Our Product Pick

Datalogic USA (Eugene, OR) has shipped its rugged mobile computer Skorpio X5 XLR (for "Extra Long Range"). In warehouse environments, it allows seamless reading of barcode symbologies (1D/2D) at varying distances, up to 66 ft./20 m for 100 Mil/Code 128. It joins models of Skorpio with Linear Imager, Standard 2D Imager, and Mid-Range Imager. As features, it has fast reading, 4.3" capacitive touchscreen, choice of three keyboard layouts, and wireless battery charging. It furnishes Qualcomm SD660 Octa-Core CPU at 2.2 GHz, 3 GB/4 GB RAM, and 32 GB/64 GB Flash, and runs Android 10 O/S with Google Mobile Services. With pistol grip and high-capacity 6200 mAh battery, Skorpio X5 XLR weighs 1.5 lbs./0.7 kg. It includes Bluetooth 5 and 802.11 WLAN.

Datalogic's Skorpio X5 XLR

COMPANY BUSINESS

Sewoo Woos Channel

An industry veteran, Vic Barczyk, will lead efforts to market thermal printers in North America by Sewoo (South Korea). In his role as President of U.S. and Canada at Sewoo, Barczyk brings executive management experience from companies such as Citizen Systems America, SATO, CognitiveTPG, and RJS/Eltron/Zebra (through three M&A's). Overall, Sewoo has more than 40 products; in North America, it will focus on three categories of printers: Mobile, POS, and Labeling.

Established in 2002, and listed on the KOSDAQ (the Korean NASDAQ) since 2010, Sewoo has supplied its products to date primarily under OEM/ODM/Private Labeling. With offices in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, and 150 employees, it develops and manufactures its own products in South Korea. As resulting advantages, Barczyk cites control over its supply chain, manufacturing process, and logistics/transport, as well as an ability to react quickly to changes in market conditions.

"My primary goal is to develop a channel of partners--VARs, ISVs, and VADs--in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and warehouse/distribution," shared Barczyk. "I have product and support already here in the U.S. to reduce lead times and create efficiencies, but am willing to have partners stock their own to obtain even greater flexibility and discounts. I offer standard channel practices such as deal registration, partner management, training, and support, and co-branded marketing and co-selling activities." Offices in the U.S. are in Torrance, CA.

Vic Barczyk, President, U.S. and Canada, Sewoo

Code: Written by Brady

Add barcode readers and scanning software to industrial signage, label, and safety products from the Brady Corporation, following its purchase of Code Corporation. A cash transaction, completed this month, totals approximately $173 million. Code has forecasted sales of nearly $50 million, and $10 million in EBITDA, for Brady's first full fiscal year of ownership, which ends on July 31, 2022. (Overall, Brady had worldwide sales of $1 billion for 2020.)

"Code is a highly regarded brand for its offering of durable, high-performance barcode scanners," observed J. Michael Nauman, President and CEO of Brady (Milwaukee, WI). "Addition of Code's high-quality complementary product offering to Brady's already existing leadership position in niche application industrial printers and materials will accelerate Brady's expansion in the fast-growing industrial track-and-trace market. We also intend to increase investments in research and development and increase Code's addressable market through Brady's global footprint throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas."

"Over the last several years, we've expanded our product offering, developed strong software solutions, expanded our patent portfolio, and have secured a strong position in the healthcare industry," reflected Kent Hansen, CEO of Code (Salt Lake City, UT). "The sale of Code to Brady, a market leader in printing and materials, is a very exciting next chapter for the Code Corporation. Brady's strong presence in both healthcare and industrial settings will most certainly open up many more opportunities than those that would have been available to us as an independent company. We believe that the sale to Brady provides an unparalleled opportunity for future growth, access to new markets, and access to new customer sets."

Brady Buys Code Corporation

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

HP on the Go

Its eye on providing flexibility in today's changing store environment, HP (Palo Alto, CA) has debuted its latest POS, the HP Engage Go 10. An extension of its Engage Go, which encompasses detachable tablet and countertop pedestal, Engage Go 10 emphasizes portability, and "one-handed-use," with 10" touchscreen and integrated peripherals such as payment device, barcode scanner, and fingerprint reader on the tablet. As portable, it weighs less than 2 lbs./0.9 kg. (In payments, HP has chosen the Model Moby 5500M from Ingenico, A Worldline Brand.)

