We're wrapping up our sixth season with the annual discussion of all things Star Wars with special guest Sam Hughes! What's the latest news on new movies, series, and scrapped projects? We're actually getting a new film next year (The Mandalorian & Grogu), but will it be good? After brief discussions on "Skeleton Crew," "Tales of the Underworld," and "Visions 3," we dig deep into season 2 of "Andor," one of our favorite Star Wars projects.   Around the Nation: Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you in BlueStar Nation!   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo I-Series Steel

The NRF "Big Show" is a huge event that kicks off a new year for retailers, suppliers, consumer brands, technology providers, and more. For new and veteran attendees alike, it can be overwhelming and exhausting. This week, Intel's Mariya Zorotovich is bringing her experience from across the retail world to share tips for making the most of the show (and any industry event!). What does this year's theme, "The Next Now," mean? What should first-timers expect, and how do veterans prepare? How do we differentiate between cool ideas and real potential solutions that could represent growth for the channel? Put on your comfy shoes and enjoy!   Around the Nation: Watch the IHL 2026 Retail Trends Webinar #VARValue - For VARs, ISVs, and vendor partners attending NRF, what is Intel’s approach to the show, and how will they be interacting with existing and potential partners? What does BlueStar do at the show?   On Our Radar Mariya - Agentic AI for checkout & change leadership Dean - Toy Story 5 John - Is grey hair a good thing?   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: EloPOS Instant Rebate Promo

The interest in RFID has never been higher, but what's driving it, and how can the channel capitalize on this momentum? This week, we have an all-star panel: Zebra's Patti Blessing, AIM Global's Mary Lou Bosco, and GS1 US's Teresa Williams. What does the RFID market look like from a broad perspective and within the channel? How are standards and mandates helping guide RFID adoption in industries like retail and healthcare? Is RFID the solution for fighting organized retail crime? Listen to find out why RFID is like a vegetable.   Around the Nation: Check out next week's NRF Prep episode with Intel's Mariya Zorotovich #VARValue - Final thoughts on the future of RFID and how Zebra, AIM, and GS1 are helping the channel grow and prepare.   On Our Radar Teresa - NFC tags around the home Mary Lou - Ja'Marr Chase suspension Patti - Shopping with RFID Dean - AI country artist John - Gabb smart watch for kids   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra TC22R Handheld RFID Reader Elo Legacy

It's the 250th episode!!! We like to celebrate milestones with fun topics, and having this one fall on Thanksgiving presented the perfect opportunity to discuss the tech we are thankful for with Sarah Schlueter. First, we share our takes (some quite controversial?) on the Thanksgiving holiday, the food, and leftovers. Then, what tech makes our personal and professional lives better, and we wouldn't want to live without? You'll also hear from colleagues and friends around the channel. Thanks to all our listeners who keep us going...on to the next 250!   Around the Nation: BlueStar's Webinar Series   On Our Radar Sarah - Bye bye to the penny Dean - Russia's AIdol robot flops John - Parasocial - Cambridge Dictionary word of the year   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo's Self-Service Array

Visitor management is an oft-overlooked opportunity for resellers in industries they already serve, especially education, healthcare, government, and any enterprise where security, protecting sensitive information, or employee and guest safety are prioritized. This week, Epson's Michael Weitz joins to explain the challenges of outdated or traditional visitor management, where you should be looking for business, and why color-printing badges and passes elevate the process. It's the episode that's looking a little shady...   Around the Nation: Need help with your next project? Ask about our Custom Configuration capabilities! #VARValue - How does the Colorworks printer line enhance the visitor management process, and how should VARs approach their customers about changing existing technology?    On Our Radar Michael - RAMaggeddon Dean - Workslop John - iPhone Pocket   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Epson C4000 Color Inkjet Label Printer Elo Non-Touch Displays

BlueStar Academy is our new training program designed to help VARs, ISVs, and vendors give their new (or veteran) sales reps access to education on core technologies, industries, and skills to grow as a solution seller. This week, Mike Monocello, BlueStar Academy program leader and training specialist, explains what executives and managers want from these trainings, how he's building courses, and what attendees can expect. Pay attention...there may be a quiz later!   Learn more about BlueStar Academy and provide your feedback to guide our schedule for 2026   Around the Nation: Find software partners on TEConnect Live   On Our Radar Mike - Network-attached storage James - Mirage AI Video John - MLB The Show 2025   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-starSubscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribeSponsored by: Elo's I-Series 5rf IDEAS WAVE ID Minis

