Michael Kachmar, Editor
(If not displaying properly or banners not flashing, click here.)
This Week’s Product Pick
Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) has unveiled its Captuvo SL62 scanning and payment sled for the Apple iPad Mini. Accompanying the SL22 and SL42 for iPod Touch and iPhone, respectively, the SL62 suits all versions of the iPad Mini, with larger screen size. It carries Honeywell's Adaptus 6.0 Imager for barcode scanning and optional encryption-ready magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) for customer check-out. Additionally, it provides power to the iPad Mini and survives multiple four-foot drops to concrete. "Specifically engineered for the retail and hospitality industries, the Captuvo SL62 gives associates all the tools necessary to create a customized, superior shopping or dining experience," stated Peter Fehl, VP of Global Marketing. "Store employees can now provide immediate answers to questions about product information and facilitate on the spot check-out for increased sales."
Captuvo SL62 Sled by Honeywell
COMPANY BUSINESS
The Realm of RMS
As of next week, starting on February 1, calls for Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) and POS 2009 must go through Retail Realm (Napa, CA), which has become the central provider in North America for these packages via its new online ordering system. For those who have not previously conducted business with Retail Realm, new paperwork and an administrative process need to be completed before orders may be accepted, it should be noted. Overall, Retail Realm now supports several hundred partners, such as resellers and distributors, who must wield the end-user's license number.
"When the license is purchased for the first time, it comes with one-year of Microsoft Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP) or Business Ready Advantage Plus (BRAP), which includes some bug fixes and access to Microsoft Customer Service," RRN.Com was told by Authumn Wiltshire, Communications Director of Retail Realm in the U.K. "Retail Realm will work with those companies selling POS hardware pre-loaded to provide them with the software." As benefits of its new website, it cites: new consolidated dashboard, 24/7 access for buyers, visibility and tracking of order status, e-mail notifications of order progress, and comprehensive historical database for reference purposes.
For some time, Retail Realm has served as one of the leading distributors of Microsoft Dynamics RMS/POS, as many RRN.Com readers know. It also has adopted additional add-ons and stand-alone products developed by leading companies that enhance or integrate with Microsoft Dynamics for Retail. According to Wiltshire, its Store and HQ Utilities (about 200 add-ons) will be provided for free by Retail Realm as part of the license fee for RMS and POS 2009.
All Microsoft RMS and POS 2009 Goes Through Retail Realm in North America
An Accelerated View of Payments
PayPros (Newark, CA) will be purchased by Global Payments Inc. (Atlanta), as that worldwide provider of payment solutions continues to expand its empire. PayPros, formerly known as Payment Processing, Inc., currently serves 58,000 merchants in the SMB space, with projected revenues of $100 million for 2013. Global Payments will pay $420 million in cash for PayPros, which will be merged with Accelerated Payment Technologies (Pleasant Grove, UT), itself purchased by Globe in 2012.
"Our acquisition of PayPros will expand our direct distribution, add new vertical markets, accelerate growth in our largest geography, and further enhance our existing integrated solutions business with the addition of PayPros' talented team," remarked Jeffrey Sloan, CEO/President at Global Payments. Accelerated Payment Technologies, RRN.Com readers may recall, spun from CAM Commerce Solutions, one of the historic software developers in POS, which is now owned and managed by the Robertson Piper Software Group. Along with buying PayPros, Global Payments revealed plans to expand its current credit lines in support of continued growth.
"I am very pleased to announce this partnership with Global Payments," commented Chuck Smith, Founder and CEO of PayPros. "This transaction is the culmination of nearly two decades of hard work and vision at PayPros. I am confident that Global Payments will be a fantastic partner for our customers and employees."
Jeffrey Sloan, CEO/President, Global Payments
Worth Your While
Modex: Supply Chain Conference
MHI Solutions
March 17-20
Atlanta
ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 8-10
Las Vegas
WERC
Warehousing Education and Research Council
April 27-30
Chicago
NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 17-20
Chicago
RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 3-6
Orlando
ALL IN THE FAMILY
And Now for Something Completely Different
Charting our way through the crowds in their booth, we visited Motorola Solutions at the NRF Show in New York. As always, lots to report, with the usual advances in customer-centric technologies, communication systems for retailers, and updated hardware. One of the stars of the show, undoubtedly, was the snazzy DS4800 Imager Series, which takes ambience to entirely new levels. Ergonomically designed, with "arc" shaping and little weight, DS4800 offers customizable, "brandable" bezel casings as well as library of melodic feedback tones.
