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Tag: Partner Wins

  • Operandio and Star Micronics Standardize Food Safety Labeling for Multi-Location Restaurants

    Operandio and Star Micronics Standardize Food Safety Labeling for Multi-Location Restaurants

    Operandio integrates with Star’s mC-Label2 and mC-Label3 multifunction label printers to help multi-location restaurants simplify and improve food safety labeling workflows.

    Somerset, NJ – July 14, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions, today announced its integration with Operandio, an AI-powered operations platform for franchise and multi-unit restaurant networks. By combining Operandio’s digital food safety and operations platform with Star’s mC-Label2 and mC-Label3 multifunction label printers, restaurants can generate and print food safety labels directly from digital HACCP and food preparation workflows, helping improve operational control, traceability, and compliance across every location.

    Digital Food Safety from Preparation to Compliance

    Food safety depends on consistent execution throughout the day. Yet many restaurants still rely on handwritten labels, paper checklists, and manual processes that can introduce errors and make compliance more difficult.

    Operandio helps restaurants digitize HACCP procedures, food safety programs, temperature monitoring, operational checklists, corrective actions, and employee training through a single platform. By replacing paper-based processes with real-time digital workflows, restaurant operators gain greater visibility into daily execution while helping teams maintain consistent food safety standards across locations.

    Automated Labeling Where Food Safety Happens

    Through its integration with Star’s mC-Label2 and mC-Label3 printers, Operandio enables kitchen staff to print labels for prep, food rotation, expiration, allergen, and product identification directly from the application at the point of preparation.

    Restaurants can:

    • Print food safety labels directly from digital workflows
    • Replace handwritten labels with clear, consistent printed output
    • Standardize food safety labeling across multiple locations
    • Support HACCP procedures with accurate, time-sensitive labeling
    • Improve product traceability and inspection readiness
    • Reduce manual labeling during food preparation

    Designed for demanding kitchen environments, the compact mC-Label2 fits easily into space-constrained prep stations with its front-loading, front-exit design, while the mC-Label3 supports label widths up to 3 inches for applications requiring larger label formats. Both printers support linerless and die-cut media, and feature tool-free maintenance to help minimize downtime in busy kitchen environments.

    “The Star mC-Label printer is an exceptionally versatile tool that brings both durability and flexible connectivity to the kitchen environment. At Operandio, we value partnering with experienced teams like Star Micronics that deliver reliable hardware to support consistent food safety and day-to-day restaurant operations.”

    David Rigbye, Managing Director of Operandio

    “Digitizing food safety is only part of the equation. Restaurants also need a dependable way to turn those digital workflows into clear, accurate labels at the point of preparation. That’s where our mC-Label printers help complete the process.”

    Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics

    Built for Multi-Unit Restaurant Operations

    Beyond food safety, Operandio provides restaurant operators with a centralized platform to recruit, onboard, train, operate, and maintain compliance across franchise and multi-location businesses. The platform digitizes standard operating procedures, inspections, equipment management, employee training, and daily tasks, giving restaurant operators greater visibility into execution across every location.

    To learn more about Star Micronics solutions, visit starmicronics.com.

    To explore Operandio, visit operandio.com.

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    Operandio Logo

    Operandio is an AI-powered operations platform built for franchise and multi-unit restaurant networks. The platform helps operators recruit, onboard, train, operate, and maintain compliance through a single system that digitizes food safety, task management, employee training, equipment management, and operational procedures. Founded in Australia with a North American headquarters in Utah, Operandio helps restaurant organizations improve consistency, accountability, and visibility across every location.

    Star Micronics logo, point-of-sale (POS) hardware and technology company.

    Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

    Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Christin Dorner
    Star Micronics America, Inc.
    cdorner@starmicronics.com
    848-216-3318

    Media Contact:

    David Rigbye
    Operandio Pty Ltd.
    david@operandio.com
    213-863-1339

  • CaterZen and Star Micronics Help Restaurants Scale Catering with Linerless Labeling

    CaterZen and Star Micronics Help Restaurants Scale Catering with Linerless Labeling

    CaterZen Catering Software integrates with Star’s TSP143IV SK printer to help restaurants organize, identify, and fulfill catering orders with greater accuracy from the kitchen to the customer.

    Somerset, NJ – July 10, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions, today announced its integration with CaterZen Catering Software, a catering management platform built specifically for restaurants. Through the integration, CaterZen’s Catering Kitchen Display System (KDS) generates linerless labels on Star’s TSP143IV SK sticky linerless label printer as orders are prepared, helping restaurants keep complex catering orders organized from the kitchen to the customer.

    Extending the Catering Kitchen Workflow

    Catering orders are often larger, more customized, and more time-sensitive than traditional restaurant orders. Multiple trays, individually packaged meals, dietary restrictions, delivery locations, and scheduled pickup times all require clear labeling and organization throughout preparation and fulfillment.

    CaterZen helps restaurants manage every stage of the catering process, from customer inquiries and proposals to order management, production, online ordering, delivery coordination, marketing, and repeat business. In 2017, CaterZen introduced its Catering Kitchen Display System (KDS) to help restaurants manage catering production more efficiently. As customers looked to extend those digital workflows with printed labels, integrating the Star TSP143IV SK became a natural next step, allowing restaurants to generate clear, professional linerless labels directly from the KDS as orders are prepared.

    “We built CaterZen specifically for restaurant operators because catering requires workflows that fit the way restaurants actually work. Integrating Star’s TSP143IV SK gives our customers a dependable way to organize and identify every catering order while maintaining the professional presentation that keeps customers coming back.”

    Michael Attias, Founder and CEO of CaterZen Catering Software

    The integration helps restaurants:

    • Print catering labels directly from CaterZen order workflows
    • Clearly identify trays, containers, bags, and individually packaged meals
    • Include customer names, delivery destinations, and special instructions
    • Organize complex catering orders during preparation and packing
    • Reduce packing and handoff errors before pickup or delivery

    Built for High-Volume Catering Workflows

    The Star TSP143IV SK is a single, compact linerless sticky label printer that gives restaurants the flexibility to handle everyday transactions and catering fulfillment with one printer. Repositionable linerless labels can be applied, removed, and repositioned without leaving adhesive residue, making them well-suited for catering containers, delivery bags, and order packaging. The printer also helps reduce liner waste while providing more labels per roll than traditional label media.

    “Large catering orders leave very little room for error. The last step before an order leaves the kitchen is often the one customers notice most. Clear, accurate labeling helps ensure every catering order arrives organized, identifiable, and ready to serve.”

    Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics

    Supporting Restaurants That Cater

    As catering continues to grow as an important revenue channel for restaurants, operators need systems that simplify execution without adding unnecessary complexity. Together, CaterZen and Star provide a connected solution that helps restaurants manage catering orders, improve fulfillment accuracy, strengthen food presentation, and support a consistent customer experience for every event, meeting, and large-order delivery.

    For more information about Star Micronics solutions, visit starmicronics.com.

    To learn more about CaterZen Catering Software, visit caterzen.com.

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    CaterZen Catering Software and KDS logo

    CaterZen Catering Software is a catering management platform built specifically for restaurant operators. Designed by restaurateur Michael Attias, the platform helps restaurants manage customer inquiries, proposals, catering orders, online ordering, production, delivery coordination, customer communications, marketing, and repeat business through a single system. Built around real restaurant operations, CaterZen enables operators to grow catering revenue while maintaining organized, repeatable workflows.

    Star Micronics logo, point-of-sale (POS) hardware and technology company.

    Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

    Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

    Media Contacts:

    Christin Dorner
    Star Micronics America, Inc.
    cdorner@starmicronics.com
    848-216-3318

    Michael Attias
    CaterZen Catering Software
    michael.attias@caterzen.com
    615-969-7090

  • Star Micronics and OneTablet Help Restaurants Drive More Revenue from Delivery, Backed by Reliable Kitchen Printing

    Star Micronics and OneTablet Help Restaurants Drive More Revenue from Delivery, Backed by Reliable Kitchen Printing

    Star Micronics kitchen printing pairs with OneTablet’s delivery revenue platform to help restaurants increase order volume, improve menu conversion, and fulfill off-premise orders with greater accuracy.

    Somerset, NJ – May 1, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions, today announced its collaboration with OneTablet, a restaurant technology platform that helps independent restaurants and multi-location operators generate more revenue from third-party delivery. Together, the companies give restaurants the tools to improve menu visibility, conversion rates, and average order value across delivery platforms, while ensuring every order prints reliably at the right station.

    Third-party delivery now accounts for 30% or more of a restaurant’s revenue, and that share continues to climb. Restaurants that aren’t actively optimizing their presence on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub are leaving money on the table. OneTablet gives operators the tools to win on these platforms: better menu visibility, stronger conversion rates, higher average order values, and the performance data to know what’s working and what isn’t.

    As that order volume grows, kitchens need hardware that can keep up. Star’s TSP100 series delivers the print speed, reliability, and uptime that high-volume delivery operations demand, so every ticket reaches the right station, every time.

    From Delivery Platform to the Kitchen Line

    Aggregating orders is only part of the workflow. Restaurants also need to manage menus, monitor performance across delivery platforms, and maintain control over how orders are prepared and fulfilled.

    OneTablet is the operating system for off-premise restaurant operations, consolidating Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub into a single, unified platform. Beyond order aggregation, it gives operators centralized control over menus, pricing, and prep timing, while delivering real-time reporting across all channels.

    By surfacing performance data at the item, channel, and store level, OneTablet enables restaurants to continuously optimize their delivery business—adjusting menus, pricing, and availability to increase conversion, improve order volume, and maximize revenue. Through its integration with Star Micronics printers, OneTablet extends that control directly into the kitchen, ensuring orders are automatically routed, organized, and printed at the appropriate prep stations. This creates a seamless connection between digital optimization and in-store execution, reducing errors and improving throughput during peak service.

    Star’s TSP100 series thermal ticket printers, including the TSP143III (LAN, USB, and Bluetooth models), as well as the TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IV SK X4 sticky linerless label printers, were tested across OneTablet’s platform and performed reliably in each configuration. This allows restaurants to use the same trusted hardware for both standard ticket printing and sticky labeling workflows, depending on their kitchen setup.

    Supporting High-Volume Delivery Workflows

    Off-premise orders introduce significant pressure during peak hours, where missed tickets, unclear modifications, or delayed prints can quickly lead to errors and slowdowns.

    By combining OneTablet’s order aggregation with Star’s reliable printing, restaurants can:

    • route orders instantly to the correct prep station
    • maintain clear, readable tickets during peak volume
    • reduce missed or duplicated orders
    • kitchens moving at the pace of incoming delivery demand

    “Delivery isn’t linear. Orders hit in waves from multiple platforms at the same time. At OneTablet, we bring structure to that. We organize and route orders so kitchens can actually execute. If tickets are not clear and in the right place immediately, performance drops fast. Star gives us the consistency on the print layer to make sure that does not happen.”

    Marcel Grangien, CEO and Director at OneTablet

    “As restaurants take in orders from multiple delivery channels, consistency at the kitchen level becomes critical. By working with OneTablet, we’re helping ensure those orders are reliably routed and printed at the right station, so staff can act on them immediately without confusion or delay.”

    Jon Levin, Director of Product Management at Star Micronics

    Extending Workflows with Labeling

    In addition to ticket printing, labeling can be used to support order identification and quality control for off-premise orders. Applying labels to bags, containers, or drinks helps staff verify items before they leave the kitchen, reducing handoff errors during busy service periods.

