Our Product Pick

A new all-in-one terminal "combines cash register simplicity with advanced payment technology," as characterized by Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA). As Ingenico Axium CX9000, it has two projected-capacitive touchscreens: cashier-facing 15.6" (1920x1080) and customer-facing 8" (1280x800). It runs Android 14 O/S with Google Mobile Services (GMS). As payment security, Axium CX9000 meets PCI PTS Version 6 and EMV Level 3. A Smart Stand Kit furnishes connectivity of wired (USB x 4, RJ-11 Telephone, LAN) and wireless (Bluetooth 5/BLE, Dual-Band Wi-Fi). Also cited: compact footprint, plug-and-play set-up, third-party integration, user-friendly interface, and fast checkout.

Ingenico Axium CX9000 All-in-One POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

Posiflex Displays GT-7100

A new terminal for POS, the GT-7100 Series, has been unwrapped by Posiflex (Hayward, CA). It embodies the concept of "Just Screen, No Distractions" by integrating an ultra-narrow 4 mm/0.2" bezel (in 15.6" multi-touch screen version), 400 nits on-cell display (in both 15" and 15.6" multi-touch screen versions), and Intel Tiger Lake Core 11th Gen i3 and i5 CPU. A fan-free architecture runs Windows 10/11 IoT O/S.

A folding base and compact footprint, with sleek design, reduce space on the counter for retail and hospitality environments for the GT-7100. It supports peripheral attachments on both the left and right sides for enhanced accessibility, with USB x 4, Powered USB, Serial, Cash Drawer, and LAN. A USB Type-C addresses multiple output needs and an internal connector supports Customer-Facing Displays (CFD).

As durability, Posiflex GT-7100 features an IP-65 rated front panel for water and dust. A GT-7100 Q Series addresses pole-mounted installations for both 15" (GT-7115 Q) and 15.6" (GT-7116 Q) with brackets of VESA 75. A tool-free hatch approach allows easy access to I/O Ports. "By merging its refined design with advanced functionality, the GT-7100 offers an unparalleled blend of form and function," stated Posiflex.

Posiflex GT-7100 Series POS Terminal

Here's "Eat Now/Pay Later"

A budding concept from payments player Klarna and third-party delivery behemoth DoorDash extends Buy Now/Pay Later (BNPL). It brings the payment choices of Klarna into the grocery, retail, and meal markets served by DoorDash (via its Website or App). It includes choice of: Pay in Full, Pay in Four Installments, and Pay Later.

"Our partnership with DoorDash marks an important milestone in Klarna's expansion into everyday spending categories," expressed David Sykes, Chief Commercial Officer at Klarna. "By offering smarter, more flexible payment solutions for groceries, take-out, and retail essentials, we're making convenience even more accessible for millions of Americans." One of the largest backers of BNPL, Klarna, based in Stockholm, Sweden, recently suspended its planned IPO in the U.S.

"As we expand DoorDash's offerings--from groceries and beauty to electronics and gifts--flexible payment options are essential to meeting our customers' needs," expounded Anand Subbarayan, Head of Money Products at DoorDash (San Francisco, CA). "We're excited to partner with Klarna to enhance the convenience we offer, including flexible payment options for our DoorDash Annual Plan." As concerns about delayed payment for take-out, some observers fear consumer abuse of such wide credit.

DoorDash to Offer Buy Now/Pay Later Via Klarna

Worth Your While

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

MWAA
Midwest Acquirers Association
July 30-31
Chicago, IL

WSAA
Western Acquirers Association
September 8-12
Scottsdale, AZ

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

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 15-16
Atlantis, Bahamas

MJBizCon
Emerald X
December 2-5
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Quest Aces Test

A more formalized relationship has been celebrated between the ISV CBS NorthStar (Irvine, CA) and Touch Dynamic (South Plainfield, NJ). It includes official certification of the Touch Dynamic Quest VIII Ultra Tablet for NorthStar Order Entry. In this configuration, Quest VIII Ultra features the VP3300 Card Reader by ID Tech (Cypress, CA), payment processing via Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA), and Windows O/S.

"This certification isn't just about checking a box. It's about giving restaurants real confidence in the tech they use daily," proposed Allie Haskell, VP of Client Success and Engagement for CBS NorthStar. "The Quest VIII Ultra Tablet is rugged, reliable, and optimized for NorthStar. For this reason, it is a powerful addition to our hardware ecosystem."

Introduced in 2024, Touch Dynamic Quest VIII Ultra has Intel Elkhart Lake N6415 CPU at 3.0 GHz, 8 GB RAM, and 64 GB eMMC Storage. Also, true-flat 8" projected-capacitive touchscreen (1920x1200) with Gorilla Glass. An ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer, Touch Dynamic has taken final steps in the deployment of its new 16,000 sq. ft. warehouse.

