Retailers are under pressure to tackle growing challenges like retail shrink and theft. This pressure leads many retailers to turn to EAS hard tags (Electronic Article Surveillance technology), which are designed to deter and detect theft in retail stores.
However, EAS tags alone may not be enough to combat theft and inventory shrinkage.
This is where RFID technology can work alongside EAS tags to provide a more comprehensive solution. This combination strengthens anti-shoplifting measures and provides inventory insights to improve operations.
Learn how these technologies can transform loss prevention strategies and deliver better results for retail businesses.
Understanding The Basics
What Are EAS Tags?
EAS Tags, or Electronic Article Surveillance Tags, are small, durable devices attached directly to merchandise and act as a visible deterrent to theft.
They set off alarms if an item is taken from a store without proper procedures being followed, providing an immediate and effective anti-shoplifting measure.
Take, for example, a major clothing retailer. To combat the loss of high-value items like designer jackets or handbags, the retailer uses EAS Hard Tags on every item. These tags are only removed at checkout using a specialised detacher. If someone attempts to leave the store with an item that still has a tag, the security system will trigger an alarm, alerting staff to a possible theft.
What is RFID Technology?
At its core, RFID uses radio waves to identify and track items equipped with RFID tags. Unlike traditional barcodes, RFID systems can scan multiple items at once, even without direct line-of-sight, making inventory tracking faster and more accurate.
For more in-depth information regarding RFID technology, read our guide on RFID.
The Power Of Integration
RFID and EAS tags working alongside each other can provide retailers with a powerful loss prevention and inventory management solution.
Below are a few key benefits of integrating these technologies.
Improved Security Measures
Combining RFID and EAS tags deter thefts from 2 different angles.
- EAS hard tags are a visible deterrent, and they are said to be one of the most effective ways to prevent theft.
- RFID technology allows for more discreet tracking, monitoring, and identification of merchandise. This reduces the risk of shoplifting, employee theft, and organised retail crime.
Both of these combined can significantly reduce shrinkage and improve overall store security.
For instance, let’s say a shoplifter attempts to remove an EAS hard tag from a designer jacket. The alarm will sound, and the staff will know that someone is attempting to steal an item. But what if the thief removes the tag without setting off the alarm? That’s where RFID technology comes in. Staff can use handheld or fixed RFID readers to quickly identify and track the missing item.
Streamlined Inventory Management
Integrating RFID and EAS tags gives retailers a more accurate and real-time picture of their inventory.
This can help with various aspects of inventory management, such as:
- Reducing out-of-stock: With improved accuracy in tracking merchandise, retailers can quickly identify when an item is low in stock and needs to be replenished.
- Faster restocking: Using RFID technology, staff can quickly locate misplaced items and put them back in the correct location, reducing the time it takes to restock shelves.
- Preventing overstocking: The data provided by RFID can help retailers better understand demand patterns and prevent overstocking.
- Improved inventory accuracy: With RFID tags, retailers can perform more frequent and accurate, quick inventory counts, reducing discrepancies between actual and recorded stock levels. This also helps identify any discrepancies or issues in the supply chain, such as theft or misplacement of items.
Is It Worth Installing Both?
For many retailers, combining RFID Technology with EAS Tags represents a smart investment. Together, these systems provide a robust, multi-layered approach to combating retail shrink.
EAS Tags serve as a visible deterrent, making it harder for shoplifters to steal items and exit unnoticed. They contribute to creating a more secure retail space, especially in high-risk environments.
On the other hand, RFID Technology provides advanced tracking capabilities and real-time data insights. Retailers can monitor inventory flow, spot anomalies, and identify shrink patterns much more effectively with RFID’s detailed analytics.
The synergy of these two systems lies in their complementarity.
For example, while EAS Tags trigger an alarm during unauthorised removals, RFID takes it a step further by offering precise data on what item is missing and when it was taken. Together, they work to deter theft, identify shrink incidents more quickly and improve overall store operations.
So, is it worth installing?
The answer is a definite yes if you have a retail store that deals with high-value or frequently stolen items. By investing in both technologies, retailers can greatly enhance their loss prevention strategies and improve inventory management.
Milestone Integrated Systems: Leading RFID and EAS Solutions in Africa
We at Milestone Integrated Systems are a leading provider of RFID and EAS technologies.
With over 25 years of experience in the retail industry, we understand the unique challenges faced by retailers regarding security and inventory management.
If your store needs a worthy investment in loss prevention and inventory management, contact us today.
Secure Your Retail Store with RFID Technology and EAS Hard Tags
EAS Hard Tags and RFID Technology are perfect for a secure and efficient retail space.
With technologies like these, your store can reduce losses, improve operational efficiency, and build a safer, more transparent retail environment.
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