Our Product Pick

A new All-in-One POS, designated as Nexus, has been showcased by Touch Dynamic (South Plainfield, NJ). It comes in two screen sizes with true-flat, projected-capacitive touch LCD: 15.6" and 21.5". A choice of processing includes MediaTek MT8390/G700 at 2.2 GHz or Intel Celeron J6412 at 2.6 GHz. With Windows O/S, it has 8 GB DDR4 and 128 GB eMMC. With Android 13 O/S and Google Mobile Services, it has 4 GB DDR4 and 64 GB eMMC. A full suite of ports support peripherals such as rear display, barcode scanner, payment readers, and wireless. Also, Touch Dynamic has received certification for its Edge Ultra and Pavilion Kiosk from ISV Bite, New York, NY.

All-in-One Nexus POS by Touch Dynamic

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Fix for MCx

A new group has been created at ScanSource (Greenville, SC), called Integrated Solutions and Services, and offering its resellers enhanced opportunities in the area of Managed Connectivity Experience, or MCx. It follows the distributor's purchase of Advantix (Frisco, TX), which, since 2001, has focused on wireless enablement and associated expense management. Advantix was chosen as the Top Mobility Supplier for 2023 by ScanSource Intelisys, which distributes Voice, Data, and Cloud Services. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

"With more solutions and services comes more margin for the VAR and deeper relationships with their end-users," emphasized Tony Sorrentino, President of ScanSource Specialty Technologies. "Advantix has a proven track record of helping hardware partners add recurring revenue to their practice and will be instrumental to our partners looking to wrap additional services around their hardware sales." In Specialty Technologies, ScanSource now has three groups: POS and Payments, Networking and Security, and Mobility and Barcode.

As SVP of Integrated Solutions and Services, ScanSource has named Ansley Hoke. In her two decades at ScanSource, Hoke has served as VP of Merchandising and SVP of North America VAR Marketing. In addition, Melissa Andrews has moved to VP of Marketing. Another familiar figure at ScanSource, Andrews has served as Manager of Worldwide Public Relations and Director of Corporate Communications.

Ansley Hoke, SVP, Integrated Solutions and Services, ScanSource

SpotOn Cashes CHECK

A new path to market for SpotOn (San Francisco, CA) follows membership in the CHECK Business Tools Program of US Foods (Rosemont, IL). A growing provider in its space, SpotOn will supply its entire restaurant management platform, including online ordering, reservations, and labor management, as well as, of course, POS. A leading foodservice distributor, US Foods has approximately 250,000 restaurants as customers and 70 broadline locations and 90 cash-and-carry stores. It offers the range of equipment and technology solutions.

"This collaboration with US Foods is a significant step for SpotOn in reaching hundreds of thousands of restaurant operators nationwide," expounded Mark Brodahl, Chief Revenue Officer at SpotOn. "US Foods' commitment to the restaurant industry aligns with SpotOn's mission to help restaurant operators everywhere thrive with great technology and best-in-class service and support with a human touch. Together, we will help restaurants run smarter, more efficient, and more profitable operations with the right tech and the right partners."

In March, SpotOn introduced its automated restaurant marketing solution, simply named SpotOn Marketing Assist. Intended for the independent sector, in particular, SpotOn Marketing Assist simplifies e-mail and social media campaigns. As such, it saves an average of three to four working hours per week for its end-users, according to SpotOn.

SpotOn Listed as Technology Provider in US Food's CHECK Business Tools Program

Worth Your While

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

Star Brightens mC-Print3

Additions to the mC-Print3 Thermal Printer Series by Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) bring 20-W USB Type-C and Star CloudPRNT Next (with MQTT Protocol). With print width of 80 mm/58 mm (3"/2"), the new mC-Print31Ci features maximum print speed of 15.8" (400 mm) per second at 203 dpi. It furnishes USB Type C, USB Type-A (External Hub) and Ethernet LAN. As part of the company's mobility-focused "mCollection," it supports iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux O/S.

In cubic format, it measures 5.2"/132 mm (W) x 5.5"/140 mm (D) x 4.9"/125 mm (H) with Print Flat Technology and Guillotine Auto-Cutter. A Model mC-Print31CBi has Bluetooth, and Model mC-Print31CWBi has WLAN. A rating of IP-22 addresses splash-proof, insect-proof, and dust-proof, with optional Kitchen Buzzer with 16 programmable sounds.

In keeping with the company's commitment to sustainability, packaging of the mC-Print3 utilizes recyclable materials with zero plastic wrapping. A space-saving packaging design also increases inventory capacity during transportation. In addition to its popular printers, Star Micronics America supplies scales, barcode scanners, cash drawers, enclosures/stands, consumables, and health/safety labels and guides.

