Significance of an EAS Security System (Electronic Article surveillance system) in Retail: Relevance and working

Retail security is one of the prime concerns of retailers around the world. EAS is a type of security system used by retailers to ensure inventory security and prevent shoplifting. Let’s check what an EAS security system is and how it works.

What is an EAS Security system?

EAS or Electronic article surveillance security systems were first invented by Arthur Minasy in 1966. After so much research and development, the EAS systems have reached at a level that now we are seeing in Retail stores and malls. The role of EAS in retail is changing. EAS technology has grown from normal theft alarming setup to an advanced intelligence system that provides a seamless shopping experience to customers. EAS systems are coming in various designs that match the store layout and aesthetic.

There are different types of EAS security systems are available by classifying them based on shape, working principle, etc. Among those wide varieties, AM and RF are the most common types.

EAS is an efficient system to prevent thefts in retail stores. As it is cost-effective even small stores can implement this. By decreasing, shoplifting and internal shrinkage to the minimum, retailers can see a huge change in their profit.

How does an EAS security system Work?

EAS tags will be attached to all the inventories, when a person tries to leave the store with these items, without paying, the EAS antennas placed at the entrance or exit will make alarming signals. This alarm sound helps the store staff to know about the theft. Advanced EAS tags will make an alarm sound when someone tries to pull it out from the product or tries to tear it.

EAS antennas are a visual deterrent to shoplifters to keep them away from the thought of stealing something from the store. The modern EAS antennas are sleek and stylish and can complement any store entrance. Built-in visual and audible indicators can immediately notify store employees about theft.

Retailers can choose their preferred type of EAS security system according to their needs and store layout and how much coverage it provides.

Let’s check some commonly used types of EAS security systems and antennas.

1.AM System

2.RF system

3.EM Systems

4.Pedestal antennas

5.Concealed antennas

RF EAS Systems:

RF systems are commonly used by retail stores and it is less expensive. RF systems are widely used in retail stores like apparel, footwear, sports goods, liquor, and household items stores. RF systems work most commonly at a frequency of 8.2MHz. Even though both AM and RF systems look the same, the working frequency of both antennas is different. All the tags, labels, and stickers should be the same frequency as the store antenna. An RF can detect only the RF tags, the same way AM detects AM tags only. It doesn’t matter whether the manufacturers of the tags, labels, stickers, and the system are the same.

RF systems are sensitive and need experts for installation. If they are not installed properly, they may generate false alarms. In RF System the antennas will place at the entrance/exit of the stores and it creates a narrow electromagnetic field surrounding it. When a tag enters this field alarm will turn on and generates visual and audible notification signals to the staff.

Thin EAS labels will well work with RF systems. So that stores that generally use thin labels can choose RF systems for theft detection.

AM Systems:

AM systems generally work at a frequency of 58KHz. As we discussed earlier AM Systems will work with AM tags only. Thin labels can’t be used for detection. So AM systems are commonly used for departmental stores, medical stores, hardware shops, etc.

The working principles of AM systems are similar to RF, the only difference is in their frequencies. The installation is easier compared to RF systems.

EM Systems:

EM systems work like RF systems but use a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum. EM systems are mainly used in Libraries to identify and track books.

Detachers are used to remove the tags from the inventories while checking out. This is usually done by the billing staff at the billing counter. The tags can be reused many times. Labels can’t be removed, so they are deactivated while checking out from the store. A Deactivator pad is used for deactivating the labels.

Pedestal Antennas:

Many varieties of tags, labels, and antennas are available in the market. The retailer can decide what type is suitable for their brick-and-mortar store to reduce theft.

Pedestal antennas are the most commonly used type of EAS antenna. This contains 2 antennas with a controller, reader, and alarm system. Antennas with different coverages are available. The cost depends upon the coverage, extra features, and design. Nowadays pedestal antennas come with a traffic intelligence feature that is in high demand.

Concealed antennas:

Pedestal antennas are visible to all. In concealed type, the antennas will be placed under the entrance/exit floor or overhead. This type is suitable for retailers who don’t want to show the antennas at the storefront. Retailers with wide entryways can choose this type to cover all the entrance space.  In overhead antennas, a small square-shaped antenna will be placed at the entrance overhead.

Width, height, and depth are calculated before selecting the antenna types. Antitheft system is a must-have for retail stores to avoid shoplifting. Never compromise the security of your inventories. If you have any queries on selecting EAS security system for your store feel free to contact our experts.