Our Product Pick

A versatile solution for restaurants, Model TM-U220II Impact Kitchen and Receipt Printer, has been unwrapped by Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA). With maximum print width of 3"/76 mm, and print speed of 6 LPS (Lines Per Second), TM-U220II furnishes two-color printing in black or red to highlight order exceptions. It supports connectivity for both mPOS and PC-POS, via Epson's Connect-It Interface, as well as Epson's Server Direct Print. A variety of options include wall mounting with right-side-up printing, an auto-cutter, and take-up journal. With standard two-year limited warranty. "Designed upon an already proven platform, the TM-U220II is a compact, robust, impact printer, purpose-built for today's kitchens," indicated David Vander Dussen, Product Manager, Epson America.

Epson's TM-U220II Impact Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

Starring in Self-Service

Addressing booming self-service, Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has shipped its latest-generation SK5-31 Thermal Kiosk Printer. It features maximum print speed of 9.8"/250 mm per second at 203 dpi and 24"/600 mm per second paper ejection speed, with "paper eject assistance" preventing premature paper removal. It also has inner looping mechanism, anti-jam technology, and incorporated presenter. An adjustable paper guide and holder accommodate paper widths from 54 mm to 82.5 mm (or 2" to 3"), with 12 total paper holder positions.

In size of 4.6"/116 mm (W) x 5.6"/144 mm (D) x 3"/76 mm (H), the SK5-31 furnishes extended cutter life expectancy. As connectivity, it carries USB/Serial or USB/Ethernet. In addition, the SK5-31 is equipped with StarPRNT and optional ESC/POS Emulation. It supports the wide range of media--receipts, traditional black mark labels, and tickets.

"The SK5-31 Thermal Kiosk Printer stands out with its easy-to-handle housing, free from the sharp edges typical of metal kiosk printers," noted Star Micronics America. "It features an open-frame design that rivals the aesthetics of desktop printers and is easily recognizable by its stylish blue mouth. This fully-housed, high-speed thermal printer offers unmatched performance and easy maintenance." (In another announcement, Star Micronics has added Bluetooth to its mPOP.)

Star's SK5-31 Thermal Kiosk Printer

Run It From Afar

A platform for so-called remote shopping, entitled PayByLink, has been launched by Runit Systems (New York, NY). Addressing high-end retailers in clothing, shoes, and sporting goods, PayByLink enables customers to complete transactions from their phones without sharing their credit-card information during the exchange. A payment link is sent via text and expires in 10 minutes; the customer clicks the link, reviews the order, authenticates their identity, and completes payment.

The system will soon pre-populate with many popular credit cards, via Runit's partner for PayByLink, Skipify (San Mateo, CA). Items may be added to the receipt in the POS. Also, customers may opt to save their billing and credit-card information for faster transactions in the future. At present, PayByLink supports phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada.

"Our clients, including many top luxury retailers, often work with customers who are not always able to visit the store," explained Daniel Solomons, CEO of Runit. "With PayByLink, we provide a solution that ensures secure payments from anywhere, enhancing the customer experience and maintaining high service standards." Started in 1992, now with RealTime Cloud POS, Runit serves 5,000 retailers globally.

Runit and Skipify Offer PayByLink for Specialty Retail

Worth Your While

Partner First Conference
ScanSource
August 19-20
Greenville, SC

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

A Stand Taken by apg

A new piece of hardware, its Kiosk Floor Stand, has been presented by apg Solutions (Minneapolis, MN). It offers extensive customization for touchscreen and peripherals (with Universal VESA), integrated cable routing, and heavy-duty construction (along with "easy lift" handle). A removable back panel facilitates installation and maintenance.

In dimensions of 8.5"/216 mm (W) x 5.1"/130 mm (D) x 46"/117 cm (H), with base plate of 16" x 16"/406 mm x 406 mm (with rubber feet), the Kiosk Floor Stand weighs 53 lbs./24 kg. It features standard black finish, with custom colors offered. Also, embodying "Made in the USA," it provides quick turnaround with reduced supply chain worries, says apg.

"The apg Kiosk is a versatile and customizable solution designed to enhance customer service," commented Ben Johnson, Senior Product Manager at apg Solutions. "Understanding the diverse needs of businesses, we've tailored our kiosk to be both adaptable and robust, ensuring it brings value to any setting, while also designed for accessibility for persons with disabilities." A longtime prominent channel player, apg offers cash drawers, cash management systems, and mobile carts.

