We are already used to seeing those pedestals or sensors located at the entrances of retail stores, aren't we? Anti-theft antennas for stores were developed in the 1960s in the United States and quickly spread to other parts of the world as the technology was recognized for its effectiveness in retail loss prevention. Over 60 years later, the technology has evolved significantly, bringing even more benefits. In this article, we will better understand how EAS antennas work, how the technology is evolving, and the current potential of this tool.
What are EAS antennas and how do they work?
Anti-theft antennas for stores are devices placed at the entrances and exits of stores. They work in conjunction with security tags attached to high-risk products (HRP) and deactivators or detachers located at the store's checkouts.
In summary, the EAS system works as follows:
1. A tag (either hard or adhesive) is attached to High-Risk Products (HRP), i.e., items most targeted for theft and with a higher loss history in the store;
2. At the time of purchase, this tag is removed (if it is a hard tag) or deactivated (if it is an adhesive tag);
3. If the product leaves the store with the tag active, the antennas (sensors) trigger the alarm.
There are two main types of EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) systems:
AM (Acousto-Magnetic):
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Uses acousto-magnetic frequencies to detect tags. Operating at 58 kHz, the AM system is recognized for its exceptional detection rate, providing effective protection against theft over wide distances between antennas. Additionally, its low interference with other electronic devices ensures reliable performance in busy retail environments.
RF (Radio Frequency):
Works through radio signals, typically operating at 8.2 MHz. Although widely used due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation, the RF system can be more susceptible to interference from other electronic devices.
Technological Evolution: The Emergence of Intelligent EAS:
With technological evolution, anti-theft antennas for stores have advanced significantly. High-standard systems offer greater detection performance, but the major revolution occurred with connectivity and the IoT (Internet of Things) concept.
Intelligent EAS (EASi), developed by Inwave, consists of internet-connected equipment, allowing remote access for management and technical support. This technology represents a substantial change, offering advantages such as:
• Online Management: Intelligent EAS allows monitoring the status of the antennas in real-time via the internet. You can know if everything is working correctly at any time, from anywhere.
• Remote Access: Maintenance and troubleshooting can be done remotely, reducing downtime and operational costs.
• Data Generation: The system collects detailed data on alarms and tag deactivations, helping to better understand system performance.
• Integration with Other Solutions: It can be integrated with other security and management systems, offering a comprehensive and unified view of store operations. Integration with the store's CCTV enables real-time auditing of alarm events.
Differences Between Traditional Systems and Intelligent EAS
Traditional anti-theft antenna systems for stores (AM and RF) are effective, but their potential is elevated with the addition of the intelligence layer of the system.
Connectivity:
• Traditional EAS: Disconnected systems, without data network integration.
• EASi - Intelligent EAS: Internet-connected equipment, allowing remote access and real-time monitoring.
Data and Analysis:
• Traditional EAS: Data limited to the observation of alarm triggers.
• EASi - Intelligent EAS: Detailed data on anti-theft antenna alarms, tag deactivations, and performance comparisons.
Maintenance and Monitoring:
• Traditional EAS: Requires physical visits for maintenance and troubleshooting.
• EASi - Intelligent EAS: Remote monitoring and the possibility of troubleshooting via remote access, depending on the complexity of the case.
In conclusion, it is evident that anti-theft antennas for stores, especially the new generation of intelligent EAS (EASi), play a crucial role not only in loss prevention but also in the operational efficiency of retail. In addition to offering the known benefits of traditional EAS systems, the functionalities of intelligent EAS enable retailers to make more informed decisions, improve processes, and provide an enhanced customer experience. With these innovations, it is possible to achieve significant loss reductions with more positive results for businesses.
