Week of January 20, 2025
Michael Kachmar, Editor

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Our Product Pick

A new Kitchen Display System, Model KDS 2700/2150/1560, has been unwrapped by POSBANK (Plainview, NY). In screen sizes of 27", 21.5", and 15.6", it includes Camera/Light, MSR, and Bump Bar. With Intel ARM Cortex CPU, and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), all orders are displayed in real-time, with seamless communication between the front and back of the house. In durability, it carries an IP-54 rating for splash and dust, along with conformal coating on the PCB. An external antenna provides fast and stable network connectivity via Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth 5.2. As log-in for the terminal, employees and/or managers use MSR.

POSBANK Kitchen Display System

COMPANY BUSINESS

As Prez at Bixolon

As the new President of North America, Bixolon (Torrance, CA) has named Gary Kim. He has more than 17 years of experience in sales and business development at the company, most recently as GM for North America at Bixolon HQ in South Korea. He replaces former President of Bixolon America, Paul Kim, who will transition to Bixolon Europe GmbH.

"I'm honored and excited to take on this role at Bixolon America," shared Kim. "I believe my many years of experience in business development for both label and POS printer lines will provide me with a solid foundation to support Bixolon's ongoing drive to provide cutting-edge printing technology to the industries we serve. I'm enthusiastic to continue to explore new opportunities for collaboration with existing partners and look for avenues to promote new growth."

Adds David Roberts, EVP at Bixolon America, "I've known Gary for many years now, ever since the beginning of our company. He will be a great addition to our team, bringing his contagious enthusiasm, genuine care for the customer, and his determination for getting the job done." In support of customers and resellers, Bixolon America was established in 2005. Its parent company, Bixolon Co. Ltd., emerged from Samsung.

Gary Kim, President, Bixolon America

A Bluebird Spotted at TSC

It's official: TSC Auto ID Technology (New Taipei City, Taiwan) has purchased Bluebird, Inc. (Seoul, South Korea). Initially reported over the summer, the deal has finalized, with purchase price reported at approximately $82M. In its line-card, Bluebird has scanners for RFID, mobile payment terminals, and industrial tablet PCs. With offices in Brea, CA, TSC Auto ID Technology supplies printers for Auto ID and POS.

"Acquisition of Bluebird, Inc. marks a pivotal step in advancing our global strategy and broadening our product portfolio," declared Vincent Chen, President of TSC Auto ID Technology. "By integrating Bluebird's innovative mobile computing and data capture solutions with our robust printing technologies, we will create a comprehensive suite of products and services. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of advancing our global position in this industry, where the demand for seamless input and output devices continues to grow."

In his remarks, Chen disclosed that Jinoh Kim, current EVP of Bluebird, has been promoted to CEO of Bluebird. "His appointment ensures strong leadership continuity and leverages his expertise to drive Bluebird's growth within TSC Auto ID," stated Chen, adding "Bluebird is recognized for its strong presence in the retail and healthcare sectors, and it brings exceptional design and developmental expertise in mobile computing." It will continue its independent operations, said TSC.

TSC Auto ID Technology Buys Bluebird

Worth Your While

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

RSPA Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 26-29
Curacao

NGA Show
National Grocers Association
February 23-25
Las Vegas, NV

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

ETA Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
April 2-4
Las Vegas, NV

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 17-20
Chicago, IL

RSPA RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 27-29
Las Vegas, NV

FS/TEC
Informa -- Food Service Tech
September 14-16
Orlando, FL


ALL IN THE FAMILY

Epson Flexes TM-T20IV

A handy thermal receipt printer, Model TM-T20IV, with 3"/76 mm print width, has been unboxed by Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA). In dimensions of 5.5"/140 mm (W) x 7.9"/200 mm (D) x 5.8"/146 mm (H), weighing 3.8 lbs./1.7 kg, the TM-T20IV has print speed of 9.8"/250 mm at 203 dpi resolution. Significantly, it features two built-in connectivity packages, USB + Serial and USB + Serial + Ethernet, notes Epson.