As customary, HP has brought its strength in computing to bear in the HP Engage Go 10, with up to 11th Gen Intel Core i3 or i5 CPU, its new WLAN-based HP Engage Link Software, and its HP Wolf Security Suite for Business. Concurrent with Engage Go 10, HP has introduced its HP Engage Flex Mini PC, with up to 10th Gen Intel Core i9 CPU, 64 GB RAM, and two Flex Ports. Designed to help ISVs accelerate the deployment of "on-premise, sensor-based solutions," such as camera, heat map, or RFID, it deploys with HP Engage Edge, the first product in retail powered by the EdgeX Foundry from LF Edge.

"As consumer behaviors and shopping habits continue to evolve, businesses need to remain laser-focused on connecting with consumers in new and exciting ways," relayed Cory McElroy, VP and GM of Retail Solutions for HP. "Our new HP Engage Go 10 and HP Engage Flex Mini reflect HP's commitment to delivering technology solutions to retailers and hospitality operators that combine sleek designs, expanded capabilities, and the reliability and security needed to run a wide range of operations throughout their business--whether fixed in-store or mobile for curbside pickups." McElroy has returned to HP Retail Solutions after four years of serving in HP Commercial Notebooks.

HP's Engage Go 10 POS System

Fujitsu "Checks Out" Epson

As the printer for its sixth-generation U-SCAN Elite self-checkout station, unveiled in April, Fujitsu Frontech North America (Foothill Ranch, CA) has integrated the TM-m30II by Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA). With modular, "stylized" design, the new U-SCAN Elite has 15" projected-capacitive touchscreen (resolution of 1024x768), bi-optic scanner/scale, high-speed bill/coin recycling, and Fujitsu's Cash Automated Solution, dubbed SmartCASH. It runs Windows 10 O/S.

In compact, cube-shaped dimensions of 5 x 5 x 5 in., weighing 2.9 lbs./1.3 kg, the TM-m30II thermal receipt printer by Epson America has print width of 3 in./80 mm and maximum print speed of 9.8 in./250 mm per second at 203 dpi. As durability, it features print-head life of 150 km and auto-cutter life of 1.5 million. It includes paper-saving of 30%.

"We evaluated many retail printers when looking for a solution for our sixth-generation U-SCAN Elite shelf-checkout unit," reported Mitch Goldkorn, VP of Engineering for Fujitsu Frontech North America. "We chose the Epson model as it met several of our criteria--Epson's reputation is outstanding, the printer offers advanced features in a compact form factor, and it's backed by world-class global technical support." (FYI: In May, Epson America premiered its OmniLink TM-m30II-SL Series, which features built-in tablet mount and intelligence.)

Fujitsu U-SCAN Elite Self-Checkout Station, With Epson America's TM-m30II Thermal Receipt Printer

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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

ALLIANCES

TSC's Green Thumb

A bundle of software, consumables, and hardware for RFID seeks to simplify plant tracking and tracing for the farming and horticulture industries. It combines the RealHarvest Platform by Harvest RFID (Mooresville, NC), stakes and tags enabled for RFID by Tadbik RFID (Fairfield, NJ), and the Model T6000e RFID Printer by TSC Printronix Auto ID (Brea, CA). An entire customizable package, including antennas and readers, and entitled the Harvest RFID Tool Shed, will be offered.

All data on inventory, including planting date and location, is provided to management with event-based reporting and centralized dashboard. As functionality, the Printronix Auto ID T6000e can print, encode, and certify tag serviceability with its optional ODV-2D Verifier. Incorporating popular inlays such as the Avery Dennison Belt MR6, the tags by Tadbik have been tested and validated by the TSC Printronix Auto ID Lab.

"The industry challenge is clear: finding a specific plant or inventorying thousands of plants in vast nurseries is extremely difficult," indicated Chris Brown, RFID Subject Matter Expert at TSC Printronix Auto ID. "Barcode solutions are far from ideal, [but] RFID changes the game. You can locate, track, and monitor everything from individual plants to batches, shipments, and even high-value assets like trolleys and irrigation equipment."

