Restaurants have more choices than ever when it comes to technology but are tired of having their systems and data disconnected. Legacy technologies don’t talk to each other, resulting in more clutter and less efficiency inside the restaurant.

For excellent service kiosk and POS systems in hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes, Elo offers a variety of solutions to help you cut through the clutter so you can spend your time on delivering outstanding hospitality, not technology.

Webinar:

How the Right POS Solution Can Upgrade Your Customers’ Shopping or Dining Experience

Thursday, May 19th, 2:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. ET

Presented By:

John Mieli – Star Micronics

POS Solutions Can Elevate the Modern Customer Experience

Choosing the right POS application is critical to provide a modern customer experience. The solution has to offer the flexibility and reliability to ensure your business runs smoothly now and in the future.

The events from the past few years have brought changes and led to opportunities, including increased online ordering with most digital interactions happening in the cloud. Finding a POS solution based on your needs will allow you to thrive in this challenging, and at times unpredictable, environment. 

Watch the webinar to learn:

• Why complete POS systems and intuitive user experiences have become essential
• What steps to take to manage your devices from a single Cloud platform
• How a Star POS solution can work with different ordering systems and multiple channels

Watch the Full Star POS Webinar

First reported by WOKV.com, agents with the FBI and DHS raided the Florida warehouse of PAX Technology. The point of sale technology giant is linked to reports of possible cyberattacks on U.S. and E.U. organizations where the technology is used.

Along with ongoing global computer chip shortages, the timing of the investigation is particularly concerning for retailers and payment processing companies preparing for the holiday season.

FBI Raids PAX, Where POS Devices Are Potentially Compromised

KrebsOnSecurity offered further detail, saying they “heard from a trusted source that the FBI began investigating PAX after a major U.S. payment processor started asking questions about unusual network packets originating from the company’s payment terminals.”

The source revealed that the PAX terminals were being used both as a central location for malicious files (also known as malware “droppers”). This allows payment technology to act as a staging ground for large-scale cyberattacks focused on collecting information such as consumer credit card data.

“FBI and MI5 are conducting an intensive investigation into PAX,” the source said. “A major US payment processor began asking questions about network packets originating from PAX terminals and were not given any good answers.”

Major financial providers (including FIS Worldpay as reported by Bloomberg) have already begun pulling PAX terminals from their payment infrastructure.

FIS Worldpay confirmed that it no longer deploys PAX point-of-sale devices “because it did not receive satisfactory answers from PAX regarding its POS devices connecting to websites not listed in their supplied documentation.”

“While we have no evidence that data running through PAX POS devices has been compromised, we have been working directly with clients to replace those devices with other options at no cost to them and with as little disruption to their business as possible,” FIS Worldpay states. “The spokesperson said fewer than 5% of Worldpay clients currently use PAX point-of-sale devices.”

While specific details about the strange network activity that prompted federal investigators are unknown, the investigation remains active and ongoing.

It’s worth noting that POS terminals and the technology that supports them are often a primary target for malware and criminal attacks.

It is not uncommon for payment terminals to be compromised remotely by malicious software and made to collect and transmit stolen information. Notable point of sale breaches include Heartland Payment Systems (100 million payment cards affected in 2008) as well as the Target and Home Depot thefts of roughly another 100 million credit cards in 2014.

PAX Technology’s Official Response to Cyberattacks

The Shenzhen-based company is quoted in Reuters with the following statement:

“As far as the board is aware … there has neither been any reported cyberattack incidents nor cyber attack complaints, including any breach of security protocols, against PAX products and services anywhere in the world.”

PAX’s statement to the stock exchange in Hong Kong as well as a press release on the company’s blog provide further perspective. Trading of the company’s shares resumed on November 1 after a temporary halt.

At Barcodes, Inc., cybersecurity is our primary concern when we procure and deploy POS technology. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or if you’re interested in replacing your PAX technology.

Today’s mobile consumers are demanding greater convenience, faster transactions and more personal service. Expand your POS capabilities to deliver new value-added services and faster transaction times with OmniLink smart solutions. Epson‘s OmniLink solutions can allow your restaurant to easily accept online orders without having to replace or upgrade your POS software. With Epson’s OmniLink printers, print receipts at pickup stations, receive the order directly to the kitchen, and improve accuracy with a personalized label per order.

