Our Product Pick

CRS, Inc. (St. Paul, MN) has stocked the HM628N rugged tablet, suitable for POS, from Hisense/HiStone. Weighing 2.2 lbs./1 kg, HM628N has 10" true-flat projected-capacitive touchscreen, fast Intel Celeron N4120 Quad-Core CPU, and Windows 10 IoT. It integrates card reader, front and rear cameras, two speakers, barcode scanner for 1D/2D, common suite of I/O ports, and Bluetooth/WLAN. As ruggedness, it meets IP-54 for water and dust, MIL-STD-810G for environment, and 4 ft./1.2 m drop resistance. An optional smart dock provides charging, expansion module of I/O's, and presentation stand. As readers may know, Hisense has rebranded its retail and hospitality products in POS, as HiStone.

HM628N Rugged Tablet Distributed by CRS, Inc.

COMPANY BUSINESS

Elo's Pay Day

Elo (Milpitas, CA) has unwrapped its new mobile computer with built-in payment capabilities, designated as the M60 Pay. It features 6" high-definition projected-capacitive touchscreen display, fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Octa-Core CPU, and Android 10 O/S with Google Mobile Services (GMS). A 4000 mAh Li-Polymer battery supplies 12 working hours. A family of models address communications--Bluetooth, WLAN, Cellular WAN--as well as 1D/2D barcode scanning.

Accepting the range of payment and loyalty cards, the M60 Pay furnishes MSR, EMV, and NFC. An Elo Payment SDK (Software Development Kit) supports certification to standards of L1 and L2, with certification to L3 via the gateway, Elo Pay (coming in the spring). Also, in the area of security, it meets Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS Version 6.0. An optional docking station, expansion module, and touchscreen monitor enables use as fixed, counter-based POS.

"We designed the M60 Pay mobile computer to allow businesses to interact efficiently with their customers, and the reaction from our partner community has been amazing," reported Craig Witsoe, CEO of Elo. "From line-busting and ticketing to tableside and in-seat payment, the M60 Pay makes decentralizing the checkout process and taking payments at the table, at the seat, around the store or at the counter easy." As part of the family of products by Elo, M60 Pay carries support for Elo EssentialEdge for Android, EloView SaaS, and OS 360.

Elo's New M60 Pay Mobile Computer

A Triple Play at Posiflex

Posiflex USA (Hayward, CA) has rolled out three new models in its line-up of POS: XT7315, RT6015 and RT6016. All feature fanless design, true-flat projected-capacitive touch technology, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise O/S. A full-suite of I/O's includes LAN, Serial, Display, Cash Drawer, and USB, with optimal cable management and modern look.

With multi-position, folding construction, the XT7315 offers choice of processors (Intel Celeron, Pentium, Core i3, Core i5) and 15" display. Either of the RT6015 and RT6016 offer choice of processors (Intel Core i3 or Core i5). A significant difference between the two models is the display size, with the RT6015 showing 15"/4:3 standard-ratio and the RT6016 showing 15.6"/16:9 widescreen-ratio. As supporting technology, each of these three new models--XT7315, RT6015, and RT6016--have 2 GB Memory, 4 GB Storage, and 128 GB SSD.

"With rigorous HALT/HASS testing and total in-house manufacturing that all our products experience, our new XT7315 and XT6000 terminals extend the legacy of Posiflex providing top-notch point-of-sale hardware for today's challenging atmosphere and customers' demands," expressed Doyle Ledford, VP of Sales and Marketing for Posiflex. "We look forward to introducing these exceptional products along with the rest of our latest solutions at NRF 2022 [January 16-18 in New York City]." In addition to its catalog of All-in-One POS, Posiflex supplies kiosks such as Apex, Paragon, Stellar, and Mercury EK Series.

New POS Terminals by Posiflex, Including the XT7315

Worth Your While

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

Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 23-26
Clearwater Beach, FL

Bar & Restaurant Expo
Questex LLC
March 21-23
Las Vegas, NV

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce LLC
March 27-30
Las Vegas, NV

Modex
Modern Materials Handling
March 28-31
Atlanta, GA

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
April 12-14
Las Vegas, NV

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Seiko Shakes the Liner

Seiko Instruments USA, Thermal Printer Division (Torrance, CA), has unboxed its new compact liner-free label/receipt printer, the SLP720RT. In dimensions of 3.5" (W) x 7.9" (D) x 5.6" (H), the SLP720RT has 2"/58 mm print width, maximum print speed of 7.9"/200 mm per second at resolution of 203 dpi, and roll capacity of 4"/100 mm. It furnishes USB/Ethernet+USB/WLAN, with support for Windows/iOS/Android.

