Our Product Pick

Opticon (Renton, WA) has stocked its omnidirectional presentation scanner, assigned M-11. With support for one- and two-dimensional barcode reading, including mobile coupons and IDs (via CMOS), the M-11 suits retail, ticketing, and banking environments. In black color, it measures 4.9 in. (W) x 3.3 in. (H) x 1.9 in. (D), weighs 7.4 oz., and has 6.9-ft./2.1-m cable. With built-in speaker and two visual indicators, it carries an IP-42 rating and withstands 5-ft./1.5-m drops. As well as countertops, it may be embedded. "An impressive design, ease of use, and an excellent price/performance ratio makes the M-11 an ideal solution," expounded Opticon.

Opticon M-11 Scanner

COMPANY BUSINESS

Honeywell Goes GUI

Honeywell (Fort Mill, SC) has embraced terminal emulation (TE) for its mobile devices by StayLinked Corporation (Irvine, CA). Such network connectivity software will be offered as "Honeywell SmartTE," powered by StayLinked. In addition to its data sharing capacity, it supports fast scanning, customized keyboards, dynamic screen generation, screen design options, and kiosk-style device controls, according to Honeywell.

It will be pre-installed on Honeywell's Dolphin CN80 rugged mobile computer, without need of license. Additional devices by Honeywell, such as the Dolphin CT60 and Dolphin CT40, will be outfitted under license (with app download). All three models of Dolphin have been launched under Honeywell's Mobility Edge Platform, which sets common software and hardware architecture for Android O/S.

"Workers accustomed to the graphical user interfaces (GUI) on their smartphones are often challenged when using the traditional 'green screen' interfaces too commonly found in distribution centers," observed Taylor Smith, VP of Marketing for Honeywell Productivity Products. "This new collaboration with StayLinked, an industry leader in terminal emulation solutions, provides users with a more familiar interface, while offering our customers centralized software management and simplified mobile device deployment." A busy season for StayLinked, with new ties to additional hardware makers Cognex (Natick, MA) and Bluebird (Atlanta, GA and Seoul, South Korea).

Honeywell Adds Terminal Emulation by StayLinked

Shift4 Put in (e)Touch

A new strategic partner for payment processor Shift4, in the form of eTouchMenu. Launched in 2012, eTouchMenu furnishes ordering and payment solutions with tablets, self-service kiosks, and table-top devices (including First Data's Clover). It has relationships with major software vendors such as Oracle/Micros, NCR/Aloha, Agilysys/InfoGenesis, Squirrel Systems, Simphony, and POSitouch (now, of course, part of Shift4 Payments, along with fellow ISVs Future POS, Harbortouch, and Restaurant Manager).

"Our suite of payment security technologies and merchant services complement the features and benefits that eTouchMenu users receive," relayed Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA). "Hospitality businesses can now have the industry's top EMV, tokenization, and point-to-point encryption (P2PE)." Added Jon Wolfe, CEO of eTouchMenu and parent company, House Advantage (Las Vegas, NV), "Shift4 Payments fits in with the eTouchMenu brand and culture and melds perfectly with our product philosophy of extending the value of existing system investments through new, innovative, and fully integrated payment solutions--such as Shift4's."

Earlier in September, Shift4 Payments partnered with gateway and merchant service provider, Constellation Payments (Hatboro, PA). As part of this new relationship, Shift4 has access to 70 vertical market software providers of Constellation's Jonas Software Division. It includes independently managed companies in hospitality, club management, fitness and leisure, salon and spa, education, and retail.

Shift4 Payments Signs eTouchMenu

Worth Your While

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

Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
February 3-6, 2019
Fort Myers, FL

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Zebra Gets Personal

Zebra (Lincolnshire, IL) has unveiled its sixth generation personal shopping solution, entitled the PS20. Utilizing Android 8, the PS20 allows shoppers to scan items, thereby streamlining checkout. With the same device, store workers can execute price checks, answer questions, and track stock. "It meets the needs of shoppers, staff, and management alike, giving retailers an edge in performance to support today's consumers in the on-demand economy," noted Joe White, VP and GM, Enterprise Mobile Computing at Zebra.

