Checkpoint Systems Launches EPC Compliance Network; State-of-the-art RFID Technology Laboratory and Design Services Serve as Cornerstone for New Compliance Initiative

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of radio frequency-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers, today announced the introduction of the Checkpoint Systems EPC Compliance Network, a partnership of leading companies dedicated to providing end user customers with complete end-to-end EPC compliance and design solutions to support EPC compliance initiatives. The Checkpoint EPC Compliance Network includes systems integrators, solution providers, and third party logistics firms working together to deliver EPC-compliant RFID solutions that address near term needs and provide strategic value to their customers.

EPC Compliance Center – RFID Technology Laboratory and Design Services

A key component of the new compliance initiative is the expanded Checkpoint EPC Compliance Center – an outgrowth of the company’s RF Source Tagging services that it has offered to more than 5000 CPGs over the last decade. Network members will have access to a wide variety of services and resources offered at the Center.

Located in the company’s World Headquarters in Thorofare, NJ, the Center is a state-of-the-art, vendor-agnostic RFID testing laboratory. The Center provides a controlled environment where network members and their customers can engage in the evaluation and design of EPC Compliant RFID solutions; evaluating various EPC consumables, readers and reader configurations, middleware and processes in a real world DC/Stockroom environment. Checkpoint also operates RF Source tagging centers in Europe, Asia and South America.

“Industry mandates require a 100% read rate regardless of product type or orientation, making thorough testing essential,” said John Thorn, General Manager – Supply Chain Solutions of Checkpoint Systems. “Understanding tag characteristics and how well different tags work on various types of products in real world situations is critical. Equally important is an understanding of the many variables that could affect the tag read rate and as a result, a company’s ability to meet their customers’ compliance initiatives. The Compliance Center provides compliance network members and their customers with the tools and engineering resources necessary to ensure a successful implementation.”

EPC Compliance Consulting, Training, Sales and Marketing Support

As an EPC Compliance Network member, partners and their customers have access to the industry’s leading RFID reader and tag engineers and systems design consultants. Checkpoint also provides its members with a variety of technical training, sales and co-operative marketing tools.

“We’re introducing our EPC Compliance initiative to the market with the spirit of partnership in mind, said David Donnan, Checkpoint Systems’ North American President. “Through network partners, manufacturers now have the support infrastructure in place to move forward with confidence as they prepare to meet their EPC/RFID compliance deadlines – without the burden of “building their own” skills in-house.”

To date, the following companies have joined the EPC Compliance Network: Bekins Logistics, Control Solutions, NCS Technologies and SI Systems.

“Control Solutions is extremely pleased to be working with Checkpoint Systems to deliver EPC compliant solutions for our customers, said Richard E. Mahmarian, President and CEO of Control Solutions, Inc. “By combining CSI’s extensive supply chain hardware and software offerings with Checkpoint’s leadership position in the RFID retail supply chain, we believe we have created a team that can satisfy the needs of most companies required to meet EPC tagging mandates. We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”

About Checkpoint Systems, Inc.

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Checkpoint is the leading provider of radio frequency- (RF) based shrink management solutions to the global retail industry, including over half of the world’s top 200 largest global retailers. In addition to its shrink management capabilities, Checkpoint’s end-to-end supply chain technology helps apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint has a presence in more than 80 countries and a global network of 30 service bureaus located in the world’s apparel manufacturing capitals.

A founding member of the MIT Auto-ID Center and currently a member of EPCglobal US, Checkpoint’s technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source tagging, bar code labeling systems, EAS, handheld labeling systems, and retail merchandising systems. For additional information, visit Checkpoint Systems’ web site located at www.checkpointsystems.com  .

About Bekins Logistics

Bekins Logistics is a third party logistics provider offering a complete range of warehousing, distribution, inventory management and transportation services across a national network of public and contract warehouses. Bekins serves a diverse customer base with creative logistics solutions, implementing cutting-edge technology. For more information, visit the Bekins website at <a target='_blank' href='http://www.bekinslogistics.com/" target=_blank>www.bekinslogistics.com.

About Control Solutions, Inc.

Control Solutions, Inc., headquartered in North Branch, New Jersey, is a developer of Supply Chain Management software that adapts to the growing business needs of third party logistic providers, manufacturers and distributors. The company’><A href=”http://www.consolut.com’>www.consolut.com .

About NCS Technologies

NCS Technologies is the source to trust for industry-specific data warehousing, business intelligence and supply chain/RFID systems integration expertise. NCS is a nationally certified Hispanic minority-owned firm that has been providing IT-enabled business solutions to an impressive roster of Fortune 2000 companies and U.S. government agencies since 1984. For more information, visit the NCS Technologies website at www.ncstech.com .

About SI Systems

SI SYSTEMS designs, engineers, and integrates order fulfillment systems for high-volume, full- or split-case, and/or piece picking. SINTHESIS(TM), the company’s new software suite, provides innovative fulfillment and conveyance technology to manage and optimize planning, warehousing, inventory, routing, order fulfillment, and distribution. SI SYSTEMS’ solutions also include Dispen-SI-matic(TM) for automated order picking and fulfillment. For more information, visit the SI SYSTEMS website at www.sihs.com