This Week’s Product Pick

Denso ADC (Long Beach, CA) showcased its latest BHT-900 Series of handheld barcode terminals with C-language and pocket-sized profile. Up to three trigger keys allow operation without changing grip and communication capabilities include Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), Bluetooth 2.1 (Model BHT-904BB), and batch download via RS-232C or USB. Advanced CCD technology allows the BHT-900 terminals to recognize hard-to-read or damaged barcodes, with maximum speed of 400 scans/second. Devices can run 200 hours between charges and withstand 60 drops onto concrete from the height of 3.9 feet. “Our new BHT-900 handheld terminals combine advanced performance features with an affordable price,” suggested John Doran, Senior Manager, Commercial and Industrial Systems for Denso ADC. “They make the latest handheld scanning technology available to an even broader range of our customers.”

BHT-900 by Denso ADC

COMPANY BUSINESS

C-Stores Invited to Catalina

Catalina (St. Petersburg, FL), one of the founding fathers of consumer-driven marketing, will expand its nationwide POS media network into convenience stores, following successful piloting with technology partner, Outsite Networks (Norfolk, VA). This announcement was made at this week’s National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Convention in Chicago. Currently, the Catalina Network accompanies checkout at 25,000 grocery, drug, and mass outlets and 18,000 pharmacies across the U.S. It draws upon more than 300 million transactions each week for marketing efforts at the POS by both retailers and Consumer Product Goods (CPG) manufacturers.

Catalina has been testing its c-store brand building program over the past year in nearly 500 stores, having remodeled its technology specifically for this channel. As usual with Catalina, the system’s customer-facing printer issues relevant promotional messages and coupon offers directly to consumers based on their individual purchase behavior. Additionally, Catalina has brought in Outsite Networks to provide its expertise and ten-year track record in loyalty and mobility approaches to the convenience-store market.

“The convenience channel is an ideal growth area for Catalina and we look forward to a very successful rollout,” stated Ed Kuehnle, President of Marketing Services at Catalina. “We will improve our strategic value by now being able to support our clients’ key initiatives in this additional channel.” Pilot data shows consumers have proven to be highly responsive to marketing at c-stores, according to Catalina, which sees “relatively few promotion vehicles” in its new field of play, and sources its printer technology from Epson America.

Promotions and Coupons Produced at Checkout

Macy’s Embraces RFID

Maybe we can finally stop talking about Metro in Germany. Here in the U.S., Macy’s, Inc, among others, has accelerated its own adoption of RFID for item-level merchandise. Indeed, by Q3 of 2012, the company expects to begin using RFID in all of its Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores nationwide to count “replenishment goods”--those items regularly stocked and automatically resupplied as they are sold to customers. Reportedly, this category represents about 30% of the company’s sales. Further implementation of RFID technology will follow, allowing Macy’s to conduct multiple counts of stock throughout the year, compared with its current practice of annual physical inventory.

“To Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, RFID is a tool to better serve customers and drive sales by ensuring we have the right product in the right place at the right time for our in-store and omni-channel shoppers,” testified Tom Cole, Chief Administrative Officer of Macy’s, Inc. “RFID will allow us to more frequently count item-level inventory with precision so our inventory is readily accessible to our customers. This is technology that has proven effective in our testing, and we believe now is the right time to roll out RFID aggressively.”

“Our vendors are joining us to adopt this technology, knowing the more precise inventory counts through RFID will reduce stock-outs and drive incremental sales opportunities,” Cole continued. “This is one of those genuine 'win-win-win' situations in which customers, vendors, and our company all benefit.” Adoption of RFID technology follows testing for nearly two years in selected Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s locations and distribution centers. Macy’s credited its participation in VICS and GS1 for progress in the RFID area. It currently operates about 850 department stores across the U.S. and its territories.

Replenishment Goods Lead Adoption for Retailer

Worth Your While

NACS 2011
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 1-4
Chicago

Customer Engagement
Technology World
JDEvents
November 9-10
New York

2012 Events

NRF 101st Annual Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 15-18
New York

INSPIRE 2012
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 29-February 1
Herradura, Costa Rica

ALL IN THE FAMILY

A Good, Short Read by Unitech

Unitech America (Los Angeles) has announced the newest addition to its family of MSR readers, the MS246, designed for both POS and security. This intelligent and programmable device offers exceptional performance in its small package--about four inches long, the length of the credit card, and one inch in both width and height. It reads up to three tracks of information with single swipe in either direction, with beeper and three-color LED indicator signaling success.

