Point Of Sale And Payment Processing News From May 2014
Each month, Business Solutions reports news on business in the channel. This month in Point of Sale (POS) and Payment Processing news, Revel Systems introduces a POS accessibility bundle for the visually impaired, Sterling Payment Technologies partners with Adelo, Zebra Technologies announces new mid-range tabletop printers, Harbortouch updates its cloud-based POS solution, Heartland offers the VersaPay cloud-based invoicing and payment solution, MICROS debuts a new tablet series, Star Micronics adds WebPRNT and mPOS products, and Lavu adopts the Epson OmniLink solution.
Revel Systems Introduces POS Accessibility Bundle For The Visually Impaired
Revel Systems has introduced a new hardware and software product bundle aimed at enabling the visually impaired to use touch screen POS solutions. Currently, most touch screen POS solutions don’t provide a way for those with visual impairments to securely enter their debit card PIN numbers or use signature screens when making a purchase at the checkout. The new accessibility bundle includes Bluetooth-enabled keyboards with textured keys. Revel has also incorporated vocal command prompts and software features so that users can search and access the business function display menu.
This announcement follows news of lawsuits that claim a number of businesses are violating the Americans with Disabilities Act because their touch screen POS solutions exclude certain customers from using them.
Sterling Payment Technologies Partners With Aldelo
Sterling Payment Technologies is providing the encrypted credit card reader for recently released Adelo Touch, a restaurant POS solution developed by Aldelo for iPad and iPad Mini. The addition of Sterling’s SecureSwipe provides point-to-point encryption for Aldelo Touch, which can be used as a stand-alone tablet solution or in conjunction with Aldelo’s traditional POS solutions.
Zebra Technologies Announces New Mid-Range Tabletop Printers
Zebra Technologies launched its ZT400 series of midrange printers. The series prints a variety of different label formats on a range of different media types. Enhancements for the printers include Link-OS capabilities and on-pitch RFID encoding. The printers include standard serial, USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as two open media slots for nonstandard connectivity options.
With the introduction of ZT400 Series printers, the ZM400, ZM600, RZ400, and RZ600 printers will be discontinued later in the year.
Harbortouch Updates Cloud-Based POS Management Solution, Announces New National Sales Managers
Harbortouch released version 3.0 of Lighthouse, the company’s cloud-based POS management and reporting portal. Lighthouse communicates information between Harbortouch POS systems and the company’s online reporting platform, enabling business owners to manage their POS system and access reports at any time, from any location. The new version offers mobile device access; the ability to remotely add, edit, or remove menu items, screen categories, and employee information; and options for email subscriptions to sales and labor reports, processing data, and monthly credit or debit card statements. In addition, it provides the capability to manage reservations and to order gift cards and processing supplies.
The company also announced the addition of two new national sales managers in the VAR channel, each with more than 25 years of experience in the POS and payment industries. Before accepting positions with Harbortouch, David Cuppett was the area VP of business development in the partner channel for Fifth Third Processing Solutions/Vantiv, and Timothy Hills was the VP of VAR channel sales for TransFirst.
Heartland Offers VersaPay Cloud-Based Invoicing And Payment Solution
Heartland Payment Systems is now offering its customers the VersaPay ARC eInvoicing system. Under a reseller agreement between Heartland and VersaPay Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, Heartland can provide an electronic invoicing system with payment options, including credit or debit cards. The platform is accessible through Heartland’s Portico e-commerce gateway with enterprise-grade security. Users can import invoices through their accounting software or create them using VersaPay’s software. Merchant-branded invoices are delivered instantly to the portal, and customers are notified via email, eliminating costs and time associated with processing and mailing paper invoices. The solution enables users to track when an invoice was sent, when their customer received and viewed the invoice, and when payment was made.
MICROS Debuts Tablet Series, Engagement Feature
MICROS Systems introduced the MICROS mTablet E-Series and the MICROS Engagement feature. The tablet series, which is available in an 8-inch or an 11-inch size, operates on Microsoft Windows 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro. The 11-inch version is fully compatible with the MICROS mStation base, providing options to be mobile or to use it as a workstation with full peripheral connectivity. Optional sleeves for either mTablet size facilitate secure payment on the device.
When running MICROS Simphony on an mTablet in a food and beverage establishment, the MICROS Engagement feature displays interactive live tiles that promote content, including daily specials and upcoming events. The tiles also provide connections to the loyalty program and external feeds for guest entertainment and can facilitate orders. The feature can also access actionable data and analytics for management staff.
Star Micronics Adds Products To WebPRNT, mPOS Lines
Star is adding the SP700 (impact printing) and the TSP700II (label printing) to its WebPRNT line. SP700 is designed to overcome heat and humidity in kitchens that can erode the type on a printed order. This two-color printer features a clamshell design for easy paper loading and an embedded power supply for space efficiency. The TSP700II is designed for label printing for a Web-based application. It supports 2D, PD417, and QR codes.
Star also announces the addition of the SMD2 series cash drawers to its mPOS solution line. The steel cash drawers are available in three sizes with either black or white color finish, they have standard removable cash tills, and they are Kensington-lock capable. Users can choose a printer-driven interface (cable included) or Star’s DK-AirCash wireless option for Bluetooth 2.1, MFi-certified Bluetooth, or Ethernet communication.
Lavu Adopts Epson OmniLink Solution
Lavu has adopted the Epson OmniLink i-Series, an all-in-one smart solution for receipt printing and peripheral device management. OmniLink will serve as the peripheral device hub for the Lavu iPad POS platform, enabling connection and management of POS peripherals, including credit card readers, bar code scanners, scales, and customer displays. Lavu will also leverage Epson’s TM-T88V and TM-U220B printers for receipt and kitchen printing.