Checkpoint Systems Partners with Metro Group to Successfully Deploy UHF RFID Dock Door Solution

Checkpoint Systems Partners with Metro Group to Successfully Deploy UHF RFID Dock Door Solution

January 17, 2007

98.5%+ Read Rate Represents Milestone in European RFID
Deployment


    HONG KONG, Jan. 17 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Checkpoint
Systems (NYSE: CKP), a leading manufacturer and marketer of
RF- and RFID-based solutions for identification, tracking,
security and merchandising applications, today announced
its involvement in a series of UHF RFID technology trials
supervised by the European Telecommunications Standards
Institute (ETSI) task group 34 (TG34).  Conducted at one of
METRO Group's Distribution Centres near Hamm, Germany, the
Varena trials were designed to improve RFID tag read
performance in high-density reader environments and to
validate the robustness of the RFID portal dock door
solution in preparation for Metro's UHF rollout expansion
plans scheduled for 2007.

    Utilizing equipment from numerous RFID suppliers in
Europe and North America, Checkpoint served as a hardware
integrator for the trials.  In this capacity, Checkpoint
helped with the design work for the hardware solution and
procurement, configuration and installation of the 36
RFID-enabled dock door portals which were used to validate
successful simultaneous operation of multiple dock doors
using a 4-channel synchronized approach under the ETSI 302
208 standard.

    Pallets containing 62 individually tagged cases largely
containing RFID unfriendly materials (such as cans, liquids
and metal lined items) were simultaneously transported at
warehouse speeds through 36 adjacent loading dock doors. 
Some 4.5 million individual reads were recorded over the
course of the trials.

    Complying with the ETSI listen before talk (LBT)
requirements, the tests achieved a 98.5%+ read rate
simultaneously from multiple pallets as they were wheeled
through the dock doors.  "The results represent a
significant milestone in European RFID operational
deployment," said Dr. Gerd Wolfram, Managing Director
of Metro's Information Technology Group.  "Checkpoint
Systems has been a partner in Metro's Future Store
Initiative from an early stage and has worked closely with
us specifically on solving the UHF technical challenges at
the Metro Innovation Centre at Dusseldorf since early
2006." 

    Dr. Wolfram added, "Our partnership enables us to
leverage Checkpoint's infrastructure, commitment to RFID
and extensive EAS expertise as we migrate to UHF RFID-based
solutions.  Together, we are working toward enhancing our
customer's shopping experience, while at the same time,
improving our supply chain efficiencies."

    As a result of the successful trial, Checkpoint and
Metro are now closely collaborating on the next stage
planning for Metro's roll-out in 2007. 

    "Checkpoint Systems is very proud to support
Metro's long-term, strategic investment in RFID," said
George Off, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Checkpoint
Systems, Inc.  "The Varena trial clearly showcases the
viability of the UHF RFID solution jointly developed at the
Metro Innovation centre and demonstrates Checkpoint's
strong commitment to its positioning as a major hardware
integrator for the worldwide retail RFID sector.  It is a
good example of our new strategic emphasis on RFID
solutions for our retail customers."  

    About Checkpoint Systems Inc. 

    Founded in 1969, Checkpoint Systems, Inc. is a leading
manufacturer and marketer of RF- and RFID-based solutions
for identification, tracking, security and merchandising
applications.  With a presence in more than 80 countries
and a network of more than 30 service bureaus worldwide,
the company is the global leader for scalable,
sure-performing 8.2 MHz, UHF, HF, EPC and ISO-based EAS and
RFID labeling products, systems, maintenance and support
services. 

    For additional information, visit the Checkpoint
Systems web site at http://www.checkpointasiapacific.com .

    About The Metro Group

    METRO Group is one of the most important international
retailing companies.  In 2005 the group reached sales of £á
55.7 billion.  The company has a headcount of about 250,000
employees and operates more than 2,200 outlets in 30
countries.  The operating business is performed by the
sales brands which operate independently in the market:
Metro/Makro Cash & Carry -- world market leader in cash
& carry wholesale, Real hypermarkets and Extra
supermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn -- market leader in
consumer electronics centers in Europe, and Galeria Kaufhof
department stores.

    More additional information, visit Metro Group at
http://www.metrogroup.de .

    About ETSI

    The European Telecommunications Standards Institute
(ETSI) plays a major role in the global standardization of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), including
telecommunications and broadcasting.  ETSI unites all the
key players in the ICT arena, with almost 700 member
companies from 56 countries, comprising of manufacturers,
network operators, administrations, service providers,
research bodies, users and more.

    For additional information, visit ETSI at
http://www.etsi.org .


    For more information, please contact:

     Natalie Chan
     Asia Pacific
     Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
     Tel:      [phone]
     Email:    [e-mail]
     Web site: http://www.checkpointasiapac.com


SOURCE  Checkpoint Systems Inc.