This Week’s Product Pick

Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) presented its CS3000 series of portable one-dimensional scanning devices for task workers who need basic barcode proficiency for mobile applications. Available in two models, the CS3000 is affordably priced and optimally sized to fit in pockets or hang on lanyards. Model CS3000 can be utilized in standalone mode for the batch scanning of barcodes, while the CS3070 offers both batch and real-time data transmission to the host application via wireless Bluetooth connection to smart phones, laptops, and other electronic devices. In addition, the CS3000 series provides an easy-to-use, simple, two-button interface that requires little or no training for end-users to get started, according to the manufacturer. Large memory capacity allows workers to capture more than one million barcodes and battery life ensures more than one shift of scanning performance per charge. “In an era where mobility is critical for success, Motorola continues to expand its scanning portfolio to meet the diverse needs of customers across multiple industries,” declared Al Quinn, VP and GM of Advanced Data Capture, Motorola EMS. "The new CS3000 series represents a new category of devices for mobile workers who need access to scanning technology anywhere, anytime--bringing increased levels of portability and productivity.”

Motorola CS3000 Ultra-Portable Scanner

Worth Your While

RetailNOW 2010
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 25-28
Las Vegas

NACS Show
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 5-8
Atlanta

CTIA Enterprise & Applications
CTIA-The Wireless Association
October 6-8
San Francisco

AIM Expo
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
November 1-3
Chicago

Customer Engagement Technology World
(Formerly KioskCom & The Digital Signage Show)
November 10-11
New York

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Bixolon Banks on New Printers

Bixolon America (Torrance, CA) has debuted two new thermal receipt printers, the high-performance SRP-F310 and the extremely compact STP-103II. Model SRP-F310 represents the company’s new front-exit “all-in-one” device with 270 mm/second print speed and large paper roll diameter capacity of 105 mm. Significantly, Ethernet has been integrated as standard equipment at no additional charge (an industry first, according to the company). An ergonomic, liquid-barrier front panel with IPX2 classification holds control buttons and LEDs, while Bixolon’s POS software package supplies Windows drivers, auto-installer, and advanced utilities for fonts and water marks.

Configured for environments with limited space, increasing found in today’s retail, the STP-103II upgrades the STP-103 with drop-and-load paper insertion, on-board USB 2.0, and print speed of 70 mm/second with 58-mm maximum print width. It supports two-dimensional barcodes, three font sizes with dip switch setting, and two different character per line (CPL) modes. Selectable Serial or Parallel comes with free cable, and the unit’s simple software application downloads end-user logos directly to the printer.

Speaking with RRN.Com, Sam Yonho Son, President of Bixolon America, pointed to the SRP-F310’s multiple interface options--Ethernet, USB, Serial, Parallel, and Wi-Fi dongle--as particularly attractive to resellers, since one SKU may meet all customer needs. For the STP-103II, the target market is comprised of end-users with small volumes of receipts and no need for more advanced, more expensive technology. Son also mentioned that Bixolon America seeks to recruit business development specialists in its areas of focus.  

Model SRP-F310 Thermal Receipt Printer from Bixolon

BarTender Experiences Weight Gain

Seagull Scientific (Bellevue, WA) has uncaged Version 9.3 of its BarTender Label and RFID software. Newly added are support for weighing scales, improved data entry forms, and more powerful integration features, including bidirectional IBM WebSphere printing. Additionally, with BarTender Version 9.3, two of the editions have been renamed and some prices changed.

To accept data from weighing scales, users simply drag the scale control from the on-screen toolbox into the data entry form, specify the desired model, and begin weighing and printing. Seagull claims its new weighing scale support is the most powerful offered by any label software package today. Beyond such support for serial port triggers, the enhanced “Commander” utility also allows easier storing and referencing of values.

Formerly, Seagull offered three BarTender editions that referenced the word “Enterprise.” With Version 9.3, Enterprise and RFID Enterprise have been combined into the new “Automation” edition at comparable pricing. This eliminates the RFID Enterprise edition and effectively cuts the cost of Seagull’s RFID support in half, from $1,495 to $795. Moreover, the previously-named Enterprise Print Server edition has been re-titled “Enterprise Automation” and continues to support RFID and broad enterprise management functions.

Seagull Scientific’s BarTender Version 9.3 Label and RFID Software

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Week of May 31

ALLIANCES

Bienvenidos, POS-X!

