This Week’s Product Pick

Tatung Company of America (Long Beach, CA) debuted its TLM-170E and TLM-190E Triview Prestige Series LED Monitors. With slim and lightweight form factor, these new subsystems offer 5:4 aspect ratio, 1280x1024 resolution, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and 40% less power consumption than CCFL counterparts. Both monitors, 17 and 19 inch, carry two BNC In/Out, one VGA In, one HDMI In, and two Audio In (for Video and PC). Additional benefits include 600 TVL, 3D comb filter, 3D video interface, digital noise reduction, color transient improvement, picture-in-picture with four positions, VESA mounting, and FCC, CE, and RoHS certification. “Tatung is the only LED manufacturer offering both 4:3 and 5:4 aspect ratio in 17 inch and 19 inch sizes,” reported John Sherry, National Accounts and Marketing Manager for U.S. and Canada at Tatung.

Triview Prestige by Tatung

[Editor’s Note:  A typo in last week’s edition assigned 1 GB system memory to the new KS6715 POS workstation from Posiflex Business Machines. The correct specification, of course, should be noted as 2 GB system memory.]

COMPANY BUSINESS

Intermec Seeks Comfort Zone

Intermec (Everett, WA) keeps piling on new printers, with the latest unveiling of its PR2 and PR3 two-inch and three-inch “durable class” portable models. Carrying low weights of 10.9 oz. and 12.3 oz., respectively, and high print speed of three inches/second at 203 dpi, these new thermal devices have been designed for ease-of-use, worker comfort, and, equally important, ease-of-selling by the company’s resellers. This last point was emphasized during RRN.Com’s call with Intermec executives Tom Roth, Senior Director of Printer Media Marketing, and Dan Bodnar, Director of Mobile Printers, both of whom endorsed the “market differentiation” requested by their channel.

Several features of the PR2 and PR3 specifically address this need, according to Intermec. “We’ve included common language simulators in every configuration of the printer,” Bodnar noted, “so resellers can buy one SKU for any environment, whether Zebra, Datamax-O’Neil, or Intermec.” In addition, the PR2 and PR3 employ the company’s unique FlexDock base station scheme, which leverages inexpensive, interchangeable “cups” to provide expandable support for the new printers as well as mobile computers in the CK, CN, and CS Series. System integration is furthered through Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11b/g, USB, and IrDA for linking to mobile computers, tablets, and smartphones, and durability ratings for the printers may be boosted by accessorized rubber boots and protective cases depending upon customer needs.

Additional benefits include smart-battery technology, optional magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) and advanced encryption standard (AES) security for credit card transactions, and remote device management through the network to the mobile computer to the printer, through Intermec’s recently acquired lifecycle services capacity. “We know end-users buy an entire enterprise mobility solution,” Roth told RRN.Com. “This includes the mobile computer, mobile printer, infrastructure such as docking stations, and management services. With our new products, such as the PR2 and PR3, we want to make sure we bring this entire solution to market for our partners. We think we’re unique in this respect.”

Models PR2 and PR3 Address Mobile Workers in the Field

Double Helping at Digital Dining

Menusoft Systems, creator of Digital Dining POS, has served up links for two alluring technologies for its resellers: mobile payments and digital signage. First, Menusoft has enlisted Tabbedout (Austin, TX) to add its growingly popular free mobile payment app for smartphones. Available for Apple iPhone and Android, Tabbedout allows customers to open, view, and pay restaurant checks with their personal devices. Encryption and password protection ensures security, and need of host servers or cloud-based computing is eliminated under the plan. Patrons may see their itemized bill in real-time, “removing any surprises at the end of the night,” according to the developer.

“Mobile payments are becoming more popular and demanded by the consumer, and we needed to provide a way for our merchants to quickly meet that demand in a secure manner,” commented Andre Nataf, Senior Business Development Manager for Menusoft Systems (Springfield, VA). “We are always looking for the best solutions and technologies to add to our POS platform, and Tabbedout provides a unique solution specifically built for the hospitality industry.” Interestingly, it also offers PayPal as one payment option within the app.

