Our Product Pick

A new All-in-One for POS has been unboxed at Panasonic Connect North America (Newark, NJ), designated as Stingray JS988. It offers two sizes of true-flat projected-capacitive touchscreen: 15.1" (4:3, 1024 x 768) and 15.6" (16:6, 1920 x 1080). In processing, there's Intel Elkhart Lake Celeron J6412, Intel Tiger Lake i3, and Intel Tiger Lake i5; 4 GB/8 GB RAM; 128 GB/256 GB M.2 SSD. A small footprint, lightweight design includes front-facing USB. "Our newest retail and restaurant solutions are built to empower businesses to create interactive experiences that exceed consumer expectations," stated James Burdette, Senior Director at Panasonic Connect North America. A kiosk, Stingray JS9900, has also been introduced with 18.5" and 21.5" screen sizes (1920 x 1080).

Panasonic Stingray JS988 POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

Zebra Sees Green in Channel

A novel effort, entitled the Sustainability Partner Recognition Program, has been launched by Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL). All members of Zebra PartnerConnect and Zebra ISVs are eligible. To qualify for Sustainability Partner Recognition, VARs and ISVs must demonstrate at least three new sustainability solution deployments.

As the first participant, Zebra has identified Too Good to Go, the world's largest marketplace for surplus food. Established in Denmark in 2015, with the goal of distributing excess inventory, Too Good to Go came to North America in 2020. Other examples of sustainable businesses cited by Zebra include in-store shelf-life food management, efficient vehicle routing, and autonomous mobile robots for warehouse recycling.

"Our Sustainability Partner Recognition Program is important because our end-user customers are increasingly asking us to help them leverage digital and automation solutions to drive sustainable outcomes," indicated Bill Cate, VP of Marketing, Portfolio, and Ecosystems at Zebra Technologies. "Customers need to feel confident that they can easily find and work with credible partners to support them in achieving these outcomes." In addition to typical partner program elements, participants are recognized with "an exclusive logo."

Bill Cate, VP of Marketing, Portfolio, and Ecosystems, Zebra

A NorthStar Lights Datacap

A significant new partner in POS for Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA), in the form of restaurant ISV, CBS NorthStar (Irvine, CA). A combination of NorthStar's Order Entry and Datacap's Universal Payment Integration offers access for end-users to an extensive range of payment processors and devices from leading OEMs, emphasized the two longtime channel leaders. In keeping with the goal of "any payment, any place, any processor," it ensures flexibility as O/S-Agnostic.

"CBS NorthStar is a powerhouse in the restaurant space, who has been delivering value through their suite of business management tools for over two decades," remarked George Hudock, VP of Business Development for Datacap Systems. "They have a unique ability to blend their industry experience with emerging technologies when solving complex problems for their merchants. We are excited to be partnering with CBS NorthStar and look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship."

"Our previous solutions were not able to meet the needs of the ever-changing consumer, so we partnered with Datacap to help provide for their needs," relayed Jeremy Julian, CRO of CBS NorthStar. "Datacap, with over 40 years of experience in the payments industry since 1983, brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success that stands to benefit CBS NorthStar's clientele immediately." Also, in March, CBS NorthStar strengthened networking via strategic alliance with Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), PDI Technologies (Alpharetta, GA).

A New Partnership in Payments: Datacap Systems and CBS NorthStar

Worth Your While

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 18-21
Chicago, IL

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 28-30
Las Vegas, NV

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 16-17
Orlando, FL

FSTEC
Foodservice Tech/Winsight
September 16-18
Grapevine, TX

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

PAX Unpacks the E700Mini

A next-level entry in the E-Series POS Line, the E700Mini SmartPOS, has been unveiled at PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). In weight of 2.8 lbs./1.3 kg, it features 10.1" high-definition touchscreen (1280 x 800), 3.5" consumer-facing payment acceptance module, fixed-focus 0.3 MP camera, 3" thermal receipt printer, and 1100 mAh battery. In card reading, there's Hybrid Chip & PIN + Magnetic Stripe + NFC Contactless.

It carries Cortex A55 Octa-Core CPU at 1.6 GHz, 2 GB/4 GB RAM, 16 GB/32 GB Flash, and 128 GB MicroSD Card. As O/S, there's PayDroid 10. As connectivity, there's Ethernet + Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + 4G Cellular (including eSIM AirLink IoT by Uptrillion). A full suite of ports includes USB Type-A Host x 3 and Micro USB On-the-Go (OTG) x 1.