Customizable Kiosk Floor Stand by apg Solutions

Elo Signs Up 04/54 Series

A new family of digital signage, with features such as remote device management via onboard chipset, has been debuted by Elo (Knoxville, TN). It includes four models, designated as "04/54"--including 32" 3204L, 43" 4304L, 50" 5054L, and 55" 5554L. All feature projected-capacitive touchscreen technology with aspect ratio of 16:9 and resolution of 1920x1080.

As another benefit, the new 04/54 Series enables pass-through power and easy mounting of computer module or digital signage player (including Elo's Backpack). It streamlines appearance by reducing visible hardware and wire clutter. Also, screens may be mounted behind glass or mirror with proven "touch-through-glass" technology by Elo.

In facilitating customization, the 04/54 Series has Elo Edge Connect capacity for mounting peripherals on all four sides. These may include cameras, scanners, status lights, and readers for payments. Along with its new features, Elo has reduced the thickness of the new screens by as much as 25%. A three-year standard warranty is provided for screens by Elo, along with Advanced Unit Replacement.

Elo's 04/54 Touchscreen Digital Signage

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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

ALLIANCES

A Quantum Equation

As preferred hardware partner for its payment processing Quantum Cloud, Sound Payments (Jacksonville, FL) has enlisted Equinox Payments (Scottsdale, AZ). Equinox will support Quantum Cloud with two models of payment terminals: its semi-integrated, countertop Luxe 8500i and its mobile Luxe 6200m. As data security, both devices feature point-to-point encryption (P2PE) and Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 6.X.

"This marks an important milestone in our company's history as we welcome our second hardware partner," shared Andrew Russell, CEO at Sound Payments. "We are proud to introduce the versatile Equinox payment devices to our resellers and merchants." As its first hardware partner in processing, Sound Payments has worked with PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL).

"It's great to be a part of Sound Payment's cloud-connected payment solution," added Ron Hayhow, VP of North America at Equinox. "The plug-and-play integration with our Luxe terminals and Voyager payment app with Quantum Cloud allows resellers to quickly offer merchants an improved customer experience." Also, Equinox has announced support for its Luxe family by payment gateway, Accept.blue (Phoenix, AZ).

Integration of Sound Payments' Quantum Cloud and Equinox Payments' Luxe 8500i and Luxe 6200m

Storis Banks on Financing

Acknowledging its widespread use in sales of furniture, bedding, and durable goods, ISV Storis (Mt. Arlington, NJ) has added financing to its Storis NextGen POS. In configuring this payment system, Storis conducted first-party research in its retailers' showrooms, which found that sales associates were instrumental in informing customers about their financing options. In order to access such information, sales associates utilize mobile devices in-store with Storis NextGen POS.

During the shopping visit, sales associates will guide the customer in selecting their desired financing plan based on term length and interest rate. NextGen will present them with eligible plan options based on additional factors such as order minimum, products on order, or discount compatibility. At checkout, the sales associates can authorize the chosen finance plan as payment. (Upcoming: signature capture).

"Customers have chosen whether to finance their purchase before, not during, checkout, as credit determines the customer's total buying power," observed Mark Braun, NextGen Product Manager for Storis. "As such, this was integral as to how we designed financing within our Storis NextGen Mobile POS UI/UX Workflow." As its primary finance lender in the effort, Storis has partnered with Synchrony (Stamford, CT).

Customer Financing Via Storis NextGen Mobile POS and Lender Synchrony

Code Corner

Roc Rolls Out

An invoicing/billing solution for use by service industry professionals has been unveiled by payment processor Payroc (Tinley Park, IL). As so-called Roc Services, it offers item catalog along with quick item entry. Merchants can send invoices, or estimates, via e-mail or SMS. In mobility, it pairs with the Chipper 3X Card Reader from BBPOS/Stripe (San Jose, CA). In desktop, it pairs with the Axium DX8000 Payment Terminal from Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA). "We are thrilled to introduce Roc Services to our sales partners and their merchants," projected Casey Conley, Chief Product Officer at Payroc. "We listened to their needs and designed a solution that encompasses all aspects of service businesses, including integration with invoicing and QuickBooks, while accommodating various payment environments within one platform."

Launch of Payroc's Roc Services for Service Industry

A Pour of RFID

A bar/restaurant platform combining self-pour beverage dispensing with overall customer ordering/payments has been fashioned by the partnership of iPourIt (Lake Forest, CA) and GoTab (Arlington, VA). It eliminates the need to manage food and beverage tabs separately by issuing wristbands and cards with RFID. All charges are consolidated in GoTab POS. In addition, guests may view charges in real-time on their phone, as well as order food and beverages with no app download or registration. "We are delighted to partner with GoTab to deliver a truly seamless self-pour experience," remarked Flinn Flexer, CEO of iPourIt. "This integration will empower businesses to simplify their operations, boost efficiency, and ultimately increase their bottom line."

