Our Product Pick

Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA) has offered its new order- and pay-at-the-table solution for restaurants, dubbed "Tableside." It bundles the 10" Quest III tablet by Touch Dynamic (South Plainfield, NJ) with software for POS by Shift4's brands: Harbortouch, Restaurant Manager, POSitouch, and Future POS. With such mobility, wait-staff may serve more customers, turn tables faster, and provide better guest experiences, according to Shift4 Payments. In addition, Shift4 Payments offers its pay-at-the-table "SkyTab," which employs the A930 payment terminal by Pax Technology (Jacksonville, FL). "The efficiency benefits offered by mobility are undeniable," declared Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments. "When that functionality is delivered in a fully integrated package, such as Tableside, it can be truly transformational."

Tableside From Shift4 Payments

COMPANY BUSINESS

Bixolon Digs the Channel

A deeper channel effort at Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) with the drafting of Ann Klein as Senior North American Channel Business Manager - POS and Ryan Persaud as Senior North American Channel Business Manager - AIDC. As her background, Klein served as Distribution Channel Manager at APG Cash Drawer (2001 to 2019). As his background, Persaud served as North American Distribution and Channel Sales Manager at Printronix (2015 to 2019) and Market Development Executive for Zebra at Ingram Micro (2010 to 2015).

"I'm excited to join a global company with over 25 years of industry knowledge and expertise in thermal printing," stated Klein. "Accelerating our brand awareness within North America and providing solutions that address customer's pain points is a top commitment for me. Failure is not an option when my 'toolbox' is packed with an experienced group of professionals and an array of mobile, receipt, and label printer options. Let's roll!"

"As processes in the world rapidly digitize, the need for label printing continues to grow," stated Persaud. "Our continuous product innovation and streamlined manufacturing process has helped us to ink large enterprise customers, past and present. We look forward to leveraging that success to drive strong channel partner relationships and net new revenue streams for our business."

"We are pleased to have two industry-proven professionals join Bixolon," enthused Paul Kim, President of Bixolon America. "Ann and Ryan are new additions to an already strong sales team. We are confident that they will help accelerate our growth and customer success for many years to come. Our focus is to continue to meet the current and future needs of our customers by developing reliable and dependable products for all market segments."

Bixolon Adds Ann Klein and Ryan Persaud as Senior North American Channel Business Managers

Paytronix: Couch Potato

Paytronix Systems (Newton, MA), one of the notable guest experience management platforms, has purchased Open Dining (Beachwood, OH), provider of ordering and delivery for small-to-midsized restaurants (SMB). Going forward, Open Dining will be known as Paytronix Order & Delivery, alongside Loyalty, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), and Stored Value. Approximately 30,000 locations employ Paytronix.

"Both restaurant and convenience store brands will benefit from having a couch-to-couch solution that enables guests to order and receive items wherever they are, while giving brands the ability to own and nurture the guest relationship," relayed Andrew Robbins, President of Paytronix. "This single platform will make it easier for small teams to create and manage programs that boost both near-term and long-term transaction volumes. A key part of our success is listening to the voice of the customers, who have been urging us to provide an ordering solution that leverages Paytronix's AI-driven guest intelligence."

"These are two perfectly complementary products," suggested Tim Ridgely, CEO and Founder of Open Dining. "From the beginning, I could easily see how the two platforms would work seamlessly together. Our entire team is delighted to be on the Paytronix growth trajectory, with its leading guest engagement platform, smart team, and best-of-breed technology." One and the other, Paytronix and Open Dining run partner programs, offer APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), white-labeling, and have relationships with major players in POS. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

View of Ordering Platform for Merchants

Worth Your While

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 16-17
Paradise Island, Bahamas

Pack Expo
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)
September 23-25
Las Vegas, NV

NACS Show
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 2-4
Atlanta, GA

NRF 2020 Vision
National Retail Federation
January 12-14, 2020
New York, NY

Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 26-20, 2020
Nassau, Bahamas

NGA Show
National Grocers Association
February 23-26, 2020
San Diego, CA

Modex
Material Handling Industry (MHI)
March 9-12, 2020
Atlanta, GA

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)
April 28-30, 2020
Las Vegas, NV

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19, 2020
Chicago, IL

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Socket Dials 800

Socket Mobile (Newark, CA) has unwrapped its new handheld barcode scanner, the DuraScan 800 Series. A Model D800 scans 1D barcodes, an omnidirectional Model D840 scans 1D/2D barcodes, and an omnidirectional Model D860 scans 1D/2D barcodes and DotCode, OCR, and ID Cards. In pocket-size for use with smartphones or tablets, they measure approximately 0.5 in. thick and weigh 2.5 oz.