"Our E Series Line was our first venture into POS," recounted Andy Chau, President and CEO at PAX Technology. "Our innovative and adaptive spirit has allowed us to respond to market needs efficiently and effectively. Streamlining the E700 to a lighter, faster model was the next step in our evolution of producing sleeker, more efficient POS."

All-in-One E700Mini SmartPOS by PAX Technology

MobileDemand: Cracking the Surface

An integrated barcode scanner and payment device have been featured in the new xCase by MobileDemand for the Microsoft Surface Pro 10 Tablet. As the former, the new xCase offers, as options, near-, mid-, and far-range scan engines, specifically, the Models N6703, N6803MR, N6803FR, and EX30 from Honeywell. (A range of 9 ft./2.7 mm when scanning standard 13-MIL UPC.) In the area of payments, the Model iDynamo 6 from MagTek, placed flush against the back of the device, accommodates Hybrid Chip & PIN + Magnetic Stripe + NFC Contactless.

A pair of trigger buttons are placed where worker's hands grip the Surface Pro 10. A briefcase handle and glove-fitting back strap prevents accidental drops. A patented Snap Plate by MobileDemand, in combination with hardware from RAM Mounts (Seattle, WA), addresses placement.

"We are pleased to continue to improve the xCase for the world-class Microsoft Surface Pro 10, enabling use of productivity enhancing peripherals from industry leaders Honeywell and MagTek," expressed Matt Miller, President and CTO at MobileDemand. "The xCase does more than just safeguard the device; it also increases its functionality for frontline workers in a range of industries, from retail to warehousing, allowing them to leverage the Surface Pro 10 in more ways than ever before." A certification from "Microsoft Designed for Surface" validates compatibility for such products by MobileDemand.

MobileDemand's Rugged xCase for Microsoft Surface Pro 10 Tablet

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business? With the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?

E-mail Michael Kachmar for advertising information,
or call 973-270-3284

Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?

Hurry! Use the links below to catch up:

Week of April 15

Week of March 25

Week of February 26

Code Corner

A software expansion for InfoGenesis POS at Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) has produced the new function: IG Fly. A mobile all-in-one ordering and payment solution, for point-of-service use by restaurant and retail staff, IG Fly furnishes the full functionality of InfoGenesis. A light-to-lift-and-hold terminal design carries touchscreen, credit-card reader, receipt printer, and barcode scanner. As initial launch partner, Agilysys has enlisted payment processor Shift4 (Center Valley, PA). "We developed IG Fly in response to customers wanting the freedom and flexibility of all-in-one mobile ordering and payment convenience without having to sacrifice the robust POS functionality and market-leading security they count on from InfoGenesis. IG Fly fits that bill," proclaimed Rohith Kori, SVP, Corporate and Product Strategy for Agilysys.

Agilysys Mobile IG Fly

ALLIANCES

At the Equinox of Payments

A new opportunity in payments has been formed by Equinox Payments and Accept(dot)Blue. It combines terminals by Equinox, specifically the Luxe 8500i and Luxe 6200m, with the gateway at Accept(dot)Blue. An API (Application Programming Interface) supports third-party integration and branding for software partners with Accept(dot)Blue. Both Equinox and Accept(dot)Blue are located in Greater Phoenix, AZ.

A solution may be configured for various fixed and mobile use cases via Ethernet + USB + Bluetooth + Wi-Fi (and coming soon, 4G Cellular). Accept(dot)Blue's Payment Card Industry (PCI) Level 2 and Level 3 Interchange Optimization and Credit Card Surcharging are supported on the Luxe 8500i and Luxe 6200m. In order to configure, personalize, manage, and update software and terminals, there's the Equinox HUB.

"We're glad to add in-person contactless and EMV payments to our platform," remarked Ben Frisch, Director of Business Development at Accept(dot)Blue. "Integrating solutions from Equinox broadens our addressable market and creates new revenue opportunities for our resellers. [Editor's Note: As its proper name, Accept(dot)Blue follows its web address--in all lowercase with inserted period.]

Equinox Payments Adds Gateway

Relay Keeps Trucking

A payment solution for the trucking and logistics industry, Relay Payments (Atlanta, GA), has increased its footprint via integration with CAT Scale (Wolcott, IA). Drivers may now use their accounts with Relay Payments in the Weigh My Truck App from CAT Scale. It allows accounts to consolidate fuel, lumper, scales, cash, and other over-the-road transactions, unify reporting, and simplify back-office management.

