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Checkpoint Systems and Gemplus collaborate on joint proposal for RFID standardisation

Checkpoint Systems and Gemplus, world leaders in smart label solutions, recently announced the submission of a joint proposal for the standardisation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) smart labels operating at 13,56 MHz. The proposal is in response to the International Standards Organisation's (ISO/SC31) desire to develop an industry standard for RFID smart labels.

Interoperability the goal

The goal of this ISO standard is to provide interoperability between various manufacturers' RFID smart labels and readers. The task of the ISO group is made more complex by the diversity of application requirements which cannot be satisfied by a single technology. Checkpoint and Gemplus recognised this and have developed a unique proposal that allows for multiple technologies by providing a common set of rules for all manufacturers to follow. The submission of this proposal by Checkpoint and Gemplus should accelerate the standardisation process, which is essential for market acceptance and growth.

For years we have been listening to customers requests for a standard for RFID smart labels," said Doug Karp, Checkpoint's Senior Director, RFID Product Development. "We have been heavily involved in the ISO standardisation process over the past several years and believe this new proposal will result in a meaningful standard that will meet both existing and future market demands."

RFID technology combines an intelligent chip with a radio frequency antenna to deliver a smart label capable of storing, processing and communicating information while simultaneously providing enhanced security features. Smart labels function differently than barcodes, as they do not require line-of-sight reading allowing information to be exchanged at a distance. In addition, data on the smart labels can be modified and updated throughout the supply chain and provide the ability to read multiple labels simultaneously. Applications are endless and include libraries and video stores, anti-counterfeiting, airline baggage, parcel tracking and item-level inventory management.

"Our approach to standardisation stems from our belief that the user group requirements cannot be properly addressed by a 'one size fits all' solution which will slow down and stifle the expected growth of the RFID marketplace," said Frederic Coustere, Managing Director of Gemplus Tag. "Our proposal allows an easy integration of several technologies and encourages vendor creativity and technical innovation which ultimately will benefit the end users."

For details, contact Séverine Percetti

Gemplus

tel: (0933) 4 4236 6767

email: severine.percetti@gemplus.com

Glenda Laudisio of Checkpoint Systems

tel: (091) 800 257 5540.

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