Our Product Pick

Addressing the restaurant and hospitality sectors, PAR (New Hartford, NY) has unveiled its new PAR Wave All-in-One POS. In slim, modern design, taking up minimal counterspace, PAR Wave offers two versions: with Intel Celeron J6412 CPU or Intel Core i5 11457E CPU. Both feature 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD. A projected-capacitive touch display comes in 15" 4:3 Standard or 15.6" Widescreen 16:9. As O/S, it has Windows 10 and Windows 11-Ready. A variety of mounting options are supported. "Restaurants are evolving towards efficiency, versatility, and sustainability," related Savneet Singh, CEO of PAR. "The PAR Wave is a direct response to this demand."

PAR Wave All-in-One POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

Talus Takes Wing

A pair of acquisitions for payment processor, Talus Pay (Dallas, TX), includes Jobox (Aventura, FL), fintech for the home services industry, and Clarus Merchant Services (Gaithersburg, MD), provider of integrated business-to-business payment solutions. Adding these two, Talus Pay now processes more than $9B in annual payments volume for over 22,000 merchant customers across the U.S. A portfolio company of Alvarez & Marsal Capital Partners (Greenwich, CT), Talus Pay includes the reseller channel, such as ISVs, in its go-to-market strategy for small-to-midsized business (SMB).

"We have tremendous end-to-end technology infrastructure and sales and service platforms," expressed Kim Fitzsimmons, CEO of Talus Pay. "Adding Jobox and Clarus gives us additional proprietary software and scale in complimentary business-to-business industry verticals." Auto repair, beauty, hospitality, non-profit, and service retail were cited.

As part of this consolidation, Eric Pottebaum, President of Clarus, will serve as GM of Clarus at Talus Pay. Shay Bloch, Co-Founder and CEO of Jobox, will serve as Chief Strategy Officer of Talus Pay, and Kaushik Pendurthi, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Jobox, will serve as Chief Technology Officer of Talus Pay. Financial terms of the deal, counseled by MAPP Advisors (Henderson, NV), were not disclosed.

Kim Fitzsimmons, CEO, Talus Pay

Star Gets Sticky

A new entry in the popular TSP100 Series of thermal printers, from Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ), brings linerless "sticky" label capability. As Model TSP1431V SK, it features compact size of 5.5"/140 mm (W) x 4.8"/123 mm (H) x 6.7"/169 mm (D), weighs 2.9 lbs./1.3 kg, and has maximum print width of 3"/80 mm and maximum print speed of 7"/180 mm/second at 203 dpi. As expected, it supports Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux O/S.

Addressing sectors such as food and beverage, delivery, take-out, and laundry service, the TSP1001431V SK furnishes advanced connectivity, including Android Open Accessory (AOA) support for simultaneous power and data transfer, USB-C, and Dual-Band Wi-Fi. In addition to its linerless capability, it has margin reduction function with automatic font adjustment to further save supplies. It comes cloud-ready with the Star Micronics Cloud Services Platform for value-added support features.

"Star Micronics is excited to expand our label printer offerings with the TSP1431V SK," contributed Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics. "This printer is a testament to our commitment to delivering an innovative printer that is space-saving, more environmentally sustainable, and more economical to our customers. We recognize the growing need for effective labeling in various industries, and the TSP1431V SK is our response to that demand."

Star Micronics Unveils Its TSP1431V SK Thermal Linerless Sticky Label Printer

Worth Your While

NRF Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 14-16
New York, New York

RSPA Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 28-31
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Modex
MHI Materials
March 11-14
Atlanta, GA

ETA Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
April 17-19
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

At the Equinox: Luxe 8700x

"A perfect combination of form and function" is represented by its new payment terminal, the Luxe 8700x, according to Equinox Payments (Phoenix, AZ). With 5" high-definition touch display, Luxe 8700x furnishes familiar placement of card readers to speed checkout. An angled, illuminated keypad has large control keys with raised legends.

As security/compliance, it meets certification to Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 6.x and PCI Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) Version 3.1. In ruggedness, Luxe 8700x has chemically strengthened glass lens and fiber faceplate to reduce surface damages of scratches and dents. In-mold plastic keytops can't be snapped off and resist fading over time. "Our Luxe 8700x brings eye-catching features without compromising durability," projected Rob Hayhow, VP of Equinox Systems.

