Our Product Pick

Handheld US (Corvallis, OR) has shipped its wearable scan-and-print solution for logistics, the SP500X ScanPrinter. In dimensions of 3.4"/87 mm (W) x 5.4"/138 mm (L) x 2.3"/58 mm (D), weighing 15.3 oz./435 g, the SP500X ScanPrinter employs thermal inkjet technology licensed from HP. It scans the barcode and prints directly on the package, with 6,000 prints per cartridge. In addition to 1D/2D scanner and fast printing (40"/1,000 mm per second), it features 1.8"/46 mm TFT-LCD, three buttons (power/sleep, back/clear, down/navigate), and 4,000 mAh battery. As wireless communications, there's Bluetooth 4.2/BLE and 802.11 WLAN. It was developed in partnership with the world's largest package shipping and logistics companies, said Handheld.

SP500X ScanPrinter by Handheld

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Gift From Datacap

Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA), which furnishes its popular omnichannel payments gateway, NETePay Hosted, has launched its new gift and loyalty product, entitled Datacap Gift. It enables omnichannel gift and loyalty, real-time reporting, white-label capability, and multi-location management, according to the longtime supporter of VARs and ISVs in POS. Also, it employs the same integration paths as other middleware by Datacap, such as GIFTePay (card-present) and Pay API (card-not-present)--all running through NETePay Hosted.

With Datacap Gift, consumers may sell, load, or redeem gift cards online or in-store. Aspects of the platform for white-label opportunities include pre-branded gift cards, reporting dashboard, and virtual terminal. Alternate gift payment schemes such as QR Code, Text-to-Pay, "Prime Style" Memberships, and Online Ordering may be added to Datacap Gift. Also accessible to Datacap Gift, pre-loaded promotions.

"Gift/loyalty services are an ideal way to deliver real value to a merchant while bolstering revenue and increasing overall account life," expressed Justin Zeigler, Director of Product at Datacap Systems. "Datacap Gift delivers a path for Datacap's technology partners to rapidly position themselves as a full-service omnichannel gift/loyalty provider, creating a new recurring revenue opportunity for virtually every merchant installation." (A processor-agnostic solution, supporting major hardware brands, NETePay Hosted.)

Offered to VARs and ISVs in POS: Datacap Gift

Stash the Cash

A pair of advocacy groups in cannabis retailing--National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB) and Emerging Markets Coalition (EMC)--has introduced recommended National Cash Management Standards. A cash heavy industry of great interest to the channel for POS and Auto ID, the legal cannabis market in the U.S. is expected to grow to $35 billion by 2025. Among its elements, the National Cash Management Standards includes staff skill-set and training, security controls for cash storage as well as at the POS, and currency transaction reporting.

"Given the current federal legal status of cannabis, the multi-state and federal financial services companies--e.g., banks, payment networks like Visa and MasterCard, and insurers--are challenged to serve this market," stressed Kirsten Trusko, CEO and Co-Founder of EMC (San Francisco, CA). "While the Safe Banking Act of 2021 [promising greater access to financial services] is an encouraging start, the current wording still doesn't fully address these issues. Some point to the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, the MORE Act [removing previous assessed penalties], and while it's encouraging it has passed the U.S. House, it still has challenges in the U.S. Senate."

"Without federal legislation, cannabis-related businesses have extremely limited options for safe and transparent cash management," emphasized Marie St. Fleur, Interim CEO of NACB (Brookfield, WI). "Moreover, the federal government's failure to act undermines legal markets across the country. A National Cash Management Standards provides peer and expert reviewed cash management tools and protocols that cannabis-related businesses need to be as compliant, efficient, and safe as possible in today's regulatory environment, while also addressing their relationships with financial institutions."

National Cash Management Standards Proposed for Cannabis Retail

Worth Your While

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago, IL

NRF Supply Chain 360
National Retail Federation
June 20-21
Cleveland, OH

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 24-26
Orlando, FL

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 12-14
Orlando, FL

FSTEC
Winsight
September 19-21
Dallas, TX

Channel Connect
ScanSource
October 2-5
Nashville, TN

MJBizCon
MJBizDaily
November 15-18
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Dyna-Might at MagTek

MagTek (Seal Beach, CA) has unwrapped its new family of multi-function payment processing terminals, designated DynaFlex II and DynaFlex II PED (with 2.3"/58 mm x 1.7"/43 mm touchscreen). Each model reads 1D/2D barcodes, contact and contactless credit and debit cards, mobile wallets via NFC, and, for banking, PIN. In physical dimensions, in black coloring with visual and audio status indicators, they measure 4"/103 mm (W) x 3.7"/95 mm (L) x 1.9"/48 mm (D).

