Our Product Pick

Partner Tech USA (Irvine, CA) has introduced its new All-in-One POS Terminal, christened Audrey (A5). With widescreen 15.6" projected-capacitive touchscreen (1366x768 or 1920x1080 LCD/LED), Audrey features service-friendly fanless design. It offers up to 7th Generation Intel Skylake/Kaby Lake CPUs, 16-GB RAM, 64-GB eMMC, and Gen 3.0 SSD. A full suite of standard I/O's includes Serial x 2, LAN x 2, Cash Drawer x 1, and USB x 4. As O/S there's POSReady 7, Windows 10 IoT, and Linux. It measures 15.4 in. (W) x 12.7 in. (H) x 7.9 in. (D) and weighs 9.3 lbs. "A technology rich solution that offers industrial grade performance with a high-quality design will make a dramatic statement in the store," proposed Partner Tech.

Audrey by Partner Tech

COMPANY BUSINESS

An Engagement: Ingenico and Toshiba GCS

A collaboration between two powerhouses--in payments, Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA) and in POS, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Durham, NC)--bears watching. As part of this new effort, the popular SurePOS, ACE, and TCx POS from Toshiba GCS will be paired with the next-generation Telium Tetra Solution by Ingenico (and its Lane/7000 and Lane/8000 "Smart Terminals"). A consolidated solution, now under evaluation in customer labs of major retailers, will flow to market via the partner network of Toshiba GCS, RRN.Com was told.

An improved model in which solutions are supported and maintained throughout the entire customer lifecycle was cited as one of the key drivers in this partnership. "Not only do we want to offer our customers best-in-class choices when it comes to payment solutions, we want them to know we're committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation as consumer preference and technology evolve," expounded Steve Markham, SVP of Strategy and Portfolio at Toshiba GCS. Cited as immediate benefits of payments by Ingenico: certification to PCI PTS v5.x, universal acceptance (MSR, EMV, NFC), and eWIC/EBT.

Although this relationship is not exclusive, it foretells further synergy between Ingenico and Toshiba GCS. As likely areas of development, there's mobility, customer engagement, and even payment device management, RRN.Com was told. "In today's environment, you need partners willing to work together to make solutions successful in the long run," stressed Mark Bunney, Director of Go to Market Strategy at Ingenico Group, N.A. "I think this shows that level of engagement."

Alliance Includes Lane/8000 From Ingenico

Google Roughs It

A dedicated effort at Google, entitled the Android Enterprise Recommended Program, has now expanded into ruggedized devices. It was established earlier this year "to make it easier for organizations to select, deploy, and manage enterprise devices and services" using Android O/S. According to market research firm IDC, in 2019, Android will become the largest rugged O/S, growing at 23% CAGR.

In order to qualify for Android Enterprise Recommended, ruggedized devices are required to meet hardware specifications for Android 7.0: 1.1-GHz, 32-Bit CPU; 2-GB RAM; and 16-GB Storage. In addition, they need to deliver security updates of Android within 90 days of release from Google for at least five years, and need to offer bulk deployment via "zero-touch enrollment" by Android or by QR Code. Also, devices in the Android Enterprise Recommended Program must support at least one additional major O/S.

As "ruggedized," Google specifies an IP-64 rating for water and dust and MIL-STD-810G or IEC 62-2-32 drop testing (4 ft./1.2 m). As initial devices, it certifies the following: Models TC25, TC51, TC56, TC70x, and TC75x from Zebra (Lincolnshire, IL); Dolphin CT40, CT60, and CN80 from Honeywell (Fort Mill, SC); Memor 10 from Datalogic (Eugene, OR); Model XP8 from Sonim (San Mateo, CA); and Model PM45 from Point Mobile (Seoul, South Korea). All "meet defined technical specifications and extended lifecycle support requirements that customers expect for their deployments," in the words of David Still, Managing Director of the Android Enterprise Business at Google (Mountain View, CA).

