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Our #VARTECH2024 Advanced Team is headed down to Orlando to begin setup for our highly anticipated event! Wish them safe travels!

On the new episode of the #TEConnectPodcast, we’re discussing #receiptprinter?challenges (and how to solve them) with?Star Micronics' Kate Orara and Bill Shuff. ?? ?? Kate confirms that printing receipts is not dead, nor does she think it will ever be, but that also means that printers must adapt as retailers and their POS systems change. ?? Interfaces & Connectivity – “Many printers still rely on outdated interfaces,” says Kate. “Rather than the modern options like USB, Bluetooth, or even Wireless LAN.” Bill points out that Star has given that some thought by adding a USB-C “Ultra” connector to their newest printers, providing more flexibility for any need, including iOS & Android devices. ? Tablet Usage—Charging tablets can be complicated, and connectivity and usage can drain the device. Being able to connect and charge it with a printer can make that simpler. ???? Multiple Locations—Managing devices, e-commerce, BOPIS, and similar trends can all add complexity, so connectivity and communication are critical. Bill calls out the essential role SDKs play in helping with printer management. ?? Peripherals—A POS can include a lot of “stuff.” Star believes the printer can be the central hub for all the devices customers need. “Consolidate the point-of-sale,” says Kate. “Keep the counters clean, make it look nice, make it even better, make it work!” ? Of course, Star has a solution for these problems: their mC-Print3 series of receipt printers, designed for connectivity, easy troubleshooting, fast printing, and longer printhead life. Check out the full episode linked in the comments to learn more! Christin Dorner Amy Hiltibrand David Slocum

“This proliferation of technology in the consumer space has both helped and hurt—or given us an opportunity,” says Zebra Technologies’s Eric Hilton on the latest #TEConnectPodcast, discussing trends in #mobility and opportunities for VARs. Eric notes that touchscreen personal devices pushed enterprise mobility beyond green screens and fixed keypads and created an expectation of regular updates and new devices to keep up with innovation. ?? While consumer technology pushes the enterprise forward, it’s also led some businesses to assume that consumer devices are an easy, cheaper option for their workers. Dean asks about the security aspect of that fallacy. Eric calls out how a connected world means there is more information at workers’ fingertips than ever, but “from a security perspective, [you’ve] gotta lock down all of that information so it doesn’t get into the wrong hands.” ??♀? Eric helps us examine findings in our latest #BlueStarNation end-user survey, which collected mobile device insights from 100 #fieldservice employers. In particular, we discussed the challenges technicians faced using consumer vs. purpose-built devices. While both agreed on battery life as a concern, surprisingly, more enterprise users cited Security & Durability/Reliability as a problem than consumer users. Eric thinks that may be a device management problem. ?? What led to the purchase of devices? 57% of consumer purchasers said theirs were included with their wireless plan. Eric thinks that’s not too hard to push back on. “Number one, is it free, or is it included in the price of the contract?” He also points out that less durable devices that must be fixed or replaced incur additional expenses and lost productivity. The unknowns and unexpected situations ultimately make those “free” devices a headache. ?? Check out the full episode to hear more about #CBRS networks, Zebra’s Mobility DNA platform, and why Eric thinks AI makes us more efficient. Terry Price

“If you’re not doing #solution sales, you’re not going to be successful in the future,” says Dean Reverman early in the latest episode of the #TEConnectPodcast. Intel Corporation’s VP of Global Distribution & Partner Sales, Dave Guzzi, joins us in looking at the big picture of the modern reseller channel, Intel’s investment, what’s changing, and how partnerships are helping VARs deliver better customer outcomes. ? “One of the most dramatic changes is the involvement of ISVs,” David notes, reflecting on his past in channel sales and distribution. “Now, it’s clearly understood that ISVs are a critical part of a complete solution.” Ultimately, this merging of different aspects of a technology solution is making it easier for all parties to go to market and deliver for end users. Dean adds to that with BlueStar’s emphasis on vetted solutions to help VARs feel more confident in what they are selling. ?? What has surprised David about working with the channel? Our eagerness to embrace outcomes as the guide to positioning solutions. Dean adds that more VARs are interested in leveraging data using edge technologies like machine vision. ?? Why should VARs and integrators partner with Intel? What’s in it for them? “Partners in IPA (Intel’s Partner Alliance program) grow at a significantly higher rate,” says David. “The ones who take our training are much more likely to have repeat sales with their customers.” Dean highlights their commitment and support as being vital to resellers. ?? How can VARs feel confident that they’re selling the right solutions? “Give your customers an opportunity to try whatever it is that you’re delivering,” suggests David. He thinks giving them a hands-on opportunity to see what you’re offering gives you room to answer questions and demonstrates your commitment to getting it right. It’s a huge value-add. ?? Dean emphasizes that point further. “Solution providers today have to be able to tell a different story than just features and benefits of a particular product.” Rob Risany Kaylee Sheffield David L.

Coming to VARTECH and need a little space flare? Drop a comment below, and we'll photoshop you up. #VARTECH2024 #WhereIdeasTakeFlight

#Grocery is adapting to increased competition, consumer demands, and tech trends. Auto-Star Compusystems Inc. wants to help you capitalize on new opportunities with innovative POS, payments, and inventory management solutions. Register today for this webinar! Josh Wintoniak Angela Merryfield Autumn Schweitzer

The #robots are coming! Well, they’re here, but what does that mean for #VARs and our channel? Is it time to invest? Wait and see? Leave it to others? This week, Intel Corporation’s Robotics Sales Specialist, Milton Walker, joins the #TEConnectPodcast to share his thoughts on the market and where opportunities may lie. ?? What applications for robots stand out as “low-hanging fruit” to Milt? Anywhere where repetitive or labor-challenged tasks exist. ?? Retail: Inventory management and surveying shelves for stock-outs ?? Hospitality & Healthcare: Cleaning ?? Manufacturing/Supply Chain: Moving items from one location to another What kind of objections come with deploying robotics? ?? Cost - VAR investment and customer expense ???? Expertise/Upkeep - Do I need an engineering team to program, manage, and service robots? ?? ROI - What's in it for VARs and their customers? Dean points out that selling “robotics-as-a-service” can help mitigate financial concerns, deliver tangible ROI, and create recurring revenue streams. He also calls out BlueStar’s initiatives with Intel and Nexus AMR to take the burden off of VARs to become total robotics experts by connecting them with experts who have worked in the field for a long time. Rob Risany Kaylee Sheffield David L.

MEET THE TEAM - BLUESTAR EDITION! Scroll to learn more about our very own Sarah Schlueter -- our Marketing Guru who has a few hidden talents and fun facts up her sleeve. #MeetTheTeam #BlueStar

Next on BlueStar's Unboxed Series: The Honeywell Industrial Automation ScanPal EDA10A Tablet This rugged yet lightweight tablet is for mobile business users who need fast, reliable mobile data access on a high-resolution, 10-inch screen. #BlueStarUnboxed #Honeywell

Next up on BlueStar's Unboxed Series - the Elo Pay 7-inch System. From EMV and NFC to MSR and Pin on Glass, this device supports all forms of payment. Elo Touch Solutions #BlueStar #Unboxed