Our Product Pick

A new desktop industrial color label printer, Model QL-125, has been unwrapped by AstroNova (West Warwick, RI). With thermal inkjet technology, and support for 64-bit Windows, it delivers 1200x1200 dpi print quality at speeds of up to 13 inches (330 mm) per second. It handles multiple media (gloss, semi-gloss, or matte label stock) with print widths from 0.5" (13 mm) to 4.2" (106 mm). As features, it includes guillotine auto-cutter, 4.3" color touchscreen, built-in GPIO, and enterprise-ready network connectivity (USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, RS-232). An adjustable top-of-form sensor facilitates production of circular, oval, and specialty shaped die-cut labels. As MSRP: $6,995.

AstroNova Quick Label QL-125

COMPANY BUSINESS

Star: "Qwantum" Physics

A new partnership ensures security--in the form of Qwantum Multi-Factor Authentication (QMFA) from MagTek--for hardware in POS provided by Star Micronics. A digital-token-based solution can be used to access and perform functionality with cash drawers, printers, and payment peripherals. With centralized control, it extends across multiple frameworks, including countertop, mobile, and kiosks.

"Aligning our Qwantum Platform and QMFA with modern, cloud-based hardware pioneered by Star Micronics opens incredible opportunities," enthused Andy Deignan, CEO, President, and Chairman at MagTek (Seal Beach, CA). "Giving ISVs the power to manage secure identity and authentication across payment hardware connects the digital payment ecosystem with a scalable, modernized solution that builds trust and protects merchants and business owners from fraud." (As suggested payment device, there's the DynaFlex II PED by MagTek.)

"We see the evolution of retail moving toward more connected, cloud-driven architectures where devices are no longer standalone endpoints," contributed Tim Guella, IT Director at Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). "[So] moving away from physical keys and passwords is ideal." A busy time at Star Micronics, with recent recruitment of three ISVs: CaterZen (Nashville, TN), Operandio (Richmond, Australia), and Quetzal POS (Oakville, ON, Canada).

Star Micronics and MagTek Partner on Security

In the Qu: Paul Rubin

A noteworthy hire sees restaurant industry veteran Paul Rubin as the Chief Product & Technology Officer at Qu (Arlington, VA). He joins Qu from PAR Technology, where he served as Chief Strategy Officer. Earlier, he served as Co-Founder and CEO of one of the first cloud-based POS, Brink Software, which was acquired by PAR in 2014.

"Restaurants don't need more technology; they need technology that makes running their business simpler," relayed Amir Hudda, CEO of Qu. "Paul has spent his career building products that solve real operational challenges, and he shares our belief that innovation should reduce complexity, not create it. His experience, product vision, and customer-first approach will be instrumental as we continue developing technology that helps restaurants move faster and operate more intelligently."

"After more than three decades in restaurant technology, I'm thrilled to begin this next chapter at Qu," expressed Rubin. "What drew me to Qu is its ability to move quickly, stay close to customers, and consistently turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. Advances in AI, cloud computing, and edge technologies are creating new ways to solve restaurant challenges at scale. I believe that the best solutions are still ahead of us, and together, we have an opportunity to help define the next generation of restaurant technology."

Paul Rubin, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Qu

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business? With the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?

E-mail Michael Kachmar
or call 973-270-3284

A Message From the Editor

As we enjoy another year--our 20th!--our mission remains constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID (and now Mobility). If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of new technologies, go-to-market strategies, business models, and consumer expectations. We look forward to continuing our mission, and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

Short Takes

-A definitive agreement has ScanSource (Greenville, SC) buying MicroAge (Phoenix, AZ), one of the leading integrators of computer IT. An all-cash transaction of $220.5 million is expected to close in Q3.

-Esper (Seattle, WA), which supplies enterprise device management, has achieved Premier ISV Partner status in Zebra Technologies' PartnerConnect Program (Lincolnshire, IL).

-DecisionPoint Technologies (Baltimore, MD) has expanded its footprint with the purchase of American Barcode and RFID ("AB&R"/Phoenix, AZ) and 5th Wave Mobile Technology (Gig Harbor, WA).

-A strategic partnership has been announced between Perfect POS (Toronto, Canada) and 360 Retail Management (Louisville, KY).

