Our Product Pick

An upgrade at AML (Richland Hills, TX) brings the StrikerX Mobile Computer. It enhances the company's previous Striker by adding Qualcomm QCS6490 CPU running Android 13 at 2.7 GHz. In similar compact form factor, it measures 8.5"/216 mm (L) x 3.1"/79 mm (W) x 1.8"/46 mm (D), and weighs 17 oz./482 g (without handle). A 4" projected-capacitive touchscreen and alphanumeric tactile keypad facilitate data entry. Additional features include barcode reader, wireless communications (Bluetooth and 802.11 Wi-Fi), long-lasting 24 Watt-Hour Li-Ion battery, integrated flashlight, microphone/speaker, optional camera, and IP-65 sealing against water and dust and 6 ft./1.8 m drop durability. "StrikerX can handle the most demanding tasks with power to spare," projected Mike Kearby, President of AML.

StrikerX From AML

COMPANY BUSINESS

Earning Their Stripes

A partnership between FreedomPay (Philadelphia, PA) and Stripe (San Francisco, CA) seeks to expand unified commerce for enterprises in the retail, restaurant, and hospitality markets. As such, it allows enterprises to seamlessly perform online and in-person electronic payments with Stripe in conjunction with the Next Level Commerce Platform by FreedomPay. It furnishes payments, loyalty programs, and customer analytics in one technology stack, according to the two parties.

"Many of the largest businesses in the world already use FreedomPay and they've been telling us they'd love to see Stripe join our growing ecosystem of connectivity," reported Chris Kronenthal, President of FreedomPay. "We're excited that our merchants can now modernize their systems and grow their revenue with Stripe." As major customers for its processing, Stripe has Amazon, BMW, H&M, and Unilever.

"For the first time, businesses can use Stripe's ultra-reliable and industry-leading payments processing alongside hundreds of systems for POS and with dozens of third-party card readers," proclaimed John Affaki, Business Lead, Payments Acceptance at Stripe. "We're thrilled to partner with FreedomPay to help enterprises modernize." (Also, Stripe has expanded its relationship with computing pioneer Nvidia for AI.)

FreedomPay Partners With Stripe for Payments

BlockChyp Stax-s Up

A wider presence for Stax Payments (Orlando, FL) follows its acquisition of BlockChyp (Lindon, UT). It adds the payments gateway and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) of BlockChyp. Of interest to our readers, both firms emphasize their partnership with ISVs.

"Addition of the BlockChyp team brings deep experience in retail payments and leading payments technology," commented Paulette Rowe, CEO of Stax. "I have seen remarkable growth and innovation from the team during my time as CEO of Stax, and this acquisition serves as an accelerator for Stax's future as a differentiated, verticalized payments partner serving a broader customer base." Since its start in 2014, Stax has snapped up payments players CardX, Fusebill, Payment Depot, and most recently, Atlantic-Pacific Processing Systems.

"The payments industry continues to see incredible growth, but with it comes an increasingly saturated and difficult space to navigate as a merchant," observed Jon Decker, CEO and Co-Founder of BlockChyp, who joins the executive team at Stax. "Acquisition by Stax opens access for our customers to be served by an incredibly experienced team and allows us to continue to develop innovative payment solutions for our partners and customers." In six years of operation, BlockChyp has recruited over 2,000 merchants, processing over $1.5B in volume yearly.

Stax Payments Buys BlockChyp Gateway

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

Elo Counts to 10

A new mobile tablet for POS, featuring 10" touch display, has been unwrapped at Elo (Knoxville, TN). In dimensions of 10"/255 mm (W) x 6.4"/162 mm (H) x 0.5"/14 mm (D), weighing approximately 1.7 lbs./0.8 kg, the new Elo Pay M100 has integrated payments--MSR, EMV, NFC, and Pin-on-Glass (and optional scanner for QR Code). It has Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Octa-Core CPU at 2.2 GHz, 4 GB RAM/64 GB Flash, and Android 12 GMS.

Additional data collection includes fixed-focus front camera at 5 MP and auto-focus rear camera at 8 MP. As wireless communications, there's Bluetooth 5, 802.11 Wi-Fi, and Cellular. An 8000 mAh Li-Polymer battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous use. In durability and sealing against water and dust, Elo Pay M100 meets IP-54 and MIL-STD-810G

"Many applications require not only secure mobile payment capabilities but also the convenience of a tablet-sized screen," counseled Craig Witsoe, CEO at Elo. "The Elo Pay M100, with its 10" display, meets these needs perfectly and is built with the renowned Elo quality and durability. It complements our existing offerings, including the popular Elo Pay M60 6" handheld mobile and the new Elo Pay 7" fixed terminal."

