Checkpoint-GS1 to deliver RFID-based EAS solution for METRO

15 Oct '09

5 min read

Checkpoint Systems, a global leader in shrink management, merchandise visibility and apparel labeling solutions, announced that it is partnering with METRO Group, one of the largest and most important international retailing companies, to deliver an RFID-based EAS solution.

This solution will comply with announced GS1 EPCglobal RFID-based Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)'s Strategic Overview Guide and Technical Implementation Guide. Checkpoint worked closely with GS1 EPCglobal to develop these guidelines and views them as a major milestone in the evolution of EAS.

“We are pleased that METRO Group has taken industry-leading steps with this latest innovation,” commented Rob van der Merwe, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Checkpoint Systems. “As a contributor to the GS1 EPCglobal Guides, Checkpoint was committed from the outset to deliver a comprehensive, industry-leading, RFID-based EAS solution. Radio frequency is at the core of Checkpoint's business, as demonstrated by our long history of developing RF solutions for retail applications. RFID-based EAS is a natural and very exciting evolution for our Company. We are proud to work with METRO Group on this breakthrough initiative.”

Significant benefits ahead for retailers
Retailers are poised to gain significant benefits from RFID-based EAS solutions, the driving force behind GS1 EPCglobal's initiative to develop new guidelines. RFID-based EAS addresses an important challenge for retailers: inaccurate perpetual inventory caused by shrink. RFID enables retailers to not only know that a theft event has occurred but also what specific merchandise was stolen. This insight gives retailers a far more accurate picture of inventory levels, allowing them to promptly restock shelves. Improved stock positions and on-shelf availability lead to increased sales.

“METRO Group is working with Checkpoint to deliver standards-compliant, RFID-based EAS to both mitigate loss and optimize our merchandise management,” said Dr. Gerd Wolfram, Head of CIO-Office, METRO AG. “This effort is in line with our stated RFID strategy to use tags for multiple purposes along the supply chain. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Checkpoint and we are convinced that the GS1 enhanced standards-based solutions are bringing benefits for retailers and suppliers.”

“GS1 EPCglobal's RFID-based EAS guides that we released present a new model for the way in which retailers will monitor and manage shrink,” said Chris Adcock, President of EPCglobal Inc. “EPC/RFID delivers high-resolution visibility, enabling retailers to reduce stock-outs, enhance the shopper's buying experience, and increase sales in an unprecedented way.” Checkpoint is a leader in the industry, contributing significantly to the guidelines and working to develop a standards-based, RFID-based EAS solution.

Evolve Platform provides clear migration path to RFID EAS
Checkpoint hasbeen developing RF-based EAS systems for decades. This experience led to the development of the company's Evolve EAS platform, engineered from its conception to support RFID and first piloted in METRO Group's Future Store in 2005.

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