In addition to iOS, Android, and Windows O/S, TM-T20IV supports Epson's ePOS Service for direct printing from mobile devices or web applications. An icon-driven status LED facilitates troubleshooting and maintenance. As another advanced feature, top-margin and character-height reduction technology helps reduce paper usage by up to 30%. Options from Epson include Wireless Adaptor and External Buzzer.

"As the market is migrating towards mPOS systems, merchants are increasingly looking to POS solutions that are modern, sleek, and have flexible interfaces," observed John Choi, Product Manager, Business Systems Division, Epson America. "Designed with affordability in mind, the TM-T20IV printer provides essential features for modern businesses, including a compact design, flexible connectivity, fast printing, and paper-saving capabilities." A two-year limited warranty is included, with extended service plan options for up to five years.

Epson America's TM-T20IV Thermal Receipt Printer

Atlas Arrives - apg

A new set of cash drawers, under the moniker of "Atlas," has been introduced by apg (Minneapolis, MN). In two versions, Model 335 (13") and Model 410 (16"), Atlas addresses entry-level markets as well as issues caused by possible upcoming trade tariffs, according to the manufacturer. It features steel construction and ball-bearing roller wheels, tested beyond 500,000 operational cycles, in black finish.

As capacity, Model 335 features 4 bill/4 coin, while Model 410 features 5 bill/5 coin. A single media slot on Model 335, and double media slots on Model 410, enable storage of large bill denominations, receipts, and checks under the till. A three-function lock, random keying from five lock codes, and "open" status switch enhance security. A one-year warranty is extended by apg.

"[In the case of] proposed tariffs by the incoming administration, particularly with China, businesses are facing significant challenges related to trade costs and uncertainties," suggested Paul Griffiths, President and CEO at apg. "Atlas was developed to offer an advanced, reliable solution that not only streamlines cash handling but also provides tangible savings by minimizing exposure to tariff-related costs." A longtime player in our channel, apg supplies its cash drawers, cash handling systems (including smarttill), stands, and mobile carts for POS.

New Atlas Cash Drawer Debuted at apg


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Week of December 16

Week of November 18

Week of October 21

A Message From the Editor

As we enter another year--our 20th!--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

PAR "Delaget"-s Data Gathering

Another pick-up for PAR Technology (New Hartford, NY), this time, restaurant analytics and business intelligence developer, Delaget (St. Louis Park, MN). Established in 2001, Delaget serves over 30,000 locations, with 125 brands among its customers, including Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, IHOP, and Burger King. A purchase price of $132M for Delaget was paid principally via common stock of PAR Technology.

"Acquisition of Delaget marks another strategic milestone in PAR's mission to build the industry's most comprehensive foodservice platform," proclaimed Savneet Singh, President and CEO at PAR Technology. "Delaget's analytics capabilities perfectly complement our Operator Cloud solution, while offering immediate value to our customers through enhanced back-office capabilities, delivery operations, and data-driven insights. Our combination will help restaurant operators make better decisions, reduce costs, and drive operational excellence all in real-time. [It will also] accelerate development timeframes of the PAR Data Platform."

"Joining forces with PAR Technology represents an exciting new chapter for Delaget's customers and employees," commented Jason Tober, CEO of Delaget. "Our shared vision for transforming restaurant operations through data insights, combined with PAR Technology's scale and industry leadership, will allow us to deliver even greater outcomes to our customers. As part of PAR Technology, we will bring our platform and solutions to even more businesses across the globe and provide an open integration platform that best serves top restaurant operators and brands."

Acquisition of Delaget Business Intelligence by PAR Technology

Grocery "Rolls Out" POS ISVs

A pair of notable POS ISVs--Dumac Business Systems (East Syracuse, NY) and Truno Retail Technology Solutions (Lubbock, TX)--have embraced the "smart" Caper Cart by Instacart (San Francisco, CA). Aimed at the grocery market, Caper Cart lets customers scan items as they shop, track their spending, and receive offers and promotions. A turnkey service will be offered by Dumac and Truno, including referrals, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing technical support.

