Our Product Pick

An enhancement to the TH Series Desktop Barcode Printer (4"/102 mm) by TSC Auto ID Technology (Brea, CA) allows end-users to directly encode labels with RAIN (UHF Passive) RFID. An auto-calibration capacity configures the printer, and support has been added for diverse labels, including on-metal labels. In direct-thermal and thermal-transfer technologies, and clamshell design, the TH Series (4"/102 mm) furnishes maximum print speed of 8"/203 mm per second at 203 dpi resolution and 6"/152 mm per second at 300 dpi resolution. "We have made continuous efforts to expand the capabilities of the TH Series to meet different application requirements," expressed David Chen, Business Manager, Desktop Printer Business at TSC Auto ID Technology.

TSC Auto ID TH Series

COMPANY BUSINESS

An Eye on ePay

A next-generation payment gateway has been opened by restaurant ISV, Aldelo (Pleasanton, CA). As Aldelo ePay, eliminating need for third-party systems, it works in conjunction with Aldelo Express Cloud POS. A longtime player in our channel, Aldelo supports iOS and Android POS.

A number of benefits are cited, such as merchant onboarding enhanced via AI. Also, with store-and-forward capabilities, Aldelo ePay ensures uninterrupted service in case of network outage. Additional features include data tokenization, centralized batching and tip adjustment optimization, and expanded payment device hardware compatibility.

"Aldelo ePay represents the next step in Aldelo's mission to deliver complete, intelligent, and secure POS solutions for restaurants," commented Jeff Moore, VP of Operations at Aldelo, LP. "This is more than just a payment gateway--it's a dynamic business management platform that gives merchants and partners the control, flexibility, and confidence they need to thrive." An AI Menu Builder for Aldelo Express, introduced earlier, allows restaurant staff to simply scan handwritten notes onto tablets.

Aldelo Express Cloud POS Adds Payment Gateway

"A New Era," Says PAX

A new face at PAX Technology North America (Jacksonville, FL), has Zach Chang engaged as North America President and CEO. He joins the prominent vendor of payment hardware following previous roles as GM of both Hanshow and Sunmi North America. Earlier in his career, he held executive and engineering positions in the telecom industry.

"The North American market plays a vital role in PAX's global growth, and our focus here has never been stronger," declared Chang. "We're entering an exciting new chapter driven by innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to listening to our customers and partners. Together, we will shape what the future of payments will look like."

Also, PAX has named healthcare payments veteran John Welch, Chief Product Officer at TrustCommerce (Chicago, IL), to its Technology & Innovation Steering Committee. "Having a strategic leader like John on the Technology & Innovation Committee adds tremendous value," espoused Clint Jones, Chief Revenue Officer at PAX Technology. "His expertise in healthcare and payments will help us continue pushing boundaries and delivering forward-thinking solutions that meet the evolving needs of our partners and customers worldwide."

Zach Chang, President and CEO, North America, PAX Technology

Worth Your While

MJBizCon
Emerald X
December 2-5
Las Vegas, NV

2026

NRF Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 11-13
New York, NY

NGA Show
National Grocers Association
February 1-3
Las Vegas, NV

RSPA Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association
February 1-4
Kaua'i, HI

ETA Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
March 18-20
Atlanta, GA

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago, IL

MODEX
Material Handling Institute - MHI
April 13-16
Atlanta, GA

RSPA RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 26-28
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

On Epson's Ticket

A print-on-demand retail ticket kiosk features the mSeries thermal printer by Epson America (Los Alamitos, CA) integrated into the Converge Take-a-Ticket Display by OnQ (Hayward, CA). With this new system, customers may easily see what's in stock, choose the item they want, then print the product information for checkout. A leading retail design agency, OnQ furnishes displays for brands in categories such as consumer electronics, health and beauty, pet care, and household products.

