Our Product Pick

National Computer Corporation (Greenville, SC) unveiled its new SaaS POS, dubbed tyllPOS. As O/S, it runs embedded, hardened Linux. A full-featured solution, it extends to employee scheduling, an "Above Store Enterprise," and "Cloud Reporting Suite." Also, it supports semi-integrated payment processing, with an "Offline Mode" countering any internet outage. It will be marketed on select terminals by CRS, HP, and Touch Dynamic. "Our dedicated development team is committed to innovation and is constantly working on expansions, updates, and integrations to keep you one step ahead of consumer demand," commented Chuck Prince, President of NCC.

NCC Unveils tyllPOS

COMPANY BUSINESS

Shift4's Game Theory

A newcomer in payments on our shores, PXP Financial (Hertfordshire, UK), has expanded its partnership with Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA). As an acquirer now named on the platform of PXP Financial, Shift4 will support its expansion plans in the U.S. Addressing retail, hospitality, cruise and travel, and in particular, gaming, PXP Financial has 200 employees and annual processing volume of $25 billion worldwide.

"Our partnership with Shift4 has been mutually beneficial to both parties," relayed Kamran Hedjri, CEO at PXP Financial. "Shift4 has been incredible to work with and we can really feel the synergy between both companies, both for our business goals and our values. A complex market, the U.S., but by leveraging partnerships locally, PXP can deliver a more seamless payment experience for customers."

"PXP is a great partner with a wealth of knowledge and experience in payments and gaming," related Michael Isaacman, Chief Commercial Officer of Shift4 Payments (and younger brother of Founder and CEO Jared Isaacman). "We look forward to a long and successful relationship." An early customer for PXP Financial/Shift4: the joint venture for gaming between MGM Resorts and Entain, called BetMGM.

Offices of Shift4 Payments in Allentown, PA

A Statement by PAX Technology

"On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, PAX Technology, Inc. in the United States was subject to an unexpected visit from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other government agencies relating to an apparent investigation. PAX Technology is not aware of any illegal conduct by its employees and is in the process of engaging counsel to assist in learning more about the events that led to the investigation."

"Separately, we are aware of media reports regarding the security of PAX Technology's devices and services. PAX Technology takes security very seriously. As always, PAX Technology is actively monitoring its environment for possible threats. We remain committed to providing secure and quality software systems and solutions."

"We intend to keep our team and customers apprised of the situation. In the meantime, it is business as usual at our locations and operations are continuing as normal. The PAX Jacksonville [FL] office and warehouse are both open at this time. -PAX Technology, Inc.

[Editor's Note: For background, see Krebbs on Security, Bloomberg News, Yahoo Finance.]

PAX Technology Responds to FBI Investigation

Worth Your While

2022

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

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Fujitsu Fires Up FTP-x3GMCL

Fujitsu Components America (Sunnyvale, CA) has unboxed its new thermal printer mechanism with flexibility in speed, paper width, and paper thickness, designated as the FTP-x3GMCL483 Series. Addressing receipt, ticketing, and label/tagging environments, the 24-V FTP-x3GMCL483 has compact form factor of 4.9"/124 mm (W) x 1.6"/40 mm (D) x 2.4"/61 mm (H), including auto-cutter. It weighs 13 oz./370 g.

A pair of models are offered. An FTP-63GMCL483 has maximum print speed of 13.8"/350 mm per second at 203 dpi resolution. An FTP-83GMLC483 has maximum print speed of 7.9"/200 mm per second at 300 dpi resolution. Each features the same modular design that accommodates various media types, ranging from 2.3"/58 mm to 3.4"/86 mm wide and 60 to 150 micrometers thick. Additional capabilities of the FTP-x3GMLC483 include three black mark paper sensor options (left, right, center), one-touch platen release, auto paper loading, multiple paper insertion options, and top paper exit.

As reliability, the FTP-x3GMCL483 Series carries print head rated at 100 million pulses and 200-km abrasion resistance. It furnishes 2 million cuts for 60 to 100 micrometer-thick media and 1 million cuts for 101 to 150 micrometer-thick media. As interface boards: Serial and USB.

