Our Product Pick

Unitech America (Cypress, CA) has unwrapped its one-finger wired ring scanner, Model MS622, to be used with its wearable mobile computer, Model WD200. Weighing 0.5 oz./14 g, reading 1D/2D, Model MS622 features maximum scan speed of 60 frames per second, with 5 mil resolution. It connects to the Model WD200 via USB-C. As technical features, the Model WD200 has Android 10, Qualcomm Snapdragon Octa-Core CPU, 3 GB RAM, and 32 GB Flash. It carries 3" color capacitive touchscreen (800x480), dual microphones, 13 MP camera, and 2050 mAh Li-polymer battery. As communications, there's Bluetooth 5, 802.11 Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE WAN. In dimensions of 3.8" (L) x 2.3" (W) x 0.5" (D), the Model WD200 weighs 3.8 oz./110 g. As cited MSRP: $252, MS622; $976, WD200.

Wearable Barcode Scanning by Unitech

COMPANY BUSINESS

Aldelo on the Go

Aldelo, L.P. (Pleasanton, CA) has debuted an all-in-one handheld solution for restaurant POS. It combines Aldelo Express Cloud POS and the Models A60 and A920 Pro payment terminals by PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). It enables merchants to run an entire restaurant operation with the full-featured capabilities of Aldelo Express Cloud POS from one compact, stand-alone device, according to the ISV. Each of the terminals by PAX has 5" color touchscreen.

With both 802.11 Wi-Fi and WAN connectivity, the solution can extend existing traditional restaurant ordering and payment capabilities to table-side, patio, and other outdoor venues. It prints orders directly to the kitchen and bar, supporting up to 20 individual printers or Kitchen Display Systems (KDS). Also, it allows merchants to accept mobile credit card payments on- and off-premises, including at-the-door customer delivery transactions via swipe, tap, or dip. In the event of network or power outage, it provides back-up for continued operations.

"We're pleased to introduce another foundational solution to our cloud-based restaurant technology platform that is aligned with our commitment of developing customer-centric products that produce immediate results for our merchants," commented Harry Tu, CEO of Aldelo, L.P. "Our mission is to make a positive impact with every merchant by offering everything needed to run a successful business at a transparent and economical cost so they're able to focus on providing great customer experiences and services." (FYI: Merchants using Aldelo Pay merchant services receive, at no cost, Aldelo Express Cloud POS, as well as Aldelo's Masa+ suite of online order and engagement solutions.)

A Complete Mobile Restaurant POS & Payment Solution From Aldelo

A Prix Fixe of POS

A noteworthy acquisition in POS, with SpotOn (San Francisco, CA) snapping up Appetize (Los Angeles, CA). A combined entity will now address the spectrum of the restaurant business: small, midsize, and enterprise. As part of this plan, SpotOn has raised $300 million in Series E funding, led by Andreessen Horowitz. It will pay $415 million in cash and stock for Appetize (established in 2011), according to Tech Crunch.

"From our first meetings with Appetize, we knew they had great people and a great product, and the more we worked together it became clear that our two companies were stronger together," shared Matt Hyman, Co-CEO of SpotOn. "We are combining our complementary technologies, extending our market coverage, and retaining our shared passion for great service and support for our clients." As well, it will bring loyalty programs and expanded marketing capabilities to SpotOn.

"Appetize has built a truly special team and product that is trusted by some of the most iconic brands in hospitality, from Yankee Stadium to LSU to the San Diego Zoo. Likewise, SpotOn has earned the trust of tens of thousands of small businesses and independent restaurants with their technology and team," elaborated Max Roper, CEO at Appetize, who will continue running the business as SpotOn Enterprise. "This acquisition enables our combined team to accelerate investments into our core product and client base, while expanding to fill a void in the mid-market space." A combined company will employ 1,600 people, with more than 500 product and technology professionals.

Appetize Acquired by SpotOn

Worth Your While

VARTECH
BlueStar
October 3-5
Orlando, FL

NACS Show
Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing
October 5-8
Chicago, IL

WSAA Conference
Western States Acquirers Association
October 13-14
Fort Worth, TX

Money 20/20
Ascential
October 24-27
Las Vegas, NV

2022

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

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

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

HP: Get Tough

HP (Palo Alto, CA) has extended its family of POS with the new HP Engage One Essential. A fanless, all-in-one, HP Engage One Essential fulfills the needs of harsh retail environments, including restaurants, bars, entertainment, and resorts. Notably, it carries an IP-54 rating for dust and liquid intrusion and three-year onsite warranty. With 14" projected-capacitive touchscreen, it features true-flat frame, single cable management in the pedestal (in countertop configuration), and integration of peripherals such as card reader and barcode scanner.

