Our Product Pick

TSC America (Pomona, CA) has unwrapped its new TC Series of 4" desktop thermal label printers, consisting of the TC200/TC210 (203-dpi) and TC300/TC310 (300-dpi). With print speed of 6 inch/150 mm per second, the TC200/TC210 addresses point-of-sale labeling, product marking, and small office; with print speed of 4 inch/100 mm per second, the TC300/TC310 addresses two-dimensional barcodes, fine text, and complex graphics. As standard features, the TC210 and TC310 have 32-bit CPU, 64-MB RAM, 128-MB Flash, and 64-GB SD Card, as well as 2.3" color display with six navigation buttons. As standard features, the TC200 and TC300 have 8-MB RAM, 4-MB Flash, and 4-GB SD Card, as well as three-color LED display. An expected combination of interfaces are offered: USB, Serial, Parallel, and Ethernet. Also, double-wall clamshell design, adjustable black-mark sensor, 5" OD media bay, and TSC's "out-of-the-box" TSPL-EZ Firmware.

TSC's TC210 Desktop Label Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

A La Carte With POS-X

In an example of enlightened self-interest, POS-X (Bellingham, WA) has launched an expanded menu of offerings for VARs and ISVs. Dubbed "POS-X Services," and first revealed at the VIP Partner Conference in August, this new program encompasses four entwined functions: hardware, rollout assistance, merchant services, and white label support. "We look at ourselves as a service company which happens to manufacture great hardware," Nick Melnyk, VP of Services and Support for POS-X, told RRN.Com. To that end, he describes this effort as "not hugely revenue-generating for us. It's here to help our customers build their business."

As a la carte, resellers of the company's hardware may choose to participate in rollout assistance, merchant services, or white label support. In terms of rollout, "we can help manage staging, deployment, installation, training, and after sales support," explained Melnyk. It spans both plug-and-play and custom packages, including different warranties. "A lot of VARs have limited resources, and simply can't handle buys of 50 POS," indicated Melnyk. "We can take busy work off their schedule."

As part of POS-X Services, POS-X makes its first foray into the area of payment processing. Here, it intends to leverage its aggregate purchasing power to deliver improved residuals for VARs through WorldPay (Atlanta, GA). Acting almost as an ISO, POS-X handles the billing. In areas of rollout assistance and white label support, any resell billing of the customer goes through the VAR. "All fairly new stuff for us," summarized Melnyk. Going forward, he expects more certification of ISVs.

Nick Melnyk, VP of Services and Support, POS-X

Ship-Shape at Electronic Payments

A growth spurt for Electronic Payments, one of the payment processors specifically targeting our channel of POS VARs and ISVs. In order to increase its shipping capability, Electronic Payments has acquired real estate at 3725 Middle Country Road in its home town of Calverton, New York (on Long Island). Currently in architectural review, in advance of renovations, this 4,600-sq.-ft. facility will increase by four times the firm's deployment and provisioning space.

"As our POS initiatives have taken off, we've eclipsed the current space we have for storage and rapidly expanded the deployment team," relayed Michael Nardy, CEO. "We couldn't have found a better place for more space and later shipping times, especially being across the street from the FedEx hub in Calverton." As one driver of growth, Electronic Payments cited its Clover Replacement Program for First Data.

As part of this consolidation, Electronic Payments will expand its current New York and Florida offices, which also contained space previously dedicated to packaging and shipping. "Strategically, Florida will require larger space than New York, but we are well positioned to increase our head count beyond the 80 it sits at today and will have ample space to grow in both states," continued Nardy. "In line with our corporate strategy, we continue to look for real estate opportunities that have the benefit of accommodating our expanding merchant base and staff."

Corporate Headquarters of Electronic Payments on Long Island

Worth Your While

Pack Expo
PMMI
September 28-30
Las Vegas

NACS Show
Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 11-14
Las Vegas

Money 20/20
i2i Events
October 25-28
Las Vegas

IAAPA Expo 2015
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 16-20
Orlando

NRF's Big Show - Annual Conference
National Retail Federation
January 17-20, 2016
New York City

ALL IN THE FAMILY

XG3 Gets Glasses

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has unveiled its XG3-ER (for "Extended Range") mobile computer incorporating the Intermec EX25 Near/Far Two-Dimensional Imager. A new addition to the XG3 family, the XG3-ER allows reading of one- and two-dimensional barcodes, omni-directionally, from 6 inches out to approximately 50 feet. Aimed at manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing, it provides motion-tolerant scanning when lighting conditions are dim or barcodes are damaged, obscured, or located on high shelving.