Integration of iPourIt Self-Pour and GoTab POS

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

PAX Unpacks KDS

Accompanying its product line of payment terminals, including its Elys POS, PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL) has introduced its Elys Kitchen Display System (KDS) and Bump Bar. Available in two models, with multi-touch LCD, the 16" K2160 Elys Display and 22" K2220 Elys Display are powered by Android 11. Each furnishes built-in controller, gyroscope sensor (for flexibility in landscape and portrait orientation), Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), water and dust rating to IP-55, and VESA Bracket.

With aluminum housing and sealed cover, the PB20 Bump Bar features customizable overlay with magnetic keys. A scroll wheel facilitates navigation between page-to-page or ticket-to-ticket. As connectivity to the KDS, PB20 Bump Bar has USB Type-C, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi at 2 GHz.

"We are very proud of our award-winning Elys Solution, and releasing these new additions to join the ever-expanding family of products makes our offerings much more robust," declared Andy Chau, President and CEO of PAX Technology. "This KDS solution will streamline kitchen processes and maximize restaurant efficiency. It seamlessly connects with our 'LinkUp' application for unified synchronization between devices." PAX premiered its Elys Workstation (L1400) in May 2023.

PAX's Elys Kitchen Display System and Bump Bar

ID TECH Rockets VP7200

A third release in its NEO 3 Series, the Model VP7200 "Intelligent" NFC Payment Reader by ID TECH (Cypress, CA), incorporates features such as built-in barcode scanner along with ability to drive an external LCD display. In addition to accepting popular contactless payments, with transaction security certification to Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 6.X, the VP7200 supports mobile loyalty programs (such as Apple VAS and Google Smart Tap). A compact form factor has dimensions of 2.7"/68 mm (L) x 2.7"/68 mm (W) x 0.5"/12 mm (D).

Intended for outdoor unattended environments, the VP7200 carries an IP-65/IK07 environmental rating and operating temperature range of -22 to +158 Degrees F (-30 to +70 Degrees C). As connectivity, it furnishes USB Type-C, Serial, Ethernet, and optional Cellular/LTE. Notably, it employs ID TECH's L2 Common Kernel for the NEO 3 Series.

"We are extremely excited to release the next evolution of ID TECH products," expressed Wayne Kozuki, Senior Product Manager at ID TECH. "The VP7200 is so much more than a typical contactless reader. Not only does it satisfy industry standard requirements, but it surpasses expectations with its unique features. With its ability to run applications and drive an external LCD screen, the VP7200 is a truly revolutionary payment terminal in an extraordinarily compact design."

ID TECH's NEO 3 VP7200 NFC Payments Reader

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

Vori Goes Shopping

A new solution for POS, VoriOS by Vori (San Francisco, CA), has successfully completed beta testing and roll out at historic Suruki Supermarket (San Mateo, CA). It builds upon the previous inventory management solution for the independent grocery category developed by Vori. It will now be offered to local markets, corner stores, bodegas, mom-and-pop shops, and co-ops in California and Metro New York City.

"VoriOS represents a new area of opportunity for independent grocery stores," espoused Brandon Hill, CEO and Co-Founder of Vori. "Our new cloud-based platform gives grocers the freedom to run their stores from anywhere." As elements, emphasized Vori, it includes: payments, price management, shopper marketing and loyalty, and back-office.

"As my siblings and I grab the reins, we've experienced the complexities of running a modern retail business on outdated systems," reported Ken Suruki, VP of Suruki Supermarket and son of Founders Ryuko and Shuji Suruki. "VoriOS has been a game changer for us. Its advanced features, like digital invoicing and automatic price changes, have revolutionized our operations. With VoriOS, we're able to streamline processes and focus on delivering exceptional customer service. It's the upgrade we needed to take our store to the next level."

A New POS Solution for Independent Grocers

The Shoe Fits Aptos

A deployment of next-generation Aptos ONE by Aptos (Alpharetta, GA) will emphasize in-store mobility in 100+ stores for the footwear and apparel retailer, WSS. Established in 1984 as Warehouse Shoe Sale, and acquired by Foot Locker in 2021, WSS has employed store management software, including POS, by Aptos for 10 years. A latest edition of Aptos ONE emphasizes cloud-native, mobile-first design focused on Apple and Android O/S. It offers APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

"With Aptos ONE POS, we see an opportunity for our associates to be 'untethered' from behind registers so they can interact freely with shoppers throughout the store," relayed Sarah Derba, Senior Director of IT at WSS. "With the software on mobile devices, associates have at their fingertips all the information they need to serve customers optimally, including customer preferences and purchase history, real-time inventory information, and access to promotional offers. We must meet our customers' needs today and react quickly as they change."

