Search Results

Element’s antimicrobial and washable designs are easier to disinfect A medical setting calls for unique features that benefit both workers and patients COVID has made medical-grade hardware attractive to other verticals besides healthcare When it comes to deploying technology, what’s the most demanding environment you can think of? Outer space will possibly come to mind, but back on planet Earth, medical settings typically stipulate stringent criteria for certification. Input devices must be tough enough to withstand the physical rigours of intensive use, but also, infection control is paramount for healthcare applications. Our commitment to design, quality and purpose motivates us to ensure the best possible customer experience where our POS terminals are concerned. In the same way, our understanding of the unique requirements of medical settings allows us to deliver outstanding solutions, particularly when it comes to eMR (electronic medical records). Germ warfare In the medical environment, a constant battle is being fought against infection. On a scale invisible to the naked eye, human ingenuity is pitted against bacteria -- one of the most ancient forms of life to have evolved -- as well as other microbes such as viruses. The antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles are well-established, and their use in medicine has proven benefits for infection control. So it follows that Element’s medical-grade devices use embedded silver nanotechnology, as well as structural shapes that minimise areas where bacteria can accumulate. Besides being assembled using antimicrobial plastics, Element hardware is designed for easy and effective disinfection. For example, when we describe the ECT-105 keyboard as ‘washable’, we mean it can literally be immersed in a disinfecting solution. Similarly, the design of the ECT-409 medical-grade mouse includes an actively sealed battery canister, giving it an IP68 ingress protection rating which allows it to be cleaned in a dishwasher. Benefits for carers and patients: give them the WOW factor At Element, we are always striving to understand the best-case scenarios associated with the environments where our technology will be used. In a hospital setting, resources are notoriously limited and staff are chronically overstretched -- so improved efficiency for regular processes can make a major difference. One example of purpose-driven, feature-rich design that can streamline a wide range of tasks, such as record-keeping, is the K959 all-in-one touchscreen panel PC. Equally suitable for either a powered or unpowered WOW (workstation on wheels), it features side-mounted hot-swappable batteries that can be easily replaced by caregivers, regardless of how tall an individual staff member is. The fanless unit facilitates near-silent bedside work at night, with an integrated light in its lower edge for tightly focused illumination of the keyboard or work area. But the K959 is not limited to a WOW application, powered or unpowered. Its integrated PSU (power supply unit) means it can be plugged straight into a wall socket anywhere a medical-grade touchscreen PC is needed, whether that’s an operating theatre or dentist’s surgery. It even includes a built-in camera for video consults. Duty of care While infection control has been a central tenet of healthcare since the discovery of microorganisms, the COVID-19 pandemic has put an awareness of transmissibility in the forefront of everyone’s mind. This means that a keyboard which is inherently designed to be easily disinfected may be an attractive option in other verticals. If a keyboard (for example, in a commercial setting) is made available to multiple users, there is a risk that a contagious illness can be transmitted from one person to a subsequent user or affect your health. For an organisation concerned about its duty of care -- whether this is in retail, hospitality, or even a library or school -- the solution may be to provide medical-grade keyboards and mice. In this instance, the purpose for which one class of product is designed can be just as valuable in an altogether different industry. Besides validating the versatility of the design, and the overarching power of its purpose, the ability of a product to traverse different verticals is a testament to its quality. It is also a reminder of why Element is so committed to its three core values -- they are equally relevant in all the industries where our products are used.

