Our Product Pick

Jadak (Syracuse, NY), a business unit of Novanta Corporation, has shown its new one- and two-dimensional handheld barcode scanner, designated the Flexpoint HS-1E. Available with presentation cradle or holster, the Flexpoint HS-1E features lightweight, ergonomic design of 4.3 in. (L) x 2 in. (W), in medical-grade plastic case. It employs white LED light source with up to 11-in./28-cm read distance of UPC Codes. Additional features include RS-232 and USB (Keyboard or Comm Port Emulations), and 6-ft./1.8-m drops to concrete. As intended markets for the Flexpoint HS-1E, Jadak cited the medical industry, pharmaceuticals, retail, and light industrial settings.

Flexpoint HS-1E Scanner by Jadak

COMPANY BUSINESS

Janam Fires Off XT100

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has unwrapped its newest rugged mobile computer, the XT100. In consumer smartphone form, with enterprise-grade features, the XT100 runs Android 6. It measures 5.4 in. (H) x 2.8 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D), and weighs 7.5 oz., with 4.3" capacitive touchscreen (480x800) with Gorilla Glass 3. As performance, it has Qualcomm Quad-Core Snapdragon CPU at 1.2 GHz, 2-GB/16-GB Memory, and Micro-SD. A removable and rechargeable 3000-mAh Lithium-Ion battery supports the work day.

As data collection, the XT100 furnishes two-dimensional scanning (Honeywell's Model N6603), 2-megapixel front-facing and 13-megapixel rear-facing cameras, NFC, and RFID. As communications, there's Bluetooth 4, full 802.11 Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, and GPS. As ruggedness, there's rating of IP-65 for water, dust, and extreme temperatures, and 4-ft./1.2-m drops to concrete. Another benefit: certification to Google Mobile Services (e.g., Google Play, Google Maps, Chrome).

"Whether it's for a start-up, mom-and-pop shop, or multinational company, Janam is committed to providing the right features at the right price to businesses of all sizes," emphasized Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies. "With its robust feature set, the XT100 unleashes the potential for maximum productivity and embarrasses the competition in terms of power, performance, and price advantage." A standard two-year warranty may be supplemented by Comprehensive Service Plans.

Janam's XT100 Rugged Mobile Computer

He's "Ready" for Posiflex

Posiflex (Hayward, CA) has enlisted industry veteran Greg Franklin as its Business Development Manager for North America. He joins the manufacturer of POS from Ready Distribution (Beaverton, OR). His career progression at Ready included roles as Technical Account Manager (1997 to 2005), Channel Marketing Manager (2005 to 2015), and General Manager (2015 to 2017).

"This career move was over 20 years in the making," shared Franklin. "I was originally hired by the first U.S. Posiflex distributor to help develop a channel for the product in 1997 and I've been working with them ever since. As a Business Development Manager at Posiflex, I can continue my mission to promote the innovative technology and unsurpassed quality of the Posiflex product line."

"Greg Franklin has a wealth of experience in the industry, especially with the Posiflex brand," noted Doyle Ledford, VP of Sales and Marketing for Posiflex. "His vast knowledge of our products and the industry as a whole will help increase our business relations with partners and prospects alike. Posiflex is truly pleased to have Greg on board."

Greg Franklin, Business Development Manager for North America, Posiflex

Worth Your While

Shoptalk
March 18-21
Las Vegas, NV

Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
April 17-19
Las Vegas, NV

WERC
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 6-9
Charlotte, NC

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 19-22
Chicago, IL

NACS
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 7-10
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Sato Eyes IoT (With PW2NX)

Citing the IoT, Sato America (Charlotte, NC) has unboxed its new 2" mobile thermal label printer, the PW2NX. With polycarbonate body, and elastomer edges, and 8-ft./2.4-m drops to concrete, the PW2NX has maximum print speed of 6 in./152 mm per second at 203 dpi, and an option for linerless media. It measures 3.7 in. (W) x 5 in. (D) x 2.3 in. (H) and weighs 1 lb. with battery. As features, it provides color display, bright status LEDs, and 1950-mAh Lithium-Ion battery.