Fujitsu's FTP-x3GMCL483 Thermal Printer Mechanism

KOAMTAC Points to KDC185

KOAMTAC (Princeton, NJ) has unwrapped its "mini" wearable barcode scanner, named the KDC185. It reads all common ID and 2D barcodes, even in fast-moving environments, thanks to global shutter imaging technology, notes KOAMTAC. Additionally, it provides instant pairing and data transfer via Bluetooth 5/BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Significantly, it reduces the size of the company's two-finger KDC180.

Weighing only 1.2 oz./35 g, the KDC185 may be worn on one-finger or with the Safety Glove from KOAMTAC. It has an IP-65 rating for water and dust ingress and 6 ft./1.8 m drop resistance. As features, there's 0.66"/17 mm display and two LED indicators. A first in the company's KDC Series to carry Type-C USB, it has removable 500 mAh battery.

"We recognized the need for a wearable scanner small enough to be worn on a single finger without fatiguing the use," elaborated Dr. Hanjin Lee, CEO of KOAMTAC. "It was important to achieve a lightweight and rugged design without sacrificing the exceptional quality, performance, and usability customers have come to expect from KOAMTAC. Between the two-finger KDC180, the single-finger KDC185, and Safety Glove configurations, KOAMTAC provides the most complete wearable scanning solution in the market."

Model KDC185 Mini Wearable Barcode Scanner by KOAMTAC

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Week of October 18

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Week of September 20

ALLIANCES

Paysafe Perks Up

A revived partner effort at Paysafe will support VARs, ISVs, and Merchant Sales Agents. Addressing wholesale and retail categories, it will provide access to a wide range of processors, sponsor banks, and value-added services, according to Paysafe. It features custom product bundles for small and mid-sized businesses, same day funding, and cash discount programs (an alternative to credit cards, with reduced fees).

As newly structured, Paysafe's partnership programs for financial institutions will seek to complement their banking services and strengthen merchant relationships through simplified payment acceptance. Such collaborations will leverage internal and external resources, co-operative marketing campaigns, and team training. In addition, programs for reseller partners will offer performance incentives, seasonal promotional contests, and customizable assets, including personalized emails and branded collateral, continued Paysafe.

"The relaunch of Paysafe's U.S. partnership programs represents our commitment to leveraging our accumulated knowledge and experience in payments and merchant success to strengthen growth opportunities for our diverse set of audiences," declared Afshin Yazdian, CEO of U.S. Acquiring at Paysafe. "These partnerships are essential to our own long-term success and it's critical that we empower them with flexible solutions and the dedicated support needed to thrive in their respective sectors." Mr. Yazdian, veteran of Priority Payment Systems, Cynergy Data, and iPayment, joined Paysafe in July 2021.

Afshin Yazdian, CEO of U.S. Acquiring at Paysafe

Clover Gathers ISVs

Fiserv (Brookfield, WI) has established its platform-as-a-service (PaaS) to boost support from ISVs for its Clover POS. Another of the many recent efforts to marry software applications and payments, in one hub, this new PaaS falls under the program, "Clover Connect." With accelerated customer onboarding, it creates an additional revenue stream with low acquisition costs for ISVs, according to Fiserv, as well as offering customers access to the broader Clover App Market.

Integration via this PaaS, proposes Fiserv, will help business owners streamline their operations and eliminate counter clutter. With consolidation and Clover POS, continues Fiserv, they no longer need to toggle back and forth between screens or maintain multiple devices. In addition to accessing the software they use for scheduling, inventory management, accounting, and other functions, they accept payments in the Clover POS, which offers support for e-commerce and mobile POS.

"Small and mid-sized businesses are the heart of our economy and the backbone of our communities, and we are committed to helping them succeed and access our services in the ways that suit them best," projected Brandon Lloyd, Head of ISV at Clover. "By facilitating integration to Clover for our ISV partners, we're enabling connections that are essential for efficient business operations, empowering software companies to grow their business and give their customers an edge in a rapidly evolving environment." Also, in October 2021, Fiserv partnered with Synchrony (Stamford, CT) to bring acceptance of private label credit cards and financing options to its Clover App Market.

