Our Product Pick

A new terminal for POS, Model Cx20, has been unboxed by Landi (Atlanta, GA). In desktop dimensions, it furnishes Intel Hexa-Core i3 CPU at 4.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB Flash, and Windows 11 IoT. As features, it has 15.6" projected-capacitive touchscreen (1920x1080), integrated 3"/80 mm thermal receipt printer, and 10.1" customer-facing display. A full suite of ports includes USB Type-C, USB Type-A x 4, Serial RJ-22, Ethernet RJ-45, and Cash Drawer RJ-11.There's wireless Bluetooth/BLE and Dual-Band Wi-Fi. A triangular base extends stability, with sleek overall profile.

Landi's Cx20 POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

Star Multiplies X4

A set of new thermal printers for receipts and labels, Models TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IV SK X4, have been unveiled by Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). As designated with "X4," they carry USB, LAN, WLAN, and Bluetooth. As further enhancement, employing Wi-Fi has been simplified with Star's Quick Set-up App or via QR Code. Additionally, all models of the TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IV SK X4 (the "SK" is "Sticky") now support the company's CloudPRNT Next with the MQTT Protocol.

A desktop footprint for models across the TSP143IV Series measures 5.5"/140 mm (W) x 4.8"/123 mm (H) x 6.7"/169 mm (D), weighing 2.9 lbs./1.3 kg. With 3"/2" (80/58 mm) guided print width, TSP143IV X4 has print speed of 9.8"/250 mm per second at resolution of 203 dpi, built-in guillotine auto-cutter, and 20 W USB Type-C. A removable linerless label printer, TSP143IV SK X4 has guided print width of 3"/2"/1.6" (80/58/40 mm) at print speed of 7"/180 mm per second at resolution of 203 dpi.

"Retail and hospitality businesses require solutions that are not only efficient and reliable but also adaptable to their rapidly changing needs," indicated Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics. "The TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IV SK X4 embody Star's commitment to innovation and sustainability, empowering businesses to improve efficiency while reducing their environmental footprint and boosting their bottom line." In sustainability of the printers, there's reduced packaging in shipping, nearly 100% recyclability of materials, and EnergyStar Certification.

Star Micronics America Unveils TSP143IV X4 Receipt and Label Printers, With USB, LAN, WLAN, and Bluetooth

HP Re-"Engages"

A revamping has the Engage One Pro G2 rolled out at HP (Palo Alto, CA). Introduced in January 2020, Engage One Pro leveraged the company's power in computing, along with purpose-built form factor, features, and functionality for retail POS. A trio of screen sizes (projected-capacitive) include 15.6", 19.5", and 23.8"--with aluminum chassis (and true-flat frame), hidden single cable management in the pedestal (in countertop configuration), and durable casing (for cleaning with disinfectants). Also, it offers the standard family of peripherals that "flush to the screen."

In conversation with RRN, representatives of HP listed multiple enhancements to the new Engage One Pro G2. As choice of O/S, it now offers Windows, Google ChromeOS Flex, and Linux. In computing, it carries 14th Generation Intel CPU, up to Core i9 vPro, 2 x DDR5 Memory, up to 64 GB, and up to 2 TB M.2 NVMe Standard and Encrypted SSD. In wireless connectivity, there's now the latest Wi-Fi 7.

A number of physical enhancements add to features of the HP Engage One Pro G2, such as its new advanced dual-hinge stand (with 12 degrees vertical associate side flip to 140 degrees on the customer side), optional adjustable back-to-back customer-facing display mount (from vertical to 60 degrees), NFC Icon/LED, and USB Type-A "Hub-Less" Dongle. With testing to military standards (IP-44), it also carries HP Wolf Security for Business. Another benefit: HP has its five-year product life cycle and 10-year service life.

