Our Product Pick

Fujitsu Components America (Sunnyvale, CA) has unveiled its new ruggedized mobile thermal printer, designated FTP-638WSL201. Weighing 1.7 lbs./725 g, measuring 4.6" (W) x 6.2" (D) x 3.1" (H), it supports media widths of 50/80 mm, with maximum print speed of 130 mm (5.1") at resolution of 203 dpi. It has drop-in paper loading, built-in color LCD, and maximum roll diameter of 66.5 mm (2.6"). As interface possibilities, there's USB, Bluetooth, WLAN, and NFC. As durability, it carries an IP-54 environmental rating for water and dust and 7 ft./2.1 m drop resistance. Among its options: an extended capacity battery of 5000 mAh (versus the standard battery of 2500 mAh).

Fujitsu's FTP-638WSL201 Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

Aldelo Cruises With Uber Eats

An integration with leading delivery service platform Uber Eats for Aldelo Express POS by Aldelo, L.P. (Pleasanton, CA). As verified integration partner, Uber Eats furnishes merchants using Aldelo Express POS with its "high-traffic online ordering, payments, and delivery platform." It allows merchants using Aldelo Express POS to implement, monitor, and manage third-party services that deliver with Uber Eats.

With this integration, merchants can manage their menus and orders with Uber Eats and Aldelo Express from tablet-based POS from anywhere with WLAN or Cellular. Orders placed with Uber Eats are instantly synchronized with back-office sales reports, kitchen printers, and Kitchen Display Systems (KDS). In addition, scheduled and on-demand changes made to Aldelo Express POS menus automatically synchronize to the online marketplace of Uber Eats.

"Aldelo is committed to producing meaningful integrations with leading third-party solution providers that users seamlessly access and operate from existing Aldelo Express POS stations resulting in enhanced operational efficiencies," shared Jeff Moore, VP of Operations at Aldelo, L.P. "Maintaining a customer-centric approach to our integration selection process, we are excited to formally announce the integration with the Uber Eats platform to our esteemed partners and merchants." FYI: Merchants that choose Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Aldelo Pay, or approved Aldelo Partner merchant services may implement the integration with Uber Eats with zero additional fees from Aldelo.

Uber Eats Furnishes Aldelo Merchants With High-Traffic Online Ordering, Payments, and Delivery Service Platform

A Landing on Payroc

An enhanced effort for the payments channel has started at Payroc WorldAccess (Tinley Park, IL). Its new suite of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), as well as developer documentation, facilitates embedding of payments into third-party solutions for POS. It offers flexibility across the payment space, including functionality for merchant on-boarding, acceptance of various payment types and methods, identifying of funding recipients, and distribution of funds.

For customers of Payroc WorldAccess who split funding between, for example, an identified charitable cause and their merchant customers, this new resource furnishes frictionless payments experience, cites Payroc WorldAccess. A new developer portal, accompanying the APIs, provides "simplified" access to supporting technical information.

"We're enthusiastic, as this release represents a significant evolution in our digital transformation," declared Paul Vienneau, CTO of Payroc. "Working closely with our developer community, we've delivered a simple, comprehensive, and self-guided payments ecosystem that will easily align with our partners' needs today and tomorrow." As readers will recall, Payroc purchased fellow payments player Worldnet (Johns Creek, GA)--focused on ISVs and OEMs--earlier this year in April.

Paul Vienneau, CTO, Payroc WorldAccess

Worth Your While

2023

NRF Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 15-17
New York, NY

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

ProMat
MHI (Materials)
March 20-23
Chicago, IL

Shoptalk
Shoptalk Commerce LLC
March 26-29
Las Vegas, NV

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
April 24-26
Atlanta, GA

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 20-23
Chicago, IL

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Star Stands Up

An extended family of tablet display stands for self-service and POS, under the existing company branding of "mUnite," has been presented by Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). It includes three new countertop models, four new mounted models, and two new kiosk models. All feature rugged, all-steel construction, with Universal mEnclosure or VESA Mount, and offered in black or white coloring.

As countertop models, there's the new mUnite EZPOS, EZ3, and EZ100. In addition to presenting the tablet, each may house the mC-Print3 and TSP100 Series receipt printers by Star Micronics, with stable base and clean cable management. Also, as new models: the Mount 7 (height of 7", holding monitor size from 12") and Mount 18 (height of 18", holding monitor size from 10" to 32"). In addition to the new Wall Mount for self-service, the new Tri-Mount secures three tablets in one stacked configuration for back-of-house operations, such as food take-out.

