{POS SYSTEMS}

ION-ization at POS-X

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) has unleashed its ION family of POS products, designed to bring full functionality at the best possible price through careful selection of features. In an exclusive interview, Dan Moseley, CEO of POS-X, noted that ION has been in the works for some time. "It's a pretty big deal for us," Moseley shared with RP Digest. "Over the years, EVO has established itself as our high-quality line. ION brings the same basic functionality, with some slight changes, and won't be much more expensive than direct overseas competition."

Designated ION TP2, the POS workstation delivers Intel Atom Dual Core CPU at 1.86 GHz, 250 GB HDD, and 2 GB DDR3 RAM, with 15-inch active-matrix touch display at the base price of $675, for example. It carries plastic housing and traditional CCFL backlight LCD, versus metal housing and LED backlight LCD for EVO. As peripherals, ION includes thermal receipt printer with six inches/second speed and USB or Serial, roller-based cash drawer, and CCD scanner.

"You can mix-and-match between ION and EVO," Moseley stated. "There's no preset bundle because everyone wants something different." While obviously suitable for the SMB, ION also holds promise for larger customers, Moseley noted, adding, "We didn't skimp in quality. We're hoping it opens up some of those higher-end markets. They're cost-conscious, too."

"For the channel, this is going to be an affordable product line that has established, demonstrated support behind it," continued Moseley. "It's the most affordable product you're going to get through distribution, for sure. Especially when you combine it with our two-day exchange warranty. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it's definitely what most people need. It's quality at the best pricing people are going to see in the channel." ScanSource (Greenville, SC) serves as exclusive distributor for POS-X.

ION POS Family by POS-X

{Receipt Printers}

An OmniLink to New Markets

With fanfare, earlier this year, Epson America (Long Beach, CA) introduced OmniLink, thereby bringing PC functionality to its popular POS printers. Put simply, OmniLink equips printers with the gateway for delivery of cloud-based services (via Ethernet or Wi-Fi) as well as enough processing power and memory to drive third-party applications and peripherals (with two models, "i" for Intelligent and enhanced "DT" for Device Terminal). Success of this innovative product will depend upon Epson America's ecosystem of VARs and ISVs, of course, many of which have entered early stages of deployment. One such partner, SmartReceipt (Santa Barbara, CA) recently spoke with RP Digest regarding the opportunities afforded by OmniLink.

SmartReceipt employs sales data at the receipt level to provide real-time, behavior-driven marketing, messaging, and branding. According to Tom Downs, SmartReceipt's Director of Channel Sales, OmniLink, in its "i" version, will help this ISV penetrate the sizeable hospitality segment dependent on Microsoft Windows CE. This includes some end-users of Micros, as well as other vendors such as Positouch. Previously, SmartReceipt has been unable to load its third-party application on such systems running Windows CE.

Another new market of opportunity will encompass institutional foodservice and smaller chains currently relying on electronic cash registers (ECRs), noted Downs, particularly with firmware. Via an external serial port and use of the OmniLink TM-T88V-i, almost as modem, SmartReceipt may be introduced for such end-users. "With access to the cloud, we're able to report transaction information for business analytics as well as load whatever set of rules and images the customer has chosen," Downs explained. "Downloading graphics also maintains the speed of the printer."

For some customers, Epson America has suggested that OmniLink DT serve as possible replacement for the POS PC, satisfying receipt printing, driving peripherals, and reducing space needs at the front counter. Epson plans to integrate OmniLink technology into many of its next-generation core products, which suggests even more smart solutions are on the horizon.

Epson OmniLink TM-T88V-i,
With Multiple Ports

{label Printers}

Sato's Value Line Hits Our Beaches

Sato America (Charlotte, NC) has launched its "Value Line" of thermal label printers, comprised of three models from Argox, which Sato purchased in 2011, RP Digest readers will recall. All four major markets--retail, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare--will be addressed by the CP-2140Z, the OS Series, and the X Series, according to the vendor. "Introduction of our new Argox brand of desktop and industrial tabletop thermal printers to the Americas demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bring our customers products with exceptional value," stated Bob Linse, President of Sato America.

Targeting low-volume labeling for mailing stations, shipping/receiving, retail tagging, and healthcare, the CP-2140Z prints at four inch maximum width and speed of four inch/second at 203 dpi from its compact, desktop footprint. Moving up the ladder somewhat, the OS Series can accommodate the needs of transportation, warehouse/distribution, and hospitality, with two versions, OS-2140DZ and OS-214Plus, with four inch direct thermal and thermal transfer technology, three and four inch/second print speed at 203 dpi, and more barcode capabilities. Lastly, the X Series, with X-2000V and X-2300ZE, represents an affordable industrial printer for retail, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and distribution, with four inch print width, six inch/second print speed at 203 dpi, and more of the endurance, characteristics, and features required in high-volume environments.