The MS246 provides easy USB connectivity and OPOS driver support; in addition, data format and output can be configured to match application and communication requirements. Its housing allows the MS246 to be mounted in various orientations with threaded inserts or velcro and its six-foot cable further extends such flexibility. A two-year warranty covers parts and labor and one million passes are guaranteed as minimum performance.

Elsewhere, Unitech also made enhancements to its state-of-the-art rugged mobile computer, the PA968. Externally, an optional gun grip now outfits the PA968II for scan-intensive applications, along with swappable modularized keyboards. Internally, the new PA968II includes an 806-MHz Marvell processor, sunlight readable 3.5-inch VGA touchscreen, and Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5.3. Additional features include aluminum-magnesium alloy housing, laser barcode scanner, optional two-dimensional imager, InstantFix GPS, and 3.5G wireless communications.

Unitech’s MS246 MSR Reader

Yuma Pulls Into Dock

Trimble’s Mobile Computing Solutions Division (Corvallis, OR) has unveiled an accessory Vehicle Docking Station for its Yuma rugged tablet computer. Provided by RAM Mounting Systems (Seattle), this new hardware configuration accommodates any vehicle and extends connectivity for external components such as antennas. It connects to the vehicle’s electrical system, allowing Yuma to be charged during driving, and features quick release for taking the device out into the field.

Trimble’s Yuma carries Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, Intel Atom 1.6-GHz processor, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, GPS, and two “geotag”-enabled cameras. Slots for USB 2.0, ExpressCard/34, and SD/SDHC allow expansion and the seven-inch sunlight-readable Wide SVGA touchscreen display addresses mapping and form-based applications, according to the manufacturer. With solid-state hard drive, Yuma meets MIL-STD-810 military specifications for drop, vibration, and temperature extremes, as well as an IP-67 rating for resistance to water and dust.

“Since its introduction, the Yuma rugged computing platform has been very well received by mobile workers that require ‘tough as nails’ Window 7 tablet PCs,” relayed Robert Davis, Director of Sales for Trimble’s Mobile Computing Solutions Division. “Our Yuma Vehicle Docking Station provides field workers with more flexibility for in-vehicle use with power and accessory options such as keyboards and other USB peripherals.” In 2010, Trimble addressed RRN.Com’s readership more directly be entering distribution through BlueStar (Hebron, KY).

Trimble Adds Vehicle Mount for Rugged Mobile Computer

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ALLIANCES

When the StrikeIron is Hot

Tomax Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT), developer of store management software, and StrikeIron (Cary, NC), web communications architect, have joined forces to improve data quality for retailers. Under this new relationship, StrikeIron will pre-integrate its Data-as-a-Service functionality into Tomax’s Retail.net platform, allowing customer information to be accessed and cleansed in real-time at the POS. “Today retailers need 360-degree understanding of their customer to remain competitive,” declared Eric Olafson, CEO of Tomax. “Our combined technologies will ensure that the business has complete and accurate customer data, including transaction history and contact information.”

StrikeIron’s cloud-based solutions, abbreviated as DaaS, encompass e-mail, address, and phone verification, reverse phone and address look-up, SMS text messaging, and sales tax computation. All are delivered through IronCloud, the company’s subscription-based service that reportedly cleanses millions of customer records daily for retailers. In addition to Tomax’s Retail.net, StrikeIron supports products such as Salesforce.com, Oracle CRM On-Demand, and Microsoft Azure in RRN.Com's discipline.

“This is an exciting opportunity to leverage Tomax’s platform to improve the customer experience,” stated Sean O’Leary, CEO of StrikeIron. “Combining our solutions gives retailers the ability to reach their customers post-sale for marketing, e-receipts, and other innovative uses.” In support of its data cleansing, StrikeIron, which was founded in 2003, draws upon organizations such as D&B, Cortera (formerly eCredit), MapQuest, Telematch, and the U.S. Postal Service, among others.

