Our Product Pick

A system for self-service has been presented by Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL): the KC50 Android Kiosk Computer. In two models, 15" and 22", with capacitive touchscreen, KC50 supports portrait or landscape orientation and multiple configurations (i.e. barcode scanner, payment terminal, light bar, customer-facing touchscreen, wireless). Upgradeable to Android 16 O/S, KC50 has Qualcomm 5430 Octa-Core CPU at 2 GHz and 8 GB RAM/128 GB Flash. A universal "Z-Flex" connector on every side facilitates peripherals, and "Zebra Pay" expedites payments. A natural language voice assistant enhances information look-up. An accompanying kiosk stand, Model SC-2000, has been submitted by Zebra Premier ISV Partner, Havis (Warminster, PA).

Zebra KC50 Kiosk Computers

COMPANY BUSINESS

An Approach for PAR

As part of an effort to streamline its offerings, PAR Technology (New Hartford, NY) has rebranded its Brink POS to PAR POS and its PAR Menu to PAR Ordering. In the case of existing customers, all current functionalities, support services, and integrations remain intact and uninterrupted, reports PAR. In July, similarly, PAR rebranded its subsidiary Stuzo to PAR Retail. With its focus on convenience-store and fuel, Stuzo was purchased by PAR in March, readers may recall.

"As the restaurant industry rapidly evolves, PAR Technology is not just keeping pace--we're setting the standard," declared Savneet Singh, CEO of PAR Technology. "The rebranding to PAR POS and PAR Ordering is a strategic step forward, unifying our brand and simplifying our offerings. Our customers can expect the same unparalleled value and support, now with an even sharper focus on delivering solutions that drive better outcomes and meet their evolving needs."

In 2024 so far, PAR POS has been enhanced with diverse pay-at-table solutions, integrated electronic benefits transfer (EBT), deeper enterprise reporting, and automated re-sequencing and order management for multi-lane drive-thru's, according to PAR. For its part, PAR Ordering now supports, consolidates, and centralizes "all digital touchpoints"--mobile, web, and kiosk. As of July, PAR Retail/Stuzo had 25,000 installed sites in the U.S. (PAR bought Brink POS back in 2014.)

PAR's Brink Software Re-Branded as PAR POS

Epson Serves Up KDS

A launch of its TrueOrder Kitchen Display System (KDS) by Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA) addresses small restaurant environments and quick-service restaurants (QSR). A software solution, TrueOrder may run on traditional bump bars, touchscreen displays, or media players. Via printer emulation, it connects to the local network without need of Internet, and readily integrates into the restaurant's POS.

"While many POS software vendors have recently been more focused on payment systems and less on supplemental components like KDS, restaurants rely on solutions like KDS for efficiency and accuracy," observed Tessa Kohl, Product Manager, Epson America. "This easy-to-use, fully customizable and configurable TrueOrder KDS is the high-quality solution that POS software vendors can brand as their own and sell to restaurants as part of a complete package." An early hardware partner for touchscreens for TrueOrder: MicroTouch (Holland, MI).

As testified by Paul Stanley, Logistics Manager for Lava POS (Albuquerque, NM): "The Epson TrueOrder KDS has been an excellent addition to our product suite with easy configurations and customizations to match our ecosystem, helping to get customers up and running even faster." At no upcharge, display customization may include layouts, colors, and logos for customer branding. In the case of deeper integration and advanced reporting for end-users, Epson America has extended an Application Programming Interface (API).

Epson Showcases TrueOrder Kitchen Display System

Worth Your While

Money 20/20
Ascential PLC
October 27-30
Las Vegas, NV

Pack Expo
PMMI-Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies
November 3-6
Chicago, IL

MJBizCon
MJBizDaily
December 3-6
Las Vegas, NV

2025

NRF Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 12-14
New York, NY

RSPA Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 26-29
Curacao

Promat
MHI - Material Handling Industry
March 17-20
Chicago, IL

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Taking Notes at apg

A step forward in cash handling, as new hardware, designated Note Acceptor, has been unwrapped at apg (Minneapolis, MN). In fighting counterfeiting and theft, it validates and stores high value notes in 145 currency configurations (of U.S. Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling). It detects fraudulent and counterfeit bills in 2.5 seconds, according to apg.

In steel-case dimensions of 5.5"/140 mm (W) x 10.6"/270 mm (D) x 9"/230 mm (H), weighing 4.6 lbs./2.1 kg, apg's Note Acceptor has mounting points on all four sides and LED Status Indicator. It counts and stores up to 300 validated notes. It also features secondary locking on the stacker box for maximum security as well as plug-and-play USB Interface.

It integrates seamlessly into any POS, and may also function as stand-alone product or as part of apg's cash management solution, "smarttill." In addition, apg offers its cloud-based software solution, "CurrentSee." A leading maker of cash drawers, and longtime player in our channel, apg cites reduced supply chain concerns thanks to "Made in the USA."

