Ingram Micro has set up a new division to deliver point of sale (POS) and data capture equipment to the retail industry. The initiative is part of a global strategy to invest into adjacent markets.
The division will focus on retail POS equipment, such as barcode scanners, receipt printers and weighing units, as well as Automated ID and Data Capture (AIDC) products. They range from RFID chips, smartcards and access cards through to biometrics hardware.
It has signed six vendors to date: NCR, Cherry, Toshiba Tec, Datalogic, Printronics and MYOB Retail and Hospitality Management. Existing Ingram partners, SonicWall and D-Link, will provide security, networking and mobility.
To help generate awareness and leads, the distributor has developed an Imrapt (Ingram Micro RFID, AIDC and POS technology) information portal primarily for end users. Features include a product catalogue sourced from the TechLink database; pre-packaged solutions from Ingram, such as asset management; a library of white papers from vendors and related industry association information. Content will be divided into two sections: POS and AIDC.
Among the site’s features is a password-protected reseller community section, allowing partners to submit a company profile.
Ingram business manager, Linda Pifat, who is heading up the division, stresses Ingram will not be selling direct to end users. All leads generated will be forwarded to registered Imrapt resellers.
Pifat says the distributor will also allow ISVs with specific vertical market solutions to register.
"Resellers will get the lead for the hardware, but they may not know how to do the software for various retail verticals. Hospitality for example, is very different to a newsagent," she says. "With the portal, they will be able to search for a provider by name or vertical."
Alongside the website, Ingram has created an Imrapt channel and certification program offering leads, exclusive promotions and pricing, demo gear and pricing guarantees.