An "Android Enterprise Recommended Program" for Ruggedized Devices at Google (Such as Honeywell's Dolphin CT40)

Worth Your While

LabelExpo Americas
Tarsus Group
September 25-27
Chicago, IL

NACS
National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)
October 7-10
Las Vegas, NV

Pack Expo
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)
October 14-17
Chicago, IL

NRF's Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 13-15, 2019
New York, NY

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
April 30-May 2, 2019
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bixolon Puts "E" in SRP-E770III

Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) has stocked its new 4" thermal desktop label printer, designated Model SRP-E770III. Cited as "economical," the SRP-E770III has compact footprint of 7.4 in. (W) x 8.7 in. (D) x 6.7 in. (H), with weight of 3.2 lbs. It features maximum print speed of 5 in./127 mm per second at 203 dpi for text, graphics, and one- and two-dimensional barcodes. It includes an easy-to-open cover, drop-in paper loading, and adjustable media width guide (with optional peeler).

As programming languages, the SRP-E770III supports SLCS, BPL-Z, and BLP-E. In order to detect printer commands, the SRP-E770III carries the company's "Smart Switch." As label design software, the SRP-E770III suggests free-of-charge Bixolon Label Artist, Bixolon Label Artist Mobile for iOS and Android, and Seagull Scientific's BarTender and BarTender Ultralite. Various mode set-ups via button are confirmed by visual LED.

With 64-MB RAM and 128-MB Flash, the SRP-E770III has standard USB and optional USB + Serial and USB + Ethernet. A set of Software Development Kits (SDKs) address iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. "Bixolon highly believes its customers have the right to choose a cost-effective solution boasting high reliability and basic functions," stated Alberto Hwang, GM of Bixolon America. "With our superior quality, comprehensive technical support, and full service, customers are enabled to easily integrate the printing solution into their application."

Bixolon America's Model SRP-E770III Label Printer

Janam Wields XG200

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has unveiled its newest rugged mobile computer, dubbed the XG200. In gun format, measuring 8 in. (L) x 3.1 in. (W) x 6.9 in. (H), weighing 20.7 oz., the XG200 features 4.3" capacitive touchscreen (480x800, WVGA, Gorilla Glass 3), 24-key numeric or 51-key alphanumeric keypad, and 3.6-V 6300-mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery. As performance, it has Qualcomm Quad-Core Snapdragon CPU at 1.2 GHz, 2-GB/16-GB Memory, and Android 7.

As data collection, the XG200 offers choice of two scanners--two-dimensional Honeywell N6603ER or near/far Honeywell EX25. As communications, there's Bluetooth 4 and full 802.11 Wi-Fi. As ruggedness, there's rating of IP-65 for water and dust, MIL-STD-810G for vibration, humidity, and extreme temperatures, and 5-ft./1.5-m drop resistance to concrete (with two-year warranty). Another benefit: Google Mobile Services (e.g., Google Play, Google Maps, Chrome).

"Several years ago, Janam revived the most sought-after ergonomic feature in the rugged, gun-shaped mobile computing market: the battery elegantly hidden within the handle for optimized handling and weight distribution," reflected Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies. "It is thrilling to build upon our successful, patented version of this feature and offer it once again in a rugged mobile computer that makes no compromise in terms of features and specifications. With battery capacity that is 57% greater than other devices in its class, the XG200 unleashes the power to boost mobile worker productivity substantially, ultimately increasing profitability for businesses." An early user: beauty supply distributor, Sullivan Beauty, in New England.

Janam's Model XG200 Android Mobile Computer

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ALLIANCES

NAB Crosses Homebase

North American Bancard (Troy, MI) has added employee management to its payment processing platform, with the help of Homebase (San Francisco, CA). Under this partnership, NAB has put a time-clock feature in its platform, PayAnywhere. In addition to recording hours worked, such integration with Homebase enables business owners to download timesheets for payroll, broadcast team communications, and access employee scheduling. It supports desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Such time-clock integration and basic timesheet management and scheduling capabilities through Homebase are provided for free to merchants with PayAnywhere. An option to upgrade delivers advanced features such as predictive scheduling, time clock with GPS, and reporting. "We're committed to crafting comprehensive solutions that help merchants manage and grow their businesses," commented Marc Gardner, President and CEO of North American Bancard. "Our partnership with Homebase for employee management is an important step in our becoming a one-stop shop, providing easy access to intuitive tools merchants need to succeed."

As the sixth largest non-bank acquirer, NAB addresses VARs and ISVs in POS. At the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in August in Las Vegas, NV, it announced its new ISV Partner Program promising two-week certification, revenue sharing, and an upfront $20,000. (At NAB, Patrick Ward serves as VP of ISV Sales.) At present, approximately 100,000 businesses have employee management by Homebase, while 350,000 employ payment processing by NAB.