As part of the HP Engage One Series, Essential has Intel Celeron or Pentium CPU, multiple ports (USB-A x 2, USB-C x 2, and RJ-45), and network connectivity via Wired Ethernet or 802.11 Wi-Fi 5. It runs Windows or Android, with the security prowess of HP, such as self-healing HP BIOS. A choice of mounts or stands are offered, including swivel to enable guests to verify information, tip, or settle charges.

"The entire HP Engage portfolio is purpose-built to meet the new shopping and engagement habits that consumers have adopted during the pandemic and are designed to complement in-store aesthetics," stated Cory McElroy, VP and GM, Retail and Industry Solutions, at HP. "Whether you need a sealed, fanless device for more traditional point-of-sale to an interactive, self-service device or a larger display for menu boards, HP has a variety of options to fit your needs." Included in the HP Engage Series are three formats: all-in-one terminals, "One"; mobile tablets, "Go"; and modular computers, "Flex."

HP Engage One Essential With IP-54 Rating

Cognex Hangs Mirror

Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA) has supplied its High-Speed Steerable Mirror, which enlarges the field of view of its fixed-mount DataMan 470 barcode reader. When attached, it can expand the field of view of DataMan 470 both vertically and horizontally, thereby furnishing effective resolution of 50 MP (up from 3 or 5 MP for DataMan 470). Also, when coupled with the company's liquid lens technology, it can change both field of view and depth of focus dynamically.

A Steerable Mirror arrives preassembled to the front of the DataMan 470. It may be configured using built-in web-based set-up wizard, allowing operators to deploy an application in minutes, according to Cognex. A user simply enters an application's specifications, and the wizard automatically calculates placement and the optimal scanning pattern, ensuring the highest read rates. An integrated laser aimer of DataMan 470 guides initial mounting.

A single DataMan 470, outfitted with its High-Speed Steerable Mirror, can now be used for pallet scanning, aggregation, and other large area applications that previously required high-resolution PC-vision or even multiple fixed-mount scanners. "Now e-commerce and logistics companies can get up and running more quickly and achieve the same high accuracy scanning results with lower maintenance costs," suggested Matt Moschner, Senior Director of ID Products for Cognex Corporation. In the Cognex family of machine vision products, DataMan 470 has multi-core processing power, HDR+ (High Dynamic Range) imaging, high-resolution sensors, and advanced decoding algorithms.

Cognex Steerable Mirror for DataMan 470

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Week of September 6

Week of August 16

Week of August 2

ALLIANCES

Fobi Hits Lightspeed

A new partnership has been entered into by Fobi (Vancouver, BC, Canada) and Lightspeed (Montreal, QC, Canada). Via the technology for IoT of Fobi (the former Loop Insights), it provides real-time aggregation and analytics of data from the Lightspeed POS. It builds upon the previous relationship between Fobi and Vend, which featured installation at 550 locations of retailer "Your CBD" in November 2020. As many readers will recall, Lightspeed bought Vend in March 2021.

"Lightspeed's support of Fobi's integration to their platform cannot be overstated as it speaks volumes about their confidence in Fobi as a premiere retail data solution provider," asserted Rob Anson, CEO of Fobi. "With our integration now complete, both Fobi and Lightspeed are positioned to generate new sales opportunities through this successful partnership. And being selected as their 'Featured Partner' in the Lightspeed ecosystem for the month of October is another validation of the value that Fobi brings to Lightspeed retailers."

A new generation of its proprietary device for IoT, designated Fobi 3.0, has also been launched by Fobi. It enables out-of-the-box, plug-and-play deployment by the end-user. It also offers an ability to connect and consolidate peripherals in retail environments, including barcode scanners, receipt printers, and the POS, with dual USB. Also, capacity for QR Code, NFC, and Application Programming Interface (API).