New HP Engage One Pro G2

Worth Your While

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

RC Show
Restaurants Canada
April 7-9
Toronto, ON, Canada

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

SEAA
Southeast Acquirers Association
June 2-4
Orlando, FL

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

Bixolon Bundles Up

A second generation of its two-in-one thermal label printer and embedded tablet, entitled Model XQ-840II, has been unwrapped by Bixolon America (Torrance, CA). In desktop dimensions of 7.6"/194 mm (W) x 8.4"/214 mm (H) x 10.7"/273 mm (D), weighing 5.3 lbs./2.4 kg, the XQ-840II has 4"/102 mm maximum print width, with print speed of 6"/152 mm per second at resolution of 203 dpi. An accompanying tablet features 8" full-color TFT LCD touchscreen, with 2 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Flash, and Android 13 O/S with Google Play. An array of connectivity includes USB, USB Host x 2, WLAN, and Bluetooth.

A suite of complementary software includes Bixolon's Label Artist, XCM/XPM Utility, and Web-Based Printer Profile Management. As compatible printer programming languages, the XQ-840II has SLCS, BPL-Z, BPL-E, and BXL-POS. It supports media roll diameters of up to 130 mm/5.1" and offers optional features such as auto-cutter, peeler, and wall-mount. Also, the semi-transparent case facilitates checking of paper status.

"We are thrilled to introduce the next model of the XQ-840, our first two-in-one desktop label printer which has been well-received, particularly for use in the food-prep environment," remarked John Kim, Marketing Director at Bixolon Ltd. (South Korea). "We expect the new XQ-840II to address challenges in a wider range of applications including food delivery, logistics, and healthcare with its enhanced convenience and easy accessibility to customer applications."

Bixolon America Unwraps Second Generation Two-in-One Label Printer/Android Tablet: XQ-840II

A Sweet SuitePOS

A one-time set-up cost of $3,000, which covers unlimited stores, terminals, and end-users with no ongoing subscription costs, has been offered in new SuitePOS Unlimited by SuiteRetail (Newark, DE). It includes native integration for both NetSuite and Salesforce, enfolding the POS with Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Back-Office. It addresses small-to-midsized retail, the SMB. (As the solution for high-volume or high-ticket-price environments, there's SuitePOS Enterprise.)

"With SuitePOS Unlimited, we've broken down the price barrier that traditionally kept retailers from a fully integrated POS solution," declared Jeff Schneider, Co-Founder and Director of Sales at SuiteRetail. "By eliminating middleware and supporting both stand-alone and deeply integrated configurations, SuitePOS delivers unmatched value." In terms of support for its SuitePOS, SuiteRetail draws upon the technical teams at NetSuite (now part of Oracle) as well as Salesforce.

With SuitePOS Unlimited, charges start at 1% + 10 cents per transaction (processing fees apply). As options, there's custom pricing and configuration. As propitious timing for SuitePOS Unlimited, SuiteRetail identified the ending of "low-price" QuickBooks Desktop POS in 2024.

SuiteRetail Presents SuitePOS Unlimited With Native Integration for NetSuite and Salesforce

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Week of January 20

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Week of November 18

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

A Case of POS

A new solution for mobile POS combines the Model DynaFlex II Go Payment Device by MagTek (Seal Beach, CA) with the Model NE360 Series Rugged Cases by InVue (Charlotte, NC). Accompanying handhelds and tablets across Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and Mac, the bundle offers advanced battery management and connectivity via USB. A set of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and SDKs (Software Development Kits) support VARs, ISVs, and Merchant Service Providers.

"We're happy to collaborate with MagTek to offer this all-in-one mobile payment solution," relayed David Suarez, VP/GM of InVue's Point-of-Sale Division. "Our NE360 mPOS cases provide the durability and functionality that retailers need, while MagTek's secure DynaFlex II Go device ensures a smooth, secure transaction process. Together, we've enhanced the customer experience and operational efficiency."

A recent introduction, MagTek's DynaFlex II Go accommodates MSR, EMV Chip Cards (Contact and Contactless), and QR Codes, as well as wallets with NFC (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay). It also supports non-payment transactions by reading and writing technologies such as MiFare. It offers the highest level of data security through AES-256 Encryption, DUKPT Key Management, and Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 6.x SCR Validation.