Secure Cash Management: apg Note Acceptor

PAX Goes Rough and Ready

A new member of the Elys Series by PAX Technology, Model A6650 SmartPOS PDA, combines integrated payment acceptance capabilities with robustness (IP-67). With 6.5" capacitive touchscreen, the A6650 carries ARM Quad-Core A3 CPU at 2 GHz, 4 GB RAM/64 GB Flash, and Android 12 O/S. In payments, it supports Swipe, Chip, PIN-on-Glass, QR Code, and NFC Contactless, with Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 6x.

As data capture, in addition to payment readers, the A6650 carries 1D/2D barcode scanner (Zebra SE4720) and 5 MP front camera and 13 MP and 2 MP multiple rear cameras. As wireless, there's Bluetooth 5.0, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, and 4G WAN. A 5400 mAh Li-Ion battery provides the full work day. Accessories include rubber boots and charging dock.

"The A6650 is a formidable entry into our Elys product offerings," reflected Andy Chau, President and CEO of PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). "Its robust design and functionality make it an indispensable asset for businesses across multiple industries." A data service via eSIM, Airlink by Uptrillion, has been enlisted by PAX.

PAX A6650 Android SmartPOS PDA

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business? With the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?

E-mail Michael Kachmar for advertising information,
or call 973-270-3284

Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?

Hurry! Use the links below to catch up:

Week of September 16

Week of August 26

Week of July 29

A Message From the Editor

As we complete another year--approaching 20!--our mission remains constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID (and now Mobility). If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of new technologies, go-to-market strategies, business models, and consumer expectations. We look forward to continuing our mission, and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ALLIANCES

POS: Ringing Up AI

A partnership with Kea Cloud (Mountain View, CA) brings Voice AI Phone Ordering to CBS NorthStar POS (Irvine, CA). With Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) and Natural Language Understanding (NLU), it captures to-go orders and sends them to the kitchen via the POS. It will be offered as an option to the 100,000 customers of CBS NorthStar.

"As VP of IT, who leverages both CBS NorthStar and Kea for our brand of 50-plus restaurants, I can attest that these technologies are effective for our large-scale operations and will continue to help us grow," contributed Patrick Waiyawaytar of fast-casual chain, California Fish Grill. Despite the proliferation of mobile ordering, many customers still prefer calling restaurants to place to-go orders, some operators find. Since 2022, Kea's Voice AI has successfully answered over one million calls for hundreds of restaurants in the U.S.

"With decades of experience in pioneering restaurant technology, we recognize the immense potential of Voice AI to drive operational efficiency and enhance customer service," commented Jeremy Julian, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of CBS NorthStar. "This partnership with Kea underscores our commitment to propel the restaurant industry forward into the era of AI." Just recently, CBS NorthStar released its Version 4.9.4. As one new feature, "Combo on the Fly" automatically discounts bundled items for quick-service restaurant (QSR).

CBS NorthStar Adds Voice AI Phone Ordering by Kea

Honeywell's Secret Agent

A "Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent," powered by AI from Qualcomm Technologies (San Diego, CA), will be introduced by Honeywell (Charlotte, NC). Scheduled for early 2025, it will allow workers and customers in distribution centers and retail industries to interact more naturally with their handheld devices through voice, pictures, and barcodes (as opposed to text-based Large Language Model, or LLM). As development leader: Jason Urso, CTO, Honeywell Industrial Automation.

Upon launch, workers will be able to enter data into the technology and then receive practical answers to queries such as "Do we have the gluten-free variant of this product in stock?" or "Where can I find this particular item in the store?" Depending on the question, users will receive responses in the form of an image, video, spoken response, text answer, or combination of several modalities. A Software Development Kit (SDK) will be offered.

"Utilizing our strengths in on-device generative AI, and high-performance and low-power computing, this collaboration with Honeywell underscores our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that will propel the expansion of the connected intelligent edge," expounded Nakul Duggal, Group GM of Automotive, Industrial/Embedded IoT, and Cloud Computing for Qualcomm. "Honeywell 's new Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent represents a significant step forward in utilizing advanced edge AI to streamline operations and elevate customer interactions across industries. It enables us to drive digital transformation."

A Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent, Powered by Qualcomm, Will Enhance Mobile Devices from Honeywell

Code Corner

A Quick Fix

A new app for self-service in quick-service restaurants (QSR) has been unveiled at ISV Raydiant (San Francisco, CA). Integrating with the existing POS, Raydiant Order & Pay Kiosk also features menu scheduling and dayparting capabilities, live inventory syncing, and delivery of digital receipts via e-mail or SMS Text. It also features content customization and remote device monitoring and management. Future releases will support customer relationship management (CRM) driven by proximity-sensing AI, according to Raydiant. "We're empowering restaurants of all sizes to streamline their operations, reduce wait times, and provide customers with fast, convenient ordering experiences," enthused Bobby Marhamat, CEO of Raydiant.

