Our Product Pick

SUNMI has upgraded its mobile point-of-sale terminal, in the form of the V2 PRO Label Version. In dimensions of 8.6 in. (L) x 3.1 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D), it has 5.5" capacitive touchscreen (1440x720). It runs Android 7 with 1.4-GHz Corte Quad-Core A53 CPU, 2-GB RAM, 16-GB ROM, and SIM Card Slot. As wireless communications, there's Bluetooth 4/BLE, 802.11 WLAN, and 4G WAN. In addition to 1D/2D scanning, there's 5-MP rear-facing camera, and NFC. Additional features include non-removable 2580-mAh Lithium-Polymer battery and 2.2-in./58-mm thermal printer. SUNMI (Shanghai, China) distributes in North America.

V2 PRO Label Version by SUNMI

COMPANY BUSINESS

At PAR With Payments

A devoted move into payments by longstanding provider of POS, ParTech (New Hartford, NY). It now offers its "all-in-one" solution: PAR Payment Services. A single charge covers monthly statement, batch fees, fraud and chargeback monitoring, and portal access. A wholly owned subsidiary of PAR Technology, ParTech addresses the restaurant sector with its software, Brink POS, and hardware, EverServ 600/8000.

In addition to less complex billing, ParTech points to an open platform, which allows end-users to choose their own payment technology or select from the list of pre-approved payment gateways and devices. Also, similar monthly billing for the hardware can eliminate upfront costs for end-users. A technical support team at ParTech addresses any customer issues or problems, eliminating the need for multiple calls.

"PAR is proud to launch PAR Payment Services, our all-in-one payment processing solution," remarked Savneet Singh, CEO of PAR Technology. "Restaurant operators have long been misled to sign opaque and complicated payment partnerships. PAR Payment Services was created to become the transparent and fair solution. Our launch will give our operators the opportunity to take advantage of fantastic rates, this streamlined process, and this ability to offset hardware costs."

ParTech Debuts PAR Payment Services

DF: Cash With "Tactus"

A newcomer to many readers, Data Financial (Mequon, WI), has rolled out its self-service Tactus Kiosks. Utilizing hardware by Frank Mayer & Associates (Grafton, WI) and software by Grubbrr (Boca Raton, FL), Tactus carries 22" touchscreen, thermal receipt printer, barcode reader, and mini-PC with Windows. It will be distributed by Data Financial, the Hydeman Company (Kansas City, MO), Financial Equipment (Jenks, OK), and New England Money Handling Systems (Hopkinton, MA).

A choice of models is offered: the countertop Tactus Portal and the full function Tactus Omni. Significantly, Omni includes cash payment and cash recycling via the Model CI-10 by Glory (Lisle, IL). In both versions, mounts are provided for the payment device. As markets for Tactus, Data Financial cites casinos, hotels, fast-casual restaurants, and retail.

"Integration of the Glory CI-10 cash recycler gives us full payment options," enthused Josh Kusters, Retail Sales Executive at the Hydeman Company. "As legislation to mandate acceptance of cash is growing in a number of states, this is a key differentiator." FYI: At Data Financial, industry veteran Nigel Ball (formerly of Cherry, CognitiveTPG, and APG Cash Drawer) serves as GM of Retail.

Data Financial Debuts Tactus Self-Service Kiosks

Worth Your While

2021

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce, LLC
March 21-24
Las Vegas, NV

ProMat
Modern Materials Handling (MHI)
April 12-15
Chicago, IL

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 22-25
Chicago, IL

NRF Show
National Retail Federation
June 6-8
New York, NY

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 25-28
Nashville, TN

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
Clarion Events
August 22-24
Anaheim, CA

Money 20/20
Ascential
October 24-27
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bixolon Spells Out XT2-40

Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) has launched its new industrial thermal label printer, shipped as the Model XT2-40. In rugged configuration, measuring approximately 10 in. (W) x 17 in. (D) x 11 in. (H) and weighing 24 lbs./11 kg, with 32-MB SDRAM and 128-MB Flash Memory, the XT2-40 has 4 in./102 mm print width and 6 in./152 mm per second print speed at 203 dpi. (A Model XT2-43 has 4 in./102 mm print width and 4 in./102 mm per second print speed at 300 dpi.) As emulation, there's BPL-Z and BPL-E. In connectivity, there's combinations of USB 2.0 + USB Host + Serial + Ethernet.

As additional features of the XT2-40, the company emphasizes an easy-to-install side loading ribbon and an intuitive 2.4" color LCD. A wide range of media types are automatically detected, with support for media roll diameter of up to 8 in./203 mm. Adjustable print sensors include Gap, Black Mark, Notch, Continuous, and Fan-Fold. It also has external power supply, field installable peeler, and auto-cutter options.