DynaFlex II readers are based on MagTek's MagneSafe Security Architecture, with TDEA encryption and DUKPT key management. Available are free Software Development Kits (SDKs) for Windows 10 and Android 4.4 O/S, along with standard USB. Also, DynaFlex II readers are approved for Payment Card Industry PTS POI 6 x PED and validated for PCI P2PE (Point-to-Point Encryption).

"Combining security and dependability with multi-function reading options is a competitive advantage these days," proposed Roger Applewhite, CEO of MagTek. "As the payments ecosystem becomes increasingly complex, and the need for data security having become more important than ever, our customers and prospects need a wholistic, yet simpler approach to satisfy the needs of their customers while maintaining a high degree of security, operational flexibility, and good looks." (Simultaneously, MagTek has released its new family of compact touchless payment readers for OEMs, called DynaProx.)

DynaFlex II Family of Readers From MagTek

Another Angle for Square

Square (San Francisco, CA) has unveiled its second-generation Square Stand for POS. In keeping its swivel design, supporting the tablet, the new Square Stand now features integrated payment capacity for tap, chip, and PIN. (An MSR, if wanted, plugs into an I/O.) A faster, more transparent checkout process, says the ISV, includes an order summary screen and illuminated icons for easy payment choices. Another enhancement: black, as well as white, color casing.

Of course, it provides access to the full software suite for vertical markets, customer relationship, online order/pick-up/delivery, and business management from Square. It will be marketing online at the starting price of $249. It may be financed over 12 interest-free installments of $21 per month and is compatible with iPad (2019, 2020, 2021), iPad Air (2019), and iPad Pro (10.5"). A flat rate for in-person credit-card payments, and another one for debit payments are cited.

"The way businesses and shoppers interact around the world has evolved exponentially in the time since we first launched our original Square Stand," shared Alyssa Henry, Head of Square. "The new Stand was built with the future of commerce in mind. Marrying elegant design with powerful software, Square Stand provides sellers of any size, from boutique retailers to multi-location restaurants, with a versatile command center for their business. Square Stand offers sellers an integrated way to meet the purchasing preferences of today's consumers." An original Square Stand hit the market in 2013.

New Square Stand Incorporates Payments

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ALLIANCES

Jonas Lands on LilYPad

Among its never-ending acquisition activity, Jonas Software (Markham, ON, Canada) has snapped up LilYPad POS. Started in 2010, LilYPad POS provides its web-based software for party booking and POS. It focuses on family entertainment centers such as trampoline parks, indoor play gyms, laser tag, roller rinks, escape rooms, paintball, and mini-golf.

"LilYPad POS is an affordable and easy-to-use business management system designed for owners, managers, front-of-house staff, and customers," relayed Arthur Morris, CEO of the Jonas Fitness & Leisure Portfolio. "This growing business is a great addition to our existing group and we are looking forward to working closely with the LilYPad team to help them drive even more value to their customers." With Jeremy DeValk as CEO, LilYPad POS is based in London, ON, Canada.

At present, Jonas Software operates about 120 independently managed software companies around the world. It has expanded from its roots in construction and club management to grow extensively within the fitness, membership, hospitality, and industrial markets--buying 14 companies in 2021, for example. It supplies its software and related services to more than 80,000 customers in over 30 vertical markets

Jonas Software Buys LilYPad POS for Family Entertainment Centers

Olo on the Fence

Olo, an on-demand commerce platform for restaurants, has partnered with geo-fencing developer, Radar. An integration will enable trip-tracking functionality to improve the digital order fulfillment and pick-up process, according to the two parties. With its technology, Radar automatically supports orders placed through the restaurant's custom app, powered by Olo. It has been deployed by CKE Restaurants (Carl's Jr., and Hardee's).

"With digital ordering as prominent as ever, we are constantly looking for opportunities to further improve the off-premise experience--to make it faster, more efficient, and more convenient," declared Noah Glass, Founder and CEO of Olo. "Our work with Radar will allow brands to leverage technology for a more seamless digital order fulfillment process across all areas of the restaurant, including the kitchen, front-of-house, and for consumers. Consumer demand for order ahead and curbside pick-up is here to stay, and brands that maximize output while optimizing the consumer experience will gain an edge."

Also, Olo has announced commercial availability of its payment platform, Olo Pay. "A consumer-friendly, direct digital ordering platform combined with a modern, secure payments solution will be critical for restaurant brands to meet the ever-evolving needs of guests and to remain competitive in the coming years," described Tor Opedal, VP and GM of Payments at Olo. An early customer for Olo Pay: Noodles & Company.