Labeling in fast-paced QSRs is a critical, time-sensitive task that ensures orders for in-store patrons, delivery drivers, and pickups are properly sorted and accurate. That's where linerless printing can make operations more efficient. This week, Epson's Thermal Label Product Manager, Ian Livesay, joins the podcast to make the case for linerless over die-cut labels. What problems does it solve? Are there other industries that could use them? It's an aggressively sticky episode!   Around the Nation: Watch the BlueStar/Intel Solutions Summit #VARValue - How does Epson approach linerless label printing? What are some key products VARs should know about, and how do they help you win business?   On Our Radar Ian - AI-enabled recycling John - IKEA smartphone bed   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Epson TM-L100 Liner-free Label Printer EloPOS Instant Rebate Promo

Manufacturers, distributors, T&L, and warehousing are always looking to become more efficient and productive, but are they embracing automation in the same areas we think they should? That was the subject of the latest BlueStar Nation end-user survey, sponsored by our friends at Honeywell. We asked their industry expert, Matt Sterner, to join the show to dissect the data. Why were business leaders so confident about their inventory and shipping practices? What did the data reveal about ongoing manual practices? How often are equipment downtimes and safety issues impacting productivity? It's an episode packed with insight and just a little hot air.   Read about the survey results here!   Around the Nation: Tell us what technology you're thankful for and tune in to our Thanksgiving episode (#250!!)  #VARValue - Did any other findings in the survey stand out to Matt? How is Honeywell helping the reseller community tackle productivity with their customers?    On Our Radar Matt - Freight theft Dean - Pivotal BlackFly "flying car" John - Why do onions make us cry so easily?   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo I-Series Steel

It's spooky season, so we're revisiting last year's Halloween episode where we riff on all things tricks and treats! * * * Originally released October 31st, 2024 In honor of a Halloween release, we're talking about the spooky season with special guests Sam Hughes and...the Ghostface killer from Scream? (It's Sarah Schlueter!) What are some movies/TV shows that have scared us? Favorite Halloween costumes? What technology scares us? Best candy? It's the episode so packed that Dean could only say, "Oh."   TEConnecting with us: Sarah - The story behind Spirit Halloween Sam - Digital literacy in an age of misinformation Dean - Stem-cell therapy for diabetes John - Evil on Paramount Plus   Keep in Touch! Email - nation@bluestarinc.com  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Pay M100

We'll be back later this month with the results of a survey on warehouse and manufacturing automation, making this a great time to revisit this conversation about addressing human work and augmentation alongside technology. * * * Originally aired March 27, 2025 Supply chain jobs in warehouses, manufacturing, and delivery continue to face a challenging labor market. At the same time, costs remain high, and consumer demands create more pressure to make, distribute, and deliver products quickly. That’s where automation technology has come in to help, but it’s not a total replacement for people, which makes it essential to understand the human element as well. Today, Newcastle’s Kevin Ledversis & Honeywell’s Kelley Wood are sharing their thoughts on the topic. What’s changed about labor post-pandemic? What are supply chain businesses saying about automating their workforce? Is AI a game-changer or a new complication in balancing workforce efficiency and productivity?   Around the Nation: Explore Industries & Technologies at BlueStarInc.com   #VARValue - Newcastle & Honeywell put a lot of thought into how technology helps and augments people, even as they also lean into automation and AI. How has that helped you grow, and what lessons can VARs take away from your approach?   On Our Radar Kevin - Future shopping experiences at NRF Kelley - The ARK robo-kitchen Dean - 2025 predictions...from 100 years ago John - Mining the moon   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo's Quick Ship Program

It's time to dig into more fascinating topics, surveys, thought pieces, and lists to get you through your next awkward chat around the coffee maker, waiting for a virtual meeting to start, or to impress your friends and family.   Have an idea for renaming the TEC Bytes episodes? Send your suggestion to nation@bluestarinc.com, and you could win $100!   Topics: Helicopter parents No meeting weeks Most common jobs - 90s vs. now Ranking James Bond movies Concert ticketflation The best countries in the world Uber's lost and found Top-selling beer   Around the Nation: BlueStar Academy - Launching Q1 2026   On Our Radar Dean - The most beautiful English words John - Is your phone listening to you? (No, but it's even worse)   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by:Elo + Epson KDS