ALL IN THE FAMILY

NMI Drops In

A suite of drop-in, low-code, payment components for software providers (with User Interface) has been offered by NMI (Schaumburg, IL). A trio of necessary functions includes: payments, transaction history, and deposit history. Available with tools and documentation on the processor's Integration Portal, they help bring payments--and its revenue and "stickiness"--for ISVs and AI Agents, touts NMI.

In use, software developers may install the components, customize the look and feel through NMI's component studio, and begin testing in the free sandbox. As expected, platforms may start with one component, and expand over time, moving from hosted options to low-code components or full APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) as their needs grow. In addition, an included "README-Generator" helps AI.

"Software platforms want to offer payments as part of their own product experience, but many do not have the time, resources, or payments expertise to build everything themselves," noted Luis Alfredo Pena Perez, Director, Product Management at NMI. "Our embeddable component suite gives them a faster way to launch, maintain brand control, and create a clear path to payment revenue." A key market differentiator, according to NMI: its embedded reporting.

A Suite of Low-Code Components for Payments

[Editor's Note: Also, NMI now handles the Axium "SmartPOS" Terminals by Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA).]

Janam Has Face Time

A new mobile entry pedestal, designated GTX+, with facial recognition, has been debuted at Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY). As with the company's GTX Series, it's powered by the Janam XT4 rugged mobile computer; new facial recognition is provided by Wicket (Doylestown, PA). Equipped with Qualcomm Dragonwing Octa-Core CPU, GTX+ extends identification types from barcodes to QR Codes to RFID/NFC.

As markets, Janam cites sports arenas, live entertainment, and secure access environments. Via its facial recognition, GTX+ enables prioritization of "privacy-forward" categories, including pre-registered attendees, select ticket holders, VIP guests, and staff. A taller form factor of 62"/1.6 m allows optimal facial reading of subjects, with swappable branding placard and optional wireless deployment.

"Venues shouldn't have to choose between deploying facial authentication and protecting the technology investments they've already made," manifested Harry B. Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies (part of HID). "GTX+ is built to do both. It gives venues a single platform to validate every major credential type, including face biometrics, while leveraging the same Janam hardware many of them already use for handheld ticket scanning."

Janam's GTX+ Mobile Entry System

Worth Your While

VARTECH
Bluestar
September 21-22
Mohegan Sun (CT)

FS/TEC
Informa
September 23-25
Grapevine, TX

IAAPA Expo
International Association of
Amusement Parks & Attractions
November 16-20
Orlando, FL

MJBizCon
MJBizDaily
December 1-4
Las Vegas, NV

2027

NRF Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 10-12
New York, NY

RSPA Inspire
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 24-27
San Juan, PR

NGA Show
National Grocers Association
January 31 - February 2
Las Vegas, NV

ETA Transact
Electronic Transactions Association
April 19-21
Las Vegas, NV

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 22-25
Chicago, IL

Enter the ISV

-Menu Tiger POS: Moving beyond digital ordering, with a full-featured, cloud-based restaurant platform at Menu Tiger (New York, NY).

-SpyderWash POS: Filling the need for cashless payments for washers and dryers in laundromats by Setomatic Systems (Boca Raton, FL).

-Dark Matter POS: Adding early document validation for the mortgage industry at Dark Matter Technologies (Jacksonville, FL).

ALLIANCES

Hello, OrderCounter

A capacity for AI Voice from Maple (Pensacola, FL) has been added to the restaurant POS at OrderCounter (New York, NY). In this solution, phone orders are captured by Maple, 24/7, with automatic routing, real-time menu synchronization, and network redundancy via OrderCounter's on-site server. A text-to-pay link allows customers to pay over the phone, with settling in store at pick-up also offered.

"We have always evolved OrderCounter around the question: does this help our merchants make money and run a smoother floor," expressed Thomas Barrineau IV, CEO of OrderCounter. "Voice AI answers a problem every operator feels on a Friday night. [Our] pairing of Maple with the local reliability [of networking] our customers count on means the calls get answered and the orders land where the kitchen can act on them, every time."

Starting in December 2023, Maple has answered over one million calls for restaurants with a 92% resolution rate, reportedly. A graduate of Amazon's AWS Generative AI Accelerator, Maple serves approximately 1,000 merchant locations in the U.S. It integrates with major POS, including Toast, Square, Oracle, Clover, as well as OrderCounter.