CBS NorthStar Certifies Touch Dynamic's Quest VIII Ultra Tablet

Socket Mobile Sees Red

A new scanner fashioned for supply chain, the Mid-Range DuraScan D762, has been stocked at Socket Mobile (Fremont, CA). In ergonomic form factor of 5.2"/132 mm (L) x 1.5"/38 mm (W) x 1.7"/43 mm (D), and color casings of red, white, gray, or black, the Mid-Range DuraScan D762 scans 1D/2D barcodes at ranges from 2.1" to 14 ft. (53 mm to 4.3 m), accommodating symbology sizes from 5 mil to 160 mil. It comes Apple Certified for iOS (as well as compatible with Android O/S).

A trio of indicators, Scan LED, Battery LED, and Bluetooth LED, are user friendly. A rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery fulfills full work shifts. As expected, the Mid-Range DuraScan D762 supports existing applications that use Socket Mobile's CaptureSDK (Software Development Kit).

"We are committed to empowering our logistics and manufacturing partners with the tools they need to operate at peak performance," projected Dave Holmes, Chief Business Officer at Socket Mobile. "The DuraScan D762 is the first in a series of specialized data capture solutions designed to meet the unique challenges these industries face." Additional markets include retail, healthcare, and commercial services professionals such as building inspectors. As MSRP: $699.

Socket Mobile's DuraScan D762 Scanner

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Week of March 24

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Week of December 16

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 Run at SmartPOS

A new bundle has drawn together five channel players to produce and field the Landi DUET for SmartPOS. As hardware, it features the M20 Mobile Computer from Landi Global (Atlanta, GA) and VP3350 Card Reader from ID Tech (Cypress, CA). In payments, it employs the Gateway of NMI (Schaumburg, IL) and Mobile App of Paysley (Cleveland, OH). Assembly and fulfillment are furnished by the VAR TRG (Westlake, OH).

"Our ISOs, ISVs, PayFacs, and their merchants are increasingly looking for modern mobile solutions that reduce complexity while enabling a contemporary checkout experience," indicated Kanan Keeney, Senior Product Manager for NMI. "This is exactly the kind of comprehensive solution the market has been waiting for, one that simplifies the merchant experience while unlocking new revenue opportunities. We're excited to collaborate with these payments industry leaders to deliver a truly comprehensive solution that helps our partners quickly meet this growing demand."

"This partnership brings together proven technologies and expertise to deliver a mobile payments experience that's powerful, scalable, and easy to deploy," emphasized Gary Topper, VP at Landi Global. "The DUET is a game changer for merchants who need versatility without sacrificing security or reliability." With 6.5" projected-capacitive touchscreen, the Landi M20 runs Android 13 O/S with Qualcomm Quad-Core CPU at 2.0 GHz, Bluetooth 5/BLE, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, and 4G WAN.

Landi DUET Bundle for SmartPOS

BlueStar: Call My Cell

As its new partner in network connectivity, and in particular, IoT, BlueStar has called upon telecommunications company, iOnline. Under this agreement, BlueStar will distribute iOnline's FlexiSIM, an intelligent network switching SIM (i.e., Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card, or eUICC), thereby reaching 220 countries and territories through more than 700 carriers. "A secure, resilient, and reliable cellular connectivity," as described by the two parties, will support the range of products in POS, Auto ID, Mobility, and Security handled by BlueStar.

"Our collective responsibility is to provide actionable visibility to the industry," noted Jim Hilton, Director of Networking and Connectivity at BlueStar (Hebron, KY). "That applies to the efficiencies associated with goods, assets, people, processes, and places. Serving up that capability requires a robust connectivity solution that spans from local operations to nationwide, even worldwide, operations."

"This strategic relationship with BlueStar aligns perfectly with our mission to simplify global IoT connectivity," vouched David Farquharson, CEO of iOnline (Nashville, TN). "By combining BlueStar's extensive distribution network and industry expertise with our global connectivity solutions, we're making it easier for businesses to deploy and manage connected devices at scale, regardless of their location or industry." In 2005, iOnline was founded by Farquharson in Centurion, South Africa.

BlueStar Adds iOnline's IoT to Line Card

Code Corner

Fire It Up

A new offering from Flybuy by Radius Networks (Washington, DC) empowers accurate order-firing at the restaurant kitchen or front counter based upon relevant factors such as customer travel time, food "make minutes," and preferred pick-up channel (in-store, curbside, or drive-thru). As designated "Smart Fire," it employs state-of-the-art location technology and AI, and automatically determines the proper customer sequence for the Kitchen Display System (KDS). As benefits, Flybuy identifies better service for customers, improved kitchen efficiency, including less food waste, and reduced stress for staff. "A true game-changer for us, allowing us to meet the demands of our customers efficiently and effectively," testified Christophe Poirier, Chief New Concept Officer at Saucy by KFC (Orlando, FL).

