Our Product Pick

As its next evolution in hardware, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Durham, NC) has unboxed the TCx 900 POS. It measures approximately 3.8"/88 mm (H) x 7.8"/197 mm (W) x 10.8"/273 mm (D) and weighs 5.7 lbs./2.6 kg (without displays). Notably, the TCx 900 features 13th Generation Celeron i3, i5, and i7 CPU; 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB DDR5 Memory; and 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB PCIe Storage. It furnishes compatibility with TCx Sky, Windows 10 IoT, and Linux O/S. Also, 802.11 Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5/BLE, and rich set of I/O's. "An optimized retail hardened solution that retailers can count on for reliability and fast checkout anywhere in the store," recommended Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.

Toshiba's TCx 900 POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

An NCR by Any Name

As the names of its twin faces, NCR (Atlanta, GA) has chosen NCR Voyix (for its software business) and NCR Atleos (for its ATM business). A separation was announced in September 2022, readers will recall, with plans for two independent, publicly traded companies (and, perhaps, interest in selling). Now the company has retained the name of NCR, its "proven badge of experience," with culmination of the split scheduled for Q4 2023.

As NCR Voyix (think "Voyage" with an "x" for "the link between the digital and physical worlds"), the first business will focus on solutions for retail, hospitality, and digital banking, including POS and Self-Service. As NCR Atleos (think "Atlas" or "Map" with "eos" for "the dawn of an era"), the second business will focus on ATMs, including Digital Currency. As announced, David Wilkinson, EVP and President of NCR Commerce, will lead NCR Voyix, and Tim Oliver, NCR SVP and CFO, will lead NCR Atleos.

"We took the responsibility of renaming a company with more than 130 years of history very seriously," stated Jennifer Personette, CMO at NCR. "The strength of both brands, which build on our existing positive brand value, is evident in the recent momentum of the business and customer feedback. I am also proud that we chose names through a process that included feedback from 12,000 employees who expressed their pride in NCR." In May, Joseph Reece, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of SilverBox Capital, was named Chairman on the NCR Board of Directors.

Now It's NCR Voyix and NCR Atleos

A Channel Digs Digital Coupons

A new Channel Partner Program, launched by nData (Denver, CO), has enlisted ISV Auto-Star Compusystems (Medicine Hat, AB, Canada). It brings acceptance of AI (8112) Universal Digital Coupons to Auto-Star's POS. A collaboration of retailers, coupon players, standards organizations, and trade groups have come together to champion AI (8112). It also has been backed by leadings CPGs like Proctor & Gamble and General Mills. (In this case, "AI" stands for "Application Identifier.")

As the digital coupon platform, and service bureau, nData allows users to both create and settle offers carried by AI (8112). It eliminates the need for paper coupons and enables customers to browse, select, and redeem their digital coupons on their smartphones or directly at the checkout counter. A single QR Code may hold multiple digital coupons. As another benefit, it virtually eliminates the fraud of legacy coupons.

"nData is excited to partner with Auto-Star to provide Auto-Star retailers access to AI (8112) digital coupons that will increase customer savings, and improve operator efficiency and cash flow, while expanding digital marketing opportunities," declared Samuel Jonas, CEO and Co-Founder of nData. In order to establish its Channel Partner Program, nData has engaged the services of Bruce Mann at Mann & Associates. A familiar face in our industry, Mann has served as VP of Marketing at CRS, VP of Marketing at APG Cash Drawer, and GM of the late Indiana Cash Drawer.

Auto-Star Compusystems Partners With nData

Worth Your While

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 11-12
San Antonio, TX

FSTEC
Foodservice Tech/Winsight
September 13-15
Dallas, TX

Channel Connect
ScanSource
October 16-19
Orlando, FL

20th WSAA
Western States Acquirers Association
October 31-November 2
Carlsbad, CA

MJBizCom
MJBizDaily
November 28-December 1
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Partner Tech Deals ACE2

An advanced self-checkout solution, dubbed ACE2, has been unveiled by Partner Tech USA (Anaheim, CA). With modular functionality and strong security features, it offers 15", 15.6", or 21.5" projected-capacitive touchscreen in landscape or portrait mode. Based on the application, there's choice of different processors and memory sizes. A selection of peripherals includes bi-optic scanner with scale, handheld scanner, thermal printer, payment brackets, and tri-light pole with LED.

As "intelligent fraud prevention," ACE2 features scale in the bagging area to verify items against the weight in the database, security camera, and support for EAS/RFID. In addition to hardware, there's Self-Checkout (SCO) Software with AI, an API (Application Programming Interface) for POS, and remote monitoring by "SeeYourSCO." A range of colors and configurations are offered to support store branding.

