Our Product Pick

A new thermal receipt printer, Model P3L, has been stocked by Custom America (Boothwyn, PA). In form factor of 5.7"/145 mm (W) x 7.7"/195 mm (D) x 5.9"/150 mm (H), weighing 2.2 lbs./1 kg, the P3L has 3"/80 mm print width and maximum print speed of 7.9"/200 mm per second at resolution of 203 dpi. It supports iOS, Android, and Windows, with standard multiple connectivity of USB, Serial, and Ethernet. A list of features includes auto-cutter, integrated buzzer, low-paper sensor, long-life printhead of 150 km, and wall-mount configuration. A key benefit cited by Custom America: A New 3-Year, 2-Day Advanced Exchange Warranty Program for the P3L in the U.S.--"minimizing downtime."

Custom America P3L Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

A (Virtual) Gift From Datacap

A new platform at Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA), entitled Virtual Gift, simplifies the granting of digital gift cards by merchants and their partners. It creates branded, consumer-facing digital gift card storefronts; such hosted gift card purchase pages may be shared via link, QR Code, or embedded directly into merchant websites. As major benefits, Datacap's Virtual Gift eliminates the traditional need for separate platforms, additional fees, or custom development.

"Virtual Gift is another example of how Datacap is consolidating the payments stack into a single, holistic platform without compromising partner flexibility," emphasized Justin Zeigler, VP of Product Strategy at Datacap Systems. "By delivering Virtual Gift through the same integration and ecosystem that handles the rest of their payments, we're able to help our partners and their merchants grow their upside without growing their operational footprint." It leverages Datacap's Pay API (Application Programming Interface) and builds on Datacap Gift.

At the center of Virtual Gift, storefronts support white-label branding, multiple delivery methods (including e-mail, SMS Text, and print), scheduled delivery time, and range of payment choices (including credit, debit, ACH, Apple Pay, and Google Pay). Also, barcodes and QR Codes are automatically displayed on the digital gift cards for in-store and cross-channel use, along with 'web-hook' notifications for real-time event tracking. A leading hardware and processor-agnostic omnichannel payments solutions provider, Datacap focuses on VARs and ISVs.

Virtual Gift Brings Delivery of Digital Gift Cards

Star Raises Temperature

A full system for food labeling has been assembled by the ISV Kitchen Technology, Innovations by ICC (Huntington, NY) and Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). It combines Star Micronics' mC-Label2 thermal receipt printer with Kitchen Technology, Innovations' i.Print3 tablet. In addition to improved kitchen efficiency, Kitchen Technology, Innovations by ICC (Integrated Control Corp.) focuses on food safety and traceability.

"Partnering with Star Micronics allows us to deliver a complete labeling solution that fits right into kitchen environments while supporting accurate, automated food safety labeling," relayed Mark Salerno, Solutions Architect at Kitchen Technology, Innovations by ICC. "The mC-Label2 was an ideal fit for this solution because of its compact design, reliability, and flexible media support. These features allow the labeling system to fit naturally into real kitchen workflows without adding complexity."

With compatibility with iOS, Android, and Windows, in dimensions of 3.9"/98 mm (W) x 7.3"/185 mm (D) x 5.7"/145 mm (H), and weighing 3.5 lbs./1.6 kg, Star's mC-Label2 has 2"/60 mm print width and maximum print speed of 7.1"/180 mm per second at resolution of 300 dpi. It features drop-in, front-loading, front-exit design. A full suite of connectivity--wired and wireless--includes Star Micronics' CloudPRNT. Atop sits the i.Print3 by Kitchen Technology, Innovations by ICC.

A New Food Labeling System Employs Star's mC-Label2 Printer

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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

Short Takes

-Sola (Brooklyn, NY) will supply payment processing to VARs of Retail Management Hero (Sonoma, CA).

-Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) and FreedomPay (Philadelphia, PA) have extended their partnership to support open commerce for hospitality.

-Gift cards by Factor4 (Broomall, PA) are now listed on Oracle Cloud Marketplace. New to Factor4: Basil POS, Epos Now, PixlPay, Stackably.