"We're committed to being a fully digital, end-to-end payments provider for trucking," declared Emily Neuman, EVP of Operations for Relay. "Integrating with some of the most popular options to pay for scales allows drivers to use Relay to pay for all over-the-road expenses, while easily monitoring their cash flow. We have thousands of customers who now use Relay Payments [and other partners in this space such as Pilot Company, Maverik, Schneider, Coyote Logistics]."

"We are delighted that Relay Payments customers can now use their account for Weigh My Truck transactions and realize the significant time savings it offers," cited Heather DeBaillie, VP of Operations and Marketing for CAT Scale. Relay introduced its digital payment solution in 2019. It now serves more than 350,000 drivers, 90,000 carriers, and 1,500 truck stops. For its part, CAT has more than 2,200 scale locations.

A Payment Provider for Trucking and Logistics

Code Corner

An offer for boarding and deployment services for resellers has been extended by payments provider, Sound Payments (Jacksonville, FL). Associated pricing is based on the particular services that are selected; resellers may also continue to handle such services on their own. This includes web portal configuration/creating the store, inventory uploading, and personalized merchant training. Elements include Tip Acceptance, PIN Debit, and Auto-Batch. "Our resellers have been responsible for this in the past, and a number of them have requested assistance from us and are in need of these services," declared Andrew Russell, President of Sound Payments. "Our team members are experts at the solution and platform, and boarding and deployment can be challenging to some resellers to take on that responsibility."

Sound Payments Offers Boarding and Deployment Services

Buy-Now/Pay-Later:
Most Popular Services

-PayPal: 16%

-Affirm: 12%

-Afterpay: 12%

-Klarna: 11%

-One-third of Adults in U.S. (39%) Have Used Buy-Now/Pay-Later

Source: Survey by Bankrate

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

An "Edge" for Employees

An employee rewards and recognition solution for franchise and service brands has been fashioned at software developer, Edge (Elk Grove, CA). It incentivizes employees for generating online review mentions, engaging in sales contests, and collecting customer feedback (via SMS). Employee rewards may include time-off, gift cards, and store credits.

"Service employees strive to deliver memorable customer experiences, yet often there isn't any streamlined way to recognize them for their efforts," observed Raymond Weisberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Edge. "Edge enables flexible and personalized employee incentives that ignite excitement within the team, continually encouraging them to deliver exceptional service." Since 2019, employees on its platform have earned over $5M in rewards, according to Edge (formerly called EyeRate).

In this system, workers may participate and redeem their rewards on an Employee Mobile App by Edge. Available for iOS and Android, it automatically updates in support of participating vertical market ISVs. As current users, Edge lists European Wax Center, Massage Envy, Gold's Gym, Driven Brands, and Xponential Fitness. All in the name of employee retention.

An Employee Rewards and Recognition Solution by Edge Integrates With ISVs

Olo Marches On

A new online ordering and checkout feature, driven by AI, provides dynamic, personalized suggestions for customers of Olo (New York, NY). Entitled Smart Cross-Sells, it considers contextual factors such as order history, location menu, daypart, and current cart contents. A recent test conducted by Olo showed Smart Cross-Sells accounted for 10% more in basket value on average than basket value from "static" cross-sells.

Additional new product features in Olo include Catering + Production Sheets, which aggregates needs and streamlines prep for large volume orders, and Fundraiser Coupons, which are designed to help management track and reconcile charitable campaigns directly within the Olo Dashboard. As part of its commitment to "Olo for Good," these coupons are already implemented by dozens of restaurants, reports Olo. Also introduced is Olo Pay's general availability of card-present payment capabilities via self-service Kiosks, with, to follow, POS.

"The release of Smart Cross-Sells is yet another example of how we're using data-driven technology to personalize and simplify the ordering experience and produce measurable returns for our customers," commented Jo Lambert, COO at Olo. "As a flexible platform leading the industry's drive to 100% digital, we're proud to develop solutions that truly align with the needs of our customers to help them win more guests, streamline operations, and deliver unmatched hospitality." In March, at its annual conference, Beyond4, Olo announced its Order, Pay, and Engage Suites will integrate into POS from prominent restaurant ISV, Qu (Bethesda, MA).

Olo Introduces AI-Driven Smart Cross-Sells

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

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
Star Micronics

INSTALLATIONS

Shift4 in 5th Gear

An integrated platform for reporting and analytics has been debuted for SkyTab POS by Shift4 (Center Valley, PA). So-called SkyTab BI (for Business Intelligence) allows restaurant operators to see an overview of their entire enterprise or drill down to individual locations and compare data side-by-side in real-time with granular filtering. A number of new features cater to enterprise restaurants, such as detailed transaction management, revenue center reporting, and multi-location menu management. All come at no added cost for businesses using SkyTab, according to Shift4.