Intended for the printing of markdown labels, price tag labels, and delivery labels "in heavy use, front-line operational environments," according to the company, the PW2NX holds 512-MB RAM, 2-GB Flash, and 32-bit RISC CPU. It furnishes Bluetooth 3, 802.11 Wi-Fi, and NFC. In support, there's Sato's AEP (Application Enabled Printing) Platform and SOS (Sato Online Services).

"We're extremely happy to introduce this best-in-class IoT mobile printer to the market," expressed Noriyasu Yamada, Chief Product Planning Officer at Sato (Tokyo, Japan). "As e-commerce needs continue to grow, smart hardware designed for the IoT era is a must. We have listened carefully to the pain points of the market to develop an expandable, evolving product that enables better connectivity to improve ROI for customers."

Sato's PW2NX IoT Label Printer

Elo Wears Backpack

Elo (Milpitas, CA) has presented its new solid-state fanless computer subsystem with Android 7, dubbed Backpack. With content-delivery and remote-management capabilities via the EloView Portal, Backpack enables the vendor's monitor and display products in self-service kiosks, digital signage, and POS. It carries Qualcomm Octa-Core Snapdragon CPU at 2 GHz, 2-GB RAM, and 16-GB SSD. (Elo delivers EloView via SaaS.)

As physical dimensions, Backpack measures 6.5 in. (W) x 5.3 in. (D) x 0.9 in. (H) and weighs 1.2 lbs. As connectivity, it furnishes USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4, 802.11 Wi-Fi, HDMI, Micro-SD, and GPIO. It supports Elo 90 Series Open-Frames (Surface Acoustic Wave and Projected Capacitive), Large-Format Open Frames (32"+), IDS 02-Series and 7001-LT Displays, and 02-Series Desktop Monitors from Elo.

"The new Elo Backpack turns touchscreen monitors and displays into fully connected systems with limitless interactive experience possibilities," elaborated Craig Witsoe, CEO of Elo. "The success of our customers deploying our small-format I-Series touchscreens is just the beginning. We're delighted to bring the flexibility of the Android mobile architecture to Elo's broader touchscreen portfolio while simplifying deployment and management via our EloView Software."

New Fanless Computer by Elo, the Backpack

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ALLIANCES

A Shark Hunt at Epson America

Apps keep coming for OmniLink Merchant Services at Epson America (Long Beach, CA), which has added the universal wallet by CoinOut (New York, NY). Recently featured on the television series Shark Tank, CoinOut allows customers to save their change digitally. In turn, Epson's OMS assembles an ecosystem of value-add ISVs. It leverages the gateway capability of next-generation thermal receipt printers by Epson, the OmniLink, which embed the functionality of the PC.

"CoinOut's recognition on the Shark Tank Show is well deserved," relayed Gregg Brunnick, Director of Product Management for POS Printers and Robotics at Epson America. "The company's universal wallet that lets everyday customers turn their loose change and receipts into effortless money is of great benefit to retailers. By collaborating, we are offering a strong POS solution in one easy-to-use, integrated platform that will significantly enhance business efficiencies and drive increased sales."

"We're excited to partner with Epson to bring to market the first solution that meaningfully bridges the gap between offline and online transactions, opening new revenue opportunities for our merchants," proclaimed Jeff Witten, CEO of CoinOut. "The OmniLink solution allows us to bypass the POS, and also creates a nifty option with the receipt, which we think of as the most valuable piece of real estate in retail that has yet to be properly utilized." As prime prospects for the combined solution: high volume merchants with low average tickets.

CoinOut Joins Epson's OmniLink Merchant Services

Skipping the Checkout

As self-scanning and checkout by shoppers continues its progression, collaborations are made. As one example: Digimarc (Beaverton, OR) and Future Proof Retail (New York, NY). Here, the digital watermarking product identification technology by Digimarc has been integrated--via Software Development Kit (SDK)--into the mobile shopping platform by Future Proof Retail. As many readers have seen, so-called Digimarc Barcode makes an entire consumer packaged goods scannable--not just the traditional UPC.

