This year’s BlueStar VARTECH conference, held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida, was truly out of this world. Set against the backdrop of a space theme, VARTECH 2024 offered a fantastic opportunity for vendors, solution providers, and industry leaders to explore the latest innovations in point-of-sale (POS) technology and retail management, as well as to forge strong relationships within the reseller channel. Auto-Star was honored to be part of this stellar event, showcasing our groundbreaking solutions and participating in impactful discussions that will help shape the future of the retail technology and POS industry.
The Space Theme: A Journey to the Stars with VARTECH
BlueStar went above and beyond in making this year’s conference memorable. The space theme permeated every corner of the event, from the opening session featuring a live interview with William Shatner (partaking via 3D hologram from L.A.) to the fascinating TED Talk by astrophysicist Dr. Erika Hamden. Dr. Hamden shared her experiences in scientific research, particularly her resilience in the face of failure. Her message was powerful, you only fail when you quit; everything else is a lesson. It resonated deeply with attendees who know the challenges of developing cutting-edge technology and working with retailers in today’s fast-paced world.
The event culminated in an unforgettable excursion to the Kennedy Space Center, where attendees witnessed a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch, providing an inspiring reminder of how far innovation can take us when we aim for the stars.
Auto-Star Showcases the Star-Plus Solution and New Innovations at VARTECH
At VARTECH 2024, Auto-Star focused on showcasing the features and benefits of our flagship product, the Star-Plus Retail Inventory Management POS Software. Star-Plus is designed to streamline retail operations, enhance inventory management, and improve the overall customer experience in industries like grocery, pharmacy, health, and convenience. For resellers, it presents a compelling opportunity to provide their clients with a powerful, customizable retail management system that addresses a wide range of needs.
One of the key goals of our presence at VARTECH 2024 was to attract new value-added reseller (VAR) partners. Through our participation, we promoted the you first partner program, a unique initiative that offers resellers a robust support structure, including comprehensive training, marketing materials, and ongoing business development assistance. We were thrilled to connect with numerous resellers who were excited to learn more about how Auto-Star’s technology solutions can enhance their product offerings and support their customers’ evolving needs.
Exciting New Technologies: QuickScan 360 Self-Checkout and Star-Plus 8.3.5
Innovation was at the forefront of our exhibition at VARTECH 2024, as we introduced attendees to the QuickScan 360 Self-Checkout Kiosk. This cutting-edge solution provides retailers with an efficient, customer-friendly way to handle transactions, reducing wait times and streamlining the checkout process. As retailers face increasing pressure to adopt contactless and automated systems, the QuickScan 360 is a timely solution that empowers stores to meet customer demands while enhancing operational efficiency.
In addition to the QuickScan 360, we also highlighted the latest version of our Star-Plus software—Star-Plus 8.3.5. This release includes a host of new features designed to improve security, usability, and inventory management. Key updates include:
- An all-new Point of Sale Layout, offering a modern, intuitive user interface that enhances the customer experience and speeds up transaction times.
- The POS Editor, which allows for more customizable layouts, ensuring that the system can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual retailers.
- A completely revamped Item Editor with role-based layouts, making it easier for employees to manage inventory with security and efficiency.
- Purchase Order Import functionality, simplifying inventory management by allowing retailers to seamlessly import purchase orders, reducing manual entry and minimizing errors.
These updates reflect Auto-Star’s commitment to continuous improvement and our focus on providing retailers with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing market.
Exploring Partner Technologies
In addition to our own innovations, Auto-Star was excited to explore the latest technologies from our industry partners, including PartnerTech and Star Micronics. One of the most anticipated developments is the upcoming certification of the Star-Plus QuickScan Self-Checkout with the Starling self-checkout solution from PartnerTech. The Starling is an ideal fit for independent grocers using Star-Plus with its sleek design, user-friendly interface and affordable price.
We also had the chance to engage with Star Micronics, a leader in retail printing technology. Their latest advancements in receipt printers, label printers, and POS peripherals showcased the importance of integrating reliable, cutting-edge hardware into retail systems to ensure smooth and seamless operations.
These partnerships are a key part of Auto-Star’s strategy moving forward, as we aim to provide our resellers and their merchants with comprehensive solutions that address every aspect of their retail operations.
Industry Insights at VARTECH
Auto-Star’s involvement in VARTECH 2024 extended beyond showcasing our products and solutions. Our very own VP of Operations, Ivan Long, had the honor of participating in a panel discussion moderated by Jim Roddy, President and CEO of the RSPA. The session, titled “Sharing Best Business Practices,” brought together industry leaders to discuss strategies for success in the highly competitive retail and POS landscape.
Ivan’s insights focused on the importance of adaptability, customer relationships, and the need for continuous innovation to stay ahead of market trends. He emphasized that, particularly in today’s challenging retail environment, it’s crucial for businesses to be flexible and to always prioritize the customer experience. The session was a valuable opportunity for attendees to gain actionable insights from seasoned professionals, further underscoring the collaborative spirit that makes VARTECH such a unique and beneficial event.
Connecting with Resellers and Fostering Partnerships
One of the most valuable aspects of BlueStar’s VARTECH conference is the opportunity it provides for networking and relationship-building within the POS reseller community. BlueStar has long understood the importance of personal connections in business, and VARTECH 2024 was no different. The event created countless opportunities for vendors and resellers to connect, share ideas, and explore potential partnerships.
At Auto-Star, we were thrilled to meet both existing and potential value-added resellers (VARs) who are interested in expanding their offerings with our innovative POS and retail management solutions. Our partner program was a key topic of conversation throughout the event, as resellers explored how partnering with Auto-Star could help them grow their business and better serve their customers.
The energy and excitement at VARTECH 2024 were palpable, and we left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future. As we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings, we are confident that the partnerships formed at this event will play a key role in our success moving forward.
Looking to the Future
As we reflect on our time at VARTECH, we are inspired by the incredible advancements happening within the retail and POS technology space. From self-checkout solutions like the QuickScan 360 to the integration of cutting-edge hardware from partners like Star Micronics and PartnerTech, the future of retail is bright, and Auto-Star is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting evolution.
The lessons we’ve learned, the connections we’ve made, and the innovations we’ve seen at VARTECH 2024 have only strengthened our commitment to providing the best possible solutions for retailers and resellers alike. As we look ahead, we remain focused on helping businesses streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth through powerful, user-friendly technology.
Until next year, we look forward to continuing our journey with our valued resellers and partners, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the retail technology space. The sky is no longer the limit—Auto-Star is aiming for the stars!
