1999-05-06 , ESC-9959
Business News From Philips Semiconductors

Meto introduces a new line of smart labels, called RAM-Tag, which are based on Philips Semiconductors' I•CODE ICs. The new labels, which combine conventional bar codes with radio frequency identification, will be available in May 1999. Philips Semiconductors and Meto see the largest markets for smart labels in retail supply chain management, parcel shipping, library systems and airline baggage handling. Meto chose Philips Semiconductors' I•CODE technology because of its openness toward the label industry and because of Philips Semiconductors' efforts to bring its technology to an ISO standard, a vital necessity for future label applications.

Meto brings years of experience in mass-production of flexible coils for Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems. This coil technology is an essential part of RAM-Tag labels and Meto's production technology is well suited for Philips Semiconductors' I•CODE chips. Meto's large customer base will be able to use RAM-Tag labels which have the same size, printing and handling as they are used to from normal barcode labels, yet with added I•CODE functionality. RAM-Tag offers many benefits in automatic identification including greater identification reliability, improved speed and more efficient automation.

As a leading supplier of bar code printers, Meto is also able to offer an I•CODE enabled thermal label printer. This printer allows customers to thermally print text, graphics and bar code images on the surface of a label, whilst simultaneously programming data into the I•CODE ICs embedded in the label.

Christoph Kauer, Product Line Manager at Philips Semiconductors says: "We are delighted to work with Meto on smart labels as they will be able to establish a seamless integration of I•CODE in many applications which are currently served with conventional labels. Meto's manufacturing capacity will bring immediate availability of smart labels in very high volumes."

"Philips Semiconductors was our natural choice," adds Richard Altwasser, Technical Director at Meto. "I•CODE is currently one of the leading smart label ICs, and Meto can perfectly leverage on our production capabilities of labels and coils, directly connecting to the chips from Philips."

RAM-Tag labels contain RFID-based transponders that are small enough to be laminated between layers of paper or plastic to produce consumable labels. This new technology contains read/write memory to store information related to the product, manufacturer, or logistics process. They can be simultaneously operated by read/write devices at a rate of more than 30 labels per second and, unlike bar codes, they do not require a direct line-of-sight between the reader and label.

Meto is a $400 million multinational company that manufactures and markets labelling systems designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide value added label solutions for customers across many markets and industries. Applications include automatic identification, retail security, pricing and promotional labels. Operating in 23 countries Meto has a world-wide network of subsidiaries employing approximately 2400 people. Meto provides professional customer service and technical support around the world. Corporate headquarters are in Heppenheim, Germany. Additional information on Meto is located on the World Wide Web at  http://www.meto.com

Philips Semiconductors, a division of Royal Philips Electronics, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the eighth largest semiconductor supplier in the world. Philips Semiconductors is a leader with a proven reputation in the development and production of cryptocontroller and contactless smart card ICs as well as in components for radio frequency identification. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by regional application labs. Additional information on Philips Semiconductors can be obtained by accessing its home page at http://www.semiconductors.philips.com