As design software, the XT2-40 has the company's Label Artist II and BarTender by Seagull Scientific (Bellevue, WA), along with SDKs (Software Development Kits) for iOS, Android, and Windows. "The XT2-40 is designed to give users the ability to meet growing demands of the production line at an affordable price," expressed Paul Kim, GM of Bixolon America. "We are positive that our customers will immensely benefit from what this heavy-duty label printer offers in extreme work environments while controlling investment costs."

Bixolon's XT2-40 Industrial Label Printer

Datalogic Keys Up "K"

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has unwrapped its new enhanced rugged mobile computer, designated as the Memor K. Running Android 9 O/S, it has 2.2-GHz Octa-Core CPU, 3-GB RAM, 32-GB Flash, and Micro-SD. With 4" capacitive touchscreen (800x480), it presents pocketable size of 6.2 in. (H) x 2.7 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D), weighing 9.4 oz./0.3 kg, with two side scan buttons and backlit soft rubber keypad (24 keys). In addition, to accelerate and ease repetitive actions, any desired function may be assigned to two other programmable side buttons.

As data collection, the Memor K supplies 1D/2D barcode scanning with the company's "Green Spot" for good-read feedback (along with an 8-MP rear-facing camera with autofocus and flash LED). As communications, there's Bluetooth 5/BLE, full fast-roaming 802.11 (including "ac") WLAN, and NFC. A hot-swappable, removable 3800-mAh Lithium-Ion battery provides the minimum of 12 working hours.

In terms of ruggedness, the Memor K has ratings of IP-54, drop resistance of 4 ft./1.2 m (with rubber boot, 5 ft./1.5 m), and hardened screen (Dragontrail by Asahi Glass). As interfaces for easy data exchange and charging, there's USB Type-C and USB 2.0. Also included: the company's "SoftSpot" technology for "innovative triggering through the touch display" and enrollment via QR Code. "It combines high performance with very small dimensions and excellent ergonomics," proposed Datalogic.

Datalogic's Memor K Rugged Mobile Computer

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ALLIANCES

High 5 at EdgeServ

EdgeServ POS (Sarasota, FL) has brought pay-at-the-table functionality to its restaurant solution with its Version 2020.5. It utilizes the PAX A920 payment device and EdgeServ PAX App from PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). In addition to tableside payment processing, conducted by server or customer, Version 2020.5 includes an offline store-and-forward feature should communications be lost or dropped.

"A true pay-at-the-table application is something that restauranteurs, customers, and the reseller community alike have wanted and needed in the hospitality marketplace," observed Gyula Lukacs, CEO of EdgeServ POS. "Because of our reseller strategy and payment agnostic solutions, we strongly believe EdgeServ is the best product for resellers of POS." (In July, EdgeServ released its updated Version 2020.)

Originally marketed as Synetouch, back in 2013, EdgeServ utilizes Apple iPads for full-featured POS. In 2019, eight veteran resellers acquired ownership under formation of the Reseller Collaboration Company: 7 Peaks, Ander POS, B&B Interests, Card Systems, Cervion Systems, Electronic Performance Systems, JTMT, and TechXMart. A partner program enables new resellers to earn equity in the company. Resulting in: "A great opportunity for resellers to increase the value of their business," in the words of Hunter Allen, President of Cervion Systems.

EdgeServ Adds Pay-at-the-Table Functionality

T & T for TSC

A partnership between TSC Printronix Auto ID (Brea, CA) and Teklynx International (Glendale, WI) has created an integrated end-to-end barcode printing and verification solution. It combines TSC Printronix Auto ID's T8000 ODV-2D thermal printer with Teklynx's Code Soft label designer and Label Archive security and traceability software. In this system, labels are printed, scanned, verified, graded, and recorded in Label Archive. Any labels with barcodes that fall below the passing threshold are automatically overstruck and reprinted by the T8000 ODV-2D.

"We're delighted about this unique integration because it directly supports Teklynx's efforts to help companies around the world barcode better," proclaimed Travis Wayne, Teklynx International Product Manager. "We've designed a unique end-to-end solution that makes it simple for manufacturers to access one system to identify what was designed, approved, and printed. This first-to-market integration promotes the efficiency of in-process validation and data retention for audit requirements and print process analysis."

Earlier, in September, TSC Printronix Auto ID also partnered with Tego (Waltham, MA) and its Asset Intelligence Platform. "In forging this strategic alliance we've enhanced our entire RFID printer portfolio to encode Tego's high-memory RFID tags," described Sam Wang, President and CEO of TSC Printronix Auto ID. "This not only enables us to support Tego with their Air Transport Association (ATA) 2000 commercial aerospace products, but also gives us access to other markets that demand high-memory tags, such as automotive and healthcare." It involves the Models T800, T4000, and T6000e from TSC Printronix Auto ID.

