This Week’s Product Pick

Posiflex Business Machines (Hayward, CA) has unboxed its TX4200E Multi-Function Controller. Powered by Intel Atom Dual Core D2550 CPU at 1.8 GHz, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, SO-DIMM x 1, and 2.5-inch SATA HDD, TX4200E features fanless, ventless, rugged design. With small form factor of 8.7 in. (W) x 7.9 in. (D) x 2.2 in. (H), and weight of approximately 3 lbs., TX4200E delivers the full suite of ports, including LAN, Serial, USB, PS/2, VGA, HDMI, Mini-PCIe Slot, and Cash Drawer. As options, Posiflex lists Wi-Fi, 24 V Powered USB, and 64 GB SSD. Supplied with VESA, TX4200E supports Windows 7, POS Ready 7, Windows XP Pro, and POS Ready 2009. "A low-cost, high-value multi-service controller box," as described by Posiflex, "perfectly suited for any digital signage, kitchen, surveillance, point of service, PC replacement, vending, or kiosk environment requiring simple and robust POS."

TX4200E Controller by Posiflex

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Mid-Sized Matrimony: Touch and M-S

Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ) has added M-S Cash Drawer (Pasadena, CA) to its roster of distributors. The full line of products from Touch Dynamic--POS, touch monitors, printers, and cash drawers--will be handled by M-S Cash Drawer. Touch also ships through BlueStar, Metropolitan Sales, and Azerty (in Mexico). In the U.S., it has facilities in Texas, Oregon, and Florida, in addition to New Jersey.

"They leverage technological skills and a proactive sales approach that provide a tremendous value for customers," Craig Paritz, Owner of Touch Dynamic, told RRN.Com. "They also have a good footprint in Latin America, Canada, and Europe that will enable Touch Dynamic to continue to expand our reach. We like that M-S is a mid-sized distributor that we can work closely with."

"Touch Dynamic has long been known for the unique features of their reliable products," volunteered Paul Masson, President of M-S Cash Drawer. "This new partnership we have formed with Touch Dynamic gives our partners the opportunity to service growing customer demand for state-of-the-art POS hardware. It allows us to sell deeper into existing accounts by offering their broad line of products."

Craig Paritz, Owner, Touch Dynamic

Welcoming Waters for Big Fish

Earlier this year, around the time of the Retail Solutions Providers Association Show (RSPA) in August, Wincor Nixdorf, one of the top three providers of POS worldwide, depending on how you're counting, announced its plans to expand its partner program in the U.S. To see how things were going, RRN.Com talked to Jon Guyton, Director of Business Development and Channel, who recently relocated back to Austin, Texas, following several years in the company's headquarters in Paderborn, Germany. "We've had tremendous success in finding partners interested in doing business with us," reported Guyton. "We can't handle the amount of response we're getting at the moment."

Well-known for Tier 1, with installs at Pizza Hut, Burlington Coat Factory, Lowe's, and Rite-Aid, among others, Wincor Nixdorf brings several significant advantages to the channel, according to Guyton. First, its portfolio of products extends beyond POS to kiosk, self-checkout, cash management, and software-based back-office, providing an opportunity to extend the line card for partners. Secondly, Wincor Nixdorf intends to provide "an unprecedented level of access" to all market levels and segments. "Our partners will not be stuck in Tier 3 and 4," maintained Guyton, "they'll have access well into Tier 2, and can conceivably reach up into the lower Tier 1. We want to help partners become more sophisticated so they can succeed in those places." Similarly, verticals span specialty, big box, hospitality, and grocery, "you name it."

Another value proposition revolves around the Wincor Nixdorf approach to TCO, Guyton stressed. Strengths include the company's twelve year cycle for products, with five years of sales and another seven years of support. This includes fixed pricing for maintenance, which brings stability and confidence for partners, according to Guyton, something further supported by membership in the Microsoft Embedded Community. Finally, Wincor Nixdorf has layered on traditional benefits such as accelerated market development, training and support, demos and rebates, as well as deal registration and "no poaching" guarantee. In the next few weeks, look for Wincor Nixdorf to announce some snappy new name for its channel program, as it pursues "localization" for North America.