North American Bancard Adds Time-Clock and Employee Management From Homebase

A Cup of Inventory for Toast

An emphasis on inventory for growing tablet-based provider of POS, Toast. An out-of-the-box integration to the online inventory management and ordering solution for food and beverage, from BevSpot, draws upon item-level sales data for tracking, decision-making, and record-keeping. It eliminates spreadsheets, uploads, or exports, according to the two firms, which are based in Boston, MA.

"Toast simplifies our operations by combining POS, front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest-facing technology on a single restaurant management platform," elaborated Heather Lynch, GM of the trendy Bar Mezzana in South Boston. "BevSpot's seamless integration through the Toast Application Programming Interface (API) Partner Program simplifies inventory management and will empower us to focus on delivering the best dining experience possible versus spending extra time reconciling back-end data." Supporting Android, Toast established its API Partner Program in 2016. It continues to attract third-parties.

In 2017, Toast was recognized as the third fastest-growing technology company in North America on the Deloitte Fast 500. In July, it raised another $115 million in funding, on top of an original $134 million. "Our investment in Toast reflects our belief in the firm's ability to become much larger over time," shared Henry Ellenbogen, Portfolio Manager at T. Rowe Price's New Horizons Fund. Its valuation has now been put at $1.4 billion. A "unicorn," hard to fathom, in POS? Seems rich.

BevSpot Joins Toast's API Partner Program

Code Corner

A new app, GlobalOnePay Mobile, seeks to bring EMV to the SMB. Available on iOS and Android from GlobalOnePay, part of Pivotal Payments (Plano, TX), it employs card readers from major vendors via audio jack or wirelessly via Bluetooth. It supports MSR, Chip-and-PIN EMV, and Chip-and-Sign EMV. An ability to e-mail or text receipts to cardholders adds convenience. As an extension of the company's proprietary gateway, GlobalOnePay Mobile enables the full range of payment and security features, including recurring and subscription billing, tokenization, transaction reporting, and virtual terminal capability. "We've created a unique mobile experience and look forward to introducing it to our merchants and partners who will benefit from a simplified, affordable payment solution," suggested Craig Ludwig, SVP and Head of Product for GlobalOnePay/Pivotal Payments.

GlobalOnePay Mobile

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

A Decade as Intrapreneur for Brother

A 10 Year Anniversary for Brother Mobile Solutions (Westminster, CO). At many times its original size, with more than 40 employees, Brother Mobile has achieved continuous growth over the decade in mobile printing and labeling solutions across key verticals such as retail, field service, public safety, beverage delivery, transportation, and healthcare. It has firmly established itself in the channel for for VARs/ISVs, too.

"Since our inception, our approach has been 'intrapreneurial'--an entrepreneurial company within a larger corporation with the mantra to propel innovation and growth," declared David Crist, President. "From the get-go, Brother expected us to serve as an example for developing, implementing, and scaling higher growth business strategies. We've taken our innovation mandate seriously, extending it not only to products and solutions but also to the way we market, take care of customers, and handle tech integration and support."

Ravi Panjwani, VP of Marketing and Product Management, noted that "the support and collaboration of our parent company, Brother Industries, Ltd., has allowed us to pursue a product roadmap that delivers the features and functionality today's mobile workforces really need. We're particularly proud of the industry awards and accolades that we've received as a result." In its portfolio, Brother Mobile now has its PocketJet, RuggedJet, MPrint, TD-2000, TD-4000, PT-P900, PT-P750, and P-Touch Edge.

David Crist, President, Brother Mobile Solutions

Accelerate With Paysafe

An effort by payment processor Paysafe (Houston, TX), entitled "Accelerated Funding," offers quickened settlements for the SMB. It extends "same" or "next day" settlements, in collaboration with two partners, Company.Com and Ingo Money (both based in Atlanta, GA). As such, it focuses on steady cash flow to cover daily costs--such as supplies, raw materials, inventory, and labor--for contractors, brick-and-mortar store owners, and restaurateurs, according to Paysafe.

In the case of so-called "Express Funding," merchants receive their available funds, via linked debit card, within hours, including on weekends and holidays, if the batch is closed by 6 PM EST. In "Same Day Funding," the batch must be closed by 8 AM EST, in order to receive funds that day. Lastly, in "Next Day Funding," by Paysafe, funds are available in the afternoon of the following business day after batch out by 11 PM EST ("at no additional fees or costs").