TSC Printronix Auto ID Model T8000 ODV-2D Label Printer and Verification System

Code Corner

NMI (Schaumburg, IL) has released its new Application Programming Interface (API) for card-present payments with contactless and EMV, and with focus on suitability for ISVs, VARs, and ISOs: ChipDNA Cloud. As part of the ChipDNA technology stack by gateway provider NMI, ChipDNA Cloud eliminates the need to download individual device updates or Software Development Kits (SDKs). It transforms any web-connected device, including tablets and desktop, either iOS or Android, into cloud-based POS, while ensuring compliance with regulations such as PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) and HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). It currently employs Lane/3000, Lane/5000, and Lane/7000 payment devices from Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA), and processing by TSYS (Columbus, GA). "ChipDNA Cloud removes the complexities of contactless and EMV integrations for ISVs, VARs, and ISOs, allowing them to deliver a range of secure, in-person payment options to merchants who are hungry for choices as they continue to face decisions that will impact their businesses," indicated Jennifer Sherman, SVP of Product for NMI.

ChipDNA Cloud App by NMI

INTEGRATION

Shift4 Cues Codes

Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA) has fashioned its new contactless customer ordering solution for restaurants. It provides restaurants with custom QR Codes for display on placemats, cards, and table tents for customers to scan with their smartphone in order to view the menu and place their order. Next, their order is sent directly to the restaurant's point-of-sale system so it can be prepared in turn.

Earlier this year, in June, Shift4 established its QR Pay, which allows customers to scan the QR Code on their receipt, or on the payment device, and then complete the transaction on their smartphone. Now, with its "completely contactless dining experience," which includes ordering, Shift4 cites--in addition to sanitary safety--an improved operational efficiency for restaurants and increased convenience for their customers. It will be offered at no charge for clients of Shift4.

"As contactless solutions become more popular with consumers, it's important that businesses are able to provide an experience that caters to this demand," affirmed Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments. "Our QR Code technology enables restaurants to provide their patrons with a touch-free dining experience that's secure, safe, and convenient." In addition to its payment processing, Shift4 has software: Future POS, Harbortouch, POSitouch, and Restaurant Manager.

At-the-Table Contactless Ordering by Shift4 Payments

Seiko "C's" the Power

A new version of its RP-F10 thermal receipt printer, with USB Type-C interface, has been unveiled by Seiko Instruments USA, Thermal Printer Division (Torrance, CA). As RP-F10 (Model USB-C), it supports standard communications, as well as simultaneous power delivery. Introduced in 2019, Seiko's RP-F10 Series, in compact cube-shaped design of 5 in. (W) x 5 in. (D) x 5 in. (H), and weighing 1.9 lbs./0.8 kg, has 3 in./76 mm print width and print speed of 9.8 in./250 mm per second at 203 dpi. It may be configured with paper output from above or from the front.

As one significant feature, the RP-F10 Series offers an optional 4.3" color LCD--which may be mounted directly to the printer, as standalone, or on the wall. Also, it furnishes an automatic knife restoring mechanism, certification for protection from dripping water, and an optional buzzer. As connectivity, in addition to the new RP-F10 (USB-C), the RP-F10 Series may be configured with two cash drawer drivers (24-V), and combinations of USB + Ethernet + Bluetooth + NFC.

"As Seiko's reputation grows in mPOS and POS, our latest RP-F10 update provides USB-C power and supports Android/Windows/iOS all in one model," stated Yoshi Murakami, GM, Seiko Instruments USA, Thermal Printer Division. "Paired with our easily integrated and compact customer-facing display for messaging and touchless payments, we are offering a smart and safe solution for the changing world." A choice of casings for the RP-F10 Series includes white or black, suitable for gaming, retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

Seiko Ships RP-F10 (USB-C) Receipt Printer

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Epson America
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
ShopPOSPortal

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard
PAX Technology
Sound Payments

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

Software
Fast Order Now
Touch Window

INSTALLATIONS

Revel: Do I Look FAT?

Revel Systems (Atlanta, GA) has its latest franchise contract win: FAT (Fresh, Authentic, Tasty) Brands. With plans to standardize on the cloud-based solution for POS by Revel, the FAT Brands portfolio includes Fatburger, Ponderosa & Bonanza Steakhouse, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Elevation Burger, Buffalo's Cafe, and Yalla Mediterranean. To date, 30 locations of Fatburger have rolled out Revel Enterprise.

"When we looked to choose a new POS solution to future-proof our business, we pursued a holistic approach," expounded Andrew Wiederhorn, CEO at FAT Brands (Beverly Hills, CA). "Revel was the only candidate that fit our needs with their flexibility, rich feature set, and desire to be a strategic partner. These qualities made Revel Enterprise the clear choice as our technology partner. Revel has continued to quickly adapt to our needs, especially in these current times."

