IT Reseller spoke with Steve Berry, director at Maxa Technologies, about a number of recent newly formed partnerships the company has formed within the autoID technology space.
The past few months have seen the forming of a number of major new vendor partnerships at Maxa Technologies, (Maxatec). In January, the company was appointed as a distributor for Arbor Technology, a designer and manufacturer of rugged tablet computers based in Taiwan. Arbor has evolved in recent years as one of the major players within the rugged tablet PC market space. Established in 1993, and with a firm foothold in the embedded and network computing sector, the release of its range of rugged tablet computers in 2010 marked a significant step in Arbor’s strategic product roadmap. Maxatec director Steve Berry commented that Arbor’s product offerings fit well with Maxatec’s expanding mobile computing product set. “The quality and performance of the company’s Gladius range is superb,” he said, “and we have been delighted with the all-round support offered to us from Arbor UK and its HQ in Taiwan as we have been gearing up to release the products to our channel. It is essential for us to select supportive partners with high-quality products, and Arbor fits this remit exceptionally well. We have already seen significant interest from resellers in some of our key market areas, and this is a really encouraging start to our partnership.” More
Altrincham, UK – 01 May 2012 –Maxa Technologies, today announced the release of the DLXi, the newest member of the desktop printer line from CognitiveTPG, a leading provider of on-demand transaction and barcode printers.
The DLXi combines the CognitiveTPG reputation for ease of use, rugged design and exceptional reliability with best-in-class first label out performance and print speed. The DLXI also ships standard with several popular firmware emulations for ease of integration into legacy printer applications.
“The old Blaster and Advantage LX printers are true workhorses. We still see operational units in the field, some even after 10 or 15 years. However there comes a time when a customer realizes the importance of upgrading to the most recent communication interfaces, higher energy efficiency, faster print speed, and more memory. The DLXi offers a direct migration for our legacy customers and a field-proven thermal printer for new customers,” said Jay Elwood, Director of International Sales for CognitiveTPG. More
As this month draws to a close, things have taken a turn for the worse for the high streets with the announcement that the UK’s economy has taken a second plunge into recession, according to figures released by the ONS. With added costs to individuals and households, consumers are forced to cut back on many areas of spending.
However, there is a positive news story for retail: although employment is down in many sectors, there has been a 0.4% jobs rise in the retail industry.
Perhaps it is retailers’ efforts to innovate and enhance the shopping experience that is giving them a boost despite the recently announced double-dip recession. Marks and Spencer’s latest scheme could also prove successful with environmentally aware markets: their ‘Shwopping’ clothes swap drive aims to reduce the amount of clothes that are sent to landfill. A bold and innovative initiative that can see the British public raising millions of pounds for the world’s poorest people.
There’s more positive news for retail: according to Reuters, spending has increased, bucking the trend of the recession. With somewhat mixed messages from the retail industry it is hard to predict the future of consumer confidence. The mood of British consumers may however warm up as summer is approaching with exciting events and, we hope, brighter weather.
Altrincham, UK, 02 April 2012 : Maxa Technologies appointed Distributor for the Handheld Mobile Computer range from CATCHWELL.
Maxa Technologies (Maxatec), specialist supplier of hardware and services to the Mobile Enterprise, Automatic Identification and EPOS market sectors, today announced it has been appointed as a Distributor for the CATCHWELL range of mobile computers. The agreement covers Europe, Middle East and Africa.
CATCHWELL is a well established Korean designer, developer and manufacturer of mobile computing products. Established in 1999, CATCHWELL has been delivering high performance mobile computing products to the market since 2002. With nearly 50% of its workforce having a technical bias, CATCHWELL has made significant strides to position itself as one of the leading mobile computing companies in Korea.
Jun Kwon, Overseas Business Manager, said: “The CATCHWELL brand is well known in Korea and we have been hugely successful in recent years in closing large contracts with significant names including the Korea Post, LG and Hyundai. Whilst we are also successful internationally, it is our strategy to specifically develop our market share in the EMEA territory by partnering with key players in the mobile enterprise world.” More
March is here and spring is finally on its way. The weather may be feeling hotter, but is the climate on UK high streets improving? 2012 is certainly brightening up for catering outlets, even if large chains such as Game are continuing to fall victim of the crunch. Maxatec has scoured the web to bring you the latest industry updates…
According to IBM, customers in the UK said they were happy to use three or more technologies to shop and browse retailer offerings, and 82% of UK consumers believed social networks saved time shopping. 63% also expressed a desire to use mobile devices as a way of comparing prices, rising to 67% wanting to use their devices at check out.