Eric Olafson, CEO of Tomax

Labels Half as Thick, Twice as Cold

Avery Dennison (Pasadena, CA) has demonstrated its new “ThinStream” die-cutting technology for label manufacture, which achieves liner thickness of only 12 microns, half of the current minimum in the market. In addition to reducing liner waste, ThinStream also eliminates die strikes, one of the industry’s top quality concerns. Avery Dennison, one of the leading pressure-sensitive label suppliers worldwide, has licensed the process to the Gallus Group (St. Gallen, Switzerland), which will pursue commercial opportunities.

Avery’s ThinStream represents one of the biggest and most significant advances in die-cutting in decades, according to the two parties. In operation, ThinStream separates the face stock from the linear before die-cutting, cuts the label shape through the adhesive and then reassembles the label. In order to make the necessary “clean cut,” the machine uses an innovative cold die unit, which is kept below freezing to prevent the adhesive sticking to the die. With conventional “kiss-cutting”below 23 microns, it should be noted, the die can cut through the liner and cause operational and quality problems during converting and dispensing.

“Creating breakthrough products by engaging with label converters, machine manufacturers, designers, brand owners, and raw materials suppliers is the core of our strategy,” commented Don Nolan, Group VP, Label and Packaging Materials for Avery Dennison. “We wanted to combine our extensive material manufacturing expertise with technologies that further enhance label performance while also reducing liner waste and providing environmental and cost benefits. ThinStream is proof that collaboration across key industry disciplines places Avery Dennison and our partners at the center of a whole new wave of innovations in the label and packaging industry.”

Avery Dennison’s ThinStream Die-Cutting Technology

Code Corner

Jesta I.S. (New York), which supplies its enterprise business solutions for retailers, manufacturers, and distributors in the apparel, footwear, and specialty industries worldwide, has launched its Vision Mobile Platform. This latest offering augments Jesta I.S.’s Vision Suite and engages three distinct user groups. Vision Mobile-Marketing allows consumers to browse retailer product catalogues, create gift registries and wish-lists, publish product feedback via social media, and ultimately submit product order requests for fulfillment via integrated online portals. Vision Mobile-Operations delivers improved productivity in both stores and head offices for retailers and increases field productivity for wholesalers and brand manufacturers by enabling support for field-service transactions and orders in real-time. Vision Mobile-Commerce offers contactless payment and checkout functionality, permitting retailers to provide mobile POS capability, thereby improving customer satisfaction and conversion rates. “Vision Mobile addresses the fast-growing, mobile-dependent consumer and business landscape, and empowers our clients’ business associates and their end-customers with targeted ‘point-of-activity’ solutions,” remarked Moris Chemtov, President of Jesta I.S.

INTEGRATION

Dose of RFID/NFC for Casio DT-X8

Casio America (Dover, NJ) has extended its popular DT-X8 handheld terminal with RFID and NFC capability. This read/write antenna is integrated in parallel with laser scanner or two-dimensional imager and communicates with RFID tags (ISO 15693, Tag-it, and My-D) and NFC cards (ISO 14443 A/B, FeliCa, and MiFare) in the HF band (13.56 MHz). It adds only one-sixth of an ounce to the DT-X8’s overall weight of 10 ounces.

“It is remarkable that such high functionality and extreme durability can be achieved with no restriction in the basic device and without the need to attach an additional RFID housing component,” remarked Thomas Uppenkamp, Head of the Mobile Industrial Solutions Division at Casio Europe GmbH, which first introduced the device. “Our Japanese engineers have developed and integrated this tiny RFID module that uses little energy and enables the handheld terminal with RFID plus laser scanner to be operated for 25 hours, and the handheld terminal with RFID plus CMOS imager to be operated for 20 hours.”

Introduced early in 2011, the DT-X8 has been configured with an ergonomic, balanced housing for everyday use in warehouse and industrial environments. Now the RFID/NFC capability opens up new possibilities in ticketing, access control, and even payments. In addition to its curved device head for easy reading, the DT-X8 features three non-slip trigger buttons to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed users. Power derives from the DT-X8’s PXA320 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM/256 MB ROM, and Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0.