For digital signage, Menusoft has reached out to Four Winds Interactive (Denver), which has 2,500 customers with 65,000 screens deployed worldwide. FWI’s visual communications platform will be integrated into the latest Digital Dining software, providing merchants with another way to engage their customers. Dave Barker, FWI’s Director of Business Development, said: “FWI is thrilled to partner with Digital Dining and its entire dealer network to deliver an integrated and easy-to-use digital signage solution. Together we offer powerful capabilities that our customers can use for a variety of interactive and non-interactive applications including menu boards, promotional signage, and employee communications.”

Andre Nataf, Senior Business Development Manager, Menusoft Systems

Worth Your While

NRA Show 2012
National Restaurant Association
May 5-8
Chicago

Solutions Partner Invitational
Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS
May 15-17
San Diego

NACStech
National Association of Convenience Stores
May 21-23
Nashville, TN

VARTECH Canada
BlueStar
June 4-5
Toronto

HITEC 2012
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
June 25-28
Baltimore

RetailNOW 2012
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 29-August 1
Las Vegas

VARTECH US/LATAM
BlueStar
October 5-8
Bahamas Cruise

ALL IN THE FAMILY

A Handy Verifier by Stratix

Stratix Corporation (Norcross, GA) has introduced its LVS Integra 9570 handheld barcode verifier to help suppliers conform to labeling requirements and mandates. Integra 9570 handles all ISO, IEC, and GS1 standards, including Composite Component, DataBar, DataMatrix, PDF-417, QR Code, and USPS. It can gauge virtually any size barcode within minimum x-dimension parameters of 8.8 mils (0.223 mm) for one-dimensional codes, addressing narrow bar width, and 12.5 mils (0.317 mm) for two-dimensional codes, addressing cell size, according to the vendor, which also offers the LVS Integra 9510 desktop configuration.

“Accurate barcodes and labels are vital to the efficient flow of goods and information,” observed Peter Dalpe, Director of Managed Services with Stratix. “The LVS not only improves internal efficiency and best practices for our mobile supply chain customers, but also prevents costly fines and charge backs at a time when risk is high and margins are lean. Simply connect an LVS verifier to your PC via USB 2.0, pass over the barcode, and the software does the rest.”

"LVS Integra 9570 measures 6.5 in. (L) x 4 in. (W) x 4 in. (H) with handle and weighs 2.3 lbs. With line scan camera of 400 dpi and floating sensor head, and 660 nm red light source, it scans widths of 5.4 inches in picket fence format and 12 inches in ladder format. Mininum PC requirements include Windows XP Professional or Windows 7, Intel Core 2 Duo CPU (or equivalent), 2 GB RAM, and 800x600 resolution. Vista is not supported for this patent-pending device, thank god.

Portable Barcode Verifier Reads All Popular Codes

Medicaid Approves This Paper

POS Supply Solutions (Danvers, MA) has addressed healthcare in the latest addition to its product line of thermal paper rolls. Dubbed “Prescription Rx,” these rolls meet and exceed all Medicaid requirements for tamper-resistance and unauthorized duplication. BPA-free, and made in the U.S., each roll features an end-warning stripe and yields approximately 500 scripts. The printing of prescriptions, rather than handwriting, continues to gain traction as many doctors move to mobile computing for their practice.

Prescription RX paper rolls can be used in common thermal printers such as Star Micronics TSP800 and TSP800Rx, Citizen Systems CT-S4000, Zebra Technologies LP 2844 and G-Series, OKI DataRayRx, and Datamax-O’Neil E-Class. A number of advanced security features have been incorporated, including distinctive color background for erasure protection, hidden message activation and symbol changes when photocopied, artificial watermarks and control batch numbers on reverse side of form, and ultra-violet verification when viewed under black light.

