Our Product Pick

A new high-speed omnidirectional 1D/2D barcode scanner, Model CR2100, has shipped at Code Corporation (Murray, UT). Weighing 6.2 oz./177 g, it delivers the company's "near-zero-miss scanning." Wireless inductive charging eliminates potential contact failure caused by cleaners and disinfectants, in combination with seamless construction, plastic-casing of CodeShield, and rating of IP-52. A smart, swappable battery with built-in power gauge enables proactive management. In communications, the CR2100 features Bluetooth 5/Low Energy. "It brings high-performance, economical, and worry-free wireless data capture to retailers and wholesalers, logistics and warehousing, and light manufacturing and repair firms," enumerates Code Corporation.

Code's CR2100 Scanner

COMPANY BUSINESS

Brother, Eh?

A new repair depot in support of its customers and resellers in Canada has been opened by Brother International Corporation. Sited at the printer vendor's facility in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, suburb of Montreal, it will shorten transportation times and reduce cross-border custom procedures, as opposed to shipping from Canada to the U.S. Initially, service will be provided for Brother's Model PocketJet and Model RuggedJet 4, with plans to expand to the full product line by June 2025.

"Brother is committed to providing best-in-class service for our Canadian customers," commented David Macedon, Senior Product Manager, Supplies and Services, at Brother Mobile Solutions Division (Westminster, CO). "Our Assure Service Program delivers comprehensive support to keep their equipment running smoothly. By streamlining repairs and reducing turnaround times, we're helping to minimize downtime and maximize productivity."

Assure Service at Brother furnishes support, including accidental damage coverage, with two-year warranty on most models (including printheads) and optional extension for up to five years. In-warranty customers receive free inbound and outbound shipping, while out-of-warranty customers have their return shipping covered. In April, readers may recall, Brother Mobile Solutions Division was integrated into the operations of parent company, Brother International (Bridgewater, NJ).

Brother Opens Repair Depot in Canada

QSR Automations: Charged Up

A transition at QSR Automations (Louisville, KY) sees controlling investment from Battery Ventures (Boston, MA). Also, Robbie Payne, Battery's "Executive-in-Residence," has been named CEO of QSR. Angela Leet, who has served as CEO since 2021, will stay on the Board of Directors. Established in 1996, QSR Automations supplies its KDS (Kitchen Display System) and ConnectSmart Software Suite.

"I have been so impressed with the business Angela and her team have built at QSR Automations, and the traction the company has gotten inside large restaurant accounts," emphasized Payne, who previously ran smart manufacturing solutions company, Cambrio (also backed by Battery Ventures). At present, QSR Automations serves 21 of the 25 largest casual dining chains in the U.S., including The Cheesecake Factory and Brinker International. In restaurant tech, Battery Ventures has backed additional firms such as Olo, Crunchtime, and Vita Mojo.

"It's been such an honor to lead this company, but now, my team and I are incredibly excited for QSR Automations' next chapter," reflected Leet. "Partnering with Battery allows us to re-focus on our product development efforts, expand our market reach, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers." (Angela Leet became CEO following the death of her husband and QSR Founder/CEO, Lee Leet.)

Robbie Payne, CEO, QSR Automations

Worth Your While

2025

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bixolon Rolls On

A new, next-generation, direct-thermal label printer, Model SRP-Q300II, has been stocked at Bixolon America (Torrance, CA). In compact, cubic form factor of approximately 5"/125 mm W x L x H, weighing 2.7 lbs./1.2 kg, the SRP-Q300II furnishes hub/mPOS capability with USB Type-C power delivery. With print widths of 80 mm/58 mm (3"/2"), it features maximum print speed of 9.8"/250 mm per second at resolution of 203 dpi. An IP-21 rating seals against splash and dust.

A trio of sensors indicate paper end, cover open, and near end, with easy paper loading. In addition to multiple USB, and Ethernet, the SRP-Q300II offers wireless Bluetooth and dual-band 802.11 WLAN (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). It supports iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux O/S. As an option: web-based printer management software, XPM and XCM.

"We are pleased to introduce the new generation SRP-Q300II in response to the every-evolving mPOS market," remarked John Kim, Marketing Director at Bixolon Ltd. (South Korea). "This latest offering is poised to provide customers with a practical mPOS printer featuring enhanced functionality." It supports use of sustainable, eco-friendly blue receipt paper with switchable memory, as well as Energy Star.