OrderCounter Taps Maple for AI Voice

[Editor's Note: At press time, Maple also announced support for Chowbus (Chicago, IL) and SpotOn (San Francisco, CA).]

EPI at the Kava Bar

A joint effort by Electronic Payments, Inc. (EPI/Boca Raton, FL) and the VAR/ISV Lifelong (Atlanta, GA) addresses the vertical market for the psychoactive herbal supplement, kava. It furnishes integrated point-of-sale, merchant services, and marketing. As demand for alcohol alternatives accelerates, according to the two parties, kava bars are opening across the U.S. Until now, this market has been deemed high risk--"with higher fees, restrictive contracts, and inconsistent support."

"Operators of kava bars have been telling us the same thing for years: they're being treated like a problem by their current providers, and they're paying three or four different vendors to get an experience that still doesn't work," reflected Kermit Lowry, CEO of Lifelong. "With EPI opening up processing for this vertical, we can finally give kava bars a true all-in-one solution. One platform backed by a processor that's committed to serving this industry."

"The rapid growth of the kava market underscores the need for reliable payments infrastructure, not workarounds," declared Michael Nardy, Founder and CEO of Electronic Payments, Inc. "Partnering with Lifelong allows us to pair processing with the technology, support, and stability kava bar operators have been missing." Established in 2000, with 1,500 sales partners, supporting 60,000 merchants, EPI has the following products: Cygma, Exatouch, TableTurn, and eGiftSolutions.

A Partnership Between Electronic Payments, Inc. and ISV Lifelong Addresses an Emerging Vertical: Kava Bars

Code Corner

A Muse From Mews

A new software for hospitality, Mews POS (Dallas, TX and Montreal, Canada), has been introduced in the U.S. and Canada. It combines property management system (PMS), food and beverage operations, and payments--every order, charge, and guest interaction synchs automatically, according to the ISV--from the front desk to the bar tab. In customer service, guest profiles surface directly in the POS.

Also, it eliminates manual posting errors, missed check-outs, and gaps in APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), according to the ISV. Since 2014, Mews POS had been run in 20 countries in hospitality settings in Europe and Asia-Pacific. "Hotels shouldn't need a separate system for every part of their operation," espoused Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews (London, UK). "Mews POS removes the headaches."

Mews Hospitality POS

Don't Mess With RF

A patent for Wireless Tamper Detection (U.S. No. 12.664.553) has been granted to Verifone (New York, NY). Intended for unattended payment terminals (self-checkout lanes, gas pumps, outdoor kiosks), this new security technology monitors radio frequency (RF) within the terminal (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WLAN). As such, it thwarts data theft from common schemes such as attached reader devices or inserted card skimmers. Since radio capability is already built into many modern payment terminals, this protection can be delivered through software rather than the need for new hardware, according to Verifone.

"Instead of asking a terminal to detect a specific type of attack, we asked it to autonomously recognize when its own physical environment has changed in a suspect or unnatural way," explained Will Morgan, Chief Information Security Officer at Verifone. "A radio can pick up on a change that a person walking by would never see."

Verifone Fights Tampering

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Bead on Payments at Fluid

A "next-generation" platform for payments has been launched by Bead (Dover, DE) and Fluid Pay (Franklin, TN). It empowers acceptance of payment methods such as cryptocurrency, digital wallets--along with PayPal, Venmo, and Klarna--and Buy Now/Pay Later (BNPL). Integration is available immediately for Fluid Pay partners, via its gateway, and their merchants, with all transactions settling in U.S. dollars.

"Our partners have been asking about crypto and digital wallet acceptance for awhile now," shared Jeff Rooney, Chief Technology Officer of Fluid Pay. "The Bead integration gives them a real answer. Merchants keep their existing setup: they just gain the ability to accept a whole new set of payment methods and still get paid in dollars. This is a straightforward conversation to have with any merchant."

With channel-centric approach, Fluid Pay has been named the Payment Gateway Company of the Year 2026 by CIO Review. As terminal hardware, it has certified the Model VP3350 by ID TECH (Cypress, CA). "Every feature, from onboarding workflows to API (Application Programming Interface), exists to make ISOs, Agents, and ISVs better at serving their merchants," emphasized Nick Cucci, Fluid Pay COO.