    As delivery volume increases, combining order aggregation, printing, and labeling provides a more controlled workflow from order intake to fulfillment.

    For more information about Star Micronics solutions, visit starmicronics.com.

    To learn more about OneTablet, visit onetablet.com.

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    OneTablet Delivery Operations

    OneTablet is a restaurant technology platform designed to help independent restaurants and multi-location operators generate more revenue from third-party delivery. The platform consolidates DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub into a single dashboard, enabling operators to manage menus, improve visibility, increase conversion rates, and grow average order value across all channels.

    Unlike traditional POS-based integrations, OneTablet operates at the platform layer, giving restaurants direct control over menus, pricing, availability, and store operations within each marketplace. This allows operators to improve key performance drivers such as item availability, prep times, cancellations, and customer ratings—ultimately increasing order volume and revenue.

    Through advanced reporting and menu optimization tools, OneTablet surfaces actionable insights that help restaurants identify opportunities to improve performance, drive more orders, and capture incremental revenue.

    Originally founded as MealCo and relaunched as OneTablet in 2025, the company serves independent restaurants, enterprise brands, and digital-first operators across the United States.

    Star Micronics logo, point-of-sale (POS) hardware and technology company.

    Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

    Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Christin Dorner
    Star Micronics America, Inc.
    cdorner@starmicronics.com
    848-216-3318

    Media Contact:

     
    Paula Moran
    OneTablet
    paula@onetablet.com

  • Kitchen Order Routing Breaks Down at Scale. A QSR Case Study.

    Kitchen Order Routing Breaks Down at Scale. A QSR Case Study.

    For many QSRs, order complexity doesn’t become a problem until volume increases. Dine-in, takeout, online ordering, and delivery platforms all feed into the same kitchen, but without structured routing, orders can bottleneck at the wrong stations or get lost in the flow.

    That’s exactly what Sal y Limón Mexican Cuisine was facing. As order volume grew across channels, the kitchen needed a way to route items to the right preparation areas and ensure tickets were clear, consistent, and easy to act on during peak hours.

    Working with YOGO POS, the team implemented a kitchen printing and order routing system using Star Micronics printers and the StarXpand™ SDK. Orders from multiple sources were directed to specific stations, with dedicated printers supporting each part of the workflow.

    We put together a short case study that looks at how the system was configured, how the integration was handled, and what changed once routing and printing were aligned with kitchen operations.

    Download the full case study to see how the deployment was structured and scaled.



    Find Out What Happened

  • POS Printer Integration Shouldn’t Slow Down Your Platform. A New Case Study.

    POS Printer Integration Shouldn’t Slow Down Your Platform. A New Case Study.

    For many POS platforms, printing issues don’t show up during development. They show up during deployment. Different restaurant environments, network configurations, and connectivity challenges can quickly turn printing into one of the biggest sources of support calls.

    That’s exactly what Selflane experienced. Printing instability wasn’t just a minor inconvenience. It was pulling engineering and service teams into troubleshooting instead of product development and growth.

    By standardizing on the TSP143IV thermal receipt printer and moving to the StarXpand SDK, Selflane was able to modernize its POS printer integration, simplify installations, and reduce recurring support issues.

    We put together a short case study that walks through what changed and what other ISVs can learn from it.

    Download the Selflane case study to read the full story.



    Find Out What Happened

  • Build Your Product. Not Your Cloud Printing Infrastructure. A New Case Study by Star Micronics.

    Build Your Product. Not Your Cloud Printing Infrastructure. A New Case Study by Star Micronics.

    If you’re building a software platform that connects to the physical world, whether it’s for hospitality, retail, healthcare, or logistics, you eventually hit the same wall.

    Your app is triggering real-world actions. Orders are placed. Labels need to print. Receipts must be generated. Workflows move from screen to counter to customer.

    But how do those digital events reliably become real-world output without your engineering team building and maintaining the entire printing infrastructure layer?

    That was the challenge facing Maple as it scaled across thousands of locations.

    A Critical Infrastructure Decision

    Do you build and maintain your own cloud printing layer?

    Or integrate and stay focused on your product?

    They chose focus.

    By leveraging Star’s managed cloud printing infrastructure, StarIO.Online, Maple was able to scale rapidly without turning printing into an engineering burden.

    For ISVs, the lesson is clear: printing may be essential, but it shouldn’t pull engineering time away from what makes your platform unique.

    Read the full case study to see how Maple implemented secure, scalable cloud printing without building it themselves:



    Get Your Copy Today

  • Star Micronics and Logic Controls Strengthen Online Ordering Accuracy Through Strategic KDS and Labeling Partnership

    Star Micronics and Logic Controls Strengthen Online Ordering Accuracy Through Strategic KDS and Labeling Partnership

    The partnership brings labeling and KDS together to improve order accuracy, accountability, and fulfillment across modern restaurant and retail workflows.

    Somerset, NJ – January 9, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global leader in POS hardware, labeling, and cloud printing technology, today announced a strategic partnership with Logic Controls, the original creator of the kitchen display system (KDS). The collaboration strengthens restaurant and retail order workflows by combining Logic Controls’ industry-leading KDS software with Star’s high-performance labeling solutions to improve order accuracy, operational accountability, and customer experience. 

    As online ordering expands across both restaurant and retail environments, operators face growing pressure to deliver speed, security, and simplicity while controlling costs. Star Micronics and Logic Controls are both Chrome Certified Partners, ensuring seamless compatibility with modern, browser-based POS and ordering platforms. This certification makes it easier for operators to deploy scalable, cloud-first workflows without added IT complexity. 

    Strengthening Orders From Screen to Handoff

    Logic Controls’ Kitchen GO platform has long been trusted by restaurants, retailers, and self-service operators to organize and route orders across prep and expo stations. By pairing real-time order visibility with Star’s labeling technology, operators gain a physical verification layer that extends accuracy beyond the screen and into packaging, pickup, and delivery. 

    Each item is clearly labeled, verified, and traceable, reducing missed items, eliminating confusion at handoff, and helping order fulfillment teams consistently deliver the right order to the right customer. 

    Designed for Modern Ordering Channels

    As ordering expands across dine-in, kiosk, BOPIS, curbside, and third-party delivery, retailers and restaurants must manage more complexity with less margin for error. The Star Micronics and Logic Controls partnership supports: 

    • Third-party delivery and BOPIS by clearly labeling orders for correct pickup and handoff 
    • Kiosk and in-store ordering by maintaining item identification through prep and expo 
    • Multi-brand environments by routing orders to separate kitchens and accurately reassembling them 

    A More Connected Kitchen Workflow for Restaurants and Retailers

    Together, Star Micronics and Logic Controls are helping operators achieve consistent, secure, and reliable order fulfillment that supports operational efficiency, stronger margins, and lasting customer trust across every ordering channel. 

    For more information about Star Micronics solutions, visit starmicronics.com. 
    To learn more about Logic Controls and Kitchen GO, visit logiccontrols.com. 

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    About Star Micronics 

    Star Micronics is a world leader in point-of-sale (POS) hardware, offering a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, self-service, and customer engagement solutions for retail and hospitality environments. Star’s technologies support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms, as well as cloud printing solutions, including CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online. 

    About Logic Controls 

    Logic Controls is the original creator of the kitchen display system and a global leader in kitchen automation technology. With more than 40 years of experience and over 500,000 stations deployed worldwide, Logic Controls delivers durable hardware and advanced KDS software designed to improve kitchen speed, accuracy, and performance. 