Bixolon's SRP-Q300II Thermal Printer

A Handful of TD

A new mobile solution for POS, running Android 13 with GMS, has been unveiled by Touch Dynamic (South Plainfield, NJ). In size of 9"/229 mm (L) x 3.6"/92 mm (W) x 1.5"/38 mm (D), weighing approximately 1 lb./ 0.5 kg, the Touch Quest Handheld features true-flat 6.5" projected-capacitive touchscreen (720x1600), integrated speaker, and front and rear cameras (0.3 MP and 5 MP), as well as optional 2D scanner.

It has MediaTek MT8788 CPU, 4 GB RAM, and 32 GB eMMC Storage. As I/O's, it has 1 x Nano SIM, 1 x Micro SD Card, and 1 x USB Type-C. As wireless, it offers Bluetooth, 802.11 WLAN, and Cellular. A choice of payment modules includes Moby 5500 by Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA) and VP3350 by ID Tech (Cypress, CA). It carries an IP-54 rating.

"This is the second addition to our Android 13 with GMS family, in addition to our rugged tablets, as that O/S offering continues to grow at TD," enthused Craig Paritz, President at Touch Dynamic. "Our partners and customers love the size and flexibility of the Quest Handheld. We're seeing increasing trends of interest amongst the hospitality, restaurant, and retail industries for a smaller form-factor solution."

Touch Dynamic's Quest Handheld POS

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Week of November 18

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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

"E" x 2 = KDS

A new hardware partner, in the form of Elo (Knoxville, TN), now supports the TrueOrder KDS (Kitchen Display System) from Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA). Available products include Elo's I Series Touchscreen Computer with Linux and the Elo Backpack Linux PC. A software solution, released in September, Epson's TrueOrder KDS offers custom views for kitchen, expediter, and customer-facing stations.

"Our unified architecture enables restaurants to unite tableside ordering, POS, self-service, and food preparation within a single hardware line-up," expressed Kristin Roubie, Director of Business Development at Elo. "Our new partnership with Epson complements our offerings to create an intuitive, out-of-the-box KDS solution that will greatly benefit fast-paced quick-service restaurants." A browser-based configuration utility facilitates set-up and customization of TrueOrder.

"There is an increased need to optimize kitchen efficiency, especially managing orders coming from a wide range of third-party ordering and delivery apps," indicated Tessa Kohl, Product Manager, Epson America. "We are excited to partner with Elo to add TrueOrder KDS to their existing options of robust solutions that can withstand the hard environment of kitchens." Also supplying screens for Epson's TrueOrder KDS: MicroTouch (Maryville, TN) and Logic Controls (Orlando, FL).

Epson America's TrueOrder Kitchen Display System Adds Elo's Touchscreen Hardware

ECRS Steers the Ship

An integration by ISV ECRS (Boone, NC) and ShipStation (Austin, TX) extends product delivery capabilities for e-commerce/POS. A seamless platform between the two channel players combines the well-established capabilities of ShipStation with Catapult WebCart by ECRS. As advanced features, it includes automated order processing, access to real-time shipping rates from carriers, and customizable shipping rules.

"At ECRS, we are committed to empowering retailers with innovative solutions that streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction," espoused Jill Nicklaw, Web Transactions Business Unit Manager at ECRS. "Our integration with ShipStation is a testament to this commitment, providing our users with unparalleled efficiency and control over their shipping processes." A feature in WebCart, designated as Accelerated Checkout, now allows use of shopper smartphones.

In another area, ECRS has achieved certification for its newest self-checkout station, dubbed QuickCheck, from Underwriters Laboratories (UL). It provides independent verification of the product's safety, quality, and security standards. Introduced in April at the National Grocers Association Show, ECRS QuickCheck cites improvements in non-recycled cash management, loss prevention, and transaction speeds.

ECRS Partners With ShipStation for Delivery

Code Corner

What aiL's You

An application suite for the lending industry employs Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) at aiL Technologies (Bethel Park, PA). As Release 1.0, automating data collection and export processes, it addresses several key challenges faced by lenders/creditors, according to its developer, offering the potential for improved efficiency, accuracy, security, compliance, and cost reduction. As advanced capabilities, it includes dynamic decision-making, proactive recommendations, and "what-if" analysis. "aiL Suite is not just another fintech solution--it's the first version of our 'Live Lending/Credit Neuro-Net,'" declared aiL Technologies. "A continuously learning system that evolves to make smarter, faster, and more precise credit decisions." Offered as SaaS, aiL Suite 1.0 works with major private, hybrid, and public cloud platforms in the credit/loan industry.

