LOSS PREVENTION TAGS - GUIDE

DESIGN BASICS

With no need of fancy introductions, these are the three main variables loss prevention professionals consider when designing an anti-shoplifting system:

 

  1. Number of Entries.
  2. Door Width.
  3. Merchandise Type.

1.- Number of Entries:
To better protect every piece of merchandise in your store all entries or doors need to have a shoplifting detection system in place.

2.- Door Width:
The distance between both ends of the door frame is important. The wider the distance the more quantity of antennas needed. Anti shoplifting antennas detect hard tags or labels within a specific radius. Depending on the width; 1, 2, 3, and for some of the widest department store entrances, even 4 or more antennas would be necessary to provide complete coverage. The type of tag or label also plays a role in determining the final setting as they also have different reach capabilities.

3.- Merchandise Type:
The type of merchandise is important as it can determine the type of tag needed which in turn determines the setting of the antennas. For example, very delicate pieces of clothing require smaller tags with a shorter radio length capability, for that reason the distance between antennas would need to be smaller to make sure there are no blind detection spots. Another example of merchandise type being critical is when selling electronics in which case an AM system (like Sensormatic) is the best suited, or for garments and clothing that an RF system (like Checkpoint) may be a better option.
After quickly analyzing your needs based on these 3 aspects we proceed to put together your retail security system with what we call “ The 4 Pillars of Loss Prevention”

 

LOSS PREVENTION DESIGN - 4 PILLARS

In combination with the three elements above, Antennas, Tags/Labels, Detachers/Deactivators, and YES, YOURSELF as the store management leader, are of important consideration.


1.- Detection Systems (Security Antennas):

Security Antennas are the gate keepers of any Electronic Article Surveillance System. Placed at the entrances of retail locations they are detection hurdles deterring potential thieves as passing through them with tagged inventory activates a unique alarm. There are different types of antennas, the most common ones having a frequency of 8.2Mhz (like Checkpoint compatible systems) or 58Khz (like Sensormatic compatible systems). How many antennas would be used in an EAS system? It depends on the door width, tag type, and other considerations.

2.- Security Tags or Security Labels:
Security Tags or Labels are the foot soldiers of any Retail Security System as they are attached to each individual piece of inventory to minimize the amount of stolen items. The three most common are: Hard tags (1) (Mini Tag, Clam Tag, Supertag, and more) which are disabled by the use of a detacher at the point of sale. EAS Security Labels (2), which are applied as stickers to smooth flat surfaces on items like books, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or DVD cases and can be deactivated by the cashier at the point of sale; and Ink Tags (3) which if opened by a thief, in store or at home, spill indelible ink damaging the garment.

3.- Detachers and Deactivators:
Detachers and Deactivators are used at the point of sale to detach reusable hard tags or electronically deactivate labels.

4.- Management and Monitoring of EAS Systems:

An EAS Systems, in and of itself, with no additional human intervention, goes to great lengths in protecting your inventory and avoiding losses, as it deters casual burglars and impulsive theft behavior. Additionally it can also give you a controlled environment with which to prevent professional burglars from achieving their goals, that’s where store management enters the equation. By knowing how your anti-shoplifting system works, knowing its strengths and limitations, you’ll know where to look for and how to be vigilant without being intrusive.

SENSORMATIC vs. CHECKPOINT

Sensormatic and Checkpoint are the most well known brands in the anti shoplifting industry. The decision to use one or the other will depend on your particular needs as well as budget. Essentially, there are several differences, the main one being the type of frequency. Sensormatic is built around an AM (Acousto Magnetic) frequency while Checkpoint is built on RF (Radio Frequency). These frequencies or solutions are not compatible between them meaning that it’s important for first time buyers to make an informed decision as it will be a long term one. The first step to acquire an EAS system would be to request a proposal. But in the meantime, to help you in the process, we put together the following informative table:

 

Sensormatic vs. Checkpoint Sensormatic Checkpoint 
Frequency Type AM (Acousto Magnetic) 58 Khz RF (Radio Frequency), 8.2 MHz (the most popular). Also 2.0, 4.6, 9.5 MHz
Tag Removal Mechanical or Magnetic Mostly Magnetic
Most Popular Security Tag Supertag I, Supertag II, Supertag III Mini Tag, Clam Tag, Stylus Tag
Security  Labels Thicker (Bulkier) Thinner
Compatibility Mostly only Sensormatic Multiple brands as long as same RF Frequency
Electronics & Metallic Products Better suited for metallic products Not suited for metallic products
Type of retail stores favoring it All clothing stores, electronics and metallics. All clothing stores, pharmacies, eye glasses, book stores.

 

Bullseye Protection sells among other products pre-owned, used and new Sensormatic and Checkpoint products, we are not affiliated with either company. When you are ready to buy security tags call us at 305-539-3808 for the best deals.

 



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