New mC-Print3 Models From Star Micronics

A Basket Bespoke for SMB

A "bespoke" payment solution for Small-to-Midsized Business (SMB) has been fashioned by the trio of Aurora Payments (Las Vegas, NV), Sunmi Technology (Alpharetta, GA), and Proxet (Boston, MA). It combines the Arise Platform by Aurora, V2 Payment Terminal by Sunmi, and Networking by Proxet. As environments cited: nail salons, beauty shops, tattoo parlors, pet stores, funeral homes, and service companies.

In April, Aurora announced its cloud-based Arise to simplify payments for Credit, Debit, and ACH in the SMB. As Manny Garcia, CEO of the ISV On the Fly POS (Miami, FL), testified: "We have eleven applications in our ecosystem--including stations, handhelds, kiosks--which makes connecting to each endpoint tedious. But integrating with Aurora was so easy for us and completely seamless. They understand SMB."

In the coming months, Aurora will pursue additional strategic industry partnerships and will release new features and capabilities for SMB. Started in 2005, it now serves approximately 27,000 merchants, with annual processing of $12B. It's backed by private equity firm, Corsair.

A Team of Vendors Includes Aurora Payments, Sunmi Technology (Shown here, the Sunmi V2 Terminal), and Proxet

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Week of July 29

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Week of June 17

A Message From the Editor

As we complete 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

ALLIANCES

Fortis Digs ERP

Acquisition of the NetSuite Payments Division of MerchantE (Alpharetta, GA) continues an effort in embedded payments for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) on the part of Fortis (Plano, TX). Since 2004, MerchantE has addressed payments through Oracle NetSuite. A seamless activation as well as enhancements with zero programming or implementation costs will be provided to current and future users of Fortis, according to the two parties. As financial advisor to the transaction, terms of which were not disclosed, MAPP Advisors.

"As we transition to the Fortis platform, I am truly excited at what this will mean for our customers," expressed Jeremy Collins, VP of Business Development and NetSuite Channel at Fortis. "Our legacy users can expect the same great service, plus new enhanced features." As such features, among others, there's next day funding, click-to-pay, compliant surcharging, routing preference, and e-commerce.

"We are thrilled to continue the legacy established by MerchantE," enthused Greg Cohen, CEO at Fortis. "As a leader in ERP and B2B (Business-to-Business) payments, we look forward to expanding our investment in the NetSuite ecosystem with a robust pipeline of feature enhancements." As partners in ERP and B2B, Fortis also has Acumatica, Sage, and QuickBooks.

Fortis Buys NetSuite Division of MerchantE

[Editor's Note: As its new EVP of B2B, Fortis has engaged Robert West, former VP, Partner Channel, at EBizCharge.]

A Plate of Nacha's

A set of four new categories has been added to membership in the Preferred Partner Program at Nacha (Reston, VA). As the governing body for the thriving ACH Network, Nacha controls Direct Deposits and Direct Payments. It develops rules and standards, provides industry solutions, and delivers education, accreditation, and advisory services.

As its four new categories, Nacha has identified: Account Validation, which leverages advanced verification technologies; Enhanced Fraud Monitoring, which incorporates machine learning, real-time data analysis, and identification of transaction patterns and behaviors; Improved Inter-Operability and Messaging, which employs ISO 20022; and Open Banking, which strengthens integration and collaboration between financial institutions and third-partly service providers. As previously established categories, the Nacha Preferred Partner Program also has: ACH Experience; Compliance; and Risk and Fraud Prevention.

"Our Nacha Preferred Partner offerings are evolving to help meet the needs and challenges facing participants in the ACH community. These new categories identify and recognize the ways ACH is strengthened and utilized," reflected Stephanie Prebish, Senior Managing Director, Association Services, Nacha. "Nacha looks forward to welcoming new organizations into the Preferred Partner fold as we work together to ensure that the ACH Network continues to grow and thrive."

Nacha Adds Categories to Partner Program

Code Corner

It's Pay (Every) Day

A solution entitled "Earned: Same Day Pay" has been launched by TimeForge (Lubbock, TX). As its name describes, this platform empowers businesses with an easy way to offer same day pay, tips distribution, and employee recognition and rewards. It includes robust controls in place to minimize data security risks to both the employer and the employee. (In February, TimeForge partnered in same day tips with corporate payouts platform Onbe in Buffalo Grove, IL). "What we discovered--and what corporate often doesn't realize--is that in businesses without same day pay, managers go above and beyond to help their team members," indicated Audrey Hogan, COO of TimeForge. "A flat tire or a broken appliance can significantly impact an employee's well-being and ability to work, and so it's not uncommon for managers to offer small loans to help employees through tough times."