“We are happy to announce the addition of our new Prescription Rx paper rolls for the medical industry,” stated Stephen Enfield, President of POS Supply Solutions. “With all of their security features, our paper rolls prevent unauthorized document duplication with photocopiers, scanners, or through the use of digital photography.” POS Supply has been busy of late, with recent listing of continuous computer paper for dot-matrix printers and custom printed gaming machine tickets, as well as its new paper for healthcare.

Prescription Rx Thermal Paper Roll

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PARTNER PROGRAMS

BlueStar Enters the Winner’s Circle

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has been designated as one of Motorola Solutions’ Empower Circle winners for 2011. This honor recognizes select Motorola Solutions channel partners and distributors for outstanding performance, and BlueStar was one of only 100 companies selected from around the world. In addition to meeting key performance benchmarks in 2011, such as highest percentage revenue growth over plan, the greatest year-over-year revenue growth, or the highest percentage growth within its peer group, winners also fulfilled one or more objective goals. These may include effective inventory management, successful solutions integration, or close collaboration with Motorola Solutions. BlueStar was recognized for its distribution efforts in North America, in particular.

“BlueStar is honored to receive this award from Motorola Solutions,” stated Steve Cuntz, CEO/President of BlueStar. “We are very proud of the successful partnership we’ve developed with Motorola Solutions over the years. Not only has BlueStar benefitted from this relationship with Motorola Solutions, but our reseller partners also have been made successful, thanks to Motorola Solutions’ diverse hardware and software solutions together with BlueStar’s extensive value-adds.”

“The Motorola Solutions Empower Circle awards are an opportunity to recognize the best work that our channel partners deliver to customers and each other,” explained Juliann Larimer, VP of Global Channels with Motorola Solutions. “Hailing from every part of the globe and every market we serve, Empower Circle winners share an exceptional ability to understand customers’ needs, build relationships, and deliver top-quality solutions.” This year, look for Motorola Solutions to encourage deeper penetration by VARs into their key vertical markets of choice, RRN.Com has been told on two separate occasions.

Steve Cuntz, CEO/President, BlueStar

ECi “Rocks” True Value

ECi RockSolid POS, part of ECi Software Solutions (Ft. Worth, TX), has entered into an agreement to provide its software and associated services to True Value for another three years. Unlike in the past, ECi now will sell directly to the five thousand independent retailers covered under the store identities of True Value, Grand Rental Station, Taylor Rental, Party Central, Home & Garden Showplace, and Induserve Supply. ECi has accounted for the vast majority of POS system implementations among True Value retailers over the past five years, according to the two parties.

During that time, True Value’s Retail Systems Team has been driving adoption of its Preferred POS Vendors. “It will be more effective to have ECi RockSolid, with its robust, targeted sales group, sell directly both to the existing True Value retailers employing its system, and to retailers not currently on any preferred system,” wrote True Value in its announcement. “Selling direct allows them access to expanded product offerings for peripheral hardware and POS system software.”

“We are very excited about this new partnership with True Value,” shared Scott Stanford, President of ECi’s Lumber Building Materials and Hardware Division. “This is a great opportunity to reach out to more True Value retailers with a software solution that is affordable and a team to support their needs. Due to its combination of user-friendly interface, cutting-edge features, and affordable pricing, we feel RockSolid POS presents the best value proposition and return on investment available to retailers.”

Hardware Chain Further Endorses ECi RockSolid POS

Code Corner

A pair of leading application developers, Retail Anywhere (Paso Robles, CA) and SPS Commerce (Minneapolis, MN), have joined forces to link their POS and supply chain technologies in an attempt to help retailers improve vendor collaboration. A Net Suite Solution Provider, Retail Anywhere furnishes its customers with NetSuite’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform and required NetSuite retail modules along with Retail Anywhere POS. Retail Anywhere also works with existing NetSuite users looking to adopt an integrated POS solution. SPS Commerce’s cloud-based supply chain service improves the way suppliers, retailers, distributors, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) build their trading partner relationships. It facilitates management and fulfillment of orders with pre-built integrations across 1,500 retailers, grocers, and distributors. In addition, SPS’ Retail Universe, a social network for the supply chain, has been launched to help the community’s 40,000 members form new business relationships and share product information. “SPS Commerce is pleased to join forces with another leading NetSuite partner, Retail Anywhere,” volunteered Archie Black, CEO of SPS Commerce. “Our combined NetSuite solutions add value to e-commerce and traditional retailers as they use online and store sales and order information to reduce inventory levels, streamline their supply chain, and align cross-channel initiatives using the cloud.” This new capability will be demonstrated at SuiteWorld on May 14-17 in San Francisco.