Acceptance for Next-Generation Payments, Including Crypto and Digital Wallets, From Bead and Fluid Pay

[Editor's Note: Earlier, Bead partnered with Dejavoo (Mineola, NY.)]

An Uber for NRS

An integration with Uber Eats boosts National Retail Solutions (NRS/Newark, NJ). It empowers independent store owners utilizing NRS POS to list their updated inventory on Uber Eats. As orders are placed for delivery, they flow automatically into order management by NRS.

"Independent retailers have long been underserved by the digital commerce revolution," suggested Elie Y. Katz, President and CEO of National Retail Solutions. "To address this deficit, we've partnered with Uber Eats to build a direct point-of-sale connection specifically for our independent retailers. Together, we are providing independent store owners with access to the same powerful digital tools used by large retail chains--without added complexity or cost."

Also, NRS has presented an online marketplace for buying and selling such independent businesses, dubbed SellMyBodega . com. A monthly subscription provides information on grocery, liquor, smoke, and foodservice businesses. "Thousands of independent business owners are looking for an easier way to connect with serious buyers," remarked Elie Y. Katz. "Our goal is to help businesses grow their entrepreneurial portfolio."

National Retail Solutions Rides With Uber Eats

[Editor's Note: Hashim Amin serves as Head of Grocery & Retail for Uber in North America.]

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bixolon America
Epson America
FEC POS
HiStone
HP
MagTek
Metropolitan Sales
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Sewoo
Star Micronics
Washburn Computer Group

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
Sewoo
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers/Cash Handling
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

Data Collection
Star Micronics

Integrated Payment Solutions
AnywhereCommerce
Datacap Systems
MagTek

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
Metropolitan Sales
Sewoo
Star Micronics
Woosim Systems

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

Touchscreens
Metropolitan Sales

INSTALLATIONS

Socket Takes Lunch

A front-counter solution for mobile ordering and self-checkout, focusing on the workplace dining market, has been fielded by VAR Great Performances (Bronx, NY). It employs barcode scanning hardware, in this case the Model S320, from Socket Mobile (Fremont, CA), as well as software from Orda (New York, NY). It has been deployed across workplace dining environments such as the Rockefeller Foundation.

"Orda Express contributed to the premium hospitality experience we provide through our workplace dining programs," indicated Brandon Reichert, Director of Transformation & Technology at Great Performances. "The previous solution was complicated to set up and frustrating for the clients and guests. With Orda Express, we were able to customize the set-up, based on specific client needs, creating an easy-to-use, fast, and intuitive experience for our guests."

"Our collaboration with Orda demonstrates how application-ready scanning technology can power next-generation self-checkout experiences while opening new opportunities for Socket Mobile in workplace dining, hospitality, healthcare, and other enterprise environments," projected David A. Holmes, President and CEO of Socket Mobile. "We're excited about the potential to bring this proven solution to organizations looking to modernize foodservice operations at scale." As its partner in POS, Orda emphasizes Square (San Francisco, CA).

A Self-Checkout Solution for Workplace Dining Utilizes Socket Mobile's S320 Barcode Scanner

A Parking Spot for Labeling

A new rugged barcode floor label from ParCode (Roseland, NJ) has been developed for one of the company's customers in warehousing. As befitting its name, Par-Asphalt, it fulfills outdoor environments--in this case, the parking lot and bulk storage areas. A thick rubber-based adhesive with durable 3M polyester has been combined with heavy protective laminate for Par-Asphalt. It adheres directly.

"Customers don't always come to us asking for a particular label--sometimes they come to us with a problem they need solved," stated Jason Aranowitz, CEO of ParCode. "That's what Par-Asphalt represents. A customer needed a barcode solution that could work outdoors on asphalt, so our team researched it, designed a solution, tested different approaches, and kept working until we found one that worked."

Within Par-Asphalt, ParCode offers custom barcoding and location identification. It furthers the product line of floor markers, signage, and asset tags offered by longtime supplier, ParCode. Also this month, ParCode launched its new company website and e-commerce platform.

ParCode Stocks New Outdoor Labels: Par-Asphalt

Channel Factoid

Retail Realities

(Realized Gain
vs. Expectation
by Upgrading the POS)

-Store Productivity
49% vs. 24%

-Mobile Checkout
44% vs. 20%

-Store Conversion Rates
44% vs. 27%

-Inventory Visibility
50% vs. 36%

Source: "Retail POS Modernization: Strategic and Financial Case for Transformation," by Aptos.

