This Week’s Product Pick

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Ft. Mill, SC) has premiered its first-ever rugged “enterprise hybrid device,” the Dolphin 70e Black. Shipping in February 2013 with Windows and Android, Dolphin 70e Black fits in workers’ pockets at 7 oz. and three-quarter-inches thick. Addressing feedback from customers, this device carries an enterprise-class area-imaging scanner, 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen that can be viewed in direct sunlight, up to 12 hours of battery life on one charge, and an IP-67 rating against water and dust. “Dolphin Black reflects two device trends in today’s industrial world: consolidation and consumerization,” stated John Waldron, President of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility.

Honeywell’s Dolphin 70e Black

COMPANY BUSINESS

Merchants, M-Commerce, and MCX

Building on momentum from its formation in August, the Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX) has added six more major retailers--Bed Bath & Beyond, Dillard’s, Dunkin’ Brands, Gap, Sheetz, and Wakefern Food Corp.--in its drive to create an integrated mobile commerce program. Initially targeted at smartphones, the effort seeks to draw together the wide range of offers, promotions, and services in the market. New participants join founding members such as Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Sears, 7-Eleven, CVS, Darden Restaurants, Publix Super Markets, and Shell Oil.

“We are seeing tremendous interest from merchants of all sizes,” remarked Dodd Roberts, MCX Executive, based in Dallas. “Merchants recognize mobile payment adoption will be limited until it can be used where consumers regularly shop. MCX offers unmatched scale, representing merchants with more than $1 trillion in annual sales across nearly every merchant vertical.” A longtime payments veteran, Roberts formerly served as CEO of the Merchant Advisory Group.

“We strive to constantly enhance the guest experience at our Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants, and mobile commerce will play an increasingly important role in helping us achieve that goal,” shared John Costello, Chief Global Marketing and Innovation Officer at Dunkin’ Brands. “By joining MCX we hope to offer our guests, including those already enjoying our new Dunkin’ Donuts Mobile App, an integrated mobile payment solution that is customer-focused, securely delivered, and accepted at the broadest possible range of their favorite retail locations.” Going forward, MCX said it plans to address the needs of smaller merchants and their supporting financial institutions.

Major Retailers Forge Mobile Commerce Effort

NCR Counts to 30

NCR (Duluth, GA) has unwrapped its newest POS terminals for hospitality, the P1230 and P1530, or “30” Series. With 12-inch and 15-inch touchscreens, respectively, and fanless, retail-hardened design, these new terminals offer Intel Atom D2700 Dual-Core CPU at 2.1 GHz. This increased processing power is complemented by the addition of up to 4 GB of RAM and 16 GB Solid-State SATA drive (upgradeable to 40 GB with Intel’s 320 Series). “Our newest generation of point-of-sale terminals offers a compact and award-winning design with increased capabilities needed in today’s hospitality market,” indicated Carlyle Taylor, VP of Hardware for NCR Hospitality.

An active matrix 1024x768 display with resistive or capacitive technology provides excellent contrast and brightness, according to NCR. Connectivity includes four or more serial ports, three standard USB, one powered USB 12-V, one DVI video, and two dedicated cash drawer ports, as well as additional expansion options. On-board networking covers 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet, while Windows 7 Professional, Windows Embedded POS Ready 7, and Windows Embedded Compact 7 are supported for OS.

Cable management in the P1230/P1530 provides for ease of installation, controlled access to connectors, and concealed routing. As security features, NCR listed magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) with Triple DES encryption, ultra-violet (UV) light for validation of cash, driver’s licenses, and credit cards, and biometric log-in, clock-in, and manager override. NCR was recently honored by the Industrial Designers Society of America with its Silver International Design Excellence (IDEA) Award for the 30 Series.

NCR 30 Series With Customer-Facing Display

Worth Your While

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

NRA Show 2013
National Restaurant Association
May 18-21, 2013
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

DPM Doesn’t Deter DataMan

Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA) has outfitted its DataMan 9500 mobile computer for reading challenging direct part mark (DPM) codes. Designed specifically for the factory floor, at 7.3 in. (L) x 3.4 in. (W) x 6.9 in. (D) and 18.5 oz., DataMan 9500 features Arm11 CPU at 532 MHz, Windows Embedded CE 6.0, 2.2-inch QVGA touchscreen with adjustable backlight, keyboard emulation, and 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi. Utilizing the company’s advanced reading capabilities and algorithms, this device handles data matrix symbologies “no matter the marking type, surface, or degradation,” according to the vendor.