Supporting iOS and Android, FPR's solution enables shoppers to use their smartphones to scan items, track their shopping basket, and skip the lines at checkout. It works in conjunction with existing point-of-sale, loyalty, and payment systems without the need to purchase additional hardware. Now, with Digimarc, shoppers can scan consumer packaged goods from any side. "It will also allow retailers and brands to offer additional product information in our app when the shopper scans Digimarc Barcode," enthused Di Di Chan, President of FPR.

Established in 2013, FPR has made headway in the grocery vertical, signing California Fresh Market in CA and El Rancho Market in AZ. In January, it added Fairway Market in NY. "We're not a 'one size fits all' system, we want to enable those things which makes each retailer unique," declared Chan. "Our mobile checkout solutions are the most customizable, connectable, and convenient platform on the market."

A Link Between Digimarc and Future Proof Retail

Code Corner

A harbinger of things to come: Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) has incorporated facial recognition into its rGuest Stay Property Management System (PMS). With this capacity, the faces of returning guests can be digitally recognized as they approach the front desk, and the system will display their profile information, allowing the receptionist to provide personalized welcomes, and presumably, improved guest service. Information displayed may include room preferences, arrival and departure times, services utilized, food purchases, etc. A facial recognition feature is optional and can be enabled or disabled as appropriate. As additional next-generation technology, rGuest Stay PMS from Agilysys works with custom voice-controlled AI, such as Amazon Echo's Alexa. "A next-generation solution that goes beyond traditional systems in many ways," Larry Steinberg, CTO at Agilysys, described rGuest Stay PMS.

Agilysys Embraces Facial Recognition

INTEGRATION

Silver Linings for CloudPRNT

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has expanded the scope of its cloud-based print methodology, which communicates directly with the server, employing JavaScript Object Notification, and entitled "CloudPRNT." It now supports text-based receipts and "micro receipt" for the proprietary AllReceipts Digital Receipt Service with the following Star Micronics thermal printers: TSP650II, TSP700II, and TSP800II. It also provides improved SSL for Star's WebPRNT with self-certification for Google Chrome Version 58. (As primary usage, CloudPRNT addresses online ordering.)

In addition, CloudPRNT connectivity has been extended with support for three new Wi-Fi dongles (specifically, TP-LINK Archer T4-U Version 2, D-Link DWA-182 Revision C1, and LINKSYS WUSB6300). As well, Star Micronics has simplified the configuration settings with the added ability to configure the CloudPRNT URL via USB Drive. It allows customization of the disconnect message if the network is lost (via the USB Drive). Plus, with the new buzzer control function, an order will never be missed or overlooked.

"We are always looking for ways to increase our solutions' features and further extend the value those solutions provide for our customers," reflected Christophe Naasz, Director of Business Development at Star Micronics America. "With these CloudPRNT innovations, our customers will have added flexibility and functionality that will not only mean greater ROI from their investment, but also smoother workflows and the ability to offer enhanced customer experiences." In January, Star Cloud Services added two new solutions: PromoPRNT and POS Signage.

Star Micronics Expands Scope of CloudPRNT

Yeah, Team: EMV!

TeamSable POS (San Jose, CA) has turned to ID Tech (Cypress, CA) to introduce EMV capability for its All-in-One POS terminals. Specifically, ID Tech's Model MiniSmart II will be added to the 15" SKY 15-Si and 15" SKY 15-SJ Models from TeamSable POS. A "three-in-one" device, with MSR, EMV Contact, and EMV Contactless (NFC), the MiniSmart II measures 2.6 in. (L) x 1.3 in. (H) x 0.32 in. (W). Additional Windows and Android All-in-One's will receive EMV, indicated TeamSable POS

It furnishes EMV Level I and Level 2, with TDES/AES/RSA Encryption. A comprehensive roster of payment processors is certified for ID Tech/TeamSable POS. "We are proud to partner with TeamSable and to help them provide their customers with this pre-certified and proven payments path," contributed Justin Ning, VP of Product Management and Marketing for ID Tech. Added Michael Hsieh, COO of TeamSable POS, "Together, we can provide resellers, software vendors, and merchants with advanced EMV options fully integrated with our next-generation POS."

