Electronic Articl Surveillance

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is a technological method for preventing shoplifting from retail stores or pilferage of books from libraries. Special tags are fixed to merchandise or books. These tags are removed or deactivated by the clerks when the item is properly bought or checked out. At the exits of the store, a detection system sounds an alarm or otherwise alerts the staff when it senses active tags. For high-value goods that are to be manipulated by the patrons, wired alarm clips may be used instead of tags.

Products are protected by a tag or label, which is either removed or de-activated at the till. An Electronic Barrier at the point of exit detects live tags on merchandise which hasn't been paid for. This generates an alarm which is reacted to by Retail or Loss Prevention staff. Many retailers have strong Vendor Buying Agreements with manufactures, to enable the security tag to be built into the product at source. This is known as "Source Tagging". Whilst it adds a tiny cost to the product, this is outweighed by the benefit in
Intrepid's independence enables them to install, service and maintain all makes and types of RF, EM and AM EAS tagging equipment. If you want state of the art protection to echo your company image, Intrepid can bespoke your solution.

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is considered the most successful and effective and scalable anti-shoplifting system available. Over the last decade its popularity has soared, with reports indicating over one million EAS systems have been installed globally, primarily within the retail sector. After implementing an EAS system, retailers can expect an estimated 60-80 per cent decrease in external theft and are useful anywhere there is an opportunity for theft of items of any size. Using an EAS system also allows the tagged stock to be easily seen and accessed by customers, rather than putting them in locked glass cabinets or behind the counter.

There are a few types of EAS technologies offered, each with unique characteristics that suit different applications. Learn more about EAS system types.

How does Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) work?

Active tags and labels
Regardless of which EAS technology is used, all incorporate either a Security Tag or Security Sticker which is attached to the merchandise.
The security tag emits this signal at all times, so if a customer tries to leave the store without paying for an item, the tag sets off an alarm at the exit. If a security tag or security label is attached, a sales assistant will deactivate or remove it at the point of purchase, allowing for the paid merchandise to pass through the store security gates on exit without alarm

Deactivation
Once a consumer has purchased an item, a device built into the checkout counter can deactivate the security tag. This device is, essentially, a high-powered magnet that, when the item is moved near it, neutralises the signal being emitted from the security tag. This device emits a loud "beep," signifying that the security tag has been deactivated. Only now can a consumer leave the store without setting off an alarm.

Exiting with an active tag
In the event that an active or ‘live’ label or tag passes through a Store Security Detection System, the security gates will set off an alarm, alerting staff to a possible theft.

In a thorough consultation, vGuard™ assess and develop a solution to significantly reduce theft in your store. A suitable EAS solution is advised, taking into account your store’s environmental factors and which technology it’s best suited to. Features such as System Type, Detection Width , Detection Range , Security Level and Release Speed significantly affect the outcome and success of this small yet vital retail investment. There are many solutions that complement an EAS system. Incorporating a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system will offer the retailer optimum protection from external and internal theft. Benefit Denial Security Tags deter shoplifters and protect merchandise on a higher level to EAS alone.