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) has contracted with TekservePOS (Hoffman Estates, IL) to distribute its POS hardware throughout Mexico and Latin America. This partnership aligns with POS-X’s growth strategy to expand into new markets and establishes the foundation for future growth in the region. In addition to handling POS-X’s product line of barcode scanners, touchscreens, receipt printers, and cash drawers, TekservePOS will function as certified technical support and warranty repair center through its facility in Tlalnepantla, near Mexico City.

“When looking for a partner in Latin America, we felt it was important to work with a company that not only could handle our product logistics, but could also function as an effective sales, support, and repair agent,” explained Dan Moseley, CEO/President of POS-X. “We’re excited to be joining forces with a like-minded company such as TekservePOS and feel this partnership provides a great opportunity for both companies to expand their markets.”

“The alliance with POS-X allows TekservePOS Mexico to offer a competitive product with an exceptional local warranty, something unheard of in the Mexican and Latin American marketplace,” added Andre Byczkowski, Director of Latin America for TekservePOS. “The high technology and low cost of ownership of the POS-X product line, combined with the high-quality services of the TekservePOS international network of technicians and state-of-the-art web portal, will provide Latin American retailers with faster, more effective deployment.”

Dan Moseley, CEO/President of POS-X

Cuts ICE at NCR

NCR (Duluth, GA) will team with Intelity (Orlando) to expand multichannel self-service convenience for hotel guests. The letter of intent calls for the ultimate integration of NCR’s hotel check-in functionality into Intelity’s ICE (Interactive Customer Experience) mobile application, which provides access to hotel amenities and travel resources. NCR is also expected to provide professional and support services to ensure maximum availability, according to the two parties.

ICE delivers its content via in-room and lobby touchscreen, television, mobile device, or the property’s web portal. Guests can access real-time flight status and weather updates as well as receive messages and targeted promotions. They can also manage room service and house-keeping requests and arrange for concierge services such as dinner reservations, spa appointments, or car rental. In addition to ICE, Intelity cleverly markets AIR (Arena Interactive Resource), RAIN (Reservation Application Interactive Network), and FIRE (Friendly Interactive Restaurant Experience).

“Consumers increasingly expect to be able to control and personalize their travel experience,” observed Theresa Heinz, GM, NCR Travel and Gaming. “By enabling that shift in control and relevance, self-service is becoming one differentiator for hotels looking to rebuild waning loyalty by providing superior guest experience.” Indeed, NCR points to commissioned survey results from BuzzBack Market Research that finds nearly three in four respondents would be more likely to choose travel providers that offer greater control over the experience through self-service.

Intelity’s Interactive Customer Experience for Hotel Guests

[Editor’s Note:  Somewhat related, NCR recently received one of Microsoft Windows Embedded OEM Partner Excellence Awards for its innovation in enhancing consumer experiences. Specifically, NCR cited the latest version of its NCR Netkey management software, which utilizes Windows Embedded Standard 7 to deliver rich multimedia content across kiosks and digital signage.]

Code Corner

Radiant Systems (Alpharetta, GA) released CounterPoint SmartAlerts to help retailers monitor activities within each of their stores by receiving timely notification of events via SMS text and e-mail. This new tool analyzes POS transactions, customer information, and inventory data to help improve operations, prevent fraud, and provide better customer service by offering over 20 key performance indicator alerts. Fully integrated with CounterPoint POS retail software, SmartAlerts allows management to monitor their business at all times, with instant intelligence delivered to the mobile device of their choice, so that immediate action may be taken based on alerted activity before damage to their bottom line. “We have seen increased employee morale and improved customer satisfaction within each of our retail locations since implementing CounterPoint SmartAlerts,” testified Jay Margedant, President of Red Bandanna, the pet food and supplies store with 10 locations in the metro Atlanta area. “One alert we receive is for sales over a set dollar amount, which allows me to congratulate the manager of that store and instantly call the customer to thank them for their business. The flash sales alert is also especially valuable for us to see if we are on track to hit our daily sales goals so that we can make adjustments to ensure we stay on target.”

