Our Product Pick

A new mobile, direct-thermal printer, Model SP320, has been unboxed by Unitech America (Cypress, CA). In dimensions of 5.5"/140 mm (W) x 4.6"/117 mm (H) x 2.4"/60 mm (D), weighing 1 lb./450 g, the SP320 has 3"/72 mm maximum paper width and maximum print speed of 3.5"/90 mm per second at resolution of 203 dpi. As wireless communications, it carries Bluetooth 5/BLE (and USB 2.0 Type-C). In addition to Windows, it supports iOS and Android (via Software Development Kits, SDKs). As programming languages, there's ESC/POS and CPCL. A 2700 mAh, 7.4 V rechargeable Li-ion battery provides four hours of printing time.

Unitech's SP320 Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

Toshiba: New Eyes for ELERA

An advanced system to minimize shrink and enhance self-checkout, named the ELERA Security Suite, has been rolled out by Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC). It may be used as part of the overall ELERA Solution, or as part of other Toshiba or third-party POS. Significantly, it incorporates the Qualcomm QRB5165 System-on-Chip (SoC) for IoT into Toshiba's camera TCx EDGEcam+ to process with A.I.

The ELERA Security Suite expands on the previously introduced ELERA Produce Recognition. With multiple sensors, and the TCx EDGEcam+, it monitors consumer behavior in real-time and informs shoppers of potential errors and their resolution, minimizing employee intervention. Available in Q4, it will be deployed "as-a-service" through Toshiba's IoT Platform.

"In a world where every second and every cent counts, ELERA Security Suite is not just a tool but a strategy--turning data into decisions and losses into profits," suggested Yevgeni Tsirulnik, SVP of Innovation and Incubation at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. "As global leaders in retail solutions, our Toshiba team and partners came together to envision and develop the A.I.-powered ELERA Security Suite to enhance their loss prevention measures that have a direct and positive impact on retailer profits while also improving the shopper experience."

Toshiba's A.I.-Powered ELERA Security Suite

Elavon Elevates Talech

A next-gen evolution of its software for POS, established in the market as Talech, has been presented by Elavon (Atlanta, GA). Offered exclusively on the Axium Model DX8000 Payment Terminal by Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA), the new Talech Terminal has more payment choices. In this version, based on Android, it has MSR, EMV, QR Codes, and Mobile Wallets, with Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS Version 6 Compliance.

"Our goal is to enable small business owners to focus on what they do best, eliminating the burden of managing customer payments," related Pari Sawant, Chief Product Officer for Elavon. "This solution is a perfect option for business owners who value their privacy and prefer not to mix their personal mobile phones for customer transactions." As features, it has credit card surcharge, inventory management, and time and attendance, along with connectivity via 802.11 Wi-Fi and 4G WAN.

"Talech Terminal is a continuation of our multi-year strategy to deliver integrated hardware and software payment experiences for our small business customers, following the successful launches of Talech Mobile in 2020 and Talech Register in 2022," relayed Joy Ghanekar, Chief Product Officer for Talech. "Our Talech Terminal goes beyond basic payment acceptance and allows companies to run their business in a simple, elegant, form factor." As many readers know, Elavon is the wholly owned payment processing subsidiary of mammoth U.S. Bank.

Elavon Launches Next-Gen of Talech POS - Offered on Axium DX8000 Terminal By Ingenico

Worth Your While

Channel Connect
ScanSource
October 16-19
Orlando, FL

20th WSAA
Western States Acquirers Association
October 31-November 2
Carlsbad, CA

MJBizCom
MJBizDaily
November 28-December 1
Las Vegas, NV

2024

NRF Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 14-16
New York, New York

RSPA Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 28-31
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Modex
MHI Materials
March 11-14
Atlanta, GA

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Janam Deals Its Cards

A multi-carrier, "intelligent" SIM Card functionality for its cellular-capable rugged mobile computers has been added by Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY). Entitled JanamConnect, it automatically ties into the strongest available carrier signal from major providers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (with auto failover capability). With it, according to Janam, businesses may save time, money, and resources by connecting all their Janam devices on one cellular platform.

