Checkpoint’s New Vortex R6-A Label Enhances Merchandise Visibility, Maintains Privacy for Shoppers

Checkpoint Systems and Impinj, Inc. announced that Checkpoint has created the first Auburn University ARC-qualified inlay incorporating the Impinj Monza R6-A chip using its own Vortex RFID label.
 
The ARC Program tests and benchmarks RFID tag performance and shares that data with the retail supply chain. This ensures that retail suppliers can deliver RFID-tagged products to retailers that meet or exceed the levels of performance necessary to provide benefit to both the retailer and the retail supplier. The new Vortex R6-A inlay is significant in that it is based upon the Monza R6-A tag chip, which helps retailers implement “Privacy by Design” principles to protect consumer privacy.
 
“As the industry enhances privacy controls, in part because of regulations such as GDPR, retailers are rethinking how to address the privacy interests of consumers,” said Carl Brasek, senior director for silicon products at Impinj.  “Impinj and Checkpoint are leading the way in providing retailers with the ability to design privacy into their RAIN RFID programs while still harnessing all the benefits of a RAIN solution.”
 
“The Vortex R6-A is among the first RAIN RFID inlays to be certified by Auburn University’s ARC laboratory that supports ‘Privacy by Design’ principles,” said Craig Weakley, director of applications development, Checkpoint Systems.  “It offers security and privacy features that support retailer applications and protect the privacy of the consumer.  This product offering represents our ongoing commitment to retailers and their customers.”
 
Checkpoint’s Vortex R6-A inlay was approved by Auburn University’s ARC Laboratory for use on denim, hanging apparel, small apparel and basics (ARC Specifications K and Q). Its small form factor (40 mm) is one of the most popular among retailers for use as printed hangtags and labels. It meets the increasing demand from retailers for smaller tags with better privacy controls.
 
Impinj Monza R6-A chips enhance privacy protection in RAIN RFID deployments with short-range mode and tag deactivation via “kill” capability. When an authorized RAIN RFID reader activates the Monza R6-A’s short-range mode, the chip’s read range is reduced by a factor of 10, preventing the tag from responding to any reader unless the reader is next to the tag. Retailers can further enhance consumer privacy with Monza R6-A chips’ kill capability, which allows a reader to irreversibly deactivate, or kill, the chip after item purchase.
 
The new Vortex R6-A inlay is available immediately.