A capacitive touch trigger, complete with tactile "haptic" feedback, allows cashiers to choose their preferred trigger action, whether quick tap, press, or swipe of finger or thumb. In terms of performance, the DS4800 reads one and two-dimensional barcodes with about 18 inches depth of field for typical use cases. In addition, it accommodates codes on display screens for mobile couponing. Overall, very refreshing to see someone try something new in terms of form factor.
Other news from Motorola Solutions included the unveiling of its CC5000 Customer Concierge of touchscreen-driven self-service platforms. Running the Jelly Bean Version of Android, Customer Concierge 5000 encompasses Communications Suite, Retail Suite, and Mobile Suite--all dedicated to advancing the personalized customer experience. One final note from the NRF Show: Juliann Larimer has moved to VP of Marketing for the Americas at Motorola Solutions. Chris Lonnett now heads the channel as Director of Sales and Solutions Strategy. No immediate changes are expected, RRN.Com was told during an introductory meeting.
Novel DS4800 Imager by Motorola Solutions
Of 3D, R&D, and RFID
Just when you thought you've caught up with new technologies in POS & Auto ID, here comes 3D printing. As an early example, consider William Frick & Co. (Libertyville, IL), which employs this cutting-edge fabrication process for prototyping many of its identification products, including tags for RFID. At present, most prototypes created at Frick are composed of durable ABS thermoplastic. The 3D printer melts the plastic and expels it, one tiny line at a time, to create the three-dimensional model that functions and feels like the real product.
"Some of the more complex uses for RFID applications require tags with custom housing that maximizes mounting and performance options," reported Jeff Brandt, President of William Frick & Co. "These applications may require tags to be hermetically sealed for use in a harsh environment, for example. Using the 3D printer really enhances the brainstorming process with customers. We can quickly produce an idea, evaluate it, and see if it's feasible."
"In the past, when customers came to us with a concept, we'd make a CAD drawing then send it out to be molded, extruded, or machined, which would take weeks to produce and cost hundreds or thousands of dollars," recalled John Poplawski, Product Development Manager at William Frick & Co. "If there were design changes, we'd send out for another sample, costing more time and money. Now, most designs created in CAD can be reviewed using the 3D printer, including complex shapes with small, intricate details. This process takes hours, not weeks--and at significantly lower costs."
An RFID Tag Produced by 3D Printing
[Editor's Note: More signs of the future. Ingram Micro's U.S. Document Imaging Business Unit now handles 3D printers from two of the leading vendors, 3D Systems and MakerBot. Additional products and vendors will be announced in 2014.]
Join the Party at No Charge
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business—in the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?
E-mail Michael
Kachmar for advertising information,
or call 973-270-3284
Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?
Hurry ! Use the links below to catch up :
ALLIANCES
iOS Runs Through Mercury
Infinite Peripherals Inc. (Elk Grove Village, IL), which sometimes goes by the name of IPC, has partnered with Mercury Payment Systems (Durango, CO), as both entities chase iOS-based POS in the SMB. Under this relationship, IPC has integrated to the MercuryPay processing platform, in order to support third-party software for point of sale and point of service. IPC's Linea Pro and Infinea Tab enhance Apple's iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad with an encrypted magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), barcode scanner, RFID, and Bluetooth.
Significantly, the Linea Pro and Infinea Tab have earned Payment Card Industry PIN Transaction Security (PCI PTS) 3.1 SRED approval, becoming the first mobile iOS hardware so certified, according to IPC. To facilitate the Mercury-IPC integration, IPC collaborated with JR's POS Depot, Mercury's third-party key injection facility (KIF) in Sunrise, Florida, to arrange encryption services for the MSR. JR's KIF meets TG3 PIN Security Compliance and adheres to Visa USA Encryption and Encryption Service Organization (ESO) standards.