Olo Adds Geo-Fencing for QSRs by Radar

Code Corner

Toast (Boston, MA) has promoted its new Toast for Quick Service POS. With new user interface, and delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Toast for Quick Service has been purpose-built for ease-of-use, according to the ISV. Suitable for countertop stations or self-service kiosks, it includes functionality of Toast Orders Hub, Toast Mobile Order and Pay, Toast TakeOut App, and Toast Loyalty and Marketing. "Restaurants are not one-size-fits-all and Toast can adapt to any environment," claimed Sara Walker, Director of People Development at chain Velvet Taco (based in TX). "It doesn't matter how big one of our restaurants is or how small, Toast can accommodate our needs. Implementing Toast has made our operation smoother with digital sales growing almost 80% and our throughput by more than 20%."

Toast Focuses on QSR

Order Time Inventory (Hollywood, FL) has officially joined the Shopify App Store. It now integrates into storefronts of Shopify "in just one click," allowing such merchants to "harness the power of its inventory automation." It spans three critical functions: cloud-based inventory control; synchronization of orders, customers, and inventory; and pick, pack, and shipping. A central hub provides access to lot and serial number tracking, barcoding and scanning, item customization, and custom fields. In addition, it supports any web-enabled device, desktop to mobile. At present, Shopify currently comprises 1 million businesses.

Order Time Inventory Joins Shopify App Store

RF Code (Austin, TX) has showcased its edge-monitoring Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) for unmanned IT, baptized as Sentry. In one device, it furnishes autonomous and uninterrupted supervision of temperature, humidity, and camera observation. Intended for use in data center functions, which are moving to the edge in support of the remote workforce, as well as Internet of Things (IoT), Sentry has real-time notification of inconsistencies and easy set-up in 20 minutes. "We developed Sentry to meet the needs of a broader, underserved edge market with a simple, scalable, and affordable real-time IT asset and environmental monitoring solution," disclosed Dale Quayle, CEO at RF Code. "Enterprises of all sizes need the ability to see, hear, and secure these edge environments as though they're onsite, and Sentry makes it easier to prevent, mitigate, or remediate situations that threaten to disrupt normal business operations--from air quality and overheating to unauthorized access and other potential threats."

"Sentry" Edge Monitoring SaaS by RF Code

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Oracle Foresees Fortis

Oracle (Austin, TX) and Fortis (Novi, MI) have cemented their relationship to include Oracle's Hospitality Opera Property Management System (PMS) and Oracle's Retail Xstore. As such, Fortis will tie its payments technology with the Oracle Payments Interface (OPI) to achieve so-called Oracle Validated Integration Expertise. A member of the Oracle Partner Network (OPN), it goes without saying, Fortis, formerly known as FortisPay, has indicated its interest in ISVs.

"Integrating with Oracle Payment Interface allows Fortis to expand what is already an amazing suite of solutions for the hospitality market," enthused Greg Cohen, CEO and Chairman of Fortis. "The team at Oracle has been fantastic and our enhanced integration will allow for even deeper embedded commerce experiences for our hotel, retail, and hospitality partners and customers. We look forward to the added value these integrated solutions will provide as well as the extended access to industry-leading solutions through a relationship with Oracle."

"Achieving Oracle Validated Integration Expertise gives our customers the confidence that the integration of Fortis is functionally sound and performs as tested," corroborated David Hicks, VP, Worldwide ISV Cloud Business Development, Oracle. "For solutions deployed on-premise, in the cloud, or both, Oracle Validated Integration applies a rigorous technical review process that helps to reduce deployment risk and improves the user experience of the partner's integrated offering." Another major player in payment processing, EVO (Atlanta, GA), also recently supported Oracle Opera and Oracle Retail Xstore.

Fortis Payments Validated for Oracle POS

It Sticks at Iconex

Iconex (Duluth, GA), supplier of consumables, has stocked its new linerless, repositionable thermal label media, dubbed Sticky Media Zero. With premier adhesion, it expands the range of surface and packaging applications, according to the manufacturer, with "crisp image quality." Also, with "dry edges," it enhances cut, feed, and jam-free dispense.

It comes in standard industry widths of 1.5"/40 mm, 2"/58 mm, 3"/80 mm, and roll length of 270 ft./80 m. As with similar media, it eliminates the need to peel off each label liner before application. This, it reduces labeling time, streamlines operations, and maximizes material usage.

