Our Product Pick

Socket Mobile (Newark, CA) has updated its SocketScan S740. A new Version 21 now reads 1D, 2D, OCR A&B, OCR USC, OCR Passport, OCR MICR, and DotCode--thereby covering most travel identification documents. Additionally, Version 21 improves smaller barcode reading, providing an expanded scanning range of 2" to 19" (50 mm to 48 cm). In ergonomic design, measuring 5.2" (L) x 1.5" (W) x 1.6" (D), and weighing 4.1 oz./117 g, the SocketScan S740 furnishes multiple color casings, auto-scan mode, 2000-mAh NiMH battery (16 hr.), LED Aimer, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and Socket's Capture Software Development Kit (SDK). "Our improvements in Version 21 position the SocketScan S740 as an ideal all-in-one scanning device for the many retail/POS outlets that require age verification, such as cannabis, alcohol, or tobacco," suggested Vanessa Lindsay, Senior Product Manager at Socket Mobile.

Socket Mobile's SocketScan S740

COMPANY BUSINESS

Lightspeed Flips the Switch

A charge into digital commerce for Lightspeed POS (Montreal, QC, Canada), with the purchase of two prominent players, Ecwid (San Diego, CA) and NuORDER (Los Angeles, CA). An e-commerce platform, Ecwid allows customers to create add-on web store-fronts for merchants, including the SMB. An integrated platform connecting businesses and suppliers, simplifying product ordering as well as market research, NuORDER will build upon the earlier Lighthouse Supplier Network, and bolster Lightspeed Payments and Lightspeed Capital.

Founded in 2009, Ecwid serves over 200,000 merchants in 100 countries. Lightspeed POS will pay $500 million, including $175 million in cash and $325 million in shares. Founded in 2011, NuORDER serves over 3,000 brands and 500,000 retailers. Lightspeed POS will pay $425 million, including $212.5 million in cash and $212.5 million in shares.

"By joining forces with Ecwid and NuORDER, Lightspeed becomes the common thread uniting merchants, suppliers, and consumers, a transformation we believe will enable innovative retailers to adapt to the new world of commerce," declared Dax Dasilva, Founder and CEO of Lightspeed POS. "As economies reopen and business creation accelerates, we hope to embolden entrepreneurs with the tools they need to simplify their operations and scale their ambitions." In its Q1 2022, ended June 30, 2021, Lightspeed POS had revenues of $116 million, up 220% year-over-year.

Lightspeed Acquires Two Major Players in Digital Commerce, Ecwid and NuORDER

ScanSource: Tony the Tiger

ScanSource (Greenville, SC) has promoted Tony Sorrentino to President of North America. In this role, he will oversee all aspects--sales, supplier relationships, and operations--of the distributor's hardware business in North America. As areas of focus, ScanSource has POS & Barcoding, Networking, Communications, Physical Security, and Payments (via POS Portal). In addition to hardware, Sorrentino will continue to drive the company's strategy of enabling partners to add recurring revenue solutions in cloud, connectivity, and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

"This is an exciting time for ScanSource, where we are seeing the true merging of hardware distribution and services. The continued evolution and integration in our business is critical as we look to help our partners deliver value-added services to their end-users," commented John Eldh, Chief Revenue Officer at ScanSource, Inc. "Having Tony leading the charge with his market knowledge and deep partner relationships will be extremely valuable. Tony is an exceptional leader who has the respect of and credibility with our partners and suppliers."

Prior to his new role, Sorrentino served as President of North American Sales. At ScanSource, he also has served in executive roles of Co-President, U.S. and Canada; Co-President, Worldwide Barcode, Networking and Security; and President and VP of Sales for ScanSource Networking and Security. Sorrentino joined ScanSource in 1999 in the Merchandising Department. In his new role, he will report to Eldh.