Jon Guyton, Director of Business Development and Channel, Wincor Nixdorf

Worth Your While

Customer Engagement Technology World
JD Events
November 6-7
New York City

IAAPA Expo 2013
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 19-22
Orlando

NRF 103rd Annual Conference & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 12-15, 2014
New York City

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 8-10, 2014
Las Vegas

ALL IN THE FAMILY

CR2300, Retail Code Breaker

Code (Salt Lake City) has debuted its Code Reader 2300 (CR2300) Bluetooth barcode scanner for retail environments. In palm-style format, with dimensions of 5.1 in. (L) x 2 in. (W) x 1.1 in. (D), and weighing 4.5 oz., CR2300 features an image-based decoding engine that provides omni-directional barcode reading and high-speed data output, according to the manufacturer. It seamlessly pairs with mobile devices powered by iOS, Android, and Windows, and its charging station offers an optional "QuickConnect" barcode, that when scanned, forms the Bluetooth connection with the host device.

For greater versatility, the CR2300 carries two programmable buttons for customized workflow applications, as well as driver license capability and remote management via CortexRM. Additional features include rechargeable, quick release, Lithium-Ion battery cartridges, data management with JavaScript, reading of symbologies on smartphone screens, battery status indicator with fuel gauge, and user feedback with audible tones and LED. A paging button helps locate this reader (in the charger station with embedded CodeXML modem).

"Adding the CR2300 to our product suite illustrates our rapid growth and commitment to being a leader in the retail market," declared Garrett Russell, VP of Marketing at Code. "The CR2300 is the ideal barcode reader for retail and hospitality applications that are rapidly changing from using dedicated desktop PCs to the increasingly popular tablet devices." As specific applications for the CR2300, Code recommends inventory tracking, age verification, handling of e-forms, and mobile couponing and ticketing scenarios.

Code's CR2300 Bluetooth Palm Scanner

Weight Loss at Denso

Denso ADC (Long Beach, CA) has shipped its BHT-1300 Series of wireless barcode terminals. Offered in two versions (BHT-1300B one-dimensional and BHT-1300Q two-dimensional), this new device delivers several significant advances, according to the company. Size has been reduced by 15%, to 6.2 in. (L) x 2.1 in. (W) x 1.4 in. (D) and weight of 7.3 oz. with standard battery. Significantly, dome-shaped keys have been provided for easy operation, even with gloves, with ergonomic design of the device for store associates.

A large, extra-bright color LCD display with wide viewing angle allows quick reading in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. As communications, BHT-1300 features 802.11b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and USB 2.0. A proprietary power-saving design allows the device to be used online between battery charges for up to 28 hours continuously and WPA/WPA2 network security prevents unauthorized data access.

Lightweight BHT-1300 Series by Denso ADC

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Week of October 14

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ALLIANCES

OEMs, Gaming for Elo

Elo Touch Solutions (Milpitas, CA) has brought Meridian Technical Sales onboard as its manufacturers' representative. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, in Milpitas, Meridian will be responsible for selling Elo Touch's product line to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for use in industrial, medical, POS, Point of Information (POI), and other commercial applications. "Our highly specialized and technical engineering sales team is excited to represent the full lineup of Elo Touch technologies across a broad range of screen sizes to help support design engineers at the forefront of new development programs," confirmed Rey Bautista, Owner of Meridian Technical Sales. Included are AccuTouch, CarrollTouch, IntelliTouch, iTouch, PCAP, and Pulse Touch from Elo.

Elsewhere, Elo Touch Solutions unveiled its portfolio of iTouch Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) touchscreen platforms targeted at the global gaming industry. Features include energy-saving LED technology, stylish zero-bezel, true-flat, clear-glass construction, and sizes from 12 to 32 inches in standard or widescreen aspect ratio. By employing SAW, these touchscreens accurately reproduce the picture quality of new games developed with full HD graphics, including color and clarity, according to Elo Touch Solutions.

"Elo is the players' choice for gaming touchscreens," remarked Craig Witsoe, CEO of Elo Touch Solutions. "Quality and reliability at a competitive price point is our reputation in the gaming industry as our interactive touch technology helps capture players' attention with thin, bright, colorful HD touch displays big enough to be noticed in a casino environment." As applications for this iTouch SAW, Elo listed gaming machines, loyalty program kiosks, directory/map stands, and sports books, as well as typical hotel, restaurant, and retail systems.

Elo Surface Acoustic Wave Components

All Tabbed Out in Hospitality

On the heels of its recent pact with Leaf's iPad POS, Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ) has embraced Tabbedout (Austin, TX), the free mobile payment app for restaurants. As with Leaf, the payment processor's sales force of 800 will market Tabbedout, which calls upon the consumer's smartphone to eliminate physical checks. This Heartland-Tabbedout solution will be rolled out in several major cities, including Austin, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, and New York.