In 2006, TeamSable POS was created by computer OEM, Team Research. It supplies both branded and white-labeled POS, with Models SKY 15-Si, SKY 15-SJ, RCT-150GF, RDT-150JF, Android-15N, and Android-10P. In addition, Team Research has formed TeamUC to offer e-ink digital signage, electronic shelf tags, and e-reading and e-writing devices. Interesting the move into ancillary technologies by some mid-sized terminal makers of POS.

TeamSable POS Adds EMV Reader From ID Tech

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Aures
Bematech
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Denso ADC
Janam Technologies

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Cayan
iPayment
Monetary LLC
Sterling Payment

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry Americas, LLC
TG3 Electronics

Mounts for POS
SpacePole

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

In High Gear at Shift4

It's getting hard to keep up with the fellows at Shift4 Payments (Allentown, PA). A latest move: the purchase of IRN Payment Systems, (dba CurvePay), an ISO based in Westbury, NY. Operations of CurvePay, including an emphasis on credit card processing for taxi cabs, will be absorbed into one of Shift4 Payments' brands in POS, Harbortouch.

"This is an exciting acquisition for Shift4 Payments that adds tens of thousands of new customers and millions of annual transactions to our payment network," commented Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments. "CurvePay has a rich history in the payments industry and we look forward to supporting their customers and sales partners through our Harbortouch brand." In total, Shift4 Payments now processes over one billion transactions annually for nearly 200,000 customers, representing over $100 billion.

At the beginning of the story, there was United Bank Card, then debut of "POS-as-a-Service" pioneer Harbortouch. Next, the purchase of three major ISVs in hospitality POS--Future POS, POSitouch, and Restaurant Manager--to form Lighthouse Network in July 2017. After adding the well-established payment gateway by Shift4, the entire ensemble of processing and POS at Lighthouse Network was reformulated under the brand of Shift4 Payments in January 2018. Terms of the most recent deal were not disclosed.

Shift4 Payments Buys ISO CurvePay

Goin' Mobile at RMH

ISV Retail Management Hero (Napa, CA) has unveiled RMH iPOS for Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Engineered by its partner Advantage Solutions, RMH iPOS has full functionality of RMH--sales, inventory, work orders, and customer relationship management (CRM). At present it processes credit cards via Shift4 Payments and PayPal Here. As scanning, it recommends Socket Mobile's Bluetooth Models.

Suitably, RMH iPOS may operate online or offline. "This makes RMH iPOS an ideal solution as secondary POS in an existing retail store, or [primary] POS for pop-up store or mobile salesperson," suggested Anthony Ludmilin, CTO of Retail Management Hero. "It means the flexibility of operating in a mixed environment with multiple options for any retailer--stationary or on-the-go." As readers will recall, Retail Management Hero was launched in July 2016 as the replacement for Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (which focused on the SMB).

"Advantage Solutions is looking forward to offering RMH iPOS to retailers worldwide through the RMH Channel," remarked Richard Maurer, Managing Director of Advantage Solutions. "Together with Retail Management Hero, we are committed to making RMH iPOS the leading mobile POS solution, and will continue to expand the functionality and payment options." In September 2017, Advantage Solutions was named as exclusive distributor for RMH in Australia and New Zealand.

Debut of Retail Management Hero iPOS

Channel Factoid

A Merchant View of Loyalty

-Loyalty program membership is the top method used to measure loyalty (64%), closely followed by re-purchase ratios (62%). Traditional methods such as Net Promoter Score fall near the bottom (43%).

-While monetary incentives are still the top drivers of loyalty, offering multiple financing/credit options (36%), shortening the checkout experience (36%), and having high rates of credit approvals (35%) are also viewed as influential in building customer loyalty.