"Every aspect of the Sticky Media Zero product line was designed to transform how businesses operate and ensure packages are delivered error-free," reported Kari Greason, Director of Product Solutions at Iconex. A baseline "destruction testing" of at least 100,000 transactions per label was conducted at the R&D Laboratory at Iconex. "Efficiencies can especially add up for high-volume shippers," noted Greason.

"Sticky Media Zero" Linerless Labels by Iconex

A Gateway to ERP

An integrated payment solution has been fashioned between Century Business Solutions (Irvine, CA) and Acumatica (Kirkland, WA). It certifies the gateway from Century Business Solutions, termed EBizCharge, as an Acumatica Certified Application (ACA) for Acumatica Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 2022 R1. Such designation "highlights outstanding development partners whose applications have met the highest standards for integration and functionality," stated Acumatica.

Acumatica provides its cloud-based business management software, with focus on small and midsized companies. Implemented on cloud- and mobile-based technology, with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and customer-centric licensing model, Acumatica addresses financials, distribution, customer relationship management (CRM), and retail. It recently indicated its interest in developing relationships with ISVs and VARs by joining the Retail Solutions Providers Association.

"EBizCharge works hard to stay up-to-date on Acumatica's latest certification requirements to ensure we seamlessly integrate with the Acumatica platform as they evolve and expand their product," remarked Rebecca Seliner, VP of Product Development and Operations at Century Business Solutions. "We continue to maintain and support the newest product releases to provide the best payment experience for our users." In addition to Acumatica, Century (and EBizCharge) has certification to ERP, CRM, and Shopping Carts: Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Sage, Oracle, QuickBooks,Epicor, Magento, WooCommerce, and Zoho.

Acumatica Certifies EBizCharge Gateway by Century Business Solutions

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aldelo
Electronic Payments
Elo
Epson America
FEC USA
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Revel Systems
Shift4
Star Micronics
Tri-Tech Retail

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

Cash Handling Systems
apg/APG Cash Drawer
CIMA America

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies
MobileDemand
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
PAX Technology
Payment Logistics
Shift4

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

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo

INSTALLATIONS

AI Surfs Hawaii

Symphony RetailAI (Dallas, TX) has been chosen to deploy its category planning and supply chain solution for Hawaiian grocery, Foodland Super Market. Implementation, as categories, includes master data management, kitchen management, promotions evaluation and planning, and direct store delivery. Later phases will include integrated category planning, with store insights, planogram automation, intelligent clustering, and shelf planning. Founded in 1948 as the first supermarket in Hawaii, Foodland has 31 stores on four islands.

"As Hawaii's only locally owned grocery retailer with stores statewide, we are committed to continually innovating and improving to ensure we provide outstanding experiences for our customers while also delivering strong financial results," projected Jenai Sullivan Wall, Chairman and CEO of Foodland. "We undertook a thoughtful, multi-year assessment of vendors to select the best partner to guide us through this transformational change. Symphony RetailAI emerged as the clear leader." She praised the company's understanding of the grocery business, focus on long-term partnerships, and AI expertise.

"Retail excellence in today's fast-changing market demands a strong foundation of end-to-end AI-based and data-driven solutions," reflected Chris Koziol, CEO of Symphony RetailAI. "We're excited to team with Foodland to deliver innovative enterprise capabilities that will increase efficiencies and deliver measurable business and financial impact." With an ecosystem of partners, and 1,200 customers, Symphony RetailAI serves 15 of the top 25 global grocery retailers and 25 of the top 25 global consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers.

Symphony RetailAI's Promotion Planning Platform on Microsoft Azure Cloud

Tagging the Burrito

In another step to recover from its publicized foodborne illness outbreaks, Chipotle Mexican Grill has turned to RFID. It has tested the technology for traceability and inventory management at its distribution center, in support of approximately 200 restaurants, in the Greater Chicago Area. In the "stage-gate" process, it has now solicited input from employees and suppliers before deciding on the system-wide roll-out of RFID. (By way of perspective, in 2021 Chipotle purchased more than 35 million pounds of locally grown produce.)

On the pilot program, which currently focuses on meat, dairy, and avocados from five of its suppliers, Chipotle worked with the Auburn University RFID Lab (Auburn, AL). Ingredients in the test arrive at the restaurants affixed with case labels for scanning, bearing RFID. As partners, Chipotle has called upon Mojix (RFID software), Avery Dennison (RFID tags), and Zebra Technologies (RFID readers/encoders).

"RFID labels transform inventory management into an automatic, digital function that optimizes restaurant operations and gives our Restaurant Support Centers access to inventory data in real-time," related Scott Boatwright, Chief Restaurant Officer for Chipotle. "This integrated technology is improving our employee experience in participating restaurants while also benefitting our supply partners." Added Laurie Schalow, Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer for Chipotle, "We have been developing our RFID program for two years and see this innovation as the next evolution of traceability and food safety."