It features Linux O/S in support of Equinox's Voyager Software and the Equinox Hub. A multitude of encryption keys deliver multi-port routing, with in-lane Remote Key Injection (RKI). It offers numerous connectivity options, including wireless, and supports integrated, semi-integrated, and unattended configurations of POS. As parent company, there's NBS Payment Solutions (Toronto, ON, Canada).

Equinox Systems Presents Its Luxe 8700x

Zebra Herds 5G

An enhanced version of its mobile rugged computer, designated the MC9400 Series, from Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL), adds 5G (data only) and Wi-Fi 6E. In addition to this latest in wireless connectivity, MC9400 carries Zebra's new SE58 extended range scan engine with IntelliFocus technology. It enables workers to scan barcodes at distance of up to 100 ft./30.5 m. Also, its new green laser dot provides more visibility--even in daylight--than the typical red dot.

As another benefit, MC9400 offers Identity Guardian, with biometric facial recognition and authentication. Unique user-based profiles are stored in an encrypted QR Code, enabling the device to be shared. It's also equipped with new Bluetooth/LE battery that, when combined with Zebra Device Tracker, ensures workers can locate the device.

"Our MC9400 Series represents a significant inflection point in wireless connectivity, scanning, and secure authentication to drive enhanced operational benefits for our customers," declared Julie Johnson, SVP and GM, Enterprise Mobile Computing, at Zebra Technologies. "Zebra's latest ultra-rugged mobile computing solution is a great example of how we help those on the front line work in new ways to improve efficiency and productivity." In December, Zebra's devices and software were certified to work with Verizon's Private 5G and LTE Networks in the U.S.

Zebra Unwraps MC9400 Series

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

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

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

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

Hurry! Use the links below to catch up:

Week of December 18

Week of November 20

Week of October 30

View from End-Users -Recommended Software

1-Square (Small Budget)

2-Clover (Integrations)

3-Shopify (Retail)

4-Lightspeed (Customer Loyalty)

5-eHopper (Omnichannel)

6-Aloha (Next-Day Payments)

7-Erply (Inventory)

8-Revel Systems (Hospitality)

9-Korona (High-Risk Merchants)

10-PayPal (No Monthly Fee)

Source: Forbes Advisor Small Business

ALLIANCES

A Flooid of POS at Glory

A move into POS for cash automation provider Glory Global Solutions (Basingstoke, UK and Lisle, IL) with its planned purchase of Flooid (Coventry, UK and Cincinnati, OH). A full-featured platform of unified commerce, Flooid supports POS, Self-Checkout, Mobile POS, and Self Order and Pay Kiosks, and Convertible Lane. Acquisition is subject to the approval of Flooid's shareholders and the conclusion of the share purchase agreement (at press time).

"Acquisition of Flooid will be a significant strategic step for Glory," reported Akihiro Harada, Chairman and CEO at Glory Global Solutions. "Their core value proposition for retailers around enhancing operational efficiency, reducing cost, delivering a seamless customer experience, and having a positive environmental effect are in lock-step with those of Glory's existing solutions. Addition of Flooid will build not just on our present retail solutions portfolio, it will expand our annuity revenue streams driven by their Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model."

"Investment to acquire Flooid is another step in the execution of Glory's long-term vision and is directly aligned with the company's diversification beyond cash and growth strategy," added Motozumi Miwa, President of parent company, Glory Ltd. "Glory's global presence and existing relationships with major retailers around the world will help open up new markets for the Flooid solution and power the next phase of growth for both companies." According to research from RBR Data Services (Boston, MA), Flooid had more new POS installations than any other retail software vendor in North America in mid-2022-2023.

Glory Global Solutions, A Major Cash Automation Provider, to Buy Flooid POS

Bluefin Swims in Security

A new service has been introduced by payment security technology developer Bluefin (Atlanta, GA). Entitled the Enterprise Security Proxy Service, as part of the company's ShieldConex, it provides processor-agnostic Token and/or EMV/P2PE. (As readers may recall, Bluefin pioneered Point-to-Point Encryption, or P2PE.) Additionally, the Enterprise Security Proxy Service may be utilized to protect Personally Identifiable Information and Protected Health Information (PII/PHI).