-SpotOn (San Francisco, CA) has offered "instant funds transfer" for merchants via "Rapid Fund."

ALL IN THE FAMILY

PAX Rolls 7

A next-generation of payment terminal, designated A920Pro PCI 7, has been unwrapped by PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). It builds upon the company's A920 series with certification to PCI (Payment Card Industry) PTS 7 with SRED. A new architecture runs faster multi-core processor (Dual-Core Cortex A75 + Six-Core A55), expanded memory (4 GB DDR RAM + 64 GB eMMC Flash), and PayDroid Powered by Android 14 O/S.

All major payment methods are extended, as expected, spanning Chip, MSR, Contactless NFC, and QR Code. Another enhancement has larger 6.5" touchscreen (720x1612) as well as 2" customer-facing display (170x320). Additional features include cameras (2 MP front + 8 MP rear + 0.3 MP scanner), 6000 mAh battery, and 2"/60 mm thermal receipt printer. As wireless: 4G WAN + Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz/5 GHz + Bluetooth 5.

"The A920Pro PCI 7 represents the next step in the evolution of mobile payments," proclaimed Clint Jones, Chief Commercial Officer at PAX Technology. "With enhanced performance, next-generation security, and a highly flexible Android platform, we are enabling our partners and merchants to deliver richer customer experiences while driving operational efficiency." It integrates with the PAXSTORE Marketplace.

PAX Next-Generation A920Pro PCI 7

An Enforcer of POS

A network capability that prioritizes POS data, thusly dubbed "POS Ready," has been presented by InHand (Chantilly, VA). Available with the company's Model FWA12 router, it identifies, schedules, and delivers transaction data under "high priority" during network congestion. "A single click" enables such programming, with minimized maintenance.

"In store environments, POS systems typically share network bandwidth with Wi-Fi, video surveillance, digital signage, and guest devices," observed InHand. "During peak hours, the competition for bandwidth can cause critical payment traffic to slow down or fail--even if total bandwidth appears sufficient. Traditional networks lack the ability to distinguish business-critical traffic from general data traffic. POS Ready addresses this issue through 'business-aware' networking."

Introduced in November 2025, InHand's FWA12 router fits small to midsized business (SMB). It combines gigabit-class 5G WAN, Wi-Fi 7, enterprise-grade security, and AI-powered cloud management. Eight high-gain omnidirectional antennas (six external and two internal) help maintain performance, despite weak-signal or high-load conditions. A single unit covers the typical office or storefront, according to InHand.

InHand's "POS Ready" Network Router

Worth Your While

SEAA
Southeast Acquirers Association
June 8-10
Miami, FL

MWAA
Midwest Acquirers Association
July 22-23
Chicago, IL

RSPA RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 26-28
Las Vegas, NV

Partner First Conference
ScanSource
Aug. 31- Sept. 1
Arlington, TX

Loupe Americas
Labels & Outer Packaging/Label Expo
September 15-17
Chicago, IL

WSAA
Western States Acquirers Association
September 15-17
Palm Springs, CA

VARTECH
Bluestar
September 21-22
Mohegan Sun (CT)

FS/TEC
Informa
September 23-25
Grapevine, TX

IAAPA Expo
International Association of
Amusement Parks & Attractions
November 16-20
Orlando, FL

MJBizCon
MJBizDaily
December 1-4
Las Vegas, NV

ALLIANCES

An X-Factor in MPOS

A trio of channel players--Xn Global Systems (Sunrise, FL), Elavon (Atlanta, GA), and Castles Technology (Kennesaw, GA)--have teamed in Mobile POS (MPOS). Offered as "XnPOS MPay powered by Elavon," this integrated solution employs front-end payment hardware from Castles Technology. It supplies mobility for the entire order-to-payment process, notes partners, with initial focus on hospitality environments.

