Checkpoint Systems Propels RFID Product Line Into the Future; Unveils 'Next Generation' Read/Write System and Tags at Frontline Solutions 2000.

Business & Technology Editors

Frontline Solutions 2000

THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2000

New Technology Targeted at Improving Supply Chain Logistics

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), a leading provider of supply chain management and security solutions worldwide, today unveiled the newest additions to its Performa(R) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) family with the introduction of a series of next generation read/write products. The read/write products allow for non-contact updating of information on the RFID label throughout the product's life cycle.

Through a long-term technology research and development project with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, Checkpoint and Mitsubishi have set the industry's pace in RFID technology development, producing the most comprehensive family of products, tags and readers on the market. These new read/write products build upon the existing Performa(R) read-only products currently being successfully sold and installed today. The new read/write technology, including passive, low-cost 13.56 MHz RFID read/write tags and a family of RFID readers, was debuted at the Frontline Solutions Expo in Illinois.

"We told the marketplace that we were going to offer a complete family of RFID products that complement our EAS technology and that we were going to expand our offerings beyond security; now we've delivered on that promise," said Kevin Dowd, CEO of Checkpoint Systems, Inc. "We bring the most complete range of RFID products of any competing company to the marketplace, maintaining our commitment to providing the industry what it needs -- complete turnkey solutions based on our 30 years of RF technology and our pioneering role in RFID development."

The read/write tags utilize the most advanced RFID integrated circuitry (IC) developed in cooperation with Microchip Technologies. The MicroID(tm) MCRF450 boasts the lowest power consumption, boosting the read range of the product. The IC comes with 1K of memory allowing substantial space for the tag to carry information about the product from the manufacturer throughout the supply chain to the end user. In addition, the tag utilizes a powerful anti-collision algorithm allowing for the reading and writing to multiple tags at the same time.

Two types of readers are currently being demonstrated, a long range reader and a desktop short range model. The long range reader incorporates a patented design and advanced DSP technology to provide some of the longest read ranges available on the market. In addition, Checkpoint has developed controller boxes to address real world applications, such as in distributions centers, where multiple readers will be required to work in close proximity to each other, making the integration of this technology easier. The system provides enhanced Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) capability, providing users with inventory control/tracking and theft protection at all stages of the supply chain.

Software that enables the user to employ the technology is an essential component to any RFID installation. To facilitate this, Checkpoint developed a comprehensive Application Programming Interface (API) software package that will allow the user to generate applications quickly and efficiently. The package is compatible with Windows 95, 98 and NT platforms.

The protocol being used in the Checkpoint RFID tag has been submitted to the International Standards Organization (ISO) SC31 committee for consideration.

"While there is currently no approved standard for item level tagging, we are committed to working with the ISO to achieve the best possible standard to move the market ahead, and have submitted a detailed standards proposal to the ISO in cooperation with Microchip Technologies and Mitsubishi Materials," said Doug Karp, Senior Director, RFID Product Development for Checkpoint Systems. "We strongly believe this technology is something the industry will embrace due to its benchmark performance."

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. is a $750 million multinational company that manufactures and markets labeling systems designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide value-added label solutions for customers across many markets and industries. Checkpoint is a leading provider of digital RF EAS and RFID systems, RF source tagging, barcode labeling systems, hand-held labeling systems, and retail merchandising systems. Applications include automatic identification, retail security, and pricing and promotional labels. Operating in 27 countries, Checkpoint has a global network of subsidiaries and provides professional customer service and technical support around the world. Checkpoint Systems, Inc.'s web site is located at www.checkpointsystems.com.