ALLIANCES

Anywhere Commerce, Anytime Epson

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) will supply its wireless receipt printers to Anywhere Commerce (Montreal) as part of an Apple-based mobile POS platform. For this bundle, Anywhere Commerce will package its Nomad, Rover, or Rambler software with iPad or iPhone as well as Epson’s best-selling TM-T88V, compact TM-T70, and Mobilink belt clip printers. Early out of the gate in the race for mobile payments, way back in 2007, which seems another lifetime ago, Anywhere Commerce markets through VARs, ISOs (Independent Sales Organizations), Carriers, and OEMs.

“Our solution allows retailers to create faster checkout by extending traditional lanes to anywhere throughout the store,” suggested Mitchell Cobrin, CEO of Anywhere Commerce. “Together with mobile and wireless printers from Epson, Anywhere Commerce unshackles retail clerks and enables them to become integral ‘closers’ in the transaction. Our suite is also ideal for field-based merchants, such as farmer’s markets, taxis, and delivery and repair services. The mobile pay register has unlimited potential, and has started to change the face of the retail POS experience.”

“Merchants are looking for flexible and mobile technology solutions that better serve customers whenever and wherever they happen to be,” acknowledged Mike Helm, Director of Sales for Epson’s Business Systems Division. “With industry-leading solutions from Epson, Anywhere Commerce enhances its mobile checkout and allows the receipt to follow the transaction, anywhere it occurs.” At the recent Electronic Transactions Association Conference in Las Vegas, Epson also called upon ISOs to leverage its mobile and wireless printers. “By complementing virtual terminals with value-added hardware solutions like printers, ISOs can differentiate themselves and increase sales substantially,” maintained Tom Kettell, Strategic Business Manager for Epson’s Business Systems Division.

TM-T70 Receipt Printer by Epson America

Zebra Grows Payment Horns

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has recruited Hybrid Paytech to empower mobile credit and debit card payment and printing solutions for fleet, delivery, logistics, and retail environments. In particular, Hybrid Paytech will support the use of Zebra’s MZ Series of lightweight thermal mobile receipt printers while extending Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance. Initial rollout of the joint solution is scheduled for April in the Canadian market, not surprising given Hybrid Paytech's roots in Montreal, with the U.S. to follow by the end of Q2.

“Zebra is pleased to partner with Hybrid Paytech to address the growing demand for fast, reliable, on-the-go payment and printing technologies,” remarked Keith LeFebvre, VP of Product Management at Zebra Technologies. “Customers all over the world can benefit from our combined mobile payment and receipt printing solutions. These offerings help increase mobile workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, enhance the customer experience, and drive customer loyalty--from in-store mobile payment acceptance to credit or debit transactions for courier services and onboard transportation ticketing.”

“The high demand for mobile payment technology is creating opportunities for the entire partner ecosystem. This relationship between Zebra Technologies and Hybrid Paytech is an excellent example of such complementary relationships,” declared Kevin Conabree, Head of Global Partnerships at Hybrid Paytech. “We are leading the way with Zebra to expand accessibility to mobile payment technologies in global markets.” Part of First Equity Strategy, LLC, Hybrid Paytech supports all four major consumer-based operating systems for smartphones and tablets.