An accompanying Model SF14 Pro from Castles Technology features 6.5" touchscreen, integrated 2"/60 mm thermal receipt printer, and support for Chip, MSR, Contactless NFC, and QR Codes. It weighs 18 oz/0.5 kg. with paper roll and meets security standards of Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 6. As wireless, it carries 4G WAN, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

"We are very excited to be working with Elavon on the launch of XnPOS MPay powered by Elavon," expressed Mark Pearman, Chief Commercial Officer for Xn Global Systems. "This game-changing technology boosts staff productivity by allowing them to spend more time with guests, enhancing the overall experience, and increasing tips. Feedback from our pilot hotels has been overwhelmingly positive, with staff finding the devices intuitive and very effective."

A Solution for Mobile POS Teams Xn Global Systems, Elavon, and Castles Technology

[Editor's Note: Also, Elavon has showcased its bundles for key business verticals--retail, restaurants, services, and e-commerce--classified as Elavon Business Solutions.]

Another Order of Toast

A next move by Toast (Boston, MA) sees the roll-out of Toast Drive-Thru. Accentuating speed and accuracy, says the vendor, and offered for high-volume lane environments in quick-service restaurants (QSR), it assembles essential hardware with native software and turnkey services. In addition to POS and KDS (Kitchen Display System), it includes Digital Signage/Menu Boards from one of the category leaders, Delphi (Costa Mesa, CA). According to researcher Technomic Ignite, at present there are approximately 140,000 drive-thru's in the U.S.

A customizable drive-thru mode for POS includes an interactive Advanced Order Confirmation Screen. Automated order-taking, with Voice AI, is fulfilled by Incept AI (New York, NY). A "white glove" suite of services has drive-thru site survey and design consultation, creative content provision, and drive-thru installation and support by Toast.

"Before implementing Toast's Advanced Order Confirmation Screen, our staff had to repeat drive-thru orders back to guests before firing them, which took extra steps. Now guests can verify their orders right on the screen, saving time," testified Gilberto Salinas, Manager of Information Systems at fast-food regional chain, Taco Palenque (Laredo, TX). "It gives our staff options to easily highlight the make, model, and color of the vehicle on each drive-thru order, which helps streamline the ordering process, and also helps to make sure the experience guests have in our drive-thru's matches Taco Palenque's brand identity."

Toast Drive-Thru System

[Editor's Note: Also, entering the drive-thru space: Square (San Francisco, CA).]

Code Corner

At First Impression

A newborn approach to restaurant customer engagement, entitled Active Intelligence, has been rolled out by Guestologie (Vancouver, BC, Canada). It identifies the arrival of high-value and high-potential guests, and delivers service recommendations directly to front-line staff, where they can be acted upon immediately--as opposed to the time lag inherent in traditional loyalty and customer relationship management (CRM), so explained by Guestologie. It sits atop existing technology. "When someone walks through the door and takes their seat--that is where loyalty is won or lost," declared Ryan Volberg, Founder and CEO. "Guestologie was built to bring visible and invisible opportunities to life, empowering service teams--from casual dining to fine dining--to deliver more personal, meaningful hospitality at scale." As his credentials, Volberg cofounded Vivonet and led PAR's Restaurant Technology Group.

Customer Engagement by Guestologie

Put Me In, Coach

A new program offers one-to-one guidance in accounting and business management for small business owners: Xero Coaches. Offered to new subscribers of Xero (San Mateo, CA), and provided within the first 90 days, Xero Coaches helps execute the following functions: setting up the software and connecting bank fees; managing invoices, bills, and expenses; understanding financial reports and cash flow; and exploring new apps and tools. A virtual call kicks things off. "Small business owners wear a lot of hats, and financial management can often be one of the most challenging," submitted Matan Bar, U.S. CEO at Xero. "With Xero Coaches, we're combining powerful accounting software with human expertise early on in their subscription to help customers unlock their numbers faster, build stronger financial habits, and make more confident decisions moving forward."

Xero Extends Support for Accounting Software

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Clock Ticking on NetSuite POS

As Posted on the Website of Vibe Retail (Brooklyn, NY):

"If you're a retailer running NetSuite as your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Oracle NetSuite has confirmed that both of its native retail POS products--NetSuite Point of Sale (NSPOS) and SuiteCommerce InStore (SCIS)--are being discontinued. Support ends January 31, 2029, and NetSuite has made clear that no in-house replacement is coming."