In the area of kiosks, Star Micronics has added the mUnite EZDesk Kiosk and mUnite Floor Kiosk Stand. At countertop, the EZDesk has 7" height, while the Floor Kiosk Stand has 4' height. Both feature weighted bottom for stability. Star Micronics first moved into the category of tablet stands/displays with its mUnite-POP, mUnite-POS, and mUnite-3.

Star Micronics America Debuts New Tablet Display Stands

Bixolon "Rolls" With BK3-32

An increased capacity self-service kiosk printer has been debuted by Bixolon America (Torrance, CA). In direct-thermal, open-frame construction, the new Model BK3-32 accommodates media roll diameter of up to 250 mm (9.8"). It maintains key features of the previous Model BK3-31, which accommodates media roll diameter of up to 150 mm (5.9").

In dimensions of 5.1" (W) x 13.3" (L) x 5.7" (H), weighing 3.2 lbs./1.5 kg, the BK3-32 supports media widths of 20/58/60/80/83 mm, and ticket thickness of 0.15 mm. It features maximum print speed of 250 mm (9.8") per second at resolution of 203 dpi. As connectivity, there's support for USB, Serial, and Ethernet. A paper-saving mode reduces paper usage as much as 25%.

A variety of drivers and SDKs (Software Development Kits) support major O/S. Additional features include power switch and reset button on both sides of the printer for easy reboot, multi-position near-end paper sensor, and optional presenter to reduce paper jamming and vandalism. A range of bezel options includes: none, standard, and LED.

Bixolon's BK3-32 Open-Frame Kiosk Printer

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A Message From the Editor

As we progress through 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

ALLIANCES

Grubbrr Feeling Noble

An acquisition in mobile ordering at live events for kiosk/self-service/digital signage provider, Grubbrr (Boca Raton, FL), in the form of GetNoble, Inc. (Boston, MA). Available for both iOS and Android, with more than 100 venues as customers, GetNoble, Inc. works with major systems of POS. With more than 1,000 customers in hospitality, Grubbrr focuses on hardware from Samsung Electronics America (Ridgefield Park, NJ). A purchase price of $5 million has been reported.

With GetNoble, customers may order and pay for their bar and concession items via native app, web link, and QR Codes, as well as text via chatbot. They also may choose their desired pick-up or delivery locations, and pay and tip via credit card, Apple Pay, and Venmo. In addition, GetNoble's platform enables guests to schedule orders ahead of time, such as preference for arrival, intermission, or halftime.

"Noble has demonstrated tremendous value with their time-based mobile ordering platform," indicated Sam Zietz, CEO of Grubbrr. "Their capabilities are a great complement to Grubbrr's existing tech stack, and this partnership allows us to explore the sports and entertainment verticals in a more robust way." A co-located, fellow company in financial technology/POS, TouchSuite, also has Zietz serving as CEO.

GetNoble Mobile Ordering Platform for Venues Acquired by Grubbrr

It's Big BNPL

An enlarged network for Buy-Now/Pay-Later (BNPL) has been addressed by embedded payments and rewards player, Ionia (Tempe, AZ), and payments and risk management player, Certegy (Clearwater, FL). It combines geo-behavioral marketing technology from Ionia with the existing merchant network of Certegy--currently comprising more than 65,000 merchant locations and 75 online stores. Ionia's Pay Later is initially available through CrayPay, the mobile rewards app powered by Ionia, with more integrations to follow.

"We are pleased to partner with Certegy to offer our white label partners what we believe is the best Pay Later financing product in the industry," relayed Marshall Greenwald, CEO of Ionia. "Now any consumer-facing app can provide its customers with seamless, frictionless, interest-free financing experience through the largest merchant network in the U.S. Once the user registers, Ionia's Pay Later financing is easy-to-use, with no credit risk to the merchant or partner."

"We are delighted to bring our BNPL solution to Ionia's robust merchant network," expressed Greg Lipari, VP of Strategy and Commercial Development at Certegy. "As the holiday season kicks off, this is a critical time for customers to have digital payment access and flexibility. Through our partnership with Ionia, tens of thousands of merchants can now seamlessly bring the advantages of BNPL--including convenient, interest-free payment plans--to their customers."

Certegy and Ionia Partner on Buy-Now/Pay-Later

Code Corner

Jane Technologies (Santa Cruz, CA) has released its iOS app for cannabis shopping. It allows users to evaluate products based on local inventory, verified reviews, "feelings and effects," and personalized recommendations. For cannabis retailers, it features customizable store pages, allowing the dispensaries to manage their storefront, so users can shop real-time menus and schedule pick-up or delivery. As expected, it appears on the Apple App Store. "With the Jane app, we're bringing a seamless shopping experience to cannabis and creating a platform to further connect our community," shared Socrates Rosenfeld, CEO of Jane Technologies. "The app provides consumers with a personalized, trusted shopping experience while continuing to empower our local retail partners to grow their businesses."