Raydiant Kiosk App

A Nice Touch

Added functionality for ISV TouchBistro (Toronto, ON, Canada) follows its acquisition of restaurant management software, Peachworks. In expanding its back-of-house capability, TouchBistro now offers Inventory Management and Labor Management, both tied to its POS. As benefits of the former, TouchBistro identifies automation, recipe costing tools, and data-driven food prep. As benefits of the latter, TouchBistro identifies effective scheduling, real-time employee communications, and accurate forecasting. A centralized system coordinates. "Acquisition of Peachworks allows us to better serve operators through one comprehensive tech stack," emphasized Samir Zabaneh, Chairman and CEO of TouchBistro.

Adding Inventory and Labor Management at TouchBistro

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

ISV Gets Down With EDI

An Extension for Vendor EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has been completed at System Solutions LLC (Glastonbury, CT). Addressing the supply chain between retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, it synchronizes essential data on items, orders, and customers. As an example of suitable vertical markets, System Solutions LLC identified lumber and building materials (LBM).

"[With this solution] retail, wholesale, and distribution businesses may satisfy any requirement," suggested Dave Durrenberger, Director of Sales at System Solutions LLC. "In the past, proprietary systems of POS and Sales leveraged their ability to connect to suppliers in order to sell mediocre, outdated software. Now, with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, businesses enjoy ease-of-use without compromise."

In addition, System Solutions LLC has premiered its Customer Payment Portal Extension for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It allows customers to select and self-pay invoices or to configure invoices for automatic payments. Accepting Credit, Debit, and ACH, it "significantly reduces accounts receivable labor required for phone calls, e-mails, postal mail, and payment receipt posting," confirmed Durrenberger.

Extensions for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central at System Solutions

"UR," On QR, Codes

A solution for online identity verification, utilizing biometric facial recognition, has been fashioned by FaceTec (Summerlin, NV). With so-called "UR Codes," which enhance QR Codes, an individual's portrait--including facial match, unique account number, and personal information--may be added to printed documents or displayed on-screen. Examples of applications include birth and marriage certificates, contracts, insurance paperwork, voting ballots, ownership titles, etc.

As benefits of UR Code, FaceTec enumerates security and privacy, universal and very-low-cost implementation, easy validation and anti-tampering capacity, and storage flexibility. Each UR Code contains 72 bytes of "digitally-signed face-feature-vector data" that cannot be turned back into human-viewable images. In addition to their presence on documents, they may remain entirely digital for mobile driver licenses stored in digital wallets, photo reels, or even on blockchain.

In common practice, online identity verification usually requires users to upload a photo of their ID Card or take a picture with their smartphone, raising issues about document authenticity for relying parties. Another potential solution, e-passport biometric NFC, has issues with workability, durability, and cost, says FaceTec. As free standalone software or part of its identity verification suite, FaceTec offers UR Code.

Online Identity Verification Via Facial Recognition on QR Codes by FaceTec

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Bixolon America
Electronic Payments
Epson America
FEC POS
HiStone
HP
Ingenico
Optima Systems
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Star Micronics
Toshiba
Tri-Tech
Washburn Computer Group

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
GoDEX Americas
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers/Cash Handling
apg/APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
MobileDemand
Star Micronics
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Charge Anywhere
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
Miura Systems
North American Bancard

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
Star Micronics
Woosim Systems

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

INSTALLATIONS

BlueSnap Takes Charge

An integrated platform spanning payment processing and station charging in EV has been rolled out by BlueSnap (Waltham, MA) and ISV EV Connect (Lake Forest, CA). Offered as white label or API (Application Programming Interface), it furnishes benefits in onboarding, pricing, and support, according to the new partners. As hardware vendor to so-called charge point operators (CPOs), there's EVBOLT (Houston, TX).

"Through our collaboration with EV Connect, we are establishing a new standard for the charging industry that makes premium payment processing simple and accessible," expressed Henry Helgeson, CEO at BlueSnap. "Our joint endeavor goes beyond mere transactions--it's about empowering businesses of all sizes with the tools to compete globally and to unlock their full revenue potential. Together, we are reshaping the intersection of EV infrastructure and financial technology." As many readers will recognize, Helgeson was CEO and Co-Founder of pioneering payment processor, Cayan (sold to TSYS in 2018).

"A collaboration between EV Connect and BlueSnap allows us to spin up charging sites with far fewer hurdles compared to the typical onboarding and approval process, and that alone is incredibly valuable," relayed Ali Haider, Strategic Business Development, at EVBOLT. "In addition to the reduced fees through BlueSnap and the advanced features of the EV Connect Platform, the support these two provide together helps us greatly enhance our operations and improve the experience of our driver customers in EV." Approximately 1.5 billion charging sessions per year are projected by 2026 by Juniper Research.