-Six in 10 (63%) of retailers surveyed confirm that declined financing at checkout has negative impact on customer loyalty. Respondents state that credit declines make customers feel offended or embarrassed, causing them to abandon their purchases and shop elsewhere.

-As strategies, improving the credit application process, increasing financing options, and implementing mobility are the top three methods by which merchants intend to boost checkout.

"Most retailers are optimistic about both the industry and their own businesses, and actively investing in areas such as checkout and financing to drive loyalty and customer satisfaction," observed Jai Holtz, VP of Customer Success for financing technology firm, and study sponsor, Vyze (Palm Springs, CA). "As online and mobile shopping continue to bloom, we expect to see the rapid rise in the number of merchants creating or expanding their credit loyalty programs."

HELLO GOODBYE

Howdy, Partner

POS Partners, Inc. (Oakbrook Terrace, IL) has engaged Gregory Kingen as its Chief Business Development Officer. Most recently, he served as VP of Sales and Marketing for hospitality VAR, Restaurant Magic (2011 to 2018). A growing hospitality VAR, POS Partners has point-of-sale, digital signage, kitchen display, liquor dispensing, video surveillance, and e-commerce website capabilities, with additional offices in CA, CO, IA, MO, MT, OR, TX, VA, and WI.

"A career change decision can often be a challenge, but deciding to join POS Partners was one of the easiest I've ever made," related Kingen. "The company, the culture, and the team dynamics have the company poised to continue its explosive growth, and that's certainly something I want to help drive and achieve." Added Lance Bell, President and CEO at POS Partners, "I have the highest respect for Greg and I know he will be a great asset to our company."

Gregory Kingen, Chief Business Development Officer, POS Partners

Toshiba's IT Pasha

Ah, synergy. As in the case of Leon Roberge, recently named CIO for both Toshiba America Business Solutions (Lake Forest, CA) and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC). A longtime executive at Toshiba, he was most recently VP of IT for Toshiba TABS and VP of IT for Toshiba GCS (2016-2017). As accomplishments, he cites the standardization and consolidation (and cost reduction) achieved through shared service centers at Toshiba.

"Leon offers tremendous experience and insight and has delivered industry-leading solutions to meet the business and customer needs of multiple companies of Toshiba," enthused Scott Maccabe, President and CEO of Toshiba TABS and Toshiba GCS. "Leon has the exceptional ability to work collaboratively with our geographically diverse teams and address the often complex and nuanced IT challenges our organizations present."

"I look forward to further enhancing our IT infrastructure and ensuring that our organizational information and intellectual property are secure," indicated Roberge. "I will also focus on continuing to develop our staff by providing them with the necessary tools to enhance their skills while enabling our organizations to operate more efficiently and effectively." Recently, Toshiba GCS introduced two products of possible interest to our channel: its Model TCx 800 All-in-One POS and its TCx Dual Station (Receipt/Check) Thermal Printer.

Leon Roberge, CIO, Toshiba TABS and Toshiba GCS

Pyke Peaks at Pivotal

Pivotal Payments (Plano, TX), has recruited Mark Pyke as its President. He will report to Philip Fayer, who moves from President/CEO to Chairman/CEO. Previously, Pyke served as President of TSYS Merchant Services (2010 to 2016), President of Payments Acquisitions Management (2007 to 2010), and President of Bank of America Merchant Services (1996 to 2007).

"I'm thrilled to welcome Mark as an integral part of our executive leadership team. His experience in multiple facets of the payments business will be an invaluable asset," stated Fayer. "I look forward to working together closely in promoting our diverse solutions to our technology partners, network of resellers, and merchant clients."

"I feel honored in joining Pivotal to help it achieve its aggressive growth objectives," volunteered Pyke. "My goal is to provide a more focused strategy for driving important revenue opportunities across Pivotal's core distribution channels, contributing to the company's next stage of success. But what excites me the most is working with such an innovative and passionate team."

Mark Pyke, President, Pivotal Payments