ABI Research Ranks UPM RFID Number One for Passive UHF RFID Label Inlays

ABI Research, a market intelligence company specialized in global connectivity and emerging technology, based in New York, published on July 15, 2011 the results of vendor matrix for passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID label inlays. UPM RFID was ranked number one for innovation and implementation among the UHF inlay business companies. For the vendor matrix, ABI examined ten leading global companies supplying RFID tags, RFID solutions or software.

ABI Research evaluated passive UHF RFID label inlay manufacturers on the basis of innovation and implementation by selecting multiple criteria related to product and company characteristics. For innovation, UPM RFID achieved the highest scoring for many in-house competencies, wide-ranging R&D expertise, and strong support in product research and development.

UPM RFID has been actively engaged in numerous industry sponsored trials and research projects, which has enabled the company to gain an extensive UPM RFID designed footprint in various segments. Unlike many of its major competitors, UPM RFID dedicates 100 per cent of its product research, design, development, and manufacturing resources to RFID tags and inlays. In addition, the company is constantly looking for sustainable solutions both in its operations and in its product offering.

For the scores given to UPM RFID for breadth of product offerings were specifically mentioned EPC Class 1 Gen 2 compliant/ISO 18000-6C UHF RFID inlays operating at frequencies between 860 MHz and 960 MHz, such as UPM Web, UPM MiniWeb, UPM DogBone and UPM ShortDipole.

ABI Research’s report highlighted UPM RFID’s active work and long-term commitment in market creation and technology development that is now bearing fruit in growing applications such as retail apparel and document tracking. Other leading applications include product authentication and item-level tracking e.g. in pharmaceutical industry. Asset management covering returnable transit items, containers, and corporate IT assets, is also gaining ground, as well as pallet and case tagging for supply chain management.

The scores for regional market presence and penetration were high due to local offices in all regional markets and factories in the US and China. The successful timing of investing in these manufacturing facilities was valued for elevating the implementation score in the analysis. UPM RFID’s high scores in regional market presence and penetration, as well as for overall market leadership and strength were based on rapid increase in sales both in North America and Asia.

“An early leader in passive UHF inlay market development, UPM RFID has significant RFID inlay design and manufacturing capabilities and experience,” states Michael Liard, research Director for RFID, ABI Research. “UPM RFID’s sole focus on RFID inlays, broad product mix, and diversified application approach in the passive UHF market are other key company differentiators and strengths.”

“We are very pleased that UPM RFID’s persistent and systematic input on developing of UHF RFID markets and products during the past years is gaining momentum and being recognized by ABI Research, the leading and highly esteemed RFID industry analyst. This is great news for the whole UPM RFID team and a very rewarding feedback for everyone’s work and commitment in our business. I would especially like to thank our sales and marketing professionals who form a unique team of RFID experts located where the action is. At the same time this is also recognition to our innovative and committed partners and customers,” says Samuli Strömberg, vice president, marketing, UPM RFID.