This Week’s Product Pick

TSC Auto ID Technology America (Pomona, CA) premiered its Alpha-3R three-inch direct-thermal portable receipt printer. Measuring 4.6 in. (W) x 5.8 in. (H) x 2.8 in. (D), and weighing 1.2 lbs. with battery, this new device prints at four inches/second at 203 dpi and carries an IP-54 environmental rating and rugged rubber exterior. Features include USB or Serial, Bluetooth, and 802.11b/g/n wireless. Three buttons address on/off, feed, and cover open. In order to meet the needs of the full day’s duty cycle, Alpha-3R utilizes 2500-mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries and 2.25-inch OD media roll capacity. It supports popular mobile printer programming languages such as CPCL, Eltron, and Zebra. “The Alpha-3R is the first in our new family of economical, feature-rich portable printers that will be available worldwide in Q3,” disclosed David Lundeen, VP of Sales and Marketing for TSC America.

TSC’s Alpha-3R Printer

COMPANY BUSINESS

Maitre’D Serves Up Workers Comp

An emerging trend has Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) rushing to add ancillary value to their programs. An interesting example was seen at the recent National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago where hospitality software developer Posera-HDX joined forces with CompNet, one of the leading providers of network cost-containment services for work-related injuries. Under this agreement, popular Maitre’D POS software will be aligned with CompNet’s offering, underwritten by Guard Insurance, in order to provide restaurant operators with significant savings on their workers compensation premiums each year.

“Our new partnership with CompNet/Guard Insurance started with the idea of developing an interface that would allow restaurateurs to use the labor information that already resides in the Maitre’D system, and send that directly to the insurance company to automate the calculation and monthly payments of workers compensation,” recounted Michel Cote, President of Posera-HDX (Toronto). “When we started discussions with CompNet, we quickly realized that there was an opportunity to offer an advanced program that was truly unique and highly advantageous. As we continuously seek ways to help our customers, we decided to take the partnership one step further and come up with this joint program that will put more money in their pockets.”

Restaurants may reduce their workers compensation burden in several ways, RRN.Com was told by Posera-HDX. First of all, CompNet promises rates up to 20% lower than the industry average for its primary service. In addition, integration between Maitre’D and CompNet eliminates the need for restaurants to pay third-parties, typically their payment processor, to transmit POS data to their insurance company for workers compensation purposes, which runs several hundred dollars each year. Finally, the so-called “dividends program” involves pooling the premiums and claims history of policyholders in the same industry, with returns of up to 40% when the group experiences no losses. As additional benefits, CompNet’s online quoting system provides an immediate estimate for annual workers compensation insurance premiums, Posera-HDX noted, and pay-as-you-go weekly pricing is offered as an option.

Insurance Costs for Work-Related Injuries Addressed by CompNet and Posera-HDX

Five Finger Payment from DLI

DLI (LaPorte, IN) has debuted its 9000 rugged mobile tablet bearing the five-in-one payment device designed by the company. This add-on module incorporates magnetic-stripe reading, debit PIN Pad, contactless payment (NFC), smart-card EMV, and barcode scanning. “The DLI 9000 occupies unique space in the mobile POS market,” declared Joe Alexander, Director of Sales for DLI, which stands for Data Ltd. Inc. “This tablet is second to none in its ability to process global transactions.”

Housed in an impact-resistant IP-54 enclosure, DLI’s tablets merge industrial requirements for ruggedness with the sleek design desired by the retail market, according to the vendor. Measuring 10.4 in. (W) x 8.1 in. (H) x 0.6 in. (D), the DLI 9000 weighs approximately 2 lbs. with battery pack and composite payment module. Built on common PC architecture, it allows for increased flexibility by handling both OS images (Windows or Android) and OPOS/JPOS drivers.

Intended for tableside ordering, line busting, and roaming customer service, the DLI 9000 carries an Intel Atom Z670 CPU at 1.5 GHz, 2 GB of DDR2 memory, and 64 GB SATA Micro SSD. Features include 9.7-inch indoor/outdoor LCD touchscreen, dual color cameras, Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) for security, and USB, HDMI, I/O, and RF ports. Fully integrated Wi-Fi, CDMA/GPRS, GPS, and Bluetooth provide communications. Manufactured in the U.S., the DLI 9000 will be available for delivery at the end of Q2, said DLI, which somewhat quietly addresses the channel.