"Grocers are the backbone of communities across the U.S., and we're committed to getting them the tools and technology they need to succeed," emphasized Nick Nickitas, GM of Local Independent Grocery at Instacart. "By teaming up with established POS leaders like Dumac and Truno, we're making it easier than ever for grocers of all sizes to partner with Instacart, unlocking a modern shopping experience with Caper Carts while serving their communities." Additional products by Instacart include the platform, FoodStorm, as well as Electronic Shelf Label (ESL), Carrot Tag.

"With our successful implementation at Geissler's Supermarket, we've seen first-hand how this partnership allows us to offer our customers innovative in-store tech that not only grows baskets and increases affordability, but also delivers the personalized shopping experience that today's customers demand," reported Rory McCarthy, COO at Dumac. "By offering Caper Carts as part of our retail technology portfolio, we're helping grocers enhance their stores and compete effectively in the evolving retail landscape." In his remarks, Steven Watters, President at Truno, praised the capability of AI in Caper Cart.

Instacart Partners with Major POS Providers Dumac and Truno

Code Corner

Oracle Speaks

A latest version of Xstore POS has been unveiled by Oracle (Austin, TX). It features an intuitive user interface and streamlined workflows. A new series of dashboards display functionality such as customer purchase history and relevant offers and rewards as well as worklists to guide next-step actions such as preparing Buy Online/Pick-Up In-Store (BOPIS). It draws upon the strength of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Oracle Autonomous Database. In public cloud, multi-cloud, on-premise, as well as added OCI Roving Edge Infrastructure, Xstore may be delivered for mobile environments in iOS or Android. "Now retailers have the agility and security to support evolving customer journeys, move inventory from anywhere, and adhere to regional requirements while delivering great experiences to both their customers and staff," remarked Paul Woodward, VP of Retail Products at Oracle.

An Enhanced Xstore POS for Retail

What's for Dinner

An app for food ingredient transparency has been released by WISEcode (Reno, NV). Integrated with the company's extensive food database, it employs simple barcode scanning. As examples of content, it answers questions such as: Is your food ultra-processed? Does your food contain seed oils or harmful ingredients? Is your food truly all natural? It may be downloaded for free for iPhone and iPad on the Apple App Store. "Until 30 years ago, nutrition disclosure was voluntary," chronicled Tolga Erdogus, CTO of WISEcode. "The current Nutrition Facts Panel shows just 15 attributes--less than 1% of what's in our food. [Our] WISEdata flips that, with over 15,000 attributes on each of 650,000 foods--1,000 times more data than any other source."

Food Transparency Via WISEcode App

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Stop POS Peeking

A solution for customer privacy at the front-counter POS has been debuted by Rain Technology (Boulder, CO). As so-called "Switchable Privacy," its thin, proprietary material layer, built into the display panel, controls the viewing angle of the screen and may be electronically switched into privacy mode. Simultaneously, an embedded directional methodology enables separate messaging or branding to be directed to peripheral viewers. A static, reflective design is compatible with standard LCD, OLED, Mini-LED, and Micro-LED Displays.

"We've all been there, checking out at the register and covertly protecting our screen view," explained Robert Ramsey, CEO at Rain Technology. "Our scientists, in collaboration with manufacturers and the supply chain, are making it possible for POS displays to only be visible to the intended viewer during shopping cart review, tipping, payment, and entry of PIN, while peripheral viewers see only promotional logos or marketing messages--a win-win for retailers and customers." (Another suitable environment for use for such privacy: healthcare.)

