Our Product Pick

Advantech USA (Irvine, CA) has unwrapped its handheld dimensioning and barcode scanner, stocked as the LEO-WS10. A press of the trigger button allows users to obtain physical dimensions of the target package (L x W x H). It also reads 1D/2D symbologies. Weighing 9.9 oz./280 g, the LEO-WS10 has range of 40 to 150 cm (16" to 59"). It connects via USB and RS-232 and supports Windows, Android, and Linux O/S. It has an IP-54 rating for water and dust and an operating temperature range of +14 to +104 Degrees F (-10 to +40 Degrees C). It requires no calibration, according to Advantech USA.

Advantech's LEO-WS10 With 2D/3D Scanning

COMPANY BUSINESS

Aldelo Dashes to Delivery

In support of take-out, delivery, and pick-up services for its restaurant clients, Aldelo, L.P. (Pleasanton, CA) has launched DoorDash Sync. As its name indicates, it integrates the popular DoorDash service with Aldelo Express Cloud POS. "Aldelo is committed to establishing strategic business partnerships that offer our users immediate and useful solutions and services for meeting today's changing operational and customer needs," projected Jeff Moore, VP of Operations with Aldelo.

With this link, scheduled and on-demand menu changes in Aldelo Express Cloud POS automatically synchronize to DoorDash. Customers may view current specials and menus, select orders, and complete online payments seamlessly reported to Aldelo Express Cloud POS. On their part, the restaurant sends anticipated delivery time to customers.

With Sync, Aldelo Express Cloud POS prints all DoorDash orders directly to the restaurant's printers or Kitchen Display System (KDS). It identifies order and delivery information and auto-closes tickets for DoorDash. Aldelo DoorDash Sync is offered to users of Aldelo Express Cloud POS at no cost. Similarly, restaurants employing Aldelo Pay merchant services receive, at no cost, Aldelo Express Cloud POS, as well as Aldelo's Masa+ suite of online order and customer engagement solutions.

Order Alerts and Settlement Screens for DoorDash Platform on Aldelo Express Cloud iPad POS

EVO Eyes OPI

EVO Payments (Atlanta, GA) and Oracle (Austin, TX) have expanded their partnership to include Oracle's Xstore POS (for retail), Simphony POS (for restaurants), and Opera Property Management System (for hotels). As such, EVO will integrate its payments technology with the Oracle Payments Interface (OPI). A member of the Oracle Partner Network, EVO will also offer the market proprietary integrations to the Oracle E-Business Suite for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). As capabilities of integration to Oracle E-Business Suite, there's digital business-to-business payments and automated accounts receivable.

"We are thrilled to broaden our relationship with Oracle by integrating to OPI," enthused James Kelly, CEO at EVO Payments. "We now have the ability to offer Oracle's most modern POS solutions to our global retail and hospitality customers, enhancing the functionality of their business management solutions and allowing for a seamless payment experience. We further gain the ability to target new merchants for payment acceptance, including those currently deploying Oracle."

[Editor's Note: "In response to media reports regarding the potential acquisition of EVO Payments, Shift4 would like to clarify that it is not pursuing one at this time," reads an official statement by Shift4 (Allentown, PA) on November 17, 2021. "While Shift4 has tremendous respect for the EVO team given their mutual 20+ year history in the industry, Shift4's current M&A priorities are focused on supporting our exciting new growth verticals communicated at the November 10 Investor Day." As markets cited by Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4, on its Investor Day: sports and entertainment, gaming, and e-commerce.]

EVO Payments Announces Integration With Oracle POS

Worth Your While

2022

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

Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 23-26
Clearwater Beach, FL

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

Unitech Looks Fit

Unitech America (Cypress, CA) has unveiled its new, upgraded, rugged smartphone, the Model EA520. With 5" capacitive touchscreen (720x1280), the EA520 has Octa-Core CPU at 64 bits/2 GHz, 4 GB RAM/64 GB Flash, and Android 11 O/S. A removable 4100 mAh Li-ion battery furnishes shift-long service, with an IP-67 rating for water and dust and 5'/1.5 m drop resistance. Overall, it weighs 8.5 oz./242 g.