TimeForge on Google Play

Gone to (.NET) MAUI

A new tool has been extended to developers: the Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK (Software Development Kit) for .NET MAUI Edition. With Microsoft's .NET MAUI (Multi-Platform App UI), and its shared code base, developers may easily incorporate barcode scanning across mobility environments for iOS and Android O/S. A functional example includes camera view control. A framework for Microsoft .NET MAUI is also available for the Dynamsoft Document Normalizer and Dynamsoft Label Recognizer SDK. "Build native, cross-platform mobile barcode scanning apps all in one framework with the Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK MAUI Edition," proposed Amy Gu, CEO of Dynamsoft (Vancouver, BC, Canada). "Whether you are in retail, logistics, healthcare, or any other sector, our SDK delivers essential versatility and robustness."

Dynamsoft's New Barcode Reader SDK

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Emporos Lights Up Pharmacy

A first in the pharmacy industry has been achieved with the integration of Emporos (Charlotte, NC) and InterLink AI (Omaha, NE). It pairs Emporos POS with InterLink's AI ScripClip, which furnishes state-of-the-art, illuminated, will-call. Also, it ties into pharmacy management systems from players such as McKesson, Epic Systems, and Optum Pay.

Once a prescription has been filled and verified, a ScripClip hanging bag or clip-on (for paper bags or oversized packages) is scanned and placed into will-call in any location, in any order. At pick-up, pharmacy staff keys the customer information into the POS and the appropriate ScripClip lights up. Different colored lights are uniquely associated with each workstation, supporting multiple, concurrent transactions. In addition, unretrieved prescriptions may also be indicated via ScripClip.

"More than one of every thousand prescriptions is correctly dispensed but 'lost' or mistakenly given to the wrong patient, resulting in HIPAA violations, double the fill time, wait time, and inventory cost, or worst of all, patient harm and distrust," observed Dan Gordon, President and CEO of InterLink AI. "Whether it's inside the pharmacy, curbside, or at the central fill or mail-out facility, Emporos and ScripClip are revolutionizing the way pharmacists are able to work, in order to support superior patient outcomes." Integration will go-to-market as Emporos Lighted Will-Call, according to Eric Kristensen, Emporos CEO.

Emporos POS Links With InterLink AI's ScripClip Lighted Will-Call System for Pharmacies

A "Factor" in Loyalty: Ingenico

A fortified relationship between Factor4 (Broomhall, PA) and Whittle Group (Woodstock, GA) enhances gift card and loyalty capacities. In this strategic partnership, Whittle Group has supplied integration for Factor4 for the Tetra Payment Gateway by Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA). It originally certified Models Desk/3500, Desk/5000, and Move/5000 by Ingenico. It now adds Models Desk/2600, Lane/3600, and Link/2500.

"We are delighted to further strengthen our collaboration with Whittle Group," indicated Dan Battista, CEO of Factor4. "This expansion allows us to offer even more comprehensive gift and loyalty solutions to our merchants and partners." Going forward, Factor4 plans to expand its gift and loyalty into the Axium terminal line of products by Ingenico.

"Factor4 is a long-time partner of Whittle Group," relayed Paul Whittle, President of Whittle Group. "We are pleased that Dan and his team have selected Whittle Group to continue to provide the terminal applications and other technology." A resume for Paul Whittle includes Planet Payment and, for many years, the late company Hypercom.

A Trio Enhances Gift Card and Loyalty With Ingenico Payment Terminals Such as Model Move/5000

[Editor's Note: Earlier, in May, Factor4 announced its integration for physical and digital gift cards in concert with Shopify.]

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
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

INSTALLATIONS

A Love Seat for PXM

An extended partnership has Dovetail Furniture deploying so-called Product Experience Management (PXM) by Digital Wave Technology (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL). As one of the largest importers and distributors of luxury handcrafted furniture, accuracy of product information is critical to Dovetail Furniture. With showrooms in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and High Point, NC, as well as retailer partners, Dovetail Furniture sees 150 to 300 quarterly product introductions.

"We are happy to renew our partnership with Digital Wave Technology," remarked Marco Mazzoni, Director of Technology and Digital Marketing at Dovetail Furniture. "The company's PXM solution has significantly enhanced our operational efficiency and allowed us to maintain high standards of product information accuracy across our online platforms, the POS system used by our sales reps, and all third-party integrations with our vendors, customers, and online marketplaces. This partnership supports our unique business model."

"[It] not only reaffirms our commitment to Dovetail Furniture's success but also paves the way for the company's future innovations as it continues its digital transformation journey," contributed Lori Schafer, CEO at Digital Wave Technology. As elements, the PXM Suite includes Product Information Management (PIM), Master Data Management (MDM), and Digital Asset Management (DAM). Established in 2021, addressing retail, consumer goods, and healthcare, Digital Wave Technology, as expected, bases its technology on Generative AI.

