Our Product Pick

ID TECH (Cypress, CA) has unboxed its new payment reader for encrypted Chip & PIN, called the SmartPIN L80. It addresses the market for unattended points-of-purchase (e.g., fuel dispensers, ticket vending machines, parking kiosks, etc.), to be used in conjunction with ID TECH's Model VP5300 or VP5300M. In compact dimensions of 3.7"/94 mm (W) x 2.4"/60 mm (L) x 1"/26 mm (D), with user-friendly tactile keys, the SmartPIN L80 meets the standards of Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 6.X. It comes with USB and Serial RS-232, and with or without an LCD. It features an operating temperature range of -4 to +158 Degrees F/-20 to +70 Degrees C. A one-year warranty covers parts and labor.

ID TECH's SmartPIN L80

COMPANY BUSINESS

Shift4 in 5th Gear

Another series of moves by Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA). With an eye towards growth in cross-border e-commerce and cryptocurrency, the company has purchased, respectively, Finaro (Herzliya, Israel) and The Giving Block (Washington, DC). Together, they are expected to contribute over $15 billion of end-to-end payment volume and $35 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, according to Shift4 Payments.

"These two acquisitions build on the momentum from our recent investor day and underscore our aggressive efforts to deliver unified commerce across the world," enthused Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments. In particular, capabilities of Finaro will support and expand Shift4's next-generation SkyTab POS solution, Shift4Shop eCommerce platform, and VenueNext stadium offering. Also, Shift4 Payments has more than 425 software integrations and over 200,000 merchant customers, many of which have, or plan, multinational presence.

"It also represents an exciting and responsible step towards further embracing cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology," continued Isaacman. As the leading crypto donation marketplace, accepting currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, The Giving Block has over 1,300 participating nonprofit organizations. A new Crypto Innovation Center at Shift4 Payments will pursue crypto acceptance and settlement capacity for Shift4's offerings across vertical markets.

Shift4 Payments Buys Finaro in Cross-Border E-Commerce and The Giving Block in Cryptocurrency Donations

It's Easy as ABCPOS

A partnership between payment processor Citcon (San Jose, CA) and POS VAR Abacus Business Computer (New York, NY) has brought increasingly popular digital wallets to self-service kiosks in hospitality. In particular, it allows kiosks from Abacus Business Computer (which also goes by ABCPOS) to accept PayPal and Venmo, as well as digital wallets favored by international customers of Alipay and WeChatPay. At present, Citcon integrates with e-commerce and POS from prominent firms such as Toshiba, Oracle, Cegid, Shopify, and SAP.

"Enabling more kinds of transactions means attracting more customers to your store," emphasized Wei Jiang, President of Citcon. "We have seen this scenario play out across merchant categories around the world. Bringing these expanded payment capabilities to restaurants via self-serve kiosks enables any operator--from a sole proprietor, to a small chain, to a national franchise network--to realize the benefits of expanded payment capabilities."

"Every restaurant owner knows that convenience ranks right next to product and service quality when it comes to survival," relayed Sean Chen, CEO of ABCPOS. "Our partnership with Citcon expands the benefits of utilizing customer self-serve kiosks by enabling restaurants to accept PayPal and Venmo payments alongside dozens of other payment methods favored by international clientele safely and securely." Established in 1992, ABCPOS serves more than 6,000 customers across the U.S. with an installed base of 40,000 devices.

Citcon and Abacus Business Computer (ABCPOS) Bring PayPal and Venmo to Self-Service Kiosks for Restaurants

Worth Your While

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

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

Modex
Modern Materials Handling
March 28-31
Atlanta, GA

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

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago, IL

NRF Supply Chain 360
National Retail Federation
June 20-21
Cleveland, OH

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 24-26
Orlando, FL

FSTEC
Winsight
September 19-21
Dallas, TX

MJBizCon
MJBizDaily
November 15-18
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bixolon Sticks the Landing

Bixolon America (Gardena, CA) has presented its new linerless direct-thermal printers, the 3" SRP-S3000 and 2" SRP-S200. An innovative paper-path design, auto-cutter, and "Taken Sensor" ensure interruption-free performance, along with back-feeding function and paper-saving mode. Offering toolless maintenance, both feature an IP-23 rating for water and dust resistance and an internal power supply.

With support for flexible programming languages, including BXL/POS, SLCS, BPL-Z, and BPL-C, the SRP-S3000 can handle both linerless and liner label media. It furnishes maximum print speed of 7.9"/200 mm per second at 203 dpi. A color display allows users to change printer settings and check the number of pending labels. The SRP-S3000 supports three media widths--40/58/80 mm--with built-in audio and visual indicators (Bixolon's "B-Melodist"). Weighing 4.4 lbs./2 kg, it offers USB 2.0, Ethernet, Serial, and optional WLAN.