As data collection, the EA520 features 1D/2D barcode scanning, read/write capability for HF/NFC RFID, 8 MP front camera and 13 MP rear camera. As communications, there's Bluetooth 5, dual-band 802.11 WLAN, and 4G LTE WAN. As convenience, there's dual side scan buttons and programmable key. A mobile device management software from Unitech America, dubbed Mobolink, is offered for these devices.

"The EA520 is priced just right for small business, and its versatility allows users to make the most of a limited budget," suggested Unitech America."Use the EA520 for communication with supervisors, to scan inventory, take photos for delivery confirmation, or anything else for which your employees might use traditional smartphones." An MSRP of $850 has been established for the EA520 from Unitech America.

Unitech's EA520 Rugged Smartphone

MAX: First the Liner, Next the Label

MAX International Converters, Inc. (Lancaster, PA) has debuted its fully dispersible liner-free direct thermal label, designated as the MAXDLF. With cellulose base, made of finely ground tree pulp, MAXDLF is non-toxic, biodegradable, and ultimately, "100% recyclable," stated MAX International. It will dissolve in any temperature of water, while leaving no residue or paper pulp behind, in as little as 30 seconds.

Available in common 80 mm/3", 58 mm/2", and 40 mm/1.5" widths and multiple industry-standard lengths, MAXDLF carries approval as an"Efficient Solution" from the Solar Impulse Foundation. After his first solar flight around the world, environmentalist Bertrand Piccard founded the Solar Impulse Foundation (based in Lausanne, Switzerland) to promote "clean and profitable" technologies. Earlier, MAX International's removable and restickable adhesive liner-free labels, MAXStick, was endorsed by the Solar Impulse Foundation.

"As we are proudly part of the Solar Impulse Foundation's 'World Alliance for Efficient Solutions,' and in keeping with our own 'Transform 2025 Initiative,' MAX International is very excited about MAXDLF," declared Mike Vigunas, President at MAX International."With our MAXStick, we eliminated the liner from landfills; now, with MAXDLF, we eliminate the label as well. We will continue to release new products under our 'Transform 2025 Initiative' in the coming months."

Dispersible Labels, MAXDLF, by MAX International

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ALLIANCES

A Star at Ingram Micro

A kudos for Star Micronics (Somerset, NJ), being named as the "Vendor of the Year - Data Capture/Point of Sale" by Ingram Micro (Irvine, CA). Such "Vendor of the Year Awards" at Ingram Micro note the success of more than two dozen channel-focused vendors across several categories, including technology, markets, and communities. Awards were presented virtually in October 2021 at Ingram Micro's 2022 Marketing Experience Event.

"Ingram Micro is proud to work with Star Micronics and enable our mutual channel partners with technology, services, and resources needed to differentiate their business and bring more value to their customers," relayed Dennis Crupi, Executive Director of Marketing at Ingram Micro."Congratulations to Star Micronics and all of our 2021 Vendor of the Year Award Winners." In addition to its popular family of thermal printers, Star Micronics also supplies scanners, cash drawers, scales, enclosures, shields, and safety products to the channel.

"Star Micronics continues to innovate and provide the solutions that our customers need," related Mike Hanson, EVP of Star Micronics."We're incredibly honored to receive this award from Ingram Micro, and thankful for such a strong partnership." In addition to Ingram Micro, of course, Star Micronics distributes via BlueStar, Metropolitan Sales, M-S Cash Drawer, ScanSource, and Synnex.

Ingram Micro Honors Star Micronics as"Vendor of the Year - Data Capture/Point of Sale"

An OmniChannel in Medicine Hat

Auto-Star Compusystems (Medicine Hat, AB, Canada) had teamed up with 24Seven Commerce (San Jose, CA) to provide an integrated solution for e-commerce and POS. Using the Octopus Bridge eCommerce Platform by 24Seven Commerce, in conjunction with Auto-Star POS, retailers may draw store data directly into leading platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce, as well as leading marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, and eBay. Integration includes synchronization of sales, inventory, and stocking.

"As customers continue to choose multi-channel shopping experiences, we sought to partner with an e-commerce technology company that truly understands the many challenges that retailers face," mused Robert Symmonds, President and CEO of Auto-Star Compusystems."Auto-Star and 24Seven Commerce have a shared commitment to responsive customer service and user-friendly products that retailers can rely upon." Addressed are retail models such as Buy Online/Pick-up In-Store (BOPIS) and Buy Online/Pick-up At Curbside (BOPAC).