In monthly plans, allowing pre-negotiated rates and free-of-charge roaming, JanamConnect offers data capacity levels of 500 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB. Unused data from one device may be redistributed to other devices on the same plan of JanamConnect. Also, so-called Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), extends data security and remote device management.

"Janam is committed to helping businesses get the most from their technology spend," expressed Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies. "With JanamConnect, Janam eliminates the challenges organizations often encounter when deploying and managing a fleet of cellular-enabled mobile devices while unlocking new levels of efficiency, unmatched flexibility, and superior wireless connectivity." As readers may recall, Janam Technologies was acquired by HID (Austin, TX) in December 2022. Most recently, in July 2023, HID purchased card printer vendor, Evolis (Providence, RI).

Janam Delivers SIM Card Cellular Connectivity for Its Rugged Mobile Computers, Such as the Model XM75+

Socket at the "Xtreme"

A leap into the industrial barcode scanning arena for Socket Mobile (Fremont, CA), with the debut of its XtremeScan Series. Accompanying Apple's iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, the primary XtremeScan Case XC100 features hard outer shell, rubberized shielding, and screen protection. It utilizes the iPhone's camera in conjunction with Socket Mobile's SocketCam Software. It also has an integrated wireless charger.

An XtremeScan XS930 has the same military-grade case used in the XC100 and adds 1D laser barcode scanner. A third model, XtremeScan XG930, has the same military-grade case and 1D laser barcode scanner, while adding pistol grip handle for "point and shoot." As MSRP, Socket Mobile cites $299 for the XC100, $699 for the XS930, and $799 for the XG930. A special introductory price of $199 for the XC100 has been extended until September 30, 2023.

"This expansion not only strengthens our mission to enhance workplace productivity but also propels us into new sectors, diversifying our business across new industries," shared Dave Holmes, Chief Business Officer at Socket Mobile. "By leveraging the user-friendly interface of iPhones, the XtremeScan Series provides a competitive edge in the $5.6B ruggedized mobile computing space. This powerful combination ensures our partners and end-users experience unrivaled durability, convenience, and performance."

Socket Mobile's New Family of Industrial Scanning Solutions, Named XtremeScan

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ALLIANCES

A Consolidation in Quebec

An acquisition of longtime VAR NEOPOS, on the part of PayFacto Payment Technology Solutions, expands distribution of restaurant POS in Quebec Province, Canada. Established in 1980, and bought by President and CEO Luc Girard in 2004, NEOPOS has offices in Montreal, Gatineau, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and Beauce. It handles PayFacto's Maitre'D and Veloce Software, as well as vendors such as Casio, Epson, HP, Toshiba, and LOC Store Management Software, says its website.

With its headquarters in Montreal, and offices in Lynnwood, WA, and Glascow, Scotland, payments provider PayFacto snapped up Posera-Maitre'D and Resto Finances-Veloce in 2020. Now, following its purchase of NEOPOS, PayFacto will have more than 350 employees dedicated to supporting over 10,000 restaurants in Quebec Province. "By joining forces with NEOPOS, we will drive enhanced growth opportunities and efficiencies," projected Martin Leroux, PayFacto CEO. (Overall, PayFacto has 30,000 customers in Canada, U.S., and UK.)

Flexpoint Ford, LLC (Chicago, IL), PayFacto's financial sponsor (pledging up to C$150M in 2021) has invested additional capital to fund the transaction. "Acquisition of NEOPOS is a key element of our inorganic growth strategy and we look forward to supporting continued growth of PayFacto," commented Arjun Thimmaya, Flexpoint Managing Director. In 2022, PayFacto acquired online-ordering iShopFood (Quebec City).