Integration of MagTek's DynaFlex II Go Payment Module With Rugged Device Casings by InVue

[Editor's Note: Additional hardware integrations for MagTek include Vault Connect (High Point, NC) and OtterBox (Fort Collins, CO).]

Epson Wears Kitchen Armor

As its newest hardware partner for its TrueOrder Kitchen Display System, Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA) has engaged Kitchen Armor (Irvine, CA). As an official reseller of technology by Curbit (Calabasas, CA), Kitchen Armor will bring AI-powered kitchen management for Epson's TrueOrder KDS. It determines the optimal time to start digital orders and provides real-time order progress to guests and delivery drivers via SMS. As target markets: mid-sized chains and independents.

"We are delighted to work with Epson and strengthen our partnership with Curbit as we continue to be the industry-leading turn-key solutions provider for a diverse array of quick-service restaurants," shared Paul Amestoy, Co-Founder of Kitchen Armor. "This partnership will further allow our customers to enhance their kitchen production, achieve better order accuracy, and enhance customer communication." As one significant feature, Kitchen Armor employs PoE (Power-over-Ethernet).

"As a market leader with a reputation for providing expertise for both software and hardware kitchen solutions, Kitchen Armor has the experience and know-how to provide a full end-to-end solution for restaurants," projected Tessa Kohl, Product Manager, Epson America. "Many restaurants are looking to optimize kitchen efficiency, especially when managing orders coming from a range of third-party ordering and delivery apps, and we are excited to work with Kitchen Armor to deliver world-class solutions to meet these needs." In addition to Kitchen Armor, Epson's KDS hardware partners now include MicroTouch (Maryville, TN), Logic Controls (Orlando, FL), and Elo (Knoxville, TN).

Epson America Partners With Kitchen Armor in KDS

Code Corner

Air Power

A mobile solution, dubbed OmniTab, has been launched by ISV RPower POS (Scottsdale, AZ). With use of handhelds, OmniTab addresses at-the-table, on-the-go, and curbside pick-up for restaurants. It supports all payment methods with bill reviewing, check splitting, and tipping and closing-out. "Mobile technology plays a vital role in the evolving restaurant landscape," stated Jami Interdonato, President of RPower POS. "OmniTab gives restaurants a tool to improve order accuracy, reduce service bottlenecks, and provide better overall guest experience. It's a practical solution for operators looking to stay competitive."

Mobile OmniTab by RPower POS

K-12 Duty

A unified, cloud-based platform for streamlining and simplifying nutrition programs for K-12 has been showcased at ISV LINQ (Wilmington, NC). As the LINQ School Nutrition Suite, it addresses necessary functions of planning, managing, delivering, and paying for school meals. As elements, it includes family engagement via centralized hub, real-time menu compliance, data-driven cost control, and "eat & repeat" POS. "The LINQ School Nutrition Suite helped us automate processes for procurement, inventory, and flow of food from 40 separate manual tasks down to 7," cited Katie Cossette, School Nutrition Director at St. Vrain Valley Schools in Longmont, CO. "These cost-saving efficiencies saved our Field Supervisors over 17 hours per week." A leader in its field, LINQ currently supports over 1 billion meals served annually to more than 17 million students.

LINQ School Nutrition Suite for K-12

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Payroc's Genie

An automated solution for accounts receivables for QuickBooks has been fashioned between Biller Genie (Orlando, FL) and Payroc (Tinley Park, IL). Eliminating manual data entry, it covers invoicing, payment reminders, and collections. Also, with RewardPay Choice, merchants using QuickBooks can lower their processing fees, according to Payroc.

"By integrating with Biller Genie, we're providing a complete accounts receivable solution to our sales partners and their merchants," submitted James Derby, EVP of Product Commercialization at Payroc. "It will automate key processes, save on processing fees, and focus on growing their business." In going to market, Payroc embraces ISVs.

