Our Product Pick

Honeywell (Charlotte, NC) has shipped its new rugged mobile computer, the CT45/CT45XP. Built on the Honeywell Mobility Edge platform with Qualcomm IoT (Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU at 2 GHz), the CT45/CT45XP offers support through Android 13 (with commitment to Android 14 and 15). Weighing 9.9 oz./282 g, it has 5" capacitive touch panel (1280x720, LED, Backlight), 8 MP front- and 13 MP rear-facing cameras, and reading of symbologies up to 32.8 ft./10 m with Honeywell's FlexRange Scan Engine. A full range of wireless includes Bluetooth 5.1 (with secondary Bluetooth BLE), 802.11 Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE WAN. (Model CT45XP has Wi-Fi 6 and 1920x1080 touch panel.) As ruggedness, with protective boot, it meets ratings of IP-65/68 for moisture and particles and MIL-STD-810H for environment.

Honeywell's CT45/CT45XP Mobile Computer

COMPANY BUSINESS

Datacap "NETs" New Integrations

A pair of new integrations for transactions via its NETePay Hosted at Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA), in the form of DC Direct and Android/iOS. Available in stand-alone and semi-integrated configurations, DC Direct allows Datacap cloud-based POS partners to process EMV credit/debit (contact/contactless), prepaid, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) transactions without any additional hardware or software from Datacap Systems. An initial release of DC Direct supports the family of fixed and mobile payment devices, TETRA, from Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA).

In the case of Datacap Android/iOS, VARs and ISVs partnering with Datacap Systems can forward transactions to NETePay Hosted via turn-key, semi-integrated devices (for in-person payments) or via app-based payments (for online payments). It generates omni-channel data-security tokens for use in-person and online. An initial release of Datacap Android/iOS supports multiple tablets, kiosks, fixed or mobile readers, and PIN Pads from leading OEMs.

"Enabling an omnichannel payments ecosystem means providing turn-key solutions for all channels where the merchant can interact and transact with their customers, including fixed in-store, mobile, kiosks, and e-commerce," expressed Justin Zeigler, Director of Product at Datacap Systems. "Addition of DC Direct and Android/iOS integrations provides our partners with simple-to-deploy fixed and mobile payments solutions that integrate seamlessly into above-store payments and reporting." A longtime channel-focused player, Datacap launched NETePay Hosted, its processor-agnostic payments gateway, in 2019.

Datacap Adds DC Direct and Android/iOS to Its NETePay Hosted Gateway

A Serving of Squirrel

Squirrel Systems (Vancouver, BC, Canada), one of the historic brands in the channel for POS, has rolled out its Squirrel Cloud POS Independent Restaurant Edition. It represents the first publicly available edition of Squirrel Cloud POS, which was unveiled at the National Restaurant Association Show in 2019, and offered to the company's stakeholders under "Early Access." It supports the company's purpose-built terminals, or tablets running iOS, Android, or Windows, with open architecture and third-party APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

"Our goal with the Squirrel Cloud POS Independent Restaurant Edition was to create an easy-to-use and easy-to-deploy POS platform that brings enterprise-grade infrastructure [as well as] flexibility," projected Jason Leeson, President of Squirrel Systems. "Introducing this new point-of-sale platform to market during the pandemic of COVID-19 has been a monumental accomplishment for our team. We sincerely thank our Early Access customers and partners that helped shape the Squirrel Cloud POS over the last 18 months."

As its engine, Squirrel Cloud POS employs popular Microsoft Azure. Its full-featured Squirrel Cloud POS Independent Restaurant Edition has an introductory price of $57.50 per month for the first device and $20 per month for additional devices (each discounted by 50%). It includes the software subscription, an online training portal, and feature/software upgrades. A bundle of hardware, software, and support from Squirrel--entitled Squirrel 11, also from 2019--starts at $2,295.

A Debut of Squirrel Cloud POS Independent Restaurant Edition

Worth Your While

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 25-28
Nashville, TN

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

[Ed. Note: Moved to August 2022]

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

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

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

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

2022

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

"Architecture" at APG

APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN) has debuted its new countertop peripheral and cable management system, dubbed "The Architect." It incorporates the company's Minota cash drawer with the TM-m30II thermal receipt printer by Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA). A form-fitted construction also offers "cups" for hand sanitizer, pens, or wipes. Additional components of this "topper" include clear polycarbonate safety shield between clerk and customer and mounts for peripherals by SpacePole (Norcross, GA).