Jane Technologies Releases Cannabis Shopping App for iOS

INTEGRATION

Paysafe: Knock, Knock

A new integrated payments partnership for hotels on the part of Paysafe (Houston, TX and London U.K.) and HotelKey (Dallas, TX). It links payments via Paysafe with the cloud-based software--including PMS (Property Management System)--by HotelKey. A combined solution addresses both independently-owned and franchised hotels, according to the two parties, and spans the range of front-desk, food and beverage, retail, recreational, and other back-of-house operations.

HotelKey's integration with Paysafe supports in-person, or card-present, transactions at all inside and outside hotel touchpoints. In addition to processing guest-related transactions, Paysafe will support HotelKey's back-of-house-focused app to streamline payments for recurring purchases that support day-to-day operational needs, including food and beverage orders to restock on-site bars and restaurants, guest room linens, and essential supplies for housekeeping and maintenance teams. A single reporting dashboard is also featured.

"We're passionate about partnering with innovative technology companies to develop forward-thinking payment solutions," commented Afshin Yazdian, President of Merchant Solutions at Paysafe. "Our partnership with HotelKey is an exciting opportunity to reinvent the retail and payments experience for the hospitality industry. With HotelKey, we look forward to providing dedicated support that will help U.S. hotels to continue to thrive."

Integration of Paysafe and HotelKey

Across the Border at Olo

A new functionality for frictionless checkout, dubbed "Borderless," has been showcased by restaurant software developer, Olo, Inc. (New York, NY). A part of Olo Pay for mobile wallets, this Borderless feature enables guests to save and access their on-file payment information, along with contact information and delivery addresses, across all participating restaurant brands--without password or entering of credit card information. At present, 600 brands work with Olo.

"As digital becomes a critical component of the guest journey, the industry is long overdue for a frictionless log-in and payment solution," emphasized Noah Glass, Founder and CEO at Olo. "With Borderless, we've created such checkout experience built to seamlessly integrate with the security, convenience, and speed of Olo Pay, enabling brands to jointly reach 85 million connected guests across the Olo platform. Empowering brands to reach their order potential while delivering superior hospitality via convenience to guests, we believe Borderless is the next step to improving the on-demand commerce experience."

In pilot test, Olo has reported significant benefits from Borderless. Over the past quarter, 76% of guests have saved their credit card information for future purchases, nearly 2.5 times the number of guests saving their payment in traditional checkout. For brands participating in the pilot, including Din Tai Fung, Mom's Touch, and Bud's Chicken and Seafood, Borderless has significantly increased basket conversion, translating to increased revenue and access to more guest data. Also, as part of its Fall Release Event, Olo has announced capacity for multi-concept ordering, push notifications, and "bulk 86'ing" (out-of-stock).

Olo Launches "Borderless" Checkout Functionality

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
National Retail Solutions
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Revel Systems
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Shift4
Star Micronics
Sunmi
Toshiba
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
North American Bancard
Payment Logistics
Shift4
Sound Payments

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

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Gamber-Johnson

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo

INSTALLATIONS

A Franpos's Best Friend

A roll-out of the cloud-based platform of Franpos (Atlanta, GA) for pet store chain Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. Based in Orlando, FL, Woof Gang has more than 200 stores opened or under development in the U.S. It will deploy Franpos at the individual store level to manage sales, inventory, appointment booking, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). As the corporate level, it will consolidate key metrics concerning franchise growth, performance, and opportunities.

A range of benefits are cited. An online booking module within Franpos aggregates appointments made online and in-person, and includes recurring and rebooking features to increase customer retention. Originally implemented in high-traffic salon settings, Franpos also allows for dynamic adjusting of schedules to maximize productivity and minimize conflicts. It also provides greater corporate oversight of franchise procedures as well as standardizing training.

Each franchise location will also have access to a local Franpos landing page with fully integrated e-commerce functionality, enabling in-store pick-up and delivery orders. Integrated loyalty and gift programs will be driven at the corporate level, which will empower Woof Gang to launch nationwide marketing and promotional campaigns, all within Franpos. "For us, Franpos is not just POS, it is an essential part of the way our business will be run moving forward," reflected Ricardo Azevedo, CEO of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming.

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Deploys Franpos

Honeywell's Tractor Pull

An embrace of Honeywell (Charlotte, NC) for the Tractor Supply Co. (Brentwood, TN). As "the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S.," with more than 2,000 stores, Tractor Supply has outfitted its team members with Honeywell's CT40XP Mobile Computer and cloud-based Operational Intelligence Professional Software. It cites improvements in checkout time, inventory management, and customer service.