PayFacto Buys Prominent VAR NEOPOS

An Octopus's Garden

Another of our VARs, Realtime POS (Charlotte, NC), has furthered e-commerce via the Octopus API (Application Programming Interface) by 24Seven Commerce (San Jose, CA). Under this integration, retailers may swiftly onboard notable platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento), as well as leading marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, eBay, Walmart). Earlier in the year, 24Seven Commerce recruited Auto-Star Compusystems (Medicine Hat, AB, Canada).

As advantages of its Octopus Bridge, 24Seven Commerce identifies consolidation to one publisher and one order format. Also, so-called Safety Net Rules reduce or eliminate overselling and inventory discrepancies. Also cited: pricing in line with small-to-midsized business.

"We believe that the future of retail lies in seamless integration across platforms," promulgated Anil "AJ" Jindal, CEO of 24Seven Commerce. "Octopus Bridge enables businesses to unlock the true potential of e-commerce, streamlining operations and driving growth. We invite POS software developers to join us in revolutionizing the retail landscape and delivering exceptional value to businesses worldwide."

A Call for VARs by 24Seven Commerce/Octopus

Code Corner

A back-of-house (BOH) solution for restaurants has been announced by ISV TouchBistro (Toronto, ON, Canada and New York, NY). In extending TouchBistro POS, it comprises two new elements: TouchBistro Profit Management and TouchBistro Kitchen Display System. The first, TouchBistro Profit Management, draws upon third-party MarginEdge (Arlington, VA) to coordinate inventory control, supplier costs and invoices, menu and recipe planning, food wastage, and accounting. The second, TouchBistro Kitchen Display System, draws upon third-party Fresh KDS (Birmingham, AL) to efficiently fulfill tickets sent from the POS. "After spending many years focused on enhancing our POS, front-of-house (FOH) operations, and guest engagement solutions, we knew the timing was right to expand our BOH offerings so that restaurateurs have the key ingredients needed to drive their businesses forward," reported Samir Zabaneh, CEO and Chairman of TouchBistro.

TouchBistro's Back-of House for Restaurants

______________________

A new inventory management app has been released by SK&T Integration (Windsor, CO), designated as Scan IM. As features, it furnishes barcode scanning, color-coded stock alerts, user-friendly interface, and compatibility across device types. With on-the-go reporting and accurate counts in real-time, it seeks to address recent supply chain problems resulting from Covid-19, according to SK&T. During that time, "No one knew how many items they had, what they needed, forecasting wasn't a thing, even day-to-day, let alone emergency forecasting," noted Travis Higman, Chief Strategy Officer at SK&T. "We thought, 'We're already doing inventory management for one client, why can't we do it with everyone else?" A woman-owned, family business, in operation for over 25 years, SK&T is one of the largest barcode integration firms in the Rocky Mountains.

Inventory Management From SK&T

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Aldelo Sets "Course"

A new solution to enhance restaurant table service, addressing coordination between the wait staff and kitchen staff, has been unwrapped by Aldelo (Pleasanton, CA). In support of Aldelo Express POS, it covers up to 10 courses per meal, with custom names for each course, and an option to auto-fire courses after an order is placed. Coursing menu items, including appetizers, entrees, and drinks, may be set ahead of time in the restaurant's back-office, or assigned "on-the-spot" from the POS.

In addition, this new solution supports coursing by seat to accommodate any customers' unique meal pacing. At present, basic coursing solutions typically differentiate each course via lines printed or physically drawn across kitchen tickets, notes Aldelo. By contrast, its new Coursing Solution utilizes the kitchen printers to more clearly display the individual courses and streamline running of the restaurant.

"Aldelo provides restaurant owners a path to simplicity while employing powerful, underlying, tier-one POS technology," espoused Jerry Wilson, VP of Partner Solutions for Aldelo, L.P. "With this new coursing solution, combined with split item and split guest check features, Aldelo Express enables full-service and fine-dining establishments to provide great food and superior customer service." Aldelo Express Cloud POS is offered at zero additional cost to merchants using Aldelo Pay and approved Aldelo Partner Merchant Services. Also, at zero additional cost, users may receive the Masa+ Suite of Online Restaurant Solutions.

