What is Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)?
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is a technology used by Retailers and Asset Protection personnel to deter and prevent shoplifting from Retail Stores. Magnetic, RFID or microwave EAS tags are attached to merchandise by either the manufacturer or the Retailer. These tags are deactivated or removed when the item is purchased. Sensors at store exits alert the Retailer to active tags that pass through, allowing apprehension and recovery of merchandise.
How do Magnetic EAS tags work?
Magnetic EAS tags consist of a strip of magnetic material inside an
adhesive tag. There are several different types of Magnetic tags.
According to the type of Magnetic tag in use, the tag is either magnetized
or demagnetized to activate the tag. Once activated, the tag emits
harmonics or vibrations that can be read by the sensor at store exits.
How do RFID EAS tags work?
An RFID EAS tag consists of a small electronic device
using a silicon chip and an antenna to transmit this information by radio
waves when prompted by the reader. Exposing the tag to a strong
electromagnetic field and destroying the capacitor inside the device
deactivates the RFID EAS tag.
How do Microwave EAS tags work?
Microwave EAS tag consists of a small electronic device using two
antennas. One antenna produces a microwave signal. The other antenna
produces a low-frequency signal. The device emits a combination of these
two signals to activate the alarm at store exits.
What are the benefits of EAS?
The main benefit of an EAS system is deterrence of shoplifting. The simple
awareness of the devices can deter casual shoplifters from stealing. For
those not deterred by the system, EAS provides an alert to the Retailer,
allowing the opportunity to apprehend the shoplifter and recover stolen
merchandise.
What are the problems with EAS?
Current EAS tags present a variety of problems. The cost of an EAS system
can be prohibitive to small retailers. Many of these tags can be removed,
deactivated or shielded from sensors. Lastly, EAS systems often produce
false alarms. These false alarms can be from failure to deactivate the
device at the point of purchase or from any variety of electronic device
or interference..