    Media Contacts:

    Christin Trilone 

    Star Micronics America, Inc. 

    ctrilone@starmicronics.com 

    848-216-3318 

    Bridget Belcher 

    Logic Controls 

    bridget.belcher@logiccontrols.com 

    407-401-9706 

  • Strengthening Channel Partnerships with Elo & Star Micronics

    Strengthening Channel Partnerships with Elo & Star Micronics

    In the latest episode of the Rising Stars Podcast, host Kate Orara is joined by Rob Nordby, Channel Sales Manager at Elo Touch Solutions, for an insightful discussion on what makes a channel partnership thrive. In “Channel Partner Success: Best Practices from Elo & Star Micronics,” Rob shares his expertise on how ISVs, VARs, and resellers can maximize their relationships with manufacturers to drive long-term success.

    Rob breaks down the key traits of successful channel partners, the importance of clear communication, and the role of manufacturer support in fostering growth. He also provides a behind-the-scenes look at Elo’s Elite Partner Program and how it creates real value for resellers and integrators looking to stand out in the competitive retail and hospitality technology space.



    Listen to the New Episode Now

    Strategies for Success in the POS Industry

    From best practices in launching new products to overcoming common partnership challenges, this episode is packed with actionable advice for businesses looking to build stronger, more strategic alliances. Whether you’re a seasoned reseller or an ISV exploring new opportunities, Rob’s insights offer a valuable roadmap to growth.

    Supercharge your success with the Star Micronics Empower Partner Program >



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    The Rising Stars Podcast

    Immerse yourself in the world of point-of-sale (POS) with the Rising Stars Podcast by Star Micronics, hosted by industry pro, Kate Orara. Twice a month, we explore the fascinating journeys of innovators and businesses navigating the challenges of POS technology’s rapid pace.

    In every episode, Kate Orara, Star Micronics’ Partner Development Manager, discusses emerging retail technology trends and strategies with global industry giants. She’s spent her entire career meeting all the right people, and now listeners everywhere can benefit from this vast network of channel gurus.

    Always leading and always innovating, Star Micronics, a pioneer in POS and customer experience technology for over 60 years, welcomes you to join us in shaping a brighter future in the retail, hospitality, and cannabis industries.

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    Episode Transcript

    [Music]

    Kate Orara: Hey there, retail tech enthusiasts! Welcome to the Rising Stars Podcast, your go-to for all things retail tech and point of sale. I’m Kate Orara, Partner Development Manager at Star Micronics, and I’m excited to guide you through this journey. Here, we dive into the latest innovations shaping the retail, hospitality, and cannabis industries. So whether you’re a techie or a business owner, this is your backstage pass to insider knowledge. Join me and the Star Micronics team as we innovate and rise together.

    Welcome back to another episode of the Rising Stars Podcast! I’m really excited today because I have one of my old buddies joining me. I know I keep saying this, but truly, the guests I bring on provide valuable insights into this industry—I promise it’s not just me bringing on friends for fun! Today, I have my good friend Rob Nordby from Elo Touch Solutions with me. Rob, how are you?

    Rob Nordby: I’m doing well! Thanks for having me. Excited to be here.

    Kate Orara: Awesome! I’m happy you could join us today. I know you’re traveling and actually at a conference right now, so I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with me.

    Rob Nordby: No worries! Excuse the background noise—I’ll just annoy everyone around me here. But let’s do it! Ready to rock.

    Kate Orara: Well, it’s funny because you’re currently at a partner event, and today we’re talking about partnerships! To kick things off, for our listeners who may not be familiar with you or Elo, could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your role?

    Rob Nordby: Absolutely! I’m Rob Nordby, and I’ve been with Elo for six years. I manage our national solution provider team and programs, working with large national partners like CDW, SHI, and Insight. It’s a small but nimble team. Before Elo, I spent almost seven years at Zebra and started my career at PC Mall, which is now Insight. I’ve had a variety of roles in the industry, but my primary focus has always been on the channel, managing relationships and long-term partnerships.

    Kate Orara: That’s great! You’ve worked at the manufacturer level and the reseller level. Have you worked at the distributor level as well?