“In applications like subassembly rework, repair or maintenance, inventory management or process tracking, it’s necessary to be able to read 2D codes and get real-time feedback to the operator on the factory floor,” advised Carl Gerst, Business Unit Manager for ID Products. “Now, with the DataMan 9500, even the most challenging DPM codes can be read and transferred to the factory network via Wi-Fi for real-time data collection. The DataMan 9500 expands the types of applications where 2D DPM codes can be read and viewed.”

Additional benefits include integrated ultra-bright illumination with manual adjustments and four pre-set configurations: general purpose, curved surface, dot peen, and textured surface. An adjustable focus liquid lens maximizes depth of field for reading two-dimensional symbologies up close or one-dimensional barcodes farther away. Relative to other autofocus mechanisms, this delivers extremely fast response time and exceptional durability with no moving parts, according to the manufacturer. Finally, DataMan 9500 carries pre-loaded Summit Data Client Utility for configuring the wireless set-up as well as its own Developer Toolset.

Cognex DataMan 9500 Addresses Direct Part Marking

Max Headroom at Motorola

Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) has showcased its HC1 headset computer, configured to improve productivity while increasing worker safety in harsh environments and remote locations. By leveraging advanced voice recognition, head gestures, video streaming, and wireless communications, the HC1 provides hands-free operation, access to needed documents and schematics, and the capacity for collaborative feedback. Target markets include utilities, telecommunications, defense, aerospace/aviation, and field service, spanning functions such as inspection, maintenance, repair, training, and event simulation.

“The HC1 represents a paradigm shift in hands-free mobile computing and is Motorola’s first of its kind to be commercially available for industrial use,” reported Girish Rishi, VP and GM of Enterprise Mobile Computing. So-called “optical micro-display” technology from Kopin Corporation provides HC1 users with the view of a 15-inch laptop-size screen. With local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and Motorola’s MC75A, MC65, ES400 smartphone, or mobile hotspot, the HC1 system ties into remote networks. An optional camera accessory can transmit pictures or videos between the field worker on the job site and experts in the home office.

Motorola Solutions also completed its acquisition of Psion PLC for $200 million in cash. “Psion bolsters our strategic position in important industrial segments such as manufacturing, transportation, and logistics, increases our cross-selling opportunities, and expands our global enterprise solutions portfolio,” said Greg Brown, CEO of Motorola Solutions. “We welcome Psion’s dedicated employees to our company and look forward to a seamless integration for the benefit of our customers and combined stakeholders.”

Next-Generation HC1 Headset Computer by Motorola Solutions

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business—in the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?

E-mail Michael Kachmar for advertising information,
or call 973-270-3284

Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?

Hurry ! Use the links below to catch up :

Week of October 15

Week of October 8

Week of October 1

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Panasonic: One For All and All for One

Panasonic (Secaucus, NJ) has launched an Authorized Reseller Program which crosses product categories and addresses the company’s recent reorganization. In April, RRN.Com readers may recall, the Panasonic System Communications Company of North America was formed to span all business-to-business technologies, including mobile computing, point-of-sale, digital signage, and security and surveillance, as well as mainstream areas in communications, video, and office equipment. With this new program, accompanied by an approximate 20% increase in sales, marketing, and support, the vendor intends to standardize its channel approach while rewarding its top performers.

Over the coming months, Panasonic will roll out new program benefits, starting with its North American Partner Portal containing technology, solutions, and program information across the entire product portfolio. Additionally, resellers will receive medal levels, which will delineate positioning, requirements, and incentives relevant to their market. Lastly, resellers should benefit from consolidated operations and greater cross-product synergies, according to the vendor, which unveiled the Authorized Reseller Program at its recent Partners Summit in Phoenix.

“Built to support our sales strategy, our new Authorized Reseller Program will offer participating resellers potential access to all Panasonic business-to-business technologies,” commented Bill Brennan, Senior Director of Channel Sales and Resellers. “The new program will offer our partners greater program consistency, access to new solutions, and more in-house channel resources. These core program elements will give our partners what they need to grow their business and equip their customers with a technology solution for nearly any application.”