"24Seven Commerce is delighted to include Auto-Star as one of its partners," commented Anil Jindal, CEO of 24Seven Commerce."We truly believe that the retail segment will benefit from this partnership, and it will open up new opportunities for both of the companies." According to its website, 24Seven Commerce currently partners with four dozen ISVs and VARs in POS. On its part, Auto-Star Compusystems focuses on pharmacy, grocery, and health and natural products stores.

Auto-Star Partners With 24Seven Commerce

Code Corner

Loftware Inc. (Portsmouth, NH) has released its next-generation enterprise labeling software, Loftware NiceLabel 10. It features major redesign of its Control Center, in both individual pages and one-glance summary dashboard. It also offers web-based printer management supported by role-based access controls. With Loftware NiceLabel 10, for network security, Loftware has enlisted Veracode (Burlington, MA). Additional enhancements in Loftware NiceLabel 10 include new drivers for printers (as well as marking and coding devices), new third-party Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and pre-built integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). An online portal offers supporting resources. "The revamped Control Center is the heart of the Loftware NiceLabel 10 Platform, which is why we invested heavily to redesign it with input from channel partners and end-users," reported Miso Duplancic, VP of Product Management at Loftware (which bought NiceLabel in January 2021).

Loftware NiceLabel 10 Software

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Cardknox Unlocks Payment Box

A bundle of payment processing software and hardware has been fashioned by gateway provider Cardknox (Howell, NJ). It incorporates an upgraded, full-featured Cardknox Mobile App with the Model VP3300 payment device by ID TECH (Cypress, CA). Also, third-party solutions are enabled by Cardknox's Software Development Kit (SDK). Available for download for iOS and Android, the Cardknox Mobile App features capacity for search and filter; e-mail receipts; adjust, refund, and void; recurring transactions, and on-demand reporting/analytics.

A three-in-one mobile card reader, the ID TECH VP3300 furnishes Magnetic-Stripe (MSR), EMV, and NFC. With USB, Audio Jack, and Bluetooth 4 BLE, it has dimensions of 2.5"/64 mm (L) x 1.9"/40 mm (W) x 0.5"/14.5 mm (D). It furnishes AES and TDES Encryption, DUKPT Key Management, and EMV Level 3. It employs the Common L2 Kernel of ID TECH, and allows the MSR and ICC Connection to be installed remotely.

"We're excited to offer a mobile all-in-one point-of-sale solution that allows merchants to provide a frictionless checkout experience," remarked Mark Paley, VP of Sales for Cardknox. "Not only does this solution make use of tech-forward hardware, but it's also built using Cardknox's innovative payment technology. Plus, it includes an unique set of payment management tools for merchants and developers."

As Hardware Recommended by Cardknox: VP3300 Payment Device by ID TECH

A Flooid Situation

A prominent retail commerce provider, Flooid (the former PCMS), has become an early adopter of the new "universal" coupon standard: AI (8112). In replacing the current standard, which is AI (8110), the new AI (8112) allows future updates to be performed in the cloud, without the need for additional adjustments to the POS. It was introduced in April 2020 by the non-profit The Coupon Bureau, in conjunction with stakeholders such as the Joint Industry Coupon Council, Association of Coupon Professionals, Consumer Brands Association, Food Marketing Institute, and GS1 US. FYI: "AI," in this case, refers to "Application Identifier," and not "Artificial Intelligence."

"This update to the coupon standard recognizes the increasing desire of shoppers to use digital coupons as part of a quick and easy checkout process, no matter if it's paper, mobile, or online commerce," observed Donna Stevens, Global VP of Product at Flooid (Cincinnati, OH). "The new standard will be a win for retailers, shoppers, and manufacturers. And, we're particularly pleased that Flooid's customers will be among the first retailers to test and roll out the new digital coupons."

"The Coupon Bureau has had a strong collaboration with Flooid and we appreciate their support for the new coupon standard and making it native for existing and potential retail clients of Flooid," contributed Brandi Johnson, CEO of The Coupon Bureau (Fort Worth, TX). "Flooid is truly setting the pace in being the first unified commerce and POS provider to adopt the standard and ensure their clients are able to accept this newest standard." FYI: Earlier this month, coupon powerhouse Catalina, based in St. Peterburg, FL, embraced AI (8112).