"With our Aptos ONE platform, Aptos is helping retailers break down data silos, unify front-end and back-end systems, and reinvent consumer and associates experiences," related Jeremy Grunzweig, GM of Aptos. "WSS is an extraordinary retailer that makes a meaningful difference in the communities it serves. We're grateful for our longstanding partnership with WSS and excited for its next phase of retail innovation with Aptos ONE."

Aptos Brings Mobile Enablement to Retailer WSS

Channel Factoid

You Buy Now, Pay Later

-More than half (56%) of Americans surveyed have used BNPL.

-Of these, four in 10 (41%) use BNPL once or more every 6 months.

-Use breaks down by: Gen Z, 62%; Millennials, 62%; Gen X, 50%; Baby Boomers, 43%.

-Most common types of purchases with BNPL: Electronics, 38%; Clothing, 27%; Furniture, 20%; Appliances, 20%; Entertainment, 12%; Travel, 12%.

-About one-quarter (28%) of Americans surveyed currently make payments for BNPL

-Payment frequency breaks down by: monthly, 50%; every two weeks, 42%; weekly, 6%.

-Average debt owed from BNPL: $996.77

-Cited reasons for using BNPL: budget flexibility (59%), convenience (42%), and lack of available funds (40%).

-Two-thirds (66%) of Americans surveyed believe more businesses should offer BNPL.

Source: CardRates

One in Four Americans Currently Use BNPL

Linda Bids Adieu

A well-deserved retirement for Linda Sudderth, former North American Sales Manager, Business Systems, at Epson America. In her nearly three decades with Epson, Linda played a major role in our channel. Her honors have included W2W Leader of the Year Award from the Retail Solutions Providers Association and Women of the Channel from CRN.

Linda Sudderth Retires From Epson America

HELLO GOODBYE

Zeal at Ziosk

A passing of the torch at Ziosk (Dallas, TX) has President and COO Rhonda Levene elevated to new CEO and Board Member. In that office, she succeeds Jack Baum, the Founder, who will now serve as Executive Chairman. Before joining Ziosk, Levene held c-level positions at consumer brands such as Bettera Brands, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola.

"Rhonda's unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership as President and COO over the last four years has played a pivotal role in driving Ziosk to new heights," cited Baum. "She has been an important strategic partner to me and the Board of Directors and we feel fortunate to have her leading the way." A forerunner in pay-at-the-table for restaurants, part of TableTop Media, his company offers: Ziosk Mini, Ziosk Drop and Pay, Ziosk PRO Server Tablet, and DigiSite.

"I am honored by this opportunity and envision accelerating Ziosk's transformation into a SaaS-based (Software-as-a-Service) company through a 'people-first' and 'results-based' culture, delivering value creation for current and prospective customers," reflected Levene. "By meeting customers and guests when, where, and how they want to be met with seamless technology, Ziosk aims to deliver exceptional ROI for its customers. The mission is to bring intelligence to life and create unparalleled experiences in each moment."

Rhonda Levene, CEO and Board Member, Ziosk

[Editor's Note: In March, Ziosk provided its Ziosk Mini to Texas Roadhouse. In April, its Ziosk Pro Server Tablet to P.F. Chang's.]

Twin Bill at Tri-Tech

A pair of promotions at ISV Tri-Tech (Dubuque, IA) sees Amber Frana-Earles as VP of Business Development and Brett Stoffel as VP of Customer Services. Originally developed in 1984 for the music industry, and first offered as AIMsi, Tri-Tech's AIM POS now offers the full slate of functionality for specialty retail. It serves over 4,500 retailers in the U.S. and Canada. (Also offered by Tri-Tech: PC-POLL ECR Software.)

"Amber has been a vital part of Tri-Tech since 2007," writes Tri-Tech. "As the former Director of Product Management, she played a key role in successfully executing numerous projects. In her new role as Vice President of Business Development, Amber will leverage her extensive knowledge and experience to explore new avenues for our continued growth."

"Brett has been with Tri-Tech since 1999, significantly contributing to our support department's excellence as the Director of Customer Services," continues Tri-Tech. "Now promoted to Vice President of Customer Services, Brett will continue to foster team cohesiveness across departments, ensuring an exceptional customer experience from prospective buyers to our most seasoned clients."

Elevated at ISV Tri-Tech: Amber Frana-Earles to VP of Business Development and Brett Stoffel to VP of Customer Services