In mobile computer format, with handle, individual devices in the PS20 measure 8.6 in. (L) x 3 in. (W) x 3 in. (D), weigh 10.2 oz., and furnish 4" capacitive touchscreen (color WVGA). As scanning, including hands-free when placed in the shopper's cart, there's one- and two-dimensional Zebra SE2100 Scan Engine. A "Plus" Model PS20 offers Zebra SE4710 Scan Engine with support for watermark barcoding by Digimarc, along with red LED illumination (with dot aim), and 5-megapixel front-facing camera. As communications, there's full 802.11 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Version 5/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

A number of enhancements are included in the new PS20. As an example, the new microphone allows voice commands and rapid response to customer questions via push-to-talk (PTP). Also, the PS20 features advanced location technology, so-called "Visible Light Communication." It detects lighting and LEDs for customer tracking.

Zebra's Sixth Generation PS20 Personal Shopper

Taking Unattendance at ID TECH

ID TECH (Cypress, CA) has unwrapped its new contactless payments reader, designated the ViVOpay Kiosk IV. In compact size of 2.5 in. (L) x 2 in. (W) x 0.5 in. (D), and weight of 2.4 oz., the ViVOpay Kiosk IV addresses unattended environments such as parking, mass transit, and self-service kiosks. As security, it carries certification to EMV Level 1, TDES, and AES DUKPT.

With the ViVOpay Kiosk IV, customers may pay with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Android Pay, while also offering support for loyalty programs such as Apple VAS and Google SmartTap 2.1. It has been constructed of weatherproof plastic and carries an operating temperature range of -13 to 158 Degrees F. As connectivity, there's USB 2.0 and Serial RS-232.

As expected, mounting studs allow backwards compatibility with antennas of the previous Models Kiosk II and Kiosk III. "With contactless payment adoption increasing every year, the ViVOpay Kiosk IV is designed to be integrated into spaces previously unavailable to contactless payment," elaborated Jason Hall, Unattended Product Manager at ID TECH. In 2012, readers may recall, ID TECH acquired the card reader business of the former ViVOpay.

ID TECH's ViVOpay Kiosk IV Contactless Reader

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INTEGRATION

MAX-ing Out Labeling (at Godex)

Godex Americas (Camarillo, CA) has approved liner-free label products by MAXStick Products Ltd. (Lancaster, PA) for use with its direct-thermal printer, the 4" Model DT4L. Its endorsement spans the complete product family: MAXStick Premium, MAXStick 2Go, MAXStick Colors, MAXStick Plus, and MAXStick X2. Utilizing proprietary "removable and re-stickable" adhesive, such labels are recyclable and environmentally friendly (silicon free and bisphenol, or BP, free).

In dimensions of 8.6 in. (L) x 6.5 in. (H) x 6.6 in. (W), with weight of 3.2 lbs., the DT4L by Godex has maximum print speed of 7 in./177 mm per second at 203 dpi. It supports one- and two-dimensional barcodes and multiple languages, and comes with the company's design software, dubbed GoLabel. It runs 32-Bit RISC CPU, 16-MB SDRAM, and 8-MB Flash (for user storage, 4-MB). As O/S, Windows, Android, Linux, and Mac.

As advanced features, Godex cites an enhanced label-feeding mechanism, instant label detection, and state-of-the-art cutter module. In connectivity, there's USB 2.0, Serial RS-232, and Ethernet RJ-45. Among suitable markets for such labeling: foodservice, libraries, retail, and healthcare. A 6- or 12-roll MAXPac is offered by MAXStick.

Godex Endorses Removable Re-Stickable Labels by MAXStick for Its DT4L Thermal Printer

Above Store, the Cloud (by Posera)

ISV Posera (Toronto) has joined forces with AppSuite (Fontana, WI) to extend cloud-based reporting and business operations for hospitality, entitled "DataBoard - Advanced Reporting." It combines Posera's Maitre'D DataBoard Platform and AppSuite's Cloud CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and Ordering Solution. A subscription service has been offered to existing customers of Maitre'D, along with an update to the Maitre'D DataBoard.