Chipotle Tests RFID for Its Supply Chain

Channel Factoid

Who's Hiring?
(U.S. Job Openings
on LinkedIn - Fall 2021)

1.8M: Hospital & Healthcare
1.1M: Financial Services
1.05M: IT & Services
978,000: Retail
940,000: Wellness & Fitness
852,000: Construction
705,000: Computer Software
675,000: Staffing & Recruiting
635,000: Food & Beverage
358,000: Transportation & Trucking
341,000: Hospitality
227,000: Marketing & Advertising
131,000: Pharmaceuticals
117,000: Defense & Space
117,000: Education

Source: Compiled by Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ).

Ed Sullivan Show

Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA) has promoted Edwin "Buddy" Sullivan to Director of Channel Sales. He previously served as Channel Sales Manager-Eastern Region. He replaces Tracy Tucker, who has left Citizen Systems America to become the Director, North America Channel Sales, for Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.

"All Citizen Systems North American and Latin American business development managers and regional representatives will report directly to Buddy, except for Mexico," posted Glenn Williams, VP of Sales, Marketing, and Product Management for Citizen Systems America.

Edwin "Buddy" Sullivan, Director of Channel Sales, Citizen Systems America

A Message From the Editor

As we progress through another year--our 18th!--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

HELLO GOODBYE

She Sets the Table

The National Restaurant Association (Washington, DC) has enlisted Michelle Korsmo as its next President and CEO, effective May 1. Since 2018, she served as President and CEO of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, prior to which she served as CEO of the American Land Title Association, after being promoted from COO. Additionally, Korsmo was EVP at Americans for Prosperity Foundation and served in the 2001-2004 Bush Administration as Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao.

"The search committee led an exhaustive search for a people-centered leader with extensive business acumen and deep policy experience. We have found this in Michelle," commented Lance Trenary, Chair of the National Restaurant Association Board. "She brings--to both the NRA and NRA Educational Foundation--relevant leadership experience, including working closely with policy-makers on a bipartisan basis. On a personal level, she embodies a warm sense of hospitality."

"[All forms of] restaurants depend on the National Restaurant Association to serve as the leading advocate on their behalf at each level of government, especially given the unprecedented challenges restaurants continue to face from Covid-19," observed Korsmo. "In so many ways, restaurants are the heart of our communities. Sharing the innovative ways these restaurants are serving those communities can better inform policy-making while also attracting the next generation of foodservice leaders and employees. It's a tremendous honor for me to help lead that effort."

Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO, National Restaurant Association

NAB Wins in Vegas

North American Bancard (Troy, MI) has been named the Electronic Transactions Association's "2022 ISO of the Year." Announcement was made at the Visa Celebration & ETA Star Awards during the ETA's Annual Transact Conference in Las Vegas, NV. It recognizes the company for having "moved the industry forward, exhibited high ethical standards, and met challenges with demonstrated results."

Nominations for "ISO of the Year" are judged by the ETA Awards & Recognition Committee, comprised of industry experts in payments. The finalists joining North American Bancard this year were Paysafe (Montreal, QC, Canada) and Maverick (Calabasas, CA). A second win for North American Bancard, following its "2014 ISO of the Year" Award.

"We are thrilled to be recognized as ETA's ISO of the Year," contributed Ryan Malloy, SVP of Partner Sales for North American Bancard. "At NAB, we work very hard on our continued evolution and investment in our customers. Our mission is to be the easiest payment company to do business with and we have proven our success in this mission time and time again. I would like to thank our partners and our merchants for helping us to achieve this success." Another executive at NAB, Preet Patel, SVP of Product and Marketing, was chosen as part of the "2022 Forty Under 40" Class by ETA (Washington, DC).

Ryan Malloy, SVP of Partner Sales, North American Bancard

Elevated at Elavon

Elavon (Atlanta, GA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank and one of the largest payment processors globally, has engaged Pari Sawant as its Chief Product Officer. He joins the firm from Adobe, where he served as Head of Product-Cloud and, earlier, Head of Product-Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Previously, he held senior product and technology roles at Fiserv, MetricStream, eBay, and Hewlett-Packard.

"Paul brings a wealth of fintech, product management, and development experience that perfectly aligns with our customer needs," indicated Jamie Walker, CEO of Elavon. "We look forward to his leadership of our global product team." At Fiserv, he led the product launch of the bank-centric payments network, Popmoney.

Pari Sawant, Chief Product Officer, Elavon