"The extended-range XG3-ER combines all the winning features found in Janam's recently introduced XG3 gun-shaped mobile computer with the industry's only auto-focusing imaging technology that can also read near and far field," declared Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies. "As end-users focus on enhancing supply chain efficiencies and lowering costs, the XG3-ER delivers the latest technological advancements needed to help businesses of any size." Its read range is 30% greater than competitive scanners, according to Lerner.

Measuring 7.4 in. (H) x 3.1 in. (W) x 8.3 in. (L), and weighing 21.7 oz., the XG3-ER carries an ARM Cortex-A8 CPU at 1 GHz, 512-MB RAM/1-GB ROM, 3.5" VGA TFT display, and 5200-mAh hot-swappable Li-Ion battery. It supports Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, with 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, and USB 2.0. Featuring the vendor's ergonomic, balanced design, the XG3-ER has an IP-65 rating for water and dust and withstands multiple 6 ft./1.8 m drops to concrete on all sides.

Extended-Range XG3-ER Mobile Computer From Janam Technologies

Docking Rights at Touch Dynamic

Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ) has configured an enhanced base for its Quest POS Tablet, allowing fixed-based checkout, peripheral connectivity, and simultaneous charging. Accommodating both 7" and 10" versions of Quest, this "Premium Dock" provides key locking, 4 x USB 2.0, Serial, and Ethernet. A "Premium Dock Plus" adds standard VGA. Suitable for small countertops, it measures approximately 8 in. (W) x 6 in. (D) x 7 in. (H), and weighs 3 lbs., putting the total system weight with the Quest Tablet at 5 lbs. It carries an MSRP of $232.

As technical specifications, the Quest Tablet, introduced at the start of the year, has an Intel Quad Core Bay Trail-T CPU at 1.8 GHz, 2-GB RAM, 32-GB SSD, and Windows 8.1. As standard features, it delivers projected capacitive touchscreen, integrated magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), five-megapixel camera, and eight-hour battery life. Options include two-dimensional barcode scanner and smart card reader. As communications, it provides Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n, and NFC. It conforms to an IP-54 rating for water and dust and 4 ft./1.2 m drop specification.

A five-bay charger for associated batteries has also been stocked by Touch Dynamic. "We're committed to taking partner feedback seriously and providing product enhancements that improve productivity, convenience, and aesthetics," stressed Craig Paritz, President. At the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in August, RRN.Com was told that Touch Dynamic will expand its facilities near Portland, OR, due to growing demand for its POS. It falls under industry veteran Toby Jensen.

Premium Charging Dock for the Quest POS Tablet From Touch Dynamic

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ALLIANCES

An Empire of Cash Drawers (by APG)

An aggressive move for APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN), which now encompasses Cash Bases Group Ltd. (Newhaven, East Sussex, England). This merger, for which APG "wrote the check," brings together two of the market leaders in this sector. Operations will be based at APG in Minneapolis, under the supervision of Mark Olson, CEO/President. Philip Stone serves as Managing Director of Cash Bases.

"We share a common heritage; we both have over 30 years of cash drawer experience and have deep seeded roots in our respective territories," commented Olson. "This merger strategically positions us to serve our customers on a global scale and allows us to continue to execute on our long term vision of being the recognized leader in the cash drawer marketplace. The technologies of the two companies are very complimentary and bring an even greater choice to customers." Both firms carry ISO-9000.

In his remarks, Olson emphasized expansion of APG mass customization capabilities in Europe, and, in particular, Cash Bases' "SMARTtill" cash management technology, which will be brought to the U.S. Using weighable coin and note departments, each time the SMARTtill drawer is closed the cash value (by denomination and total), plus transaction details (transaction number, cashier, date, and time), are electronically reported to the SMARTtill Manager. A full line of traditional cash drawers are also offered by Cash Bases, which has field offices in Paris, Madrid, and Dusseldorf.