TSC Printronix Auto ID Partners With Harvest RFID and Tadbik RFID to Deliver Plant Inventory Management System

It's Linked "2" PAX

As one of its recommended hardware solutions, payment processor linked2pay (Oxnard, CA) has chosen the Android-based Terminals by PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). As one of the players in integrated payments, linked2pay, which enlists VARs, ISVs, and ISOs, furnishes functionality in credit card, check, "Instant Merchant Settlement," and "Real-Time Payments." As one would expect, it addresses its channel partnerships through application programming interfaces (APIs).

"PAX allows linked2pay to deliver the latest in smart terminals to our ISV partners," noted Bill Lodes, Chief Revenue Officer at linked2pay. "By providing a secure, card-present solution, as well as a full suite of payment solutions--including semi-integration into their software--linked2pay, together with PAX, provides a powerful competitive advantage. ISVs can deliver omnichannel payments enabled by our powerful platform, including onboarding automation, risk management tools, the latest in security, and real-time payments from one partner, as opposed to multiple partners."

"PAX is committed to delivering innovative, secure, and high-quality solutions for our vast community of partners," contributed Heather Mlachnik, SVP of Acquiring and ISO Sales for PAX Technology. "It is our mission to provide solutions that meet the demands of both business and consumers for today, tomorrow, and the future." As of now, PAX, led by President and CEO Andy Chau, has sold 60 million terminals.

Integrated Payments From Linked2pay and PAX Technology

Code Corner

An integrated payment solution for online sales via web firm GoDaddy has been launched. Aptly entitled GoDaddy Payments, it supports transactions via GoDaddy Websites + Marketing and Managed WordPress WooCommerce. It utilizes the technology of Poynt, which GoDaddy purchased for $320 million in December 2020. With GoDaddy Payments, retailers may now manage all orders, payments, and refunds--alongside other aspects of their online business, such as digital marketing, marketplace syndication, and social media--from one dashboard. It supports major payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, with no long-term contracts or monthly minimums. In-person payment capabilities will be added later this year, disclosed GoDaddy, which is based in Tempe, AZ. "GoDaddy Payments represents a major step towards centralizing every tool and service a business needs to successfully sell online," proposed Osama Bedier, President of Commerce for GoDaddy (Founder/Former CEO of Poynt). "Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to accelerating our efforts." (Beware, Shopify!)

GoDaddy Adds Integrated Payments

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Wider Restaurant365

Already one of the leading restaurant management platforms, Restaurant365 (Irvine, CA) has expanded its market share and resources with the purchase of fellow player, Compeat (Austin, TX). Since 2000, Compeat has established itself in restaurant back-office, workforce, and business intelligence software. In 2017, it joined forces with another restaurant management provider, Ctuit (Petaluma, CA).

On its part, Restaurant365, which was founded in 2012, has integrations with virtually all significant software packages for POS. A combined entity with Compeat, led by Tony Smith, CEO of Restaurant365, will now serve over 28,000 restaurants. In its promotional material, Restaurant365 cites an opportunity for 2% to 5% reduction in food and labor costs when restaurants administer their accounting, payroll, operations, and purchasing in one unified platform.

"The last year has been full of challenges for the restaurant industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but restauranteurs are tenacious and we're in awe of their incredible creativity to adapt," detailed Smith. "We provide technology to support their ingenuity and see this as the perfect time for this bold move to expand our offering and help restaurants rethink and streamline their operations. Compeat is full of incredible employees that we can't wait to welcome to our team to grow this business together." Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Restaurant365 Snaps Up Compeat

"Qwantum" Physics at MagTek

A new effort by MagTek (Seal Beach, CA): Privacy-as-a-Service. A leading maker of hardware for secure non-cash payments, including card readers and PIN Pads, supported by its MagneSafe Security Architecture, MagTek has now rolled out its Qwantum Club. It promises hardened encryption of digital assets--such as sensitive documents, medical records, financial and banking information, and private communications--to be stored and carried by the Qwantum Card.

Qwantum Private Messages are digital files that are random, non-reusable, and protected using AES 256 encryption, the strongest commercially available technology, explained Andy Deignan, VP of Global Marketing and Strategy at MagTek. Once the 'vault' door is locked using the key combination generated by means of Qwantum Authentication (and by swiping the Qwantum Card), the data becomes private, unchangeable, and non-duplicated. A variety of formats are offered, including plastic, paper, or metal, for the Qwantum Card.

