Packaging giant emphasizing electronic product code technology and standards
Stamford, CT — October 31, 2003 — International Paper this week announced that its Smart Packaging business will offer radio frequency identification (RFID) integration services with an emphasis on the electronic product code (EPC) technology and standards.
Most recently, International Paper announced the commercialization of its Warehouse Tracking System using EPC technology at its Texarkana, Texas mill.
"We believe that offering a full suite of consulting and integration services will better help customers capture the total supply chain benefit of RFID," said Alan Clark, general manager of Smart Packaging.
International Paper said it has worked since 1999 with customers to develop a portfolio of RFID products and services tailored to their needs. As one of the earliest members of the Auto-ID Center, International Paper created the Smart Packaging business to explore the emerging technology and how it could add total system value both internally and for customers.
"We understood from the beginning that RFID was a natural extension of our packaging knowledge in providing tagging value through the entire supply chain for our customers," said Tom Gestrich, senior vice-president for consumer packaging at the company. "We have unique RFID capabilities to help our customers capitalize on this value."
The services now offered by International Paper include educating customers on RFID and EPC technology and its associated value, assisting customers in developing and implementing an RFID strategy, helping customers extract value through RFID, developing and testing deployment model through tailored pilots, and integrating full-scale tailored RFID solutions.
A primary component of International Paper's RFID services is their systems integration capabilities, with an emphasis on translating RFID data capture to actionable information.
International Paper's Smart Packaging business also offers customers a suite of RFID-enabled supply chain solutions from packaging to warehousing and transportation tracking to the retail shelf.
