Checkpoint Systems Introduces EPC Solution Center.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2004

Existing RF source tagging design center expanded to help

customers meet emerging compliance initiatives

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the world's largest integrator of RFID technology into consumer product packaging, today announced the expansion of its RF Source Tagging Design Center. This global network of centers, in operation since 1993, will now offer EPC/RFID compliance and business design services to consumer products manufacturers, logistics providers and their retail partners. The services complement Checkpoint's EPC network management software platform and family of EPC tags and readers, providing clients with the most comprehensive selection of EPC products and services in the industry today.

Driven by organizations such as Wal-Mart, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA), EPC users are looking for "standardized" development processes to help them mitigate the financial, technical and business risk associated with adopting this exciting new technology. As these industry- driven deadlines draw closer, consumer products goods (CPGs) manufacturers, 3rd party logistics providers (3PLs) and retailers need clear, concise, actionable data and support to ensure compliance and to fully leverage the benefits the technology provides. This can only be achieved through a thorough understanding of the design, implementation and integration issues associated with RFID and how they impact a company's internal business processes.

The Checkpoint EPC Solution Center is a controlled environment where CPGs, 3PLs and retailers can begin the process of evaluation and design of their EPC implementation program. "Designed to emulate real-world situations, Checkpoint engineers work with clients to outline a comprehensive plan that addresses practical RF technology and EPC network design issues as well as implementation and system integration requirements" said John Thorn, General Manager of Checkpoint's Supply Chain and Brand Solutions Group. "Emphasis is on a practical solution built around a robust, proven, scaleable software-centric infrastructure platform.

It is this platform that allows the client to see the benefits of EPC technologies with minimal and metered impact on the IT infrastructure."

As a market leader and worldwide provider of RFID solutions for access control, automated library and asset tracking applications, Checkpoint has been developing, installing and servicing the RFID infrastructure needs of its customers for over 20 years. The company is now focusing its expertise on developing and delivering "open" EPC/RFID compliance and business design services to help manufacturers and logistics providers quickly and easily meet the Wal-Mart EPC compliance mandate and other emerging vertical industry initiatives.

"There are many companies entering the space. Most are makers of parts of the "whole product" solution or regional software providers, said Steve Casey, Senior Director of Checkpoint's ID Engineering Group. "However, unlike other companies offering limited or partial services, Checkpoint has been delivering comprehensive RFID solutions to the retail, manufacturing and institutional markets around the globe since the 1980's. It is this experience that has enabled Checkpoint to move beyond the laboratory and provide our clients with real-world applications at sustainable ROIs."

About Checkpoint Systems, Inc.

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. is a multinational manufacturer and leading provider of product identification and shrink management solutions for the consumer packaged goods and retail industries. A founding member of the MIT Auto-ID Center, Checkpoint's technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source tagging, barcode labeling systems, EAS, handheld labeling systems and retail merchandising systems. For additional information, visit Checkpoint Systems' web site located at www.checkpointsystems.com.