Fiserv Introduces Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) for Integration to Its Clover POS

Code Corner

Givex (Toronto, ON, Canada) has introduced its new payment solution, GivexPay. As baseline technology, for omnichannel payments, it draws upon the functionality of Ayden for Platforms. It rounds out the offerings of Givex, which provides gift card programs, customer loyalty, kitchen display systems (KDS), and POS. "We've worked with Givex for some time now and we were thrilled to support them with GivexPay," mused Kamran Zaki, COO at Adyen (based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with offices in the U.S. and Canada). "We're glad to forge these partnerships with forward-thinking global platforms like Givex, especially in Canada. In leveragingAyden for Platforms, Givex provides their merchants with an integrated payments service. This removes operational complexity and provides an optimal payment experience for shoppers."

Debut of GivexPay

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Another Snack for HungerRush

HungerRush (Houston, TX), one of the leading providers of restaurant management solutions, has gobbled up Menufy (Kansas City, KS), an online food ordering platform and network serving 20,000 independently owned restaurants and small chains. It will be added to the HungerRush 360 Cloud POS, which was debuted in August 2021.

"Addition of Menufy's proven online ordering offerings further helps HungerRush's customers navigate an ever-changing industry landscape," proclaimed Perry Turbes, CEO of HungerRush. "At present, restaurants are embracing innovation and digital solutions more than ever. This acquisition expands HungerRush's market presence and allows us to offer our combined customers one place for a complete all-in-one solution."

As its name suggests, HungerRush 360 Cloud POS seeks to consolidate essential elements of restaurant management, digital ordering, customer engagement, delivery, and payment processing ("from any device, at any time, and from anywhere," opined Turbes). Earlier, in May 2021, HungerRush, the former Revention, purchased online omnichannel ordering and digital marketing software company, 9Fold (New York, NY). Terms of these acquisitions were not disclosed.

HungerRush 360 Cloud POS Strengthens Its Online Food Ordering With Purchase of Menufy

Are You Ready for Robot-as-a-Service?

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has rolled out its new system for automated material transport, drawing upon technology by Fetch Robotics, which it bought in August 2021. A bundle includes three new autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)--FlexShelf, FlexShelf Guide, and RollerTop Guide--as well as fulfillment picking software, FetchCore. All of these new AMRs may be purchased under Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS).

Utilizing the facility's existing Wi-Fi network, the system integrates with leading warehouse management systems (WMS) and warehouse execution systems (WES). As such, it supports order, batch, case, and pallet picking workflows. With SaaS, FetchCore includes warehouse annotation, wave management, pick heat-map, advanced fulfillment analytics, and forklift detection. "A dynamic orchestration of labor and robots" allows companies to quickly modify workflows on-demand.

On the hardware platform, Fetch Freight100, the FlexShelf and FlexShelf Guide provide flexible configurations for bin sizing and spacing, which expands the types of items that can be picked via AMRs. Accuracy is increased by the addition of put-to-light and pick-side lighting--particularly important during busy seasonal pick periods, cites Zebra. Companies choosing to deploy the RollerTop Guide AMR can integrate each picking workflow with their existing fixed conveyance, sortation, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).

Zebra's "Fetch FlexShelf Guide" Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) for Warehouse

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
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

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

Racking Up Qu

Qu (Bethesda, MD), restaurant POS, has launched its Commerce Cloud, which emphasizes three-layer protective network redundancy. As such elements, it utilizes: peer-to-public cloud, peer-to-peer connectivity, and peer-to-in-store cloud. It was designed to support the needs of large restaurant chains looking for rapid access to data and more reliable order-taking, according to Qu (an abbreviation of "Quick").