A Restaurant Coursing Solution for Aldelo Express

PayJunction: Look, No Code

A "No-Code" Payments Integration Platform has been launched by PayJunction (Santa Barbara, CA). As browser extension, it enables rapid addition of payment features within any cloud-based software, including POS, according to PayJunction. Offering advanced security features, it thus eliminates the need for custom coding, API (Application Programming Interface) management, and certification cycles.

As features, this new No-Code Payments Integration Platform includes: digital invoices, telephone orders, recharging capacity, recurring and subscription payments, refunds, and bank-to-bank transfers (ACH). In addition, "low-code web-hooks" may be used to expand acceptance features and to customize workflows and business logic to meet specific requirements. It's offered free for software developers who employ the payment gateway and processing service by PayJunction.

"This isn't just a leap forward: it's an evolutionary jump in software development for the payments industry," declared Randy Modos, President of PayJunction. "Our No-Code Payments Integration Platform marks a transformative moment that reduces development time from months to minutes. ISVs, developers, and businesses gain tools to efficiently implement and manage payment acceptance, leveling the playing field for all."

Simplifying Development of Payments Acceptance

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aldelo
Bixolon America
Electronic Payments
Epson America
FEC POS
HiStone
HP
Ingenico
Pioneer Solution
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
POS Nation
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Star Micronics
Sunmi
Toshiba

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
GoDEX Americas
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers/Cash Handling
apg/APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
Janam Technologies
MobileDemand
Star Micronics
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
Miura Systems
North American Bancard
Payment Logistics
Sound Payments

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

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
Star Micronics

Touchscreens
MicroTouch

INSTALLATIONS

Flying the Colors at Epson

A new software allowing businesses to easily transform black-and-white shipping labels into more powerful full-color shipping labels has been issued by Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA). Assigned as Label Boost, it enables businesses to elevate branding, reduce operational costs, and improve shipping accuracy, according to Epson, via its provision of coupons, advertisements, secondary labels, and dynamic content. It works with Epson's ColorWorks CW-C4000, CW-C6000, and CW-C6500 Printer Series.

With modification of the existing label only at the very last step before printing, it works alongside existing shipping software. Also, it furnishes compatibility with ZPL-driven software used by many national couriers, as well as labeling solutions such as BarTender and Loftware. On secondary labels, including regulatory and shipping-and-handling, critical information may be highlighted, such as parcel count or timing.

"Retailers and direct-to-consumer manufacturers are always looking for creative and affordable ways to grow revenue and build customer loyalty," pointed out Tessa Kohl, Product Manager of DX (Digital Transformation) Solutions at Epson America. "Adding colorful messages, secondary labels, coupons, and ads to shipping labels is a unique way for businesses to tap into innovative marketing to help elevate branding, improve shipper accuracy, and streamline operations." Available in late 2023, Label Boost will be offered through a standalone professional license, as well as with a promotional bundle with the ColorWorks CW-C6000P and starter 4"x 8" (102 mm x 203 mm) roll.

Epson's Label Boost Solution Produces Full-Color Content

[Editor's Note: Also, Epson has received the 2023 Red Dot Design Award for, among other products, three of its thermal printers: Mobilink TM-P20II/TM-P80II, OmniLink TM-L100, and OmniLink TM-m30III.]

Accessorizing With Oracle Cloud

A deployment of Oracle Cloud for resort and fashion retailer, Lilly Pulitzer. In more than 60 retail stores, in major department stores, and more than 50 signature stores in the U.S., Lilly Pulitzer has implemented Oracle Retail Xstore Mobile POS running on tablets. It links the customer's purchase history and inventory levels for store associates.