As features, the DuraScan 800 has Bluetooth, Apple Mi-Fi Certification, user feedback (audible, visual, and vibration), and 16-hour battery. An elastomeric rubber case (with integrated connectors for dual charging) ensures durability. An SDK (Software Development Kit) is offered by Socket Mobile, along with single- and six-bay charging docks. As MSRP, Socket Mobile cites $339 (D800), $459 (D840), and $586 (D860).

"Our customers have taught us that the more mobile they are, the more likely those users will drop their devices during the working day. Based on this feedback, we knew it was imperative to create a more robust version of our very popular S800 Series attachable scanners," remarked Vanessa Lindsay, Senior Product Manager with Socket Mobile. "The D800 Series retains the small size while providing the protection and freedom users need for uninterrupted productivity and charging flexibility."

Socket Mobile's DuraScan 800 Series

Cognex Packs 3-D

Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA) has unboxed its Model 3D-A1000 Smart Camera for package dimensioning. In compact size of 5.5 in. (L) x 2.9 in. (W) x 1.8 in. (H), weighing 17 oz., the 3D-A1000 employs 2D and 3D imagers, in combination with LEDs, in order to track fast-moving and complex packages in distribution, warehousing, and airport baggage handling. It has measurement accuracy of greater than 5 mm/0.2 in.

Unlike competitive technology, claimed Cognex, the 3D-A1000 handles very-high-speed processes, uneven transitions, curved conveyances, and colorful target surfaces. Additionally, it outputs precise data and accurate measurements and detects overpacked or out-of-gauge items. It furnishes two fixed inputs and two fixed outputs, with Gigabit Ethernet, support for Industrial Protocols, and an IP-65 rating.

"Online consumer buying trends are driving new automation improvements in today's logistics processes. [So] facilities are looking to machine vision to meet complex quality, throughput, and traceability demands," noted Carl Gerst, SVP at Cognex. "The 3D-A1000 Dimensioning System provides the performance and flexibility necessary to improve operational efficiencies, with simple integration." Arriving with factory pre-calibration, it may be installed in 15 minutes using an intuitive set-up wizard, according to Cognex Corporation.

Cognex Corporation's 3D-A1000 Smart Camera

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ALLIANCES

BlueStar Powers Up

A handy addition to the line-card at BlueStar (Hebron, KY), in the form of Newcastle Systems (Haverhill, MA). A manufacturer of mobile workstations and power systems, Newcastle will complement the wide range of Auto ID and POS offered by BlueStar. Its products include carts (entry-level EC Series, mid-range NB Series, and heavy-duty PC Series), the PowerSwap Nucleus Lithium Power System, and two portables-- entry-level PowerPack Ultra and heavy-duty PowerPack Mega.

"As a value-added distributor, our goal is to provide customers with the most comprehensive solutions and services available in the channel," expounded Mike Byington, VP of Business Development at BlueStar. "Newcastle Systems' products, services, and support will aid our customers in their ability to expand their businesses. We look forward to our new partnership with Newcastle Systems and driving those new partner opportunities."

"This is a great opportunity for Newcastle, BlueStar, and BlueStar's Partner Network," enthused Derek Coppinger, VP of Newcastle Systems. "Our mobile power solutions make a significant impact to our customers' productivity. Distributing our products with BlueStar's current offerings and extensive network will ensure customers have access to some of the industry's leading solutions in today's highly competitive market." A call for resellers appears on the website of Newcastle.

BlueStar Distributes Mobile Workstations, Power Systems, and Accessories by Newcastle

Annexation at POS Nation

In another example of industry consolidation, VAR POS Nation (Charlotte, NC) has snapped up ISO TransPay Merchant Services (Carmel, IN). Established in 2001, POS Nation resells Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express by pcAmerica/Heartland POS (Falls Church, VA) and Salon Iris by DaySmart Software (Ann Arbor, MI). It has 7,500 customers in the U.S.

"We're going to start integrating TransPay's customers into our operations," reported Cort Ouzts, Director at POS Nation. "I think this transaction will benefit customers of TransPay as much as anyone--as they'll gain access to our 24/7 help-desk and in-house account executives. A 'win-win,' as TransPay Merchant Services' business model aligns directly with our goals for the restaurant industry."

