This Week’s Product Pick

TSC Auto ID Technology America (Pomona, CA) has unveiled its Alpha-4L portable label printer with four-inch-wide format. Special features include 5800-mAh large capacity battery for extended operation, expanded memory (16 MB Flash, 32 MB DRAM), Bluetooth and 802.11b/g/n wireless communications, and large paper roll capacity of 67 mm (2.6 inches). With print speed of four inch/second (102 mm/second) at 203 dpi, Alpha-4L ships with EPL2, ZPL, and CPCL command language emulations. An optional environmental case extends IP-54 ratings against water and dust as well as 1.8 m (6 ft.) drop resistance, with an easy-loading center-based media cabinet, an optional LCD menu display, and user-friendly transparent media cover for easy printer access. "Alpha-4L can handle both linerless and liner-backed materials over the wide variety of portable labeling solutions," remarked David Lundeen, VP of Sales and Marketing for TSC Auto ID Technology America.

TSC America's Alpha-4L

COMPANY BUSINESS

Nino, and J2, Hits ScanSource

ScanSource POS & Barcode (Greenville, SC) has added J2 Retail Systems to its line card. Based in the U.K., with offices in Irvine, California, J2 Retail supplies PC-based touchscreens and POS. This new, non-exclusive agreement covers the U.S., and does not include products from Aures, the French firm which recently acquired J2 Retail Systems. In separate discussions, RRN.Com has been told that J2 Retail and Aures will keep their activities apart, in light of their respective brand strengths in different markets.

"For many years, our success in the U.S. has come from engaging directly with enterprise clients and from working with our network of partners," relayed Moray Boyd, Co-Founder and Managing Director of J2 Retail Systems. "We are now in a period of significant expansion and by assigning ScanSource as our distributor we are opening a major additional channel to this market." Added Paul Constantine, President of POS & Barcode for North America at ScanSource, "We have watched with great interest as J2 have grown their business in the U.S. Their products are a nice complement to our existing manufacturer relationships and we believe our reseller partners will find value in their solutions as they look to enter new vertical markets or expand their current market penetration."

ScanSource will first offer the J2 225, dubbed Nino, according to the two parties. Launched in 2012, this All-in-One POS features compact size, 14-inch resistive or projected capacitive touchscreen, Intel Atom Dual Core D2550 at 1.8 GHz, 2 GB DDR3, and varying bezel colors. "In the hospitality, retail, and leisure markets, we're very much aware that space equates to cost," stated Boyd. "We designed the J2 225/Nino with a unique swing-arm base that results in a very small footprint, making it particularly attractive to users."

J2 225, or Nino, From J2 Retail Systems, Now Distributed by ScanSource

New Tack for VeriFone

VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA) will try once more to bring Mobile POS to the SMB. Having earlier trimmed its SAIL effort, the payment processor has now christened GlobalBay Merchant, which extends its established enterprise payment solution, GlobalBay, to the tablet format. Currently available for iOS, this new offering has been tailored to the needs of small businesses and has been shaped for distribution through its channel partners, according to VeriFone.

Fittingly, GlobalBay Merchant enables resellers and acquirers to create their own pricing schedules, including flat monthly, discount rate, or per-click fees. VeriFone will help merchants source needed peripherals through recommended vendor partners such as Star Micronics for receipt printers, APG for cash drawers, and Socket Mobile for barcode scanners--as well as its own VeriFone PAYware Mobile card-swipe accessory. Also, GlobalBay Merchant rides atop VeriFone's support infrastructure, including the 24/7 help-desk and automated on-boarding processes.

More than one dozen partners representing more than 500,000 merchants have already signed up for GlobalBay Merchant, reportedly, including EVO Payments International (Melville, NY). "GlobalBay Merchant combines everything merchants need in a POS software platform for tablets, with back-office support and the security and reliability of a trusted partner," suggested Jeff Rosenblatt, President of EVO. "The ability to easily integrate GlobalBay Merchant with other VeriFone devices creates an easy path for migration and expansion as merchants grow their businesses and adapt to consumer expectations for mobile wallet acceptance and value-added services at the point of sale."

