Short Take: Motorola to work on "smart packages"

International Paper and Motorola announced a joint project to implant microchips in boxes to create "smart packages" that would allow manufacturers, distributors and retailers to more easily track products through the supply chain. The companies said the system would enhance inventory control and security and help to slash billions of dollars in losses annually from theft and counterfeiting. Motorola's "smart tags" emit radio signals that will allow companies and stores to monitor packaged products continuously, rather than the manual updates required by current UPC systems.