On the high street, it was bad news for Game Group, who announced that it had been put into administration in what the Financial Times has called “the biggest failure since Woolworths in 2008.” Other major names have also been experiencing difficulties – clothing giant New Look has revealed its plans to try to arrange monthly rent payments with landlords to try to deal with over 1bn of debt. Monsoon, Accessorize, Clinton Cards and Sports Direct have also all been seeking monthly rents, as has Dreams, the beds retailer.
However things are looking much brighter for the catering industry: there is an increase in the number of people looking for a more rounded day-out experience when they visit shopping centres. A sociable, relaxed way of shopping is becoming the order of the day, contributing to rise in the number of food and drink outlets appearing in shopping centres. According to a report by www.catersearch.com, the percentage of floor space dedicated to food service provision has tripled in the last 10 years. Sales of food and drink in large shopping centres is on the rise, despite the difficult trading climate experienced by many retail outlets.
Maxatec’s retail news roundup will be back next month with more industry insights.
Maxatec releases Hoeft & Wessel skeye.dart with Android OS
Altrincham, UK : 15 February 2011 : Maxa Technologies (Maxatec) is one of the first distributors to bring a mobile computing device with an Android operating system to market. The skeye.dart from Hoeft & Wessel is available with Android version 2.3.6 (commonly known as Gingerbread).
The arrival of a mobile computing device with an Android operating system in the enterprise market opens up a multitude of opportunities to businesses as the system is an open-source platform giving developers and OEMs flexibility for bespoke work and customisation. The GUI front end looks very user friendly and the apps are located easily.
The skeye.dart is also now available in an enhanced version with roughly one third improved computing power, RAM twice as high, and faster UMTS/HSPA mobile telephony connection. Optionally equipped with a numeric keypad or just a few input keys, the mobile computing device provides a future-proof platform for the most demanding applications.
Mike Ashcroft, Director of Technical Services at Maxatec, said: “Android has developed into a leading Smartphone operating system, and as such there is an extremely high level of acceptance with not only consumers, but also enterprise. The open-source system reduces the dependency on some of the key market players, allows software developers various programming options and the operating system provides a high degree of security which is paramount in the growing mobile market sector.”
Ashcroft added: “Hoeft & Wessel is a great company to work alongside. They are constantly looking at the future and demonstrate excellent leadership in the field of mobile computing technology.”
The skeye.dart is already in use working on an Android operating system – the Dutch navy deploys the skeye.dart as a part of its wireless communications system using both voice and data transmission via a single handheld device.
About Maxatec:
Maxatec is an ISO 9001:2008 certified Value Added Supplier of Specialist IT Hardware, Software and Services to the Mobile, AIDC and EPOS market sectors. Maxatec supplies CognitiveTPG receipt and barcode printers, TSC barcode printers, Bluebird Pidion mobile computing devices, Smart Terminals mobile computing devices, Hoeft & Wessel Skeye brand of mobile computing devices, Arbor rugged tablet PC’s, NCR POS terminals, Longshine POS terminals, Datamax-O’Neil mobile receipt and label printers, as well as a range of barcode scanners, touchscreen monitors, other peripheral devices, and own-branded products. Maxatec also offers software, professional services, and a wide range of media, spare parts and in-house and on-site service capabilities. The Maxatec brand is synonymous with high standards of service as well as high performance, high quality products. (www.maxatec-europe.com)
About Hoeft & Wessel
Hoeft & Wessel is the leading IT and engineering technology Group for ticketing, parking and mobile solutions in Germany and Great Britain. Established in 1978 by the two entrepreneurs who gave the company its name, the enterprise has developed into a group of companies with sales revenues of nearly EUR 100 million and a workforce of 500 employees. Its main locations are Hannover, Germany, and Swindon, UK, to the west of London. According to the EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard, Hoeft & Wessel ranks amongst the top companies in Europe. As one of Europe’s largest manufacturers, Hoeft & Wessel provides with its Skeye brand a wide range of mobile terminals, e.g. for retail, logistics, field services, hospitality, as well as point-of-sale solutions. Hoeft & Wessel is the market leader in Germany’s retail sector. (http://www.hoeft-wessel.com/en/skeye/products)
For more information, contact:
Andrea.percival@maxatec-europe.com
Tel + 44 (0) 161 942 7850
Maxa Technologies, (Maxatec) specialist distributor of IT hardware, software and services to the Mobile, AIDC and EPOS market sectors has signed a UK distributor agreement with Datecs, renowned Bulgarian EPOS supplier, for the Datecs MPED-400 mobile Pin Entry Device (PED).