Elo's Pay M100 10" Mobile POS Tablet

BlueStar Reads the Fine Print

An interesting addition to the line-card at distributor BlueStar (Hebron, KY), in the form of EcoprintQ, which provides Managed Print Services (MPS) in North and South America. Headquartered in Miami Lakes, FL, EcoprintQ has regional offices in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Peru. In making its announcement, BlueStar emphasized the suitability and opportunities for MPS used in concert with the barcode scanners and thermal printers of one of its major vendor partners, Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL).

"As a value-added distributor, our goal is to provide customers with the most comprehensive solutions and services available in the channel," relayed Dean Reverman, VP of Marketing at BlueStar. "EcoprintQ's solutions, services, and support will aid our customers in their ability to expand their business. We look forward to this partnership and driving those new partner opportunities."

"This partnership represents a significant advancement in our mission to offer unparalleled print management solutions," reflected Dominick Bracero, VP of Sales and Marketing at EcoprintQ. "With BlueStar as our strategic ally, we are well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the market and drive innovation in print management technology, benefiting our clients and the industry at large." In addition to its software/services, EcoprintQ carries card readers and copier hardware.

BlueStar Offers Managed Print Services (MPS)

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Week of September 30

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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

A Deeper Shade of Bluu

A new subsidiary for payments and POS VAR/ISO, Bluu: Smart Merchant Solution, now recast as Bluu SMS. Established in 2002, Bluu SMS has served 5,000 business customers and handles JK POS and Clover POS. In joining Bluu, it brings penetration into the Greater Dallas Texas Area.

"We are delighted to welcome Smart Merchant Solution to the Bluu family," remarked Jay Yoon, CEO of Bluu, Inc. (Hackensack, NJ). "Joining forces with SMS aligns well with our long-term growth strategy and strengthens our ability to offer comprehensive solutions to our merchants. Together, we will continue to innovate and set new standards in payment processing and POS."

As readers may recall, Bluu was formed by the combination of UP Solution and United Merchant Services, Inc. in 2022. According to the Nilson Report, UMSI is ranked in 2024 as the 50th Largest Merchant Acquirer in the U.S. It promotes its prominent position in the "ethnic payment processing market." In going to market through our channel of resellers, Bluu promotes its "Unified POS-as-a-Service," or UPaaS.

Smart Merchant Solution Becomes Bluu SMS in POS/Payments

Worldpay in Driver's Seat

A leading supplier of automotive dealership management software, the Reynolds and Reynolds Company (Dayton, OH), has renewed an agreement with its exclusive payments provider, Worldpay (Cincinnati, OH). Under this ongoing partnership, Worldpay supports all payment activities--including contactless--for the RayPAY Platform at Reynolds and Reynolds. One of the three largest firms in its space, with software, business forms, and services, Reynolds and Reynolds markets its ERA and POWER Suites.

"Worldpay has been a foundational component in our shift to integrated payments, and using their TriPOS Platform as the backbone of our offering of RayPAY has enabled us to be more innovative and to move faster," recounted Scott Worthington, VP of Product Management at Reynolds and Reynolds. "Integrated payments have become a huge efficiency driver for automotive retailers. RayPAY helps them dramatically streamline their payment processes and deliver a seamless customer experience."

"Extension of our partnership with Reynolds is a testament to the strength of our TriPOS Platform and how it delivers a unified omni-channel experience for our software partners and their users," declared Matt Downs, President of Worldpay for Platforms. "Consumers expect great experiences when servicing and purchasing an automobile. TriPOS allows Reynolds to deliver these seamless experiences via point-of-service, mobile, or online, which speeds up making payments while allowing the dealership to provide great service."

Worldpay Provides Payments for Leading Automotive ISV

Code Corner

Jelly for Toast

A pair of new features in the fall product release for Toast POS (Boston, MA): Branded Mobile App and SMS Marketing. As part of the Toast Digital Storefront Suite, the Branded Mobile App allows restaurants to build and customize their own apps in iOS and/or Android O/S. As part of Toast's Marketing Suite, in turn, the SMS Marketing allows restaurants to send subscribers marketing campaigns, promotional offers, and messages in real-time. "In today's competitive restaurant environment, reaching new guests and enticing them back again and again is easier if you meet them where they are--on their phones," affirmed Steve Fredette, President and Co-Founder of Toast. "These new features allow restaurants to make direct, personal connections with their guests and are designed to drive traffic and grow brand loyalty. These innovations are some of our most highly requested features."