Designed for the next-generation retailer with enhanced customer service in mind, OmniLink POS Solutions deliver cloud services and the ability to print from any mobile device. Thanks to online ordering, customers manage to avoid long waiting periods and can enjoy a hassle-free experience. With the benefit of being able to order their meals online, customers have the freedom to order from any place at any time without pausing everything and placing an order by phone. Online ordering provides restaurants the opportunity to drive more business. As consumers shift online, you don’t just simplify the lives of your customers, but you also establish that your business is able to keep up with the competitor market. When it comes to serving your customers, it’s important to reach the right people in the right places and at the right time. With Epson OmniLink POS solutions, you can redefine the customer experience.

Choose from a wide range of products, specially designed to enhance your online ordering system. Revolutionize the world of online ordering with Epson POS solutions. From the TM-m30II-h to the TM-L90II LFC and all OmniLink models in between, you can streamline the online ordering process and expedite order fulfillment. No matter the application, size or requirements, Epson’s got your covered. Download our infographic to help you choose the model that best fits your needs.

To learn more about online order printing with Epson, contact us today.

Price, convenience, and speed are key trademarks when it comes to current customer expectations. However, positive customer experiences have also become a driving factor in securing customer loyalty and profitability. Studies show that shoppers can spend up to 140%¹ more after engaging in a positive shopping experience. On the flipside, negative experiences are more likely to be shared between current and prospective shoppers, impacting brand identity and decreasing sales. While expectations can vary from brand to brand, today’s customers generally anticipate…

1. Omnichannel options – Online shopping is most certainly here to stay. It is expected that as much as 70%² of shoppers in the US will be purchasing groceries online since it serves as both a convenient and safe way to shop.
2. Contactless pickup – Similar to online shopping, BOPIS and curbside pickup have also grown in popularity due to their convenience and safety.
3. Personalized experiences – Studies show that 43%³ of customers expect some sort of personalized service from stores in response to their loyalty. 

What would seamless hassle-free grocery shopping look like?

To surpass these three common expectations, Barcodes, Inc. recommends targeting the following areas within the supply chain.

• Faster shelf replenishment – Simply put, if products aren’t visible on shelves, customers can’t buy them. That’s why quick cycle counting and fast replenishment are crucial to avoid out-of-stocks. Mobile technologies such as Zebra’s touch computers and hands-free scanners can enable real-time inventory updates as associates scan products immediately during stock counts.
• Intelligent point-of-sale – The longer customers wait in line, the less likely they are to return. Faster data capture through devices like Zebra’s enterprise scanners and MP7000 scanner can help accelerate checkout while empowering self-checkout lanes and loyalty scanning.
• Quicker order picking – As associates adapt to accommodate BOPIS transactions, they must move faster and more efficiently to assemble orders within stipulated time frames. Real-time inventory locationing can help reduce pick paths, accelerating order assembly.

Download our solutions brief for more areas of optimization.

While these are optimum areas to start enhancing the grocery storefronts, there are many other ways to deliver seamless shopping experiences. Leverage Barcodes, Inc.’s expertise in developing a smoother shopping experience, equipped with user-friendly technologies that put the customer experience first. Contact us today for a free consultation.

¹ The true value of customer experiences. Deloitte. 2018.

² Djordjevic, Milos. 20 Incredible Online Grocery Shopping Statistics for 2021. Save My Cent. Feb 6, 2021

³ Wollan, Robert et. al. Put Your Trust in Hyper-Relevance. Accenture Strategy. 2017.

The Code Reader 950 (CR950) is an easy-to-use, durable barcode reader that thrives in fast-paced, retail environments. Its lightweight, ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use during long shifts, and will seamlessly transition from in-stand to out-of-stand reading. For increased efficiency, users can select motion detection barcode reading mode.

Purpose-built for retail, the CR950 rapidly decodes 1D and 2D barcodes and its unmatched durability makes it an investment that will last. Optionally, the driver license parsing feature speeds up in-store credit applications and loyalty form processes, while accurate scanning of mobile device screens maximizes the scanner’s productivity in retail environments.

Features:

• High speed, omnidirectional reading of all 1D, 2D, Postal barcodes
• Manual or automatic triggering
• User feedback with customizable visual, audible, and haptic indicators
• Compatible with Code’s rapid disconnect USB and RS232 Affinity cables
• Patented glare reduction technology for reading barcodes on shiny surfaces
• Customizable Driver License parsing
• Reads barcodes on mobile device screens

A fast, versatile device, the Code Corp CR950 is an unbeatable addition to your retail operation.

Shop the Code Reader 950 online or Contact your Barcodes, Inc. Account Manager for more information.

The leading provider of enterprise mobility solutions, Infinite Peripherals, announced a partnership with OtterBox to provide a full ecosystem of scanning and payment solutions for the OtterBox uniVERSE Case System.