"Tier 1 merchants often have multi-processor strategies to achieve payment flexibility, redundancy, and independence," relayed Tim Barnett, CIO for Bluefin. "Avoiding processor lock-in is now a requirement for most large organizations. By combining Universal Tokenization with our existing solutions ShieldConex and Decryptx, Bluefin is uniquely positioned to solve the complex payment and data security needs of merchants in Tier 1."

Earlier, in November, Bluefin teamed up with ID Tech (Cypress, CA) to deliver compliance to the Payment Card Industry PCI-Validated Advanced Encryption Standard (AES 128) as part of its PayConex ShieldConex, and Decryptx. Through this collaboration, customers of Bluefin ordering new ID Tech SREDKey 2 encrypting keypads are furnished AES. A specification for encryption of electronic data, AES was established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Bluefin Debuts Its Enterprise Security Proxy Service

Code Corner

A next-generation labor management platform has been released by TimeForge (Lubbock, TX). It brings new tools such as hyper-local recruiting, earned wage access, gig work scheduling, employee performance reviews, and seamless payroll. They are added to the company's established platform which includes sales forecasting, schedule and certification enforcement, proactive labor law compliance, pseudo-biometric timeclocks, communication features, and mobile apps. While frequently used in tandem as an "all-in-one" solution, these tools, which are scalable, also may be deployed as point solutions. "To meet the industry's needs, we've built one workforce system that solves the many challenges experienced by Ops, HR, and Finance," remarked Audrey Hogan, COO of TimeForge.

TimeForge Labor Management

______________________

A new solution for integrating customer loyalty/rewards with the POS has been fashioned by Lava (San Francisco, CA) and Teamwork Commerce (Clearwater, FL). Utilizing the data activation technology of Lava, which is driven by AI, it empowers loyalty managers to create personalized experiences that drive engagement, deepen commitment, and generate incremental spend, according to the two parties. Initially, it addresses merchandise concession stands in sporting stadiums and arenas--including one unidentified team in the NFL--running the POS of Teamwork Commerce. A move beyond the sports and entertainment sectors, into general retail, is planned. "By integrating our two systems, clients can easily deploy long-term loyalty benefits as well as real-time, in-the-moment campaigns for fans that can be seamlessly redeemed at all appropriate locations of POS, providing fans with memorable surprise-and-delight moments," enthused Dave Landa, Chief Business Officer at Lava.

Of Teamwork Commerce, Lava, and AI

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Your Meal Ticket

A bridge between restaurants and their suppliers has been raised by MarketMan and WebstaurantStore. It integrates the inventory management and menu cost software from MarketMan (part of Meal Ticket, Boise, ID) to the hundreds of thousands of products offered in WebstaurantStore (based in Lancaster, PA). Over the years, WebstaurantStore has expanded its selection of commercial equipment and wholesale supplies to include healthcare, educational, food and beverage, office, hospitality, and shipping

A unified platform resulting from such integration enables restaurant operators to more easily manage orders, process payments, and monitor inventory, according to the two partners. Inventory updates and reporting, including profitability metrics, are provided in order to prevent stock-outs and minimize food wastage. In addition, MarketMan will offer "exclusive incentives" for members of WebstaurantStore.

"We are proud to be chosen as the first inventory management platform to partner with WebstaurantStore," commented Chuck Sarosi, SVP of Marketing and Business Development at MarketMan. "By offering our best-in-class inventory management to WebstaurantStore's customers, we provide a genuine time- and cost-saving solution for restaurants of all sizes. Customers are witnessing an impressive 5% average annual savings on COGS [Cost of Goods Sold]."

A Bridge Between MarketMan Inventory Software, From Meal Ticket, and Online WebstaurantStore

DLS Plays Tag With RFID

An expanded capacity for RFID has been established at Diversified Labeling Solutions (Itasca, IL). A national converter of pressure-sensitive labels, Diversified Labeling Solutions now serves as subsidiary of TSC Auto ID Technology (Brea, CA), following its purchase in 2019. Its full in-house production capacity now offers ready-to-ship stock labels in the most popular sizes and formats to meet mandates in RFID.