"After a successful rollout in Europe, we are excited to work with our VAR and ISV community to get this very robust self-checkout in front of retailers in North America and Latin America," projected Sandra Hsia, President at Partner Tech USA. "Equipped with all the advanced self-checkout features that retailers want, ACE2 can help many retailers on their digital checkout transformation. Also, it is backed by a very dedicated and experienced team at Partner Tech."

ACE2 Self-Checkout (SCO) by Partner Tech

PAX Sports the Red Dot

A Red Dot Award for Product Design in Computer & Information Technology has been bestowed upon PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL) for its Elys Family of POS. "The Elys Solution consists of a range of coordinated devices with contemporary data-processing functions. It simplifies digital payment considerably and impresses with its design coherence. Thanks to their purist design language, the devices also blend in everywhere," reads the description by the Red Dot Jury.

Introduced earlier this year, the family includes the Elys Workstation (L1400), Elys Tablet (A3700), Elys Eye (T3300), and the Elys 3" Printer (T3180). Elys Workstation features 14" projected-capacitive touchscreen, front-facing camera, Qualcomm Octa-Core CPU, and Android 11 O/S. It comes in an aluminum body with "ultra-thin" design.

An Elys Tablet has 7" projected-capacitive touchscreen, credit-card reader (Dual Chip, Contactless, MSR), and wireless capability (Bluetooth 5/BLE, 802.11 Wi-Fi, 4G WAN). It meets Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 6.x Certification. In two versions, with or without 1.5" touchscreen, and similar in size to your channel changer, Elys Eye enables scanning of barcodes for inventory management. A device-to-device platform by PAX Technology, entitled LINKUP, ties together elements of Elys.

Elys POS Family by PAX Technology

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ALLIANCES

Citizen Votes Cybra

A new member of the ISV Program at Citizen Systems America (Gardena, CA): Cybra Corporation (Yonkers, NY). Its MarkMagic Software now supports the family of printers for retail and supply chain by Citizen Systems America. By joining Citizen's ISV Program, Cybra gains access to technical resources, preferred pricing, and marketing collaboration.

"We are delighted to welcome Cybra and their award-winning MarkMagic Software to our ISV Program," enthused Buddy Sullivan, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Citizen Systems America. "Their expertise in barcode and RFID technologies perfectly complements our POS, barcode label, and mobile printing solutions. Together, we can deliver a comprehensive offering that meets the diverse needs of businesses in the retail and logistics sectors."

"Partnering with Citizen Systems America allows us to combine our software expertise with their exceptional hardware solutions," commented Harold Brand, CEO and Founder of Cybra. "We look forward to empowering businesses with seamless integration, increased efficiency, and improved inventory management capabilities." On its website, Cybra also lists, as printer partners, Bixolon, Sato, and Zebra.

Citizen Certifies Cybra's MarkMagic Software

NMI x TXT2PAY

A new integration for payment processor NMI (Schaumburg, IL) offers TXT2PAY by Authvia (El Segundo, CA). Available in the NMI Marketplace, TXT2PAY, as its name describes, allows merchants to request and receive payments via SMS Text. Consumers respond via their smart phones. In conjunction with NMI's Virtual Terminal, it boosts speed (by 10x), convenience, and security, according to the two new partners.

"Early adopters are using TXT2Pay across a wide variety of use cases ranging from invoicing, accepting donations, paying bills, sending reminders, and more," relayed Tiffany Johnson, Chief Product Officer at NMI. "It's satisfying to see a product that solves such a wide variety of needs in the market in such a cost-efficient and secure way." With its base of 277,000 merchants, NMI has annual payment volume of $203B.

"We have seen an increased demand from both merchants and consumers for quicker, more frictionless payment solutions, and TXT2PAY meets those needs through a device people use every day--their smartphone," reflected Chris Brunner, Founder and CEO at Authvia. "Additionally, TXT2PAY allows merchants to seamlessly handle billing and boost both compliance and security due to the nature of the transaction being on cardholders' own phones." In May, Fiserv called upon Authvia to give text-based payments to the community of ISVs.

NMI Offers TXT2PAY From Authvia

Code Corner

A novel offer from Shift4 (Allentown, PA) pays restaurants $1 for every online order received through its SkyTab POS. Additionally, to encourage restaurant owners to migrate from competitor systems, the company is extending a signing bonus of up to $5,000. Restaurants must install SkyTab POS by October 31, 2023 to qualify for these programs. "Clearly some of our competitors are looking for new revenue streams and they are getting creative and aggressive with their billing tactics," mused Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4. "We don't take our customers for granted and certainly don't subscribe to imposing fees that create friction between them and their patrons." [Editor's Note: As widely reported, Toast (Boston, MA) has withdrawn its proposed $0.99 order processing fee charged customers in its digital ordering suite.]

