To expand its offering of intelligent packaging solutions, Stora Enso is introducing a new brand protection and authentication solution called PackAgent. The solution enables trading partners to trace and authenticate products throughout the supply chain. Stora Enso is working with BearingPoint, Inc. in regard to the sales, delivery and systems integration of PackAgent in Europe and North America.
Today, the efficient prevention of piracy and counterfeiting is a vital measure, especially for companies active in the pharmaceutical, consumer electronics and media industries. The PackAgent solution from Stora Enso provides advanced security against counterfeiting and other illegal product violations. The solution enables monitoring and authentication of the products throughout the supply chain, from manufacturer to wholesaler, retailer and even the consumer.
Stora Enso has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for strategic co-operation with BearingPoint, which will work with Stora Enso in conducting the sales, delivery and systems integration of the PackAgent solution. The solution is based on the Trackway software developed by the Finnish specialist software provider Stockway.
Compatible with various identification technologies
"PackAgent is unique because it integrates various identification technologies into the packaging itself. The solution enables tracking and authentication of products at both unit level and pallet level. Identification can be based on RFID tags, individual bar codes that are enabled by digital printing, or other identification technologies. BearingPoint is a strong partner for the sales, integration and further development of the system," says Kirsi Viskari, Manager of Intelligent Solutions at Stora Enso Consumer Boards. Intelligent solutions is one of the areas of special focus in Stora Enso Consumer Boards' development of new packaging concepts and solutions.
"BearingPoint is excited about the PackAgent solution and is very much looking forward to this cooperation with Stora Enso. As a company we have invested globally in the development of RFID technology and solutions, and in PackAgent we see a solution that has a clear value proposition with great potential in various markets such as pharmaceuticals. Counterfeiting is a major issue amongst many of our clients and the PackAgent solution provides a new way to fight it. The fact that this product authentication solution can also be based on individual bar codes, represents a great opportunity and roadmap for companies that are not ready for RFID," says Marko Toivari, BearingPoint Finland's Supply Chain Team leader.
"The PackAgent solution addresses one of RFID's key problem areas as it is often left to the manufacturer of a product to decide what and where to tag a product. With this solution, RFID tagging is done at the source of packaging rather than at the point of manufacture of the product. Given the United States FDA requirements for e-pedigree, this provides a straightforward approach to addressing this issue," says Brent Proud, BearingPoint's North American Commercial Services RFID solution lead. "The PackAgent solution could allow pharmaceutical and other manufacturers in Europe and North America to leverage intelligent identification throughout their global supply chains."
About BearingPoint, Inc.
BearingPoint, Inc. (NYSE:BE) is a leading global management and technology consulting firm, providing strategic consulting, application services, technology solutions and managed services to Global 2000 companies and government organizations. We help customers achieve results by identifying mission-critical issues and implementing innovative and customized solutions designed to generate revenue, reduce costs and access the right information at the right time. Our proprietary research institute, the BearingPoint Institute, demonstrates the firm's commitment to analyzing and responding to issues with a thoroughly researched and informed perspective. Based in McLean, Virginia, BearingPoint has been named as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America for three consecutive years.
About Stora Enso
Stora Enso is an integrated paper, packaging and forest products company producing publication and fine papers, packaging boards and wood products, areas in which the Group is a global market leader. Stora Enso sales totaled EUR 12.4 billion in 2004. The Group has some 45 000 employees in more than 40 countries on five continents. Its annual production capacity is 16.4 million tonnes of paper and board and 7.7 million cubic meters of sawn wood products, including 3.2 million cubic meters of value-added products. Stora Enso's shares are listed in Helsinki, Stockholm and New York.
For further information
Stora Enso Packaging Boards
Consumer Boards
New Business Innovations
Kirsi Viskari, Manager, Intelligent Solutions
Tel. +358 20 46 121
Consumer Boards
New Business Innovations
Kirsi Viskari, Manager, Intelligent Solutions
Tel. +358 20 46 121
BearingPoint
Anna Salomonsson
Tel. +46 8 410 116 52
Anna Salomonsson
Tel. +46 8 410 116 52