All our tech and terminals are designed to be fit for purpose -- but one unit can’t be fit for all purposes Cost considerations should not trump effectiveness when evaluating value for investment The breadth of Element’s product range includes terminals for practically all environments Product showcase: Element 455 vs CA850 Especially in an economy that’s still reeling from the effects of COVID-19, everyone is mindful of the bottom line. At Element, we are able to offer products at an affordable price point, providing excellent value to suit market requirements -- but that value chain can differ greatly from one application to another. In some situations, the issue of cost can override the question of whether a terminal is truly going to be effective for its intended use-case environment. Element’s economical offerings are perfectly suitable for 90% of the market. But for that remaining 10%, it is vitally important for us to competently support our partners and vendors so they understand the limitations of specific platforms, and consider the environments in which they will be deployed. This allows us to deliver the right solution at the right value, without letting budgetary considerations compromise performance expectations. Driving ambition Let’s use different classes of cars as an analogy: both a Land Cruiser and a Yaris are made by Toyota, and both will drive on a road. But while a Land Cruiser thrives in deserts and rainforests alike, it’s not your concrete-jungle runabout. Conversely, a Yaris is right at home in the urban sprawl, but put it in a sprawling natural wilderness and it won’t fare so well. Nobody would expect a Yaris to perform effortlessly in the Gibson Desert, and this mismatch of purpose to environment would not be seen as a reflection on the vehicle’s quality. But when a POS terminal is deployed in a different value chain or application to what it was designed for, misconceptions can sometimes arise about the worthiness of the product -- or even the brand. Realigning experience with expectation Just as one car manufacturer offers various models to meet differing expectations, Element has an incredible breadth of products suitable for practically every vertical, from POS to mining to medicine. And our mission is centred around working with our partners to provide interaction points with technology that result in an outstanding customer experience. In most instances, a best-case scenario is the natural consequence of Element’s investment in design, quality and purpose. But there are also situations when the operator or customer experience proves to be inconsistent with the expected performance of a terminal. Our transparent approach to communicating with our partners allows us to prevent this scenario in most cases. If it does happen -- despite our best efforts -- we work collaboratively and proactively with our partners to identify the reasons behind the inconsistency, and to realign experience with the expectation. The result is an outcome that meets everyone’s needs. Raising the bar For a good example of how environmental factors can influence a unit being fit for purpose, let’s compare the Element 455 with the CA850. The 455 has CPU options of J1900 all the way up to 11th-gen Elkhart Lake J6412, and its touchscreen, mainboard and I/O ports are all included in the head unit. In a hospitality setting such as a bar, there is a high probability of liquid spills -- if the I/O was in the base, there would be a greater potential for liquid ingress. By comparison, the CA850 is designed with a strong emphasis on looks as well as performance. It has a very thin, tablet-like screen, with the I/O and mainboard in the base of the unit. As with the Element 455, it has the option of a J6412 processor and offers the same graphics capabilities, so the same software applications will run on either platform. But when the environmental layer comes into play, other factors must be considered. In its integrated-base configuration, the CA850 is best suited to a setting such as retail or hospitality environments where spills are unlikely. Qualifying the design of the solution is fit for all layers of the purpose -- from environment and aesthetics to feeds and speeds -- will ensure your installed hardware provides a quality experience for users and customers alike. Ultimately, this experience will reflect that your investment in Element has achieved the design, quality and purpose it was intended for.

How the beating heart of our company ethos shapes our business practices and values Design. Quality. Purpose. Let’s break down what these actually mean for us One of Element’s core roles is supporting the industry Product showcase: He27x hybrid POS Think about brands that have dominated the world -- Apple, Nike, Tesla, to name just three -- and some of the features they have in common. Impeccable design, exceptional quality and uncompromising fit for purpose are three characteristics that will likely spring to mind, and it’s no coincidence that these values comprise Element’s mission statement. In the 21st century, we would not expect many people to simply accept our assertions at face value. That’s why at Element, we take the initiative to be transparent and accountable as well -- because we can justify exactly how we embody design, quality and purpose. The three pillars that underpin what we do First and foremost, thoughtful design is the driver for a product that succeeds. We are not