VeriFone GlobalBay Merchant for the SMB

Worth Your While

Pack Expo 2013
Packaging Manufacturers Machinery Institute
September 23-25
Las Vegas

NACS Show 2013
Association of Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 12-15
Atlanta

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

An Impact in the Kitchen

SNBC, handled primarily by CRS, Inc. (St. Paul, MN) and Ready Distribution (Beaverton, OR) for the U.S., has shipped its BTP-M300 impact printer, its successor to the M280B. Measuring 6.25 in. (W) x 6 in. (H) x 9.5 in. (L), and weighing 9 lbs., BTP-M300 delivers print speed of 4.7 lines per second. "Such plain paper impact printers are preferred for kitchen printing in hospitality POS," indicated Bruce Mann, VP of Marketing for CRS, Inc.

A new paper "pull" reduces paper jams, according to the manufacturer, along with further improvements in the print mechanism. Additional highlights include best-in-class auto-cutter reliability rating, built-in power supply for clutter-free installation, and Energy Star certification. As well, BTP-M300 has "drop-and-print" paper loading with roll width selector, wall-mount capability, and optional audio-visual print messenger. An adjustable paper near-end sensor helps end-users.

Significantly, resellers may choose models with either USB or Ethernet on-board. Additional interface options include Parallel, Serial, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. As with all SNBC printers, cables, power cord, ribbon, starter paper, and documentation comes in the box without charge. An SDK supports iOS and Android, and three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty has been extended.

SNBC BTP-M300 Impact Printer

[Editor's Note: Shandong New Beiyang Information Technology Co., for those curious.]

Little Bluetooth Buddy

Opticon USA (Renton, WA) has stocked its OPN3002i companion scanner for portable computers, smartphones, and tablets running iOS, Android, Windows, or BlackBerry. With keychain or pocket size of 3.8 in. (L) x 1.4 in. (W) x 0.8 in. (H), weighing 2 oz., OPN3002i carries an advanced two-dimensional CMOS imager scan engine for common retail barcodes and more sophisticated symbologies such as QR, PDF-417, or Data Matrix. It supports Apple MFi, Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), Serial Port Profile (SPP), and Human Interface Device (HID) for Bluetooth.

Described as "ready to go" out of the box, with set-up through simple scanning of programming barcode, OPN3002i holds over 20,000 scans should batch mode be required. Indicators include visual LEDs, audible buzzer, and physical vibration, with volume and strength adjustable in the latter two cases. A USB-rechargeable, high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery extends shift lifetime, and the unit, which comes in white trimmed with chrome, carries comprehensive two-year warranty.

"Even though it features one of the industry's most technically advanced imager scan engines, the OPN3002i comes at a very affordable price point that enables any business to integrate barcode scanning into mobile applications," according to literature from Opticon. One of the company's resellers, POS Guys, has noted that OPN3002i has one other interesting feature. When used in HID, which enables scanning into any active text box, an accompanying iPhone typically hides its on-screen keyboard until the connection has been broken. "This is difficult if you're doing inventory management and want to add notes such as quantity or condition," writes the blogger at POS Guys. "Thankfully, hitting the secondary function button on the OPN3002i will bring the keyboard back up, a great addition to the scanner."

Opticon Companion Scanner, OPN3002i

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 August 26

Week of August 12

Week of August 5

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Acolytes for Isis

Isis (New York), the mobile commerce joint venture created by AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless, based on the promise of NFC, has drawn more hardware and software believers. New partners integrating Isis SmartTap capabilities into product lines include ID TECH, On Track Innovations (OTI), PAX Technology, Uniform Industrial Corporation (UIC), and XAC Automation Corporation. They join previous partners such Equinox Payments, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Ingenico, VeriFone, and Wayne/GE Energy.

"NFC is the international standard for mobile payments," emphasized Jim Stapleton, Chief Sales Officer at Isis. "The proliferation of SmartTap capabilities at the point of sale takes mobile payments one step further, providing rich commerce features that offer an effortless consumer experience and drive engagement and loyalty in a way previously not possible. By providing 'Isis Ready' solutions, POS, payment terminal, and reader providers can deliver innovative technologies that will benefit merchants for years to come."