BlueSnap and EV Connect Address Payment at the Charging Station

At the BBQ: Mobility

An end-to-end mobile commerce platform--spanning order-ahead, pick-up/delivery, and customer loyalty--has been deployed by fast-casual chain, Sonny's BBQ. It draws upon three vendors: Thanx (San Francisco, CA), Olo (New York, NY), and Flybuy by Radius Networks (Washington, DC). A supporting mobile app for placing orders, payment, and earning rewards has recruited more than 200,000 new customers in its first three months.

"By combining Thanx's powerful customer engagement tools with Olo's advanced ordering platform and Flybuy's precision-location-based technology, we can offer our customers a seamless and tailored off-premise dining experience at every touchpoint," related Katie Love, Director of Brand Management at Sonny's BBQ. "This integration has increased customer satisfaction, improved operational efficiency, and ultimately, repeat business." Based in Florida, Sonny's BBQ has nearly 100 locations across eight states in the Southeast U.S.

As another benefit of this new platform, and Flybuy by Radius Network, Sonny's BBQ identified significant improvement in order fulfillment, staging, and hand-off, with 92% decrease in wait-times. At present, Flybuy by Radius Network, with AI, has been deployed at 30,000 locations in 50 countries. It addresses retail as well as hospitality.

Redefining Off-Premise Dining at Sonny's BBQ

Channel Factoid

Dealing the Cards

What Today's Consumers
Want in Credit Cards

31% - No Annual Fees

28% - Low Interest Rate

14% - Rewards Program

12% - High Credit Limit

4% - Introductory Offer

4% - Card Reputation

4% - Widely Accepted Card

3% - Card Insured

Source: The Motley Fool

Across All Age Categories:
Annual Fees and Interest Rates Top the List

Short Takes

-A new distribution agreement for the thermal printer products by TSC Printronix Auto ID (Brea, CA) and the Atlas RFID Solutions Store.

-A completed sale for the merchant services business of i3 Verticals (Nashville, TN) to Payroc WorldAccess (Tinley Park, IL).

-A possible sale of Lightspeed Commerce (Montreal, QC, Canada), which has engaged investment bankers at JPMorgan Chase.

TSC Printronix T6000e Thermal Printer

HELLO GOODBYE

New Exec at VersiTech

A new hire at VersiTech (Atlanta, GA) sees Anoop Kulshreshtha installed as Chief Product and Technology Officer. He previously served in executive positions in technology for Henry Schein, Barney's New York, The Vitamin Shoppe, New York & Company, PepsiCo, and Avis. Earlier, he was Product Manager in Technology/Software for Epicor and Infosys.

"We are thrilled to welcome Anoop to the VersiTech family," shared Tyler Young, CEO of VersiTech. "His deep understanding of technology and his passion for driving innovation make him the ideal leader to spearhead our product and technology strategy. With Anoop at the helm, we are confident in our ability to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners, and to further establish VersiTech as a driving force in the hospitality tech space."

At this pivotal moment in its growth trajectory, as described by Kulshreshtha, VersiTech has surpassed 10,000 active clients and 120 employees. It has two brands familiar to readers: Tonic POS and Bold Integrated Payments. As plans, it will implement best-in-class practices in Agile, DevOps, and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD).

Anoop Kulshreshtha, Chief Product and Technology Officer, VersiTech (at Right) With Tyler Young, CEO (at Left)

A Pile of Silver at Celerant

A celebration of 25 years for ISV Celerant Technology (Iselin, NJ) includes one award of 25 months of free Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) POS. A drawing will be held on October 13, 2024 to pick the winning retailer. As platforms, Celerant has its Cumulus Retail for small-to-midsized business (SMB) and its advanced, customizable Stratus Enterprise.

"In celebrating 25 years, we continue to drive our passion for improving the retail experience for both businesses and their customers," stated Ian Goldman, President and CEO of Celerant Technology. "Our commitment to innovation allows us to continually develop new technologies and strengthen our relationships with each of our retail clients." As growing areas of emphasis, Celerant has pursued e-commerce, distribution, payment processing, and digital marketing.

Just recently, Celerant has integrated its platform with unified commerce player, Quivers (Salt Lake City, UT). It enables independent retailers to fulfill orders for brand name vendors using the vendor's on-hand inventory, via Celerant POS. On the processing back-end at the vendor, orders are routed to the most suitable retailer. In fulfillment, retailers ship items from their stores or offer in-store pick-up. It helps retailers reach new online customers, drive traffic to their brick-and-mortar locations, and boost in-store sales, according to Celerant.

Ian Goldman, President and CEO, Celerant Technology