"This collaboration made perfect sense to us," remarked Stephen Bergeron, VP of Sales and Marketing, North America, for APG Cash Drawer. "The Architect combines our extensive cash drawer experience with worldwide printer support by Epson, which allows us to offer customers this POS cable management solution unlike any other." A model in APG's Soma Series, the 16" x 16" Minota cash drawer offers a choice of coin/bill tills, latch and roller wheel suspension system (with 500,000 cycle life), dual media slots, and four-function security lock.

"After a challenging year, retailers are looking for unique POS solutions that will increase business efficiencies," observed Mauricio Chacon, Group Product Manager, Business Systems Division, for Epson America. "With our integrated TM-m30II, The Architect offers an innovative solution that will provide these retailers with an aesthetically pleasing and well-designed system." In dimensions of 5" x 5" x 5", the TM-m30II has print width of 3" and speed of 8"/200 mm per second at 203 dpi.

APG Debuts "The Architect," Combining Cash Drawer and Epson Thermal Receipt Printer

X-Factor at MobileDemand

MobileDemand (Cedar Rapids, IA) has presented the latest in its product line of rugged tablets, Model xTablet T1190. In compact dimensions of 11.2" (W) x 7.6" (H) x 0.6" (D), weighing 2.3 lbs./1 kg, the xTablet T1190 has Intel Celeron Quad Core CPU at 2.6 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage, and Windows 10 Professional or Windows 10 IoT. It furnishes 10.1" sunlight-readable, capacitive touch display (1920x1200, 800 NITS, WUXGA), 2 MP front- and 8 MP rear-facing cameras, and optional Honeywell N6703 2D Scan Engine.

A full suite of ports is featured, including Gigabit Ethernet LAN and USB 3.1 Type A and Type C. As wireless, the xTablet T1190 has Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11 Wi-Fi, GPS, and 4G LTE WAN. An 4800 mAH Lithium-polymer battery provides up to 9 hours of operation. As ruggedness, it meets ratings of IP-65 for moisture and particle resistance and MIL-STD-810G for environment. In the works are attachable three-in-one payment kits for mobile POS, specifically, the Moby 5500 from Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA) and tDynamo from MagTek (Seal Beach, CA).

"Add-on capabilities and slim form factor of the xTablet T1190 make it an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution for the critical functions of today's retail, restaurant, and healthcare environments," commented Matt Miller, President of MobileDemand. "Its rugged mobility and various mounting options offer a unique solution wherever barcode scanning, mobile point-of-sale, data capture, and more functionality is needed." A three-year warranty by MobileDemand covers hardware failure.

MobileDemand's xTablet T1190

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Week of June 21

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Week of May 3

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Miura on the March

A charged-up emphasis on the market in North America for payment processing technology provider, Miura Systems. Based in the U.K., with offices in Timonium, MD, Miura has added two experienced executives in payments (Jeremy Krahl and Fred Nelson), unwrapped its new terminals certified to Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS Version 5 (in the Models M010 and M020), developed its turn-key semi-integrated payment application (Miura Secure Payment Application, or Miura SPA), and introduced its hosted Miura Device Management System (Miura DMS). It also has strengthened key partner relationships (with, for instance, payment gateway NMI in Schaumburg, IL).

"We are excited to bring our versatile and affordable payment terminals, certified software, and flexible developer tools directly to acquirers, ISVs, gateway providers, ISOs, and VARs serving the U.S. and Canada as they respond to changing consumer shopping and payment experiences," shared Andrew Dark, Executive Chairman of Miura Systems. As VP of Strategic Partnerships at Miura, Jeremy Krahl brings two decades of similar experience from NOVA Information Systems, Elavon, TSYS, and Trucera. As VP of ISV Channel Development at Miura, Fred Nelson brings two decades of similar experience from TSYS and Cayan (and its predecessor, Merchant Warehouse).