"As a merchant advocate, it is Heartland's duty to evaluate all advances in technology as we innovate and empower our customers to take full advantage of feature-rich solutions tailored for their specific business needs that also create engaging experiences for their patrons," proclaimed David Gilbert, President of Hospitality at Heartland. "Built exclusively for the hospitality industry, Tabbedout's ability to simplify front-of-house management and communicate directly with consumers in a meaningful way, all while facilitating a seamless, enjoyable customer experience, can change the way restaurants and bars do business. When combined with Heartland's leading-edge technology, the combination becomes more powerful."

In addition to its payment function, this new platform enables operators and brands to offer loyalty programs based on customer profile information, purchase history, and any feedback. Going forward, the two companies will add features such as alternative payment acceptance; multi-use tokenization for payment security; SKU-level gifts, rewards, and promotions; reservations and wait list management; gateway and e-commerce solutions; and value-add such as dining reviews and venue discovery. Heartland, as RRN.Com readers know, serves as the sole endorsed payment provider of the National Restaurant Association, in addition to 46 state industry groups.

Heartland Payment Systems Supports Mobile Payment Scheme

Code Corner

ECR Software Corporation (Boone, NC) has previewed LoyaltyBot, an enhancement to its Catapult, the most widely used retail automation system for natural grocery and supplement retailers. LoyaltyBot complements the Catapult Loyalty Points program, which rewards customers based upon their purchases. It allows the retailer to set up marketing campaigns which automatically e-mail customers with incentives, based on easily configured triggers. Examples include birthdays, shopping patterns, green program participation, and profitability. It may also be programmed to reach out to customers who have slowed or stopped purchases. Significantly, LoyaltyBot distributes its rewards via no hassle e-coupons, which require no paper and cannot be counterfeited. Another innovative feature, BuzzBot, drives positive feedback about the retailer on the most popular social sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. With BuzzBot, the retailer may chose to automatically e-mail rewards whenever the customer shares promotions, advertisements, or newsletters with friends and family via their own social media connections. "With the introduction of the innovative LoyaltyBot program, ECRS will soon provide our retail clients with an affordable plug-and-play marketing campaign service, which should dramatically increase their customer retention and entice new business," suggested Pete Catoe, Founder and CEO of ECR Software. "Our mission is to provide retailers with a true all-in-one solution that fully automates daily mundane tasks, improves the consumer experience, and drives profitability throughout the enterprise." LoyaltyBot is now in testing and will be available to all Catapult 5.3 users in January 2014.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

GS1 US: Check the Expiration Date

A new guideline for traceability has been released by an assemblage of the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association, the International Dairy Foods Association, and GS1 US. These new guidelines pertain to all types of dairy, deli, and bakery products, and demonstrate precise "how to" instructions for product identification, use of batch/lot numbers, barcodes, and other necessary standards, according to the three parties. In addition, they cover recalls, describing specific steps players in the supply chain should follow in case of product withdrawal.

This new playbook was developed with input from industry stakeholders such as manufacturers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers, foodservice operators, and service providers. Additionally, GS1 US has established the GS1 US Dairy, Deli & Bakery Traceability Readiness Program, which offers educational webinars, interactive tools and resources, and sharing of best practices from industry peers and standards experts. More detailed information appears on their website.

New Traceability Guidelines for Dairy, Deli, and Bakery

Xplore Goes Blank(-It)

Xplore Technologies Corporation (Austin, TX), supplier of ultra-rugged tablets, has called upon Blank-It (West Perth, Australia), developer of motion safety technology, to prevent accidents by eliminating distractions while operating heavy machinery in warehousing and distribution operations. Under this system, drivers are limited to the use of pre-selected programs while in motion, such as navigation aids, reversing camera displays, or dispatch systems. "Distractions from mobile devices while driving are not limited to automobiles," suggested Mark Holleran, President/COO for Xplore Technologies, which sells through the channel. "Forklifts, cranes, garbage trucks, even bulldozers are using cab-mounted tablets as productivity tools, making motion safety technology one critical component of an accident-free workplace."