Zebra’s MZ 220 Mobile Receipt Printer

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
FEC/Acrelec
Pioneer POS
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
WorldPay US

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Mobile Marketing & Loyalty
Sundrop Mobile

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Repair & Refurbishment
AMCOR Tech Solutions

Touchscreens & Monitors
TE/Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Merchant Link Finds Room at the Inn

Merchant Link (Silver Spring, MD) will provide its payment gateway and data security platform for AmericInn International, the expanding lodging chain with 260 locations in 27 states. Under the agreement, sites utilizing an integrated property management system for payments are now required to install the Merchant Link solution, which spans Merchant Link Payment Gateway, Transaction Vault tokenization, and Transaction Shield point-to-point encryption. Adoption across the entire lodging chain is expected to be completed over the next 12 months.

“As credit card data breaches continue to make headlines, and as we continue to grow our business, we knew we had to do everything possible to secure the personal data of our guests,” relayed Mark Nicpon, CIO at AmericInn International, LLC. “Merchant Link’s hosted solution secures cardholder data from the moment of capture and ensures data is not stored anywhere on premise. The solution also helps Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance efforts and reduces cost for our franchisees.” AmericInn, incidentally, is part of Northcott Hospitality, owner and developer of franchised brands in this area for 50 years.

Merchant Link also has kicked off development of an integrated e-commerce solution for processing payments in card-not-present environments. Two configurations will be offered by the end of the year--Hosted and Encrypted. “Hosted” routes sensitive cardholder data directly from the checkout page to Merchant Link’s gateway while preserving the look and feel of the storekeeper’s website. “Encrypted” captures and scrambles sensitive cardholder data at the point of capture, removing such information from the e-commerce application or store system. “This new offering reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding the breadth and depth of our services to provide merchants with all they need when it comes to payments,” proposed Dan Lane, Merchant Link’s CEO/President.

Growing Lodging Provider Adopts New Payment and Security Scheme

No Reservations on Kitchen Display

QSR Automations (Louisville, KY), supplier of the ConnectSmart suite of restaurant IT technologies, has extended its win streak with the Ocean Prime and Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern concepts by the Cameron Mitchell company. Now Ocean Prime, with eight locations in the Midwestern U.S., will deploy QSR’s ConnectSmart Kitchen, or CSK, graphical back-of-house display system, following successful use by Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Taverns. Included will be QSR’s eXpert controllers, keypads, and brackets. With an average of 250 covers per night and more than 500 covers at peak times, Ocean Prime previously relied on chefs with at least 10 years of experience to manage the expeditor position.

“We weren’t sure about adding kitchen technology in our fine dining restaurants, but we saw so much success in our Rusty Buckets from QSR’s CSK, we knew we had to try--and the addition of the CSK within our Ocean Prime restaurants has been tremendous,” recounted Brian Hinshaw, VP and Executive Corporate Chef for Cameron Mitchell. “We’re seeing many of the same results, but the most important benefits are consistent quality and lowered anxiety no matter who is running the expeditor. This also means our experienced head chefs can have time off and our managers don’t have to worry because our line chefs can rely on the screens and the CSK times everything just right.”

Further, CSK eliminates loud communication and unorganized printer chits, deemed especially important for unrestricted kitchen environments such as Open Prime. At the order display station, the expeditor can track the status of each item and order in preparation, despite different cook times and assignments. In addition to efficiency and quality benefits, the CSK gives restaurant managers easy access to production data and speed of service metrics. This information helps to identify team members in need of additional training or highly effective team members deserving special recognition.