Bill Brennan, Senior Director of Channel Sales and Resellers, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America

Payments Refracted by LightSpeed

LightSpeed (Montreal), hard-charging developer of Macintosh and iOS-based POS, has partnered with Braintree (Chicago), emergent merchant acquirer, to offer flexible monthly payments for electronic transactions. A first for the retail industry, according to the two parties, this new Monthly Maintenance Plan was designed to help end-users free up their cash flow and better manage their overall cost structure. Pricing will be $40 per month for the first user and $20 per month for each additional user. Both LightSpeed and Braintree received significant venture funding from Accel Partners, based in Silicon Valley.

“After an exhaustive search for the right partner to launch this new initiative, Braintree stood out as the obvious choice due to its unmatched capabilities in next-generation commerce,” stated Dax Dasilva, Founder and CEO of LightSpeed. “We have been amazed by Braintree’s professionalism, and by the company’s ability to integrate its payment platform truly at the speed of light.” Dasilva was recently named Ernst & Young’s Quebec Entrepreneur of the Year for Information Technology, deservedly.

At the same time, LightSpeed has integrated with the new Genius payment platform from Merchant Warehouse (Boston). With Genius, which sits as another software layer atop the processing pyramid, LightSpeed merchants may pick and choose between payment schemes--whether cards, NFC, QR Codes, or mobile wallets. Users simply select the appropriate icon from the Genius Solution Center, displayed on the terminal, at first VeriFone's MX915. “Genius’ cloud-architected model brings unlimited choice, unified security, and open access to merchants and POS developers,” observed Henry Helgeson, CEO of Merchant Warehouse.

LightSpeed POS Portfolio Augmented With Payment Processing Choices

Code Corner

FrontStream Payments, Inc. (Reston, VA) has launched MerchantGiving, its pilot charitable giving program which allows any merchant with web presence to display donation buttons for the recipients of their choice. Under this system, merchants select their charity (must be registered 501c3 organization in good standing), copy “a snippet” of code, and embed the donor button so customers and vendors can make their charitable contributions without leaving the merchant’s web page. This whole process takes less than five minutes, according to the integrator. Merchants do not have to be an existing FrontStream customer to participate in the program and it costs nothing to implement the feature; instead, 4.25% of each donation goes toward processing and program fees. All donations are handled through FirstGiving, an online fund-raising platform recently acquired by FrontStream. To encourage channel partners to promote MerchantGiving, FrontStream will offer “generous revenue share” to ISOs and VARs. “We believe businesses of all sizes should have the tools to build corporate social responsibility programs that reflect company values and community ties,” declared Nina Vellayan, FrontStream's CEO/President. “This pilot is just the first offering in an evolving initiative that will help our customers and our partners set themselves apart, all while helping deserving organizations.”

INTEGRATION

Following the Breadcrumbs With Epson

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has been tapped as the exclusive supplier of receipt printers for Breadcrumb iPad-based POS from Groupon. Launched this month, Breadcrumb, as its name would suggest, will target restaurants, bars, and cafes across the U.S. with subscription-based service. Epson’s most popular foodservice receipt printers, both the TM-U220 and TM-T88V, will be available to businesses as part of the cleverly named Breadbox package of hardware.

“We selected Epson printers for their workhorse reliability and because they are by far the hospitality industry’s preferred brand,” explained Seth Harris, GM of Breadcrumb POS. “In addition, Epson has the global support and wide array of products we need to meet the needs of our merchants.” Epson’s printers will be fulfilled through the distributor BlueStar (Hebron, KY), RRN.Com has learned, with Denali Advanced Integration (Redmond, WA) providing lead integration services. Denali, incidentally, just won Panasonic’s 2011 Reseller of the Year Award in the category of Document Imaging. Dumac Business Systems (East Syracuse, NY) won for POS.

“We’re pleased Groupon will include our benchmark hospitality printers with Breadcrumb,” volunteered Gregg Brunnick, Director of Marketing for Epson Business Systems Division. “Since Epson holds such a large market share in foodservice, we’re a natural fit. We’re looking forward to working with Groupon to enhance their offerings in local businesses.”