In stylish dark rectangular case, it includes drop-in paper loading, auto-cutter, and label taken, paper end, and black mark sensors. In order to further productivity, Seiko's Smart Label Creator Software is included. In addition, the SLP720RT has been tested and certified to work with liner-free labels from three major suppliers---MAX International (Lancaster, PA), Iconex (Duluth, GA), and StickyPOS (Santa Ana, CA).

"We have listened to our customers and partners while also thinking about what might be missing in the marketplace and have developed the SLP720RT to address the growing need for liner-free labeling, all in a smaller footprint and stylish design," projected Matt Schmitz, GM, Seiko Instruments USA, Thermal Printer Division. "We continue to strive for innovation in the marketplace and this new printer adheres to our culture of quality and precision. The marketplace is seeking a next-generation compact solution for liner-free label, standard label, and receipt printing, and our SLP720RT printer fills this need."

Seiko Debuts the SLP720RT Liner-Free Printer

An xCase Keeps "Tab"

A rugged case ("xCase") for the Android-based 10" Lenovo Tab K10 tablet has been offered by MobileDemand (Cedar Rapids, IA). A combination of PC/ABS hard plastic outer shell and inner silicon rubber boot holds the Tab K10, while rubber port seals ensure protection from dust and water (MIL-STD-810H and 5 ft./1.5 m drop resistance). As standard accessories, the xCase includes screen protector, briefcase handle, back hand strap, and universal snap mount plate; premium accessories include stylus holder, stylus tether, and adjustable easel.

"We are proud to partner with Lenovo to enable the mobile workforce to bring the Android-based Tab K10 into rugged environments," shared Matt Miller, President and CTO of MobileDemand. "The xCase will take customers to new heights in productivity beyond simple tablet-style functionality." Added Barry Bates, Global Head of Portfolio, Lenovo OEM Solutions, "MobileDemand has helped us provide the [necessary] complete solution with their amazing case and mounting options."

With Android 11 O/S, Lenovo's new Tab K10 has four models: 3 GB/32 GB with WLAN; 4 GB/64 GB with WLAN; 3 GB/32 GB with LTE WAN; and 3 GB/32 GB with WLAN (and no battery). As the preferred provider of industrial-grade rugged cases for Lenovo's Tab K10, MobileDemand adds features such as barcode scanners, payment card readers, and certifications for enterprise mobility management (EMM) via SOTI, VMWare, and Google Mobile Services (GMS). It provides xCases for the wide range of tablets with iOS, Android, and Windows.

MobileDemand Offers xCase for Lenovo's Tab K10 Tablet

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Year in Review 2021

Week of December 20

Week of November 1

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Sending Out Code

Code Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT) has expanded and enhanced its partner program, entitled Code Alliance. It now features three segments: Selected Reseller, National, and, first-ever, ISV. Addressing resellers working through distribution, with relatively low levels of yearly revenue, Selected Reseller includes incentives, discounts, training, and marketing support. As its name implies, National identifies resellers with more substantial revenue and year-over-year growth. It increases benefits, such as an assigned strategic channel manager.

"Innovation is in the DNA of Code Corporation, and we are bringing that to the surface as we unveil several updates to the Code Alliance partner program," remarked Emily Scales, Senior Channel Marketing Manager at Code Corporation. "Our executive team has shown an incredible commitment to our partner program by heavily investing in the program. Because of this support, we can deliver our partners an easy-to-use program with personalized benefits, engineered to enhance partner knowledge, profitability, and success."

In addition, Code will open its new Partner Portal in Q1. Accompanied by its learning management system (LMS), this Partner Portal represents the "one-stop-shop" for education and training on products and services by Code. A longtime supplier of scanning technology to the channel, Code was purchased by Brady Corporation in July 2021.

Emily Scales, Senior Channel Marketing Manager, Code Corporation

GoTab Goes Channel

GoTab (Arlington, VA) has launched, for resellers, its GoTab Partner Program. Established in 2016, GoTab supplies its restaurant management software, including POS. As levels, the GoTab Partner Program has "Referral" (self-explanatory); "Hybrid" (pre-sales by GoTab, with the partner handling install and second level of support); and "Reseller" (the partner demos, installs, and supports). In the category of "Reseller," GoTab furnishes buy-rate on software and recurring revenue on payments. A four-step certification course is offered, along with assignment of an onboarding manager at GoTab.