"MagTek is seizing the opportunity to integrate our security technologies beyond payment transactions," declared Roger Applewhite, President and CEO of MagTek. "As pioneering innovators in authentication and data protection, we have taken steps to enable safer forms of online and off-line data protection for anyone wanting better data privacy." As part of this introduction, MagTek is offering previews of the technology via its sample Qwantum Access Token.

A "Privacy-as-a-Service" From MagTek

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

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas
Sewoo

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer

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

Qu Sees Ghosts

A restaurant market expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, so-called "ghost," "host," or "cloud" kitchens are drawing extreme interest from vendors and resellers. A recent example: Stir Fry Chef, the virtual brand of fast-casual chain Genghis Grill, which has been rolled out in 36 locations in under two months (versus normal estimated launch time of six months). It employs the KitchenUP order management solution by Qu (Bethesda, MD). As top delivery regions for Stir Fry Chef, DoorDash cites TX, TN, SC, NC, OK, NM, and CO.

A cloud- and tablet-based solution, Qu's KitchenUP centralizes order management and kitchen operations. A consistent workflow is cited for so-called demand side platforms (DSPs), with bi-directional application programming interfaces (APIs) for easy integration of third-party delivery services. (As its next step, Stir Fry Chef plans to launch its own branded website for ordering, via Qu POS.) A consolidated corporate dashboard in Qu's KitchenUP provides reporting for the enterprise.

"Now more than ever restaurant operators need better digital-first options for expanding their business," stressed Amir Hudda, CEO of Qu. "KitchenUP provides the speed and flexibility for entrepreneurial brands to creatively build any kitchen concept without the added stress of technology strangleholds. Any brand, regardless of size, can become a cloud kitchen without the typical technology barriers."

Qu's KitchenUP Order Management Solution

NRS Clips "Koupons"

An expanded partnership between National Retail Solutions (Newark, NJ) and Koupon Media (Addison, TX) seeks to boost customer engagement with promotions of consumer packaged goods (CPG). Addressing independent convenience stores, in particular, it provides an integrated suite of coupons, retail display advertising, and transactional data analytics--all flowing from the POS by National Retail Solutions. A previous agreement brought digital coupons to the two million members of National Retail Solutions' "BR Club" for loyalty.

"In-store coupons and promotions are significantly more effective when complemented by ads displayed on NRS' customer-facing digital screens that are viewed by over 60 million eyeballs every month," observed Eli Korn, COO at National Retail Solutions. "Moreover, our actionable analytics platform provides CPG brands with unprecedented visibility into the impact of their promotions." A subsidiary of IDT Corporation, National Retail Solutions has fielded 14,000 POS terminals.

"Our expanded partnership with Koupon is a revolutionary way for CPG brands to appeal to urban shoppers," suggested Jacob Jonas, VP of Innovation for National Retail Solutions. "These consumers are traditionally difficult for CPGs to reach because the independent retailers who serve them lack the technology to offer the same integrated promotions that chain stores routinely provide. We make it possible for CPGs to operate more effectively in this formerly opaque retail segment."

National Retail Solutions Brings Koupon to the POS

Channel Factoid

The Cost of Tech Debt

(A negative effect on IT performance resulting from prioritizing speedy delivery of software code, rather than software perfection, may be referred to as "Technical Debt," "Tech Debt," or "Code Debt.")

-A majority (69%) of IT leaders say technical debt poses a fundamental limit on their ability to innovate, along with 61% saying it drags on their company's performance, and 64% agreeing it will continue to have a major impact in the future.

-An opportunity for improvement exists for businesses of all sizes across all industries as they dedicate time, money, and other resources into technical debt instead of innovation. On average, businesses spend 33% of their annual IT budget addressing technical debt--equal to the 33% they spend on driving innovation.

-There isn't a sole cause of technical debt. As factors, IT leaders cite too many development languages/frameworks (52%), turnover within the development team (49%), and accepting known defects to meet release deadlines (43%).

-Businesses continue to delay addressing technical debt, further exacerbating the issue. Only 20% say technical debt is something they're currently managing well, though 36% report they'll be able to manage technical debt in the future.