    Rob Nordby: That’s actually the one part of the industry I haven’t worked in, but I work closely with distribution. I have great relationships with our distributors and always advocate for collaboration between manufacturers, distributors, and resellers. Even though I’ve never worked for a distributor, I feel like I have offices at many of them!

    Kate Orara: That makes sense! So, let’s talk about partnerships. What are some key traits or behaviors you look for in a successful channel partner?

    Rob Nordby: Great question! A successful partner is motivated and truly embraces the term “partner.” Transparency and goal alignment are huge. Whether a partner is small or large, if we establish a long-term plan and stick to it, that makes for a great relationship. We love investing in partners who are committed to working toward mutual success.

    Kate Orara: From a partner’s perspective, what should they expect in terms of support, resources, and communication from a manufacturer like Elo?

    Rob Nordby: Honesty is number one. We all know about channel conflict, but maintaining a clean channel is a priority for Elo. Partners should expect reliable products, transparency about where our solutions work best, and clear guidance. We don’t just push products; we help partners find the right solutions for their customers. When manufacturers and resellers work together with honesty and a shared goal, it leads to successful rollouts and strong relationships.

    Kate Orara: Speaking of rollouts, how do you involve partners in launching new products, and what are some best practices for ensuring a smooth rollout?

    Rob Nordby: We prioritize roadmaps. Communication is key—we make sure partners are informed well in advance about what’s coming. Training is also essential. With large-scale rollouts, like those for Walmart or Target, understanding needs upfront and sharing that information between manufacturers and resellers prevents surprises down the road. Bringing partners in from day one creates a cohesive strategy and minimizes issues later.

    Kate Orara: That makes so much sense! So, tell us about the Elo Elite Partner Program. How does it benefit partners in tangible ways?

    Rob Nordby: The Elo Elite Partner Program is designed to reward and support our partners. It’s a tiered program where the more a partner sells, the better their discounts and rebates. But it’s not just about revenue—we also reward value-added services, training participation, and product engagement. We keep a clean channel and use deal registration to ensure partners can remain competitive. The goal is to build a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

    Kate Orara: What are some common challenges manufacturers and channel partners face in building strong relationships, and how can they be addressed?

    Rob Nordby: One big challenge is trust. Customers sometimes try to turn manufacturers and resellers against each other, which can create tension. Maintaining transparency, staying aligned, and working toward the same goal help mitigate those issues. Another challenge is competition and market consolidation, which can make it harder for smaller partners to compete. That’s why we advocate for a balanced channel approach.

    Kate Orara: If you could change one thing about the channel today, what would it be and why?

    Rob Nordby: I’d like to see less consolidation. The increasing number of mergers makes it difficult to maintain a diverse and competitive market. I also wish resellers would trust manufacturers more. We truly want to help them succeed, but sometimes there’s hesitation to share opportunities early on. Building trust through transparency is key.

    Kate Orara: That’s a great perspective. Thank you, Rob, for sharing your insights! We’ll include your LinkedIn and contact details in the show notes for anyone who wants to connect.

    Rob Nordby: Thanks for having me, Kate! This was fun. Looking forward to seeing you on the road.

    Kate Orara: And that’s a wrap for this episode of the Rising Stars Podcast! A huge thanks to our listeners for tuning in and to our phenomenal guest for sharing his insights. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback fuels our journey to bring you the best in retail tech.

    Stay connected with us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. The future of retail technology is in our hands, and together, we are shaping it. Keep innovating, keep rising, and until next time, this is Kate Orara signing off. Together, we rise.

    [Music]

  • Retail Software Success with RMH on the Rising Stars Podcast

    Retail Software Success with RMH on the Rising Stars Podcast

    Welcome to another exciting edition of the Rising Stars Podcast! In episode 38, “RMH’s Blueprint on Retail Software Success,” we had the pleasure of hosting Israel Morrison, Director of Sales & Marketing at Retail Management Hero (RMH), with our own Kate Orara, Partner Development Manager at Star Micronics.