"The new Oracle Mobile POS allows our associates to execute a seamless transaction from anywhere in the store, capture data to grow the loyalty program, and review purchase history to make real-time recommendations," observed Rachael Crews, VP of Digital Commerce, Customer Engagement, at Lilly Pulitzer (King of Prussia, PA). "Having this intelligence at their fingertips can be a game changer in moving our customers from browsers to buyers." As advisors: Oracle Retail Consulting and Deloitte.

"POS technology should automate processes, streamline transactions, and deliver quick scale without the customer even noticing," proposed Mike Webster, SVP and GM of Oracle Retail (Austin, TX). "For lifestyle brands like Lilly, the merchandise, culture, and selling environment drive success. Our goal is to enable sales associates to stay focused and available throughout the entire shopping experience, ensuring customers get the attention they deserve."

Lilly Pulitzer Deploys Oracle Retail Xstore Mobile POS

Channel Factoid

Growth in Transactional
Revenue (U.S. $Billions)

Banks

2020 - $342B
2025 - $447B
2030 - $561B

Alternative Payment Methods

2020 - $78B
2025 - $188B
2030 - $313B

Merchant Service Providers

2020 - $141B
2025 - $167B
2030 - $212B

Card Networks

2020 - $71B
2025 - $98B
2030 - $125B

Third-Party Processors

2020 - $42B
2025 - $57B
2030 - $84B

Terminals

2020 - $17B
2025 - $22B
2030 - $26B

Source: "Payments 2025 & Beyond" by PwC

A Significant Transformation Follows Covid-19

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

HELLO GOODBYE

A Step for Brother

A new hire at Brother Mobile Solutions (Westminster, CO) sees Theo Bielowicz as Director of Sales. He joins the company from Honeywell's Productivity Solutions and Services Business, where he most recently served as Regional Sales Director - Enterprise Team. Earlier, he held marketing roles at NCR, Zebra Technologies, Sato, and Datamax-O'Neil.

"In order to thrive in today's volatile economy, our customers must identify and invest in solutions to become more operationally efficient," counseled Bielowicz. "I'm excited to draw on my extensive end-user and channel sales experience to deliver world-class support to existing Brother Mobile Solutions customers, while developing new customer-driven strategies to grow revenue and increase market share."

"We are pleased to welcome Theo Bielowicz to the Brother Mobile Solutions team," contributed Greg O'Connell, BMS VP of Sales. "Theo is a dynamic sales leader with the deep industry experience needed to hit the ground running at a moment of tremendous opportunity for Brother Mobile Solutions, as customers in transportation and logistics, warehousing, retail, and other markets continue to seek smarter printing and labeling solutions."

Theo Bielowicz, Director of Sales, Brother Mobile Solutions

A Head Gardner at Tulip

An ascension to President and COO of ISV Tulip (Toronto, ON, Canada) for Interim Chief Strategy Officer, Ian Rawlins. Previously, in his role as Chief Strategy Officer at Aptos, he participated in that retail software developer's spin-off from Epicor.. Before that, he was Co-Founder of Triversity, which was subsequently acquired by SAP.

"I'm thrilled for this new opportunity and I thank (Tulip) Founder Ali Asaria and the Tulip Board for their expression of confidence in me," reflected Rawlins. "I believe it is a privilege to be joining a company with market-leading products and top global brands as customers and with a great company culture already well-established." As customers, Tulip has prominent retailers such as Mulberry, Saks Fifth Avenue, Kendra Scott, Kate Spade, Coach, and Michael Kors.

Commenting on the similarities between Tulip and his previous ventures, Rawlins stated, "I see a lot of parallels here at Tulip and the potential trajectory from here--all the important ingredients are present. The market dynamics are very attractive, we have great customers and products, and most importantly, we have an experienced and motivated team of people wanting to do something special. That combination doesn't come along very often."

Ian Rawlins, President and COO, Tulip