Also, Payroc has enlisted restaurant ISV, Sunday (Atlanta, GA). As hardware, this solution deploys the A920 Pro from PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). "By partnering with Sunday to power its handheld payment terminal solution, we're building on Sunday's proven success in the EU market to redefine operational efficiency and guest satisfaction in the U.S.," proposed Conn Byrne, Executive Director, Integrated Payments, at Payroc. "This partnership sets a new standard for pay-at-table technology." In Paris, France, Sunday launched in 2021.

A Pair of New Applications for Payroc

"Chow Down," Says Chowly

A dashboard, and one monthly fee, enables access to 10 restaurant marketing and delivery tools in the new Chowly Platform. It moves further than just connecting third-party marketplaces such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, stresses Chowly (Chicago, IL), by bringing together Chowly Online Ordering and Chowly Digital Marketing (e.g., advertising, e-mail campaigns, social posts). As additional benefit, Chowly has added its Website Builder, Mobile App, and Google Business Profiling.

"Independent restaurants have recently faced the worst market conditions in decades," commented Sterling Douglass, Co-Founder and CEO of Chowly. "Our Chowly Platform comes at the perfect time for operators who need to level up their Digital Storefronts for more sales while also getting some relief on costs. As someone who has seen thousands of restaurants go out of business the past few years, I've seen what sets apart those who are striving from those just surviving."

"Our Chowly Platform is based on those learnings," continued Douglass. "A product whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A single solution for operators to punch above their weight class, reduce expenses, and get them what they need most--more orders." As partners, Chowly includes 50 software developers/providers of POS.

A New Marketing Platform by Chowly

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

Jumpmind: If the Shoe Fits

A pair of footwear and sports apparel retailers have embraced the mobile inventory and POS from Jumpmind (Columbus, OH). Altogether, DTLR (formerly Downtown Locker Room) and Shoe Palace have 450 store locations in the U.S. As hardware, they will run 2,000 Model S1E2L Android Payment Terminals by Castle Technologies (Kennesaw, GA), with processing through Ayden (San Francisco, CA). Both DTLR and Shoe Palace were recently acquired by larger sportswear retailer, JD Sports.

"The move to Jumpmind Commerce for point-of-sale on mobile devices is part of a larger initiative to modernize our stores and elevate the shopping experience for our customers," reported Todd Kirssin, DTLR CEO. "We're moving to larger store footprints so we can carry more of the hottest sportswear and streetwear brands." In his remarks, George Mersho, Shoe Palace CEO, included "pop-ups and community events."

At the recent National Retail Federation Show in New York City, Jumpmind Cloud, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), was debuted. As inherent benefits, the ISV enumerates: simple configuration, easy patching and updates, real-time monitoring, automatic back-up and recovery, and easy scaling. "It gives retailers the ability to spend more time and energy innovating and less time managing infrastructure," emphasized Chris Henson, CTO at Jumpmind.

A Pair of Specialty Retailers in Footwear and Apparel Deploy Mobile POS by Jumpmind

Celerant: Working on the Railroad

A leading distributor in the hobby industry, focusing on the model railroad segment, Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. (Milwaukee, WI), has moved its product catalog online via ISV Celerant Technology (Iselin, NJ). Such integration allows users of Celerant's POS to search and choose products and place their purchase orders electronically. It allows hobby stores to set desired minimum and maximum inventory levels within their Celerant POS, with automatic notification of needed actions.

"Walthers is delighted to partner with Celerant," enthused Mark Liedel, Wholesale Sales Manager of Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. "This integration empowers our valued wholesale partners to seamlessly import our extensive product catalog and automate orders directly from their POS. In streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency, this collaboration underscores our commitment to providing best-in-class service."

"Celerant's new partnership with Walthers allows us to expand the selection that hobby stores can choose from," observed Michele Salerno, Chief Growth Officer of Celerant. "The new integration means hobby retailers can save time, while being more competitive in the already challenging hobby vertical. No more crunching numbers or having to count at frequent intervals manually--just set and forget!"