Mark Olson, CEO/President of APG Cash Drawer, Now Merged With Cash Bases Group Ltd. in the U.K.

A Wide, Wide World of EMV, Via Apriva

Apriva (Scottsdale, AZ) will deliver white label mobile payment solutions with EMV to Global Payments' U.S. customers. Its advanced platform, AprivaPay Plus, will allow shoppers to make purchases via their iOS or Android smartphones (of particular importance to the SMB, according to the two parties). With EMV and MSR, AprivaPay Plus includes cloud-based inventory, multi-user capability, enhanced reporting features for merchants via an online web companion portal, support for the latest devices and operating systems, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

"Our society is increasingly dependent on mobile technologies, and payments are no exception," observed Stacey Finley Tappin, SVP of North America Sales and Marketing Communications at Apriva. "By working with companies like Global Payments, we are bringing EMV to the wider market, enabling merchants to securely serve their customer base no matter what payment methods they prefer." Noted Frank Young, SVP of Global Product and Innovation at Global Payments (Atlanta, GA), "AprivaPay Plus complements our existing suite of mobile solutions."

Elsewhere, Apriva has partnered with Amano McGann (Roseville, MN), the leading provider of parking automation in North America. Under this agreement, Apriva will enable integration of its EMV-ready Apriva Gateway into Amano McGann's network of attended and unattended parking systems at 5,000 facilities. Comprised of two groups, Point-of-Sale (POS) and Information Security Systems (ISS), Apriva offers hardware, software, network infrastructure, and management tools. Its Integration Services Program addresses ISVs.

A New Partnership Between Apriva and Global Payments Brings EMV to the SMB

Code Corner

Jump Technologies (Eagan, MN) has released its new inventory software package for hospitals, entitled "InnerTrack." Supply chain management in healthcare is fraught with manual, disconnected processes, according to this ISV. In the cloud, InnerTrack provides automation and smart workflow to the receiving and internal delivery function, significantly reducing staff time and improving visibility and documentation (including signature capture). A simple user interface begins capturing data, upon scanning, at the loading dock. Since packages typically arrive without the final destination designated on the outside shipping label, InnerTrack ties to major delivery carriers, including UPS and FedEx, to match the P.O. At any point during the process--at the receiving dock, during routing, or at the end-user--shipment contents may be followed. "Jump Tech is focused on automating healthcare supply chain processes to reduce costs and drive greater efficiencies for hospitals and health systems," exclaimed John Freund, CEO of Jump Technologies. "Solutions that are cost prohibitive or take years to implement can't change the game fast enough."

INTEGRATION

Seeing Little Green Men at e-Nabler, Partner Tech

A certification of hardware from Partner Tech (Irvine, CA) by e-Nabler Corporation (Fort Lauderdale, FL), software developer of eMobilePOS, addresses the need for turnkey Android POS. Specifically, e-Nabler has tested and approved three platforms from Partner Tech: the 7" EM-70 Tablet, 10" EM-100 Tablet, and new All-in-One PAT-100 Terminal. All three devices can be paired with Chip-and-PIN readers for EMV payments, as well as other necessary peripherals for POS certified by e-Nabler Corporation.

"We see a growing demand for Android-based POS, and by working with Partner Tech, we have enhanced our selection of high-quality Android POS devices for both mobile and more traditional countertop checkouts," reported Joel Vazquez, President at E-Nabler Corporation. "Thanks to our partnership, we can offer a turnkey next-generation POS for Android with enterprise-class functionality and security--at a fraction of the cost of legacy solutions." In addition to Android, of course, eMobilePOS, as well as Partner Tech, address both iOS and Windows.

"We are very excited about the synergies that exist between eMobilePOS and Partner Tech," affirmed Sandra Hsia, President at Partner Tech. "The eMobilePOS software complements our mobile and stand-alone POS terminals, and customers can be confident that they get a reliable and cutting edge solution at a very good value." A number of vertical segments were cited for this eMobilePOS/Partner Tech Android POS, including specialty retail, merchandising kiosks, pop-up stores, quick-service restaurants, coffee shops, cafeterias, bakeries, frozen yogurt sellers, and concession stands.