Epson’s TM-T88V Receipt Printer for Groupon POS System

RFID, the Working Class Hero

ADR Software (Reston, VA) has augmented its RFID-based workforce monitoring system with the addition of handheld scanning. The firm’s “Workforce Monitor” employs RFID tags, embedded in all-weather job stickers affixed to hard hats and ID badges, to gauge workforce traffic “without delays, interruptions, or inconsistencies,” according to the VAR. A proprietary broadband network and stationary portals complete the solution, which currently serves 40,000 workers.

“Workforce Monitor Mobile dramatically expands applications,” declared Bruce Labovitz, President at ADR Software. “With Workforce Monitor Mobile, construction managers can track smaller workforces and smaller projects such as interiors and infrastructure. The mobile capabilities also allow managers to track individual workers and small crews as they move in and out of designated areas throughout the project.”

“Our first implementation of Workforce Monitor Mobile is an occupied residential retrofit project in Washington, DC,” Labovitz continued. “The general contractor in this case is obliged to monitor and document the comings and goings of workers throughout the building. We have stationary portals around the perimeter to monitor workers as well as broadband-enabled mobile handheld readers for the superintendents. All of the data ends up in the same place and is available in real-time to everyone involved with the project through ADR’s Workforce Monitor web application.”

Portal for ADR Software’s Workforce Monitor System

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

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

INSTALLATIONS

A Refreshing Avalanche

Wavelink (Salt Lake City, UT), now part of LANDesk Software, has implemented its Wavelink Avalanche and Avalanche Remote Control for Federated Co-Operatives Limited, one of the largest wholesalers for retail in Canada. Avalanche enabled FCL to deploy 250 Psion Omnii mobile computers in four warehouse locations in just three weeks, according to the two parties, or five weeks less than expected. Based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, FCL serves 235 co-op stores across Western Canada with centralized wholesale, manufacturing, and administrative services, and posted total revenue of $8.2 billion in 2011.

“We already knew about the day-to-day benefits of Wavelink’s Terminal Emulation and Wavelink Avalanche,” relayed Kent Kostuk, Industrial Engineering Manager for FCL. “But we were still amazed at how quickly it enabled us to roll out new devices to our warehouses. Avalanche Remote Control accelerated our implementation and reduced our cost. We were able to resolve issues in less time without having to leave the home office.”

“When customers’ needs grow and change, Wavelink products like Avalanche and Terminal Emulation allow them to gain tremendous flexibility by adding newer mission-critical devices as needed,” noted Stephen Bemis, VP of Worldwide Sales for Wavelink. “It is truly a future-proof solution set and we look forward to continually evolving our products alongside our customers.” Since its founding in 1992, Wavelink Corporation has functioned as one of the leaders in enterprise mobility management. In June, the company was purchased by LANDesk Software, the IT systems and security provider spun out of Intel.

Wavelink Helps Canadian Wholesaler With Mobility

US Foods Feasts on ASI POS

US Foods, one of the leading foodservice distributors in America, has chosen Restaurant Manager and Write-On Handheld from ASI as the POS system for its Resource Advantage Marketing Program, which recommends products and services. Members now have access to negotiated discounts on the pair of software products via ASI’s network of certified resellers. Headquartered in Rosemont, IL, US Foods replenishes more than 250,000 customers in independent and multi-unit restaurants and institutional settings.

ASI CEO Alex Malison predicted that ASI’s Write-On Handheld POS system will prove particularly popular with Resource Advantage members. “The ROI of tableside order-taking and payment processing is undeniable,” Malison said. “Now that we’ve developed the Write-On app for the iPod Touch, the hardware is as affordable and reliable as the software.” As examples of benefits, ASI cited check averages up 7% and comps for ordering errors down 20% at one member of Resource Advantage, Mrs. K’s Tollhouse Restaurant, located near ASI in Silver Spring, MD.

ASI’s RM Monitor, which delivers POS reporting and status updates to the manager’s smartphone, also will be offered to customers of US Foods. In addition, Restaurant Manager has been integrated with US Foods’ Menu Profitbuilder Pro software, so product costs may be uploaded and calculated in conjunction with sales history. The US Foods Resource Advantage Marketing Program operates under partnership with Augeo Affinity Marketing, the loyalty and benefits program provider based in St. Paul, MN.