Unlike similar software which relies upon GPS, Blank-It applies an accelerometer for motion sensing, making it ideal for indoor use, according to the two parties. It automatically activates when an operator puts the vehicle in motion. To prevent tampering, Xplore developed its secure cover to lock the accelerometer to the vehicle-mounted tablet. At the outset, this integrated solution may be ordered with Xplore's ultra-rugged iX104C5 product series.

"Xplore's rugged tablets are ideal devices for the warehousing and logistical environments where our customers operate," testified Philip Little, President of Blank-It. "Because of the tablets' ability to operate and withstand all-terrain environments, forklift operators are able to work more safely, no matter where they are." Blank-It was developed jointly between its founding company, Expedio Management Pty Ltd., and hardware partners in the U.S.

Ultra-Rugged iX104C5 Tablet by Xplore Technologies

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
AZT POS
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
TEAMSable
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Systems - Apple Based
LightSpeed Retail

POS & Inventory Software
New West Technologies

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Printronix
Sato America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Bluebird/Pidion
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Fujitsu Components
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Ingenico
Motorola Solutions

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

A Lesson in Barcoding for Online Learning

A joint effort by Barcoding, Inc. and Learn It Systems (both based in Baltimore) has brought tablet-based education to young students in schools across the U.S. In August 2012, Barcoding began providing Learn It Systems with its web-based, asset-tracking application, BOS (Barcoding Online Services), as well as Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) software from its long-standing partner, SOTI, Inc. (Mississauga, ON, Canada). With such capabilities, Learn It Systems has deployed and supported tablets for students in its Learn It Online program.

"Putting tablets into the hands of students across the country in a timely manner presents many logistical challenges," relayed Russell Lum, VP of Technology for Learn It Systems. "Barcoding has been instrumental in helping us solve those challenges and implementing a large-scale, one-to-one computing program in a relatively short period of time. We are now in the beginning stages of our second rollout with Barcoding and look forward to what the partnership will bring."

In the first stage of deployment, more than 7,000 Acer Iconia A200 tablets were distributed under this program. For this school year, another 7,000 Acer Android Iconia A1 and Microsoft Surface tablets will be put into classrooms. According to the two parties, real-time asset visibility allows schools to easily track device locations, manage repairs, oversee rollouts, and extract data to generate reports. Additional savings in time and money result from remote management of the devices via SOTI. Over the next few years, RRN.Com readers should note, education will be radically transformed by technologies such as tablets, online learning systems, student payment and nutrition platforms, and unfortunately, access control and ID tracking.

Asset Tracking of Tablets in the Classroom

"Anything Else With Your Coffee?" Asks VeriFone

VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA) has completed its chain-wide implementation of LiftRetail for Holiday Oil. LiftRetail employs digital screens linked to POS to engage shoppers with real-time offers and coupons based upon pending purchases. At Holiday Oil, for example, LiftRetail has replaced paper punch cards for the coffee loyalty program (with an automatically tracked "sixth cup for free"). Under this system, suppliers of consumer packaged goods--the big boys--pay the cost for qualified retailers.

"LiftRetail provides leverage to our existing marketing programs and enables us to implement an aspect of loyalty," commented Blain Boelter, VP of Operations with Holiday Oil. "We're going to expand that loyalty program to our fountain areas and possible fuel purchases as well." Established in the 1960s, Holiday Oil operates 50 convenience and gasoline stores across Utah. As one would expect, LiftRetail works with major c-store POS systems, including VeriFone's Ruby and Topaz, as well as Passport, Radiant, and Wayne.

LiftRetail Digital Signage From VeriFone

Channel Factoid

Over the next five years, the number of retailers using Mobile POS will triple, according to the recent report from Infogroup Targeting Solutions. While only 26% of retailers have deployed Mobile POS, more than half expect to implement such technology by 2018. This survey reveals similar findings for purchasing through social media channels. While only 24% currently allow customers to make purchases directly through Facebook, et al., 46% plan to leverage such technologies by 2018. Perhaps surprisingly, almost 40% of retailers claim they have no plans to install free Wi-Fi for customers. This finding follows news that JC Penney eliminated its wireless access last month because of cost concerns and lack of customer interest. When it comes to Big Data, results are equally mixed. Almost half of survey respondents (47%) report that effectively using current customer data was their biggest marketing challenge, easily the top choice. An equal percentage of retailers are unable to use real-time data to generate customer offers, with only 23% having such capability. Only 37% of retailers provide consistent marketing messages across all channels, this survey finds. Half coordinate marketing messages across some, but not all, channels and 13% market separately within each channel. Finally, retailers remain wedded to transactional and purchase history information, with 58% ranking this as the most valuable customer data. Only 5% identify social media as the top priority. "Adoption of Mobile POS is a great way to capture valuable customer information, but our survey revealed that retailers struggle with using the data that they already have," noted Don Patrick, President of Infogroup Targeting Solutions.