Flybuy Develops Smart Fire for Kitchens

Fill It Up

A collaboration between Eagle Processing Systems (Smithtown, NY) and Charge Anywhere (Piscataway, NJ) has brought dual-price payment processing (cash vs. credit) to the fleet card market. Using terminals of Charge Anywhere, the new function, dubbed Petro Partner Plus, integrates with the front-end processing system of TSYS and back-end settlement system of Eagle Processing. It increases credit card volume, according to the new partners, while offering merchants more transparent pricing, eliminating hidden costs. Also cited: new revenue-generating opportunities for resellers in the petroleum and auto industry. "Eagle's Petro Partner Plus solution simplifies the complexities of fleet card processing while enhancing profitability for all stakeholders," reported Paul Sabella, President of Charge Anywhere.

Petro Partner Plus Supports Fleets

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

In Bluefin's Net: Tokens

Addition of network tokenization has strengthened the payment data security platform, ShieldConex Orchestration, by Bluefin (Atlanta, GA). It enables merchants to directly provision network-issued tokens--which replace Primary Account Numbers (PANs)--from the major card brands Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. In combination, ShieldConex Orchestration now encompasses vaultless tokenization, network tokenization, and PCI Point-to-Point Encryption (PCI P2PE).

"Managing sensitive cardholder data across processors, acquirers, and platforms has become increasingly complex, particularly for merchants operating in omnichannel environments," reflected Tim Barnett, CIO at Bluefin. "With the addition of network tokenization to ShieldConex Orchestration, our clients can offload that complexity. They gain direct access to the security, efficiency, and cost benefits of network tokens, without the overhead of managing it themselves."

Also, Bluefin will provide its ShieldConex Orchestration for hardware manufacturer, Datecs Ltd. With headquarters in Sofia, Bulgaria, Datecs has entered the market in the U.S. with its payment devices running devices running Android O/S. "Our integration with ShieldConex Orchestration ensures that merchants can maintain the highest level of security while working seamlessly with processors that may not natively support Android," contributed William Nichols, President of Americas for Datecs Ltd.

Bluefin Adds Network Tokenization to ShieldConex

Theory of Evolution at PAX

A new payment management solution engineered for small-to-midsized business (SMB), entitled Evolve, has been launched at PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). Utilizing the Uptrillion Cloud Commerce Platform by PAX, Evolve has features such as dual pricing (cash vs. credit), flexible hardware choice (including HaaS), and comprehensive reporting and analytics, encapsulated PAX. Addressing the channel of VARs, ISVs, and ISOs, it supports the PAX A77, A80, and A920 Max Payment Terminals.

"With Evolve, we are redefining the payment experience for SMBs by offering an intuitive, scalable, and cost-effective platform that meets the needs of today's fast-evolving business landscape," declared Andy Chau, President and CEO of PAX Technology. "By combining powerful software with industry-leading devices by PAX Technology, we're enabling merchants to take control of their payments like never before." Areas of inventory, gift and loyalty, online ordering, and e-commerce come next.

In addition, PAX Technology has unveiled its AI Voice Ordering Solution (VOS). Automating phone-based orders, reservations, and payments, and described as "purpose-built for the fast-paced restaurant industry," PAX AI VOS integrates with restaurant systems such as POS and KDS (Kitchen Display System). "As the restaurant industry embraces automation, our AI Voice Ordering Solution is leading the way with a powerful, scalable, and revenue-generating solution," enthused Chau.

PAX Addresses Payments for SMB With Evolve

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
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Star Micronics
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

It's ACH at the POS

A merchant-branded pay-by-bank solution at the POS has been deployed by Spire (Dallas, TX). As "Pay with Spire," it spans the range of payment choices--credit/debit cards and digital wallets, as well as in-app and online environments--and utilizes the Discover Network and ACH (Automated Clearing House). As benefits for merchants, Spire cites higher conversion rates, reduced transaction costs, and increased customer loyalty. It currently supports 55,000 merchant locations.

"At Spire, we're changing the way merchants think about branded digital payments," suggested Matt Brennan, CEO at Spire. "We enable seamless ACH payments directly at the merchant point-of-sale, unlocking pay-by-bank transactions at 99% of U.S. merchants--a true game changer. Our 'North Star' is to provide the best payment solution for the merchant and the most rewarding payment experience for the consumer." Earlier in his career, Brennan helped launch Apple Pay.

"By collaborating with Discover Network, Spire has unlocked this new payment solution for everyday spend--notably without requiring front- or back-end integration," added Bill Dulin, VP of Business Development at Discover. "[As another transaction of Discover], it breaks down barriers for both merchants and consumers." As readers may recall, origins of Spire trace back to being the ACH-based payment solution selected for the early retailer-led Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX).