Versatile Payment Module on Back of DLI 9000 Mobile Tablet

Worth Your While

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

Pack Expo 2012
Packaging Manufacturers Machinery Institute
October 28-31
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Falcon Uncaged by ACT-POS

Assured Computing Technologies, which goes by ACT-POS, has introduced its Falcon X55 POS computer with Intel Dual Core Atom D2700 CPU at 2 GHz. Featuring small form factor chassis of 3.9 in. (W) x 10.4 in. (H) x 12.2 in. (D), Falcon X55 furnishes 2 GB of DDR3 memory (upgradeable to 4 GB) and 160 GB SATA hard drive, and for the X55 SS, solid-state 60 GB drive or DVD-RW optical drive. Integrated LAN, Intel High Definition Audio 2, dual display capability with VGA and Digital DVI ports, and free keyboard and mouse complete the package.

“We use our Falcon X55, X55 SS, and X45 systems as the base, with 15-inch OEM touchscreens or standard LCD monitors, for complete value-driven POS with industry-leading peripherals from Epson America, Star Micronics, Bematech, APG Cash Drawer, Samsung, and others,” RRN.Com was told by Frank Pivonka, Business Development Manager at ACT-POS (Bedford, NH). “We preload Microsoft Windows Embedded POSReady 7 to address retail. We currently sell direct to end-users, however we are investigating the use of national distributors in the future. We also sell direct to resellers at a discount.”

“We build the entire Falcon family in house,” Pivonka continued. “We’ve been designated as Microsoft OEM Embedded Partner for four years and an Intel Embedded Partner for three years. This system is capable of outperforming most current POS terminals on the market for much less money.” In correspondence with RRN.Com, Pivonka also called attention to his complementary line of digital signage systems such as Eagle and Dragonfly.

Falcon X55 POS Computer by Assured Computing Technologies

SoMo Picks Up Where iPAQ Left Off

Socket Mobile (Newark, CA) has previewed its SoMo 655 handheld computer, and has won immediate endorsement by CBORD. Socket’s SoMo 655Rx will be used with the Bedside Menu Entry, Tray Monitor Mobile, and NetHIMs solutions that CBORD provides to hospitals, long-term care centers, and other in-patient facilities. Taking up from the SoMo 650, the 655 upgrades to Windows Mobile 6.5, 4 GB memory, vibrate and visual alarm, Micro SD, and 802.11b/g/n wireless.

“CBORD recommends the SoMo because it’s lightweight, durable, and at an affordable price point. It also integrates easily into existing HP iPAQ deployments, making it the ideal replacement for the discontinued HP iPAQ Pocket PC,” explained Margaret Dittloff, Product Manager at CBORD (Ithaca, NY). “After successfully testing the new SoMO 655Rx, we look forward to the improved Windows Embedded Handheld user interface and the addition of 802.11n, which will provide enhanced Wi-Fi roaming and connectivity for our customers.”

CBORD’s Bedside Menu Entry displays meal choices suited to each patient’s dietary requirements, including any food allergies. With SoMo 655, staff can take menu selections closer to mealtimes, resulting in fewer changed orders, reduced food waste, and increased patient satisfaction. Tray Monitor Mobile enables care providers carrying the SoMo 655 to track and adjust food delivery times and NetHIMs extends inventory management throughout the entire healthcare complex. Socket Mobile said it will offer SoMo 655 in Q2.

SoMo 655 by Socket Mobile in Rx Casing

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ALLIANCES

A Smart Guy for Retail Pro

Retail Pro International (Folsom, CA), one of the prominent retail POS developers, has expanded its partner network with Retail Smart Guys (Lake View Terrace, CA), the well-known specialty retail consulting company. Dan Jablons, Founder and Owner of Retail Smart Guys, and long-time Retail Pro supporter, will take the lead in creating custom consulting programs for new and existing end-users for the two parties. Jablons brings his long track record in disciplines such as forecasting, marketing, sales, technology, and social networking, with dozens of high-profile specialty retailers as customers.

“Leveraging our Retail Pro management software and services with Retail Smart Guys’ planning guidance will go a long way to ensure the success of any merchant in our ecosystem,” commented Mike Bishop, VP of Business Development at Retail Pro International. “By utilizing the products of both Retail Pro and Retail Smart Guys, merchants will be better informed about their businesses and markets while gaining access to crucial data and retail management tools that will drive growth, profitability, and long-term success.” Retail Pro and Retail Smart Guys predict “a new pedigree of retailer” resulting from their efforts.