Awaiting national rollout later this year, Isis hopes to capitalize on the NFC capability found on most new smartphones. When supported in an NFC reader or payment terminal, the SmartTap protocol enables Isis Mobile Wallet users to pay, present loyalty cards, and redeem offers on one transaction. If things go as planned, the Isis Mobile Commerce Platform will be available to all merchants, banks, payment networks, and mobile carriers at some point. Isis showed interest in our channel, incidentally, by exhibiting at the recent Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in Las Vegas.

More Vendor Support for NFC-Based Mobile Commerce Scheme

Thermal Ticket to Ride

POS Supply Solutions (Danvers, MA) has expanded its family of movie theater/special event ticket rolls. Offered in both stock and custom versions, with varying paper grades, printing styles, and security features, these paper rolls are manufactured in the U.S. and work with printers from major vendors such as Epson America, Star Micronics, Citizen Systems America, Bixolon America, Boca Systems, and Practical Automation, among others. A four-color web process and spot color printing allows individual design for customers.

Along with the custom rolls, POS Supply has two thermal ticket products in stock. These include 3-1/8" wide heavyweight with green stripe and side vertical perforation along with 3-1/8" wide heavyweight with center vertical perforation. Both are offered in 160 ft. lengths, at lower cost than custom, and have an image life of at least 10 years.

"Customers who are unsure of what thermal ticket rolls they need can call our product specialist for a free consultation," volunteered Stephen Enfield, President of POS Supply Solutions. "Theater POS thermal printers have many different variables on the paper rolls including width, diameter, core size, wind, and paper grade to name a few. We work with our customer to make sure they get the correct paper roll the first time." Founded in 2000, POS Supply Solutions ships from three warehouses regionally located across the U.S.

Thermal Ticket Rolls by POS Supply

Code Corner

GiftLogic (Englewood, FL) has added time-keeping capability to its eponymous software, GiftLogic POS. With integration to QuickBooks Pro, as well as POS, GiftLogic's Time Clock includes notable features such as employee appointment scheduler, overtime calculator, and multiple clock-in and clock-out times for the same day per employee. For example, if an employee needs to leave for personal reasons and then returns, GiftLogic's Time Clock can handle the extra clock-in and clock-out session. Employees clock in and out using personal ID number or optional biometric fingerprint reader. GiftLogic Time Clock records the clock-in and clock-out times and generates individual time sheets. In addition to access to reporting for single employees, an entire team, or given time period, authorized administrators may enter and view comments on employee records. A one-time purchase with no monthly fees or contracts, each Time Clock license is valid for a single location with no limits on the number of employees or registers, according to the spokesperson for GiftLogic, which also has added e-receipt functionality to its POS.

INTEGRATION

Mobile POS in Stock at Costco

E-Nabler Corporation (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) has teamed up with Cherry (Pleasant Prairie, WI) to create an out-of-the-box mobile POS solution for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch that will be offered to Costco business and executive members via the big box retailer's website. This bundle pairs e-Nabler's eMobilePOS app with Cherry's iTransigo POS sled, which furnishes credit card reader, receipt printer, and barcode scanner. Two versions will be offered, RRN.Com has learned: one for basic sales transactions at $1,199, and another with two-dimensional scanner and plug-ins to popular accounting packages for $1,699. A 12-month software license has been included.

"A POS system is no longer a complex and costly investment," proposed Joel Vazquez, President of e-Nabler. "Our eMobilePOS makes it affordable for small businesses and you can be up and running in minutes. Costco gives us the opportunity to have a huge footprint in terms of reaching customers and equipping them with a true business-grade mobile POS system." Costco serves over eight million business and executive members, to be precise.

Introduced in August 2012, Cherry's iTransigo (for "Transact and Go") measures 8.1 in. (L) x 5.2 in. (W) x 3.7 in. (H) with RS-232 communication port, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, and buttons and indicator lights for power, scanning, and paper feed. It delivers direct thermal printing of text and graphics at 3.15 inch/second (80 mm/second) at 203 dpi and two-inch paper width. Clamshell design facilitates paper loading for the printer, and the overall package has been ergonomically constructed for ease of use. In addition to Costco, iTransigo goes to market through the partner ecosystem for Cherry.