"We're very excited to announce the integration of a cloud-based, above-store, management solution," enthused Dan Poirier, CEO of Posera. "Maitre'D DataBoard pairs perfectly with AppSuite's full-featured, current-day, web-reporting services." As capabilities, DataBoard - Advanced Reporting has on-demand and scheduled e-mail reports, interactive data charting, multi-format data extracts, and multilevel reports--all accessible on phone, tablet, or desktop with data drawn directly from the POS.

"A perfect complement to our Cloud CRM and Ordering," confirmed James Daleen, CEO of AppSuite. "It provides dynamic reporting and analytics that the market is looking for in an easy-to-use responsive Cloud App." As part of its go-to-market strategy, AppSuite had already engaged with resellers of Maitre'D (as well as resellers of Oracle/Micros). A list appears on its website.

Posera Debuts "DataBoard - Advanced Reporting" With AppSuite's CRM

Code Corner

Greenline POS (Vancouver, BC, Canada) continues to roll in the cannabis market. Calling upon BudView Media, part of Clickspace (Calgary, AB, Canada), Greenline has created its live menu board. It allows retailers to choose what items are displayed on-screen and add product flags for featured, new, or on-sale. In addition, its system automatically recognizes inventory levels to ensure only products that are in-stock are being displayed. Integration also allows store managers to control multiple screens from one central console. In another sign of strength, Greenline POS has also enlisted data analytics for cannabis sales from Headset (Seattle, WA). [Editor's Note: Recreational cannabis becomes legal in Canada on October 17.]

Greenline POS on Elo PayPoint

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Barcoding, Inc.: Gone to Texas

An expanding footprint for system integrator, Barcoding, Inc. (Baltimore, MD), with the purchase of Danforth Systems (Houston, TX). Established in 1988, Danforth Systems supplies barcoding services for supply chain, healthcare, and government. In addition to its geographic location, it will enhance efforts in RFID for Barcoding, Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the two privately-held companies.

In his remarks, Shane Snyder, President of Barcoding, Inc., noted that Texas has one of the fastest-growing economies in the U.S. Acquisition of Danforth Systems, he related, will achieve "an enterprise-level support model that 'follows the sun' with locations in Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, and Lynwood, WA." He cited Danforth Systems' "outstanding reputation and integrity in the marketplace."

In similar vein, Dan Tarpey, President of Danforth Systems, stated, "We are delighted about joining the fastest-growing company in the industry. As a highly respected system integrator with a wide range of services and proven team of experts, Barcoding, Inc. will provide our existing customers with the opportunity to improve their efficiency, accuracy, and connectivity in order to grow." A long history of expansion through acquisition for Barcoding, Inc., founded in 1998 by CEO Jay Steinmetz.

Barcoding, Inc. Buys Danforth Systems

Infor: "Viva" Foodservice!

Another play in our space for software behemoth, Infor (New York, NY), with the addition of Vivonet (Vancouver, BC, Canada). Begun in 2000, Vivonet addresses the restaurant industry with solutions for point-of-sale, self-service kiosks, kitchen systems, payments, labor scheduling, and food cost management. It has deployed at more than 4,000 locations including Sodexo, Delaware North, Booster Juice, Burger 21, Pita Pit, and Texas Chicken & Burgers.

"Vivonet's specialized applications are highly complementary to Infor, creating a more comprehensive suite for customers, and expanding our marketing opportunity into three new foodservice micro-verticals [full-service, quick-service, and hotels]," indicated Charles Phillips, CEO of Infor. "Last-mile industry functionality enables customers of Infor to use the cloud to harness the power of their mission-critical data to transform their businesses." He went on to cite "machine learning, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence [A.I.]." A billing as "the largest privately-held technology provider in the world" for Infor, with sales of $2.8 billion in 2016.

In June, Vivonet named its new CEO and President, Caroline Dunn. An experienced technology executive, Dunn joined Vivonet as COO in 2013. She previously served as CFO of DDS Wireless (2011 to 2013), CFO of the Courtyard Group (2006 to 2010), and EVP of Growth Strategies/CFO of Sierra Systems (1998 to 2006). [Editor's Note: In July, Vivonet integrated its POS with the Oracle Hospitality Opera Property Management System (PMS)].