Retail Pro is currently working to introduce new services that will capitalize on this newly forged alliance. “We are thrilled to be partnering with such a performance-driven organization in the retail space and believe this collaboration will provide the retailers with the resources and expertise they truly need to succeed,” proclaimed Jablons. “It’s the ultimate win-win situation for all involved.”

Dan Jablons, Founder and Owner, Retail Smart Guys

My Chemical Romance at Epson

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has received International Maritime Dangerous Goods BS 5609 certification for two of its inkjet printers used in conjunction with label media from Neenah Paper (Alpharetta, GA). Specifically, Epson’s TM-C3400 and B-510DN models will be paired with Neenah’s Kimdura inkjet labels for harsh environments. As RRN.Com’s readers in Auto ID may know, BS 5609 represents one of the primary standards for the Global Harmonizing System (GHS) being adopted for most chemical labeling around the world.

This new certified joint offering, the world’s first using color inkjet technology, reportedly, will allow chemical and pharmaceutical companies to print GHS labels for much less cost than full-color thermal transfer or laser-generated counterparts meeting the same standard. In addition, manufacturers using this new solution should reduce errors and labor demands while increasing productivity by moving labeling closer to production and shipping, according to the two parties. Similar to its well-known POS printers, Epson America’s labeling solutions for logistics, gathered under the banner of “ColorWorks,” pass through its reseller and distribution channels.

“Epson has been a global leader in the design and manufacture of color inkjet technologies for over 30 years and now we are the world’s first inkjet printer manufacturer to obtain this global certification,” relayed Mike Helm, Director of Sales for the Business Systems Division at Epson America, Inc. “The durability testing to achieve certification included adhesive performance, print performance, and abrasion resistance, which validates the extreme reliability of the Epson/Neenah labeling solution. Customers in harsh environments can be assured of extremely durable labels.”

Epson America’s TM-C3400 Inkjet Label Printer

Code Corner

Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ), one of the largest payment processors for the hospitality industry, has launched SmartLink for Restaurants, its managed network service that delivers high-speed transport of both transaction data and back-office information. With many existing installations in the petro/convenience store market, SmartLink separates credit/debit/prepaid card transactions from other network traffic to meet Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) requirements. According to Heartland, it also allows for rapid implementation of additional critical applications that require broadband connectivity, such as freezer temperature monitoring, VoIP, digital signage, e-mail, and managed Wi-Fi Internet access. Concurrent with the launch, Heartland has completed the first two SmartLink for Restaurants roll outs at Dallas-based Maguire’s and Maximo locations, owned and operated by restaurant entrepreneur, Mark Maguire. “As an independent restaurateur, my customers expect me to be on the floor and at the door taking care of business, and that’s where I need to be,” stated Maguire. “I would easily waste an hour or two daily with networking and connectivity issues. It’s been smooth sailing since SmartLink was installed, as I’ve done nothing but spend time with my customers.”

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Tri-Tech Takes “AIMsi” at Version 10

AIMsi Version 10 POS has been launched by Tri-Technical Systems (Dubuque, IA), just in time for demonstration to VARs at the upcoming Retail Solutions Providers Association Show, RetailNOW, in late July in Las Vegas. Enhancements include an improved interface between AIMsi and Tri-Tech’s website e-commerce solution, Active-e, for online rentals, as well as deeper reporting capabilities. Users may now create their “favorites” list of their most frequently used reports and searching and filtering criteria may similarly be recalled. An extensive list of changes to V10 appears on the company’s website.

AIMsi POS from Tri-Tech allows retailers to control inventory, manage customers, and track sales and furnishes custom add-on modules such as Repair & Service, Lesson Scheduling, Rent and Sales Contracts, Contact Management, E-Mail, and Time Scheduler. Further, the software has been designed with industry-specific features for many popular vertical niches, including music, sewing, vacuum, bicycle, liquor, hobby, and golf. V10 has been PA-DSS approved, with tokenization, and supports either Mercury Payment Systems or PayPros for credit card processing.

Active-e fully integrates with AIMsi, not surprisingly. It includes shopping carts, business-to-business capabilities such as product updating, and customer-to-business functionality such as sales history, order status, open account payments, rental payments, and reservations. All Tri-Tech software products are sold through the company’s dealer network, including its PC Poll communication and programming package for electronic cash registers (ECRs).

AIMsi Version 10 on SPT-4500 Touch Terminal from CRS, Inc.