"Our team is eager to utilize their expertise and improve our level of support for both small and multi-location businesses," continued Ouzts. "TransPay's knowledge of payment processing for restaurants is extremely beneficial and will help us expand support for customers in this industry. Its local presence will also allow us to expand our presence throughout the Midwest U.S." Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

POS Nation Buys TransPay Merchant Services

Code Corner

Loftware (Portsmouth, NH) has released the latest version of its flagship enterprise label printing software, designated Loftware Spectrum 4.0. As an important enhancement, it optimizes printing from mobile devices, including iOS, Android, and Windows, whether from the factory floor, warehouse, or in the field. In addition, its new Graphical User Interface (GUI), via HTML, improves navigation, with new colors and styles, and leverages Loftware's "DaVinci" to introduce label comparison for speedier design and easier review/approval. With DaVinci, end-users can toggle to select, compare, and proof label templates directly during the design process. As before, Spectrum's Application Architecture allows end-users and their supply chain partners to print labels on demand, track print job status, or perform other necessary functions. Citing the company's end-to-end digital platform, Josh Roffman, VP of Product Management for Loftware, pledged: "With this new release, we extend our leadership by offering the next level of user experience along with innovative capabilities that only Loftware can provide."

Loftware Spectrum 4.0

INTEGRATION

A Complete Compeat

Compeat (Austin, TX), one of the prominent providers in accounting, back-office, and workforce management, has now launched its automation solution for paying bills on the part of restaurant owners, entitled Compeat Pay. It encompasses the forms of check, ACH, and virtual credit card. As the vehicle for pre-approved, one-time use, the virtual credit card, or VCC, also boosts security, according to Compeat.

"Compeat Pay is the first step to making my life manageable," shared Dean Johnson, Controller of F Street Hospitality (Milwaukee, WI). "With five locations, we were spending too much time processing and paying invoices. Compeat Pay has saved my accounting team multiple hours per week in time. As if that is not enough, we are on track to earn substantial rebates on our payment volume."

"Compeat Pay is a game changer for restaurant operators," proclaimed Jeff Stone, CEO of Compeat. "It's a risk-free way to save hours per week and reduce costs of check processing while enhancing payment security for our customers with no set-up implementation or recurring monthly fees for our Qualified Advantage customers." As VP of Payments, Compeat has engaged Clint Blaylock, former VP of ACH Services at Priority Payment Systems (2014 to 2019).

Automated Payment of Bills Via Compeat Pay

Of Omnivore & Ordermark

A growing restaurant delivery service, Ordermark (Los Angeles, CA), will partner with Omnivore (Hayward, CA). As known by many readers of RRN, Omnivore, established in 2014, offers its "Universal" API (Application Programming Interface) for POS. It has developed relationships with many leading players, such as Agilysys-InfoGenesis, Heartland POS, Lavu, Lightspeed, Maitre'D, NCR-Aloha, Oracle-Micros, ParTech-Brink, POSitouch, Squirrel, and Toast. As part of its hardware, Ordermark has the OmniLink TM-T88V-i "intelligent" receipt printer from Epson America (Long Beach, CA).

"Restaurants trust Ordermark to provide the most reliable third-party online ordering service aggregation available via its independent tablet and printer solution. However, restaurants have asked Ordermark to offer integration with the POS," revealed Alex Canter, CEO and Co-Founder at Ordermark. "We've worked with Omnivore for over a year to be sure that we could integrate their point-of-sale systems to our platform and tablet, while ensuring the highest levels of data quality, system reliability, and customer service that restaurants have come to expect from Ordermark."

"Omnivore's newly released Menu Management System (MMS) will not only provide the necessary integration for order injection into the POS, but also provides Ordermark one source of truth for the restaurant's digital menu," emphasized Mike Wior, CEO and Founder of Omnivore. "And it keeps the restaurant brand in full control of their e-commerce operation. We're thrilled to have Ordermark as a partner in the Omnivore Marketplace." In July, Ordermark raised funding of $18 million.