Available now in POS from Datecs, Rain has offered to license its Switchable Privacy for POS at reduced pricing. "We have worked over the past months to create low-cost Switchable Privacy solutions for the most popular display sizes," continued Ramsey. "Bringing down the cost by only a few dollars per unit will allow many more brands, retailers, and manufacturers to take advantage of this novel innovation." (Headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, Datecs has partners in the U.S.)

Rain Debuts "Switchable Privacy" for POS Screens

Antsy About QR

A standard for "QR Code Protection Using Cryptographic Solutions," designated X9.148, has been developed by the Accredited Standards Committee X9 of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It seeks to guide the financial services industry in its use of QR Codes, including stakeholders such as service providers and software and hardware manufacturers. It is now available from ANSI for download.

As new standard, X9.148 sets up the scope and context of security analysis by first giving an overview of payments with QR Codes. A basic framework is defined, including mandatory elements, and the major roles are described. In addition, variations in practice are addressed.

"Use of X9.148 to create secure, trusted QR Codes with cryptography will result in additional safe, flexible payment choices for consumers and businesses," related Jeff Stapleton, Chair of the X9 Working Group (Annapolis, MD). "It makes transmission a matter of convenience and storage a matter of choice." Announcing development of X9.148 in 2022, Stapleton cited use of QR Codes in mobile payments, in particular.

"X9.148 - QR Code Protection Using Cryptographic Solutions" Released by ANSI Working Group

Key Advertiser Links

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

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

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers/Cash Handling
apg/APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
Star Micronics

Integrated Payment Solutions
Aurora Payments
Charge Anywhere
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico

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

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

INSTALLATIONS

Price Is Right at Toshiba

A successful participation in the newly fashioned Toshiba Commerce Marketplace on the part of PriceSmart, the membership warehouse club with 54 sites in Latin America, has been showcased. A network of technology partners of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Durham, NC), the Toshiba Commerce Marketplace holds third-party solutions across retail. It includes companies such as Adyen, BRData, CBS NorthStar, Datalogic, Honeywell, Ingenico, LOC Software, Xenia, and Zebra Technologies.

"We selected Toshiba as a strategic partner due to the modularity and capabilities of its technology stack along with their commitment to work collaboratively with us to deliver cost-effective, innovative solutions," recounted Wayne Sadin, EVP and CIO at PriceSmart. "By teaming with Toshiba, we have the freedom to adapt our technology as our business grows and changes." A premium level of participation for PriceSmart includes Toshiba's Advanced ELERA Commerce Platform. As VARs: Rhiscom and GBM (both based in Miami, FL).

"The Commerce Marketplace is an exceptional resource for retailers across a variety of segments," corroborated another partner, Jeremy Julian, CRO at CBS NorthStar (Irvin, CA). "For CBS, working with Toshiba offers retailers an agile and innovative solution that can run any prepared food offering from kitchen to front-end with the highest standards in a traditional retail environment." In addition to foodservice, Toshiba Commerce Marketplace addresses grocery, general merchandise, and specialty.

PriceSmart Draws Upon Toshiba Commerce Marketplace

Beam Me Up, PDX

A beta test of crypto-to-fiat (i.e., crypto-to-legal-tender) for seamless transfer of funds has been launched by PDX Global (New York, NY). Entitled PDX Beam, built on blockchain as part of PDX Coin, it automatically converts thousands of digital currencies and tokens into the POS. It runs as API (Application Programming Interface) or scanning via QR Code.

"Merchants are under the impression that they must sink significant investment into crypto payment systems, but with PDX Beam there is no need to even maintain a crypto account," relayed Shane Rodgers, CEO of PDX Global. "They can deploy and integrate PDX Beam into their existing platforms quickly and with no cost, and easily accept crypto-originated payments. Transactions can be settled either in same day ACH or real-time instant settlement at the merchant's option, reducing fees to a fraction of the transaction cost of a debit or credit card."