"By leveraging the power of same-day funding, SMBs will be able to integrate seamless cash flow solutions into their day-to-day operations to disburse funds as required and focus on improving their everyday efficiency and profitability," proclaimed Todd Linden, CEO of Payment Processing, North America, for Paysafe. As part of its push into North America, Paysafe (based in U.K.) has added the resources of iPayment (Westlake Village, CA). A new value proposition, "Plug into Paysafe," emphasizes its reach of payment processing, cash solutions, and POS.

Todd Linden, CEO of Payment Processing, North America, for Paysafe

Stuck-Up at Avery

Avery Products Corporation (Brea, CA) has unrolled its new industrial Surface Safe ID Labels. Intended for indoor use, and comprised of durable polyester material, Surface Safe ID Labels stick to, and remove cleanly from, metal, glass, plastic, and fiberglass. They provide superior barcode scanning, as well as water, chemical, and tear resistance, according to Avery Products Corporation, now part of CCL Industries.

"These new labels offer a great way for businesses and facilities to easily print custom labels that won't damage surfaces, and even better, they hold up to the wear and tear in warehouses, manufacturing floors, and offices," emphasized Tina Huff, Group Product Manager at Avery. "The adhesive used in our Surface Safe technology sticks really strong, but removes cleanly when you're ready to make changes. That means no more scraping and scrubbing off of old labels."

As with the company's Surface Safe Sign Labels, introduced earlier, Surface Safe ID Labels are offered through distributors, mass market stores, and e-commerce retailers. Avery provides free design-and-print software on its website. A lifespan of three years is cited for adhesive.

Surface Safe ID Labels by Avery

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
Electronic Payments
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Cayan
Paysafe
Sterling Payment

Keyboards & Mobile POS
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
SpacePole

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Fujitsu
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

At the Tables: DMC

A growing VAR, Dynamic Minds Consulting (Las Vegas, NV), has begun its latest rollout for the gaming industry at the Ocean Resort Casino on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in NJ. Occupying 20 acres, with 1,400 guest suites, this new casino has over 200 POS terminals across 34 revenue centers. It runs InfoGenesis by Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA), with processing and mobile POS by FreedomPay (Philadelphia, PA).

"We are honored to have been selected for delivery of all POS professional services for the new casino opening which includes our industry-leading ongoing configuration management services after the implementation has completed," remarked Mohammad Ashrafi, Founder and Principal Consultant at DMC. "The confidence demonstrated to complete this complex implementation and to maintain the databases after opening reaffirms our position as the only company capable of successfully implementing and supporting other providers' software. The engagement will once again confirm enterprise operators are not trapped with legacy software providers as their only option for expert professional services."

"Selecting DMC for every aspect of our POS implementation was not a difficult decision," relayed Frank Bonini, SVP of IT at Ocean Resort Casino. "Over the past ten years, I have witnessed first-hand DMC's growth from a small company to a leader in the enterprise POS professional services segment of hospitality technology. I knew they were capable of delivering a high-quality implementation with very little help from my already overworked IT team."

Dynamic Minds Consulting Handles POS at the New Ocean Resort Casino on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City

Paytronix Plucks Chicken Express

Paytronix Systems (Newton, MA) has deployed its gift card/loyalty platform for quick-service restaurant chain, Chicken Express. With 250 locations in TX, AR, LA, and OK, Chicken Express chose Paytronix for use in conjunction with its primary POS, Aloha by NCR (Atlanta, GA), as well as other franchisee POS. It encompasses in-store, mobile, and on-line.

A previous gift card system required separate terminals alongside the Church Express POS. "It was so difficult to use that many restaurants simply avoided dealing with gift cards altogether," recounted Ricky Stuart, Co-Owner of Chicken Express. "I can't guarantee what POS we will be using in five years, so we needed flexibility." He now describes franchisees as "eager to join the program."

In addition, Paytronix has partnered with Koupon Media (Dallas, TX). Addressing convenience stores, and "small-format" retail, Koupon has an extensive database of funded offers by makers of consumer packaged goods (CPG). It distributes promotions to customers via paid media, social media, digital signage, and SMS. "Combining Koupon's mobile offer capabilities and content with Paytronix's powerful loyalty engine has changed the game for our marketing efforts," testified James Meara, Senior Manager of Loyalty for c-store/fuel chain Thorntons (with 180 sites in FL, IL, IN, KY, OH, TN).