Ordermark Turns to Omnivore for Integration Between Its Food Delivery Service and POS Systems

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
CRS, Inc.
Electronic Payments
Equinox
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Protech Technologies
Toshiba
WooPOS

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Equinox
EVO Payments/Sterling
Ingenico

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Seiko Instruments
Star Micronics

Video Surveillance
Envysion

INSTALLATIONS

A Flock of Zebras

Zebra (Lincolnshire, IL) has supplied its TC56/TC57 mobile computers for 3PL leader, Cardinal Logistics (Concord, NH). An ISV in the Zebra PartnerConnect Program, Cardinal Logistics has ordered 4,000 devices for its truck drivers, in order to more effectively perform inspections, manage logs, and finalize proof-of-delivery (POD). All workflow has been consolidated. A Zebra PartnerConnect Premier Solutions Provider, VAR Supply Chain Services (Oakland, MN), led the deployment.

"The purpose-built, Android-based Zebra TC56/TC57 Series touch computers are ideal for our fleet," related Clay Holmes, CIO at Cardinal Logistics. "The consumer devices on the market do not fit our logistics environment because of restrictions on applications, system update challenges, and lack of security. A mobility plan by Zebra expands our capability outside the four walls of the warehouse and into the truck. We now use a single device for everything our drivers do, and it helps us, and our customers, save money."

"The demands of third-party logistics (3PL) companies are higher than ever as compliance remains complex, and customers expect service and information instantly," contributed Chris Kelly, VP and GM of North American Sales for Zebra. "Zebra delivers the performance edge that enterprises like Cardinal Logistics require to stay competitive by digitizing their operations into an intelligent, connected supply chain." Weighing 8.8 oz., in dimensions of 6.1 in. (L) x 2.9 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D), the TC56/TC57 runs Android 8 (Oreo) with Zebra's Mobility DNA.

Cardinal Logistics Deploys Zebra's TC56/TC57 Mobile Computers

Givex Takes the Field

Givex (Toronto, ON, Canada) has rolled out its technology for the Winnipeg Football Club's 33,000-seat IG Field. It includes 166 terminals and 27 handheld tablets, under Givex Vexilor, across the stadium's concessions, corporate suits, and VIP Lounge. It also includes Givex's stored-value technology, called Uptix.

"To date, the success has been two-fold," testified Wade Miller, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Football Club. "By introducing these technologies into the stadium, we've been able to process orders faster at concessions along with being able to provide pre-loaded ticket offers for our fans. After several successful games with Givex, we're really pleased to expand the use of their solutions."

"We're excited to be partnering with the Winnipeg Football Club to implement some of our most popular technologies into this major Canadian stadium," commented Don Gray, CEO at Givex. "We've seen how integrated technology systems have improved fan satisfaction and improved the bottom line for both teams and stadiums in other markets and are excited to bring this tech to IG Field." At Givex, Bruce Henderson serves as VP of VAR Services.

Canadian Football Club Adopts Givex POS

HighJump Hatches E-Commerce

A farm-to-table online grocer, Good Eggs (San Francisco, CA), has turned to supply chain technology by HighJump Software (Minneapolis, MN). With same-day delivery, Good Eggs provides fresh produce, meal kits, everyday staples, and wine, beer, and spirits in the Bay Area. As an element of delivery, there's cold storage. For implementation, it has called upon VAR Alpine Supply Chain Solutions (St. Charles, IL).

"HighJump's Warehouse Management System (WMS) uniquely allows Good Eggs to adjust the system around specific processes--by product, by customer, and beyond," confirmed Michael Wohlwend, Managing Principal at Alpine Supply Chain Solutions. "This guarantees the adaptability to meet today's requirements, while seamlessly scaling with the rapid growth trajectory of online grocery." According to market research by Nielson, in as few as five to seven years, 70% of consumers will be grocery shopping online, leading to an estimated $100 billion in 2024.

"Online grocery is about more than delivering products--it's about creating experiences," proposed Bill Ryan, COO of North America at HighJump. "Whether it's a multichannel chain or niche, HighJump allows grocers and the vendors they represent to be true to their brands--fulfilling online food orders how and when needed, at the quality, consistency, and delivery options consumers expect." In addition to WMS, HighJump offers Omnichannel Retail, Direct Store Delivery (DSD), and Transportation/Logistics.

Online Grocer Good Eggs Picks HighJump WMS

Channel Factoid

-50% of Americans say they will change their shopping habits if impending tariffs on trade goods are implemented

-60% plan to adjust the kind of retailers they frequent

-44% plan to cut down on shopping

-29% are stocking up on goods now

-25% will switch to goods "Made in America"

-Only 34% of Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2010) are aware of tariffs, compared to 74% of Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964)

-Of the 60% of consumers aware of impending tariffs, nearly 40% report having already seen prices increasing on store shelves

-38% of shoppers expect their household costs to increase up to $500, and 30% expect an increase of over $1,000 from tariffs

Source: Survey of Consumers by Shopkick, Conducted in June 2019

A Change in Shopping Behavior?

