News Briefs

Custom Travel Solutions (CTS), a software-as-a-service private-label platform for membership organizations and loyalty programs, announced the launch of its innovative AI-Powered Booking Reconfirmation Tool. This cutting-edge technology that imitates the human voice automates the booking reconfirmation process, significantly enhancing accuracy, operational efficiency, and the guest experience.

This service is live and available for new client onboarding at any scale. Designed to address common challenges in the booking process, the AI-Powered Booking Reconfirmation Tool automates the traditionally resource-intensive tasks of manual confirmations, eliminates undetected booking errors, and scales effortlessly to handle increasing volumes. By seamlessly integrating with content management systems (CMS) through API technology, the tool provides real-time status updates, ensuring complete visibility for customer support teams.

The process is streamlined and efficient. New bookings enter the reconfirmation queue, after which AI-powered human-like voice calls are placed to the hotel to verify the reservations. The system is designed to seamlessly navigate through auto-attendants, hold music, and transfer. Once connected, it reconfirms the booking by asking hotel staff for their own reservation number, which is then logged and shared with the end client via APIs. Additionally, the system includes a CMS that provides the end client with a web portal to easily access confirmation details. For example, clients can view: "Susan P. reconfirmed the reservation for John Smith at 9:03 AM on December 12, 2024, for Mr. Smith’s stay on January 2, 2025." AI can make up to three calls to retrieve confirmation numbers, automatically logging the results in the CMS.

The tool's intelligent AI mimics human interactions with hotel staff, ensuring that it aligns with a brand’s communication standards. It is powered by robust APIs designed for high-volume booking data processing, enabling a smooth and scalable solution. Additionally, the system uses data-driven insights to optimize call timing for maximum success.

The benefits are far-reaching. By automating repetitive, error-prone tasks, CTS’s new tool reduces operational costs, improves booking accuracy, and enhances scalability. It ensures a seamless experience for guests with no surprises, reinforcing trust in the brand. For travel providers, the tool increases operational efficiency, freeing up frontline teams to focus on high-value tasks.

Mike Putman, CEO & Founder of CTS, stated: "Our AI-Powered Booking Reconfirmation Tool is a game-changer for the travel industry. By combining advanced AI with our years of expertise, we're enabling our clients to improve booking accuracy, optimize resources, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. This tool not only tackles the common pain points of booking errors but sets a new standard for efficiency and scalability in the sector.”

Custom Travel Solutions continues to lead the way in the travel technology space. The launch of the AI-Powered Booking Reconfirmation Tool builds on its proven track record of innovation and strengthens its position as the most powerful private-label travel solution provider. CTS serves travel clubs, loyalty programs, financial services, and member-only platforms, offering customized solutions that include accommodation APIs, private-label platform building, and now, AI-driven booking solutions.

Shift4 has acquired a majority stake in Vectron Systems AG, a European suppliers of point-of-sale (POS) systems to the restaurant and hospitality verticals. 

Based in Germany, Vectron has 65,000 POS locations across Europe, representing. Shift4 is expected to acquire additional ownership of Vectron through a public tender offer that is expected to conclude within the next month, with a de-listing and formal integration process to occur shortly thereafter.

The acquisition is expected to provide Shift4 with an expansive customer footprint across Europe as well as a distribution network of ~300 POS resellers. As a result of the acquisition, Shift4 believes it will be able to add its integrated payment services to current Vectron customers and products, while also empowering the sales force with a compelling all-in-one POS and payments solution unrivaled in Europe.

“Shift4 was at the forefront of the convergence between software and payments in the restaurant and hospitality verticals in the US. We see an incredible amount of demand for a similar all-in-one solution across Europe,” states Shift4 CEO Jared Isaacman. “With our integrated payments and SkyTab offering, we believe we have the best solution at the right price point. Vectron will provide valuable local expertise, infrastructure, and the distribution necessary to meet the demand. This acquisition is right out of the Shift4 playbook – enabling us to unlock synergies, expand our distribution, and monetize payments for a large existing install base.”

Completes Revel Systems Acquistion

In addition to the acquisition of Vectron, Shift4 has also completed its previously announced acquisition of Revel Systems. Revel has over 18,000 merchant locations across the United States and internationally which Shift4 estimates represents a $17B+ payment opportunity. Revel also has a direct sales and dealer distribution network which Shift4 believes can be leveraged to accelerate SkyTab distribution both domestically and abroad. 