"Deploying the Commerce Cloud is another way Qu helps restaurants succeed in an increasingly competitive industry with higher levels of stability, faster transaction processing, and lower levels of latency," suggested Amir Hudda, CEO of Qu. "The strong technical acumen of our teams has led us to build the most modern, stable, and secure restaurant ordering platform--helping us pioneer the future." Enjoying significant contract wins of late, Qu has received funding from investors that have also backed Google, Salesforce, Uber, and Dropbox.

"Qu was built from the cloud down to the POS, not [from] the POS up," espoused Peter Wiley, Co-Founder of fast-casual chain Rapid Fired Pizza. "Being natively cloud-based, Qu doesn't require a local server in the backroom. I've never seen other POS companies do this--Qu is radically different from anything we've seen before." (FYI: With three dozen locations in IN, KY, NC, OH, SC, TX, and WV, Rapid Fired Pizza was recently taken over by one of its franchisees, Pie Guys Restaurants.)

Qu Showcases Its Commerce Cloud With Three-Layer Protective Network Redundancy

Celerant: We Do Apps

Celerant Technology (Staten Island, NY) will now develop proprietary mobile apps for online shopping for users of its POS. Available for iOS and Android, such apps integrate with the back-office of Celerant, enabling one-source management of orders from all channels--in-store, online, and mobile. Included are built-in editing tools for the retailers. Also, Buy Online/Pick-up In-Store (BOPIS) and Curbside Pick-Up Apps.

"Conversions on mobile apps are 3x higher compared to traditional websites, and wholly 47% of consumers are now using mobile apps," revealed Zeke Hamdani, Director of Web Services at Celerant Technology. "Not only can retailers take advantage of this shift, they can launch our app with minimal effort and maintenance. Our mission has always been to provide an all-in-one retail solution, and our app offers our retailers yet another new channel with real-time integration to all their other channels."

"We are excited to now have another channel to sell to our customers," shared Gina Soto, Web Director at retailer D&D Texas Outfitters (Sequin, TX). "Celerant designed and developed our app, and it is now officially launched on the Apple App Store. Having our app integrated with our e-commerce site, also developed by Celerant, and our storefront, makes it easy for us to manage everything from inventory to pricing to promotions." As its POS, Celerant Technology has Cumulus for the SMB and Stratus for the Enterprise. (Catchy cloud names.)

Celerant Offers Customized Mobile Apps for Its Retailers

Channel Factoid

A 20-Year Look
at Holiday Retail Sales
(In Millions USD)

-2002: $416.4 (+2.1%)

-2003: $437.6 (+5.1%)

-2004: $467.2 (+6.8%)

-2005: $496.0 (+6.2%)

-2006: $512.1 (+3.2%)

-2007: $526.0 (+2.7%)

-2008: $501.5 (-4.7%)

-2009: $502.7 (+0.2%)

-2010: $528.8 (+5.2%)

-2011: $553.3 (+4.6%)

-2012: $567.6 (+2.6%)

-2013: $583.5 (+2.8%)

-2014: $611.5 (+4.8%)

-2015: $628.2 (+2.7%)

-2016: $646.7 (+3.0%)

-2017: $679.2 (+5.0%)

-2018: $691.5 (+1.8%)

-2019: $718.6 (+3.9%)

-2020: $777.3 (+8.2%)

-Projected for 2021:
$843.4 to $859.0 (+8.5% to +10.5%)

Source: National Retail Federation (Washington, DC). Includes November and December Sales. Excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants.

NRF: Strong Holiday Sales Forecast

More Code Corner

VinSuite (Napa, CA) has uncorked its full foodservice and wine-tasting solution, labeled ITWERCS. Available on tablet or desktop devices, ITWERCS specifically fits the needs of direct-to-consumer wineries. It integrates with the order management platform by VinSuite, and in addition to its selling functionality, includes detailer customer record keeping, club pick-ups, and timecard and employee scheduling. For wineries with multiple locations, ITWERCS has advanced inventory and analytic capabilities, such as customizable dashboards and e-mail reports. "Since we work closely with our clients, we saw a big gap in current POS solutions as wineries shift to offer broader foodservice models," stated Jason Curtis, President of VinSuite. "By launching ITWERCS, we are supplying the wine industry with a dedicated POS that will help them innovate on the current tasting room model and enhance their increasingly critical customer experience."