Each with 32-Bit ARM 9 CPU, 256 MB Flash, and 64 MB RAM, and weighing less than 5 oz./140 g, the M010 and M020 support countertop or mobile payment card environments, with Bluetooth 4.2. Model M010 has 1.4" x 0.8"/35 x 20 mm graphical display (OLED), while Model M020 has 2.3"/58 mm color capacitive touch display (QVGA). In addition to PCI PTS 5, there's certification to EMV Levels 1 and 2. A single payment architecture with familiar development tools facilitates integration for retail, restaurant, transportation, and field service.

Model M020 Payment Terminal by Miura Systems

Jeff Katz Lights Up

A familiar name has surfaced in cannabis commerce: Jeff Katz, Founder (with his brother, Marc) of integrated payments pioneer, Mercury Payment Systems (now part of Worldpay from FIS). As part of its recent $6 million in Series B funding, the developer Simplifya (Denver, CO), which addresses regulatory and operational compliance software for the cannabis industry, has engaged Mr. Katz as an investor and member of its Board of Directors. An active participant in the payments sector following the sale of Mercury in 2014, Mr. Katz also serves as CEO of MassPay. (His brother Marc has retired.)

A new product has simultaneously emerged at Simplifya, called TENDR, which is described as the cannabis industry's "most compliant, cyber-secure, business-to-business (B2B) and retail consumer payment solution." As expected, it utilizes the Automated Clearing House (ACH) in collaboration with an Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI). A suite of functionality will be offered in addition to payments, including e-commerce, employee incentives, and customer loyalty/rewards. As present, Simplifya serves 200 retailers in cannabis.

"We have been incredibly fortunate to have investors and a board of directors who understand the value that our commitment to compliance will lend to the successful launch of TENDR," asserted Marion Mariathasan, Simplifya's Co-Founder and CEO. "Simplifya's established reputation as a trusted compliance partner serves as a reinforcement that our partners can confidently trust in our ability to serve their payment processing needs." A next step for TENDR: beta test with commonly-used platforms for POS.

Jeff Katz Enters Cannabis Sales via Simplifya

Code Corner

Datalogic USA (Eugene, OR) has enhanced its monitoring, analysis, and reporting software suite for system-wide scanning, entitled WebSentinel Plus, with its new functionality, WebSentinel Plus Investigator. With Investigator, it's possible to extract more value from collected scanner data, enabling the "collect-analyze-prevent" cycle to optimize performance, according to Datalogic. In particular, with WebSentinel Plus Investigator, "no read" image analysis will provide automated recognition of the main "no read" root cause (e.g., no label, damaged label, obscured label). With this feedback, customers may immediately implement corrective actions. Also, it features reporting trends by day/hour, quick drill down to image level, and configurable alarm and event notification via e-mail. In addition to hardware from Datalogic, such as the AV and Matrix Stationary Industrial Series, WebSentinel Plus, and the new WebSentinel Plus Inspector, also works with user-supplied hardware with Linux, Windows O/S, or Windows Server.

WebSentinel Plus Investigator by Datalogic

INTEGRATION

SpotOn Says "Find Sushi Near Me"

SpotOn (San Francisco, CA), and its restaurant management system, has added online ordering via Order with Google. Without need of app or log-in, and run through the functionality of SpotOn Order, it leverages the reach of Google Search and Google Maps. A number of benefits are identified for the restaurant, including seamless integration with its POS, in-house retention of customer data for reporting and marketing, and consolidation of menu changes. Above all, of course, elimination of third-party commissions, which may reach 30% of each online order.

"We know that restaurants operate on the slimmest of margins and that online ordering fees can often make or break their bottom line," emphasized Doron Friedman, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at SpotOn. "By offering this integration with Order with Google at no additional charge we're doubling down on our commitment to help restaurants get more guests in the door and more food out the door. Every new integration, every new product, every decision we make is about helping restaurants compete and win."

As environments, SpotOn Order fulfills dine-in, take-out, and delivery. In addition to Google, it also integrates with third-parties Splickilt, ItsaCheckmate, and DoorDash. In June, SpotOn fielded its SpotOn Sidekick, its handheld POS for food trucks, pop-ups, cafes, and other mobile food kitchens. Utilizing the Model A920 by PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL), it furnishes 5" capacitive touchscreen (720x1280, IPS), thermal receipt printer and barcode scanner, with Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 Wi-Fi, NFC, and 4G LTE WAN. It carries certification to PCI PTS Version 5. (FYI: 3 million food trucks in the U.S.)