QSR’s ConnectSmart Kitchen Display System Wins Acolytes

Channel Factoid

Looking to boost your salary in IT? Training and certification appears to be the best pathway, according to new research by Global Knowledge and Tech Republic. Survey results show that IT and business professionals who took training during the past year earned an average of $6,839 (8.6%) more than those who did not. Similarly, professionals who have earned certification over the past five years drew an average of $6,558 (8.2%) more than their counterparts. Average salary for respondents was $84,552, up 6.2% from last year and the highest average salary reported in the five-year history of the survey. Further, nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) recently received raises, up from 54%, but still off from the 80% mark set in 2008. Overall, 60% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their position, compared to 43% and 40% in the previous two years. Very satisfied employees increased to 15%, up from only 5% and 8% for the past two years. Encouragingly, most participants believe economic conditions will improve for 2012. Over half (58%) of respondents indicated that their businesses are either growing slowly or enjoying solid growth. That is in line with last year (58% vs. 56%) and 14% higher than two years ago. Even more encouragingly, 80% of this year’s respondents indicated IT projects are getting funding, up from 77% and 62% for the previous two years. The Global Knowledge/Tech Republic 2012 IT Skills and Salary Survey was conducted online from October 10 to November 18, 2011. It yielded more than 9,500 respondents worldwide, with 76% coming from North America.

HELLO GOODBYE

Saccameno Clicks for PrehKeyTec

PrehKeyTec USA (Buffalo Grove, IL) has brought John Saccameno onboard as its new GM. Saccameno brings more than 30 years of sales and management experience in the retail systems industry, having held senior-level positions such as Worldwide VP and GM of EAS Labeling Solutions for Checkpoint Systems, Major Account Manager of Siemens Nixdorf, and Regional GM for Fasfax Corporation, the former fast-food POS provider. During his 15 years at Checkpoint, he reportedly won President’s Club honors 12 times. Immediately prior to joining PrehKeyTec USA, he served as Principal at business consultant Exeter Management Resources, LLC.

“John’s extensive knowledge of the retail industry and his proven success in building customer relationships will be instrumental in helping us achieve our long-term business goals,” stated Rolf Ilsemann, CEO of PrehKeyTec GmbH in Germany. “His proven track record of driving profitable, new growth will be the perfect complement to our core business.”

“I look forward to the opportunity to guide the PrehKeyTec USA team and bring our current and prospective customers an exceptional line-up of solutions designed to simplify operator training and enhance data input,” Saccameno said. PrehKeyTec, as most RRN.Com readers will know, manufactures dedicated keyboards and keypads for retail, banking, and healthcare. It distributes through the big three--BlueStar, Ingram Micro’s Data Capture/POS Division, and ScanSource.

John Saccameno, GM, PrehKeyTec USA

Stehle Age Ends at Agilysys

Agilysys, Inc. (Alpharetta, GA) has announced that hospitality industry veteran Tina Stehle will leave the company to pursue other career interests, effective April 30. Stehle joined Agilysys in 2004 when it bought Inter-American Data, where she worked as VP of Software Services. At Agilysys, she held the office of SVP and GM of the Hospitality Division before becoming COO of the enterprise IT provider in August 2011. Agilysys focuses on POS, property management, inventory and procurement, and wireless and mobility for hospitality and retail.

“Ms. Stehle has more than 22 years of continuous service in the hospitality industry, and I thank her for her leadership,” pronounced James Dennedy, CEO/President of Agilysys. “She has served our staff, our customers, and our shareholders with dignity and integrity.” In February, Agilysys reported total net sales for its quarter declined 12.6% to $51.6 million, compared to $59 million in the same prior-year period. Sales from its Hospitality Solutions Group and its Retail Solutions Group decreased 12.1% and 12.9%, respectively. Loss of $7 million from continuing operations included $3.2 million in restructuring charges, as Agilysys furthers its plan to become “more of a software-based company,” in the words of Robb Ellis, CFO.

Agilysys also will roll out its solution suite for the new Oxford Casino in Maine, scheduled to open this summer. Oxford will employ Agilysys InfoGenesis POS and Agilysys Stratton Warren Inventory and Procurement to streamline operations and enhance guest service, according to the two parties. “When selecting technology for the new casino, our management team looked to Agilysys because of the company’s experience and expertise in the gaming industry,” reported Roger Harrison, Senior Director of Finance and Administration for Oxford Casino. “We were impressed with the wide range of features and functionality in both systems. We particularly like the automated e-mail bid capability of Stratton Warren, which doesn’t require management to log into the software to approve requisitions.”

Tina Stehle, Former COO of Agilysys