As Ronan LePoupon, Vice President of Commercial Sales for Otter Products LLC said “Infinite Peripherals is the ideal partner for the OtterBox uniVERSE Case System in the enterprise mobility space. This partnership benefits the commercial customer by making mobile form factor no longer a limitation when deploying large enterprise mobile solutions.”

The first product to benefit from this partnership is the Infinea Tab Lite, a lightweight modular point-of-sale device that can accept MSR and NFC payments. Designed to attach and detach seamlessly with OtterBox uniVERSE case for various iOS devices, including iPad, iPad Mini, and iPhone Plus. Retail businesses can be untethered to service their customers at any point around their store.

What Are The Benefits of the Epson TM-U220 Kitchen Receipt Printer?

The Epson TM-U220 kitchen and bar receipt printer is a compact and designed for high-speed receipt printing. It has been tested and certified with most of the common mobile point of sale applications and is capable of printing directly from iOS, Android and Windows consumer and enterprise-grade devices. Check out what makes the Epson TM-U220 the receipt printer to deploy in your kitchen or bar:

• Mobile Point of Sale (POS)-friendly
• Compatible with iOS, Android and Windows devices
• DHCP-enabled configuration available for easy IP/Network configuration
• Supports 802.11a/b/g/n with 2.4GHz compatibility
• Prints up to 6 inches per second
• Two-color printing for highlighting offers or order exceptions
• Right-side up printing for kitchen orders
• ENERGY STAR qualified
• Available in dark gray or cool white
• 2-year limited warranty

Where Does the Epson TM-U220 Fit?

The Epson TM-U220 receipt printer is ideal for Retail, Hospitality and Restaurant environments where a receipt printer is required in the kitchen or underneath a bar counter.

In kitchens, receipt printers need to be able to withstand higher heat temperatures, print in multiple colors to identify special requests, come equipped with buzzers for new orders and auto-cutters for easy retrieval. The Epson TM-U220 is equipped with all these features and so much more.

Contact us today for a free assessment and see if the Epson TM-U220 is right for your kitchen or bar.

In order to keep customers happy and on the move you need to streamline your Point of Sale (POS) system. What better way to complete your custom cannabis POS System than with Epson’s TM-T88VI receipt printer.

High demand leads to many retail environments facing queue issues with printers which ultimately slows down transactions and the check out process. The TM-T88VI receipt printer was designed to keep the queue running smoothly through its Server Direct Print Technology. This allows the receipt printer to print online orders from a web server directly to the printer.

Epson’s TM-T88VI is perfect for dispensaries who want to develop effective new ways of interacting with customers, and also for those who just want to run a traditional or permanent combined system.

Need to pair the TM-T88VI receipt printer with a cannabis retail platform? Follow the link to read more! CLICK HERE

Contact Barcodes, Inc. today to discuss your dispensary and Point of Sale needs and discover how Barcodes, Inc. and Epson can help.

How Have Pharmacies Been Impacted in the Age of Social Distancing?

The rise of the current health crisis has many pharmacies feeling the increased pressure to continue to operate while keeping their customers and employees safe. Furthermore, many pharmacies have limited their in-store traffic, closed stores altogether and restricted prescription pickup to drive-thru and curbside only. Pharmacies are delivering essential goods and services in an efficient manner. Whether it be in-store, drive-thru or curbside, pharmacies are looking to reduce the exchange of personal items such as insurance cards, ID cards, loyalty cards and digital coupons and the time customers spend waiting in line. Pharmacies are now accelerating their evaluation and deployment of dedicated secondary scanning devices.

How Can Barcodes, Inc. and Honeywell Deploy a Safe Pharmacy Solution?

Honeywell’s lineup of barcode scanners offer a safer alternative, while allowing for increased productivity. Their ability to accurately read 1D and 2D barcodes the first time eliminates wasted seconds from every transaction, while minimizing unnecessary contact, and allowing for

servicing of more customers. Honeywell’s barcode scanners are simple to integrate with existing IT infrastructure, shortening ramp up times and getting critical tech in place to meet today’s demand. Couple your hardware solution with Barcodes, Inc.’s TrueSupport to get the best service from a expert staff.

The Honeywell Xenon Extreme Performance (XP) 1952h is a reliable handheld healthcare barcode scanner with disinfectant-ready plastics that withstands the effects harsh cleaning agents while minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.

Meanwhile, the Honeywell Genesis 7580g hands-free presentation scanner is ideal for a retail point of sale counter environment where the customer can experience a contactless payment and mobile couponing experience.

Contact us today for a free assessment and see if your pharmacy is equipped to handle the age of social distancing to keep your customers and staff safe.