Second Story for Microsoft RMS

System Solutions (Glastonbury, CT) has tied Microsoft Retail Management System (RMS) POS to advanced three-dimensional building design and material cost estimating software from Seljax Int’l Inc. (Spruce Grove, AB, Canada). System Solutions, as many RRN.Com readers may know, builds add-ons to RMS, which are then marketed to both end-users and resellers. One of the largest firms in its field, Seljax currently serves over 1,200 customers and has helped over 6,000 estimators make the switch from manual to computer estimating, reportedly.

“The technology revolution has changed the way our world thinks and acts,” acknowledged Braven Blackwell, President of Seljax Int’l Inc. “Seljax understands that this change has also affected the way estimators, contractors, and retail building material dealers do business. We embrace this change and strive to make these new technologies benefit our customers.”

“This integration produces the fastest, lowest-cost solution to design, estimate, and sell houses, decks, and frames in the storefront as well as maintain materials inventory in the back,” stated Dave Durrenberger, Director of Sales with System Solutions. “With proprietary POS systems, retailers really have limited or no choices when it comes to available features or support options. These companies just don’t have the depth of retail knowledge, money, and resources of Microsoft and its ecosystem of partners.”

Three-Dimensional Building Design and Material Cost Estimating Software from Seljax Tied to RMS

[Editor’s Note:  Along the same lines, at press time, System Solutions extended Microsoft RMS with Agway and Southern States electronic catalog, ordering, and receiving. Agway and Southern States, cosmopolitan RRN.Com readers may not know, are two leaders in the distribution of lawn, garden, farm, and equine supplies.]

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Synnex Corporation
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
Mercury Payment Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Repair & Refurbishment
AMCOR Tech Solutions

Touchscreens & Monitors
TE/Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Star Enjoys Southern Hospitality

Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) continues to ply the potential of Apple-based POS, this time for Southern Hospitality, the barbecue restaurant fronted by Justin Timberlake in Manhattan. POS software developer Breadcrumb POS, also based in New York, has specified the use of three different models of Star Micronics printers for one Southern Hospitality site on the basis of their seamless integration with Apple’s iPad. In support of five iPads, Breadcrumb POS deployed one TSP743IIL Ethernet thermal printer, three TSP743IIU USB thermal printers, and one SP742ML Ethernet impact printer. Also included in this installation were five MagTek iDynamo card-swipe enclosures, five Archelon tablet stands, two APG Vasario VB320 cash drawers, and one Apple AirPort Extreme.

Management at Southern Hospitality pursued iPads after they became frustrated with the high cost of their previous POS, according to the announcement by Star Micronics. They also suffered from system-wide crashes that would interrupt service for long periods of time. With this new platform, which required less than one day of training, Southern Hospitality has reduced its business costs, increased operational visibility, and streamlined labor performance, according to the two parties.

Elsewhere, Star Micronics has seen its TSP100 and TSP700II thermal receipt printers certified by Share One (Memphis, TN), which provides its NewSolutions business management software for credit unions. “Star printers have long been a staple in the credit and banking markets,” observed Christophe Naasz, Director of Marketing at Star Micronics America. “We are pleased to offer our printers to Share One’s clients and to be aligned with such a reputable leader in this market.” Here, Star’s TSP100 and TSP700II were tested across multiple Windows platforms as well as for compatibility with Citrix.

Justin Timberlake’s Rib Joint Adopts iPad POS and Printers from Star Micronics

Merchant Followers Drawn to Isis

Merchants, if not consumers, continue to flock to contactless (NFC) payment schemes. Case in point: Isis, created by AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless, which has pilot projects ready for kickoff in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Austin, Texas. In addition to hundreds of local retailers and foodservice purveyors in those two cities, Isis has tallied support from seven national brands, including Aeropostale, Coca-Cola, Champs, Dillard’s, Foot Locker, Jamba Juice, and Macy’s.

“Today’s announcement signals the mobile commerce experience has arrived,” suggested Jim Stapleton, Chief Sales Officer at Isis (New York). “We look forward to working closely with both local and national merchants to enable an advanced mobile commerce experience that transforms how consumers shop and interact with their favorite brands.” Beyond payments, of course, Isis plans to extend relevant offers and loyalty programs to its customer base.

