UPM Raflatac has successfully completed the first pilot of its new smart label solution, RafMore for e-commerce. These smart labels use Internet of Packaging (IoP) technology to log and share information about packages during the delivery process.
The new e-commerce solution was piloted on UPM Raflatac's shipments on various routes throughout Europe. The pilot demonstrated that the solution provides full interoperability between supply chain stakeholders without requiring heavy IT integration.
The RafMore label adds transparency, reduces inefficiencies and waste, and improves the user experience for e-retailers, logistics providers and consumers. 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," 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.