Vivonet Snapped Up by Infor

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
Cayan
Datacap Systems
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

Janam: Working on the Railroad

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has supplied its specialized rugged mobile computer, the XM2-RFID, for manufacturer of PVC, Aurora Plastics. Led by VAR Quest Integrated Solutions, a subsidiary of the Technology Recovery Group (Elyria, OH), this install identifies and tracks railroad cars at Aurora's facility in Streetsboro, OH. Since its start earlier this year, by eliminating manual paperwork and cross-checks, this project has resulted in time savings of 20%, according to the parties.

First launched in 2015, the XM2-RFID reads the railroad cars' UHF RFID Tags. Weighing under 13 oz., it furnishes 3" resistive touchscreen (color QVGA), one- and two-dimensional scan engine (Zebra SE4500), 2880-mAh Li-Ion battery, and support for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. Carrying an IP-64 rating, with 4-ft./1.2-m drop resistance, the XM2-RFID carries Freescale ARM 9 CPU, 128-MB RAM, 128-MB Flash, Bluetooth Version 2, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.

"We work closely with partners like Quest and TRG to help businesses acquire meaningful business intelligence," related Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies. "The vast improvements to Aurora Plastics' supply chain processes are enabled by best-in-class RFID-enabled mobile computers and the unmatched support we provide our global customer base." Added Jack Brown, Director of Quest Integrated Solutions, "We have worked with all of the major hardware manufacturers in the rugged mobile computing industry, and Janam has been extremely responsive and easy to work with--on both small and large-scale projects." [Editor's Note: Interestingly, railroad was one of the very first markets for RFID.]

Janam's XM2-RFID Rugged Handheld Computer Tracks Railroad Cars for Manufacturer of Plastics

An Order of Cheesesteaks Wit' PAR

A new deployment of Brink POS by ParTech, a division of PAR Technology Corporation (New Hartford, NY), for Charleys Philly Steaks, with 594 sites (including 200 franchisees) across the U.S. At center of its upgrade, Charleys Philly Steaks has the new PAR EverServ 600 Terminal with cloud-based Brink POS. Introduced in April, the PAR EverServ 600 has fanless construction, projected-capacitive 15" touchscreen, Intel Celeron Quad-Core J1900 CPU at 2 GHz, 4-GB/8-GB RAM, 64-GB/128-GB ROM, multiple I/Os, and Windows O/S.

"When compared to other offerings, Brink's solution was technically the best and most cost-effective," volunteered Matthew Son, VP of IT for Charleys Philly Steaks. With the new system, order entry speed has increased by as much as 15%, according to Charleys. Additional benefits will include implementation of online ordering, mobile app, gift and loyalty program, and delivery capability--enterprise-wide.

Also, ParTech has expanded its reseller network with system integrator Newgentek (Tampa, FL). A specialist in networking and IT, founded in 2017, Newgentek has its Restaurant and Retail Division. "Ability [of ParTech] to offer infrastructure, point-of-sale, and support services positions our organization to provide turnkey solutions to our customers," declared Jared Lederhandler, President of Newgentek.

Growing Restaurant Chain Picks ParTech POS

"I Want Candy," Says Focus POS

A longstanding ISV, Focus POS Systems (Houston, TX) has teamed up with gift and loyalty program provider, DataCandy. Established in 2002 in Montreal, DataCandy now has an installed base of 10,000 locations for 700 companies across Canada and the U.S. It has integrated its technology as a turnkey solution with Focus POS.

As one very significant customer, the combination of Focus POS and DataCandy has Kahala Brands (Scottsdale, AZ). A pair of franchise restaurant chains under Kahala has adopted the bundle: Ginger Sushi Boutique and Thai Express. Both have entered the U.S. after success in Canada. (Overall, Ginger Sushi has 150 sites, Thai Express has 300.)

"Our relationship with Focus POS, along with the two new U.S. projects from Kahala Brands, will open new doors and help more restaurateurs gain the operational benefits of a simple and seamless technology platform," suggested Lorne Schwartz, CEO of DataCandy. "The strategy we have in place to expand DataCandy's reach and services into the U.S. market is paying off." As basic gift card, there's charge of $30 per month and $299 one-time fee. As basic gift and loyalty program, there's charge of $50 per month and $599 one-time fee.

