Checkpoint Systems --CKP-- Teams With SAP To Host EPC/RFID Strategy Summit For Apparel Industry Executives

THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2004--Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of RF-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers, today announced that they have teamed up with SAP, the world's leading provider of business software solutions, to host an executive-level strategy summit examining the opportunities of EPC/RFID technology adoption on the strategies and performance of businesses in the apparel industry. The event, held in conjunction with the 26th Annual AAFA American Image Awards, will take place on May 4th at the SAP's New York Headquarters, 95 Morton St., from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Drawing upon experience from customer projects with leading retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers, the half-day educational event is designed to help senior-level executives learn more about and validate the vision, actions and plans that IT and logistics teams are now formulating for successful EPC/RFID system deployment. It will examine early adoption and intelligent preparation models and the impact these decisions may have on a company's ability to capitalize on this evolving technology and to compete for share of market.

“Like bar code shipment labeling and EDI communications before it, EPC/RFID adoption will bring lasting changes to business”

"We are pleased to be teaming up with Checkpoint Systems to host this important educational event," said Marshall Gordon, SAP America Industry Executive - Retail, Apparel and Footwear. "While it's important to deploy RFID to satisfy customer compliance requirements or to keep from falling behind industry leaders, many CEOs are moving forward without giving serious consideration to the ramifications this emerging technology will have on their business. Our goal is to help senior executives with a clearly defined RFID deployment strategy."

"Like bar code shipment labeling and EDI communications before it, EPC/RFID adoption will bring lasting changes to business," said John Thorn, Checkpoint Systems General Manager - Supply Chain and Brand Solutions Group. "Opportunity and risk accompany any change, and each must be considered when planning a successful EPC/RFID implementation strategy. This event will help attendees to determine what strategy makes the most sense for them and when implemented successfully, will contribute to improved operational efficiencies and increased share of market for their products and product categories."

An example of Checkpoint Systems' and SAP's use of RFID technology is the METRO Group Future Store Initiative. Together with SAP and more than 40 partner companies from the information technology, service and consumer goods industries, Checkpoint Systems is working with the METRO Group to examine how RFID can improve the customer experience in the store. To support this strategy, Checkpoint recently provided METRO with a prototype dual frequency Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)/Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology system which combines both standard frequencies for EAS and RFID in a single system.

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 $1 trillion 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 50 countries and a global network of 29 service bureaus located in the world's apparel manufacturing capitals.

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

About SAP

SAP is the world's leading provider of business software solutions. Through mySAP(TM) Business Suite, people in businesses around the globe are improving relationships with customers and partners, streamlining operations, and achieving significant efficiencies throughout their supply chains. The unique core processes of various industries, from Aerospace to Utilities, are supported effectively by SAP's 23 industry solution portfolios. Today, more than 20,500 customers in over 120 countries run more than 67,500 installations of SAP(R) software. With subsidiaries in over 50 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol "SAP." (Additional information at http://www.sap.com)