VARTECH 2025 made the most of its location at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, offering two packed days of networking, new technologies to explore, insightful education, and fun-filled evenings. Our theme, "Join the Quest," encouraged attendees to come together in partnership and accept the challenge of finding bold new solutions to their customers' problems. From a memorable opening featuring keynote Zack Kass to bold discussions about why now is the time to make AI part of your business, VARTECH had something for everyone. This week, we're reflecting on the show, what we saw and heard, and what you can learn even if you didn't attend.   Follow us on YouTube and bookmark our VARTECH page to see videos and recaps from the show!   Around the Nation: Register for next week's 2026 Retail Intelligence Briefing with IHL   On Our Radar Dean - Outdoor exercise is superior to the gym John - Is Popular Mechanics okay?   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Pay M100

"I think customers have gone from RFID-curious to RFID-serious," says RedBeam VP of Sales Kevin Keith, reinforcing an ongoing trend of RFID growth and investment. He's joined this week by Solutions Architect Kyle Stanford to explain why the need is at an all-time high for resellers and integrators to build out their RFID business. What tips do they have for qualifying an RFID opportunity over traditional barcoding? How do we prove ROI? What industries and use cases are prime for adoption? What should you expect out of partners like RedBeam?    Check out RedBeam's RFID YouTube series!   Around the Nation: BlueStar Connectivity #VARValue - Learn about the importance of middleware and RedBeam RFID. How are they helping VARs accelerate their existing RFID business or get started?   On Our Radar Kyle - Hitachi's "smart dust" Kevin - AI search Dean - Non-invasive brain-computer interface John - Competitive spreadsheeting   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Legacy

Next week, we'll be talking to our friends at Redbeam about Accelerating Your RFID Sales, so we thought we'd revisit last year's panel discussion on the trends pushing RFID forward, top use cases, and best practices.  * * * Originally released June 20th, 2024 We recorded another live episode with a panel of RFID experts (Zebra’s Eric Malmed, DecisionPoint’s Steve Weiss, & RFID4U’s Archit Dua) and an eager audience. What trends and technology innovations are moving the RFID market? What recommendations or best practices can help VARs sell RFID to SMB customers? What are some specific use cases for RFID in warehousing and retail? It’s the episode that forces everyone to answer, “Is this the Year of RFID?”   Get your Zebra Refresh Report! https://reach.bluestarinc.com/refreshthebase    #VARValue - Questions from the audience!   TEConnecting with us: Archit - Apple WWDC Eric - Tech in sports Steve - Robotics   Keep in Touch! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Outdoor Solutions

We're busy planning and executing VARTECH 2025 this week, so enjoy a couple of classics from the archives, starting with this one, recorded at last year's show. No live episode this year, but follow BlueStar on LinkedIn to keep up with all of the fun, cool tech, and new ideas we're sharing there. * * * Originally released Sep 26, 2024 Once again, we took our show on the road to VARTECH in Orlando, Florida, to discuss websites, social media, and how they can impact your business. James Korte gives us a breakdown of what "good" websites should contain and what they should do. What are some common pitfalls and mistakes? Is there a right way to do social media? Finally, we wrap up by gently critiquing some sites submitted by our audience.   #VARValue - Check out the sites we reviewed! https://www.digi-trax.com/ https://www.posperpanama.com/ (Now updated and excellent!)   Check out the YouTube video to follow along with our website reviews: https://youtu.be/xDtuNQXAvTA    TEConnecting with us: James - Runway AI video Dean - Bark Air John - Are restaurant kiosks leading to smaller orders?   Keep in Touch! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe   Sponsored by: Elo Quick Ship Program