AI/ML Suite for Lending

Arms of Cybra

An updated edition of its software for barcode, labels and forms, and RFID, designated MarkMagic 11, has been presented by Cybra Corporation (Yonkers, NY). As new data sources, it unlocks seamless printing from CSV, XML, and JSON (stored on the Integrated File System, or IFS). It produces labels and forms as JPEG, GIF, and PNG images on the IFS, complete with options for scaling, rotation, and color customization. It incorporates translation tables in support of multi-lingual labels. Additional new features include: diagonal line definition, save of print data, increased field for name size, and support of multiple XML. "MarkMagic 11 is the ultimate all-in-one solution for label and form printing, offering unmatched flexibility, advanced features, and seamless integration across platforms," suggested Cybra. "With tailored enhancements for IBM i users and powerful innovations for other platforms, MarkMagic 11 simplifies complex workflows."

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Taking Stock at Lightspeed

An effort to enhance its inventory control capacity by Lightspeed Commerce (Montreal, QC, Canada) has called in Cin7 (Denver, CO). It links Cin7 Core (the previous Dear Systems) with Lightspeed Retail POS. As benefits, the two parties list: automated synch, real-time inventory management, unified transaction management, and centralized control. As extended integrations, there's ties to MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning), WMS (Warehouse Management System), and EDI/3PL (Electronic Data Interchange/Third-Party Logistics).

"Through this partnership with Cin7, Lightspeed customers will have access to a variety of new features designed to improve their overall inventory management, and to create better operational efficiencies for their business," proposed JD Saint-Martin, President of Lightspeed Commerce. "It's through partnerships like this that Lightspeed is continuing to bring innovative solutions to our retail customers, giving them the tools needed to thrive in a competitive landscape." FYI: As Global Director of Technology and Partnerships at Cin7: Arun Kumar.

In the area of hospitality, Lightspeed Commerce has unwrapped its next-generation KDS 2.0 (Kitchen Display System). Enhanced with suggestions from restaurant workers, Lightspeed KDS furnishes real-time order updates, display of diner names for personalized service, changes in orders, and customizable workflows. As front-end devices, it supports the current range of iPads, Tablets, and Touchscreen POS.

Lightspeed POS Addresses Inventory With Cin7

[Editor's Note: In an announced restructuring, Lightspeed Commerce will focus on retail in North America and hospitality in the EMEA.]

A Door to Gifting

An in-app gift card delivery service, fulfilled by InComm Payments (Atlanta, GA), has been launched for DoorDash (San Francisco, CA). Starting on Black Friday, under limited offer in December, DashPass members receive 10% discount on select gift card orders placed through DoorDash. Additionally, non-DashPass members will receive 5% off.

"Consumers trust DoorDash to bring them the best of their local neighborhood with ease, speed, value, and convenience. We're expanding that experience to gifting by creating a digital gift card mall directly within the app," relayed Jaime Yeager, VP of Global Business Development at InComm Payments. "With our technology and retail network, we are delighted to partner with DoorDash to bring this convenient shopping experience offering hundreds of gift card options from local merchants to consumers preparing for the holidays."

In addition to digital, consumers may order physical gift cards from DashMart, the website/store by DoorDash. "DashMart serves as a fulfillment platform for DoorDash customers when they need essential items in a hurry--and during the holiday season that essential item might be a last-minute gift," elaborated Emma Stockdale, Director of New Verticals at DoorDash. "We're thrilled to partner with InComm Payments to make gifting easier and faster during the holidays."

DoorDash Calls on InComm in Gift Cards

[Editor's Note: DoorDash has showcased its Merchant Commerce Platform, Online Ordering Mobile Apps for iOS and Android, and DoorDash Business Manager App.]

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

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

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

INSTALLATIONS

A Hot Pizza on Time

Automation of order-status updates via text for restaurant delivery and pick-up has been completed at HungerRush (Houston, TX). A number of significant benefits have been identified, including improved customer satisfaction and retention, reduced wait area congestion and pick-up errors, and enhanced staff efficiency and well-being. It eliminates an influx of customer inquiries during high-volume periods, in particular.

"Order text notifications have been a major game changer for us," testified early adopter, Joel Mills, Co-Owner of Piesano's, with 13 pizza restaurants in Florida. "Customers love getting real-time updates on the status of their food orders. Our pick-up orders are served fresher and more efficiently which saves us time, money, and hassle."

"Every restaurant has its own way of doing business and its unique set of customers," observed Eran Hollander, Chief Product Officer at HungerRush. "Our goal is to make the order process as seamless as possible for restaurants. That's why Order Notifications helps to create an operational flow tailored to those individual needs." It integrates seamlessly with the company's flagship cloud-based POS.

HungerRush Debuts Order Text Notification

. . . With Cold Beverage From the C-Store

A pair of new features--product breakdown and age verification by ID--have been fashioned for the convenience store market and Sound POS. In the former, for breakdown, merchants have the option to set individual (single) and/or packaged (case or six-pack) prices for the same beverage product. It also allows the merchant to re-package the beverage in multiple configurations and presentations (e.g., two, trio).