"We are delighted to offer our dealers and developers the opportunity to use Infinite Peripherals' devices," indicated Matthew Ozvat, Director of Developer Integrations at Mercury. "IPC's hardware is robust and SRED-certified, and they have extensive deployments and commitment to exceptional customer service. It's an ideal partnership." In addition to its sleds, IPC also markets portable and kiosk receipt printers and related mechanisms.
IPC Sleds for Consumer Devices
ISVs Put in Touch
While compatibility is good, exclusivity is even better. As in ISV Granbury Solutions (Grapevine, TX) choosing Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ) as its primary vendor of POS hardware. Established in 2010 with the consolidation of five leading players in hospitality, Granbury Solutions now addresses specialty retail as well as restaurants. A pivotal role for Touch Dynamic was solidified, reportedly, following an extensive evaluation of hardware by Granbury's Solutions Management Group.
"Touch Dynamic is proud and honored to be named as the primary POS hardware provider to Granbury Solutions," relayed Craig Paritz, President of Touch Dynamic. "We have enjoyed working with Granbury Solutions for the past seven years. We look forward to expanding our relationship and business with Granbury in the upcoming years."
Not to ignore compatibility. Earlier, ARBA Retail Systems (Naperville, IL) approved Touch Dynamic's Breeze All-in-One Touch Terminal for use with its ARBA PRO POS Software Suite for high transaction volume environments in hospitality and retail. "We're especially pleased with the ability to slide out the mother board, because this translates into faster and more convenient service for our customers," volunteered Kathy de la Torre, Director of Sales at ARBA. "Instead of shipping the entire terminal out for service, our customers simply swap out the mother board. This also makes it easier, faster, and less costly to provide our customers with hardware and software upgrades."
Breeze Performance With Universal Printer Base by Touch Dynamic
Code Corner
SecureState (Cleveland) has posted its custom scanning tool for so-called Black POS malware and other similar strains. Black POS, also known as Kaptoxa ("potato" in Russian), is the reported culprit behind recent retail data breaches, and functions by parsing and capturing critical customer data exchanged during the card swipe. This new tool will scan for service, file, registry, and auto-run artifacts to determine if any Kaptoxa footprints are present on the POS system. A confidence output is generated giving the end-user an indication of any likely compromise. This tool has been tested on MS Windows Versions up to Windows 7, and may be downloaded at no charge from the company's website. "We don't currently know if installed antivirus software on POS systems has been updated to detect this malware," postulated Spence McIntyre, Lead Researcher for SecureState. "But we do know that this tool will allow retailers to manually, or remotely, scan their systems for these specific strains, whether or not they have antivirus software installed."
ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS
Weighing the Merits of Grocery
Suggesting an industry first, GwarePOS (Detroit) has added Scale Management to its POS package for SMB grocers. Offered as another module in the developer's software suite, which spans POS, Back Office, Utilities, and Web Office, or supplied as stand-alone product for existing systems, fully integrated Scale Management reduces the cost and complexity of multiple service and support contracts, according to GwarePOS, which sells through the channel. It supports major scale brands such as KiloTech, Hobart, Mettler Toledo, Bizerba, and Avery Berkel.
"As our industry goes through historic changes with things like 'Free POS,' Software-as-a-Service, cheap POS tablets, and more, the grocery segment has been insulated from most of these changes and can still maintain high profits and strong margins," proclaimed Greg Boerner, Managing Partner at GwarePOS. "Grocery POS represents one of the most profitable verticals with the fewest competitors in the industry. Our complete grocery/retail line gives resellers a competitive edge as well as providing additional revenue streams."
"A lot of SMB grocers use a general retail package to run the store and aren't even aware scale management software exists," Boerner told RRN.Com. "Just by preventing mistakes and saving time, a grocer can easily recoup their investment. With over two decades of grocery experience, GwarePOS can offer unparalleled hardware, software, and sales support that will help POS dealers take advantage of 'The Last Big Thing' in POS."
GwarePOS Offers Scale Management
Hot Times at Janam
Things have heated up for Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) during these frozen times on the East Coast. First, Janam has added the Linux O/S to its XG Series of rugged, pistol-grip mobile computers through an agreement with SDG Systems (Harmony, PA). As an additional benefit of open-source computing, this move brings a wide variety of programming tools through the "Yocto Project," according to the two parties.