Tony Sorrentino, President, North America, ScanSource

Worth Your While

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
Clarion Events
August 22-24
Anaheim, CA

[Ed. Note: Moved to August 2022]

The NGA Show
National Grocers Association
September 19-21
Las Vegas, NV

NACS Show
Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing
October 5-8
Chicago, IL

WSAA Conference
Western States Acquirers Association
October 13-14
Fort Worth, TX

Money 20/20
Ascential
October 24-27
Las Vegas, NV

2022

NRF Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 16-18
New York City

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

A Universal Star

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has unwrapped the newest product in its "m" Series, its Universal mEnclosure. With expanding arms and VESA mounting, the Universal mEnclosure accommodates multiple sizes and types of tablets--ranging in size from 232 mm x 169 mm (9.1" x 6.7") to 280 mm x 214 mm (11" x 8.4"). Weighing 3.3 lbs./1.5 kg, with face-plate and pipe brackets, it works with common industry stands and mounts, as well as Star's mUnite Tablet Stand.

In addition, Star's Universal mEnclosure allows the tablet to be mounted horizontally or vertically, and when paired with the mUnite Tablet Stand, the cashier can flip the tablet for customer use. Also, the Universal mEnclosure's locking arms, combined with single key design, secures the tablet to prevent theft. With its powder-coated black finish, the Universal mEnclosure features clean cable management as well as its felt layer to prevent the back of the tablet from being scratched.

With Star's Universal mEnclosure, "businesses no longer need to buy a new enclosure every time they purchase a new tablet or spend time finding the right enclosure for their generation of tablet, saving them valuable time and money," emphasized Jon Levin, Director of Product Management at Star Micronics America. "The Star team prioritizes helping small businesses simplify and optimize their operations." In addition to its family of thermal printers, Star Micronics now provides cash drawers, scales, stands, scanners, and shields and safety products

Star Micronics' Universal mEnclosure for Tablets

Epson Rolls With VII

Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA) has presented its newest thermal receipt printer, the OmniLink TM-T88VII. As replacement for the company's TM-T88V and TM-T88VI, with the same 3"/80 mm print width, the TM-T88VII brings new features such as improved print speed of 19.7"/500 mm per second at 180 dpi resolution and high-speed auto-cutter. Available in black or white casing, in dimensions of 5.7" (W) x 7.7" (D) x 5.8" (H), weighing 3.7 lbs./1.7 kg, it supports iOS, Android, and Windows O/S, and carries the "intelligence" of Epson's OmniLink.

As connectivity, OmniLink TM-T88VII offers combinations of USB, Serial, Parallel, Ethernet, Powered USB, and 802.11 WLAN. An improved Epson TM Utility App--available on both mobile devices and PC--facilitates configuration and deployment as well as upgrading from Epson's TM-T88V and TM-T88VI. Key functions such as online ordering and remote printing are supported through Epson's ePOS Print Technology or "Server Direct Print." As wireless security, the OmniLink TM-T88VII supports the latest security standard, WPA3.

"When it comes to completing customer transactions and keeping lines moving, we understand that time is money and merchants need a printer they can depend on for high-volume checkout environments," expounded David Vander Dussen, Product Manager at Epson America. "The new OmniLink TM-T88VII was designed for incredibly fast print speeds, reliability, advanced functionality, and flexible connectivity to help merchants best serve customers." Advanced paper-saving functions, smaller power supply, vertical mounting kit, and four-year limited warranty are included with the new OmniLink TM-T88VII.

Epson's OmniLink TM-T88VII Thermal Printer

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A Message From the Editor

As we enter another year, our mission stays constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID. If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of changes in technology, go-to-market strategies, business models, and consumer preferences. We look forward to continuing that mission and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvement.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ALLIANCES

NCR: "Now Crypto Ready"

A close embrace of cryptocurrency by NCR Corporation (Atlanta, GA) with its buying of software developer LibertyX (Boston, MA). Started in 2013, LibertyX offers its cryptocurrency service on ATMs, kiosks, and POS. It currently has outlets in 10,000 ATMs and 20,000 stores. It also partners with installers and managers of ATMs such as Cardtronics (Houston, TX), which NCR bought in January 2021 for $2.5 billion.