SpotOn Offers Online Ordering Via Google Search and Google Maps

Zebra Plays Fetch

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has announced plans to acquire all of Fetch Robotics (San Jose, CA). An all-cash purchase price of $290 million will be paid by Zebra Technologies for the 95% of Fetch it doesn't already own. A portfolio company of Zebra Ventures, Fetch has generated recent run-rate sales of approximately $10 million.

Immediate revenue isn't the point, of course. A pioneer in "on-demand automation," Fetch Robotics has developed its family of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for picking in fulfillment and distribution centers and just-in-time material delivery in manufacturing facilities. It supports deployment with its drag-and-drop workflow development studio, Workflow Builder, and offers cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), via its FetchCore, which leverages machine learning and sensor data from the AMRs. At present, software such as FulfillmentEdge and SmartSight at Zebra Technologies work with AMRs by Fetch Robotics.

"Acquisition of Fetch Robotics will accelerate the vision and growth of our Enterprise Asset Intelligence," noted Anders Gustafsson, CEO of Zebra Technologies, "by empowering workflows and helping our customers operate more efficiently in increasingly automated, data-powered environments. It will also extend our ongoing commitment to optimize the supply chain from the point of production to the point of consumption." After meeting customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, the deal will close in Q3.

Zebra Technologies Takes Control of Fetch Robotics

Key Advertiser Links

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

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

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas
Sewoo

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

Cash Handling Systems
APG Cash Drawer
CIMA America

Customer Journey and Engagement Management System
FastSensor

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies
Unitech America

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

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

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo

INSTALLATIONS

Samsung Digs GRUBBRR

A new partnership between Samsung Electronics America (Ridgefield Park, NJ) and GRUBBRR (Boca Raton. FL) will supply all-in-one kiosks in North America. A family of kiosk formats, with high-definition display, thermal printer, credit-card terminal, scanner, and tap for NFC, will be offered. It runs the Tizen O/S from Samsung. As previous hardware partners, GRUBBRR has drawn upon such firms as Frank Mayer, Howard Company, Kiosk Information Systems, Olea, and Pyramid Computer.

"When we began our search for a software partner to help us enter into the self-ordering kiosk market, we knew that we needed a best-in-class team in terms of both support and software," reflected Mark Quiroz, VP, Display Division, at Samsung Electronics America. "GRUBBRR immediately caught our attention, and our work with them has only exceeded these expectations. This kiosk will revolutionize the industry for all businesses."

"Samsung holds the majority market share in nearly all of the industries in which it operates, so partnering with GRUBBRR will disrupt the entire self-ordering technologies industry," proclaimed Sam Zietz, CEO of GRUBBRR (as well as CEO of TouchSuite). "Using GRUBBRR's software to power the Samsung kiosk will democratize the most advanced self-ordering solutions to power all businesses at an affordable price." As additional opportunities, there's digital menu boards, kitchen display systems (KDS), and food lockers from Samsung Electronics America.

New Kiosk Solution by Samsung and GRUBBRR

Jesta I.S. on Christmas Tree

Jesta I.S. (Montreal, QC, Canada) has been chosen to provide its software for sales audit and loss prevention for home goods retailer, Christmas Tree Shops. Headquartered in Middleboro, MA, Christmas Tree Shops operates 80 stores on the East Coast of the U.S. Its partnership with Jesta I.S., and its sales audit and loss prevention, will provide near real-time transactional and inventory visibility to identify, authenticate, and correct data discrepancies from its POS.

"After evaluating leading retail solution providers, we found Jesta I.S. to be a partner with deep experience in our industry," reported Jesse Napoli, CIO at Christmas Tree Shops. "Jesta I.S. offers superior solutions in transaction validation and loss prevention. Ensuring data integrity before it enters our back-end systems is a foundational component in the service of our business and our customers."

"Our integrated Vision Suite will guarantee the quality of their transactional data and give them actionable information to execute meaningful interventions that protect profits," declared Arvind Gupta, President at Jesta I.S. "We're looking forward to partnering with Christmas Tree Shops in their next phase of innovation." A longstanding ISV in retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, Jesta I.S. provides its enterprise software solutions, via SaaS, for brands such as Cole Haan, DSW, Johnston & Murphy, Perry Ellis, and Puma.