"Linux is a fully customizable, auditable, and controllable software platform," observed Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam. "The ability to customize makes Linux highly appealing for bundled commercial systems, particularly for retailers, manufacturers, and government agencies. With Janam's rugged XG Series mobile computer, businesses that rely on Linux servers for mission-critical workloads can now seamlessly extend the benefits of that O/S to their mobile operations."
Janam also announced new strategic relationships with two channel players: Cash Register Services (Lubbock, TX) and Cardinal Tracking (Lewisville, TX). CRS will recommend the XG Series for its customers in grocery, while Cardinal Tracking has chosen Janam's mobile computers as the leading hardware component for MobileCite, its automated citation issuance system. Finally, Kelli's Gift Shop Suppliers will employ the XG Series as part of its Warehouse Management System (WMS). Tech-Acumen, Inc. (Los Angeles) fashioned this platform to tie with CounterPoint SQL POS, with real-time bin quantities and management console for performance metrics. Texas Barcode Systems (Lubbock, TX) served as on-site consultant for this project.
Janam's XG Series Gets Linux
Key Advertiser Links
Be sure to visit these vendors for the latest in channel products and offers for resellers.
POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies
POS & Peripherals
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
TEAMSable
POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR
Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Printronix
Zebra Technologies
Cash Drawers
MMF POS
Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury Payment Systems
Inventory Systems
New West Technologies
Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA
Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp
Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Fujitsu Components
Star Micronics
Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell Scanning
Ingenico
Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA
Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems
NOTES FROM THE FIELD
Your Argument for Rugged Devices
Xplore Technologies Corp. (Austin, TX), supplier of ruggedized tablet computers for vertical markets, has taken its argument to the streets with the creation of the "Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator." Developed in concert with VDC Research (Natick, MA), this web-based tool helps end-users determine if moving to rugged tablets would be beneficial to their business, with cost analysis and exploration of possible benefits. Offered at no cost, it can be found on Xplore's website.
"When the decision comes to purchase or upgrade devices, it can be difficult to justify the more expensive rugged tablet, even if you know it will last three or four times longer than standard consumer tablets," emphasized Mark Holleran, President and COO of Xplore Technologies. "The TCO Calculator takes much of the guesswork out of the equation, and makes it easier to decide if a consumer or rugged tablet is best for your business. We anticipate many companies will find that although rugged tablets may have a higher upfront cost, consumer tablets will be more expensive to deploy in the long term."
"VDC has conducted extensive research on the TCO for mobile devices used by frontline mobile workers," related David Krebs, VP of Enterprise Mobility and Connected Devices at VDC Research. "Backed by our rigorous and in-depth primary research campaign, the TCO models reflect the aggregate responses from technology decision makers in organizations across multiple industries and representing various mobile case uses. The tool is designed to provide guidance to organizations making mobile investment decisions, while acknowledging that all deployments are unique."
A TCO Calculator for Consumer Versus Rugged
"In The Black," by the Beetles
Millenium Retail Solutions (Richmond Hill, ON, Canada) has been drawn into the ecosystem for Wincor Nixdorf. Millenium's "In The Black" Retail Suite will be bundled with Wincor Nixdorf's Beetle POS, offering advanced features such as integrated payment processing, transfer management, and points-based customer rewards. Architecture of the ITB system is parameter-driven, making it easy to customize without major changes, an essential consideration for today's retailer, according to the two partners.
"Partnering with Millenium is a perfect fit into our ISV friendly SPIRIT Partner Program," suggested Patrick Leonard, VP of Retail for North America at Wincor Nixdorf. "Comprehensive IT solutions providing efficient customer service, helpful customer intelligence, and line busting mobile technologies are keys to success for the retailer of the future. Together, we can offer a powerful formula to make real-world retail an attractive and competitive proposition for the consumer." As first reported in RRN.Com, Wincor Nixdorf has expressed recent interest in establishing its partner network in North America.