A significant increase in demand was cited, in response to such mandates for RFID from major retailers such as Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Macy's. In concert, Diversified Labeling Solutions has launched its new RFID Service Bureau. In partnership with experts from TSC Auto ID Technology, it will also provide training in the area of RFID.

"Diversified Labeling Solutions has been long anticipating the growing need for RFID labels," shared Bill Johnstone, CEO. "We moved to meet this demand earlier this year by bringing RFID label conversion in-house with our purchase of an RFID press from Mark Andy [Chesterfield, MO] and an RFID inserter from Tamarack [Wauconda, IL]." As RFID Product Manager, Diversified Labeling Solutions has named Ryan Zins.

Expanded Capacity for RFID Labels at Diversified Labeling Solutions

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
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Star Micronics
Toshiba

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
GoDEX Americas
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers/Cash Handling
apg/APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
MobileDemand
Star Micronics
Unitech America

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

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

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Star Micronics

INSTALLATIONS

Silverware Polished at Pacific Hospitality

A rollout of GuestX by Silverware POS (Markham, ON, Canada) for the luxury lifestyle hotels of Pacific Hospitality Group (Irvine, CA). It includes: Meritage Resort and Spa (Napa, CA), Pasea Hotel and Spa (Huntington Beach, CA), Hotel Viata (West Lake Hills, CA), and Ko'a Kea Hotel and Resort (Koloa, HI). A native, purpose-built, digital platform, GuestX allows patrons to place food and beverage orders and pay through their mobile phone from any outlet on the property, by credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or to post directly to their room.

"GuestX has had a huge impact on our operations," testified JB Crawford, Project Manager with Pacific Hospitality Group. "Our teams are depending on it more than ever before. We use it for pools, spas, in-room dining, cafes, and large concert events. One thing that management relies on is Silverware's ability to post to multiple PMS (Property Management Systems) across our portfolio. For large, multi-PMS campuses, this is ground-breaking. Also, having multiple credit-card gateway integrations keeps our business competitive with the various credit-card processors."

"I'd like to give a nod to Avero, FreedomPay, Givex, Infor HMS, OpenTable, ProfitSword by Actabl, and Yellow Dog Inventory, who have deep integrations to Silverware POS," continued Crawford. "I would also like to say 'thanks' to the Silverware Help Desk whose level of knowledge on PHG properties is really impressive. The team is extraordinarily calm in moments of stress and they escalate quickly if need be. We could not be more pleased with Silverware."

Pacific Hospitality Group Deploys Silverware POS

Citcon Crosses the Border (With Alipay+)

A solution for cross-border mobile payments, via e-wallet Alipay+ and payment service provider Citcon (Santa Clara, CA), has been fielded by duty-free retailer International Shoppes. Headquartered in Valley Stream, NY, International Shoppes runs specialty stores in airports including JFK in New York, Dulles in Washington, DC, and George Bush Int. in Houston. In addition to Alipay China, this provides access to the following e-wallets for customers from Asia: AlipayHK (Hong Kong); Mpay (Macau); GCash (Philippines); Kakao Pay, NeverPay, and TossPay (South Korea); OCBC and ChangiPay (Singapore); Public Bank (Malaysia); TrueMoney (Thailand); Hipay (Mongolia); and Tinaba (Italy).

Roseate Wagner, GM of North America for Ant Group (Sunnyvale, CA and Hangzhou, China), which owns Alipay, and which spun off Alibaba, said expanding its number of partners and size of its merchant network is key to Alipay+'s future strategy. "Leveraging on our long-standing partnership with Citcon since we enabled payments for Alipay users from China, we are very happy to launch Alipay+ solutions to merchants in the U.S.," expounded Wagner. "[It] makes it easier and more efficient for them to connect with the vast majority of consumers from Asia."

"We have enjoyed a successful independent partnership with both Citcon and Ant Group over the last few years. Now, with Alipay+ transactions enabled by Citcon, the customer is enjoying both the ability to pay through their preferred methods of Alipay+ through the QR ready terminals deployed by Citcon," indicated Matthew Greenbaum, Co-CEO of International Shoppes. "This brings a frictionless payment experience to the customer that is in line with what these consumers experience when shopping in their home countries. This sort of familiarity will result in customers feeling more comfortable in transacting with us, which we expect to result in larger and more transactions."