"Our Value Line is priced very aggressively, from $349 for a desktop model to $1,000 for an industrial model with all-metal housing, while maintaining the uncomplicated serviceability that's featured in every Sato printer," RP Digest was told by Laurel Ciliberti, Channel Marketing Manager for Sato America. "Argox is part of Sato, and the new Value Line gets supported by the same Quality Assurance, Integration, and Technical Support teams here in Charlotte. For VARs, our new Value Line gives greater breadth of offerings to their existing customers. Equally important, it will provide an entry into new accounts who may have previously had price point sensitivities."

Desktop CP-2140Z From Sato America

{Mobile Computers}

CipherLab Throws the Curve

CipherLab (Plano, TX) has uncorked its CP60 industrial mobile computer, carrying state-of-the-art capabilities in processing, communications, and data collection. Measuring 7.3 in. (L) x 3.3 in. (W) x 1.7 in. (D), and weighing 18.2 oz., the CP60 supports Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, Windows CE 6.0, and Android 2.3, with Texas Instruments OMAP3 CPU at 1 GHz, 512 MB DDR SDRAM, and 4 GB Flash. Communication schemes include 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and 3.8G Evolved HSPA, with optional 4G LTE.

For data collection, the CP60 employs laser reader, long-range laser reader, two-dimensional imager, and five-megapixel autofocus camera. Additional features include GPS, 3.5-inch transflective TFT color display, and numeric or QWERTY keypad with LED backlight. In terms of ruggedness, the CP60 holds an IP-65 environmental rating against water and dust and withstands drops onto concrete from 6 feet and 2,000 tumbles at 3.3 feet.

New CP60 Industrial
Mobile Computer From CipherLab

{Tablets & Displays}

Next Comes Nexcom

Another new entry into our channel, Nexcom (Taipei, Taiwan), has premiered its NPB 3550 POS computer and NPD 1050 15-inch touch monitor. "Together, the NPB 3550 and NPD 1050 allow quick installation, maintenance, and upgrades that satisfy key selection criteria for POS systems," commented Joann Truong, Marketing Manager for Nexcom. With its Pan American Service Center in Fremont, California, opened in 2006, Nexcom stocks the full catalogue of horizontal hardware for industrial computing, multi-media, mobility, and digital security and surveillance.

Leveraging fanless design, aluminum casing, and booksize form factor, the NPB 3550 carries Intel Atom D2550 CPU at 1.8 GHz, DDR3, 2.5-inch SATA HDD, and assorted I/O interfaces for peripheral expansion. Powered USB at 12V simplifies cabling and the top latch cover gives technicians easy access to internal hard drive, boards and card slots, with wall-mount kit included. "NPB 3550's design offers unparalleled uptime by taking installation, operation, and maintenance into consideration," emphasized Truong.

The NPD 1050 touch monitor features 15-inch LCD panel with VGA resolution (1024x768) and offers five-wire resistive or projected capacitive touch technologies. It supports integration of magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), customer-facing displays (VFD), and biometric fingerprint identification. Built to the IP-65 standard for water and dust, the NPD 1050 ensures industrial-grade reliability with "stylish true flat outlook," as described by Nexcom.

Nexcom's NPD 1050
Touch Monitor for POS

{Software}

Wasp Abuzz Over Inventory Control

Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX) has released its InventoryControl Version 7 for the SMB. Responding to the number one customer-requested inventory management feature, reportedly, Wasp has developed the connector module for QuickBooks. "Integrating InventoryControl with QuickBooks, the industry-leading accounting package, eliminates data integrity concerns, provides greater supply chain visibility, and provides to Wasp customers those efficiencies typically reserved for big business," remarked Brian Sutter, Wasp's Director of Marketing.

Wasp InventoryControl Version 7 comes in three editions: Standard, RF Professional, and RF Enterprise. Beyond QuickBooks compatibility, which is optional, enhancements include an ability to schedule and receive e-mail alert notifications, mass update functionality for customer and inventory records, advanced security features and permission controls, greater drop ship, forecasting, and search functionality, and WaspLabeler Version 7. Free unlimited technical support, start-up training, and try-before-the-buy test drives are provided.

Priced from $995, InventoryControl Version 7 also comes with fully refundable 30-day satisfaction guarantee. A complete inventory management solution from the company bundles software, mobile device with scanning, and barcode printer. Integration of InventoryControl data with QuickBooks via the connector module requires implementation assistance from one of Wasp's certified partners, the company pointed out.

InventoryControl Version 7
Integrates With QuickBooks