A Global Referral Partnership Between Lightspeed and Fobi. Shown Here, Technology of Fobi, Including Fobi 3.0 IoT Device

Delivering MPS for Thermal

A Managed Print Service (MPS) has been launched for the thermal label printers of Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) by Scantron Technology Solutions (Omaha, NE). Entitled MPowerPrint for Zebra, it seeks to open up the transportation, logistics, manufacturing, and retail markets for this Managed Service Provider (MSP). Under MPS, Scantron oversees workings of the end-user's printer network.

As benefits of its MPowerPrint MPS, Scantron cites reduced cost (especially CapEx), increased uptime, and less burden on internal IT. A well-known delivery mechanism in the general business equipment marketplace, MPS is less established in POS and Auto ID. In addition to Zebra, Scantron offers its MPowerPrint for HP, Lexmark, and Xerox.

"MPowerPrint for Zebra will allow us to support businesses of all sizes with installation, maintenance, monitoring, and consumable replacement," contributed Vern Kathol, VP of Solutions for Scantron Technology Solutions. "Our goal is to optimize thermal print environments through proactive management and security while improving customer satisfaction." In making its announcement, Scantron included existing printer networks, as well as new, as candidates for MPS.

An MSP Offers Managed Print Service (MPS) for Zebra

Code Corner

Dynamsoft (Vancouver, BC, Canada) has released its enhanced Dynamsoft Label Recognizer SDK (Software Development Kit) Version 2.0. It adds automatic spelling correction and new image processing modes in support of digital extraction of content from physical labels. A pre-defined dictionary can be integrated as ".txt" file for the software's engine--Optical Character Recognition (OCR)--with misspelled words subsequently identified and corrected. New image processing modes include textured area detection, binarization, and grayscale. A developer may enable some or all of these to pre-process an image depending on the application (e.g., passports with Machine-Readable Zones, or MDZ). Dynamsoft Label Recognizer SDK works on content that includes text, numbers, alphanumerics, and common symbols. Available editions cover development for C/C++, DotNet, Java, Android, and iOS. "Version 2.0 marks the latest significant investment we have made in the SDK," remarked Amy Gu, President at Dynamsoft. "The kit can be used for applications like label price verification in retail stores, for back-end inventory management, to ensure security protocols, and much more."

Dynamsoft Upgrades Label Recognizer SDK

INTEGRATION

Certegy Checks In

A new app from Certegy (Clearwater, FL), named MobilePay, helps field and home merchants accept checks. It authorizes the payment, converts it to an electronic ACH (Automated Clearing House), and deposits the payment remotely into the merchant's bank account. It supports both iOS and Android, via the Apple App Store and Google Play. (It should not be confused with Mobile Pay POS by Paysafe.)

"As we rapidly innovate and roll out new technology solutions, MobilePay is another example of providing our merchants various payment acceptance methods, saving them money and providing convenience for the merchant and the customer," declared Colby Thames, CTO at Certegy. "Merchants and customers alike want choice and flexibility when it comes to payment methods. Offering MobilePay, and solutions like our 'Buy Now, Pay Later' product, offer significant alternatives to high-fee credit card programs."

As an app, MobilePay leverages Certegy's BankPay platform, with "best-in-class" verification and risk management for consumer data security. At present, over $2 billion in BankPay ACH gets transacted per year, according to Certegy. An optional Certegy Warranty Program offers full reimbursement for returned transactions. In conversation with RRN, Certegy expressed an interest in partnering with ISVs.

Accepting Checks With Certegy's MobilePay App

Paytronix Deals eCards

As its gift card provider, Paytronix Systems (Newton, MA) has chosen eCard Systems (Brentwood, TN). As one of the major purveyors of customer reward and loyalty systems, in particular for restaurants and convenience stores, Paytronix selected eCard for its capabilities in order management, design and production, and support services. With more than 125 partnering VARs and ISVs in POS, eCard Systems offers specific portalsfor ShopKeep, Square, Toast, TouchBistro, and Upserve on its website.

"Our merchants and partners consistently tell us they want their gift card experience from ordering to customer support to be easier than it has been in the past. This need has only accelerated during the pandemic and on through initial recovery," reported Benjamin Berg, CEO of eCard Systems. "As the marketplace gains momentum, we continue investing in technology, e-commerce solutions, and customer service to elevate the gift card industry and the experience of our customers. As part of that journey, we're honored to partner with a marquee company like Paytronix and serve its customers with easy gift card ordering."