"Epson printers are integral to Converge Take-a-Ticket, which tackles some of the toughest challenges retailers face," explained Paul Chapuis, Founder and CEO of OnQ. "Take-a-Ticket eliminates the need for traditional fulfillment cards, integrates directly with inventory management systems, and connects with retailers' e-commerce platforms to give shoppers the ability to purchase out-of-stock items online and browse a broader assortment than what's in the store."

'Our mSeries printers are designed to fit seamlessly into modern retail environments, where space, reliability, and flexibility are critical," elaborated John Choi, Product Manager, Epson America. In cube-shaped dimensions of 5" x 5" x 5" (127 mm x 127 mm x 127 mm), with top-exit or front-exit configuration, the mSeries has 3"/80 mm maximum print width. A quartet of models offer the full suite of connectivity choices.

Epson's mSeries Printer for OnQ's Ticket-Dispensing Retail Display

Adyen Storms Castle

A major distribution partner for the new S1E4 Pro and S1F4 Pro payment terminals from Castle Technology (Kennesaw, GA)--in the form of Adyen (San Francisco, CA and Amsterdam, Netherlands). As primary features, the terminals have ARM A73 Octa-Core CPU at 2.4 GHz, 6" capacitive touchscreen, wireless (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G), and Android 13 O/S. As markets, the financial technology firm cites food and beverage for the S1E4 Pro and retail and service environments for the S1F4 Pro.

In portable format, the S1E4 Pro has dimensions of 6.8"/167 mm (L) x 3.1"/79 mm (W) x 0.9"/22 mm (D) and weighs 11.6 oz./328 g, with 6000 mAh Li-ion battery. It meets Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS 7.x. As an all-in-one solution, furnishing receipts, the S1F4 Pro adds 2"/58 mm thermal printer. It meets PCI PTS 6.x, with 3350 mAh Li-ion battery. Both S1E4 Pro and S1F4 Pro naturally support Tap, Insert, and QR Code.

"By listening closely to our customers, we've identified the key gaps in both our previous offering as well as the industry," proposed Derk Busser, VP of Product at Adyen. "These new terminals are designed to directly address those requirements. Whether it be the need for a rugged device in food and beverage, or a mobile terminal for retailers which can print, we want to offer powerful, reliable tools tailored to the operational demands of a whole range of verticals." Availability of the S1E4 Pro and S1F4 Pro via Adyen in the U.S. and Canada starts Q1 2026.

S1F4 Pro Payment Terminal by Castle Technology

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A Message From the Editor

As we enjoy another year--our 20th!--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

Short Takes

-Adora POS (Roseville, CA) has partnered with FohBoh AI (Dallas, TX) to bring "prescriptive operational insights" to pizzeria IT.

-Moneris has launched Moneris Go Restaurant and has simultaneously partnered with ISV TouchBistro. (Both in Toronto, Canada.)

-Payroc (Tinley Park, IL) has snapped up fellow payment processor BlueSnap (Waltham, MA).

ALLIANCES

Zebra: May the Force

A partnership for retail has been formed between Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL) and Salesforce (San Francisco, CA). As "Retail Cloud Point of Sale on Android" from Salesforce, it has been introduced for Zebra's TC5 Series and EM45 Series of Mobile Computers. It delivers real-time location-based data for customer service, sales, and inventory. (An AI Sales Agent of Salesforce, unveiled previously, carries the moniker, "Zig the Zebra.")

"Our new collaboration with Salesforce marks an exhilarating chapter in retail innovation, and the Retail Cloud POS launch is just the beginning of what we'll achieve together," relayed Joe White, Chief Product and Solutions Officer at Zebra Technologies. "By integrating Zebra's intelligent Android-based solutions with Salesforce's customer platform, we are enabling retailers to better connect with their customers and associates." It follows Zebra's purchase of touchscreen supplier, Elo.

"In a new era of 'agentic' commerce, we're empowering store associates with cutting-edge tools and smart, AI-powered insights for enhanced productivity," put forth Nitin Mangtani, SVP and GM of Salesforce Commerce and Retail Cloud. "This collaboration creates seamless, unified shopping experiences that will help businesses attract a new generation of shoppers." Another project lead, Sean Ginevan serves as Head of Global Technology Partnerships, Android Enterprise at Google.