Home Goods Retailer, the Christmas Tree Shops, Adopts Sales Audit and Loss Prevention Functions by Jesta I.S.

Channel Factoid

Foot Loose

(Increases in Foot Traffic to Retail and Restaurants Since January 2021)

+297%: Pittsburgh, PA

+288%: Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

+182%: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

+164%: San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

+156%: Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO

+137%: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL

+135%: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA

+130%: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

+129%: San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA

+118%: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN

+116%: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

+106%: Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA

+77%: Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV

+75%: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

+71%: Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

-Nationwide: +55%

Source: Zenreach (San Francisco, CA)

A Significant Increase in Foot-Traffic

A Message From the Editor

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

Michael Kachmar, Editor

HELLO GOODBYE

Doug Iverson Gets Fresh

A new "freshologist" at Invafresh (Toronto, ON, Canada), which supports distribution and sales of fresh foods in grocery: retail technology veteran, Doug Iverson, who will serve as CRO. He joins the company from Mad Mobile, where he also served as CRO. Earlier roles have included VP of North American Sales for Oracle Retail and Account Manager and Senior Sales Consultant for ProfitLogic.

"Grocers are using our fresh foods retail platform in their stores for their merchandising, replenishment, compliancy, and sustainability needs," relayed Tim Spencer, CEO of Invafresh (since 2020). "With Doug's tenured experience in large scale retail planning and optimization solutions, he will lead our team to further our market expansion, pipeline development, and customer success." As major customers of Invafresh, Spencer cites Albertson's, The Fresh Market, and Giant Eagle. Overall, 25,000 deployments in grocery stores.

"I am delighted to join the Invafresh team at such a pivotal moment in its history," contributed Iverson. "With a newly defined identity and fresh-native cloud solutions, as well as advancements to its exceptional core technology, the possibilities are endless to further scale the business and strengthen customer relationships. I look forward to working with Tim and the entire team of Invafresh's 'freshologists' to capture this growth opportunity and unprecedented market demand from grocery retailers worldwide."

Doug Iverson, CRO, Invafresh for Grocery

Bill Johnstone Applies Himself

Diversified Labeling Solutions (Itasca, IL) has enlisted Bill Johnstone as its new COO. In three decades of experience, his previous positions have included VP and GM at RR Donnelly and COO at the Fort Dearborn Company. At DLS, he will be responsible for the company's manufacturing operations in Illinois, Texas, Georgia, and Nevada, as well as its distribution center in California.

"All of us at DLS are excited to have someone with Bill's label industry experience and successful executive background join our company," indicated Jim Kersten, CEO at DLS. "As we embrace recent growth and look towards future success, it is vitally important we have such an industry veteran on-board to lead the charge in ensuring our manufacturing operations are best-in-class. Our distributor customers can be confident that DLS will continue to deliver top-notch product quality along with superior service and support."

"I am thrilled to join the talented team at DLS," expressed Johnstone. "I feel this is an opportunity tailor-made for my experience and skill-set and I look forward to working with the knowledgeable and dedicated DLS staff to support the growing needs of our distribution customers." A part of TSC Auto ID Technology (Brea, CA), since 2019, DLS supplies the full range of consumables for barcode, receipts, citations, and RFID.

Bill Johnstone, COO, Diversified Labeling Solutions

Financing for FinTech

TimePayment (Boston, MA), which provides financing for commercial equipment, including POS, has appointed Deepika Shahani as VP of its new business unit, Point of Sale & Terminal Leasing. Over the past 15 years, her positions have included Business Development Executive at NLS Equipment Financing and Senior Operations Manager at Northern Leasing Systems. She has served over 200 customers in FinTech.

"POS technology has undergone a radical transformation as businesses have invested in new platforms and capabilities both during and post-COVID-19," proposed Jay Haverty, President and CEO of TimePayment. "Helping companies stay on the cutting edge of these technologies with an affordable, flexible financing solution is a terrific opportunity. Adding a business development leader like Deepika is a critical step to effectively meeting the rising market demand."

Deepika Shahani, VP of Point of Sales & Terminal Leasing, TimePayment