Accommodating two media widths--40/58 mm--the SRP-S200 prints re-stick media at maximum speed of 5.9"/150 mm per second at 203 dpi. Slightly smaller than the SRP-S3000, the SRP-S200 weighs 4 lbs./1.8 kg, and offers USB 2.0, Ethernet, and Serial. "We felt the necessity to diversify our line-up to meet fast-growing customers' needs," remarked John Kim, Marketing Director for Bixolon Co., Ltd. (South Korea). Additional new products in mobility and industrial labeling are coming.

Bixolon America Launches New Linerless Printers

Star Scales Up

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has unveiled its new series of weigh scales for retail, designated as mG-T. It includes three models: mG-T12, mG-T30, and mG-T60, with capacities of 12 lbs./5.4 kg, 30 lbs./13.6 kg, and 60 lbs./27.2 kg, respectively. With certification to NTEP (National Conference on Weights and Measures) and Measurement Canada, the mG-T scales have accuracy of Class III.

As O/S, the mG-T scales support Windows, Android, or iOS. Easy set-up and integration are enabled via the Star MG Series Software Development Kit (SDK). With plater size of 13.5" x 10.5" (34.3 cm x 26.7 cm), each MG-T scale features Auto Power Off, Serial RS-232, Bluetooth/BLE, and LCD Display. As readability, the mG-T12 has 0.002 lb./1 g, the mG-T30 has 0.005 lb./2 g, and the mG-T60 has 0.01 lb./5 g.

As intended applications, Star Micronics America identifies weighing of products in shipping, retail, and grocery (such as produce, deli items, salad bars, and bulk items). Also, cannabis operations requiring larger weights of flower can use the mG-T scales. Earlier, Star Micronics introduced its mG-S scales, in models of mG-S322 (for 320 g/11.3 oz.), mG-S1501 (for 1500 g/3.3 lbs.), and mG-S8200 (for 8200 g/18.1 lbs.).

Star Micronics Debuts mG-T Weigh Scales

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Week of February 21

Week of February 7

Week of January 24

Follow the Money

-Plate IQ (San Francisco, CA): $160 million in Series B funding from FTV Capital (New York, NY) to expand its restaurant automation and payments technology.

-7Shifts (Saskatoon, SK, Canada): $80 million in Series C funding led by SoftBank Vision (Cambridge, UK) to expand its restaurant workforce management platform.

-Union POS (Austin, TX): $22 million in Series B funding led by Clerisy (Miami, FL) to expand its restaurant engagement and POS.

Investment Flows in Hospitality, Including 7Shifts

ALLIANCES

Givex Paves Loyalty Lane

A strategic expansion for Givex (Toronto, ON, Canada), with the buying of Loyalty Lane, Inc. (Marietta, GA). A 15-year-old marketing technology company providing customer relationship management (CRM) in the U.S., Loyalty Lane serves over 2,000 grocers representing 14,000 checkout lanes and fuel pumps, in addition to over 6 million registered consumers who may redeem both digital and traditional rewards and discounts in-store or online. "Acquisition of Loyalty Lane will increase overall merchant locations, revenue, and EBITDA, but more importantly, provide its CRM solution for grocery, which Givex does not have today," noted Don Gray, CEO of Givex.

Electronic Scrip Incorporated (San Mateo, CA), a subsidiary of Loyalty Lane, now part of Givex, focuses on charitable giving with over 53,000 charities. These are supported by 5 million registered consumers who may direct their donations through participating merchants. Since its founding in 1997, Electronic Scrip Incorporated has raised over $450 million for charities.

Another acquired subsidiary of Loyalty Lane, Media Solutions Company (Chandler, AZ), specializes in website design, mobile app, and e-mail and texting services, as well as digital signage for grocery and convenience stores in the SMB. Overall, Loyalty Lane and its subsidiaries ended 2021 with annualized, unaudited revenue of approximately $4.5 million. "Loyalty Lane and Givex already have common clients and there is tremendous opportunity for both companies to combine technologies, support services, and development," contributed Bill Gray, President of Loyalty Lane (and, not coincidentally, brother of Givex's Don Gray).

Givex Buys Loyalty Lane for CRM in Grocery

NCR on Display

NCR (Atlanta, GA) has called upon Stratacache (Dayton, OH) for restaurant digital signage. A partnership includes hardware and software that links to the NCR Commerce Platform. It includes advanced analytics and "24x7x365 field service." With more than three million digital displays operating in two dozen countries, Stratacache is recognized as one of the global leaders in advanced retail marketing technology.