"An end-of-life announcement applies to NSPOS and SCIS only and not to NetSuite as a platform. Your financials, inventory records, customer data, and reporting all live in NetSuite and are entirely unaffected. You're replacing the checkout layer, not the whole system."

"NetSuite has confirmed that NSPOS and SCIS are already in a feature freeze. There will be no new development, no new capabilities, and no new integrations. Oracle's official guidance is to evaluate partner and third-party POS systems that integrate with NetSuite." (Such as Vibe.)

Oracle Announces End of NetSuite POS

[Editor's Note: Also, Vibe Retail has entered into new partnerships with payment providers Mega Payments (Birmingham, MI) and MiCamp (Scottsdale, AZ).]

Global Payments in the Great Outdoors

An integration of payments for Lightspeed Dealer Management Software (South Jordan, UT) has been completed for Global Payments (Atlanta, GA). It runs through the processing platform Payrix Pro, so-called Payment-Facilitator-as-a-Service (PFaaS), at Global Payments Integrated and Platforms Business. As markets, Lightspeed DMS serves sellers of power sports, marine, RV, trailer, and golf carts in the U.S.

"Global Payments' commitment to partnership and dedication to drive continuous improvement have been instrumental in helping us serve our customers," contributed Brian Provost, CEO at Lightspeed DMS. "With this new embedded model, Global Payments has helped us grow at scale and deliver even greater value to our 4,500-plus customers that rely on Lightspeed to power their dealerships and drive their business forward." Lightspeed DMS should not be confused with ISV Lightspeed Commerce, led by Dax DaSilva in Montreal, QC, Canada.

"We are helping them execute a vision of providing their dealers with an improved experience for all things financial services," proposed Matt Downs, President of Global Payments' Integrated and Platforms Business. "By delivering a platform that scales with their ambitions--so they can focus on innovation rather than building payments infrastructure--we are enabling Lightspeed to expand faster and with greater confidence." A prior relationship existed between Lightspeed with Worldpay, recently acquired by Global Payments.

An Integration of Lightspeed Dealer Management Software for Global Payments' Payrix Pro

[Editor's Note: Also, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. has chosen Global Payments as its exclusive provider of POS in the U.S. That's 2,400 locations of Hardee's and Carl's Jr.]

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Bixolon America
Epson America
FEC POS
HiStone
HP
MagTek
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Star Micronics
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
Datacap Systems
MagTek

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

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

INSTALLATIONS

Payroc: Bodega Days

A unified platform of payment processing, inventory management, and automated real-time pricing--all powered by AI--has been launched by Payroc (Tingley Park, IL). As suggested by its name, "Bodega AI" addresses small, high-SKU retail merchants (e.g., convenience stores, liquor stores, smoke shops, deli's). A "complete POS," says Payroc.

A number of benefits are claimed for Bodega AI. As "scan-and-sell," for example, product recognition and check-out are simplified and expedited. Via AI, merchants receive recommendations based on demand, helping optimize margins and reducing stock issues. Also, dual-pricing and surcharging programs help merchants reduce processing costs while maintaining pricing transparency at the check-out. A contrast with standalone payment terminals.

"Bodega AI was built to solve a very real challenge for high-SKU retailers managing thousands of products and complex pricing without advanced payment tools," projected James Derby, Senior EVP of Merchant Product, Payroc. "Bodega AI levels the playing field, helping independent small and mid-sized retailers compete more effectively, operate more profitably, and make data-driven pricing decisions at the point-of-sale." Payroc WorldAccess, LLC currently processes $125 billion in card volume in North America.

Payroc Debuts Bodega AI for High-SKU Businesses

On the Blytz

A new platform for payment collection in auto finance, property management, and consumer finance has been fielded by Blytz (Salt Lake City, UT). A suite of necessary functions in payments, engagement, and automation--integrated into one workflow--seeks to replace fragmented systems. It includes three parts: BlytzPay, BlytzCollect, and BlytzCash.

At the center of the first, BlytzPay, is the company's text-first payment experience, called "Bankless Bill Pay." Utilizing Voice AI, in conjunction with BlytzPay, the second function, BlytzCollect, directly connects with customers. Lastly, BlytzCash expands payment accessibility by enabling customers to pay with cash via over 88,000 participating retailers.