HELLO GOODBYE

Media Maestro at Sato

Sato America (Charlotte, NC) has enlisted Len Bono as its Business Development Manager for Consumables. Bono brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the task, having served in sales management roles for media with companies such as BlueStar, Lowry Computer Products, American Barcode and RFID, Peak Technologies, and Monarch Marking. Along with day-to-day management of the consumables team, his responsibilities include sales, assessment of requirements, and pricing of all consumables products.

"I'm thrilled to join the team at Sato America as we develop new pathways of opportunities for Sato customers and business partners alike. Sato's unique capability in consumables manufacturing separates itself from the other manufacturers of AIDC solutions," shared Bono. "My experience lends unique perspective to the applications of the channel and our partners' desire of adding greater value to their sales and bottom line. Working alongside some of the most talented industry experts here at Sato, we're poised to help customers resolve their labeling, tag, and four-color print needs."

"Len's proven management skills and experience with consumables will have an immediate impact," reflected Bob Linse, President of Sato America. "Growing the sales of our consumables business is an important and essential component in the overall success of Sato America and I'm confident that Len will lead the way." In May, RRN.Com readers may recall, Sato announced its strategic investment in Nexgen Packaging (recently relocated to Romeoville, Illinois), one of the leading providers of apparel identification and packaging products.

Len Bono, Business Development Manager for Consumables, Sato America

An Interesting Choice for Epicor

Epicor Software Corporation (Dublin, CA) has named Joseph Cowan as its CEO/President. Cowan succeeds Pervez Qureshi, who has stepped down "to pursue new opportunities." Qureshi also will leave the Epicor Board of Directors, which Cowan has joined. Epicor delivers business software solutions to the manufacturing, distribution, retail, and services industries, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), POS, Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Human Capital Management (HCM), as most RRN.Com readers know.

"We are very pleased that Joe Cowan has joined Epicor as its new CEO and will be leading the company in its next phase of growth," commented Jason Wright, from the Board of Directors. "Joe is a proven executive and strong leader who is highly respected within the technology industry. He possesses outstanding strategic vision and exceptional commercial and operational skills having led a number of major software companies to new levels of growth and profitability."

Most recently, Cowan served as CEO/President of Online Resources, provider of online banking and full-service payment solutions, until its acquisition by ACI Worldwide in March 2013. Previously, he functioned as CEO of Interwoven, Inc., developer of content management software, until its purchase by Autonomy Corporation in 2009. Other leadership roles have included Manugistics, EXE Technologies, and Invensys/Baan, all of whom eventually transferred ownership as the circle of business software providers continues to consolidate.

Joseph Cowan, CEO/President, Epicor Software Corporation

Gary the Grocer at Park City

Park City Group (Salt Lake City), which supplies price optimization software for consumer goods, has engaged Gary Rocheleau as its Senior Advisor. A retail industry veteran for more than four decades, Rocheleau has responsibility for developing business solutions, consulting, and expanding efforts in the retail supply chain. In making this announcement, Randall Fields, Chairman and CEO of Park City Group, cited Rocheleau's expertise in marketing execution, merchandising, management, and sales for retail grocery.

Prior to Park City Group, Rocheleau served as VP of Retail Marketing Execution for Vons/Pavilions, part of Safeway Company. Other positions at Safeway included SVP of Corporate Pharmacy, VP of Sales for California, Hawaii, and Nevada, as well as President of Grocery Works, the retailer's home shopping and delivery entity. Rocheleau began his career with Lucky Stores, where he spent 23 years, culminating in his last title of VP of Grocery. Park City Group, as one would expect these days, delivers its platform as Software-as-a-Service.

"Retailers today are challenged to continue to appeal to the consumer by making sure they have what the consumer comes to buy," observed Rocheleau. "With the visibility Park City Group provides to the shelf, retailers can engage their internal teams to create the process that works for them, resolves out-of-stock problems and increases profitability. I'm extremely pleased to be working with them to provide this opportunity to retailers."

Gary Rocheleau, Senior Advisor, Park City Group