"Due to growing consumer demand, our customers require a complete digital currency solution, including the ability to buy and sell cryptocurrency, conduct cross-border remittance, and accept digital currency payments across digital and physical channels," relayed Tim Vanderham, CTO at NCR. "The LibertyX solution will accelerate our ability to rapidly deliver these capabilities to the market." In addition, it will be joined with the digital wallet and mobile applications at NCR.

"NCR is an industry leader in banking, retail, and hospitality, and has a tremendous customer base across our growth markets," observed Chris Yim, Co-Founder and CEO of LibertyX. "We look forward to offering NCR's customers the ability to quickly and easily offer the digital payments and cryptocurrency capabilities consumers want, while significantly expanding the scope, scale, and reach of our software." Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

NCR Acquires Cryptocurrency Leader LibertyX

A Recipe for Tableside Loyalty

A bundle of loyalty, gift card, and pay-at-the-table functionality has been fashioned by an ensemble of familiar players in the restaurant industry. It leverages pay-at-the-table technology by TableSafe (Kirkland, WA) with the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology by Appsuite (Lake Geneva, WI). As its component in POS, it integrates with the Micros RES 3700 and Simphony POS by Oracle Hospitality (Austin, TX), with two leading VARs: Hospitality & Retail Systems of America (Deerfield Beach, FL) and Emerald Business Systems (Eugene, OR).

"With the Appsuite and TableSafe integrations, new loyalty, CRM, and pay-at-the-table functionality is frictionless," proclaimed Gordon Gardiner, CEO of TableSafe. "Restaurants require best-in-class technology to automate and streamline processes, capture data, and build loyalty and repeat sales for their business. Through this unique integration, we've made it simple for restaurants to upgrade their overall experience."

"This seamless integration makes it easier for Oracle customers to adopt solutions that provide exceptional guest service, while addressing the needs an evolving hospitality experience requires," noted James Daleen, CEO of Appsuite. "Restaurants can now use these combined technologies to build a streamlined operating environment and maximize the value of their existing Oracle POS." Just recently, in July 2021, Oracle Hospitality bought online ordering and marketing platform, GloriaFood (Bucharest, Romania). It will join Simphony POS.

A Pay-At-The-Table Solution by TableSafe Adds Loyalty and CRM by Appsuite

Code Corner

Appetize (Los Angeles, CA) has marketed an all-inclusive subscription plan that comprises its cloud-based software, hardware, payments, and support in one monthly fee, the whole package designated as "Appetize Plus" (Appetize+). It comes as more businesses are seeking less capital-intensive plans so they can focus on reopening efforts, according to the provider of POS. Appetize began offering Appetize Plus in pilot in 2020, and discloses that 36% of venues that partnered with Appetize starting that year have since gone live with Appetize Plus. "Breaking down the overall cost into affordable monthly payments is an enormous long-term benefit, especially when you continually have next-generation hardware, up-to-date software, and warranty included," testified Peter Russo, CFO of Cashman Field in Las Vegas, NV. "While we reopened to fans this year, we knew they expected contactless technology when ordering, so Appetize Plus brought us peace of mind by allowing us to provide this right away." Appetize Payments started in May 2021.

One Monthly Fee for Appetize

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Code Locks Down QR

Code Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT) has launched its CodeQR App, addressing enhanced security for reading QR Codes via smartphones. Offered in free download on the App Store or Google Play, CodeQR App will not capture or record any personal data decoded from the UPC Barcode or QR Code. Thus, no information can be shared with, or can be stolen by, third-parties (including GPS), manifested Code Corporation.

"Scanning QR Codes in a work environment with untrusted software can expose a company and employees to numerous security threats and enable the data that is scanned to be captured, sold, and potentially used in hacking attacks," cautioned Brian Lampright, Senior Product Manager at Code Corporation. "Companies can have confidence that the CodeQR App can be freely distributed to employees, knowing that employees and their data are safe from privacy violations, unauthorized data capture, selling the data, exploiting the data and employees, and all other unscrupulous activities. Multiple customers have been seeking this type of solution."

In June 2021, Code Corporation was purchased by the Brady Corporation (Milwaukee, WI) for approximately $173 million. "Code is a highly regarded brand for its offering of durable, high-performance barcode scanners," remarked J. Michael Nauman, President and CEO of Brady. "Addition of Code's high-quality complementary offering to Brady's already existing leadership position in niche application industrial printers and materials will accelerate Brady's expansion in the fast-growing industrial track-and-trace market. We also intend to increase investments in research and development and increase Code's addressable market through Brady's global footprint."

Secure CodeQR App by Code Corporation

PAR Throws Another Punchh

A new order fulfillment solution for restaurants has been released by ParTech, the subsidiary for POS of PAR Technology Corporation (New Hartford, NY). After procuring third-party loyalty provider Punchh in April 2021, ParTech has followed up with so-called Punchh Pickup. It accommodates all forms of customer preferences for foodservice order take-out--whether curbside, drive-thru, or in-store.

This new offering allows restaurants to manage the preparation and delivery of pickup orders from its customizable, web-based console. In addition to real-time status updates, supported by geo-location, and integrated with the POS and KDS (Kitchen Display System), it includes information on customer profiles, vehicle details, parking availability, as well as, of course, an opportunity for personalized promotions. It communicates with customers via push notifications and/or within the brand's mobile app. An early player in customer loyalty, Punchh has major customers such as Taco Bell, Papa John's, DQ, and TGI Fridays.

"Off-premises ordering will remain a key focus for restaurant and other foodservice operators going forward as the world continues to embrace the convenience of digital," observed Shyam Rao, Co-Founder and CEO at Punchh (San Mateo, CA). "Restaurant and retail brands need a unified solution to drive a frictionless, end-to-end pickup experience that also incorporates loyalty and customer insights. Punchh Pickup is another stepping stone for us as we continue to streamline and innovate the customer experience to ease in-house operations and empower brands to drive visit frequency and lifecycle loyalty."

ParTech Launches Punchh Pickup for Foodservice

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Electronic Payments
Elo
Epson America
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
POS Nation
Revel Systems
Star Micronics

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas
Sewoo

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

Cash Handling Systems
APG Cash Drawer
CIMA America

Customer Journey and Engagement Management System
FastSensor

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
International Bancard
North American Bancard
PAX Technology
Payment Logistics

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

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo

INSTALLATIONS

Shift4 Plays Stadiums

Shift4 Payments (Las Vegas, NV) will supply its payment processing services for the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks. It will empower all outlets--concessions, on-site tickets, suites, and retail--including point-of-sale, contactless payments, and mobile ordering. And yes, it employs technology from VenueNext.

In March 2021, as readers may recall, Shift4 Payments scooped up VenueNext, which was established in 2014 by the NFL's San Francisco 49ers during development of Levi's Stadium. As reported on its website, Shift4 paid $72 million in cash and stock for VenueNext. According to Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments, "[In stadiums and events], we have taken the same successful vertically-integrated strategy that has served us incredibly well in the hospitality and restaurant industries."

"We're delighted to partner with the United Center to integrate our entire commerce ecosystem as the arena continues to demonstrate their commitment to creating the most fan-focused live event experience," shared Anthony Perez, EVP of Sports and Entertainment at Shift4 Payments. "Fans at the United Center will now be able to enjoy VenueNext's differentiated mobile-first commerce technology, along with Shift4's frictionless payment solutions, so that finding and buying what you want at a game will be safer and simpler than ever." Earlier, in June 2021, Shift4 signed Tao Group Hospitality, with restaurant and nightclub properties in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

\

Shift4 Payments at the United Center in Chicago

Toshiba in Tijuana

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC) will increase its deployment of its Toshiba Self-Checkout System 7 for Mexico's Calimax Supermarkets. First installed in four lanes of the Calimax in Tijuana, Baja, Toshiba Self-Checkout System 7 will now be rolled out in eight additional stores by Calimax. As partner in this effort, Toshiba and Calimax draw upon LOC Software (Laval, QC, Canada).