The MPED-400 is a PCI EMV and Common Criteria approved mobile Pin Entry Device. With a host of connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB and Serial, the PED can be used for a large range of payment applications from fixed point of sale to payments taken in the field. The ergonomic and light weight design make the MPED-400 ideally suited to business on the move.
With the “handpoint Headstart” payment application and the handpoint payment gateway, a vast range of new opportunities are opened up to mobile chip and pin. The PCI and Merchant Bank approved gateway allows payments to be processed efficiently and securely through an internet connection. The platforms which the solution can work upon are Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows PC and Android. Early in 2012, IoS will also become available. More
Back in December, we resolved to give you a round up of how retailers fared during the festive period, and true to our word, Maxatec’s news summary brings you all the lowdown from the high street.
On the high street there was positive news as shoppers took full advantage of pre-Christmas price-slashing – sales volumes rose by 0.6% between November and December, according to official figures published in the Guardian. Reported sales were 2.6% higher than the same period in 2010.
UK, 16 January 2012:- Maxa Technologies, (Maxatec), specialist distributor of IT hardware, software and services to the Mobile, AIDC and EPOS market sectors has been appointed as a Distributor for Arbor Technology, a leading designer and manufacturer of rugged tablet computers.
Arbor Technology, an ISO-9001 certified company, has evolved in recent years as one of the major players in rugged tablet PCs. Established in 1993, and with a firm foothold in the embedded and network computing sector, Arbor has used its wide-ranging expertise to deliver board-level to system integrated solutions to a wide range of industries. The release of the rugged tablet computers in 2010 marked a significant step in Arbor’s strategic plans to expand board-level expertise to complete system integrated solutions. More
Christmas is just a few days away, and retailers are certainly feeling a chill in the air this year, with predictions of mass price slashing about to hit the high streets as a last ditch attempt to attract shoppers feeling the pinch of the icy economic climate. The pre-Christmas sales are set to bring ‘unprecedented’ levels of price cuts, according to industry experts.
One major brand feeling particularly frosty this season is HMV. Simon Fox, chief executive of the entertainment retailer, had previously been optimistic in his predictions on sales figures for the Christmas period; citing the ‘X Factor effect’ as a potential boost to sales. However this years’ winners have failed to shift records, with the least sales since 2004’s winner – although Fox blames this on their performance rather than the market in general. HMV has just announced that its live music venues are up for sale, in an attempt to rescue the ailing company, which has recently seen music sales fall by 20pc in six months.
Luckily it’s not all doom and gloom on the high street – grocery sales are far from vegetating, with supermarkets predicted to take 35 billion this week as shoppers stock up on festive fayre. This is a marked increase on last year’s figures, and will complete a Christmas three-week trading period up to 24 December; forecast to be worth around £9.2 billion.
We hope your business is thriving this Christmas period. Here at Maxatec we’d like to wish all of our valued customers a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. The news round up will be back in January with a post Christmas review of the retail sector.
UK, December 2011:- Maxa Technologies, (Maxatec) specialist distributor of IT hardware, software and services to the Mobile, AIDC and EPOS market sectors has signed a UK distributor agreement with Hoeft & Wessel for the distribution of skeye handhelds. This agreement signifies an important development in Maxatec’s strategy for developing its distribution business in the UK market. The Hoeft & Wessel portfolio with the Skeye brand expands Maxatec’s current range of rugged handhelds.
Hoeft & Wessel’s primary focus is on quality and innovation, expertise and reliability offering a wide range of products for the wholesale & retail and logistics sectors. The quality, German designed and engineered products include the skeye.dart, a robust top-of-the-line PDA, the skeye.e-motion, a rugged IP54 rated tablet and the skeye.pos, a versatile mobile or stationary POS terminal.
Hoeft & Wessel is focusing on extending its international business activities for its mobile solutions and has implemented a global channel programme to differentiate partnerships. The Skeye channel programme consists of Value Added Distributor status along with Platinum, Gold and Silver partnerships and has been designed to provide partners with greater support, training and protection in the very dynamic and competitive mobile computing market.
Paul Carrington, UK Sales Manager for Hoeft & Wessel’s Skeye products said: “It is our company objective to aggressively grow our share of the UK market. Maxatec offers the perfect partner for us to reach further into this key market, with a strong understanding of the mobile arena, as well as an excellent reputation for service and support. Maxatec is not only proactive when it comes to sales and marketing, but consistently exceeds expectations with its level of technical expertise and support.”
Maxatec will be distributing the full Hoeft & Wessel mobile product portfolio which, in addition to the products mentioned earlier, includes the skeye.integral mobile rugged handheld device, the skeye.allegro, a flexible rugged mobile device with IP65 rating, and the skeye.pad, a high performance tablet for a wide range of applications in the field service and logistics sectors.