A Branded Mobile App by Toast

Getting the Goods

A new predictive inventory platform has been presented by Relex Solutions (Atlanta, GA). Designated as Relex True Inventory, it employs Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for benefits such as: establishing more precise view of inventory balance on hand, identifying specific inventory anomalies, and providing store operatives with prioritized recommendations for the most value-adding inventory checks. In learning from new data, it builds and maintains perpetual inventory from transactions at the POS. It also consolidates all inventory counting activities into one system, streamlining cycle count management. "Retailers are challenged with ordering products either too soon or too late, causing storage issues, or worse, spoilage and lost sales," indicated Stuart Douglas, Product Lead, Forecasting and Replenishment, at Relex. "With Relex True Inventory, our new predictive inventory capabilities address this challenge head-on, while also addressing store-led ordering, to improve replenishment accuracy and store efficiency, while helping to improve sales margins."

AI Predictive Inventory by Relex

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Now Ripe at Cantaloupe

A digital advertising campaign now runs on touchscreen devices, both card readers and kiosks, supplied by self-service payments provider, Cantaloupe (Malvern, PA). An initial effort in the new Cantaloupe AdVantage Program, it supports the philanthropic Priceless Planet Coalition, launched by Mastercard, Conservation International, and the World Resources Institute to fund the restoration of 100 million trees around the world. It runs for three months on Cantaloupe's Engage Series found in schools, hospitals, airports, malls, hotels, and employee break rooms.

When consumers contribute $4 or more, they will be entered to win Grand Prizes of two-day trips or First Prizes of $100 Mastercard Prepaid Cards. Consumer donations will be matched by Cantaloupe up to $500,000. "A campaign in support of the Priceless Planet Coalition provides an engaging, seamless way to make positive impact," stated Marie Elizabeth Aloisi, EVP of U.S. Market Development, Mastercard.

"A key milestone in how we're leveraging Cantaloupe's technology to deliver more than just transactions," noted Gaurav Singal, Cantaloupe's CTO, in describing AdVantage. "Our platform not only enables seamless digital payments but also creates opportunities for brands to extend their reach and engage consumers. By harnessing the power of data-driven insights and the scale of our devices in POS, we're empowering businesses to unlock new revenue streams."

New AdVantage Program Brings Advertising to Cantaloupe's Touchscreen-Based Payment Network

Up Periscope at Mako

A new secure remote management platform for third-party end-user IT, appropriately called Periscope, has been showcased by Mako Networks (Elgin, IL). As part of the Mako Central Management System (CMS), Periscope supports enterprise deployments in POS, CCTV (Closed Circuit Television), and IoT. As target markets, Mako identified chains of convenience stores, gas stations, and QSR (Quick-Service Restaurants).

A range of critical network elements are accommodated with Mako CMS, including SD-WAN, Next-Gen Firewall, VPN, and Cellular Fail-Over. It monitors traffic to ensure compliance with security protocols, covering IP Addresses, Ports, Authentication Status, Bandwidth Usage, and Idle Duration. It carries certification to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Level One Service Provider. Active management and reporting are achieved with "single-pane" secure network controls.

"Periscope finally addresses a longstanding IT challenge that's often swept under the rug--remotely managing vital on-premise systems through unsecured web-based tools," expressed Simon Gamble, President and Co-Founder of Mako Networks. "As part of the Mako CMS, Periscope provides distributed enterprises with secure access to third-party systems as a secure alternative to makeshift or jury-rigged approaches but without requiring costly on-site tech visits or specialized hardware at branch or franchise sites." It goes to market as a combination of hardware and managed services or as an "as-a-Service" subscription from Authorized Partners of Mako Networks.

A New Remote Management Platform by Mako

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

Agilysys Happens in Vegas

An upgrade in POS at gourmet market and food hall, Famous Foods Street Eats at Resorts World Las Vegas has summoned Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA). Encompassing 16 diverse, gourmet culinary food stalls in an 24,000-sq.-ft. emporium, Famous Foods Street Eats has deployed Agilysys InfoGenesis POS and Agilysys IG Kiosks. A total of 34 IG Kiosks.

As benefits, each venue can update menu items, prices, and specials in real-time without impacting kiosk availability for the other venues. Also, diners can pay their tab using player points, room charges, payroll deductions (if an employee), and, of course, credit cards. In the case of orders that consolidate items from multiple menus, automated multi-station routing splits out items by individual food stalls before transmitting to the appropriate Agilysys Kitchen Display System (KDS).