A Solution for Retail From Zebra Technologies and Salesforce

In "Chat to Checkout"

Adoption of the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) by PayPal (San Jose, CA) seeks to expand payments and commerce via ChatGPT by OpenAI (San Francisco, CA). In this scheme, users of ChatGPT may instantly check out using PayPal, which will support payment processing for merchants using OpenAI's Instant Checkout. It includes multiple funding options, including cards, as well as PayPal's buyer and seller protections and post-purchase services, such as tracking and dispute resolution.

As part of this effort, PayPal will connect its global merchant network to OpenAI. As such, the product catalogs of small businesses, as well as marquee retail brands, will be integrated into ChatGPT, via PayPal's ACP Server. In extending its AI strategy with participation of OpenAI, PayPal has embraced ChatGPT Enterprise (as well as Codex Tools) and has expanded use of OpenAI's APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

"Hundreds of millions of people turn to ChatGPT each week for help with everyday tasks, including finding products they love, and over 400 million use PayPal to shop," observed Alex Chriss, President and CEO of PayPal. "By partnering with OpenAI and adopting the Agentic Commerce Protocol, PayPal will power payments and commerce experiences that help people go from chat to checkout in just a few taps for our joint customer bases." ACP, readers may recall, was developed by Stripe and OpenAI.

A Team of OpenAI and PayPal for ChatGPT Checkout

Code Corner

A Payment Circle . . .

A global rollout of its Ingenico Manage 360 Platform has begun at payments player Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA). As cloud-based and device-agnostic, it covers remote diagnostics and resolution of problems, real-time deployment of updates, and rapid activation of services, whether for individual terminals or entire estates. It can also efficiently segment estates and implement targeted actions. Other key features of Ingenico Manage 360 include inventory tracking and integrated app stores for merchants. "By significantly reducing service and maintenance overhead and costs, we empower our clients to streamline operations and focus on growth," reported Erik Vlugt, Chief Solutions Officer at Ingenico. "[It] also opens new avenues for business opportunities."

Ingenico Manage 360

. . . and Auto ID IoT

A launch of its digital IoT platform, called Datalogic Connect, supports the mobile computers, handheld scanners, and fixed retail scanners from Datalogic (Eugene, OR). With three core capabilities--device visibility, device configuration, and device analytics--Datalogic Connect optimizes operational performance, reduces downtime, and ensures enterprise compliance. It stands out with two unique benefits, suggests Datalogic. First, it features real-time automatic discovery of new devices which allows for fast enrollment of fleets of any size, eliminating manual set-up and upload of serial numbers. Second, its open platform approach allows customers to integrate its services even into existing solutions for Mobile Device Management (MDM). "Giving customers real-time visibility and advanced analytics capabilities on their Datalogic devices will enable them to shift from reactive maintenance to proactive optimization, dramatically reducing asset downtime and operational costs," enthused Rosario Casillo, EVP of Product and Solutions, Data Capture at Datalogic.

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Stir-Fry POS

An ecosystem of restaurant technology, emphasizing its suitability for themed Asian, has been showcased at ISV MenuSifu (New York, New York). With co-founding in 2014 by William Wang, now CEO, and Yu Li, now COO, MenuSifu now serves more than 15,000 restaurant customers in the U.S. On its website, it notes 600 "Affiliate Partners."

A connected family of solutions covers every aspect of restaurant management under one ecosystem, maintains MenuSifu. At its core sits the MenuSifu POS, supported by integrated brands including USezPay for payments, MealKeyWay for online ordering and delivery, and EZ Capital for restaurant financing. A further enrollment includes The Restaurateur, a digital community for restaurant owners, and WeFood and WeFood Capital, which helps operators expand into new markets.