EM-70 POS Tablet Configuration by Partner Tech

Your B1 Shot of Payment Processing

Merchant service provider Century Business Solutions (Irvine, CA) has tied its payment processing to another major system for enterprise resource planning (ERP). An existing roster of QuickBooks, Sage, and Microsoft Dynamics now includes SAP Business One, which has 47,000 end-users, primarily in the SMB. Integration takes place with Century's eBizCharge for SAP Business One module, enabling easy acceptance and monitoring of credit card payments within the software.

Century's proprietary payment gateway, eBizCharge, includes reporting and searching tools for reconciliation and auditing. As well, the new eBizCharge for SAP Business One will achieve lower base costs on business-to-business credit cards and government purchasing cards--invaluable for SAP Business One clients, according to Century Business Solutions. In order to protect customer credit card data, tokenization is employed.

"This is designed to open more businesses to the idea of accepting credit card payments inside SAP B1," elaborated Scott King, VP of Sales at Century Business Solutions. "That way, they not only broaden their client bases, but they see just how easy a credit card processing module can make their cash flow management." Offered at no cost, with accompanying commitment to payment processing, eBizCharge has complimentary support and maintenance.

Century Business Solutions Adds Payment Processing to SAP Business One

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bematech
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
PowaPOS
TEAMSable

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Honeywell Scanning

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
iPayment Inc.
Mercury/Vantiv
Moneris
Shift4

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp
PrehKeyTec

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

INSTALLATIONS

Every Kiss Begins With TSYS

TSYS (Columbus, GA) has been designated as preferred payment provider by jewelry store ISV, The Edge (Shelton, CT). One of the leaders in its vertical segment, The Edge supports more than 3,000 independent jewelry merchants in the U.S. Built on Microsoft's .NET, The Edge supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, The Edge.

"Our relationship with TSYS Merchant Solutions is designed to help our customers who may need assistance with EMV or PCI-DSS or who want to adopt any of the latest mobile wallet payment options in the market today," offered Joe Shapiro, Co-Founder of The Edge. "TSYS offers our store owners insights to handle card and other consumer payments, plus the peace of mind associated with their reliable, secure processing network." On its website, The Edge quotes $4,600 for single-store single workstations and $5700 for single-store triple workstations. Add 10% for Microsoft SQL Server Version.

"We are delighted to help protect The Edge customers when handling consumer payments," remarked Tom Boyer, President of TSYS Merchant Solutions. "With the pace of change in the payments landscape, we are providing solutions that secure our clients' operations, help them meet their ever-changing customer demands, and help them grow and prosper." TSYS has indicated some interest in POS VARs.

TSYS Chosen for Jewelry Store ISV, The Edge

Sparkfly's Mongrel Hordes

HuHot Mongolian Grills has completed its system-wide rollout of its HuHot Rewards, leveraging the transaction data capture and promotion-tracking capabilities of Sparkfly (Missoula, MT). This new program enables the restaurant's 57 locations, mainly in the Mid-Western U.S., to deliver digital promotions based on purchase behavior. At present, Sparkfly ties to more than 20 suppliers of POS Software, including Aloha/NCR, Oracle Micros, and POSitouch.

"Thanks to Sparkfly, we now have a single platform for loyalty and customer relationship management (CRM) data," heralded Stephanie Krause, VP of Marketing for HuHot. "In addition, the digital promotion capability improves operational efficiency at the restaurant level because guests can easily redeem offers from their mobile phones with single-use codes. Managers no longer need to approve paper coupons."

In this effort, for every dozen adult meals purchased, guests get one free, amongst other rewards and offers via e-mail. "A great example of how powerful it is to bridge the usual gap between digital marketing programs and in-store transaction data," according to Catherine Tabor, CEO of Sparkfly. "It works in two directions--the transaction data we capture drives smarter marketing programs, while our promotion tracking offers a clear view of how campaigns are performing." Other recent contract wins for Sparkfly: Baja Fresh Mexican Grill and Hooters.