"With our business growing and guest expectations evolving, it became clear that we needed a more robust and user-friendly system than the one we had," explained Bart Mahoney, VP of Food and Beverage for Resorts World Las Vegas. "Agilysys offered the perfect blend of innovation, ease-of-use, and flexibility, allowing us to configure the systems to cater to our unique needs." (In August, Agilysys picked up spa management ISV Book4Time (Markham, ON, Canada) for $150M).

Agilysys Deployed by Famous Foods Street Eats at Resorts World Las Vegas

A Handy Tool: RFID

An automated tool-tracking and management system, powered by Auto ID, has been introduced by United Rentals, Inc. (Stamford, CT). As part of the United Rentals' Worksite Performance Portfolio, the new ProBox OnDemand features patent-pending tool-storage cabinet and system software for contractors. In real-time, via asset-tracking tags for tools based on RFID, and wireless communications via Bluetooth, it oversees and reports on tool usage and tool inventory at installed job sites.

Anyone who wants to access ProBox OnDemand must have an assigned PIN or RFID Badge. Unlike some tool-tracking systems, according to United Rentals, it works with tools from any manufacturer. Utilization data generated by ProBox OnDemand helps contractors control tool spending and establish accountability. Also, such visibility into utilization allows managers to reduce the under-utilized tools they rent and ensure that high-demand tools are readily available at United Rentals.

"A flexible, convenient solution that delivers accurate results," suggested Antwan Houston, Region VP-Tools at United. "It allows contractors to move beyond ineffective manual systems. It saves time, labor, and money while allowing contractors to use the rental tools of their choice to get the work done." Offering 4,800 classes of rental equipment, United Rentals, Inc. has approximately 1,000 locations in North America serving industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, and homeowners.

United Rentals Debuts ProBox OnDemand Tool Management Cabinet With RFID

Channel Factoid

A Decade of Growth

Retail Sales - Holidays
(November - December)

2024 Forecast:

+2.5% - 3.5% ($979.5B - $989.0B)

Over Past Decade:

+3.9% -2023 ($955.6B)

+4.7% -2022 ($920.0B)

+12.4% -2021 ($878.4B)

+9.0% -2020 ($781.2B)

+3.7% -2019 ($716.7B)

+1.8% -2018 ($691.1B)

+5.0% -2017 ($678.9B)

+3.0% -2016 ($646.5B)

+2.7% -2015 ($627.6B)

+4.8% -2014 ($610.9B)

Source: National Retail Federation. Not including Automobile, Gas, Restaurant

2024 Growth Between 2.5% and 3.5%

HELLO GOODBYE

Forever Young in Barcoding

A new CEO has been named at Barcoding + DecisionPoint (Baltimore, MD): industry-veteran Ross Young. Most recently, he served as CEO of consulting firm in SAP, Movilitas. Of note, he was CEO of Peak Technologies, Inc. from 2006 to 2018. Before the merger of Barcoding Inc. and DecisionPoint Systems in July, he served on the Advisory Council for Barcoding, Inc., part of private-equity firm, Graham Partners.

"I am looking forward to creating a brighter future for Barcoding + DecisionPoint," shared Young. "Together, we will navigate the evolving landscape of our industry, ensuring we remain a trusted partner for our customers, OEMs, and staff." Also, in October, Barcoding + DecisionPoint enlisted, as its new CTO, Adam Norris, formerly of StealthPath.

Ross Young, CEO, Barcoding + DecisionPoint

Uptown With SOTI

A new global headquarters has been celebrated by SOTI. With four floors across 160,650-sq.-ft., located at 1950 Meadowvale Blvd., Mississauga, ON, Canada, the new SOTI HQ will serve over 900 employees. It features an 8,000-sq.-ft. conference center, modern cafeteria with outdoor access, fitness facility, basketball court, sun-lit courtyards, and collaborative spaces. It cost $42M CAD/$30.5M US.

"This facility is more than just a growth milestone--it will serve as the launchpad for the next phase of SOTI's expansion, supporting our commitment to R&D excellence and continued leadership in EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management)," enthused Carl Rodrigues, President and CEO of SOTI. "Joining SOTI's extensive global real estate portfolio, our new HQ will be the heart of our innovation strategy, enabling us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower organizations to thrive in a mobile-driven world." Many readers will be familiar with SOTI MobiControl

New Headquarters for EMM Leader SOTI