International Shoppes Supports Alipay+ E-Wallet With Citcon Processing

[Editor's Note: In October, Citcon enlisted Casey Bullock as its CEO. Previously, he served as Chief Revenue Officer of Rapyd, Inc. and SVP and GM, e-commerce, for North America at Worldpay/FIS.]

Channel Factoid

What the Big Guys Think

Of 100 Executives
At Large U.S. Retailers,
99 Predict Tech Surge in
2024, With Average Increase of 10%

Intended Areas of Improvement
(Number of Responses)

44: Customer Experience
38: Customer Retention
32: Customer Acquisition

Areas of Tech Investment
(Number of Responses)

71: Store Operations
60: Sales & Marketing
59: Customer Service
58: Supply Chain

Specific Technologies Targeted
(Number of Responses)

53: Smart Labels
49: In-Store Kiosks
46: Online Chatbots
44: Mobile Payments
44: E-Commerce Platforms
44: Omnichannel Solutions

Source: "Market Report on Large U.S. Retailers" Conducted by Wakefield Research for Softstream Solutions

A Tech Surge Predicted for the Largest Retailers

A Message From the Editor

As we eagerly enter another year--approaching 20!--our mission remains constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID (and now Mobility). If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of new technologies, go-to-market strategies, business models, and consumer expectations. We look forward to continuing our mission, and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

HELLO GOODBYE

At 40, Posiflex Looks Ahead

A milestone for Posiflex (Hayward, CA), now celebrating its 40th Anniversary. In marking its success, the company has also previewed its entirely new line of products to add to its existing state-of-the-art line of terminals, tablets, kiosks, and peripherals. To be demonstrated at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Show in New York City (1/14-1/16), are innovative new terminals allowing for better service and maintenance, stylish compact terminals doubling as kiosks, plus thinner, lighter mobile tablets, and sleek larger-format kiosks with vibrant displays. These new models come in various forms, with Windows or Android O/S, choice of processors, and multiple optional accessories.

"We are excited to celebrate Posiflex's 40th Anniversary with revolutionary Point-of-Sale solutions that not only show how far Posiflex has come along, but also to demonstrate Posiflex's foresight as to where POS technology is headed," expressed Doyle Ledford, SVP of Posiflex. "It's a bright future for Posiflex and an even brighter one for the POS industry as a whole." Congratulations to this channel leader.

Posiflex Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Previews New Products

Queen of IT at Global Payments

A succession at Global Payments Inc. (Atlanta, GA) with the elevation to Senior EVP and CIO for Shannon Johnston. Her promotion follows the retirement of Guido Sacchi, who held the position for the past 13 years. Since joining the company in 2016, Johnston progressed through the ladder of technology leadership roles, culminating, most recently, in the position of EVP, Chief Digital Officer, and Deputy CIO.

"Guido is not only a trusted partner, but a friend, and I greatly admire his accomplishments during his long tenure at Global Payments," stated Cameron Bready, President and CEO of Global Payments. "I am delighted to welcome Shannon to our executive leadership team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and I have the utmost confidence in her ability to guide our technology organization, drive innovation, and support our strategy execution going forward."

"I am immensely proud of my tenure at Global Payments and the transformation of our technology organization over this period of time," stated Sacchi. "I am also excited to hand over the reins to my esteemed colleague and trusted confidant. Shannon and I have worked closely for many years--even before she joined me at Global Payments--and she is uniquely qualified to lead the technology organization for years to come."

"Guido has served as a mentor for a long time," stated Johnston. "It has been a privilege to work with such a remarkable technology leader during pivotal periods throughout my career. It is truly an honor to be named CIO for a leading Fortune 500 company and I look forward to assuming the role." Johnston has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as the winner of the CIO Impact Award, was listed among the Top 25 Financial Services CTOs by the Financial Technology Report, and has been chosen Woman of Influence by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Shannon Johnston Promoted to Senior EVP and CIO at Global Payments, Following Retirement of Guido Sacchi