Sparkfly's Loyalty Program for Mongolian Grill Restaurant Chain, HuHot

Channel Factoid

A significant majority of IT professionals (68%) feel forced to adopt so-called "smart devices" for the Internet of Things (Iot) despite perceived security risks, according to Tripwire. An even greater number of respondents to this survey (87%) said their organization has policies that put restrictions on employees connecting smart tools to their corporate network; however 62% of respondents admit they've already connected such unauthorized personal devices. When purchasing new smart devices, 73% of respondents said their primary concern was functionality, not security. Over one-quarter of the respondents (27%) already own between five and ten smart devices (excluding smartphones and laptops). "Employees often feel that connecting these devices via USB to charge them isn't a problem," warned Ken Westin, Security Analyst for Tripwire. "I've heard stories about security alerts generated when employees plug their smartphones into point-of-sale devices, a practice which can easily introduce additional risk. This is really an education problem--employees need a better understanding of the risks involved and IT teams need to provide reasonable options so employees can remain productive without increasing security risks to the organization."

HELLO GOODBYE

Pioneering Out West

Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA) has engaged Kevin Collins for its Channel Sales/Western Region. With three decades of experience in POS and the channel, Collins was part of the group that founded CAM Data Systems (later CAM Commerce Solutions) in 1984. After 13 years with CAM, he moved into sales roles at Western Micro, Equinox Systems, and ScanSource. For the last five years, he has worked with technology distributor, Avnet.

"I've been around the block a couple of times in this business, and I'm back again," shared Collins. "Looking forward to rekindling old relationships, and making many new ones, in my new role with Pioneer." Added Michael Flores, Director of Business Development for Pioneer POS: "We are excited to have Kevin on-board. His experience and relationships in the channel will be a key factor and a great addition to our company and our continued growth."

In June, Pioneer POS started shipping its new Cyprus All-in-One POS. It carries 15" zero-bezel resistive or projected capacitive touchscreen. It runs fourth-generation Intel Core (Haswell) CPUs--Pentium at 2.6 GHz, i3 at 2.4 GHz, i5 at 2.7 GHz, and i7 at 3.3 GHz--with 2-GB RAM and up to 8-GB SSD or HDD and support for Windows POSReady 7, Windows 7 Pro, Windows 8.1, or Linux. As connectivity, there's an Intel Gigabit Network, 4 x Serial RS-232, 3 x USB 3.0, 3 x USB 2.0, and HDMI. Additional features include Wi-Fi, magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), biometric fingerprint reader, customer display (2x20 or 10" LCD), barcode scanner, and, for encryption, Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

Kevin Collins, Channel Sales/Western Region, Pioneer POS

ScanSource, South of the Border

ScanSource (Greenville, SC) has announced its new management structure for POS and Barcode in Latin America. First, Alex Conde has been named President, with responsibility across Mexico, Latin America, and Brazil. He joined ScanSource in 2011 when it purchased CDC Brasil, the POS and Auto ID distributor for which he was President/Founder. He subsequently served as President of ScanSource Brazil.

In addition, Marcelo Hirsch has been named VP of Sales, covering Mexico, Latin America, and Brazil. He also manages vendor relationships in Brazil. Hirsch previously served as Executive Director of Sales for ScanSource Brazil. He also joined ScanSource through its acquisition of CDC Brasil, where he was Director and Shareholder.

Finally, Yvette McKenzie has been named VP of Merchandising for Mexico and Latin America. Prior to her new role, she led the sales and merchandising teams of ScanSource POS and Barcode in Mexico and Latin America. McKenzie has been with ScanSource for more than 15 years, having served as VP of Merchandising for ScanSource POS and Barcode in the U.S. and ScanSource Communications in the U.S.

"We are very proud of the leadership and experience that Alex, Marcelo, and Yvette bring to the Latin America market," contributed Buck Baker, President of Worldwide Barcode and Security for ScanSource. "Their wealth of knowledge of the industry, the channel, and our business will enable us to continue to provide the highest level of service and support to our reseller and vendor partners."

New Management Roles for Alex Conde, Marcelo Hirsch, and Yvette McKenzie