Cherry's iTransigo POS Sled

WOFF, WOFF Go Barcodes

ConnectCode, marketed by Barcode Resource, has released Version 10 of its Barcode Software and Fonts, which leverages the Web Open Font Format (WOFF) for the cloud. WOFF employs compression to ensure efficient distribution of commonly used retail and industrial symbologies over the web without installation in the O/S, as many RRN.Com readers may know. This format has been recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium as well as browser houses and type foundries.

ConnectCode's software package for cloud developers also includes Open Type (OTF) and Embedded Open Type (EOT) barcode fonts for legacy browser support. This ensures the barcodes are compatible across different browsers such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and on mobile browsers such as those running on iOS, Android, and Windows. Barcodes generated with WOFF have been tested vigorously by scanning on both the display of mobile devices and printed output from the browser's default print engine, according to the developer.

Moreover, this software package offers flexibility to developers by providing JavaScript/jQuery and .NET Dynamic Library Links (DLL's) for barcode generation. Use of JavaScript/jQuery ensures that the solution is cross cloud platform compatible, while the .NET DLL allows the Windows Azure Cloud developer the flexibility to generate barcodes in the Web Role or Worker Role. These barcodes also come in True Type (TTF) and Postscript (Binary and ASCII) formats, obviously, as well as compatibility with platforms such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, Crystal Reports, and SQL Server Reporting Services.

ConnectCode Version 10 Supports Web Open Font Format

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
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
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Ingenico
Motorola Solutions

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Brother Mobile, On Serve

Brother Mobile Solutions (Broomfield, CO) has supplied its PocketJet 6 mobile thermal printer for use in the field by Hobart Service Contractors. Based in Tennessee, Hobart encompasses 60 independent service organizations in support of cooking, cooling, and cleaning equipment for the foodservice and food retail industries. Used in conjunction with ServTrac by Amtech Computer Services (Jacksonville Beach, FL), as well as ruggedized notebook computers, PocketJet 6 produces on-site, on-demand work orders, requisitioning of parts, repair records, and customer receipts.

"The Hobart independent contractors wanted a truck-mounted mobile printer in full-page format, with clear, legible printing so their documents would have a professional look and feel," recounted Dennis Starr, President of Amtech. "With the PocketJet 6, we use perforated thermal paper on a compact roll from Brother. It tears off the roll easily and stays flat with no curl-up around the edges. Best of all, there are no inks, toners, or ribbons to deal with and the print quality remains sharp and consistent."

"Like many of our customers, the Hobart independent technicians were pleased to learn that printing clean, professional, wide-format documents in extreme environments is achievable," observed Raul Palacios, Senior Product Manager at Brother Mobile Solutions. "But what continues to surprise them is how simple the printers are to deploy, use, and maintain in their field environment." In this series, Brother offers three models--PocketJet 6, PocketJet 6 Plus, and PocketJet 673 (for Apple iPad and iPhone)--with six pages per minute print speed, 200 or 300 dpi resolution, Ni-MH or Li-Ion batteries, and ascending networking capabilities.

Field Service PocketJet 6 Mobile Printer

Epicor Gets Brewing

Epicor Software Corporation (Dublin, CA) has deployed its Epicor Tropos enterprise resource planning (ERP) for LaRue Coffee Roasterie (Omaha, NE). A "full scope" of this system has been successfully implemented at the factory, complete with handheld terminals and touchscreens optimized for such process manufacturing. The company also has selected Epicor as its partner for subsequent phases, which will see Epicor Tropos deployed for distribution warehouses and an equipment manufacturing facility.

"We're already realizing the benefits of an integrated system and real-time data collection on our shop floor," reported Travis O'Gorman, VP for Roasting Operations for LaRue Coffee Roasterie. "Since implementing Epicor Tropos, our monthly manufacturing productivity has increased by 15%, and the system has helped us to significantly reduce our monthly raw material inventory discrepancies. In addition, we've won new accounts due to our ability to provide instant materials traceability, from the grower to the finished product. This new system will have an even greater impact as we move into the next phases of integration with our sister companies."

