Security tag or label based EAS (Electronic article surveillance) is still one of the most effective ways to protect retail products from theft and loss. But if your EAS system sounds false alarms, it not only destroy customer shopping experience in-store but also affects the sentiments of staff.
Here are 10 tips to reduce false EAS alarms.
1. Test EAS System Regularly
Test security gate regularly ensures they are still working properly. If possible, staffs should check EAS antenna everyday according to the manufacturer’s instructions before opening the retail store.
2. Check Your Deactivation System
One of the most important causes of false alarm is the incorrect deactivation of label. Ensure all label deactivators are plugged into a power source and operate properly. And detacher should be made available at the point of sale. Meanwhile, all staff should be trained on the removal of tags.
3. Place EAS Antenna in ‘NO TAG’ ZONE
Keep the area between and in the immediate vicinity of EAS antennas free of product displays, clothing racks, LCD screens and even decorations. (Some decorations, especially those with foil or metal have been known to trigger an EAS alarm). The“No Tag” zone is usually within two meters of the EAS antenna. Over 90% of cases of false alarms are caused by a tag within the vicinity of the antenna.
4. Deactivate Tags and Labels at the Point of Sale
The Point of Sale is the ideal site to remove the tag or deactivate the label.
Detacher can be built into or attached to the POS counter, while deactivator can be installed above or below the counter, or incorporated into scanning equipment.
5. Label and Tag Positioning
An ideal label and tag positioning helps staff deactivate labels or remove tags quickly and effectively. The ideal position for a security label is close to the barcode, while ensuring that the security label does not block it. When it comes to security tags, they should be placed in a place that does not affect the customer’s experience of the item, while making it easy for the shop assistant to quickly locate and access it.
6. Adjust the EAS Sensitivity Levels
EAS systems are likely to be disturbed by other systems in noisy and busy retail environments. Technicians in stores should adjust the sensitivity of antennas to suit retail environments. If it is necessary, contact EAS suppliers.
7. Understand Tag Pollution
Tag pollution occurs when labels or tags are not properly deactivated or removed by other retailers, and it’s another common cause of false alarms. Tag pollution occurs when labels or tags are not properly deactivated or removed by other retailers, and it’s another common cause of false alarms.
8. RF or AM？
There are two widely used types of EAS system available-RF and AM.
RF system is frequently used by retailers with high volume sales who require a flat paper security label.
Meanwhile, AM detection system tends to offer wider exit or concealed systems.
9. Staff Training
All staffs should be trained and refreshed on the operation of EAS system, including how to test EAS antenna and how use detacher properly and how to identity tag pollution.
10. Log all Alarms
Staff should record all false alarms.
Logged alarms can then be used to identify whether a confirmed false alarm is caused by improper label deactivation by a staff member, due to products being positioned too close to the antenna or by possible system error.
Service
Airsec has a dedicated service team available to help you operate the EAS system. If you have tried all the above steps and false alarms persist, please contact us for a better solution.