"GoTab's Partner Program was built with flexibility in mind," emphasized Jake West, GoTab's VP of Partnerships. "We tailor our sales and support model to meet the needs of our partners. Whether a partner wishes to control the entire customer experience or hand off a customer to GoTab to manage the customer journey, our focus is on adding value for our partners." FYI: West has worked in Business Development/ISVs for Vend, Worldpay, Vantiv, and Mercury Payments.

"While GoTab's Partner Program is new, the company has had a deep, and long belief in partnerships," indicated Tim McLaughlin, Co-Founder and CEO of GoTab. "Our integrations with best-in-class technology solutions for inventory management, reservations, scheduling, and payroll have proven that GoTab can deliver a superior experience, strengthened even further by our partner model." As one of its participating resellers, GoTab has identified rbbt.tech in Frisco, TX.

Jake West, VP of Partnerships, GoTab

Code Corner

Online vs. Offline
Payment Processing:
Common Myths Defused

#1. Offline Payments Are Automatic

Merchants may assume that if their internet connection is disrupted, their card readers will automatically collect payment data for offline processing. But with some solutions, they won't; these solutions need to be configured to accept offline payments. In addition, if your merchant decides to process payment transactions offline, they'll need to establish policies that minimize risk, such as the amount of each sale they will process offline.

#2. Offline Payments Aren't Any Riskier than Online Payments

The truth is offline payment processing is riskier than transactions approved in real-time. For example, merchants are responsible for transactions that are declined by the issuing bank when the network connection is restored or chargebacks that occur because credit cards could not be validated. Also, there's a limit to the number of offline payments that can be stored, so lengthy outages could result in lost revenues if the business doesn't switch to cash-only sales. And offline payments may expire after some specific time set by the issuing bank.

#3. Merchants Get Their Deposits Just as Quickly, Whether Processed Online or Offline

Since offline payment transactions are processed when the internet connection is restored, there can be a delay in funds appearing in the merchant's account. With online transactions, merchants can track payments immediately. However, with offline processing, it can take a few days for payments to appear in the merchant's system.

#4. The Only Option When the Network Goes Down is Offline Processing

One alternative to offline processing is a cellular fail-over service to maintain connectivity with the payment processor. These solutions automatically switch to 3G, 4G/LTE, or wired or secondary broadband to continue to connect for online processing and real-time approvals.

Source: Courtesy of Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA)

A Message From the Editor

As we enter 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. Happy New Year.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ALLIANCES

GK Navigates Amazon

GK Software USA (Raleigh, NC) has engaged the hosting power of Amazon Web Services (AWS). As such, its Cloud4Retail OmniPOS (Version 5.19) now runs on cloud native services including Amazon EKS (Elastic Kuberntes Service) and Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service). It includes the functionality of T+Enterprise and Central Electronic Journal (EJ) & Central Returns, Loyalty, and Card Services by GK Software USA.

"It's become increasingly important for retailers to transform their digital operations by enhancing their cloud capabilities," relayed Michael Jaszczyk, CEO of GK Software USA. "Our AWS offerings allow retailers to easily leverage cloud computing and accelerate their innovation journey. We're excited to bring this solution to the table for our customers and make it easier than ever to improve efficiency and productivity in all areas of the retailer's business."

Introduced in July 2021, GK's Cloud4Retail OmniPOS Version 5.19 addresses the spectrum of sectors--retail, grocery, restaurants, and convenience and fuel--and all formats and touchpoints in POS. In addition to AWS, it's available with leading cloud providers such as Azure, SAP, and IBM. At present, GK's software serves 500,000 retail installations across 100,000 stores in more than 80 countries.

GK Software Puts Cloud4Retail OmniPOS on Amazon Web Services (AWS)

PayFacto: Pieces in Place

A recent acquisition by PayFacto (Montreal, QC, Canada) has extended its reach into hospitality. Adding iShopFood Inc. (Quebec City, QC, Canada), PayFacto moves further into online ordering, self-service kiosks, and menu boards/digital signage, specifically. Established in 2015, iShopFood has restaurant customers in Canada, the U.S., and the UK.