talking simply about aesthetics, but also the features that solve key problems for the customer, as well as making it a pleasure to use. In the technology space, Element considers how suitable a design is for the industry -- and most importantly, for the user experience. This is why we put such a high priority on identifying products designed to enhance that experience. In practice, this means consulting industry experts, collaborating with and listening to our partners, and scouring all corners of the globe for emerging industry trends. Most importantly, we seek feedback from retailers and partners to understand what constitutes successful design for their needs. Before we commit to our products, they are subjected to a rigorous R&D process, allowing us to determine and ensure they will meet our expectations for quality. It is not enough for a given item to shine chiefly through the OOBE (out of box experience) -- we are committed to the full end-to-end life cycle of our technology solutions. Assuming the POS terminal is high-quality and well-designed, the third imperative is that it must be fit for purpose. From ranges that are intentionally optimised for a low-end price point to robust terminals with long life cycles at the pinnacle of durability: consistently rolling out quality items designed for purpose is our path to earning recognition in the marketplace. No business is an island In many sectors of that marketplace, individual businesses and the industry as a whole are better served through a collaborative approach than by simply trying to tear down the competition. Many of our conversations at Element revolve around a detailed exploration of what our partners’ and customers’ requirements are. It is imperative for us to have a dependable understanding of what outcomes they are hoping to achieve, and ultimately what experience they are hoping to deliver. Moving with the times The people we work with rely on us to competently evaluate the best solution for their requirements, and if Element is not the right fit, then it serves nobody to suggest otherwise. Without detracting from the quality we offer, we accept and acknowledge that other companies also offer quality solutions, and that there are important points of difference between our offerings and theirs. Ultimately, while Element’s first priority is supporting businesses through fit-for-purpose products, we are also aligned with being an active participant in the greater POS terminal landscape. The power of clientelling As retailers increasingly recognise the value of providing more technology interaction points for customers, many are investing in shifting the fixed POS paradigm and mobilising their POS. This supports the art of ‘clientelling’ -- where sales personnel move from behind the counter and engage customers, using a mobile device to build a basket in a consultative way. Naturally, a POS terminal will also be needed -- and Element’s He27x hybrid POS represents the best of both worlds. Based on an 11.6in or 13.3in Windows platform, it is mounted on a locking magnetic stand to which you can connect all your existing peripherals. But unlike traditional mounting systems for tablets -- which lose connectivity when they are removed from a stand or a dock -- the He27x features optional USB-over-IP. This cutting-edge, market-leading feature allows it to stay wirelessly connected to peripherals even when detached from the base unit. Designed to suit multiple applications, the hybrid POS represents a unique level of ROI. This single device serves the purpose of a mobile POS and tablet, as well as a fixed POS when locked, but maintains full connectivity to peripherals at all times -- even while roaming. Its lightweight, ergonomic form factor, the dependability of its construction, and how perfectly it fulfils the dual functions of mobile device and stationary POS, all make it an embodiment of Element’s values: design, quality, purpose.

Widescreen POS terminals with new CPUs can extend your business to the next speed level Element can support your business through 16:9 aspect ratio and stock availability Terminals with 11th-gen CPUs are in stock right now, despite supply chain issues Product longevity is a high priority for us, but so is continual improvement Yes, it’s true that speed isn’t everything, but if your POS terminal is not equipped with a CPU that can support omni-channel software and the transition to Windows 11, it may end up slowing down your staff and your customers. At Element, we are committed to providing you and your customers with the fastest and most efficient transaction experience available, and we approach that goal via several pathways. With 16:9 POS terminals: we’ve already talked about how the 4:3 format is, amazingly, a relic of late 19th-century filmmaking, and why it is important to get on board with today’s thinner, higher-resolution 16:9 POS terminals. Make sure your software vendor is capable of keeping up with your hardware upgrades, providing omni-channel consistency. By moving from ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’ supply models: lockdowns, staff shortages and supply chain issues forced many businesses to close their doors, at least temporarily. For those that have survived the latest wave, it is imperative to extract every cent of revenue from the transactions that they CAN make. And that’s where Element can give you the edge, thanks to POS terminals available right