NEWS: Smart label pilot proves full supply chain interoperability possible

26-02-2019

A new e-commerce solution has been piloted on UPM Raflatac’s shipments in routes all over Europe. The smart labels use Internet of Packaging (IoP) technology to log and share information about the packs during the delivery process. The company said the pilot demonstrated that the solution provides full interoperability between supply chain stakeholders without requiring heavy IT integration.

The RafMore label is said to add transparency, reduce inefficiencies and waste, and improve the user experience for e-retailers, logistics providers, and consumers, according to the company. The information attached to the label can be updated online or by scanning the code, without the need to print a new label for the package. So designated users can reset a delivery address and time, which saves time and reduces the carbon footprint generated by failed delivery attempts, it claims.

As e-commerce purchases rise, brands are looking for new ways to interact with their customers outside of the point of sale. Consumers who want to easily make returns, reorder, and give immediate feedback if there are any issues with the shipment can do so just by scanning the RafMore label with a mobile device.

In addition the label adds interoperability between the many proprietary track and trace systems used during package shipments. “We don’t want to build a new tracking system or replace existing systems. We want to pull all the information from the supply chain together in one place,” says Sami Poukka, vice president for global business and segment development at UPM Raflatac.

For the final phase of testing before the commercial launch later in 2019, UPM Raflatac will recruit e-commerce retailers to test the solution with actual orders and customers. UPM Raflatac uses the IoP platform from Magic Add to issue the unique digital identities and process all the data generated by the RafMore smart labels.