Shift4 has signed a definitive arrangement agreement to acquire Givex Corp., a global provider of gift cards, loyalty programs and point-of-sale solutions. 

The Arrangement Agreement is subject to customary closing conditions and the transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year. 

With across more than 100 countries, Givex serves a wide range of businesses in various industries, including 7-Eleven, Wendy’s, Best Western, Texas Roadhouse. 

The company offers robust gift card and e-gift solutions as well as customizable loyalty programs, and a point-of-sale (POS) system for various business types, among other value-added services.

 “Givex has a considerable footprint around the world which will dramatically increase Shift4’s overall customer base,” states Shift4 President Taylor Lauber. “At the same time, their gift card and loyalty solutions are second to none and will add significant value for our current customers, creating stickier relationships andh 130,000+ active locations enhancing our overall value proposition. Similar to other deals we have recently completed, this acquisition aligns perfectly with how we like to deploy capital – adding blue-chip merchants at a low customer acquisition cost while delivering additional benefits to our customer base.” 

“The Givex team looks forward to joining the Shift4 family and bring our enterprise gift card capabilities and loyalty programs to hundreds of thousands of new customers,” says Don Gray, CEO of Givex. “By combining Shift4’s end-to-end payment solution with our value-added engagement services, we can deliver an unparalleled package to both of our customer bases.”  

Epson  announced a partnership with Kitchen Armor, a restaurant kitchen solutions provider offering a full range of standard and custom kitchen automation products. Through this partnership, Kitchen Armor will bring Curbit capabilities, the industry’s first AI-powered kitchen capacity management solution for restaurants, and new hardware options to TrueOrder  Kitchen Display System (KDS), aiming to further optimize kitchen performance and order status communication via SMS. Through this partnership, Epson and Kitchen Armor are providing state-of-the-art, easy-to-implement kitchen technology to mid-sized chains and single location operators, allowing them to compete with larger corporate competitors on take-out efficiency, order accuracy and guest communication.

TrueOrder KDS with Kitchen Armor is an affordable, easy to set up and easy-to-install kitchen display system for restaurants, enhancing productivity from food prep to order fulfillment. Kitchen Armor manufactures and produces stainless steel touch solutions, along with custom mounting options that feature Power Over Ethernet (POE) capabilities that greatly simplify hardware installation and offer the most effective kitchen consulting services recognized throughout the industry. Kitchen Armor is the official reseller of Curbit’s services, and the partnership between Epson and Kitchen Armor will provide Curbit capabilities within TrueOrder KDS. Curbit helps restaurants manage their take-out orders intelligently by leveraging real-time kitchen data and AI to determine the optimal time to start digital orders and providing real-time order progress to guests and delivery drivers via SMS. Through this partnership, Curbit capabilities, including real-time order SMS progress updates and detailed speed of service reporting data, will be available within TrueOrder KDS.

“Kitchen Armor’s mission is to provide restaurants with the most advanced, industry-leading kitchen solutions that are cost-effective, easy to implement and designed to exceed customer expectations on day one,” said Paul Amestoy, co-founder, Kitchen Armor. “We are excited to work with Epson and strengthen our partnership with Curbit as we continue to be the industry-leading turn-key solutions provider for a diverse array of quick-service restaurants. This partnership will further allow customers to enhance their kitchen production, achieve better order accuracy and enhance customer communication.”

Adding to Epson’s existing TrueOrder KDS offerings from Microtouch, Logic Controls and Elo, this partnership will give customers more options for implementing the intuitive and robust TrueOrder KDS software. TrueOrder KDS is easy to set up and can be customized to fit a kitchen’s workflow with easy-to-use, browser-based configuration utility. The system can support as many as nine stations throughout the kitchen, to help ensure order information is handled by the right station.

“As a market leader with a reputation for providing expertise for both software and hardware kitchen solutions, Kitchen Armor has the experience and know-how to provide a full end-to-end solution for restaurants,” said Tessa Kohl, product manager, Epson America, Inc. “Many restaurants are looking to optimize kitchen efficiency, especially when managing orders coming from a range of third-party ordering and delivery apps, and we are excited to work with Kitchen Armor to deliver world-class solutions to meet these needs.”

For more information about TrueOrder KDS, visit www.epson.com/kds. 