As part of this deployment, in addition to point-of-sale, FAT Brands has specified self-service kiosks, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), and remote device monitoring via Revel Guard XT. A partner of Revel Systems, Restaurant 365 (Irvine, CA), will provide restaurant management via API (Application Programming Interface). In recent months, Revel Systems has contracted to provide its Revel Enterprise for chains such as The Halal Guys with 80 locations, Moe's Southwest Grill with 700 locations, Buff City Soap with 200 locations, and Pizza King with 50 locations.

Revel Systems Chosen by Franchisor FAT Brands

NovaDine: Assigning Lockers

NovaDine (Raleigh, NC), an online ordering solution for restaurants, has pursued contactless pick-up by utilizing "Flow-Thru Lockers"--hardware supplied by Apex Supply Chain Technologies (Mason, OH). As the name suggests, under this double-sided scheme, the foodservice provider loads the order into the locker for self-service pick-up by the customer, fueled by QR Codes. On its website, as current software partners in POS, NovaDine has CBS NorthStar, Digital Dining, Maitre'D, NCR-Aloha, Oracle-Micros, PAR-Brink, POSitouch, Revel Systems, and Xenial.

Once the customer places an order on the NovaDine site, it's passed to the POS. At the restaurant, the kitchen printer produces the tracking QR Code for the staff. When the food is ready, the staff member scans the QR Code at the Flow-Thru Locker, which lights up the appropriate compartment. When the food is placed inside, NovaDine sends notification to the customer, along with the new QR code for pick-up.

Upon arrival, customers can bypass the line and scan or input their QR Code at the Flow-Thru Locker's keypad. In response, the compartment holding their food will light up and open. Apex can track this activity in real-time via its cloud-based platform and generate reports for staff and management. In addition, NovaDine surveys customers. "Together, Apex and NovaDine provide an intelligent, contactless order pick-up solution, helping restaurant operators deliver the security and convenience customers want," declared Michael Wills, CEO of Apex.

Double-Sided Lockers Facilitate Take-Out Pick-Up

Channel Factoid

-NRF's calculation of retail sales, which excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants, showed the fourth straight month of year-over-year gains in September.

-In September, retail sales rose 1.3% seasonally adjusted from August and up 12% unadjusted year-over-year.

-This year-over-year gain was more than double the 5.7% year-over-year increase for August, which was unchanged from July.

-NRF's numbers were up 9.2% unadjusted year-over-year on a three-month moving average.

-Compared with March, the month the pandemic set in, September sales were up 5.6%.

-Three-quarters of retail categories saw both month-over-month and year-over-year increases.

-The biggest monthly gain came at clothing stores (up 11% month-over-month seasonally adjusted), with electronics and appliance stores the only major segment to show sales decline (down 1.6% month-over month seasonally adjusted).

Source: National Retail Federation (Washington, DC).

Strong Retail Sales in September

HELLO GOODBYE

Cherry Grows C-Suite

A pair of promotions at Cherry Americas (Kenosha, WI), longtime provider of keyboards and computer input devices, with Brandon Geweke elevated to Director of Channel Sales and Operations and J.C. Holmes elevated to Director of OEM Sales. Geweke joined Cherry in 2013 and previously served as both Sales Channel Manager and North American Sales Manager. Holmes joined Cherry in 2017 and previously served as East Coast Regional Sales Manager.

"I am extremely excited to see the rapid growth Cherry is experiencing globally within all five of our diversified markets, including office security, retail, industrial, healthcare, and the consumer space," commented Geweke. "With our existing customer portfolio, we have a great opportunity to get further in with customers and adapt to their new needs in this unprecedented environment."

"The best part about working with Cherry is being around a team of truly passionate and driven people," contributed Holmes. "I am so confident in the leadership and team we have in place and feel that we will see the company continue to grow at an accelerated pace."

At Cherry, Brandon Geweke to Director of Channel Sales and Operations, and J.C. Holmes to Director of OEM Sales

A New Page at CipherLab

CipherLab USA (Plano, TX) has enlisted Gary Page as its new VP of Sales. A twenty-year veteran in sales of technologies in warehousing management software, supply chain, mobile device management, and the Internet of Things (IoT), Page has held executive positions with Domino Integrated Solutions Group (ISG), FC Background, Motion Computing, and Olea Networks (the Solutions Division of Motion Computing, now Olea Edge Analytics).

"Gary has extensive experience in launching new product programs through his channel partners," noted Luis Wu, GM of CipherLab USA. "In addition, Gary will be providing key leadership to the sales team in the U.S. while assisting them in cultivating new partners, forming alliances, and expanding the company's vertical market presence."

"I am very excited to be joining CipherLab USA," shared Page. "With their excellent reputation for producing rugged and reliable handheld products in AIDC and RFID, I look forward to being a part of expanding their channel presence in the USA marketplace."

Gary Page, VP of Sales, CipherLab USA