After five years of development, Version 1 of the PDX Beam has reportedly demonstrated live end-to-end payment transactions with no hitches in 30 seconds (expected to be reduced to 15 seconds). With such instant transfer and settlement, it reduces or eliminates chargeback fraud, according to PDX Global. It also will become available for standard, non-crypto transactions. At present, it supports Clover.

A Crypto-to-Legal-Tender App From PDX Global

Channel Factoid

GenAI Usage by Application
by Retailers Through 2029

80% - Task Automation

73% - Loss Prevention

71% - Data Cleansing

58% - Merchandising Support

56% - Personalization

54% - Predictive Analytics

51% - Dynamic Pricing

47% - Employee Chatbots

46% - Customer Service Chatbots

41% - Customer Profiling

Source: IHL Group

Worldwide AI Import on
Retail Through 2029: $9.2T

 

Sealed the Deal

-Qu (Rosslyn, VA): Playa Bowls, for 'modernized POS' for 300 sites.

-Otter Middleware (Los Angeles, CA): Skyline Chili, for 'streamlined delivery' for 135 sites.

-Mi9 Retail (Fort Lauderdale, FL): ACE Retail Holdings, for 'enterprise retail platform' for 250 sites.

-Cantaloupe (Malvern, PA): San Jose Earthquakes for 'stands-to-the-suites' POS for PayPal Park.

HELLO GOODBYE

Come to Ordr

A new CEO for hospitality payment platform Ordr (Salt Lake City, UT), Ryan Bott, brings experience in technology and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service). He recently served as Global Revenue Executive at food and facilities management leader, Sodexo. Also in his background, roles of Channel Sales Manager at Ivanti and Intel. With this change, Co-Founder, and former CEO, Jade Chiles will become CMO.

"We continue to build our world-class leadership team, and Ryan's proven track record in scaling global organizations and driving record-breaking growth makes him the perfect leader to take Ordr to the next level," expressed Chiles. "With Ryan at the helm, we're poised to redefine the live event experience for fans and unlock unprecedented revenue opportunities for sports teams and entertainment venues worldwide." Just recently, two teams in the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vegas Golden Knights, have deployed Ordr.

"A massive untapped opportunity in how payment data can transform the live event experience," enthused Bott of his new employer's target market. "Teams are burdened with fragmented ticketing, concessions, and payment systems, leaving critical insights on the table. Ordr's platform changes that--it's built specifically for stadiums, consolidating payments into a seamless ecosystem that drives actionable insights, enhances fan satisfaction, and unlocks new revenue streams. I'm thrilled to lead an organization that builds what teams need."

Ryan Bott, CEO, Ordr

BlueStar: Thinking of the Linking

A Director of Networks and Connectivity, Jim Hilton, has been appointed at the distributor BlueStar (Hebron, KY). A longtime figure in the channel, and in particular, Auto ID/AIDC, his resume includes many years at Symbol/Motorola/Zebra, culminating as Director of Vertical Marketing Strategy. Other posts in sales management have included technology firms such as Advantix, DecisionPoint Systems, and TELUS.

"Having someone of Jim's caliber and experience join our team is a monumental step forward for our company," indicated Ryan Girvin, CEO of BlueStar. "His track record of success in networking, RFID, and supply chain innovation will be instrumental as we continue to develop solutions that redefine edge and 5G connectivity." A domain of hardware, software, and services across verticals markets falls under the purview of Hilton.

Also, BlueStar has added the wearable scanner products of ProGlove to its line-card. "A significant step forward in our broader product strategy, which focuses on meeting the diverse needs of the modern workforce with innovative, human-centered technologies," projected Stefan Lampa, CEO of ProGlove (Chicago, IL and Munich, Germany). In concert with its hardware, dubbed MARK, ProGlove has Warehouse 360 WMS (Warehouse Management System).

Jim Hilton, Director of Networks and Connectivity, BlueStar

Copyright 2025 -- All Rights Reserved
Retail Reseller News -- Mendham, NJ USA
Michael Kachmar -- Publisher & Editor
ISSN 2769-6561