-Technical debt compounds as companies grow. Enterprises spend 41% of their IT budget on technical debt, while small businesses spend 27%

Source: "The Growing Threat of Technical Debt" by OutSystems (Boston, MA).

33% of IT Budgets Lost to Technical Debt

Channel Chatter - Posiflex

Posiflex USA (Hayward, CA) has received certification for its kiosk products with Android 10 O/S from Google Mobile Services (GMS). As such, the technology enhances secure networking and provides full access to the library of applications in the Google Play Store. In addition, with GMS Certification, the end-user benefits from convenient over-the-air software updates (OTA). "Gaining certified access to Google's services and its Google Play Store opens up a wide range of possibilities for our Android-based line of kiosks to provide substantial self-service solutions specifically focused on retailers' needs," projected Doyle Ledford, VP of Sales and Marketing at Posiflex USA. (It also extends to terminals and tablets for POS from Posiflex.)

GMS Certification for Posiflex Kiosks

HELLO GOODBYE

Praise for Bergeron

A title as "Cannabis Influencer" for Stephen Bergeron, VP of Sales and Marketing at APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN). It has been bestowed by trade show/media entity, CannaTech, in recognition of his "participation, reputation, and expertise" in the burgeoning retail cannabis sector. In serving this largely cash business, APG supplies its cash drawers as well as its cash management solution, SMARTtill.

"I am humbled to be recognized as a thought leader in the cannabis technology community," expressed Bergeron. "Cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. face the singular challenge of having to process most transactions in cash. As a cash management solution company, APG is a huge proponent of creating thought leadership and education for the cannabis sector." Some projections have this market at $57 billion worldwide by 2027.

Stephen Bergeron, VP of Sales and Marketing, North America, for APG Cash Drawer, Named "Cannabis Influencer"

Ms. IT at ScanSource

ScanSource, Inc. (Greenville, SC) has engaged Rachel Hayden as its Senior EVP and Chief Information Officer. She joins the distributor from Just Born, Inc. (one of the largest confectionary companies in the U.S., maker of Mike & Ike and Peeps), where she served as Chief Information Officer. Earlier, she served as Senior Director of IT, Global Business, and Process Analysis at Berry Plastics and Associate Director of Project Management and Program Manager of SAP Practice at Fujitsu America.

"Building a strong IT leadership practice has never been more important than it is today. It's critical to have a strong leader in place to take ScanSource's IT department into the future, and Rachel brings the depth of experience we need," commented Mike Baur, ScanSource Chairman and CEO. "She will be instrumental in leading our very talented team of IT and Software Development professionals, while also bringing valuable insight for future business growth and new technology opportunities. Rachel's experience with SAP, customer relationship management (CRM), global systems implementation, business transformation, and recurring revenue makes her a great fit to help advance ScanSource's strategic plan."

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join ScanSource and lead an amazing team of IT experts who have helped to build ScanSource into the company it is today," remarked Hayden. "I'm honored ScanSource's Executive Leadership team trusts me with this responsibility, and I'm looking forward to getting started." In its Q3, ended on March 31, 2021, ScanSource, Inc.--across its breadth of technologies--reported Net Sales of $730 million and Net Income of $13.8 million.

Rachel Hayden, Senior EVP and CIO, ScanSource

Your Paysafe Petro Pal

Paysafe (Houston, TX) has enlisted Peter Ransford as its Business Development Director for its Petroleum Card Services (PCS). His resume includes Retail Solutions Sales Manager for Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Northwest Regional Restaurant Manager for Heartland Payment Systems. One of his missions: "consolidate the position of PCS as the leading payment processing provider to independent unbranded gas stations in America."

"Peter's versatile experience in both petroleum and payments is a truly unique combination and we're delighted he's joining the team to expand our partner relationships through a genuine understanding of the industry," stated Lori Griboski, VP of Petroleum Sales for Paysafe. "He will be a tremendous asset to our growing team and will help drive the business forward as a leader in the payments space."

"I'm happy to be joining Paysafe's Petroleum Card Services team at such an exciting time in the company's history," stated Ransford. "There are many opportunities for continued growth, and I look forward to establishing new partnerships while deepening our current business relationships." Both in-store and at-the-pump payments are addressed by Paysafe PCS.

Peter Ransford, Business Development Director, Paysafe Petroleum Card Services