"Honeywell's mobile devices have longer battery life, enhanced durability, long-range scanning for inventory, contactless payment for POS transactions, and retail apps to enhance productivity," noted Robert Mills, EVP, Chief Technology, Digital Commerce and Strategy Officer at Tractor Supply. "These enhancements came at a crucial time, helping us innovate and lead the retail industry in cutting-edge solutions that have helped us maintain our momentum in a very challenging retail environment." With 5" capacitive touchscreen (1920x1080), the CT40XP features Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Octa-Core CPU at 2.2 GHz, 4 GB/32 GB Memory, and Android 9 through Android 12 and 13. A full suite of wireless communication methods--WLAN, Bluetooth, WWAN, Push-to-Talk--are addressed in the CT40XP

"A combination of mobile computers, scanners, and software we design come together to provide answers for the mobile worker to quickly and accurately serve the customer right in front of them," related Taylor Smith, CTO for Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services. "Tractor Supply has been a pioneer in retail's digital transformation and has long embraced the power of technology to offer customers a more seamless and convenient experience." For 2022, Honeywell has received the Service Partner of the Year Award, in conjunction with payments provider Verifone (San Jose, CA), from the Tractor Supply Co.

Tractor Supply Co. Fields Honeywell's CT40XP

Channel Factoid

Top Five Changes Driving
the Future of Store Operation,
According to Decision-Makers

#1 - Facilitating Mobile Ordering

#2 - Shifting to Online Sales

#3 - Buying/Reserving Online and Pick-Up In-Store

#4 - Equipping Associates With Mobile Technology at Scale

#5 - Returning Online Purchases In-Store

Agree that Associates Enabled
With the Latest Technology
Improve the Customer Experience

66% of Shoppers

79% of Associates

85% of Decision-Makers

Decision-Makers' In-Store
Device Deployment Plans

-About 76% for Mobile POS, Self-Scan, Mobile Computers, and Self-Checkout by 2023

-About 96% for Mobile POS, Self-Scan, Mobile Computers, and Self-Checkout by 2027

Source: "15th Annual Global Shopper Study: The World Has Changed--Have Retailers?" by Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL).

82% of Retail Decision-Makers Plan to Increase Tech Investments Over the Next Three Years

HELLO GOODBYE

Toshiba: Sir Tsirulnik

A Senior VP of Innovation and Incubation has been named at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC): Yevgeni Tsirulnik. He joined the company in 2014, and has served, in order, as VP of EMEA Sales and Solutions, VP of Global Alliances and Innovations, and VP of Digital Platforms. Previously he was VP of Business Development and Operations at Retalix and Project Manager at NCR Retail.

"A disruptor at heart, Yevgeni continues to make his mark on the retail industry through his passion and determination," observed Mike Yeung, EVP and CTO of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. "His commitment to our values and business has repeatedly shown how he drives innovation for the industry, our customers, and ultimately shoppers. Given his deep understanding of retail, he is helping retailers to reimagine the future of the industry."

"Thanks to the trust our customers have placed in us, our Toshiba teams are working across the globe to deliver industry-recognized solutions that meet the needs of retailers today," asserted Tsirulnik. "The past three years have changed the face of retail and our customers look to us to deliver agile and resilient solutions to support the changing demands of shopping and expectations of shoppers. I'm excited to bring this future to life through new ideas and solutions that we are developing through our innovation hubs, including partnerships and our own ELERA Commerce Platform."

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Yevgeni Tsirulnik, SVP of Innovation and Incubation, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions

ETA on K Street

An experienced lobbyist has been enlisted as Senior Director of State Government Affairs at the Electronic Transactions Association (Washington, DC): Brian Yates. Prior to joining the ETA, he served as SVP at Ervin-Hill Strategy, Director of Government Affairs at Elevate, and Director of Government Affairs at QC Holdings. He also spent four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives.

"I am elated to join the Electronic Transactions Association which is a highly respected and influential organization in the world of payments and technology," remarked Yates. "This is a particularly compelling time for the industry as it continues to transform payments and benefit consumers. I look forward to applying my legislative and fintech experience to advocate for ETA's member organizations in the states as they continue to innovate and better serve all consumers."

"One of ETA's many strengths is its state advocacy work. Brian brings broad experience and talent to the table and will advance the payments industry before state policymakers," contributed Scott Talbott, SVP of ETA. A total of 500 companies worldwide for the ETA.

Brian Yates, Senior Director, State Government Affairs, Electronic Transactions Association