RPS's MULTICODE(SM) GIVES SHIPPERS MORE INFORMATION OPTIONS; Symbol Technologies LS 4800 Scanners Will Transform RPS into 'Data Warehouse'.

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 18, 1995--In 1985, Roadway Package System, Inc. (RPS) revolutionized the ground small-package delivery marketplace by introducing the use of bar codes on every package as a standard service. Ten years later, RPS is redesigning its current bar code system to give shippers more package information and the flexibility to choose the bar code option that best suits their needs -- and the needs of their consignees.

RPS's MULTICODE includes two basic components. The linear RPS 128 will replace RPS's existing Interleaved 2 of 5 linear Barcode Label. RPS 128 contains 22 characters and includes the shipper number, package number, class of service, standard application ID and Standard Carrier Numeric Codes (SCNC). MULTICODE will also support the use of the linear UCC/EAN-128 Serial Shipping Container Code that has been standardized by the retail community.

Shippers will use either the RPS 128 or the UCC/EAN -128 on every package for sortation and scanning at delivery.

Data-Rich PDF417

The final component of the new MULTICODE system is PDF417, the two-dimensional symbology developed by Symbol Technologies, Inc., that can be encoded to hold more than 300 characters of data in a single machine-readable symbol. PDF417 functions as a high-density, high-capacity "portable data file" that can store large amounts of information without referencing an external database.

By using PDF417 in conjunction with a linear bar code, shippers will be able to include a wealth of additional information about their packages, including purchase order number, shipment I.D., and consignee name and address. For shippers and consignees, one of the greatest advantages of PDF417 is that package information can be changed in each label for each package as opposed to being a previously static bar code.

Getting Package Information through a `Data Warehouse'

In order to make the information encoded in the PDF417 symbol readily accessible, RPS will install Symbol Technologies LS 4800 high-performance raster laser bar code scanners at each of its 338 facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

When a shipper creates a PDF417 symbol, the package's linear bar code number is embedded into the symbol. Using the Symbol LS 4800s as part of its SWAK (Scan, Weigh and Key) process, RPS will scan the PDF417 symbol to instantaneously gather all the information embedded in the symbol, including the linear bar code number. That package information will then be uploaded to and stored in RPS's centralized computer system, so a shipper or consignee can call the RPS Customer Service department at any time during the delivery cycle and access that data.

"The LS 4800 scanners will allow RPS to act as `data warehouse' for the package information encoded into the PDF417," said Bram Johnson, vice president of marketing for RPS. "The shipper or consignee can then call one of our Customer Service reps to retrieve that information. For instance, if the purchase order or customer reference number were encoded into the PDF417, you'll be able to trace the package using one of those numbers. We'll also have the ability to provide the consignee with an Advance Shipment Notification and alert them to what's being shipped and what's inside of those boxes."

Consignees will also be able to use the LS 4800 scanners to streamline the receiving process by scanning the PDF417 to gather package information without opening the box.

RPS will begin internal testing for MULTICODE later this year. Pilot customer testing will start in early 1996, and full implementation is expected in June 1996.

RPS was founded in 1985 by Roadway Services, Inc. (RSI). In just 10 years, RPS has grown from a start-up operation with 36 terminals east of the Mississippi River into an international carrier with annual revenue exceeding $1 billion. The company currently operates 338 facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The company also offers service to Puerto Rico, Mexico and 27 European countries.

Based in Bohemia, N.Y., Symbol Technologies (NYSE:SBL) is the world leader in bar code-driven data transaction systems with more than three million scanners and terminals installed. The company designs, manufactures and markets bar code laser scanners, portable computers and radio frequency data communications networks that are used as strategic building blocks in technology systems for retail, warehousing and distribution, manufacturing, package and parcel delivery and other industries. Customer information is available from Symbol at 1-800-SCAN-234.

Photos available upon request.

For press information: RPS: Dina Gruey, 412-747-4214, or Bram Johnson, 412-262-6074; Symbol Technologies: Doug Picker, Nancy Tully, 516-244-4191. For financial information: Symbol Technologies, Michael G. Archambault, 516-244-4632.

CONTACT: RPS

Dina Gruey, 412-747-4214 or Bram Johnson, 412-262-6074

OR

Symbol Technologies

Doug Picker, Nancy Tully, 516-244-4191

OR

For financial information

Symbol Technologies

Michael G. Archambault, 516-244-4632