"eCard Systems clearly rose above its competition in the RFP (Request for Proposal). They brought a new process to the table that is making it easier for our customer to place and manage the manufacturing and shipping of physical cards," explained Michelle Tempesta, Head of Marketing at Paytronix Systems. "eCard Systems offers competitive pricing, easy ordering through its online portal, and quicker turn times for production. It's a win-win for Paytronix and our customers."

As Supplier of Gift Cards, Paytronix Picks eCard Systems

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

Customer Journey and Engagement Management System
FastSensor

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

All Corners Are Squared

A ten-year commitment puts Square as the exclusive provider of point-of-sale, payments, software, and merchant services for the new SoFi Stadium, home to the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams, as well as Hollywood Park, an associated 300-acre mixed-use development by Los Angeles Rams Owner E. Stanley Kroenke. As an intended cashless venue, SoFi Stadium selected Square's ecosystem of products and services to power commerce and contactless payments across every checkout and purchase point. A contract for the project was awarded by Legends Hospitality Management (New York, NY).

As software, the stadium will run both Point-of-Sale and Team Management by Square. In order to serve hundreds of concession stands, bars, roving hawkers, and merchandise retail stores, SoFi will install approximately 1,000 countertop Square Registers and handheld Square Terminals. As Application Programming Interfaces: Square Catalog API (inventory), Square Orders API (kitchen communications), and Square Payments API (transactions and business analytics).

"Square's integrated products and platform enable sellers of all sizes to run their businesses, and as a proud partner of SoFi Stadium--the biggest and most advanced stadium in the country--we're eager to continue to show what's possible for stadiums and retail districts," expressed Ashley Grech, Global Head of Sales at Square (San Francisco, CA). "Fan experience, fan safety, and long-term fan engagement will remain top of mind for every sports and entertainment venue for many seasons to come. Square's continued commitment to providing seamless, reliable, and safe contactless commerce, as well as the data insights operators need to optimize their sales, makes us ideally suited to help organizations modernize and future-proof their operations."

Exclusive Deployment of Square at SoFi Stadium

Wakefern's Handle: CB4

Wakefern Food Corporation (Keasbey, NJ) will roll out store execution software by CB4 (New York, NY) to additional locations following successful testing in several locations of ShopRite and Price Rite Marketplace. An app of CB4 employs AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) to monitor inventory, pricing, and placement of products. Wakefern is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the U.S., with nearly 50 member companies who independently own and operate 362 retail supermarkets under banners such as ShopRite and Price Rite Marketplace. It first piloted the CB4 app in 2020.

A store's team will spend less time each week tracking price mismatches, out-of-stock items, inventory discrepancies, and other back-end issues when presented with analytics bolstered by its AI and ML, according to CB4. With this technology, each store may be provided with an accounting of SKUs with individual selling patterns and merchandising histories. It allows store owners to make quick fixes like updating the inventory management system, printing new labels, or taking items out of back stock. A "high per minute ROI," claims CB4.

"Covid-19 has been--and is still--a challenge and an opportunity for brick-and-mortar retail," observed Yoni Benshaul, CEO at CB4. "Stores are very busy and supply issues can be challenging, so it can be difficult to know what needs attention right now. Wakefern's results--using CB4 to solve this challenge while delivering revenue and customer satisfaction--are amazing to see." Other customers of CB4 include Ace Hardware, Associated Food Stores, Handy Mart, Kum & Go, Levi's, Urban Outfitters, and QuickChek.

Wakefern Rolls Out AI and ML for Stocking Via CB4

Channel Factoid

Holiday Plans

-Nearly half of consumers in the U.S. (48%) said they plan to spend more on the holidays this year because they couldn't celebrate normally in 2020.

-In particular, more than half of consumers in the U.S. (54%) plan to spend more this year on so-called experiences--like traveling or attending or hosting parties--rather than physical gifts.

-A memorable experience--such as ticket to concert or sporting event--was identified as the "top gift" to be given (cited by 42%), followed by electronics (29%), clothing (25%), and vacation (26%).

-And as the "top gift" consumers in the U.S. hope to receive this holiday season: vacation (cited by 27%), followed by clothing (26%), and memorable experience (24%).

-Staying on budget was identified as the top concern of U.S. consumers (cited by 41%), followed by incurring long-term debt (31%), shipping costs (28%), and being charged late or hidden fees (26%).