In the case of age verification, as well as for sales and inventory management purposes, Sound POS has endorsed the Model BSH-32B 1D/2D Scanner with Bluetooth by Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). "Reseller feedback is an important part of any update," noted Andrew Russell, CEO of Sound Payments (Jacksonville, FL). "This release gives our resellers the tools they need to sell Sound POS and provide merchants with more options and better experiences."

"An example we've heard many times is a six-pack of soda that needs to be converted to singles because a customer has pulled a single from it," shared Cesar Rivas, National Sales Executive for Sound POS. "The customer brings the single to the register and the merchant needs the ability to ring it up as a single and then sell the remainder of the broken-down six-pack as singles." As payment terminals, Sound POS has endorsed Dejavoo (Mineola, NY), Equinox Payments (Scottsdale, AZ), Nexgo (Laguna Hills, CA), and PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL).

New Features For Sound POS

Channel Factoid

Follow the Money

(Emerging Retail and
Luxury Trends 2025)

#1: Capturing Gen Z - Driving the Resurgence of Malls

#2: Experiential Programming - Such as Pop-Ups and Curated Events

#3: Leveraging Data for Luxury - Advanced Sales and Location Intelligence Are Key

#4: Future of Brick-and-Mortar - Combining Nostalgia with Modernity

#5: A Mandate for Sustainability - Eco-Friendly Designs and Ethical Practices

Source: Interview of Mathew Whitman Lazenby, President and CEO of Whitman Family Development, LLC and Bal Harbour Shops

America's Highest Grossing Shopping Center: Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, FL

Short Takes

-An integration with the Berg Liquor Control System (Monona, WI) has been announced by Round 2 POS (Butler, PA).

-A joint effort draws together beverage-control ISV BeerBoard (Syracuse, NY) with restaurant management platform, GoTab (Arlington, VA).

-A pair of professional hockey franchises, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vegas Golden Knights, embrace the payment processing platform of Ordr (Salt Lake City, UT).

"Smart Bar" Screens of BeerBoard

HELLO GOODBYE

A CRO Dawns at Aurora

A new Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Commercial, Derek Dean, has joined Aurora Payments (Las Vegas, NV). Most recently, he served as President and Chief Revenue Officer for enterprise data management software provider, Syndigo. Previously, he was SVP of Sales and Customer Success for service technology platform, Evercommerce.

"Derek has a strong track record of successfully leading large sales teams. Throughout his career he has shown that he can support a company's ambitious growth plans by deploying strategic marketing and sales initiatives grounded in deep market analysis and customer insights," related Brian Goudie, CEO and Chair of the Board at Aurora Payments. "As we scale adoption of our cloud-based, payment-agnostic solutions for SMBs, Derek's proven skills and experience will play a pivotal role in accelerating future growth."

"Aurora Payments has an excellent reputation for innovation in the payments and fintech sector, and the opportunity to drive the adoption and growth of purpose-built solutions for SMBs fueled my decision to join the company," stated Dean. "The company has the right technology to help SMBs operate in a streamlined way and generate higher revenues and customer loyalty, and I look forward to leading the sales and marketing teams to achieve growth." A portfolio of more than 27,000 merchants for Aurora represents $12B in annual processing.

Derek Dean, CRO, Aurora Payments

A Milestone for Otters

A milestone for restaurant management platform, Otter (Los Angeles, CA) and its customer, Orbital Kitchens, with the processing and delivery of over two million orders. As one of the most prominent vertically integrated delivery-only kitchens, Orbital controls everything from menu development to couriers. It started as a food hall, but shifted into delivery-only mode, and added Otter, during the pandemic of 2020.

"Reaching two million orders highlights Orbital's commitment to operational efficiency and quality," contributed David Richer, CEO of Orbital Kitchens. "Since the beginning, Otter has been a vital tool, helping our business adapt to market changes, scale quickly, and stay true to our mission of making great cuisine accessible to everyone." At present, Orbital Kitchens operates 28 restaurants in New York City.

"The growth we've seen with Orbital's business is a testament to the power of adapting to changing consumer habits and embracing new technology," expounded Guido Gabrielli, Otter's CEO. "Otter is proud that our all-in-one solution allows brands like Orbital Kitchens to grow with scale."

At its start, Otter sought to solve the challenge of managing multiple delivery tablets by consolidating them. It addresses all facets of restaurant operations now, with relationships with major players in delivery, direct-to-consumer, couriers, staff management, virtual brands, and POS.

Otter's Tablet in Manhattan's Orbital Kitchens, With Two Million Orders Delivered