INTEGRATION

A LogiBoxx of GPS and RFID

EarthSearch Communications International (Atlanta), the newly acquired division of East Coast Diversified Corporation, launched LogiBoxx, which integrates GPS and RFID technology at the hardware level in order to more effectively track assets. Utilizing built-in business logic and intelligence, LogiBoxx permits immediate action when anomalies occur with RFID readers, tags, and proprietary electronic RF seals and locks--whether passive or active, in transit, or at rest. EarthSearch now markets the full spectrum of wirelessly integrated GPS and RFID hardware/software packages for supply chain, logistics, and asset management and control under the name, LogiBoxx Certified Solutions.

“The wireless communication between our LogiBoxx device and RFID readers and tags creates endless possibilities for this technology,” suggested Kayode Aladesuyi, Chairman/CEO of EarthSearch. “When partnered with our GATIS (Global Asset Tracking and Identification System) middleware software, our LogiBoxx Certified Solutions enable real-time visibility of imported assets, whether fixed or mobile, creating the complete business tool that offers real return on investment and workforce optimization no matter the industry.”

EarthSearch also welcomed Efficient Transportation Solutions (Grassie, ON, Canada) as one of its newest channel partners. ETS was founded in September 2009 by transportation management experts to bring the latest technology into the trucking industry. Its catalogue includes lightweight, composite building materials, fuel-saving and emission-control devices, and tire-pressure monitoring systems. “LogiBoxx Certified Solutions are excellent complementary products to our existing portfolio and will become one of our leading technologies to introduce to our existing customers,” remarked John Mogford, ETS President.

EarthSearch's Solution for Real-Time Asset Tracking

Polls Open for ECRs

Tri-Technical Systems (Dubuque, IA) has tested and approved IP networking products from Precidia Technologies (Ottawa, ON, Canada) for use with its PC/Poll Version 7 remote polling software, which attends to ECRs from Sharp, Sam4s, and Casio. Precidia’s serial IP adapters include the iPocket232, Ether232Duo, and POSLynx220, any of which can be managed and monitored through its NetVu management server. The new relationship establishes recommendation and support--but not reselling--of each other’s products.

“One of the growing demands that we encounter from our dealer network is how to make ECRs more easily accessible for remote polling,” indicated Amber Earles, Project Manager at Tri-Technical Systems, which also tenders AIMsi POS software. “Often there are many hurdles in creating the link between multiple store locations and controlling PC. With the help of Precidia’s products, dealers are able to offer this remote polling solution to their customers with very few additions to the currently installed hardware. I also enjoyed working with the Precidia team in testing their devices.”

Precidia President Deepak Wanner believes that many merchants who use Precidia’s payment software, TransNet, for ECRs, should also be taking advantage of Precidia’s polling capability. “Payment integration is key for merchants with ECRs,” said Wanner, “but some are unaware of the additional value of remote polling over their network. The iPocket232, for example, is an inexpensive addition to the merchant’s existing set-up, which greatly simplifies access to existing data from ECRs.”

Precidia Technologies' Hardware, Such as iPocket232, Supports PC/Poll Version 7 by Tri-Technical

[Editor’s Note:  Precidia also announced that its TransNet payment engine has been selected by Documentor to integrate payments with its POS system. Based in Fayetteville, GA, Documentor addresses the hospitality market, and fast food in particular.]

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar

POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
Posiflex Business Machines
POS-X

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil

Barcode & Transaction Printers CognitiveTPG

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF Cash Drawer

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Datalogic Scanning
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Payment Processing, Inc.

Keyboards
Cherry Electrical Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Self-Service Kiosks
Zebra/Motorola

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Gift Cards Given Gratis

Shift4 Corporation (Las Vegas) will waive start-up fees for its gift card services through December 31. “It’s Your Card” from the payment gateway provider works in conjunction with its Dollars on the Net backbone platform. As part of this promotion, Shift4 customers will receive It’s Your Card with no fees for the following: unlimited gift card numbers for electronic or plastic formats, cross-property set-up for multiple locations, customizable web pages for online selling, and installation and training.

Leveraging connectivity to every major processor, Dollars on the Net provides both high-speed and low-cost authorizations and settlement for all non-cash variations, according to Shift4. It also features the ability to access, review, report, and edit transactions prior to settlement combined with searchable 24-month archive of transactions for retrieval and charge-back defense. For its part, It’s Your Card delivers full integration with POS and PMS (Property Management Systems), tokenization-based security, and PCI compliance.

“We want to give something back to our customers that will help them become more successful,” shared Dave Oder, CEO/President of Shift4. “Enabling businesses to start selling gift cards--or to switch to our superior gift card solution--without the upfront costs is one way we could do that. And with the lowest transaction fees and best security of any gift card solution on the market, It’s Your Card is the perfect choice.”