Dovetail Furniture Embraces Product Experience Management (PXM) by Digital Wave Technology

Not a Stinker at NCR Voyix

A deployment of NCR Voyix "Edge Agile" has upgraded store infrastructure for Stinker Stores. A next-generation store environment that seeks to "virtualize the POS," Edge Agile addresses the need for more effective promotion campaigns, failure-proof operations, and reduced service and maintenance costs, according to NCR Voyix (Atlanta, GA). Also, software and hardware optimization and scalability,

"For the first time, Stinker has been delighted during an implementation and go-live deployment," shared Cory Mooney, VP of IT at Stinker Stores. "We appreciate the NCR Voyix team's deep technical knowledge and ability to stay one to two steps ahead of us. From here on out, NCR Voyix is our go-to strategic solution provider to run the store."

"With the NCR Voyix Commerce Platform via Edge, Stinker bridges the gap between digital channels and physical stores, streamlining technology and elevating store performance and customer experience," declared Eric Schoch, EVP and President of Retail for NCR Voyix. "Today, Stinker is well-positioned in a competitive convenience store landscape to drive future growth." A playful skunk logo indicates the 100+ c-stores and truck stops run by Stinker Stores in Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Adoption of NCR Voyix Edge Agile at C-Store/Truck Stop Chain Stinker Stores

Channel Factoid

Speaking of Security

Top 10 Picks for Managed
Security Service Providers
(MSSPs) for SMB in 2024
and Their Strengths

-Check Point Services: Mix of Features

-Sophos: Centralized Management

-Cisco: Across Networks

-CrowdStrike: AI-Powered

-IBM: Core Features

-Trustwave: Compliance

-Cybriant: Cyber Risk

-Capgemini: Business Processes

-McAfee: Firewall Management

-Lumen Technologies: Network-Driven

Source: Channel Insider

A Growing Role in the Channel

Channel Chatter

A financial play for ISV Squirrel Systems (Burnaby, BC, Canada), which has been purchased by Volaris Group (Mississauga, ON, Canada). A major presence in the channel, Squirrel revolutionized the industry with the first touchscreen-based restaurant POS in 1984. It continues to provide on-premise and cloud-native solutions for food and beverage, with many recognized brands as customers. As part of Constellation Software, Volaris Group is comprised of vertical market technologies.

Jason Leeson, President, Squirrel Systems

HELLO GOODBYE

Cortopassi Passes Test

A promotion at Global Payments (Atlanta, GA) has Robert "Bob" Cortopassi rising to President and COO. He most recently served as Senior EVP and President of International and Vertical Markets for Global Payments. Previous roles have included President of OpenEdge, SVP and GM of Accelerated Payment Technologies (part of Global Payments), and VP of CAM Commerce Solutions.

"Bob is a proven, growth-oriented leader and trusted colleague with an exceptional track record managing key businesses across our organization," noted Cameron Bready, CEO of Global Payments. "He is an inspiring and skillful people leader and uniquely positioned to assume this role given his deep familiarity with our business. Bob's extensive experience and proven track record in driving growth will be invaluable as we continue to advance our strategy focused on being the worldwide partner of choice for commerce solutions."

"I am grateful to be part of an exceptional team that facilitates billions of transactions around the world and delivers commerce solutions that help our customers run and grow their businesses more effectively," stated Cortopassi. "During my 12 years at the company, it has been a privilege to build relationships with many team members, customers, and partners that I now call friends. I look forward to strengthening these relationships and cultivating new ones in the days ahead."

Bob Cortopassi, President and COO, Global Payments

All Set With Zettler

A new hire for the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) brings Deanne Zettler as Head of Product and Technology. She brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services, including VP of Enterprise Portfolio Management at Discover Financial Services and Head of Global Delivery for Silicon Valley Bank. (A new wave of leadership for PCI SSC (Wakefield, MA), which enlisted, in July, Diana Greenshaw, formerly of Vantiv/Worldpay, as its Head of Engagement.)

"We are excited to bring Deanne Zettler onboard as our first ever Head of Product and Technology," commented Gina Gobeyn, Executive Director of the PCI SSC. "The payments industry changes at a lightning pace, which makes bringing our standards and programs to market faster more important than ever before. Deanne is the perfect fit to lead this important effort for the PCI SSC."

"I am honored to be leading the PCI SSC's Product and Technology team efforts," projected Zettler. "The PCI SSC's mission is critical to the payment community. The future of payment security standards and programs will need to be agile to meet the needs of payment stakeholders around the world. I'm eager to get to work."

Deanne Zettler, Head of Product and Technology, Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC)