Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) alarms are useful when store staff understand what they mean and when the system is kept free of avoidable sources of nuisance alarms.
1. An alarm means a compatible active tag or label was detected
An EAS alarm does not determine whether a theft occurred. It indicates that the system detected a compatible active tag or label in its detection zone. Staff should follow the retailer's documented response procedures and prioritize safety.
2. Tag pollution can cause alarms
A shopper can enter a store carrying merchandise from another retailer that still contains an active compatible EAS tag or label. This is commonly called tag pollution. Paid merchandise can also remain active when a tag was not removed or a label was not properly deactivated at checkout.
Related: Tag Pollution.
3. Keep active tags away from the entrance detection zone
Loose security tags, label rolls and protected merchandise placed too close to an EAS antenna can create unwanted alarms or affect performance. The appropriate clearance depends on the system, tag type, merchandise and installation conditions rather than one universal distance.
4. Use the correct checkout tools and test the system
Hard tags should be removed with a compatible detacher, while deactivatable labels should be processed with a compatible label deactivator. RF 8.2MHz and AM 58kHz are different technologies, so the tags, labels, deactivators and entrance system should match.
Browse Detachers and Deactivators and INEO EAS Systems.
For a more complete troubleshooting guide, read The 6 Things You Need To Know About Your Security Tag Alarms.
For help confirming frequency, entrance layout or tag compatibility, contact INEO sales at apannu@ineosolutionsinc.com.