Dave Oder, CEO/President of Shift4

Mobile POS Suited for Urban Outfitters

Here’s an actual deployment of POS for Apple’s iPod Touch, to be developed by Starmount (Austin, TX) for Urban Outfitters. Demonstrated in prototype at this week’s Oracle Retail CrossTalk 2010 in Chicago, the mobile POS suite has been designed for full functionality as well as integration with in-store databases. It utilizes the Starmount Application Framework, which is platform and operating system independent, and can be extended to new mediums such as self-service kiosks and digital signage.

“We are excited to work with Starmount on mobile POS,” declared John Devine, Executive Director of Information Technology, Urban Outfitters, Inc. “Starmount’s solution will deliver the platform to drive efficiency in-store while enabling us to create the differentiated customer experience for which Urban Outfitters is known.”

Several months ago, Starmount enlisted long-time POS veteran John Panteck as its VP of Professional Services, with the charter to expand its consulting practice and software development efforts. Many RRN.Com readers will remember Panteck from his four-year term as Managing Principal for the Agilysys Retail Solutions Group. Going back further, Panteck worked at players in retail such as BearingPoint, Retek, and DataVantage.

Starmount Solution for Apple’s iPod Touch

Channel Factoid

Use of social media can increase consumer vulnerability to identity theft because of the amount and type of personal information people share on these networks. However, consumers do little or nothing to protect themselves, according to the recent study conducted by the Ponemon Institute for Experion. Although more than 80% of study respondents expressed concern about their security while using social media, more than half of these same individuals admitted they do not take any steps to actively protect themselves. Other key findings from the study are equally interesting. About 65% of users do not set high privacy or security settings in their social media sites. More than 90% of users do not review any given website’s privacy policy before engaging in use. Fully 40% of all respondents share their physical home address through social media applications. Perhaps most surprisingly, people who have been victims of identity theft are just as likely to be lax in securing their personal information online. Study results from identity theft victims and non-victims are virtually identical. “No matter who you are, if you want to increase social networking safely, you must take the necessary steps to protect your information,” advised Larry Ponemon, Chairman and Founder, naturally enough, of the Ponemon Institute. At the least, keep sensitive information out of easily-accessed public profiles, experts urge.

HELLO GOODBYE

AbeTech Adds Higgins

AbeTech (Rogers, MN), one of Zebra Technologies’ Premium Value-Added Resellers, has hired Jim Higgins as Midwest Sales Executive, working out of the Chicago office. Higgins joins AbeTech with more than 10 years of experience selling wireless mobility, barcode, and RFID for both industry manufacturers and solution providers. Previous employers have included Data Systems International, DAP Technologies, and Psion Teklogix.

“AbeTech’s Midwest client base mainly consists of end-users in the retail and manufacturing industries,” said Brent Pollard, VP of Sales. “Jim’s experience in barcode and RFID solutions will allow for an easy and natural transition, and will ensure that our customers in Illinois and the surrounding area continue to enjoy AbeTech’s best-in-class service and support.”

“Gone are the days of inefficiently tracking inventory with pen and paper,” Pollard continued. “In a lean economy, productivity and profitability are the name of the game. When Wal-Mart set the new standard with barcode and RFID tracking systems five years ago, our business grew immediately.”

Jim Higgins, Midwest Sales Executive, AbeTech

Fausel Follows Intermec

Intermec (Everett, WA) has enlisted industry veteran Peter Fausel as its VP of North America Sales, reporting to Jim McDonnell, SVP of Global Sales. Fausel brings three decades of enterprise solutions sales experience, most recently as EVP of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service at I.D. Systems. Prior to I.D. Systems, he served as SVP of Sales and Marketing for LXE, where he helped the company achieve 17 consecutive quarters of record revenue and implemented strategic account and vertical market programs.

“Peter shares the same passion I have for delivering results, and his track record speaks for itself,” noted McDonnell. “His deep enterprise and vertical sales experience will be influential in helping Intermec increase its market share.”

“Intermec’s heritage and innovative solutions are just two of the many reasons I’m thrilled to join this industry leader,” Fausel stated. “There is a great opportunity to deliver significant business transformations to our customers and drive strong revenue results for Intermec and its partners.”