Andrea Percival, director at Maxatec said: “The agreement to distribute Hoeft & Wessel skye handheld products in the UK really complements our existing portfolio. The Skeye brand and differentiated range of terminals from Hoeft & Wessel, make them exactly the type of supply partner we try to work with. The objective is clearly to develop the channel and increase sales, and we are delighted that Skeye have selected Maxatec as their distribution partner. We will be working closely with Paul Carrington to develop the reseller base and develop specific market areas, at the same time driving leads and sales back into the channel. We work very closely with all of our supply partners and our differentiation is not to take on a plethora of overlapping products and cloud the picture for our resellers. Our products are all high quality, high performance and competitively priced – and the Skeye brand and rugged handheld product portfolio is a perfect match for us.”
About Maxatec
Maxatec is an ISO 9001:2008 certified Value Added Supplier of Specialist IT Hardware, Software and Services to the Mobile, AIDC and EPOS market sectors. Maxatec supplies CognitiveTPG receipt and barcode printers, TSC barcode printers, Bluebird Pidion mobile computing devices, Smart Terminals mobile computing devices, NCR POS terminals, Longshine POS terminals, Datamax-O’Neil mobile receipt and label printers, as well as a range of barcode scanners, touchscreen monitors, other peripheral devices, and own-branded products. Maxatec also offers software, professional services, and a wide range of media, spare parts and in-house and on-site service capabilities. The Maxatec brand is synonymous with high standards of service as well as high performance, high quality products, now to include skeye handhelds and mobile rugged handhelds. (www.maxatec-europe.com)
About Hoeft & Wessel
Hoeft & Wessel is the leading IT and engineering technology Group for ticketing, parking and mobile solutions in Germany and Great Britain. Established in 1978 by the two entrepreneurs who gave the company its name, the enterprise has developed into a group of companies with sales revenues of nearly EUR 100 million and a workforce of 500 employees. Its main locations are Hannover, Germany, and Swindon, UK, to the west of London. According to the EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard, Hoeft & Wessel ranks amongst the top companies in Europe. As one of Europe’s largest manufacturers, Hoeft & Wessel provides with its Skeye brand a wide range of mobile terminals and rugged handhelds, e.g. for retail, logistics, field services, hospitality, as well as point-of-sale solutions. Hoeft & Wessel is the market leader in Germany’s retail sector.
The busy Christmas season is on its way, and our monthly news roundup is back just in time to unwrap up the latest retail news straight from the high street and online. Read on to find out how retailers are innovating to make the most of the shopping period in the lead up to the festive season, and how new technology is playing a leading role in driving business. More
A new range of software development kits (SDKs) for the Sewoo LK-P range of mobile label and receipt printers are now available from leading mobile computing supplier Maxa Technologies Ltd. The SDKs are specifically for use with the wide range of mobile operating systems now in place, including Android, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Mobile and will assist with the rapid development and deployment of solutions. More
This month has been one of ups and downs in the retail world. With shops being targeted by rioting in major cities the high street has been left looking battered. John Lewis has been one of the first to release figures detailing how they were affected. Lush has also faced a difficult month due to an online security breach. A ray of sunshine has appeared on the high street though, in the shape of the launch of the UK’s largest travel company. More
Proven Maxa Technologies hardware and Retail Computer Solutions’ software helps West Lothian butcher maximise shops’ performance and profitability.
Award winning West Lothian butchers, Hugh Black and Sons have increased their productivity and improved cash flow after installing new Electronic Point-of-Sale (EPOS) equipment. More
The retail world has always been a fast-paced industry, and this month is no different. July has seen Converse and John Lewis embrace the future and delve into mobile technology as well as in-store technology, whilst Intechnica has preached the benefits of cloud services for the retail world. More
Maxa Technologies (‘Maxatec’) has released the new Pidion BI-500, an ‘incredibly smart and energetic’ rugged handheld barcode scanner into its fast growing portfolio of products for the Mobile Computing, EPOS and AIDC markets. More
This month has seen many developments within the EPOS, POS and retail industries, some good, some bad. Alongside the 2011 Retail Power List being released, Habitat has announced they will be closing all of their stores outside of London. This month also saw the annual Cannes Lions advertising festival showcase some of the finest developments across the industry, including Google’s predictions for mobile payments. More
Maxatec, joined by manufacturing partners Bluebird Soft and Datamax-O’Neil, will be exhibiting at The Service Management Expo on 20 and 21 September 2011.