    This episode dives into the innovative world of RMH’s tailor-made software solutions for small- to medium-sized retailers. Israel Morrison brings over a decade of experience in point-of-sale (POS) technology to the table, sharing valuable insights into the company’s RMH Store and RMH Central software systems.

    These solutions are not just revolutionizing retail management but are also driving efficiency and growth for a variety of industries, including grocery, liquor, apparel, and specialty retail.



    Listen to the New Episode Now

    Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

    • Israel Morrison’s perspectives on the evolving POS landscape.
    • RMH’s strategies for tackling the rise of tablet-based POS systems.
    • The significance of adapting to fast-evolving technologies like cloud computing, e-commerce, AI, and online ordering.
    • The importance of these technologies for businesses aiming to stay competitive.
    • RMH’s collaborative methods with hardware manufacturers and resellers for all-encompassing solutions.
    • Future predictions for the retail industry over the next decade.
    • How Value-Added Resellers (VARs) and software companies can prepare for or lead industry changes.

    A Must-Listen for Retail Enthusiasts and Professionals

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the retail sector, from VARs to software enthusiasts and business owners. Israel’s expertise and RMH’s forward-thinking approach are a beacon for those navigating the complex retail technology landscape.

    Take advantage of this informative and engaging episode! Listen now and join us as we explore the future of retail with RMH. Check out the Rising Stars Podcast for more episodes on the latest trends and innovations in the POS and retail industry.



    Explore All Episodes

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    Podcast Playlist on YouTube

    The Rising Stars Podcast

    Immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of point-of-sale (POS) with the Rising Stars Podcast by Star Micronics, hosted by industry pro, Kate Orara. Twice a month, we dive into the fascinating journeys of innovators and businesses navigating the challenges of technology’s rapid pace.

    In every episode, Kate Orara, Star Micronics’ Partner Development Manager, takes listeners on an exploration of emerging retail technology trends and strategies with global industry giants. She’s spent her entire career meeting all the right people, and now listeners everywhere can benefit from this vast network of channel gurus.

    Always leading and always innovating, Star Micronics, a pioneer in POS and customer experience technology for over 60 years, welcomes you to join us in shaping a brighter future in the retail, hospitality, and cannabis industries.

    Want more industry news?



    Explore the Star Blog

  • Case Study: Providing the Optimal POS Solution

    Case Study: Providing the Optimal POS Solution

    Star Micronics & ClearTEQ Provide Optimal POS Solution To Specialty Market East Meats West

    East Meats West is an independent specialty frozen food market serving southern Alberta, Canada. Their brick-and-mortar store provides high-quality Western Canadian longhorn beef and Eastern Canadian seafood not typically found in big-box chains.

    The Challenge

    East Meats West owners Kathy Campbell and Charlene Musgrove were unsatisfied with their current point-of-sale (POS) system and provider, suffering from downtime and inefficient technical support. In addition, the small business was just starting, and the owners needed an affordable, easy-to-use, cloud-based solution that provided flexibility in management, enabling them to run their store from different work locations.

    “ClearTEQ is cloud-based, which is important as one of us works outside the store in another business. Accessing the system from anywhere and working in tandem with people in the store is important.”
    Kathy Campbell
    Owner, East Meats West

    East Meats West also prioritized working with a solution provider that could handle growth as their business expanded. They also needed the solution installed quickly to keep their store running without losing profits.

    Download this case study by Star Micronics to discover:

    • How a cloud-based POS software solution can help SMBs run leaner
    • The importance of a reliable POS system and provider for small businesses
    • The results from the solution integration


    Case Study featuring East Meats West, ClearTEQ, and Star Micronics.

    Star Micronics & ClearTEQ Provide Optimal POS Solution to Specialty Market East Meats West

    From Chilled to Grilled: How a Juicy Cloud-Based POS Solution Got East Meats West Cookin’!



    Download Now

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    Rising Stars Podcast