"Digital signage is a powerful tool that goes beyond simply communicating the menu. It can create operational efficiency, personalize the guest experience, and drive revenue," related Dirk Izzo, President and GM at NCR Hospitality. "By partnering with Stratacache, NCR is accelerating digital signage innovation and delivering solutions that create a competitive advantage to our customers, giving them more tools to run the restaurant."

"Our partnership helps the restaurant industry leverage knowledge of the customer from prior visits, mobile, or loyalty to empower personalization and concierge-level service across digital menu boards, kiosks, and mobile application engagements," reported Chris Riegel, Founder and CEO at Stratacache. "As restaurant operators face ongoing labor and supply chain challenges, technology, automation, and smart digital menus are essential to reducing service times, improving sales results, and minimizing challenging labor conditions." As advanced technology, Stratacache has premiered its Walkbase TREQ, which tracks customer activity within the store via strategically based sensors.

A Partnership for Restaurant Digital Signage Between NCR and Stratacache

A Big Brother for RRT

A joint effort for direct order and delivery has been fashioned by Restaurant Revolution Technologies (Southlake, TX) and, yes, Grubhub. It utilizes the platform, Revolution Connect, to relay orders (online or native app) from the Grubhub Marketplace into the restaurant's specific POS. As benefits, the two parties cite improvement of processes and order flows in the kitchen, and elimination of the need to manage multiple tablets and manual re-entry on the front end.

"Our restaurant partners have told us how crucial an integrated POS solution is to their operations, and we're delighted to be offering this to thousands of our partners across the country," cited Steven Delzell, Director of Restaurant Integration Partnerships at Grubhub. "We've expanded our POS integration capabilities over the last year, and this partnership with Revolution furthers our work to equip restaurants of all sizes with the tools that will make their jobs easier so that they can focus on great customer service." (FYI: At present, Grubhub features more than 300,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 cities in the U.S.)

A self-described "off-premise partner for restaurants," founded in 2011 and led by CEO Brad Duea, Restaurant Revolution Technologies--in addition to Revolution Connect--offers Revolution Order One, its unified web, mobile, and voice order-entry management software. As another element, there's Revolution Ground Control, its enablement program for third-party delivery services, back-end services, and data capture capabilities, with "start to finish" branding. In its area of focus, Restaurant Revolution Technologies holds several patents in the U.S. and Canada.

Restaurant Revolution Technologies and Grubhub Join Forces in Take-Out Ordering and Delivery

Code Corner

Fobi AI (Vancouver, BC, Canada) has fielded its new PassPro Wallet. An enterprise-grade Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), specialized for each customer, according to Fobi AI, PassPro Wallet seeks to span payments, of course, as well as customer engagement, promotions, and even exclusive content. It has been augmented by Fobi AI's AltID technology for digital ID verification. "PassPro provides companies with the ability to transform their valuable data into powerful personalized promotions and experiences," suggested Rob Anson, CEO at Fobi AI. "A combination of Fobi AI and [our previously acquired] 'PassCreator Wallet' drives digital transformation for companies still stuck in the analog world and creates the ultimate marketing tool for companies. When combined with the managed services function that we have built out, this will provide significant revenue opportunities."

Fobi AI's PassPro Wallet

Channel Chatter

Posiflex Technology, Inc. (New Taipei City, Taiwan) has announced it will roll out new terminals and self-service kiosks based on Intel's Elkhart Lake processors in Q2 2022. The Elkhart Lake processor provides a maximum of 3.0 GHz burst frequency, up to 50% improved CPU performance, supports up to 32 GB of DDR4 memory, offers the capability to achieve TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 by BIOS, and up to two times enhancement in graphics, notes Posiflex.

Coming From Posiflex

INTEGRATION

On NetSuite's Front Porch

A last-mile delivery platform, DispatchTrack (Campbell, CA), has released its integration for the functionality of NetSuite (San Mateo, CA). Addressing carriers and third-party logistics (3PLs), so-called "DispatchTrack SuiteApp" furnishes real-time, bi-directional exchange of data flows between participating sales and delivery operations. Its connector is now available on NetSuite's SuiteApp Marketplace. (FYI: A "Built for NetSuite," or BFN, Hybrid Partner--DispatchTrack.)

"Our platform is all about visibility," expressed Satish Natarajan, Founder and CEO of DispatchTrack. "We don't want our customers digging around for data, or spending hours on unnecessary manual tasks to import information. Our newest connector puts NetSuite users in a position to gain that data visibility without jumping through hoops--our system does all the work, and they reap the benefits of better data velocity and reduced IT effort."