A Universal Retail Digital Coupon Standard Emerges

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
Harbortouch
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
POS Nation
Revel Systems
Star Micronics

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Godex Americas
Sewoo
Woosim Systems

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

Of Burgers, Fries, and Payments

The Shake Shack has consolidated its payment structure via "Next Level Commerce" by FreedomPay (Philadelphia, PA). To be deployed at 200 locations of Shake Shack in the U.S., FreedomPay brings Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) EMV for in-store, online, and in-app orders. With recent updates to the Shack App on iOS and the Shake Shack Website, the implementation of FreedomPay also brings an enhanced digital wallet, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, noted the two parties.

"With the ever-changing landscape of hospitality because of the pandemic and the rise in online ordering and online experiences, we're always innovating in the deployment of new technology solutions to meet the needs of our guests," indicated Dave Harris, CIO of Shake Shack."FreedomPay gives us the ability to standardize how we are managing payments across all of our channels in an integrated way. It also provides guests with secure and convenient options for how they pay, both in-Shack and on our digital channels."

Earlier, in October 2021, FreedomPay announced integration with Buy Now/Pay Later (BNPL) leader, Klarna."As we head into the retail industry's most critical sales period yet, we know there is clear demand for flexible payment solutions like Klarna's interest-free 'Pay in 4' service," asserted David Sykes, Head of North America at Klarna (Columbus, OH). As expected, the Klarna App, supported by FreedomPay, generates each customer's personal payment QR Code.

The Shake Shack Serves Up FreedomPay

ECRS Hits 1,000 (in EDI)

A milestone for ECR Software (Boone, NC), with its Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Platform now deployed by 1,000 retail locations."We began the year at 907 retail locations and passed the 1,000th on November 11," disclosed Melanie Marshall, ECRS Gateway Product Owner. "We also have integrated 17 new adaptors, such as Sysco and True Value, enabling retailers to automate their ordering experience with over 85 major suppliers." (As its POS, ECRS offers CATAPULT.)

New enhancements to the ECRS Gateway Platform include automation of temporary price reduction (TPR), promotional pricing, and item maintenance files for customers of Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) as well as alcohol management invoice processing for FinTech. On the near horizon is integration for Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) and labor management capability, according to ECRS. A cloud-based ECRS EcoPortal accommodates non-EDI compliant suppliers and CATAPULT.

"Some people still think supply chain automation, like EDI and Perpetual Inventory, are only achievable by the national box chains, and we've proven that is simply not true," reflected Ashlee Weatherman, ECRS VP of Professional Services."We are on a mission to empower the independent retailer with the tools they need to compete in a technology-driven world. [Now] we are interacting with our community forum to select our next adaptor integrations."

ECRS EDI Gateway Grows With Retailers

Channel Factoid

Consumers Demand
Personalized Payments

-"Tech giants like Amazon, Netflix, and Spotify, among others, have introduced extreme personalization to consumers when shopping online, ordering groceries, watching TV, or listening to their favorite podcast--so it should come as no surprise that this type of customization is now expected from consumers' financial partners," postulates Tom Pierce, CMO at player in FinTech, PSCU.

-For the third year in a row, his company's survey shows that debit remains the most preferred payment method for customers of credit unions and other financial institutions--with 43% preferring debit versus 33% preferring credit in 2021.

-Contactless card usage continues to grow significantly, with the number of such customers holding contactless cards increasing by 124%--rising from just 25% in 2019 to 56% in 2021.

-The number of such customers using mobile wallets has increased 50%--from 14% in 2019 to 21% in 2021, with 30% of mobile wallet users employing this payment technology at least several times per month.

-Over half, 57%, of such customers report using digital payment methods such as Venmo, Zell, Apple Pay, or another payment app at least periodically--as opposed to 49% in 2020 and 42% in 2019.

-Over one in three of such customers would be interested in learning more about cryptocurrency.

-Of customers who know their financial institution offers installment payments, or Buy Now/Pay Later (BNPL), 61% report they have used such programs.