"For us, collections used to feel like constant noise, manual work, unreliable auto-pay, and no real visibility into what was happening day to day," reflected Nathan Smith, Owner of Parker Auto Sales (Knoxville, TN). "With Blytz, it's become predictable. Payments happen more consistently, our collection team isn't chasing customers, and we finally have a system that works without adding headcount."

An Integrated Platform for Finance Payment Collections

[Editor's Note: Blytz should not be confused with Blitz (Toledo, OH), purveyor of customer relationship management (CRM).]

Channel Factoid

What's Cooking
(Where Sales Happen in QSR)

Drive-Thru
-Share: 51.70%
-YOY Change: +3.37%

Counter
-Share: 19.14%
-YOY Change: +9.63%

Kiosk
-Share: 10.67%
-YOY Change: +35.19%

Mobile First-Party
-Share: 10.50%
-YOY Change: -2.94%

Third-Party Delivery
-Share: 7.95%
-YOY Change: +19.5%

Source: "QSR Operational Index/Annual
Restaurant Industry Report," by PAR.

Kiosk Wins Volume Growth

In the Bank

-Toast (Boston, MA): Its enterprise technology suite--Toast POS, Toast KDS (Kitchen Display System), Toast Payment Processing, Toast IQ--for Hungry Howie's Pizza, with 500 locations in the U.S.

-RSA America (Inverness, IL): A new mobile app--integrating loyalty, e-commerce, digital engagement--for Redner's Markets, with 68 locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.

-Berry AI (San Jose, CA): Its Vision AI Platform for QSR (Quick-Service Restaurants) for Culver's, with 1,000+ locations in the U.S.

-NCR Voyix (Atlanta, GA): Its Voyix Commerce Platform of POS and Payments for Stater Bros. Markets, with 170 locations in California, and its Aloha Next POS for Gyro Hut, with 11 locations in Texas.

HELLO GOODBYE

A Dynamic Duo at Toshiba

A pair of new roles at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC) has Trish Nettleship enlisted as SVP of Marketing and Eugene Shvartsman elevated to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). At NCR Voyix, her most recent post, Nettleship served as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). On his part, since 2023, Shvartsman has served as SVP, Head of Sales - Americas for Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.

"The retail industry is being reimagined in real time, and I've spent my career at the intersection of that transformation," remarked Nettleship. "What drew me to Toshiba is the genuine innovation happening here with solutions that are powering some of the world's most complex retail environments. My focus is simple: elevate that story, sharpen the brand, and make Toshiba the name retailers think of first when the stakes are highest."

Of Shvartsman's new role, Rance Poehler, President and CEO of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, commented: "Eugene is a rare leader who combines deep retail industry expertise with an unwavering commitment to customer success to drive results. In 2024, our sales organization achieved record-breaking growth, reflecting the strength of our portfolio, confidence from the market, and the impact of his leadership. Eugene has also been instrumental in advancing our segment strategy across hospitality, convenience, grocery, and specialty retail, ensuring that every customer benefits from focused expertise."

At Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions: Trish Nettleship, SVP of Marketing, and Eugene Shvartsman, CRO

A High Man at Loman

As its new VP of Revenue, Loman (Austin, TX), developer of Voice AI for restaurants, has engaged Martin Briant. Previously, he served as President of North America at menu/order platform, me&u. His work background includes restaurants and hotels in France and Australia.

"Martin brings a rare combination of hospitality experience and proven revenue leadership," related Christian Wiens, Founder and CEO of Loman. "As Loman solidifies its leadership in the restaurant Voice AI market, Martin's expertise will be critical in helping us accelerate to the next phase of growth, expand up-market, and deliver even greater value to restaurant operators."

"I am excited to join Loman at such an important stage in the company's journey," enthused Briant. "The team has built a genuinely strong product with clear value for operators. My focus will be on growing the business while making sure customers get the most out of the platform from the first conversation through to long-term success. If we do that well, growth follows."

Martin Briant, VP of Revenue, Loman