"LaRue Coffee Roasterie's successful implementation of Epicor Tropos demonstrates that using an ERP system developed specifically for your industry is one of the most important steps your company can take to rapidly drive performance, meet industry regulatory requirements, create efficiencies, and achieve measurable results," proclaimed Tom Muth, Senior Manager, Product Marketing for Epicor. Just last month, Epicor hired Noel Goggin, formerly of RedPrairie, as its SVP and GM for the Retail Solutions Business. Goggin will focus on point of sale, merchandising solutions, customer relationship management, and cross channel execution.

ERP for LaRue Coffee Roasterie

Channel Factoid

Now we hear from the consumer, 51% of whom, apparently, believe the cash register's days are numbered. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of I Love Velvet, the "Consumer Mobile Point-of-Sale (MPOS) Attitudes Report" finds that 35% of respondents would shop at specific locations more often if they were able to check out anywhere on the store floor. At present, consumers feel most comfortable using MPOS technologies in retail settings (26%), followed by the food/beverage industry (14%), and airlines/car rental companies (10%). While MPOS solutions are gaining traction, consumers still feel uneducated about how they work, however. Although one in five consumers polled had allowed at least one retailer to check them out via MPOS, almost as many (15%) still avoid using such technology. Security remains the major stumbling block, with fully 88% of consumers harboring doubts about the retailers' ability to protect their personal payment information--in fact, just 12% of consumers said they "completely trust" retailers to do so. A majority (62%) confirmed their reluctance to use services like Square or LevelUp if they do not ensure the same levels of security as the traditional cash register. "Providing customers with proactive educational information via dedicated e-mails, on the retailer's website, as well as at the checkout, will help raise consumer confidence in this area," suggested Pascale Juan, COO of I Love Velvet, an upstart in MPOS reportedly named for the velvet chair in the VIP room of one high-end jeweler.

HELLO GOODBYE

A Butler for R&D

Micros Systems (Columbia, MD) has engaged Russell Butler as its SVP of Global Research & Development. An accomplished executive, Butler brings more than 20 years of experience in engineering processes and management of large efforts in R&D. In his new role, he will be responsible for the company's development teams worldwide, spanning the vertical markets of retail and hospitality as well as e-commerce.

Most recently, Butler served with IBM as VP of Messaging and Collaboration. He also held several executive positions in that company's data integration and master data management product families. Previous employers have included Ascential Software, Mercator, and AT&T. He joined IBM in 2005 with IBM's purchase of Ascential Software.

"We are very excited that Mr. Butler is joining the Micros team," commented Peter Altabef, CEO/President of Micros. "Mr. Butler's experience in application and enterprise software, along with his successful track record in a variety of settings from start-ups to the largest software businesses, will ensure product innovation and delivery excellence at Micros." In his statement, Butler noted, "I am very impressed with the history of Micros innovation and its leadership position in the hospitality and retail industries, and I look forward to working with the talented group of Micros developers around the world."

Russell Butler, SVP of Global Research & Development, Micros

Haley's Comet at ParTech

ParTech, Inc. (New Hartford, NY), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation, has appointed Christopher Haley as its SVP of Engineering - Software Development. In addition to his responsibility for software, Haley will provide technical direction and support for the company's product management process. All engineering, architecture, and quality teams for restaurant and retail technology fall under his supervision.

Haley joins PAR from The CBORD Group, where he was VP of Product Development. In this role, he reportedly implemented new software development practices and launched new products using the SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) model. Prior to CBORD, Haley held roles in consulting and development at Unisys Corporation and Digital Equipment/Compaq. A Six Sigma Black Belt, he also has received certification as Project Management Professional.

"As PAR continues to build on its leadership in restaurant technology, with an emphasis on delivering tangible enterprise solutions, new talent and thought leadership will help us challenge traditional thinking in the restaurant/retail space," remarked Karen Sammon, President of ParTech. "Chris Haley's past experiences as a software developer, systems architect, consultant, and leader make him a great choice as our new head of engineering and development in the restaurant division. We look forward to having him on our senior management team." Before recently rejoining PAR, Sammon served as SVP of Operations for The CBORD Group.

Karen Sammon, President, ParTech

[Editor's Note: With apologies to the real "Halley's" Comet.]