Source: "2021 Eye on Payments," Conducted by PSCU (St. Petersburg, FL).

Growth in Mobile Wallets, Digital Payments, and Contactless Cards

More Code Corner

There's harmony between Tri-Technical Systems (Dubuque, IA) and MatchMySound (Lakeside, CT). Music retailers who use Tri-Tech's AIM Lesson Scheduling Platform, part of its AIM Version 12 POS, now have an integrated solution for increased guidance and retention via MatchMySound. "Store owners can finally get the teacher-student engagement data they need in order to see what's working with their lesson programs, and what's not," emphasized Paul Acton, CEO of Tri-Technical Systems. "We are glad that this partnership falls right in line with our continued efforts to offer our customers the very best solutions available to ensure retention and success." A longtime ISV, founded in 1984, Tri-Tech focuses on specialty retail.

Tri-Tech Partners With MatchMySound

HELLO GOODBYE

Roddy Takes Reins at RSPA

A change at the top for the Retail Solutions Providers Association (Charlotte, NC): in early January, John Kirk will depart his role as CEO, and Jim Roddy, currently VP of Marketing, will become the new CEO. In his successful four-year tenure, cites the RSPA, Kirk led the effort to add new services, grew membership in both traditional markets and new markets, and exceeded financial targets. It points to the strong showing of its two trade shows: RetailNow (July) and RSPA Inspire (January).

"We have been reminded during the pandemic that this association and community will never let the conditions beat us," expounded Kirk."We understand that circumstances do not change who we are. Who we are enables us to confront the circumstances and find a way to serve one another and retailers on the front lines. The RSPA community is, and always will be, one-of-a-kind. I'm excited for Jim, our team, and our community."

"The RSPA community is very special to me--I'm honored and humbled to be named CEO and to follow in John's footsteps," expressed Roddy. "I'm eager to keep the association's momentum going forward working side-by-side with the RSPA community and RSPA team. I'm grateful for this opportunity and for John's leadership." A longtime participant in RSPA, Roddy has served as President/GM of Jameson Publishing and Reseller and ISV Business Advisor for Vantiv/Worldpay.

A Transition for the Retail Solutions Providers Association: Jim Roddy (at Left) Named CEO With Departure of Former CEO John Kirk (at Right) in January

Payroc Digs New CXO

Payroc WorldAccess, LLC (Tinley Park, IL) has engaged payments veteran Terri Harwood as its new Chief Experience Officer (CXO). She joins Payroc from the BillingTree, where she served a Chief Operating Officer (COO). Earlier roles have included COO at North American Bancard, SVP of Strategic Relationships and Business Development at Global Payments, and Director at First Data Merchant Services.

"As we continue our strategy and global expansion initiatives, a key component to our continued growth is to focus on our clients and our employees," denoted Jim Oberman, CEO of Payroc."Terri is a tenured executive leader and I look forward to seeing what she will bring to her new role as CXO. I am confident she will identify, develop, and implement unique strategies and ideas to connect our clients and our employees to the Payroc brand."

"I feel incredibly privileged to be part of the Payroc team," shared Harwood."My new colleagues are a collective of incredibly talented and experienced, yet humble, professionals who have created a culture of authenticity, accountability, and care. I look forward to all that I can learn from and contribute to this amazing organization." (Also, Payroc has partnered with ISV Zuza (Scottsdale, AZ), which offers its software,"BloomPOS," for the salon, spa, and gym vertical markets.)

Terri Harwood, Chief Experience Officer, Payroc

Founder, John Skurla, Passes Peacefully

"Skurla's co-founder and Alaska legend, John Skurla (my dad), passed away peacefully on October 30th. He was 90 years old. Many of you may have known John, who provided some of the first cash registers and point-of-sale systems to Alaskans before he and his wife, Phyllis, founded Skurla's back in 1976. Even though he retired several years ago, his thoughts, ideas, and business principals still continue to guide and influence the company today. He meant so much to many different people. He was a boss, a father, a friend, a trusted advisor, and more. The team at Skurla's POS Solutions honors John Skurla as the legend he was and will continue to cherish his memory for years to come."

-Posted by Lynn Skurla Perkins, Anchorage, AK

John Skurla, Co-Founder of Skurla's POS Solutions