"Many of our customers prefer to pay with debit and credit cards, and deploying self-checkout options have helped us deliver the checkout experiences they want. And where that has been deployed, we are seeing an increase in sales," reported Roger Zapata, CIO at Calimax. "Toshiba provided the industry knowledge we were looking for as we worked to select the right options for our stores, make integration with our existing point-of-sale system seamless, and minimize friction for our shoppers as much as possible." Exclusive to Mexico's Baja, the supermarket chain has 78 locations for Calimax, 18 for Aprecio Mercado, and one for its wholesale format, called Bodegon.

"A great example of a leading grocer listening to what its customers want and delivering a solution in a rapid time-frame," indicated Bill Campbell, SVP and Head of Global Sales for Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. "After the initial store's successful implementation, we are proud to be Calimax's partner in providing a fast and convenient option for its shoppers." In the future, for central system control, Calimax intends to add Toshiba's Enterprise Back-Office System Server (eBOSS).

Calimax Deploys Toshiba Self-Checkout System 7

Channel Factoid

School Days

-In the fall, families with children in elementary through high school (K-12) plan to spend an average of $849 on back-to-school items, which is $59 more than in 2020.

-Overall, back-to-school spending for families with children in elementary through high school (K-12) is expected to reach $37.1 billion, up from $34 billion in 2020, an all-time record.

-While families are planning to spend more on K-12 students in every category, electronics (+$21) and clothing (+$19) will see the biggest increases for 2021.

-On their part, college students and their families plan to spend an average of $1,200 on back-to-school, an increase of $141 over 2020.

-Over half of this increase ($80) for college students and their families is due to increased spending on electronics and dorm furnishings.

-Total back-to-school spending for college students and their families is expected to reach $71 billion, up from $67.7 billion in 2020, another all-time record.

-According to the survey, as of early July, only 18% of consumers had completed their purchases for back-to-school for college or K-12. And 39% said they took advantage of recent sales events such as Prime Day, Target Deal Days, and Walmart's Deals for Days.

Source: National Retail Foundation (Washington, DC)

Record Back-to-School Sales Expected

HELLO GOODBYE

A Blooming at Beyond

Beyond (Princeton, NJ) has elevated Brent Rose to the position of President. He previously served as its Chief Revenue Officer. He joined the payment processor in 2017 as Division Director.

"I chose Brent for this role not only because of his robust experience and expert knowledge of payments technology, but also his unwavering commitment to our business model of putting integrity and ethics at the forefront of everything we do," commented Robert Carr, CEO of Beyond. "This industry is changing fast--Beyond needs a leader who really understands where we came from, to guide us on the path to where we're headed." As many readers will remember, Carr was the Founder and Former CEO of Heartland Payment Systems, which he sold to Global Payments in 2016 (and subsequently started Beyond in 2017).

"My goal as President is to ensure that our pillars of advocacy are working in alignment to the benefit of our merchants and our employees, and that our product strategy roadmap keeps us agile in the marketplace," expressed Rose. "In my 30 years in the industry, I've always adhered to the principle of doing the right thing, delivering on what I promise, and being held accountable to the merchants I work with. As President, it will be no different."

Brent Rose, President, Beyond

He'll Set Standards

The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (Wakefield, MA) has enlisted Andrew Jamieson for the role of VP of Standards. He comes to the PCI-SSC from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), where he served as Director of Technology and Security. Earlier roles have included Technical Manager for Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) at Witham Laboratories, Design Engineer at Project Lab, and GM of Hardware Development at mCom Solutions. He holds several payment- and security-based patents.

"I have always had a high regard for the PCI-SSC and the terrific work they do in the area of payment security," affirmed Jamieson. "The PCI-SSC is the industry leader in creating a global forum that brings together payments industry stakeholders to develop and drive adoption of data security standards and resources for safe payments worldwide. I look forward to this next, exciting chapter in my career."

"We are thrilled to have someone with Andrew's distinguished background and experience to lead in this important role," stated Lance Johnson, Executive Director of the PCI-SSC. "Andrew's impressive experience working in payments, embedded systems, and emerging technologies will make him an invaluable asset to our organization and our industry." Originally from the UK, Jamieson lives in Melbourne, Australia, because "he prefers the weather."

Andrew Jamieson, VP of Standards, PCI Security Standards Council