Established in 2010, DispatchTrack's technology simplifies scheduling for both shippers and customers, determines the best route and load for each vehicle, tracks each shipment at each step of the way, and reports on delivery progress. It has been integrated with key players across the warehouse, transportation, and logistics ecosystem, with support for order/billing (I/O's), customer relationship management (CRM), and point-of-sale (POS)--such as the business management suite from NetSuite. It's delivered via Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

DispatchTrack SuiteApp for Last-Mile Delivery

G-J: Docking at Getac

Gamber-Johnson (Stevens Point, WI) has unwrapped its new vehicle mount designed for the ZX10 Rugged Tablet by Getac (Irvine, CA). In composite construction for durability, the Getac ZX10 Docking Station weighs 2.4 lbs./1.1 kg. "We're very pleased to launch this new docking station with Getac, as it has great new features that assist the mobile worker," posited Garrett Neta, Product Marketer at Gamber-Johnson.

With full suite of I/O's, the Getac ZX10 Docking Station provides connections for barcode scanners, printers, and other peripherals for the "mobile office." Other benefits include an integrated cable restraint, simplified cable management system, and floating docking connector for industrial environments. All tablet control buttons are accessible while docked, giving full on-the-go functionality. In addition, the Getac ZX10 Docking Station accommodates the tablet's card reader, extended battery, stylus, hand strap, and hard carry handle.

Also featured: docking connector gasket that provides additional water resistance and protection. A front-facing latch button makes the tablet simple to dock and release with one hand, enabling users to work efficiently. It also offers an optional Triple-RF (SMA) antenna pass-through to improve network connection. A keyed lock ensures security and the VESA 75-mm mounting pattern extends compatibility with the wide family of motion/positioning attachments by Gamber-Johnson.

New Gamber-Johnson Docking Station for Getac's ZX10 Rugged Tablet

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aldelo
Electronic Payments
Elo
Epson America
FEC USA
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Revel Systems
Shift4
Star Micronics
Tri-Tech Retail

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

Cash Handling Systems
apg/APG Cash Drawer
CIMA America

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Janam Technologies
MobileDemand
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
PAX Technology
Payment Logistics
Shift4

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

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo

INSTALLATIONS

A "Smoothie" in Payments

In an effort to bridge payments and marketing intelligence, ParTech (New Hartford, NY) has enlisted Aben (Houston, TX). An integration brings Aben's Intelligent MarketingOS to ParTech's payment solution, entitled ParPay. It draws upon credit card activity to deliver essential frequency and spend metrics--compared against industry and segment. So, it enables the merchant to identify demand at the store level, and where to allocate resources for marketing, store remodels, and labor, according to Aben.

"Our capabilities do not rely exclusively on any single data set, nor do they require other merchants sharing and self-reporting their sales," elaborated Jordon Thaeler, Aben's CEO. "We are uniquely able to combine payment tokens with card network data to identify, target, and even prove 1:1 marketing attribution across all marketing channels. ParTech's transparent and innovative approach with ParPay excited us and we found rapid alignment with their desire to create tangible value for their customers."

As an early installation, there's Smoothie King, with more than 1,000 stores. "The restaurant industry is rapidly changing and we need to ensure that we have the appropriate data to give ourselves the freedom to utilize new marketing channels as they come online," observed Chris Andrews, Smoothie King's CIO. "Aben is the right partner to help us navigate this change and provide tooling to keep us on a competitive growth trajectory." Aben ramped up in 2021.

Aben's Intelligent MarketingOS Joins With ParTech's ParPay at Smoothie King

Priming the Pump

A major customer for the Sound Easy Pump by Sound Payments (Jacksonville, FL), in the form of Sinclair Oil. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, Sinclair Oil, which has started the roll-out with 14 sites, has approximately1,500 branded stations in the U.S. A semi-integrated solution for EMV-at-the-Pump, Sound Easy Pump supports all payment forms--MSR, Chip & PIN, Chip-on-Glass, NFC, and QR Code. It does not require changes to the in-store POS, according to Sound Payments.

"Ease of installation, automatic upgrades, hardware replacement warranty, all-in-one units, excellent reporting, and details through the site portal made Sound Easy Pump the best choice," reflected Alex Hattenhauer, Owner of Hattenhauer Distributing Co. (The Dalles, OR). Additionally, Sound Payments offers stations of Sinclair Oil free EMV hardware for the first pump. A $500 rebate for each EMV reader has also been announced by Sinclair Oil.