Winery POS by VinSuite

HELLO GOODBYE

A Full Tank at Sound Payments

An expanded team for its "Sound Easy Pump" (addressing EMV-at-the-Pump) has been formed by Sound Payments (Jacksonville, FL). Enlisted in July 2021 as VP of Sales for the Petroleum Channel, Mike White has been elevated to SVP for the Petroleum Channel. His career previously included roles as VP of Sales and Development for DRB Car Wash POS and Technology Solutions and National Sales Manager for Verifone.

As Western Region VP of Sales for the Petroleum Channel, Sound has added Chad Ellis. His experience includes Sales Manager-Petroleum Channel, Southeast Region, then Senior National Account Manager, for Verifone. As Eastern Region VP of Sales for the Petroleum Channel, Sound has added Joshua Pierre. His experience includes Senior Territory Manager-National Sales for Cash Depot, as well as, once again, DRB.

"We see lots of opportunities to help stations nationwide with better, more affordable technology solutions as part of IoT and customers' desires for digital convenience," remarked Andrew Russell, President of Sound Payments. "We are proud of the professional, experienced talent we have attracted to our company to help deliver EMV at the pump as well as other technology we are working to deliver." In addition to its Sound Easy Pump, there's an offering of cloud-based Sound POS.

A New Team for Sound Payments' Petroleum Channel: Mike White, SVP; Chad Ellis, Western Region VP of Sales; Joshua Pierre, Eastern Region VP of Sales

A CTO Planted at GreenBox

GreenBox POS (San Diego, CA), an emerging payment processor leveraging proprietary blockchain technology, has engaged Robert Houghton as its CTO. He joins the company from fellow player in blockchain payments, MovoCash, where he also served as CTO. In roles such as VP/CIO/CTO, he previously worked for IT-related firms such as Volt, NetApp, Smith Micro, RealtyTrac, DDI Global, and Western Digital.

"I'm impressed by the great strides the dedicated GreenBox team has taken as a disruptive force in the payment processing landscape," contributed Houghton. "Their passion for bringing secure, instant digital payments to the world mirror my own aspirations. I look forward to working closely with Ben Errez [EVP] and Fredi Nisan [CEO] as well as the rest of the team to continue to drive our technology forward and help set the course for our long-term growth."

"Robert brings deep technology expertise and strong leadership to GreenBox POS, exactly the type of CTO we need at this stage of our company's growth," reflected Mr. Nisan. "With over two decades of innovation through transformational changes to business architecture, strategy, and operations, Robert will play an integral role in developing and overseeing the technology roadmap that further accelerates our growth strategy to expand our core blockchain business and drive sustainable long-term value for our shareholders." In August, GreenBox POS reached the milestone of more than $1 billion in transaction volume for 2021.

Robert Houghton, CTO, GreenBox POS

Showing His Mettle

Metalcraft (Mason City, IA), maker and system integrator of property identification labels and tags, including RFID, has named Kyle Bermel as President. In 2012, he joined the company as RFID Engineer. His career has progressed through roles as VP of Technology and Innovation, COO, and now, President. Steve Doerfler, former President, stays CEO.

"As CEO, I have tremendous confidence in Kyle's leadership," commented Mr. Doerfler. "We're preserving the values that have served Metalcraft for decades. I'm particularly dedicated to our vision for innovative products and development of our member-owners--work that will keep the company growing and successful." As subsidiaries, Metalcraft has established ARK Business Systems and Inlay Innovation.

"Today, I'm grateful for the confidence of our board and member-owners in my ability to help lead Metalcraft," expressed Mr. Bermel. "It's been rewarding to serve a strong, innovative, growing company. I know we have experience and expertise company-wide to exceed our customers' expectations." As reseller partners, Metalcraft lists Aware Innovations, BarScan, CG4 Asset Tracking, Grey Trunk RFID, and InLogic.

Kyle Bermel, President, Metalcraft