Lightweight Casio DT-X8 Handheld Terminal

Smart-Phone Sled Ride

KoamTac, Inc. (Princeton, NJ) has introduced its KDC400 suite of barcode and MSR sleds for smart-phones and PDAs. This new series allows enterprises to add such critical capabilities to their mobile workers’ handset of choice across industries such as transportation, field service, retail, and healthcare, according to the vendor. KDC400 supports both one and two-dimensional scanning as well as triple and dual-headed MSR, with Bluetooth V2.1+EDR, and Lithium-Ion battery with charging capacity for the host device.

“Traditional industrial PDAs rely on old operating systems and seem unable to catch up with the latest mobile evolutions such as Google Android, RIM BlackBerry, Apple iPhone iOS, and even Microsoft Windows,” indicated Hanjin Lee, CEO and Founder of KoamTac, Inc. “Many users are very frustrated using expensive but slow traditional industrial PDAs at work, while enjoying inexpensive but fast smart-phones and pads in their personal daily lives. KDC400 supports virtually all major smart-phones and pads, thereby reducing support and maintenance issues for mixed estates of mobile devices. We are proud to offer this universal sled.”

Four models have been configured: KDC410 with one-dimensional barcoding; KDC415 with one-dimensional barcoding and MSR; KDC420 with two-dimensional imaging; KDC425 with two-dimensional imaging and MSR; and KDC430 with MSR. “Given its ultra-small-size and light weight, many customers attach the KDC unit to their body using our convenient retractable lanyard,” Lee added. “And our optional glove with built-in trigger button provides the most economical wearable barcode scanning configuration.”

Clip-On Scanning and MSR by KoamTac

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Casio America
Logic Controls
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

Barcode & Transaction Printers
CognitiveTPG
Datamax-O'Neil
TSC America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
WorldPay US

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Mobile Marketing & Loyalty
Sundrop Mobile

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

POS Stars at Film Festival

ShopKeep (New York), one of the upstarts promoting iPad-based POS, as well as underlying cloud computing, recently placed its novel solution at the 38th Annual Telluride Film Festival in Colorado. For this install, ShopKeep drew upon channel players such as Star Micronics (Edison, NJ) for receipt printing and Mercury Payment Systems (Durango, CO) for payment processing services. Notably, Star’s Ethernet TSP100LAN POS printer, paired with the ShopKeep App, carries an “Error Reporting Feature” which flashes lights if the network connection has been dropped, as well as high throughput of 22 receipts per minute. In addition to the festival’s box office, Mercury Payment Systems allowed credit card sales through encrypted reader on the iPad at nine concession stands associated with the venue.

“I’ve steered clear of conventional point-of-sale systems because of their complexity,” explained Muffy Deslaurier, Telluride Film Festival’s Director of Support Services. “Our event is four days, and we require an army of people to put it on. Because our staff arrives seconds before they go on duty, any system we employ needs to be two things: simple to use and smart. ShopKeep is that, and more.” Deslaurier contacted ShopKeep after seeing the system in action while visiting Vermont.

Hardware Configuration Utilizes iPad, Star Printer, and Mercury Payment Processing

Radar Love for Restaurants

Ctuit Software (Novato, CA) continues to heap its plate in business intelligence for hospitality. This week, the developer delivered its “Radar” platform to Hennessey’s Tavern, Inc., which has grown from one location in Hermosa Beach, California, into the diversified group with concept restaurants spread throughout Southern California and Las Vegas. Hennessey has reported several significant benefits from its new web-based store management system, including unified databases, deeper reporting and analysis, greater security, and improved operations overall.

“Once we identified our methodology and established our process for implementation, we deployed Ctuit Radar across all of our stores,” recounted Daniel Randa, IT Manager for Hennessey’s Tavern, Inc. “Ctuit exceeded our expectations. Not only can we receive valuable store information online, but we can also access information remotely and see it on our iPads.”

Last month, Ctuit also rolled out Radar to Diversifed Restaurant Holdings for its two dozen locations of Dave’s Legendary Burger Tavern and Buffalo Wild Wings in Michigan and Florida. “We are looking forward to growing with DRH as they expand into more outlets,” shared Rob D’Ambrosia, CEO/President of Ctuit Software, which was founded in 2000 and delivers its technology through SaaS. “The ability to access consolidated business intelligence is imperative for success in the restaurant business.”