now instead of a year away. Why the latest 11th-generation CPUs: Element is evolving with the times, embracing 16:9 and the latest embedded Intel CPUs to support new application or OS requirements at the POS. With a long-term roadmap for these embedded CPUs, Element POS terminals can reliably provide you with the consistency that is essential for continuing a standard operating environment in your retail outlets. It’s also important to mention that by significantly outperforming older hardware, these CPU changes ensure the migration to Windows 11 is effortless, ensuring longevity and dependability. On your marks… PassMark Software compares available CPUs with one another and establishes benchmarking figures based on both internal testing and performance data submitted by the site’s users. The CPU Mark it lists for each processor provides a standard figure for comparison, based on the results of eight different tests averaged together. These tests are designed to accurately indicate how well a CPU will perform, providing a consistent industry benchmark. Element has POS terminals equipped with 11th-gen CPUs available right now, and they offer dramatically higher performance at an equivalent price point. Just to put some hard numbers on the benefits: an 11th-gen Intel Celeron J6412 with a clock speed of 2GHz has been rated at a CPU mark of 4051. This is almost double the performance of an older 2.4GHz Intel Core i3-7100U, benchmarked at 2625 (source: cpubenchmark.net). Selecting hardware to maximise performance obviously goes beyond the CPU alone (think RAM and SSD) – but on that point, sky-high performance is not the only factor to consider. The choice of CPU alone can have an instrumental effect on costs at the scale of a company-wide fit-out, easily running into hundreds of thousands of dollars. The key is to identify the ‘sweet spot’ between the latest high-performance tech that will last you well into the future, and not running up expenses unnecessarily. It’s crucial to be realistic about the high performance you need versus the potentially excessive headroom of multitasking processing power, accelerated graphics and so on. Element can assess your requirements and provide you with objective information, backed by industry metrics, to assist you in determining the best balance of cost versus efficiency for your business. Future-proof your investment Along with the benefits of wide-screen 16:9 terminals, we can now also pass on the advantages of high-performance processors. As with legacy hardware that is still using the 4:3 aspect ratio, remember that the i3-7100U was released in 2016. If you are using a terminal equipped with CPUs that are several generations behind the current class, you will no doubt already be noticing systemic strain. Upgrading to a terminal with a CPU such as the J6412, which hit the market in 2021, means that five years from now, your business will not be depending on hardware that is well over a decade old. We’ve been working hard with our partners to ensure a dependable and transparent supply chain, with products available that are specifically designed to support migration to Windows 11. By offering cutting-edge hardware now, we can reliably expect that these terminals will enjoy functional longevity for at least the next five years. While that longevity is a high priority for us, so is continual evolution, so we always seek feedback to ensure we are delivering what YOU need for your business. We love getting positive reviews – but constructive criticism is useful as well, because it gives us the opportunity to improve the product. We can send this feedback to our partners and to our end users, and ask: “How can we improve the product?” It’s all part of our determination to support your business by providing you with the best possible POS performance for your investment.

Hit the ground running when the latest wave subsides, and trading resumes in earnest - POS system Ongoing pandemic-related issues mean havoc for all kinds of businesses We’re seeing a move from ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’ supply models Element’s stock position means we are uniquely placed to support you COVID is not going away, and one of the ways in which this is painfully evident is through closures of businesses such as restaurants. These establishments simply don’t have enough staff available in order to function -- too many people are either actively unwell or isolating. Throughout this time, for businesses such as these, POS systems are obviously not getting used. But for legacy hardware, the clock doesn’t stop ticking as the use-by date for the 4:3 format creeps ever closer. The same staffing challenges have led to conspicuously empty shelves in supermarkets, not to mention major supply chain problems in a diverse variety of industries. Fishin’ for chips The global chip shortage is a direct result of COVID-19: key factories and manufacturing plants had to be closed down in order to help contain the virus. At the time of writing, the Omicron variant is causing unprecedented levels of infection across Australia, with associated absences from onsite work -- for example, at shipping terminals -- as people are compelled to self-isolate. Meanwhile, demand for semiconductors is greater than ever before, as technologies such as IoT (internet of things), 5g connectivity and electric cars are becoming increasingly desirable. Another major factor is that working from