A New Gift Card/Loyalty Program

Channel Factoid

Jump in Jobs

-Employment in retail increased by 89,100 jobs in August, when compared to August 2017. (A seasonally adjusted drop of jobs, however, was experienced from July).

-Gains over July were enjoyed in sporting goods, up by 9,200; grocery and beverage stores, up by 3,500; and online, up by 2,800.

-Losses from July were suffered in clothing and accessories, down by 20,800; general merchandise, down by 3,100; building supplies and materials, down by 2,200; furniture and home furnishings, down by 2,000; and electronics and appliances, down by 1,400.

-Economy-wide, average hourly earnings in August were up 10 cents over July, and 77 cents over August 2017. At 2.9%, year-over-year, this is the largest increase in earnings since April 2009.

-"Consumers are continuing to drive the economy forward, but the developing trade war remains a threat to the progress we're seeing," observed Jack Kleinhenz, Chief Economist at the National Retail Federation.

Source: National Retail Federation (Washington, DC)

HELLO GOODBYE

He Shined at Star

An announcement of retirement, and well wishes, for Mike Alvaro, Channel Partner Manager for Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ):

"Star Micronics America is proud to recognize the achievements and efforts of long-time employee Mike Alvaro, and would like to congratulate him on his retirement," expressed Star. "With over 30 years of experience in the POS industry, Mike possesses invaluable experience in his field, which has helped Star Micronics maintain leadership in its target industries."

"Mike has spent the last seven years devoting his extensive industry knowledge and skills to helping to expand Star Micronics' brand and product recognition," continued Star. "He has been a key component of our success, and will be greatly missed. The team at Star Micronics America wishes Mike the best of luck in his retirement, and would like to thank him for his considerable contributions to the company."

Prior to joining Star Micronics America in 2011, Alvaro served as Distribution Channel Manager, North America, POS and Banking, for TransAct Technologies (2001 to 2011). Other positions in our industry include Sales and Marketing Manager at Sensible Business Systems (1999 to 2001), VP at Ultrasoft, Inc. (1990 to 1993), and Regional Manager at STCR Business Systems (1978 to 1990). Good luck, Mike!

Mike Alvaro, Channel Partner Manager, Star Micronics America, Retires

A Salty Seagull

Seagull Scientific (Bellevue, WA), maker of the popular barcode, label, and RFID software, BarTender, has enlisted Matthew Brine as its new VP of Sales. He joins the company from document solution provider IXD, Inc., where he served as CEO and Founder (2014 to 2018). Previous roles include VP and GM of Workflow Solutions at ProQuest (2013 to 2014), VP and GM for Captaris and EasyLink at OpenText (2000 to 2013), and SVP of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at HBS International (1997 to 2000).

"We're delighted to have Matthew Brine join our team," contributed Harold Boe, President and CEO of Seagull Scientific. "His strengths, particularly in go-to-market strategy, planning, and execution, will help position us for continued growth and success." Seagull delivers its products in more than 150 countries through resellers and distributors.

Matthew Brine, VP of Sales, Seagull Scientific

Greater Hand Holding

A trio of new executives has been engaged by rugged mobile computer manufacturer, Handheld U.S. (Corvallis, OR): Jeff Rogers, John O'Connor, and Erik Gradine. As Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Jeff Rogers joins from Getac, where he served as Director of Sales for Eastern U.S. (2015 to 2017). He also served as National Sales Manager at Panasonic (2002 to 2013).

As Strategic Account Manager, John O'Connor joins from Custom America, Inc., where he served as Sales Director for POS (2016 to 2018). He also served as National Account Manager at OKI Data (2007 to 2016). Finally, as Technical Program Manager, Erik Gradine joins from Trimble, where he served as Software Engineer and Program Manager (2000 to 2018).

"As Handheld grows, we continue to be impressed and humbled by the incredible group of candidates we see for new positions," exclaimed Jerker Hellstrom, CEO of the Handheld Group (Sweden). "We're excited to welcome Jeff, John, and Erik to Handheld--and very proud that the team we've built here draws not only such deep skillsets but also such top-quality people." As President and CEO of Handheld U.S., there's Jim Rimay, former President of North America at Getac (2007 to 2013).

New Hires at Handheld: Jeff Rogers, Eastern Regional Sales Manager; John O'Connor, Strategic Account Manager; and Erik Gradine, Technical Program Manager