With its proprietary payment gateway and software capability in POS, PayFacto sells through an extensive network of resellers and distributors. As readers may recall, in January 2020 it purchased ISV Veloce, and in February 2020 it purchased ISV Maitre'D/Posera. An integrated payment and solution for POS has resulted, dubbed VelPAY.

"With the acquisition of iShopFood Inc. and the complementary nature of the solutions offered by our companies, PayFacto now has a solid launch pad to power our growth in North America," declared Martin Leroux, President and CEO of PayFacto. "We are especially proud to be acquiring a company built by young entrepreneurs and technology developers who will now share their expertise with our team." Maxime Harvey, Co-Founder of iShopFood Inc., cited entry into new markets.

PayFacto Acquires iShopFood Inc., With Online Ordering, Kiosks, and Menu Boards/Digital Signage

Fortis-fying ISV Celerant

A partnership in payments/POS has been entered into by Celerant Technology (Staten Island, NY) and Fortis (Novi, MI). A longtime specialty retail ISV, Celerant's technology furnishes omnichannel commerce, spanning the store, events, and website. In recent months, Fortis (formerly FortisPay) has been active in the market, with several acquisitions as well as recruitment of industry figures in payments/POS.

"Celerant has supported the retail industry for many years, and our partnership is a natural fit," proposed Greg Cohen, Chairman and CEO at Fortis. "In today's world, merchants really need to provide the flexibility, speed, and security their customers demand. Celerant provides all the right tools that retailers need, and we believe integrating our commerce payments platform with their software is exactly what clients need to be more competitive in the new year."

"With more and more retailers expanding their businesses online, and industry trade shows back on schedule, it's important to have multichannel payment options that can process transactions in any environment," related Ian Goldman, President and CEO at Celerant Technology. "Fortis is well-known in the industry, and partnering with them provides our retail clients with yet another great option to process payments." Celerant offers two retail solutions that integrate with Fortis: Cumulus Retail, "an affordable and powerful point-of-sale and e-commerce solution for small business," and Stratus Enterprise, "a custom omnichannel platform with advanced features."

Fortis Provides Payment Processing for ISV Celerant

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

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
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

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Aldelo Draws Faces

Aldelo, L.P. (Pleasanton, CA) has added "Facial AI" Log-In to its tablet-based Aldelo Express Cloud POS for iOS and Android. Aldelo Express merchants may select from personal PINs, badges with QR Codes, and now, facial recognition, for providing employees access to the POS. In addition to speed, this Facial AI Log-In reduces common timekeeping abuses such as buddy punching, voids, discounts, "no sales," and manager over-rides. Also, it ties to manager functions and back-office.

A "face detection, face capture, and face match" functionality employs biometrics in the system. Users register their face with no coverings or glasses. Once the enrollment process is complete, the technology detects, captures, and matches users even when wearing safety masks. Also, it allows employee records to be easily and completely deleted.

"Facial AI is used daily across many industries, eliminating redundant processes while saving time and increasing security for millions of people," observed Jeff Moore, VP of Operations for Aldelo. "Applying facial recognition to Aldelo Express Cloud POS increases the security and authenticity of restaurant staff members accessing the POS system, including protecting management functions." FYI: Restaurants employing Aldelo Pay merchant services receive, at no cost, Aldelo Express Cloud POS, as well as Aldelo's Masa+ suite of online order and customer engagement solutions.

Aldelo Adds "Facial AI" Log-In to Aldelo Express Cloud POS

[Editor's Note: Also, Aldelo has completed certification for NTEP with the Model mG-S8200 scale from Star Micronics (Somerset, NJ). As required by law, NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program), overseen by the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), indicates the scale is approved as "legal for trade."]

Your Bottle Served by Alfred

Alfred Technologies (Quebec City, QC, Canada) has launched the newest version of its wine and spirits inventory management app, Alfred 4.0. A new perpetual inventory tracking tool eliminates the need for periodic manual inventory. A database of more than 300,000 wines and spirits has been enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additional new features include invoice recognition by reverse image search for easier stocking, synchronization with more systems of POS, and detailed business reporting/analytics.

"Alfred will be your restaurant's new must-have," suggested Rajat Parr, described as renowned sommelier and Alfred Ambassador. "This AI-powered management app helps your restaurant become more profitable, simplifies boring and tedious tasks, and enables you to spend more time with your clients, in order to offer them the best customer experience possible. It also gives you detailed information to support short- and long-term inventory management."