A Bonus From Shift4's SkyTab POS

______________________

"A fresh take on the back-office" has been touted for Korona POS by Combase USA (Las Vegas, NV): Korona Studio. It seeks to simplify what can be complex processes of retail management via automation and centralization. As such, it addresses inventory control, sales tracking, employee management, and customer engagement. As specific functionality, it features real-time inventory tracking, Open API (Application Programming Interface), automated supplier ordering/re-ordering, scalable tools for retail chains and franchises, and fully customizable dashboards. "Our team has dedicated countless hours to developing this solution that truly understands and addresses the needs of modern retailers," expressed Till Freier, CEO of Korona POS. "It empowers businesses to thrive in today's highly competitive landscape."

Update for Korona POS

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

MicroTouch Opens Window

As follow-up to its Android Mach All-in-One (AiO) Touch Computers, premiered in June, MicroTouch (Holland, MI) has added Windows 11 O/S. With projected-capacitive touch sensor and optical bonding with an etched anti-glare surface, the new Mach AiOs are offered in screen sizes of 15.6" and 21.5". A resolution of 1920x1080, contrast ratio of 1000:1, and aspect ratio of 16:9 are specifications for each (as well as 400 nits brightness for 15.6" Mach Touch Computer and 315 nits brightness for 21.5" Mach Touch Computer).

As power, each Windows Mach AiO has versions with Intel Generation 12 6-Core i3 CPU and Intel Generation 12 10-Core i5 CPU. In slim, durable design, Mach AiO furnishes the full suite of ports--e.g., USB, Ethernet, Video, Audio, as well as Port Expansion Hub--and Bluetooth 5/BLE and 802.11 Wi-Fi. Optional peripherals include barcode scanner, multi-color LED status bar, 8 MP camera, and MSR.

"MicroTouch is deeply committed to driving innovation that matters," declared John Dixon, VP of Business Solutions at MicroTouch. "The recently announced Mach All-in-One Android and new expansion into Windows O/S, reinforced by top-tier hardware, reflects our ongoing pursuit of offering our customers advanced technology and practical, future-ready solutions that enhance their business performance." A network of MicroTouch ISVs offer solutions for retail, hospitality, and corporate end-users.

MicroTouch Mach All-in-One (AiO) Touch Computer

A Bridge Over Troubled Payments

An automated solution that streamlines the way businesses accept and process virtual card payments has been fielded at Mastercard (Purchase, NY). As its development partner for the new Mastercard Receivables Manager, Mastercard called upon order-to-cash and digital payments player, Billtrust (Lawrenceville, NJ). It requires minimal implementation effort for end-users, according to the two parties.

With the Mastercard Receivables Manager suppliers will no longer need to manually capture and enter virtual card details to reconcile received digital payments. Instead, the new product consolidates such card payments from all issuers so the remittance data can automatically be matched to open invoices, and formatted and delivered to their systems for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). It also helps suppliers to drive early payments and improve overall visibility of their cash flow.

"This is a significant milestone in our journey to deliver more seamless, digital-first user experiences to the B2B (Business-to-Business) payments ecosystem," proclaimed Chad Wallace, Global Head of Commercial Solutions at Mastercard. "We're bridging the gap between buyers' virtual card preferences and suppliers' acceptance challenges by automating manual processes and transforming the way accounts receivable teams operate." In research cited by Mastercard, 90% of suppliers preferred to receive digital payments versus paper checks.

Virtual Card Payments Are Streamlined by New Mastercard Receivables Manager

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aldelo
Bixolon America
Electronic Payments
Epson America
FEC POS
HiStone
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
POS Nation
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Star Micronics
Sunmi
Toshiba

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
GoDEX Americas
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers/Cash Handling
apg/APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
Janam Technologies
MobileDemand
Star Micronics
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
Miura Systems
North American Bancard
Payment Logistics
Sound Payments

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

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Star Micronics

Touchscreens
MicroTouch

INSTALLATIONS

OrderAI Fuels Jet's Pizza

A rollout at Jet's Pizza (Sterling Heights, MI) has shown strong results for the OrderAI Talk Platform by HungerRush (Houston, TX). Installed in December 2021, this phone bot, now in 240 franchises across the U.S., has passed one million orders and $6M of earnings per month. Also, many employees and owners at locations using the technology have noted it has been essential in decreasing workplace stress.

Earlier, in 2019, Jet's Pizza started with OrderAI Text, another technology by HungerRush. It has fulfilled four million orders to date with this text-to-order feature. According to Jet's Pizza, 29% of opt-in customers take action on marketing promotions delivered by OrderAI Text. In total, the five million orders fulfilled by the OrderAI technology have accounted for approximately $140M in sales for Jet's locations of 340 stores.