"SkyTab Business Intelligence and our new multi-location menu management tools enable SkyTab to compete for even the largest enterprise restaurants," suggested Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4. "We are constantly adding capabilities to the SkyTab platform without adding cost. We don't believe every new feature needs to be a module that requires an additional expense. A best-in-class POS solution at the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) will always be our priority."

"I've never seen a POS company create this level of reporting and analysis. Historically, we have always had to go to a third-party vendor to get this type of information," shared Allison Varlan, CFO at early adopter, Live! Hospitality & Entertainment. Since the start of 2024, Shift4 has added three new major customers for its payments technology: Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees), MetLife Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets), and SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Rams).

Shift4 Debuts SkyTab Business Intelligence

P.F. Chang's Tablet Drop

A roll-out of the bundle of "Drop & Pay" technology and Pro Server Tablet by Ziosk (Dallas, TX) will be completed in Q3 2024 at casual-dining chain, P.F. Chang's. Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, P.F. Chang's has more than 300 locations. It will integrate the Pro Server Tablets with its existing NCR Aloha POS and Paytronix Customer Loyalty Platform.

With the introduction of Ziosk Drop & Pay, servers leave the Pro Server Tablet with the customer for check-out. It allows the customer to review the bill, indicate the tip, employ their preferred cashless payment method, update their loyalty membership, and complete merchant surveys. An integrated card reader furnishes Hybrid Chip & PIN + NFC Contactless + QR Code Scanning in the ruggedized Pro Server Tablet.

Using Drop & Pay on the Pro Server Tablet has demonstrated numerous benefits for P.F. Chang's, reportedly, accounting for more than 90% of transactions. An increase in loyalty sign-ups and sign-ins has been achieved, along with notable improvement in table turn times of more than 5 minutes. Additionally, labor efficiency and customer satisfaction are cited. Overall in the market, Ziosk engages more than 1 million guests per day.

Ziosk's "Drop & Pay" Solution for Guest Payment

Channel Factoid

Seven Retail Industry
Predictions for 2024

-1. "Guarded Positivity"

-2. AI, AI, AI

-3. Deepfakes = Deep Trouble

-4. Experiential Shopping

-5. Generation Alpha (B. 2010-2025)

-6. Circular (Recycle) Economy

-7. Personalization vs. Privacy

Source: National Retail Federation

Nike House of Innovation

A Message From the Editor

As we eagerly enter 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

HELLO GOODBYE

Medal of Valor for Pagnozzi

An addition to the executive suite at Valor PayTech (Jericho, NY) sees payments veteran Lori Pagnozzi joining as VP of POS Integrations. She most recently served as "Chief Disruptor" at reseller-centric payments provider, HipFinity. Previous roles have included VP of Sales and Marketing at Dejavoo Systems and Director of Client Support at Lipman USA.

"We are beyond excited to welcome Lori Pagnozzi to the Valor PayTech team. Lori's appointment as the VP of POS Integrations is a win for us and the entire payment technology ecosystem," enthused Eric Bernstein, CEO of Valor PayTech. "With her unparalleled expertise and visionary leadership, we are confident that she will drive Valor PayTech to new horizons, enhancing how we serve our clients and innovate within the industry."

Lori Pagnozzi, VP of POS Integrations, Valor PayTech

Going "Restro" in San Fran

A rebranding has been announced for restaurant solution provider Posist, now dubbed Restroworks (San Francisco, CA). It seeks to reflect the company's the company's expanded suite of solutions since its inception in 2012. A unified technology platform now spans inventory management, kitchen automation, digital ordering, and integration with third-party solutions--in addition to its cloud-native POS. As customers, Restroworks includes global chains such as Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Caribou Coffee, Nando's, Sbarro, Subway, and Taco Bell; in all, serving 20,000 locations.

"Our company's evolution and expanded vision called for a new brand identity that allows us to articulate our progression as a unified restaurant technology platform," reads the statement by Restroworks. "In sync with our vision, we have unveiled Restroworks--a name that symbolizes our commitment to providing comprehensive technology that seamlessly works across the entire restaurant ecosystem. This rebrand is more than just a name change; it reflects our strategic approach to building the company over the next decade as a pioneering force in restaurant technology."

Sakshi Tulsian (At Left) and Ashish Tulsian (At Right), Co-Founders of of Restroworks, Formerly Posist