Overall 85% of Retailers Say Modern POS Met or Exceeded ROI Expectations

On the Line Card

-Cherry (Pleasant Prairie, WI) has stocked its Smart Keyboard 1150, with new electronics and firmware, integrated smart card reader, and native Microsoft CCID (Chip Card Interface Device).

-Videojet (Wood Dale, IL) has premiered its Model 9310 Label Applicator, with capacity of 0.4" to 4.3" (10 to 110 mm) wide and 0.4" to 19.7" (10 to 500 mm) long, simplified set-up, and motor-driven Videojet Intelligent Motion Technology.

HELLO GOODBYE

A Full Till at apg

A slate of executive moves at apg Solutions (Minneapolis, MN) fortifies sales and company operations. It includes the posting of Matt Gialdo as Sales Leader Americas, Wade Reitmeier as VP of Product and Engineering, and Bart Hoemann as VP of Operations. A longtime player in our channel, apg Solutions supplies its cash drawers and cash management systems (including Smarttill and Note Acceptor).

In working with Walter Heyveart, Global Sales Director, Matt Gialdo will capitalize on experience from Omron Electronics and Datalogic. As Director of Product Management at Entrust, most recently, Wade Reitmeier delivered solutions in the areas of secure identity, payments, and data protection. A successful tenure as Interim VP of Operations has led to the permanent role of VP of Operations for Bart Hoemann.

"These appointments reflect our continued investment in the people, systems, and leadership capabilities required to support our global operating model," commented Heather Stewart, CEO and President of apg. "They each bring valuable expertise that will help us operate with greater discipline, consistency, and focus as we continue to grow. Guided by our company mission, 'Trust in People, Power in Possibility,' I'm honored to work with such a dedicated team that is working together to drive momentum into the future."

Appointments at apg: Matt Gialdo, Sales Leader Americas; Wade Reitmeier, VP of Product and Engineering; Bart Hoemann, VP of Operations. (Shown L-R)

Score Keeping

Announced at the RetailNOW Show in Las Vegas: 2026 Vendor Awards of Excellence by the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA).

Hardware - Gold: Hanasis; Silver: Touch Dynamic; Bronze: Epson America and PAX Technology (Tie); Honorable Mention: Datalogic, Star Micronics, and WTIwireless (Tie). Hardware & Software - Gold: CRS (Cash Register Sales); Silver: Ubiquiti; Bronze: iPOS Systems (Dejavoo). Software - Gold: NCC (National Computer Corporation); Silver: OrderCounter; Bronze: EdgeServ POS; Honorable Mention: Linga, LOC Software, SpotOn, and Bodega AI (Tie).

Electronic Payments - Gold: Datacap Systems; Silver: CoCard and Global Payments (Tie); Bronze: Platinum Relations. Technology Distributor - Gold: M-S Cash Drawer; Silver: BlueStar; Bronze: Metropolitan Sales. Reseller Support Services - Gold: Card Market; Silver: eCard Systems and Washburn Computer Group (Tie); Bronze: Mastery Partners.

2026 Community Leadership Award - Distributor: BlueStar; Vendor: Epson America and Star Micronics (Tie); ISV: OrderCounter. W2W (Women to Women) Leader - Ashton Radican, Landi. RSPA Hall of Fame - Bob Bauer, Chairman Emeritus, BMC (Business Machines Company). New RSPA Advisory Board Members - Reseller: Sandee Finley, PaySafe Associates; Michael Tash, Essential Systems Solutions; and Don Wilczynski, Tried & True Consulting. Non-Software Vendor: Kate Orara, Elo. Software Vendor: Allie Haskell, CBS Northstar.

Winner for Electronic Payments: Datacap Systems. Show L-R: Christopher Arnold, Director Member Services, RSPA; Jannine Houston, Strategic Partner Specialist, Datacap; George Hudock, VP Business Development, Datacap; Jim Roddy, President & CEO, RSPA; Nicole Greene, Sr. Member Services Manager, RSPA; Jared Ortega, Strategic Partner Specialist, Datacap; Justin Ziegler, VP Product, Datacap.