home -- which forced many people to upgrade their hardware -- became an essential part of ‘the new normal’, leading to a spike in sales of computer-related tech. These shortages are not going to start easing until at least the third quarter of 2022, although some experts suggest that supply may not catch up with demand until 2023. This just in This combination of shortages has influenced a shift from ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’ supply models. With the ‘just in time’ framework, businesses would wait until stock declined to a set threshold before resupplying. Now that unpredictable peaks in demand have become the norm, coupled with inconsistencies in supply, manufacturers and vendors are under pressure for stock to be available ‘just in case’. At Element, we have been working very closely with Sektor, our distribution partner for Australia and New Zealand, to proactively navigate supply droughts. We adopted the ‘just in case’ model more than a year ago, enabling us to stock up on terminals, and we are looking ahead to new technologies -- including a modular POS system designed by Element from the ground up. This allows us to support your business with the right POS hardware to maximise transaction speeds, empowering you to hit the ground running once business resumes in earnest. Ways to survive the pandemic Being in the grip of yet another COVID outbreak puts you in a position of having to do more with less staff and an unreliable supply chain. Squeeze every cent of revenue you can from the business you DO get by making sure you are working with the right supplier and you’ve got the right technology platform, as well as the right software vendor. Faster transaction speeds allow retailers, gyms, hotels and other businesses to minimise queueing and increase customer satisfaction. In an age of Google reviews, can you really afford a slow and clumsy transaction? Improved layout efficiency on a 16:9 screen with higher resolution offers space for more buttons. Factor in support for scalable omnichannel software, and you end up with less layers to click through in order to finalise a sale. More efficient transaction experience reduces stress for staff and impatience for customers. Especially if you’re operating at minimum staffing levels and existing personnel have to work harder than ever, the last thing they need is potential frustration caused by legacy hardware. At Element, we are all too keenly aware of the same old problems that retailers are facing. That’s why we’re here to make the #lastmile a smooth and effortless experience for you, your staff and your customers.

Why is 16.9 so good? A brief history of aspect ratio How to ensure a better checkout experience thanks to widescreen The sales environment has been massively and irreversibly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In Australia, we are fortunate that after the latest lockdowns, life is again returning to "the new normal". As it does, it is more crucial time than ever to stay at the cutting edge of the innovation curve. Walk into any shopping centre, and you'll see major retailers, smaller specialty shops, fast-food outlets and other businesses using 4:3 touchscreens. Why does this format still exist? The 4:3 format is a vestige of electronic evolution. Also defined as 1.33.1, it was invented in 1892 by William Dickson, who was employed by Thomas Edison. Dickson used Eastman Kodak 35mm photographic film to create a rudimentary form of silent movie. Many POS screen manufacturers are still clinging to the 4:3 format: a legacy of a bygone era; what consumers and retailers want now, however, is more screen real estate, thinner screens and higher resolution. Winning trifecta - 16:9 POS Virtually every living room in Australia has woken up to the benefit of 16:9 aspect ratio. Our phones use it, and the screens of our TVs and laptops are pretty much 16:9 all the way. The reason POS terminals are lagging behind is because Industrial Panel PC manufacturers needed to adopt a standard that would ensure consistency across the market. At the time this technology emerged, 4:3 was still very much the dominant aspect ratio. Now that 16:9 is the status quo, it’s time to gear up into the next generation of longevity and futureproof hardware. There are 3 solid, functional reasons why 16:9 gets 5 stars. Screen real estate. Widescreen normally translates to a higher overall pixel count, so you ultimately have more visual space to work with: more images, more graphics, more information to show the operator. More space means more touch points. By the same token, the wider screen also gives you more surface area to add options for input, more buttons, the option of sub-menus or variables… it’s greater power in the hands of the operator. Vertical or horizontal, no problem. The aspect ratio is so close to 2:1 that onscreen content can be rearranged as two squares side-by-side or over-and-under. To be sure, 4:3 still has a place in artistic expression, photography, painting and other media. But as an aspect ratio to support the reality of how we transact in the 21st century, its reign is over. The final mile We only need to look as far as our own disappointing checkout experiences to know what NOT to do at the transaction stage. Element POS can help you avoid such a scenario, by supporting you with information and industry insights that will ease you through the transition to the big game that is widescreen 16:9.