Focus POS Adopts Gift & Loyalty by DataCandy

Channel Factoid

Beyond Low Prices

-With regards to the holidays, 59% of shoppers buy most or all of their gifts on popular sales days such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Thanksgiving, or the Saturday before Christmas.

-But deals are not the only reason: 35% of customers shop on these sales days "to get into the holiday spirit," and 25% of customers say shopping on these sales days is "family tradition."

-Similarly, 42% of holiday shoppers enjoy the festive atmosphere, and 32% of holiday shoppers enjoy related activities such as ice skating or visiting Santa.

-A surplus of spontaneity: 42% of store visitors in the holidays do not pre-plan what they are going to buy, and 34% do not make gift lists. Also, 57% of store visitors in the holidays are more likely to show "impulsive" shopping.

-Reduced prices and deals during this time were cited as driving factors by slightly less than half (47%) of holiday shoppers.

-"Retailers that produce enticing experiences to inspire and connect with shoppers will stand out above the rest," counseled Sara Spivey, Chief Marketing Officer at Bazaarvoice.

Source: "Unwrap Consumer Insights For Your Best Holiday Season," Bazaarvoice, Inc. (Austin, TX)

HELLO GOODBYE

On Keyboards, Brandon Geweke

Cherry Americas (Pleasant Prairie, WI) has elevated Brandon Geweke to Sales Manager of North America. He joined Cherry Americas in 2013 as POS/OEM Manager. In 2015, he was named Distribution Manager.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to expand my role and provide a fresh look at how the company drives its sales teams," shared Geweke. "Cherry Americas continues to grow and invest in its people and structure. We are on the march to an even greater presence in the North American market."

"Cherry Americas invests in its employees and promotes growth from within whenever possible, and Brandon fits the position perfectly," commented Greg Peterson, VP and GM of Cherry Americas. "His deep knowledge of the company and unifying approach to sales is helping drive our success." A longtime supplier of keyboards to our channel, Cherry Americas was founded by Walter Cherry in 1953.

Brandon Geweke, Sales Manager, North America, Cherry Americas

Mr. Reseller at NCC

National Computer Corporation (Greenville, SC) has engaged industry veteran Jim Stewart as its Northeast Territory Manager for the Channel. He joins NCC from POS Partners, where he served as VP (2018). For the preceding 15 years, he served as GM, then President, of VAR Advanced Data Systems, where he resold the POS of NCC. He also served as Board Member of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (2010 to 2016).

"I've worked with Jim in some capacity for nearly 25 years," reported Chuck Prince, President of NCC. "We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome him to our team. We have always placed great emphasis on reseller development and education. Jim has demonstrated that he will continue to carry on this legacy."

Jim Stewart, Northeast Territory Manager for the Channel, National Computer Corporation

Atop Peak-Ryzex

A series of new top-level appointments at major system integrator, Peak-Ryzex (Columbia, MD). It follows the hiring of Juliann Larimer as President and CEO in April. A well-known personality in our channel, Larimer previously held major executive posts at hardware vendors such as Zebra (2007 to 2009 and 2014 to 2018), Motorola Solutions (2011 to 2014), and NCR (2009 to 2011).

Among the new roles: Tim Wills to the newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer. He joined Peak in 1999, and most recently served as SVP and GM of North America. In another newly created position, Dave McMinn will serve as SVP of North American Operations. He joined Manage Mobility, part of Peak, as VP of Operations in 2006, and was promoted to VP of Manage Mobility in 2017. A third newly created position, VP of North American Sales, will be taken by Jeff Walters. He joined Ryzex as Regional VP of Western Sales in 2008, and was promoted to VP of Field Sales in 2016.

"As I complete my first 90 days with our company, I have been amazed by the diverse capabilities of our employees and energized by our growth opportunities," remarked Juliann Larimer, President and CEO. "We are making great strides in fulfilling our mission to deliver end-to-end supply chain and mobility solutions that help our customers improve operational efficiency and deliver an exceptional customer experience. With the appointment of these talented and committed leaders to their new responsibilities, we are laying the foundation to improve collaboration and connections amongst key functions, strengthen our global operations, and put the customer first."

A New Team in Place at Peak-Ryzex: Tim Wills, Chief Marketing Officer; Dave McMinn, SVP of North American Operations; and Jeff Walters, VP of North American Sales