Distracted driving has been exacerbated with the widespread use of mobile devices, which constantly beckon to be looked at, touched, and interacted with. For enterprises that deploy drivers to deliver products or services, or operate internal vehicles such as forklifts, these distractions can lead to costly lawsuits, liabilities, and an inability to obtain insurance. This week, we're joined by Ted Chen, CEO of LifeSaver Mobile, a company that helps enterprises customize employee access to their devices while driving and on the job. What does "locking down" a mobile device actually mean? How can this benefit resellers with customers using devices they didn't sell? How does connectivity fit into this conversation (Jim Hilton is here with that answer!)? Don't skip this episode...doing so could cause an accident!   Around the Nation: Follow us on LinkedIn & YouTube #VARValue - How is LifeSaver Mobile working with VARs to give them a recurring revenue source, even if their customers are still committed to consumer devices?   On Our Radar Ted - AI search & virtual first downs for football Jim - Satellite connectivity Dean - Quantum communications John - The world's deepest hotel   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Pay POS Systems

Planned obsolescence and routine replacement cycles are common in the consumer electronics industry. Those concepts also infiltrate enterprise hardware, undermining the notion that business equipment should be rugged, durable, and suitable for years of day-to-day use. If you're eager to swap out mobile computers, POS devices, printers, and other hardware when a new version is released, are you doing your customers (and your business) a disservice? That's the premise of this week's episode featuring Logic Controls' Engineering Director, Paul Peralta & CEO Brian Wheeler. What are end-users saying about buying enterprise vs. consumer? How does longevity factor into designing & selling solutions? How does Logic Controls factor software and evolving OS platforms into its products?   Around the Nation: ISVs on Tap #VARValue - What is Logic Controls' approach to longevity and performance? What do you do differently to ensure that VARs feel secure selling your products?   On Our Radar Paul - Photonic processing Brian - College football Dean - The end of AOL dialup John - Nostalgia for the music of our teen years   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Logic Controls Durable Solutions

In two weeks, we'll be focusing on fleet & deliver driver safety and technology to minimize distractions. In preparation, we thought it would be helpful to revisit the importance of reliable, enterprise-ready connectivity to enable such solutions. Enjoy! * * * Originally published March 13, 2025 Mobile computing, IoT, AI, RFID, robotics, mPOS…the future of enterprise technology is exciting, to be sure. Still, it’s only as good as the networks connecting these devices and transmitting all that data for analysis and action. Networking and connectivity solutions may not currently be part of your portfolio, but if you desire to be THE trusted provider for your customers, they should be. Today, we’re talking to iONLINE’s Dave Farquharson & industry vet (now a BlueStar colleague) Jim Hilton to help you understand the connectivity landscape, the importance of multi-carrier interoperability, how to approach selling network solutions, and how to find and win opportunities.   Check out our new Connectivity Services site!   #VARValue - What is iONLINE looking for in the channel, and how do they help resellers find opportunities, win business, and overcome networking hurdles?   Around the Nation: The 2U Tour is coming to a city near you!   On Our Radar Dave - Waymo and AI Jim - Robotics Dean - AI couples therapy? John - The "city-killer" asteroid (that's no longer a concern?)   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo M51 Rugged Mobile Computer

A couple of years ago, Intel's Kristen Call joined the pod to discuss what retail modernization meant and how VARs should align their solutions for the future. Now, as the AI conversation grows louder, what has changed, and what did we get right back then? Returning guests Rob Risany & Luke Wilwerding talk expectations, skepticism, selling value, and the importance of channel partnerships to help you sell the next generation of retail tech.   Around the Nation: Win business and earn more with BlueStar Promotions! #VARValue - What’s the modernization pitch to SMB retail? Are there any “start small” opportunities that VARs should be pursuing now that could lead to bigger innovation in the future?   On Our Radar Luke - Brain-computer interfaces Rob - Home-brewed beer app Dean - Electronic skin John - Goodbye BSOD   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo M51 Rugged Mobile Computer

We're getting scrappy this week to nerd out over marketing practices that don't require big budgets or large staffs. OrderCounter's Crystal Barrineau suggested this topic and volunteered her expertise as a scrappy marketer! Our own James Korte joins her for a valuable conversation about why marketing matters, real examples of simple-but-effective campaigns, and how to turn who you already are into a brand. It's the episode that's collecting Monopolists' Tears.   Around the Nation: Check out the BlueStar Webinar series! #VARValue - How do OrderCounter's scrappy marketing strategies help them connect with channel partners and end users?   On Our Radar Crystal - The Astronomer CEO Coldplay scandal James - ChatGPT agent & ElevenLabs Dean - Sweaty corn John - Artificial blood   Keep in Touch! Email – nation@bluestarinc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo I-Series Steel