Write-On Handheld POS by ASI

Channel Factoid

A new survey reveals high expectations for Windows 8 among technologists such as software developers, web application designers, and mobility vendors. Attractive features for the new operating system include backward compatibility, quick start-up, and seamless touch functions, according to the survey sponsor, Produxs. By greater margin than two to one (50% to 24%), respondents are excited about the launch of Windows 8, and four in five (81%) believe the new platform will be “important” or “very important” to their mobile strategy. Almost half of respondents (48%) expect consumers to be “excited” or “very excited” about the capabilities of Windows 8. In terms of benefits, three-fifths of respondents (60%) cited the fresh and fluid approach to interface design as what they liked the most. Likewise, 63% of developers feel confident that Windows 8 can compete with Apple iOS. Not all observers agree, of course. “Making radical changes to Windows poses a danger for Microsoft as organizations like to reduce technology risk by deploying mature, stable, well-supported products,” Gartner has written. “Windows Vista, for example, never gained significant access in corporate environments, and its lack of success--we estimate just 8% of PCs at Gartner clients ran Vista at its peak--has reduced its useful life as third parties have already started cutting support for it. The bottom line is that IT leaders are questioning whether Windows 8 will suffer a similar fate.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Mader Takes His ART to Starmount

Store software provider Starmount (Austin, TX) has recruited Richard Mader, President of Mader International Consulting and Director Emeritus of the Association for Retail Technology Standards (ARTS), onto its Board of Directors. As Executive Director of ARTS, a division of the National Retail Federation (NRF), Mader helped lead the development of industry standards from 1992 to 2012. He has over 40 years of experience in retail information technology management, having worked as SVP and CIO for Boscov’s, VP of MIS for Bon-Ton, and Director of Corporate Systems for Federated Department Stores, prior to NRF.

“I am delighted to join the Board of Starmount,” Mader remarked. “I’ve known Jerry Rightmer and Joe Halloum since their days at 360 Commerce--a company that was instrumental in shaping the direction of retail POS. I have worked closely with Jerry and his team on ARTS standards for many years, and their understanding of the retail industry has now elevated Starmount to a leadership position in mobile POS and mobile selling. Starmount applications embody the ARTS vision of building on standards that protect retailers’ investments and provide the flexibility to support rapid innovation and change.”

“Richard Mader is one of the influential technology executives in retail and we will benefit greatly from his vision and insight,” commented Rightmer, President and CTO at Starmount. “Starmount looks forward to continuing our long working relationship with Richard, as we welcome him to his new role on our Board of Directors.” In addition to mobility, Starmount focuses on omni-channel engagement platforms, including digital signage.

Richard Mader, Member of the Board, Starmount

SMB’s Place in the Continuum

Continuum (Boston), one of the major players in managed services, has enlisted Mark Zahar as its new VP of Channel Marketing and Community Development, with responsibility for the creation and delivery of lead generation programs for the company’s partners in the SMB. Zahar brings more than 10 years of experience in database marketing, advertising, and sales training. Most recently, he was VP of Sales & Partnerships at Prospectiv, an Affinion company, where he supervised acquisition and loyalty programs for the SMB.

“The penetration of managed services in the SMB market is still very low, which presents a tremendous opportunity for our partners to expand their customer base,” Zahar asserted. “I am excited to join Continuum and play a leading role in leveraging proven technologies and demand generation techniques that will take our MSP partners’ business to the next level.” As RRN.Com readers may recall, Continuum was spun out of Zenith Infotech last year to explicitly focus on the MSP world.

Continuum also has selected cloud services from LogMeIn (Woburn, MA) to bring on-demand remote support for both desktop and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, thereby addressing the growing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) movement. Building on the companies’ channel partnership, Continuum will offer LogMeIn Rescue to its partners starting in November 2012. “LogMeIn is the preferred choice for remote support technology among our partners, and we are pleased to offer this proven solution, which rounds out our remote access capabilities,” relayed Dee Zepf, VP of Product Management and Technical Services at Continuum.

Mark Zahar, VP of Channel Marketing and Community Development, Continuum