First pilot test for UPM Raflatac's e-commerce smart label

UPM Raflatac has completed the first pilot of its new smart label, RafMore, for e-commerce.

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These smart labels use Internet of Packaging (IoP) technology to log and share information about packages during the delivery process. The new e-commerce system was piloted on UPM Raflatac's shipments on various routes throughout Europe. The pilot demonstrated that it provides full interoperability between supply chain stakeholders without requiring heavy IT integration, according to the company. 

The RafMore label adds transparency, reduces inefficiencies and waste, and improves the user experience for e-retailers, logistics providers and consumers, said UPM Raflatac. The information attached to the label can be updated online or by scanning the code without needing to print a new label for the package. For example, designated users can reset a delivery address and time, which saves time and reduces the carbon footprint generated by failed delivery attempts. 

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

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 and this way increase transparency,’ said 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 product with actual orders and customers. 

RafMore is already in use for applications such as origin tracking, inventory management, product authentication and brand promotion. UPM Raflatac uses Magic Add’s IoP platform to issue the unique digital identities and process all the data generated by RafMore smart labels.