Under the pilot program, consumers in Salt Lake City and Austin will be able to walk into their AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile, or Verizon Wireless stores, choose from an as-yet unspecified selection of NFC-enabled smartphones, and leave with their Isis Mobile Wallet all ready to go. Earlier, in March, Isis received the blessing of major payment processing hardware suppliers such as VeriFone, Ingenico, ViVOtech, and Equinox Payments, and credit card issuers such as Chase, Capital One, and BarclayCard. Similarly, Google Wallet has forged ahead with major retailers and payment players . . . with consumer enthusiasm still lagging behind

Seven National Brands Announce Support for the Contactless Payment Scheme

Channel Factoid

New research shows strong and growing adoption for mobile marketing programs, although lack of resources and strategy were also identified as key challenges. According to the “StrongMail Mobile Marketing Survey 2012,” 45% of business executives across a wide range of industries have adopted mobile marketing, 57% of those within the past year. Three-quarters (75%) of businesses not currently running programs plan to do so in the near future. Mobile websites (70%), mobile applications (55%), and QR codes (49%) are the most popular forms of mobile marketing. Almost half of respondents (43%) have achieved some level of integration between mobile marketing and other vehicles such as e-mail, but with mobile landing pages (32%), mobile number capture at e-mail sign-up (25%), and mobile optimized templates (22%) representing the top areas of focus, progress remains to be made in implementing more sophisticated efforts. To that point, only 27% are running cross-channel, lifecycle marketing programs that include mobile messaging, and only 29% have used mobile response data to optimize offers in other channels. When asked to identify the top obstacle to launching their mobile program, 37% of businesses cited lack of strategy, followed by inadequate resources at 22%. Mobile marketing budgets remain small, with 54% of respondents dedicating 5% or less out of their overall interactive spending. On the positive side, 55% saw increased budgets for mobile marketing over the past year and 70% expect their budgets to increase in the next 12 months. “With smartphones now accounting for nearly half of all devices carried by mobile users, it is more imperative than ever for digital marketers to adopt and integrate mobile marketing tactics into e-mail and their overall marketing mix,” remarked Kara Trivunovic, VP of Agency Services with StrongMail.

HELLO GOODBYE

Firment Fuels Fusion

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has named Jason Firment as its new Fusion Program Director, following the retirement of Jack Feichtner earlier this year. Firment has worked with BlueStar for the past five years, most recently as Point of Sale Solutions Director. Overall, he brings more than 16 years of experience in business development and marketing in the distribution industry, BlueStar reported.

Now entering its second decade, BlueStar’s Fusion program supports resellers with value-added marketing services. Under Fusion, BlueStar’s staff conceives, launches, and manages business development campaigns directed towards end-users of hardware, software, and service products, either individually or wrapped together. Components include graphic design, telemarketing, web development, educational tools, and printing services. In addition to Firment’s appointment, Fusion Headquarters was recently renovated in Detroit.

Also, BlueStar announced it will distribute mobile computing solutions from Psion throughout Spain and Portugal, in addition to its existing coverage of the U.K. “By signing this agreement, Psion will take another step forward in strengthening our business strategy across the Channel,” stressed Jose Luis Garcia Marcos, Managing Director of Psion Spain. “BlueStar will lend their experience and expertise in the sector to increase our value proposition to partners, improving our supply flow and shortening delivery times, which was one of our main goals.”

Jason Firment, Fusion Program Director, BlueStar

New Tech Boss at Agilysys

Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA), ever-evolving solution provider to retail and hospitality, has tapped Larry Steinberg as its new SVP of Technology. Steinberg comes from Microsoft Corporation, where he served as Development Manager, focusing on automation, cross-platform, cloud, and data center activities. He joined Microsoft in 2007 following its purchase of middleware software developer Engyro, where he held the title of CTO. Previously, he founded two firms, Dirigo and eSpecto Inc., both of which specialized in enterprise systems management.

“This is an exciting time for Agilysys, as we expand and enhance our product line, and Larry’s expertise will be instrumental in guiding our development team,” shared Jim Dennedy, CEO/President of Agilysys. “He brings his wealth of experience in technology start-ups, software development, enterprise management, and heterogeneous systems. Larry is an enormous asset for the company, and his knowledge will support our mission to provide the most comprehensive and innovative product suite to our customers.”

Agilysys also announced two recent contract wins in the gaming and entertainment arena. First, Oxford Casino in Oxford, Maine, scheduled to deal the cards for the first time this summer, will deploy Agilysys InfoGenesis POS along with the Agilysys Stratton Warren inventory and procurement system. Secondly, Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has selected Agilysys InfoGenesis POS to streamline operations at the newly opened 3,000-seat entertainment venue. “We particularly like the fact that it easily integrates with other solutions, including the player-tracking system used by Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, as our facility will accept comp dollars from the casino,” said Fran Volpe, GM of Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

Larry Steinberg, SVP of Technology, Agilysys