"We are upgrading stations every day and building partnerships with industry leaders like Sinclair," indicated Mike White, SVP of Petro Solutions with Sound Payments. "We know how much not being upgraded hurts station owners. We see it in chargebacks but also the loss of business--when a station makes a customer come in to pay, the customer just drives to the next station." (In April 2021, EMV was mandated for fuel pumps, as readers will recall.)

Sinclair Oil Deploys Sound Easy Pump

Channel Factoid

Help Wanted -
Can't Find Workers

By Industry Sector:

86% of Restaurant Owners

85% of Manufacturing SMBs

82% in Transportation

80% of Beauty Salon Owners

80% in Energy Sector

77% in Construction

67% in Event Planning

66% of Gym Owners

60% of Retailers

57% in Travel Industry

Hardest Hit States:

California: 71%

New Jersey: 71%

Pennsylvania: 69%

Ohio: 68%

Texas: 66%

Florida: 61%

Illinois: 61%

New York: 57%

National Average: 65%

Source: "March Labor Shortage Poll" by Alignable (Boston, MA)

65% of SMBs Have Trouble Hiring Right Now

A Message From the Editor

As we enter another year--our 18th!--our mission remains constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID (and now Mobility). If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of new technologies, go-to-market strategies, business models, and consumer expectations. We look forward to continuing our mission, and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

HELLO GOODBYE

ECRS' Succession

ECRS (Boone, NC) has announced the appointment of Caroline Catoe to the position of President. She succeeds her father, Pete Catoe, the Founder of ECRS, who has held the position of President for 32 years. As one of the leading retail ISVs, ECRS supplies its CATAPULT POS.

"This move allows me to do what I love doing most, which is to create and drive valuable innovations for our retail community," shared Pete, who will retain the role of CEO and "Visionary." "ECRS needs someone who is absolutely committed to the daily leadership. I am certain Caroline is prepared and is the right person to take this on."

As is the case with many second-generation family business operators, Caroline Catoe has worked in many capacities at ECRS over her 15-year tenure. Prior to her current role, Caroline held positions in Technical Support, Project Management, Marketing, Customer Care, and Training. "During the last nine years, Caroline has been at the center of the most important corporate decisions and policy enhancements," stated the ECRS Board of Directors. "She has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the company and the capacity to lead multiple departments to success within the marketplace."

"I believe that family businesses create a strong foundation for our economy and have a unique advantage in terms of flexibility, longevity, and most of all, the value they return to their customers and employees. What other businesses have the opportunity to develop the next generation of leadership over years of shared experiences and values," commented Caroline. "I'm thrilled to work alongside my father in this new capacity and I am fully committed to carrying out our enduring vision for ECRS--an independent and prosperous enterprise, with a long-term dedication to our retailers, to our employees, and to our local communities."

Caroline Catoe, President, ECRS

GoTab Taps Partners

GoTab (Arlington, VA), with its restaurant commerce platform, has engaged channel and payments veteran Rick Malthaner is its VP of Alliances. His resume includes roles as Director of Business Development-Channel Partners, North America for Como, Director of Channel Operations for Cybertill, Director of Strategic Partnerships for LoyalTree Rewards, Regional Director for Cervion Systems, and Owner/Managing Director for Revolution POS. He has served on the Board of Directors at the RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association).

"I'm happy to join GoTab's talented leadership team and contribute to the tremendous growth of its partner ecosystem," declared Malthaner. "I've explored countless technology solutions for hospitality operators and can safely say that none can rival the distinctive features of GoTab." Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Malthaner is now based in Charleston, SC.

Rick Malthaner, VP of Alliances, GoTab

CBS Beckons

Custom Business Solutions (Irvine, CA), which markets its NorthStar POS, has hired hospitality sales veteran Michael Beck as its new VP of Sales. He joins the company from Savi Solutions, where he served as EVP of Enterprise Sales. Earlier, he served as VP of Sales and Marketing at ParTech/Restaurant Magic, VP of Sales at Xpient Solutions, and Relationship Manager at Altametrics Enterprise Solutions.

Also, Custom Business Solutions, or CBS, has partnered with COGS-Well (Livermore, CA), which develops restaurant inventory, recipe, and commissary management software. "COGS-Well's leadership team has proven time and time again to understand what restaurants need from their back-office solution," testified Jeremy Julian, COO for Custom Business Solutions. "They've created an easy-to-use and easy-to-implement solution that fits well with the NorthStar Suite." In addition to CBS, COGS-Well partners with other vendors and ISVs in POS.

Michael Beck, VP of Sales, Custom Business Solutions