POS, Payment Processing, Data Collection, And Physical Security News

By The Business Solutions Network

Genetec Further Addresses Transition From Analog To IP

Genetec recently began shipping the new version of its turnkey network security appliance, the SV-32 v2. With built-in analog encoder cards, the SV-32 v2 offers a cost-effective solution to integrate legacy analog cameras as part of an IP transition plan. Pre-installed with the Genetec Security Center platform, the appliance allows for the consolidation of multiple remote sites within a single security environment, while supporting a wide range of future-proof IP cameras and door controllers to suit various deployments needs.

Ideally suited for institutions that have already made significant investments in analog cameras over the years, such as banking and retail organizations, the SV-32 v2 can support up to 32 analog or IP cameras and 100 access control readers on each unit. The appliance doubles as a client workstation, providing a unified view of video and access control events locally on up to two monitors, allowing operators to rapidly respond to any incident. Using the Security Center Mobile application, SV-32 v2 users can view their system and receive real-time alarms on their Android, Apple, and Windows phone devices.

EVO, Verifone Partner For Restaurant EMV

At restaurants and other service-oriented merchants in the United States, consumers are used to paying for their purchases and tipping by handing over their cards for authorization and then later adding a tip to the authorized amount on the receipt along with their signature. But this is problematic with EMV, which typically prevents tip adjustments after the initial payment has been authorized. Recently, EVO Payments International and Verifone announced a solution to ease the EMV migration for restaurants and other merchants by enabling them to execute postauthorization tip adjustments similar to how they are handled with traditional non-EMV cards.

The solution is EVO’s first EMV approval and settlement software application, and it is certified to integrate with EMV- and near field communication (NFC)-enabled payment devices from Verifone. The application also enables restaurants and other merchants to open and close bar tabs with EMV cards, accept proprietary gift cards, split payments between gift cards and other payment methods, and accept EMV without requiring a signature in quick service restaurant (QSR) environments.

BIXOLON Releases Waterproof Receipt Printer

BIXOLON recently launched its new SRP-F310II, a 3” front-exit thermal receipt printer, designed for indoor and outdoor retail, healthcare, pharmacy, hospitality, and sports markets. The unit is waterproof and dustproof with an IP12 class rating and has a built-in power supply. Additionally, the SRP-F310II has a print speed of 350 mm/sec, 29 percent faster than its preceding model, the SRP-F310.

Interfaces include built-in USB V2.0 and Ethernet ports, as well as an optional I/F card. The unit also features antijam technology and comes with a new SDK (software development kit) for Android and iOS, making it mPOS-ready. Of course, the printer also runs on Windows, Linux, OPOS, JPOS, and Mac drivers.

Panasonic Extends Toughbook Line

Panasonic recently unveiled its latest generation Toughbook, the CF-54. According to Panasonic, the Toughbook CF-54 delivers more performance for less power than its category competitors with a 6th Generation Intel Core i5-6300U vPro Processor (3 MB cache, 2.4 GHz up to 3.0 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology). Graphics performance is delivered by a built-in Intel HD Graphics 520 GPU. A full HD version of the device also has the option of AMD FirePro M5100 graphics for applications that call for enhanced graphical performance. The 14-inch display comes in HD (1366x768), full HD (1920x1080), or full HD with capacitive multitouch touch screen.

Thanks to the optional configuration area of the device, a DVD drive, second battery, PC card slot, USB key, or smart card reader can be configured based on the unique requirements of the customer and application. In addition, a separate configuration port is also available, which can be used for a second LAN, rugged USB, dedicated GPS, or fourth USB 2.0 port.

Although a semirugged device, the Toughbook CF-54 sports magnesium plating on all four sides, the full keyboard and display area is protected from spills, and a honeycomb-style bonnet provides protection from impacts. Also, the device can survive drops of up to 2.5 feet.

Zebra Unveils New Scanner Category

With the launch of its seventh generation of rugged industrial bar code scanners, Zebra Technologies has introduced its first-ever ultrarugged line of scanners.

In designing the new scanners, John Britts, senior director, product management for data capture solutions at Zebra, says the company spent time reconsidering what rugged means today. Whereas previous rugged scanners were built to withstand 6’ drops, Zebra recognized that many workers are up on forklifts or in trucks where there is more than a 6’ drop.

The results of Zebra’s research include six different cordless models of the 3600 series (with corded options for each). The units can withstand 8’ drops and are dust-tight, spray-proof, and water-proofed to IP67. Even the cradle is IP65-sealed for a complete rugged cordless solution. Prices range from $540 list to $1,600 list.

Unitech Releases Android Handheld Computer

Unitech recently extended its family of rugged Android-based solutions with the release of its new PA692A. The device was built with mobile workers in mind, as a device that is in a small smartphone-like form factor, but built to withstand the rigors associated with field work.

Running Android 4.3, the PA692A retains many features of a traditional mobile computer, including an integrated bar code scanner, RFID reader, and a keypad. While many Android devices are fragile and require cumbersome cases and screen protectors, the PA692A features a Gorilla Glass 3 screen, which protects the device against scratches and cracked screens. The PA692A is sealed against moisture and dust (IP65) and withstands repeated 5’ falls. The PA692A form factor is also available with Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and CE 6.0.

Electronic Payments Acquires Assets Of Vault Payments Group

Electronic Payments recently announced the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Vault Payments Group (Vault), a provider of integrated payment offerings for Acumatica, Microsoft, NetSuite, and Sage ERP (enterprise resource planning).

Since 2006, Electronic Payments has offered integrations into QuickBooks Accounting and QuickBooks Point of Sale software. With the acquisition of Vault, Electronic Payments augments those initiatives with additional ERP-integrated payments products. Electronic Payments will offer the Vault Plugins brand as its in-house suite of ERP-integrated products. With several solutions in development, including full integration into Exatouch, Electronic Payments’ proprietary point of sale solution, Vault offers integrations into Sage 100, 300, and 500, serving merchants in all industries. All of Vault’s employees have joined the Electronic Payments team and will operate out of a new Washington, D.C. office.

Epson Rolls Out New Training Program

Epson recently announced the new EpsonMasters.com partner training program for authorized Epson ImageWay and Envision commercial business partners. The new program allows partners to expand their knowledge and selling power by taking courses and utilizing advanced sales tools. EpsonMasters.com currently offers more than 30 sales and technical training courses and a variety of additional resources, including how-to videos, recorded webinars, and presentation slide decks.