"MenuSifu was built by restaurant people, for restaurant people," remarked William Wang. "After more than a decade of earning operators' trust, we're proud to expand our leadership into a full ecosystem that helps every restaurant stay ahead of what's next." According to Yu Li, "We're not just building tools--we're building an ecosystem that grows with you. Our mission is to make automation and AI practical, accessible, and powerful for every restaurant."

A Platform for Asian Restaurants--MenuSifu

Greetings From Quebec

An expansion for VAR Cluster Systems, via its purchase of Xperio POS and the beverage dispensing system, Control Plus. All three firms are based in Montreal, Canada. A combined entity will serve the hospitality industry in its home country, "and beyond." No terms were disclosed.

Established in 2009, Cluster Systems currently serves approximately 3,000 restaurants with $2 billion in sales processed annually. On its part, founded in 2014, Xperio POS, which offers its X POS and Z POS Software, currently serves approximately 1,000 venues across Quebec. In addition, Xperio resells restaurant POS hardware, including OKPOS (Seoul, South Korea), as well as beverage control through Control Plus.

"This acquisition allows us to combine the strengths of three exceptional brands under one vision," proclaimed David Lafleur, SVP of Cluster Systems. "We're committed to delivering the most innovative, integrated, and reliable technology solutions to help hospitality businesses of all sizes thrive." Going forward, Xperio POS will keep its brand identity, according to the announcement, and new and existing customers should benefit from expanded support options, new product integrations, and capacity for non-cash transactions via Cluster Payments.

A Pair of Acquisitions for Cluster Systems--Xperio POS and Control Plus (for Beverage Control)

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Advantech-Aures
Bixolon America
Custom America
Electronic Payments
Epson America
FEC POS
HiStone
HP
Ingenico
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Star Micronics
Touch Dynamic
Washburn Computer Group

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers/Cash Handling
apg/APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
Star Micronics

Integrated Payment Solutions
Aurora Payments
Charge Anywhere
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico

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

Remote Device Management
42Gears
Canopy

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

INSTALLATIONS

ECRS: Not Buehler's Day Off

A deployment of advanced self-checkout, namely QuickCheck by ECRS (Boone, NC), has been completed at regional grocery chain, Buehler's Fresh Foods (Canton, OH). Operators may choose between configurations of Card Only or Cash & Carry. Also included: QuickCheck Produce Recognition, powered by proprietary VisionMatch by ECRS. A joint effort was led by John Parsons, Self-Service Product Owner at ECRS (formerly with Fujitsu).

"The lane lights are perfect, and we love that we could customize the decals with our logo," shared the spokesperson for Buehler. "Customers and staff are delighted about the sleek design and improved speed. The integrated cameras add a layer of security, and the units are clearly enhancing the checkout process." Also cited by this spokesperson: pre-configuration of the self-checkout stations facilitated their installation.

Also, ECRS has added "penny-rounding" to its CATAPULT Retail Platform. As of this month, the U.S. Mint has stopped production of new pennies. With this new feature by ECRS, for cash payments, CATAPULT will automatically round "Change Due" to the nearest $0.05. As "currency-agnostic," it aligns with practices earlier adopted in countries such as Canada. (Editor's Note: No word--yet--on nickels or dimes.)

ECRS QuickCheck Self-Checkout Station

Nordstrom Reorders NuORDER

A strengthening of customer engagement and merchandising at Nordstrom has been powered by the greater role of NuORDER by Lightspeed (Montreal, Canada). A universal catalog of product, category, sizing data, and imagery by NuORDER helps Nordstrom operate more efficiently at scale by reducing manual processes and accelerating buying cycles, according to the two parties. At present, NuORDER collects over 50 data points per item--expected to grow.

"Collecting comprehensive product data from thousands of brands is time-intensive, costly, and requires extensive collaboration," reflected Danielle Fairfield, VP/Head of Retail at NuORDER by Lightspeed. "NuORDER makes the process simpler so retailers can make faster, smarter decisions that protect margin and improve customer experience. In the next generation of our partnership, the data we provide will be richer, more complete, and broader in scope, making it even more useful across Nordstrom's business."

"Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way retailers operate and creating new avenues for growth, but only if they have access to the right data," related Chris Akrimi, GM of NuORDER by Lightspeed. "Unlocking data powers critical capabilities like personalized product recommendations, seamless commerce, responsive support, and faster product availability, all of which will define retail success as AI and emerging technologies continue to reshape the industry." NuORDER, which was purchased by Lightspeed in 2021, now serves more than 4,000 brands and more than 100,000 retailers for wholesale operations.

Nordstrom Strengthens Wholesale Merchandizing

Channel Factoid

What Works

(Factors Cited in Inventory
Management Success
Over the Past Two Years)

62% - Tablets
57% - Mobile Computers
53% - RFID Readers
41% - Barcode Scanners
27% - Robotics
21% - AI
18% - Barcode Printers
18% - Fixed Industrial Scanners
3% - Wearable Scanners

Source: "Impact of Intelligent Operations" by Zebra and Oxford Economics. Answered by 1,000 Senior Leaders in Retail, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.

Workflow Automation Boosts Productivity

More Passages

-Jeff Burroughs to Strategic Business Manager at Epson America (formerly of Advantech-Aures).

-Heather Hatch to Head of Solutions and Business Support at Newland NPT (formerly of PAX Technology).

-Emily Scales to Partner Account Manager at Esper (formerly of Code Corporation).

-Anthony Camacho to Business Development Manager at FEC POS (formerly of Logic Controls).

-Mark Little to Director of Channel Partnerships at Nuvei (formerly of Worldpay).

HELLO GOODBYE

Awarding Medal of Valor

An equity investment led by Lovell Minnick Partners (New York, NY) has been received by payments player, Valor PayTech (Jericho, NY). It represents the first institutional capital raised by Valor (amount not disclosed). With 400 strategic partners, including VARs, ISVs, and ISOs, and 300,000 merchants, Valor offers its Gateway, Virtual Terminal, Valor Pay Mobile App, Valor CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Valor Updater, and Engage My Customer. A range of smart terminals are supported.

"This new chapter with LMP opens up compelling opportunities for us to make strategic investments and acquisitions that will further strengthen our ecosystem," indicated Eric Bernstein, CEO of Valor. "I'm proud to continue leading Valor with the same culture and vision that brought us here, now with added capital, strategic insight, and an aligned financial partner in LMP that believes in our mission. Together, we are well-positioned to drive even greater impact across the payments market."

Also, Valor PayTech has joined forces with POS ISV, 4LeafLabs (San Mateo, CA). A full-service restaurant platform, entitled "POS Lite," 4LeafLabs resells POS, KDS (Kitchen Display Systems), and Self-Service Kiosks. "At 4LeafLabs, we're passionate about democratizing technology so that even the smallest restaurant can harness tools once reserved for high-budget enterprises," contributed Jeff Doka, CEO at 4LeafLabs.

Eric Bernstein, CEO, Valor PayTech

LANDI-ng in Canada

A launch of LANDI Global-North America in Canada sees veteran Jamie Bowen as VP of Sales/Country Manager. His track record includes almost two decades as Senior Account Manager for the Ingenico Group. He started his career in payments as Business Development Manager at Moneris Solutions. He will be based in Canada, near Toronto.

"I'm extremely pleased to share that I've started a new role as VP of Sales/Country Manager with LANDI Global-North America, leading our efforts in payment terminals and point-of-sale hardware across Canada," stated Bowen. "I'm looking forward to working with an incredible team to drive growth, strengthen partnerships, and deliver innovative payment solutions with Android." With offices in Miami, FL, and Alpharetta, GA, LANDI Global-North America addresses our channel of VARs, ISVs, and ISOs.

Jamie Bowen, VP of Sales/Country Manager-Canada, LANDI Global-North America