In support of its efforts to grow in the U.S., Alfred Technologies has opened an office in its partner and client, the Wine Center, located in San Francisco, CA. It also has announced wine-centric new customers in that city, including Epic Steak, Luce, and the International Hotel. Alfred Technologies was founded in 2008 as Intelligent Cellars and grew from its relationships with prestigious partners in Canada such as Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac (the big place on the St. Lawrence River).

Alfred Technologies Uncorks Its Enhanced Wine and Spirits Inventory Management App, Alfred 4.0

Channel Factoid

All Together Now

A Diversification in Payments

-Close to three-quarters (71%) of retail and hospitality small-to-midsized businesses (SMB) in the U.S. now have e-commerce checkouts, with 19% starting to embrace online sales during Covid-19.

-More than half (53%) of such SMBs believe the future of retail will be mostly online; however, less than one out of 10 (8%) strongly consider moving exclusively online.

-Of the less than one-third of SMBs (29%) without an online presence, 43% expect to launch an e-commerce checkout within the near future, but another half (50%) have no such plans.

-In-store, contactless payments continue to grow, with three-quarters of SMBs (73%) now accepting either contactless credit or debit cards or mobile wallets at their checkout. Another three-quarters (76%) of the rest plan to add NFC.

-Almost all SMBs (89%) now accept cash payments, with almost one-fifth (18%) reintroducing cash after temporarily stopping such acceptance during Covid-19. Only 5% of SMBs plan to go cashless.

-Another three-quarters (73%) of SMBs believe it's important to have the most up-to-date terminals in POS. At present, they endorse: fixed-terminal card readers (59%), wireless (45%), and self-service (29%).

-More than one in 10 of SMBs (12%) currently offer cryptocurrencies, while another one-third (36%) expect to accept cryptocurrencies within the next three years.

Source: "Lost in Transaction," Conducted by Sapio Research for Paysafe (Houston, TX). As SMB, the Survey Cites 1 to 50 Employees.

Afshin Yazdian, CEO of U.S. Acquiring, Paysafe

HELLO GOODBYE

Bixolon Finds the Key

Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) has enlisted Ken Fang as Key Account Manager. He joins the printer vendor from Posiflex USA, where he served as Regional Sales Manager. Earlier, he served as Financial Product Manager for Epson America.

"We're extremely pleased to welcome Ken to Bixolon America. His unique industry experience will be a great asset to Bixolon's ongoing commitment to provide progressive and innovative printing solutions," commented Paul Kim, Managing Director of Bixolon America. "Ken's leadership and network will help drive strategic growth."

Also, Bixolon Co., Ltd. (Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea) has been named as the world's leading mobile receipt printer manufacturer--based on market share--by the Japanese research firm, Chunichisha Co., Ltd. This marks its eighth consecutive year. "As the mobile printer market continues to evolve, Bixolon has committed to listening to the market and fulfilling demand by producing industry-leading products which pair with cutting-edge software support," remarked John Kim, Marketing Director of Bixolon Co., Ltd.

Ken Fang, Key Account Manager, Bixolon America

Activity in the Hive

Honeywell (Charlotte, NC) has named George Koutsaftes, presently President of Honeywell Advanced Materials, as COO of Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions (SPS). He will become President and CEO of Honeywell SPS on April 1, 2022. In turn, John Waldron, current President and CEO of Honeywell SPS, and earlier President of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, starting in 2012, will be appointed to another, as yet unspecified, senior leadership role at Honeywell.

"Since its inception five-and-a-half years ago, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions (SPS) has demonstrated its ability to achieve robust global growth and expansion into new spaces such as warehouse automation and connected worker technologies," noted Darius Adamczyk, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell. "John has done a tremendous job in turning SPS into a leading growth engine for our company. Since 2017, SPS has achieved a sales compound annual growth rate of 9%, increasing from about $5.6 billion to about $8 billion. In order for us to continue to develop John as a senior leader, he will be given a key role within the company where customers and other stakeholders will benefit from his leadership."

For the past four years, Koutsaftes has led Advanced Materials, the $3 billion business unit within Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies. During his tenure, Advanced Materials substantially expanded its operating margin and free cash flow and increased revenue from new products by over 50%, according to Honeywell. Koutsaftes, who joined the company in 2008, also served for the second half of 2019 as Honeywell's Business Development/ M&A Leader.

George Koutsaftes to Lead Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions