for entry level end-users. The CHS 7Ci serves as part of the NCR Silver hardware suite that furnishes wireless receipt printer, iPad stand, cash drawer, and encrypted credit card reader. “With NCR Silver, Socket barcode scanners, and the Apple iPad, small retailers can increase sales by offering more intimate customer service and having the flexibility to take payments outside the store at remote locations like farmer’s markets or street fairs,” said Mike Gifford, EVP at Socket Mobile.

CRS 9P Cordless Ring Scanner From Socket Mobile

Code Corner

Groupon (Chicago) has offered Breadcrumb, the iPad-based POS software it acquired earlier this year. Originally created by hospitality industry veterans, and successfully piloted in New York City, Breadcrumb now targets restaurants, bars, and cafes across the U.S. Plans start as low as $99 per month and include free installation and 24/7 phone and e-mail support. Businesses that sign up for Breadcrumb receive the so-called Breadbox containing everything they need to set-up and install their new system, according to Groupon. A typical Breadbox order contains an iPad, mounting stand, cash drawer, credit card reader, receipt printer, router, wireless access point, and cables. In addition, Breadcrumb comes fully integrated with Groupon Payments, the dedicated processing platform. As expected, Breadcrumb software seeks to mimic the ease of use of an iPad app. Its functionality allows restaurant owners and wait staff to merge or split checks, add or adjust menu items, specify guest notes and modifiers, set employee access levels, manage time-clocks, and view real-time sales and labor reports. Finally, Breadcrumb carries 30-day money-back guarantee. “My favorite part about Breadcrumb is the reliability and the number of features that are available to help run your business,” testified Ben Sadler, Owner of The Queens Kickshaw, one of the early users. “I own a bar, coffee shop, and restaurant and it allows me to run multiple types of hospitality businesses off of one system.”

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Dinerware Dishes Up Version 3.3

Dinerware (Seattle, WA) has released Version 3.3 of its restaurant POS software, which includes built-in gift card support as well as enhancements in table management, cash control, and business reporting. Dinerware Version 3.3 also increases integration for third-party products through an improved Virtual Client API. “Dinerware Version 3.3 represents our ongoing efforts to add features to the product while keeping it the easiest to use software in the industry,” suggested Rob Freytag, Manager of Channel and Direct Sales for the ISV.

Version 3.3 allows restaurants to market and promote their business through the use of branded gift cards without any additional transaction fees, in the case of single locations. For table management in full service, the system now provides the host or hostess with the full view of the restaurant’s seating areas with real-time visibility of table status. This results in faster seating and more efficient table turns. Using this feature, restaurant owners may create custom floor maps from their own uploaded blueprints or pictures of their establishment, with realistic table buttons placed on these images.

In the area of cash control, the developer has added more oversight, including customized “strip reports” which allow individual sections to be turned on or off before printing at any terminal’s receipt printer. “The old report was long and not all sections would be used by all restaurants,” Freytag told RRN.Com. Finally, an increased number of settings for the system accommodate unique characteristics typically found in individual restaurant concepts. Designed for Microsoft SQL Server, Dinerware was developed in 2000 by CTO Carl English, former Microsoft Program Manager, for use in his own restaurant. Jeff Riley serves as CEO.

Table Management for Dinerware Version 3.3

Elevating With Agilysys

Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) has taken wraps off its next-generation POS, Agilysys Elevate, designated at the outset for the managed foodservice market. This cloud-based system employs open architecture for maximum flexibility and scalability, according to its developer, with VeriShield Protect, an end-to-end encryption technology from VeriFone Systems helping to preserve cardholder data and reducing PCI scope for merchants. Advanced features of Elevate POS reportedly include remote deployment capabilities, intuitive order entry, and unified enterprise reporting.

“The Elevate POS system is an ideal choice for operations that can support an above-premise back-end deployment model and require a scalable on-demand point-of-sale solution,” volunteered Jim Dennedy, CEO/President of Agilysys. “A cloud-based system can significantly reduce the cost of ownership, saving the time and expense required to manage in-house systems, while giving customers more choice. We’re excited to offer this groundbreaking solution to our managed foodservice customers and look forward to expanding its feature set so that we can make it available to other selected markets.”

The Elevate POS deployment model aims to reduce the level of professional services required to implement, configure, and manage the system, according to Agilysys. Its monthly subscription fee will include support and maintenance, and payment schedules can be constructed to cover the cost of terminal hardware and peripherals. Upgrades will be delivered automatically as new versions are released, naturally.

Next-Generation POS From Agilysys Running on Partech Terminal

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Wasp Barcode Technologies
Yellowfin Distribution

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

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS & Processing
RedFin Network

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Janam Technologies
Trimble

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Scanners
Bar Codes Unlimited
Code Corporation

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INTEGRATION

An Armful of Wireless Restaurant

A multi-vendor bundle for tableside service has been assembled by POSGuys.com, the web entity of MGM Solutions (Bellingham, WA), one of the leading Master VARs in POS and Auto ID. This new scheme, prosaically entitled “Tableside Ordering System,” leverages Aldelo Pro For Restaurants, one of the leading hospitality packages for POS, in conjunction with the EM-220 Tablet PC from Partner Tech USA (Irvine, CA). An integrated magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) on the EM-220 in conjunction with the SM-T300 mobile receipt printer from Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) complete the hardware suite. Partner Tech’s EM-220, it should be noted, carries Windows XP Pro.

“Our customers have wanted to add mobility to their restaurants without tremendous investment of time and money,” observed Jono Manion, Product Developer and Content Director for POSGuys.com. With this new system, employees will have the same experience and functionality as from their standard POS station, without drawing upon Aldelo Wireless POS, the POSGuys.com expressed in their announcement. In addition, data security is enhanced, since the credit card never leaves the customer’s field of view.

“For restaurants where the server will not be the one bringing out the food, or it is common to split individual checks, having the ability to place orders on the fly, or print out a receipt in front of the customer without having to go back to a pay station, greatly increases efficiency,” added Travis Chun, Director of Operations at POSGuys.com. “We estimate the Tableside Ordering System will cut customer wait time by 5 to 10 minutes per table. These time savings will improve turnover, enabling restaurants to seat more customers per night and provide an overall better experience for their customers and staff.”

EM-220 by Partner Tech USA Loaded With Aldelo POS Software

Mobility Ripens on the Vine

FoodLink (Los Gatos, CA), the buying platform for fresh food retailers and wholesalers, has partnered with RJO Produce (Fresno, CA), an industry expert in the field, to provide real-time produce inspection over its cloud network. Using this proprietary, patent-pending system on mobile devices, RJO inspectors capture detailed analysis and high-resolution pictures at the time of shipment. Information is automatically uploaded to FoodLink and disseminated to buyers to ensure they have the highest quality and freshest product prior to delivery.

“Our relationship with FoodLink and our ability to use the open network to provide this direct channel to important fresh food buyers is truly best practice,” commented Rob O’Rourke, Co-Owner, RJO Produce. “We no longer hassle with e-mails or faxes, and we know the buyers are able to easily use the information we provide, which enables our customers to deliver the best, most consistent quality. This is just the beginning of how we will use platforms like FoodLink to continue to evolve and enhance the fresh produce supply chain.”

With more than $10 billion in annual commerce and more than 2,000 fresh food suppliers, brokers, and transportation carriers on its network, FoodLink is one of the leading platforms for produce buying. Its platform links relevant supply chain and procurement data directly to purchase orders and subsequent audit trails through APIs with partners such as RJO Produce. Customers include key distribution players such as Ahold USA, Associated Wholesale Grocers, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Unified Grocers, Topco & Associates, and SuperValu, as well as major regional grocery chains such as Giant Eagle, K-VA-T Food Stores, Price Chopper Supermarkets, Roundy’s Supermarkets, and United Supermarkets.

Real-Time Produce Inspection for Electronic Buying Platform

Channel Factoid

With the first anniversary of debit card swipe fee reform just passed, U.S. retailers and their customers are benefiting from savings of up to $18 million each day that previously went to card companies and the nation’s largest banks, the National Retail Federation estimated. Prior to reform, debit card swipe fee cost retailers and consumers $22 billion per year in 2010, according to the Nilson Report, which tracks the card industry. At that level, the fees drove prices up an average $192 annually for each of the nation’s 114 million households. Reform measures that took effect on October 1, 2011, reduced banks’ debit card swipe revenue by $6.6 billion, according to the recent report issued by Javelin Strategy and Research. While some card processors have yet to pass the full reduction along to retailers, the figure comes to as much as $18 million each day nationwide. “Merchants haven’t necessarily labeled the savings from reform as a ‘debit discount’ but they have nonetheless found a variety of ways to pass the value along to their customers,” NRF CEO/President Matthey Shay observed. “Depending on the store, shoppers are paying lower prices, getting better service, or avoiding price hikes that otherwise would have come with inflation.” Now the fight continues, with NRF pressing for further reductions in Federal Court.

HELLO GOODBYE

Cardware Thinks “POS-itivity” With Cibley

Cardware International (Heath, OH) has recruited industry veteran Jerry Cibley as VP of its recently created “POS-itivity” Division, which seeks to bring the supplier of credit card processing equipment into the market for POS workstations. Cibley has been visible in the POS industry for many years, both as observer and player, with previous employers such as Focus on POS, The POS Man, Aloha Data Systems, Write Touch POS, and Odyssey Solutions. Most recently, he served as National Sales Trainer for Harbortouch, which pioneered the trend towards “free” POS tied to merchant services and maintenance contracts.

“Over 25 years, I have had the opportunity to review dozens of POS systems,” Cibley proclaimed. “Many of them are either geared to hospitality or retail. It is rare to find a system that excels in both arenas, allowing POS-itivity to be the perfect fit for most merchants. While ‘free’ POS is a great advertisement, all consumers know that there really is no such thing as a free lunch. The POS-itivity program will allow any credit card professional to enter the POS market without being tied to a single processor.” Also, it will have aggressive pricing to allow competition with existing POS systems, Cardware emphasized.

POS-itivity will go to market through the company’s existing customer base as well as its new ISO and Dealer Channel, which Cibley is now building. Private labeling will be offered, as well as free technical support, on-site installation, and warranty service. “We are thrilled to have someone of Jerry’s experience joining our team to provide the best and most ‘POS-itive’ POS experience in the industry,” indicated Biff Matthews, CEO of Cardware International.

Jerry Cibley, VP, POS-itivity Division, Cardware International

Xpient’s New York State of Mind

Xpient Solutions (Charlotte, NC) has hired Peter Rosenthal as its VP of Regional Sales. Based in the New York City area, Rosenthal brings ten years of experience in IT for food-service, with particular focus on inventory, workforce, and supply chain management. He has held previous sales positions with relevant software vendors such as Gold-Mobile, Crunch Time Information Systems, and Altametrics.

“We are very enthusiastic about the addition of Peter to our sales team,” stated Christopher Sebes, CEO/President of Xpient. “We are confident that he will be a valuable asset to our customers and prospects, assisting them in leveraging our advancing technology across their businesses. Peter’s arrival coincides with the release of our exciting Xenon enterprise platform. Our customers will be further advantaged by having access to Peter as a learned resource with a comprehensive understanding of enterprise solutions.”

Earlier, in August, Xpient added Matt Steiger as its VP of Regional Sales based in Los Angeles. It also announced payment processing support by Mercury (Durango, CO) for its Xpress POS solution, which went into general release at this year’s Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show. In keeping with its name, Xpress was designed for the independent market and for chain operations “where extensive POS customization is not required,” according to the developer. Mercury also was integrated into Xpient’s cornerstone IRIS POS, deployed by well-known brands such as Jack in the Box, Panera Bread, Panda Express, and Taco Bell.

Peter Rosenthal, VP, Regional Sales, Xpient Solutions