-A head start on their holiday shopping was reported by the majority of consumers in the U.S. with one-fifth (20%) starting their shopping in September. A majority (61%) reported they will not wait for sales on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

-On average, consumers in the U.S. plan to spend the most on their significant others, $400, compared to $300 on each immediate family member.

Source: 2021 Holiday Shopping Survey of U.S. Consumers, Conducted by OnePoll on Behalf of Affirm (San Francisco, CA)

Shopping Starting Early This Year

Top Retailers in U.S.

(Based on 2020 Sales in Billions)

1: Walmart - $430.82

2: Amazon.com - $187.27

3: The Kroeger Co. - $131.57

4: The Home Depot - $121.26

5: Costco Warehouse - $121.22

6: Walgreens/Boots - $104.70

7: Target - $92.40

8: CVS Health Corp. - $89.53

9: Lowe's Companies - $82.88

10: Albertsons Companies - $69.73

Source: National Retail Foundation

HELLO GOODBYE

He "Tills" the Channel

APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN) has engaged Logan Gleissner as SMARTtill Business Development Manager, with an emphasis on resellers and ISVs in North America. He was most recently with EatStreet as the Territory Manager for Kansas, and previously served as Sales Executive for Truno Retail Technology and Retail Data Systems. His experience includes expertise in various POS platforms, including NCR and Toshiba ACE. He will be based in Kansas.

"We are excited to have Logan join our SMARTtill Solution team," indicated Stephen Bergeron, VP of Sales and Marketing for North America at APG Cash Drawer. "Logan's understanding and experience within the reseller and ISV channels for grocery, hospitality, and convenience will play a pivotal role as we expand our reseller customer base." Via weighable coin and note tray, as many readers have seen, details of each transaction (such as number, cashier, date, and time) are electronically logged by APG's SMARTtill.

\

Logan Gleissner, SMARTtill Business Development Manager, APG Cash Drawer

A Succession at RCS

A passing of the torch at Retail Control Systems (Enfield, NH and Fort Collins, CO), with Kevin Albert promoted to CEO/President. His uncle, Dave Albert, former President, with remain involved as an advisor and member of the board at RCS, and also will continue to work with sister company, Mocha Payments. Kevin Albert started work at RCS in 2002 as Software Specialist. In 2020, he was named President, setting the stage to add the role of CEO.

"For going on twenty years, Kevin's been ingrained in every aspect of our business. He's played a vital role in building this company into what it is today," reflected Dave Albert, who founded RCS in 1987. "His natural leadership qualities and vision are exactly what's needed to propel RCS forward into the future. Kevin taking the reins has also fulfilled a dream of mine--that RCS remain a family-owned entity."

"The future of retail is evolving at a faster pace than anyone could have imagined 18 months ago," corroborated Kevin Albert. "RCS's ability to both anticipate that change and respond to it in the midst of a pandemic is a testament to what Dave built and the incredibly capable and dynamic RCS team he put together." In POS, RCS partners with Cegid, Revel, and NCR Counterpoint. Also, in cannabis, Anthea.

At Retail Control Systems: Kevin Albert (At Left) Rises to CEO/President, Succeeding Founder Dave Albert (At Right)

It's POS for PDI

PDI (Atlanta, GA), which supplies enterprise management software for the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale industries, has moved into POS. A two-part effort includes the purchase of Orbis Technologies (Annapolis, MD), which has cloud-based software for back-office and POS, and the hiring of industry veteran Brad McGuinness as SVP for Point-of-Sale. "We've built a powerful single stack suite of solutions for hospitality, convenience, and fuel retail and are excited to join the PDI team," relayed Jorundur Jorundsson, CEO of Orbis Technologies.

Before joining PDI, McGuinness served in several leadership positions, culminating in SVP for Convenience Petroleum Systems, at Verifone. He was responsible for bringing to market popular products such as Ruby, Commander, Topaz, and the Verifone Mx PIN Pad. Earlier, he led key payment and data security standards development efforts at Conexxus.

"Orbis Tech has built a complete solution that fits the needs of our customers, enabling them to optimize their business while simplifying their technology stack," related Jimmy Frangis, CEO at PDI. "Adding software for POS, strengthening our back-office and home office solutions, and appointing Brad McGuinness as leader, positions PDI to serve the industry now and help our customers reshape the future."

Brad McGuinness, SVP of Point-of-Sale Solutions, PDI