Spire Rolls Out Pay-by-Bank for Discover Network

A Prix Fixe by Fourth

A single back-of-the-house platform, the Restaurant Operations Suite, has been produced by the ISV Fourth (San Antonio, TX). It combines the complementary capacities of its HotSchedules Workforce Management, Fourth HR & Payroll, and MacromatiX Inventory Management. As some specific elements, it includes Above-Store Real-Time Dashboards, Digital Tip Payouts, Forecast Manager, and AI Demand Forecasting.

"Embracing the Fourth solution has become a strategically important initiative for our business as we look for new ways to increase operational efficiency to deliver great customer and family member experiences," recounted Jerry Phillips, VP of Technology at chain Whataburger (San Antonio, TX). "With Fourth, we have a partner with deep industry expertise and the right technology to help us embed AI across our back-office." On average, end-users see 3% to 5% increase in profits, 5% reduction in labor costs, and 20% reduction in cost of goods sold, according to Fourth.

"Restaurant managers are at the center of everything--but they're stretched thin, constantly shifting between a variety of manual tasks like scheduling, payroll, and making inventory decisions," observed Clinton Anderson, CEO at Fourth. "The Restaurant Operations Suite enables restaurant managers, area coaches, and operations managers to spend less time on manual work and instead focus on leading their teams and delivering a better customer experience at each location." In business for 25 years, Fourth serves over 15,000 customers and 100,000 locations, with many major quick-service restaurant brands (QSR).

Restaurant Operations Suite by ISV Fourth

Channel Factoid

Life in the Fast Lane:
Self-Checkout in Grocery

Most Grocery Shoppers
Use Self-Checkout
83% - Regularly
17% - Every time
35% - Almost every time
31% - Occasionally
9% - Almost never
8% - Never

Young Grocery Shoppers
Prefer Self-Checkout
63% - Gen Z (18-29)
45% - Millennials (30-44)
42% - Gen X (45-60)
39% - Boomers (Over 60)

Advantages Cited for
Grocery Self-Checkout
#1 - Faster
#2 - Bag my own
#3 - Shorter lines
#4 - No need to chat
#5 - Privacy

Source: "2025 Commerce Experience Report" by NCR Voyix

Grocery Shoppers Embrace Self-Service

Short Takes

-HungerRush (Houston, TX) has integrated its HungerRush Delivery Services with Uber Direct (San Francisco, CA), bringing restaurants "expanded delivery options and geographic coverage."

-Factor 4 (Broomall, PA) will provide its loyalty programs for the Clover POS Ordering Kiosks built by Nanonation (Lincoln, NE).

-FreedomPay (Philadelphia, PA) has partnered with OpenTable (San Francisco, CA) to process payments and extend commerce in hospitality.

HELLO GOODBYE

NCR Seeks an Edge

Another executive announcement at NCR Voyix (Atlanta, GA), with Nick East named Chief Product Officer (CPO). He joined the company in late 2019 when it purchased edge virtualization and cloud management developer, Zynstra (Bath, UK), where he served as Co-Founder and CEO. He subsequently became VP of Product Strategy and Edge at NCR Voyix.

"Nick's achievements in driving innovation uniquely position him to lead our product team as we focus on delivering leading products and features to meet our customers' needs," commented Jim Kelly, CEO of NCR Voyix. "Nick has the right experience to ensure product remains at the core of what we do as we accelerate our next generation of market-leading solutions for our premier customer base."

In February, NCR Voyix tapped Jim Kelly, former CEO of Evo Payments, as its President and CEO and Member of the Board of Directors. Also, Darren Wilson, EVP and President - International, was promoted to EVP and President - Retail and Payments for NCR Voyix. A payment processing agreement with Worldpay (Cincinnati, OH) has been placed.

[Editor's Note: At press time, Global Payments agreed to buy Worldpay.]

Nick East, Chief Product Officer, NCR Voyix

ETA Votes VP

A new VP of Government Affairs has been chosen by the Electronic Transactions Association (Washington, DC): Patrick Russell. Previously, he served as the Director of Government Affairs at the Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA). Earlier roles have included Associate Director of Government Relations at the Security Industry Association (SIA) and Federal Advocacy Director at the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals (ACA International).

"ETA is delighted to welcome Patrick to lead our federal government affairs efforts at a time of unparalleled innovation in the payments industry and at ETA," remarked Jodie Kelley, CEO of ETA. "His experience advocating on behalf of the financial services industry will be invaluable as we expand our advocacy on behalf of the world's largest and most innovative payments companies. I look forward to working with him."

"I am thrilled to join ETA during such an exciting time in the payments industry," shared Russell. "ETA members are leaders in payments technology to merchants and consumers, and it is crucial to have policy makers who champion current and future innovation."

Patrick Russell, VP of Government Affairs, Electronic Transactions Association