Ctuit’s Radar “To Go” Mobile Reporting

Channel Factoid

More than 85% of retailers surveyed at the annual Shop.org Retail Summit in Boston by CashStar were concerned about the lack of personalization of gift cards. This survey also found that 44% of these retailers plan to offer e-gifting, or digital delivery, this holiday season. Significantly, by an almost 4:1 margin, respondents found this current lack of personalization to be the most significant barrier to success of mobile marketing programs. Of those retailers surveyed, 72% planned to increase their mobile marketing spend this year, with 6% hoping to boost it significantly. By comparison, merely 2% of respondents expected to decrease their mobile marketing spend. When it comes to e-marketing, mobile coupons were the most popular offering (64%), followed by location-based deals (44%). This holiday season, expect retailers to promote to the very last minute--42% intend to stop holiday campaigns only on the last day consumers can ship an item and have it arrive in time for Christmas, and fully 32% will continue their promotions all the way to Christmas Eve. “While gift cards have reached more than $100 billion in annual sales in the U.S., their growth is limited by the lack of personalization, as evidenced by this survey,” summarized David Stone, CEO of CashStar. “Additionally, as consumers increasingly turn to their smart-phones, retailers need to adapt and look at how gift cards and location-based deals can complement each other.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Cherry Picks Channel Leadership

ZF Electronics Corporation (Pleasant Prairie, WI) has named Mike McElhone as Distribution Sales and Marketing Manager for its Cherry family of switches, sensors, and computer input devices, including POS keyboards. McElhone brings more than 35 years of experience in electronic product distribution to the Cherry brand. In his new role, he will direct activities for both the company’s component distributors and value-added distributors and partners, RRN.Com was told.

Prior to ZF Electronics, McElhone served as Western Regional Sales Manager and St. Louis Branch Manager for Wes-Garde Components, overseeing daily branch operations for several locations in major cities. Previously, he held various executive positions at Lectronix Plus/Buse Industries, Schuster Electronics, and LCOMP, Inc. He replaces Tim Soulis, who has moved to Waldom Electronics, one of the master distributors that sell exclusively to other distributors.

“Mike comes to us bearing a wealth of distribution experience in the electronics component industry,” stated Jim St. Peter, Switch and Controls Sales Manager for ZF Electronics Corporation. “We’re excited to have Mike, and welcome him to our team. He has hit the ground running and his knowledge will help us to continue Cherry’s strong growth in the distribution channel.”

Mike McElhone, Distribution Sales and Marketing Manager, ZF Electronics Corporation

Kingsfield Sticks at NCR

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) has tapped Scott Kingsfield, formerly of Radiant Systems, as SVP and GM of NCR Retail. He will report to John Bruno, EVP. NCR, of course, purchased Radiant Systems earlier this summer, sending tremors throughout the POS channel. At Radiant, Kingsfield held the office of President of the Retail, Sports, and Entertainment Division.

“Scott’s broad knowledge of the retail industry, experience in bringing retail software and hosted solutions to market, and passion for building and sustaining customer relationships will be major contributors to the realization of our business goals,” noted Bruno. “Scott’s proven track record driving profitable growth through world-class indirect sales channels, while advancing an innovative portfolio of retail solutions, is the perfect complement to NCR’s core business and broad distribution.”

“The NCR Retail team is an incredibly strong and dedicated group that has delivered excellent results through the first half of the year,” Kingsfield said. “I look forward to the opportunity to lead this talented global team and to bring our customers an outstanding portfolio of solutions that help retailers differentiate themselves and attract today’s empowered and elusive consumer.” In the past 30 days, NCR has announced two contract wins. Tulsa Cash Register placed the NCR RealPOS 80XRT at 16 locations for the Warehouse Market supermarket chain in Oklahoma. Another reseller, Documentor POS, supplied the NCR RealPOS 25 for three Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen locations in Georgia franchised by Weilbaecher Enterprises.

Scott Kingsfield, SVP and GM, NCR Retail