Epson introduces the TM-T20IV Thermal Receipt Printer, purpose-built for taking on the demanding point of sale (POS) needs of today’s businesses. Engineered for a balance of speed, reliability and affordability in a compact package, the versatile TM-T20IV printer supports traditional PC-POS and mPOS systems, allowing for exceptional flexibility and productivity in hospitality and retail environments.

“As the market is migrating towards mPOS systems, merchants are increasingly looking to POS solutions that are modern, sleek and have flexible interfaces,” said John Choi, product manager, Business Systems Division, Epson America, Inc. “Designed with affordability in mind, the TM-T20IV printer provides essential features for modern businesses, including a compact design, flexible connectivity, fast printing, and paper-saving capabilities.”

The TM-T20IV printer features two built-in connectivity options – USB with Serial connectivity and USB with Serial and Ethernet connectivity – allowing for exceptional flexibility and productivity. With print speeds up to 250 mm/sec, an intuitive status LED and paper savings of up to 30%, the TM-T20IV is the ideal solution for keeping POS workflows moving quickly and efficiently. The printer is backed by a 2-year limited warranty, with extended service plan options available up to a total of 5 years of continuous coverage.

A capable and affordable solution for today’s hospitality and retail environments, additional features include:

• Compact, modern design – Small 3-inch thermal receipt printer
• Designed for reliability – 2-year limited warranty and extended service plans, including Spare-in-the-Air™ coverage, are available²
• Multiplatform support – Compatible with traditional PC-POS and mPOS devices
• Easy to use – Status LED with intuitive icons allows for simple troubleshooting and maintenance

Availability

The TM-T20IV Thermal Receipt Printer will be available in Q1 of 2025 from Epson authorized channel partners. For additional information, visit www.epson.com/retail-point-of-sale-solutions

Interface Systems, a managed service provider of security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, has identified key security and technology trends that will shape retail and restaurant security in 2025. As threats evolve and technology accelerates, Interface anticipates a convergence of AI, advanced video analytics, and smarter monitoring solutions to drive more proactive and efficient business security systems.

Expansion of Cloud-Based Video Systems

The adoption of cloud-based video systems is expected to accelerate, driven by their ability to provide scalable, remote monitoring solutions. However, growth will be tempered by challenges surrounding appropriate network bandwidth availability and the cost of high-resolution video storage. Interface foresees steady adoption as technology advances to optimize storage efficiency without compromising video quality.

AI for Life Safety and Deterrence

Video analytics will play an increasingly central role as a detection and deterrence tool. Advances in AI-driven systems will simplify deployment and enable companies to implement more robust remote video monitoring (RVM). This next stage of innovation will focus on integrating video analytics with access control, alarms, and environmental sensors to create cohesive, intelligent security solutions. This will enable organizations to leverage capabilities like automated locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access or triggering voice-down messages to deter theft or loitering. However, maintaining a “human in the loop” will be crucial to overseeing AI operations, ensuring sound decision-making in high-stakes situations, and building trust in the technology.

Conversational AI and Automated Interventions

Interface Systems anticipates continued advancements in conversational AI to enhance remote video monitoring. Currently, AI-driven systems can identify “what” to respond to — distinguishing between human motion, vehicle movement, or environmental factors. In 2025, conversational AI will advance to determine “how” to respond, providing highly contextual, automated interventions. For example, AI could customize announcements based on situational details like a vehicle’s description or a suspect’s clothing, increasing the effectiveness of automated responses. Over time, machine learning models will refine these interactions by analyzing outcomes and adapting response parameters to improve deterrence.

Growing Sophistication of Retail Crime

Retail burglaries are becoming more sophisticated, with organized theft groups using “imposter” tactics to pose as workers and break into businesses from unprotected spaces. These teams employ cellular jamming to disable alarms, quickly attack on-site video equipment, and exploit weak backup systems. To counter these strategies, businesses must increasingly adopt cloud-based video systems, redundant recording solutions, and active remote monitoring to ensure system resilience and real-time detection.

“As threats continue to evolve, we anticipate that innovation in AI, video analytics, and cloud-based solutions will empower businesses to stay ahead of security challenges. At Interface, we remain committed to developing and delivering next-generation security technologies that prioritize proactive prevention and operational efficiency,” said Sean Foley, Chief Revenue Officer at Interface Systems.