Checkpoint Systems Retail Monitoring Center Receives CSAA Five Diamond Certification

Retail Monitoring Center Is the Nation's Only Five Diamond Certified Central Station Dedicated Exclusively to Retailers

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., a leading global supplier of shrink management, merchandise visibility and apparel labeling solutions for the retail industry and its supply chain, has received the Central Station Alarm Association's (CSAA) prestigious Five Diamond Certification designation for its Retail Monitoring Center.

Checkpoint's Retail Monitoring Center provides retailers across the nation with around-the-clock alarm dispatching, video verification, and related call center services by certified, experienced operators. The Center is the only one in the nation that is dedicated exclusively to the needs of retailers, and helps them address tens of thousands of calls every month.

"Our retail customers have to manage large chains of stores across the country," explains Per Levin, Checkpoint's Worldwide President, Shrink Management Solutions. "Incorporating decades of expertise in helping retailers fight shrink, Checkpoint's Retail Monitoring Center is solely focused on their specific needs. For instance, the Center not only notifies staff when alarm conditions occur but can also highlight operational exceptions, such as the unauthorized opening of a receiving dock door, enabling staff to take pre-emptive actions to avoid loss. What makes our service unique is our deep understanding of large-scale retail operations."

Reflecting this understanding, the Retail Monitoring Center supervises store openings and closings, helping to prevent employee theft, as well as ensure adherence to schedules. The Center can provide notifications for a variety of operational exceptions; for instance, if the power to a store's Electronic Article Surveillance or digital video surveillance systems is switched off. Of course in the event of fire or burglar alarm, the service dispatches authorities and notifies store management immediately.

Alerts are provided via phone, text message and e-mail. Checkpoint's Retail Monitoring Center offers 24-hour technical support, alarm training programs, and video verification and enterprise network systems. In addition to helping to prevent theft, using such a comprehensive service can help retailers address security and policy breaches before they grow into larger problems.

The CSAA Five Diamond certification testifies that 100 percent of Checkpoint's Retail Monitoring Station operators have achieved proficiency and certification by passing the CSAA Central Station On-line Operator Training Course. These courses cover virtually all phases of central station communications with customers, law enforcement, fire and emergency services communications centers. This critical area of communications is the life-saving link between business properties and law enforcement, fire and emergency services in local areas.

"There are approximately 2,700 central stations in the United States which communicate and interact with these agencies," noted Steve P. Doyle, Executive Vice President/CEO for CSAA. "Of this group, fewer than 150 have achieved the 'Five Diamond Certified' status. Ensuring that all personnel have successfully completed the rigorous courses is a true testament to the quality of Checkpoint's Retail Monitoring Center and the service it provides to its customer base - which is unique in that it is dedicated to meeting the precise needs of retailers nationwide."

In order to achieve the Five Diamond Certification, each and every operator must have passed the course and demonstrated:

• Proficiency in alarm verification, which helps reduce false alarms and the associated fees that are levied in many jurisdictions
• Proficiency in communications with the Public Service Answer Points, such as Emergency 911 centers
• Knowledge of electronic communications equipment, including radio
• An understanding of the codes and standards of such organizations as Underwriters Laboratories, Factory Mutual, the National Fire Protection Association and others
• Proficiency in the area of emergency preparedness under a wide scenario of possibilities.

In addition, Five Diamond-certified companies have demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of responsibility to their local community and their customers through the investment of time, resources, and commitment to 100 percent quality operator training.

"We are extremely proud to be among the six percent of central station services nationwide who have achieved Five Diamond status," noted Steve White, Vice President and General Manager of Checkpoint's CheckView security division. "It is Checkpoint's mission to help retailers grow profitably, and by offering this crucial service we ensure that fewer losses occur due to theft, while also helping to address safety and property concerns."

About Central Station Alarm Association
The Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) is a 60-year-old, non-profit trade association that represents the major burglar and fire alarm central monitoring stations. CSAA is located in Vienna, Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C.

About Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
Checkpoint Systems is a global leader in shrink management, merchandise visibility and apparel labeling solutions. Checkpoint enables retailers and their suppliers to reduce shrink, improve shelf availability and leverage real-time data to achieve operational excellence. Checkpoint solutions are built upon 40 years of RF technology expertise, diverse shrink management offerings, a broad portfolio of apparel labeling solutions, market-leading RFID applications, innovative high-theft solutions and its Web-based Check-Net data management platform. As a result, Checkpoint customers enjoy increased sales and profits by improving supply-chain efficiencies, by facilitating on-demand label printing and by providing a secure open-merchandising environment enhancing the consumer's shopping experience. Listed on the NYSE (NYSE: CKP), Checkpoint operates in every major geographic market and employs 5,600 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.checkpointsystems.com.

SOURCE: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.