At the recent NRF Show in New York, Wincor Nixdorf also debuted its Beetle M-POS. Running Windows 8 and Android, this tablet-based terminal, developed by Aava Mobile, and accompanied by peripherals, carries an Intel Atom Z3745 CPU, WLAN, and EMV Chip-and-PIN. "Existing solutions on the market are by and large targeted at smaller independent retailers," contended Leonard. "Our solution has been designed with the larger retailer in mind, using our global expertise in the multi-national retail sector to deliver this high-quality, high-performance solution with built-in investment protection and an open platform for third-party software integration."
Wincor Nixdorf's Beetle Mobile POS
Channel Factoid
A disconnect between millennial preferences and retailer beliefs? Perhaps, according to the recent joint survey from Merchant Warehouse and Retail Pro International. Here are some common assumptions, followed by survey results. Every millennial wants to use mobile devices, and looks for loyalty and rewards programs. Of millennial consumer respondents, only 60% said they do their pre-purchase research through retailer websites. If you offer discounts, they will come. Half of millennial consumer respondents reported they'd only be willing to go to a retailer location to use a coupon if it offered at least 20% off. Retailers will always market differently to various shopper demographics. Survey data showed an even 50/50 split between those retailers that choose to market differently to various demographics segments, and those that don't. Retailers are way behind where they should be when it comes to delivering a seamless, omni-channel experience. More than half of millennial consumer respondents, or 53%, stated their shopping experiences are seamless across channels with their favorite retailer, though they admit retailer sites are often lacking in extensive functionality. In-Store Vs. Online. More than 90% of consumers reported there are some products they prefer to buy in-store versus online. Specifically for the 18 to 29 age group, they prefer to physically shop for apparel (73%), footwear (76%), home goods (62%), jewelry (62%), and furniture (81%). "What we found with these results is that retailers are just accepting myth as reality and engaging in activities that don't necessarily transfer to making the sale or creating a relationship with their millennial shoppers," advised Jenn Reichenbacher, Senior Director of Corporate Marketing at Merchant Warehouse. "In today's world, with so many opportunities that evolving payments technology presents, there's really no reason why retailers shouldn't be creating deeper relationships with their customers."
HELLO GOODBYE
A Reunion at CognitiveTPG
CognitiveTPG (Ithaca, NY) has named Craig Kaliebe as its OEM Sales Manager. Kaliebe comes from C&K Components, where he served as Regional Sales Manager with responsibility for overseeing OEM and distributor sales activities as well as the company's manufacturer's representative firms. His twelve-year tenure at Cherry Electronics included positions in sales, marketing, and commercial management.
"Having worked with Craig at Cherry, I know him to be very effective at managing OEM accounts," stated Nigel Ball, VP of Sales and Marketing for CognitiveTPG. "Craig also brings a portfolio of skills that I believe will service CognitiveTPG's future goals."
"I am thrilled to take on this challenge in my career," shared Kaliebe. "I look forward to working with CognitiveTPG's OEM customers, helping them with innovative new printing solutions. I'm also really excited for the opportunity to work with Nigel Ball again."
Craig Kaliebe, OEM Sales Manager, CognitiveTPG
BlueStar Wants to Help
BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has launched its new marketing service, dubbed VARCOM. This new program has been designed to provide enlightened marketing support and end-user generation for their reseller partners, according to the distributor. As such, it features web development, inbound marketing, social media, and interactive marketing toolsets, as well as enhanced versions of more traditional vehicles.
"For over a decade, BlueStar's FUSION program has been the go-to source for our VARs and ISVs looking for marketing services and demand generation," proposed Jason Firment, VARCOM Director at BlueStar. "We realize that as the marketing landscape changes and the means to drive new revenue changes, we must change as well. BlueStar's commitment to our partners and our mission remain the same."
As part of this new program, BlueStar reportedly partners with channel experts in website and app development, marketing, e-commerce, and telemarketing. With such partnerships, it has targeted expanded services, including catalog on demand, VAR storefronts, contract renewal, and lead nurturing. More information on VARCOM appears on the company's website, and Rebecca Smith serves as VARCOM Coordinator.
Jason Firment, Director, VARCOM, BlueStar
PinPoint Media
All Rights Reserved