A Message From the Editor

As we enjoy another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, and business models. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

HELLO GOODBYE

Angela's Strategy

First American Payment Systems (Ft. Worth, TX) has enlisted Angela Carranza as its new Manager of Strategic Partnerships. She brings experience as ISO Director for Clarus Merchant Services (2017 to 2018), ISO Channel Business Development Executive for Clearent (2016 to 2017), ISO Channel Business Development Executive for Worldpay (2014 to 2016), and Sales Executive for Priority Payment Systems (2009 to 2014). She has served on WNET (Women's Network in Electronic Transactions) and WIT (Women in Technology).

"Sweeping changes in the market have left many VARs, ISVs, and ISOs feeling disillusioned," observed Carranza. "Delivering the products, business management services, and customer support that these VARs, ISVs, and ISOs require has never been more important. First American is nimble, putting it in a position to be uniquely responsive to these changes. I am thrilled to be a part of what we are building." She will be based in that hot-bed of payment processing, Atlanta, GA.

Angela Carranza, Manager of Strategic Partnerships, First American Payment Systems

RSPA Tallies the Votes

At its recent RetailNOW Show in San Antonio, TX, the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) welcomed its new Chair Elect: David Gosman, Global Hospitality Segment Manager at HP (Houston, TX). In 2020, he will succeed RSPA Chairperson Chelsey Paulson of North Country Business Products (Bemidji, MN). A trio has joined the Board of Directors: Michael Tash, VP of Customer Relations and Founder at Essential Systems Solutions (Frederick, MD); Murray Bartholome, President and Owner of Midwest POS Solutions (Anderson, IN); and Suzanne Davis, Associate VP of Business Development at Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA).

"My primary focus is to ensure our RSPA leadership team has the tools, direction, and connections they need to successfully advance the goals of the association and its members," indicated Gosman. "In addition to that, I'd like to help organize an effort that identifies the technology companies powering future experiences in retail stores and restaurants, teaches them the merits of working through an educated reseller channel, and recruits them to actively participate in our events and association. Another goal of mine is to further foster ties as a community via group participation in meaningful, charitable activities."

In San Antonio, RSPA also announced the winners of its 2019 Vendor of Excellence Awards (as voted by members). Here's winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze for each category. Electronic Payments/Financing: Shift4 Payments, Datacap Systems, Worldpay. Hardware & Software: CRS, Inc., POSBANK USA and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (tie), Oracle Food & Beverage. Hardware Manufacturer: Touch Dynamic, Epson America, CAS Corporation. ISV/Software: Future POS, NCC, Avero. Technology Distributor: M-S Cash Drawer, BlueStar, Metropolitan Sales. Reseller Support Services: Card Marketing Systems, Vanguard ID Systems, Tigerpaw Software. A surprise or two?

David Gosman, Global Hospitality Segment Manager at HP, Named Chair Elect of Retail Solutions Providers Association

[Editor's Note: RSPA's RetailNOW Show for 2020 will take place in Las Vegas, NV on August 2 to 5, 2020.]

Looking Chipper at Handheld

Handheld Group (Corvallis, WA) has hired Chip Jones as its new Regional Sales Manager for the Central U.S. and Canada. A supplier of rugged mobile computers, tablets, and handhelds, based in Sweden, Handheld Group focuses on industrial vertical markets such as logistics, public transportation, utilities, construction, and forestry/mining. Jones has served as Operations Manager/East Coast for third-party logistics (3PL) provider Kenco Group (2018 to 2019) and Regional Sales Manager for railroad technology VAR Buckeye Mountain (2012 to 2018).

"Chip has partnered with dozens of clients to develop technology solutions for field work applications," reflected Jim Rimay, U.S. President of Handheld. "His rich experience, business knowledge, and creativity will make him a valuable resource for our customers in the Central U.S. and Canada, and we eagerly welcome him to the team at Handheld." In February, Handheld debuted its ultra-rugged phablet, the Nautiz X6. With 6" capacitive touch display, it runs Android 8 (Oreo) with Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU, 4-GB/32-GB RAM & Storage, and NEO-M8N GPS, Google GMS, and 4G LTE.

Chip Jones, Regional Sales Manager, Central U.S. and Canada, Handheld Group