"Engaging and leveraging technologies such as AI and ML are not optional anymore," related Aaron Nilsson, CIO of Jet's Pizza. "We see them as key competitive differentiators that position us as a market leader. With this type of technology, we have been able to significantly elevate our brand." (In 2020, Revention rebranded as HungerRush.)

Jet's Pizza Embraces OrderAI From HungerRush

Mi9: Home Improvement

A major hardware and home improvement chain, Aubuchon Company, has successfully piloted Mi9 Store Self-Checkout. It had previously implemented the Mi9 Retail Software Platform to support its Merchandising, Data Analytics, and Store Operations (POS). Started in 1908, and still family owned and managed, Aubuchon has 105 stores in New England and Upstate NY.

"Self-Checkout delivers numerous benefits for retailers, including increased efficiency, cost savings, improved accuracy, and increased store sales. Mi9 Store Self-Checkout Software uses an intuitive and highly configurable UX (User Experience)," emphasized Jeni McKewon, POS Product Manager for Mi9 Retail (Miami, FL). Also, Aubuchon has rolled out Mobile Inventory Management (also from Mi9 Retail).

As training for its customers, Mi9 Retail has bolstered its partnership with The MacLaren Group (Toronto, ON, Canada). "At larger scale," as compared to Mi9 Retail Professional Services, custom training programs will be offered by The MacLaren Group. "Providing professional training programs is an important factor for successful change management," expounded Eugene Voronov, EVP and GM at Mi9 Retail.

Aubuchon Company Adds Mi9 Store Self-Checkout

Channel Factoid

A Look Inside the C-Store

-Total convenience industry sales, including fuel, in 2022 were $906.1B, of which $302.8B were from in-store sales of goods. Overall, in-store sales increased 9.0%.

-Average basket--what customers spend per visit--increased 4.9% to $7.52 for in-store sales of goods in 2022.

-Convenience industry store count in 2022 increased 1.5% to reach 150,174.

-Overall, foodservice--including prepared food, commissary, and hot, cold, and frozen dispensed beverages--represented 25.6% of average monthly in-store sales in 2022.

-At an industry level, convenience in-store transactions increased 8.5% in 2022, following an 8.8% increase in 2021 as the country emerged from Covid-19.

-At an industry level, credit-card swipe fees have increased fully 82.0% between 2020 and 2022 and now stand at $19.5B.

Source: 2022 State of the Industry by Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing (NACS).

In-Store Convenience Sales Rise 9%

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

Paytronix Picks New CEO

A continued evolution at guest engagement pioneer, Paytronix (Newton, MA), with Jeff Hindman tapped as CEO. He succeeds Founder and CEO Andrew Robbins, who moves into the role of Executive Chairman. Hindman joined the Paytronix Board of Directors in 2022. His experience, among other firms, includes Chief Revenue Officer at Snap One, VP and GM for Hospitality SMB at NCR, VP at Radiant Systems (acquired by NCR in 2011), and Engagement Manager at McKinsey.

"Paytronix continues to revolutionize the way restaurants and convenience stores build and nurture guest relationships," indicated Hindman. "Our exceptional team is driven by a passion to meet the growing industry hunger for more personalized guest experiences and to accelerate the pace of innovation needed to do so. We have so many advancements launching in market, including AI solutions that help our clients personalize offers to their guests in real-time, meaningful infrastructure and security enhancements, and key global partnerships."

"Jeff's appointment represents a huge milestone for Paytronix," suggested Robbins. "He comes on-board as we focus on expanding our industry-leading guest engagement platform into new markets and geographies. Going forward, I'm excited to work on broadening our solution set to incorporate even more advanced tools and technologies." Paytronix is supported by private equity firm, Great Hill Partners (Boston, MA)

Jeff Hindman, CEO, Paytronix

CTO Takes "Flight"

As its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), CardFlight has recruited software veteran Brian Butts. Prior to joining the payments/POS provider, Butts served for five years as VP of Development and Cloud Operations at another player in POS, Revel Systems, with staff of 175+. Earlier in his career, he served as VP of Global Technical Operations for enterprise asset management platform, Northplains.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of the CardFlight mission to make payments simple for small business merchants," shared Butts. "The company's commitment to innovation combined with its strong culture of collaboration are what attracted me to this role. I look forward to working with the talented technical team at CardFlight to further our strategic vision and ambitions."

"We are pleased to add Brian's extensive technology and organizational leadership experience to our team," contributed Derek Webster, Founder and CEO of CardFlight. "He will be key in continuing the acceleration of CardFlight's growth and scalability." At present, CardFlight's payment solution, called SwipeSimple, is deployed at more than 125,000 small businesses across the U.S.

Brian Butts, CTO, CardFlight