An Online Product Catalog Posted for the Largest Model Railroad Hobby Distributor Via Celerant Technology

Channel Factoid

On the Menu for
Restaurants in 2025

-Cautious Optimism: More than 8 in 10 operators expect their 2025 sales to be either higher or about the same as 2024. At the same time, restaurant operators expect competitive pressures to intensify in 2025.

-More Hiring: In 2025, the industry is expected to add approximately 200,000 new jobs, bringing the total workforce to 15.9 million employees. The industry will remain the nation's second largest private-sector employer.

-Pent-Up Demand: Consumers report they would use restaurants more frequently if they had the money, and this sentiment cuts across all segments: on-premises dining at table-service restaurants (81%), to visiting quick-service restaurants, snack places, delis, or coffee shops (76%), to having food delivered at home (82%).

-Your Table Is Ready: A majority of operators say increasing traffic on-site and getting diners back in their seats will be more important to their restaurant's success in 2025. This is especially important to 90% in fine dining and 87% in casual dining.

Source: "2025 State of the Restaurant Industry" by the National Restaurant Association

Restaurant Sales to Reach $1.5 Trillion in 2025

Sealed the Deal

-Qu (Arlington, VA) for "digital overhaul" of Golden Corral, the largest buffet restaurant chain in the U.S., with 350 sites.

-Bikky (New York, NY) for custom data platform for Haven Hot Chicken, growing fast-casual chain with nine locations in Connecticut.

-TRAY (Coral Gables, FL) and PrimePay (Chester, PA) for unified platform of POS and Human Capital Management for IHOP Franchisees.

HELLO GOODBYE

Voyix Voyagers

A new leader has been tapped at NCR Voyix (Atlanta, GA), with James Kelly named as President and CEO. He succeeds David Wilkinson, who is stepping down as President and CEO and Member of the Board of Directors. Before joining the Board at NCR Voyix in 2023, Kelly was CEO of Evo Payments. Prior to Evo, he was President and COO of Global Payments. (As readers may recall, Evo was purchased by Global Payments in 2023.)

"Jim is a proven customer-centric business leader with deep experience in technology and payments. He has been a valuable Board Member and Chair since the spin-off of our ATM-related businesses in 2023 and drove the sale process of our digital banking business in 2024 as Executive Chair," recounted Kevin Reddy, NCR Non-Executive Chair. "He has the right experience, judgement, and urgency to steer NCR Voyix into its next phase of growth at this pivotal moment."

Also at NCR Voyix, Darren Wilson has been promoted to EVP and President for Retail and Payments. He joined NCR Voyix in 2024 as EVP and President, International. He previously served as President, International at Evo Payments, Managing Director at Worldpay UK, and CEO and President of Western Europe at Global Payments.

Appointed at NCR Voyix: James Kelly, President and CEO, and Darren Wilson, EVP and President, Retail and Payments

Clover Show Biz

A celebrity sighting at Clover by Fiserv (Milwaukee, WI) has Tabitha Brown becoming the First Chief Empowerment Officer. An award-winning host, actress, author, and entrepreneur, Brown has appeared on Showtime's popular "The Chi," Food Network's vegan cooking competition "It's CompliPlated," and her own children's show, "Tab Time." She has 13 million followers, according to the announcement.

"I'm overjoyed to work with Clover," expressed Brown. "Small businesses are my passion. The equity in helping them is the joy you bring to someone's household and community. My goal is to always uplift and empower small businesses and encourage others to do the same in their communities." [Editor's Note: Expect to see her soon!]

"Tabitha brings an invaluable perspective on the lived experiences of small business owners, understanding their struggles and giving voice to their dreams and ambitions in a way that only few can," contributed Shannon Watkins, Chief Brand, Marketing, and Communications Officer, Fiserv. "We're honored to help bring her wisdom and authenticity to small businesses across the globe. Because, when we lift small business, we lift communities and can change the world."

Tabitha Brown, Chief Empowerment Officer for Clover, at Fiserv