Tuesday 23 October 2012

The Basics Of Electronic Article Surveillance

By Lucile Jacobs


Electronic Article Surveillance, also known as EAS, is the most commonly used way to stop shoplifters from stealing in most stores. By using labels, clips, and tags that have specially made to set off an alarm, shoplifters will be caught more often. These tags normally contain either magnets or wires that will trip an alarm if someone tries to walk out the door without having them deactivated first.

There are three primary types of EAS systems that are used in retail. Each type is attached to the item. When the item is purchased, the tag will be deactivated or detached by the store clerk so that it will activate any alarms as the customer leaves the store. Some of these tags are hard, reusable tags that must be removed by a special a tool. Others are merely paper tags that, once scanned, can leave the store without setting off any alarms.

Although they do not guarantee that there will be no shoplifting, they do show an effectiveness of approximately 60 percent. If a shoplifter does manage to get an item out of the store, removing the tag without damaging the stolen item can be a whole new challenge. Many of these tags are made to break open and leave a large stain when removed incorrectly, leaving the item useless by the thief.

RF or radio frequency is the most often used type of EAS. This type of system requires only a small tag that is easy to hide. If not deactivated at checkout, the small antenna and electronic circuit will set off the alarm if the item leaves the store.

The RF system allows the EAS system to be placed on an innocuous place, such as a paper label. This label may say nothing more than "thank you for shopping here" on it. Some stores use these labels as price tags making them even less obvious.

The electromagnetic or EM system is the one system that is most commonly used in European countries. The EM system is also used worldwide. It features an iron magnetic strip that can be found attached directly to the merchandise that it is protecting. It is not removed at checkout but is instead deactivated at the point of checkout.

Each type of system involves a certain amount of cost. Some are higher than others and are based on the amount of merchandise and the size of the store that is being protected. These systems can be costly but ultimately pay for themselves with the 60 percent reduction in theft. These units will also allow staff at the store to focus on customers instead of always having to watch for shoplifters. This increase in customer service also effectively works to boost sales.

Electronic article surveillance is always changing. Developments to improve it are constantly in the works. Although it has been reported in recent news that EAS can impact pacemakers and other internal medical devices, this is simply untrue. A two year study from the heart institute in Florida has proven that these systems are completely safe for everyone.




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