1. What does Securigen do?
Securigen specialises in protecting your business from theft/shrinkage.
2. How do I know I’m getting the best quality products available?
Securigen uses only the highest quality components to protect your bottom line. Our products are amongst the best quality available and we are constantly looking for high new high quality products and the latest innovations.
3. How do I know Securigen will deliver on time?
We have an extremely fast turnaround time on product orders even if you order products currently out of stock, we have invested a lot of time making sure we deliver to your company on time.
4. What differentiates Securigen?
At Securigen we can get your suppliers/ wholesalers to have the goods already tagged either at their place of manufacture or at their premise so that by the time they arrive in your store, they are pre tagged saving you and your company, time, energy and money.
5. How important is security for my business?
As theft is on the rise the need for protecting your goods is magnified. Protection now means a huge saving to your bottom line long term. This can even equate to surviving in business and prospering or going out of business.
6. Will Securigen be there in times of need?
Securigen is an Australian owned company with round the clock support for you and your business. Our head office is in Sydney and if for any reason a problem arises that we can help with, we will help you rectify this problem at any time of the day or night.
Product Specific Questions:
What are EAS Systems?
How Do Tag and Alarm Systems Work?
Which System Suits My Store or Business Best?
What are the benefits of EAS?
What are hard tags?
What are Soft Tags?
What are ink tags?
What Is Source Tagging?
What are EAS Systems?
Electronic Article Surveillance(EAS) is a technological method for preventing shoplifting from retail stores or pilferage of books from libraries. Special tags are fixed to merchandise or books. These tags are removed or deactivated by the clerks when the item is properly bought or checked out. At the exits of the store, a detection system sounds an alarm or otherwise alerts the staff when it senses active tags. For high-value goods that are to be manipulated by the patrons, wired alarm clips may also be used; these, being less common and technologically less mysterious, are not covered by this article.
Types of EAS
There are four major types of electronic article surveillance systems:
- Magnetic, also known as magneto-harmonic
- Acousto-magnetic, also known as magnetostrictive
- Radio frequency
- Microwave
Magnetic systems
These tags are made of a strip of amorphous metal (metglas) which has a very low magnetic saturation value. Except for permanent tags, this strip is also lined with a strip of ferromagnetic material with a moderate coercive field (magnetic "hardness"). Detection is achieved by sensing harmonics and sum or difference signals generated by the non-linear magnetic response of the material under a mixture of low-frequency (in the 10 Hz to 1000 Hz range) magnetic fields.
When the ferromagnetic material is magnetized, it biases the amorphous metal strip into saturation, where it no longer produces harmonics. Deactivation of these tags is therefore done with magnetization. Activation requires demagnetization. Due to the system being able to deactivate and re-activate this type of system is extremely suitable for libraries.
Due to the convenient dimensions of the tags, and their very low cost, this system is popular in libraries and retail stores.
Magnetic systems are often referred to as Electromagnetic (or EM) systems. EM systems rarely appear in retail environments outside of Europe.
Acousto-magnetic systems
These are similar to magnetic tags in that they are made of two strips, a strip of amorphous metal and a strip of ferromagnetic material. They differ in that these strips are not bound together but free to oscillate mechanically. Also the tag is active when the material is magnetized. The detectors use a 58 kHz (or 66 kHz) magnetic field which induces mechanical resonance by magnetostriction. When the excitating field is turned off, these tags continue to oscillate mechanically, which produces a magnetic signal because of the magnetized second strip. This signal triggers the alarm.
These tags are thicker than magnetic tags and are thus seldom used for books. However they are relatively inexpensive and have better detection rates (fewer false positives and false negatives) than magnetic tags.
Radio-frequency systems
These tags are essentially an LC tank circuit that has a resonance peak anywhere from 1.75 MHz to 9.5 MHz. The most popular frequency is 8.2MHz. Sensing is achieved by sweeping around the resonant frequency and detecting the dip. Deactivation for 8.2 MHz label tags is achieved by detuning the circuit by partially destroying the capacitor. This is done by submitting the tag to a strong electromagnetic field at the resonant frequency which will induce voltages exceeding the capacitors breakdown voltage, which is artificially reduced by puncturing the tags.
Microwave systems
These permanent tags are made of a non-linear element (a diode) coupled to one microwave and one electrostatic antenna. At the exit, one antenna emits a low-frequency (about 100 kHz) field, and another one emits a microwave field. The tag acts as a mixer reemitting a combination of signals from both fields. This modulated signal triggers the alarm. These tags are permanent and somewhat costly. They are mostly used in clothing stores.
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How Do Tag and Alarm Systems Work?
Security experts say the most effective anti-shoplifting tools these days are CCTV and the tag-and-alarm systems, better known as electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems. Separately, these are good options. Used together, experts say, they’re almost unbeatable. EAS is a technology used to identify articles as they pass through a gated area in a store. This identification is used to alert someone that unauthorized removal of items is being attempted. According to the Association of Automated Identification Manufacturers, over 800,000 EAS systems have been installed worldwide, primarily in the retail arena. EAS systems are useful anywhere there is an opportunity for theft of items of any size. Using an EAS system enables the retailer to display popular items on the floor, where they can be seen, rather than putting them in locked cases or behind the counter.
Loss prevention expert Robert L. DiLonardo, says new EAS technologies are being produced -- not only to reduce shoplifting -- but also to help increase sales, lower labour costs, speed inventory, improve stockroom logistics and, one day, to replace inventory record-keeping. But for now, well stick to the role of EAS in battling shoplifting in your imaginary store!
Three types of EAS systems dominate the retail industry. In each case, an EAS tag or label is attached to an item. The tag is then deactivated, or taken from an active state where it will alarm an EAS system to an inactive state where it will not flag the alarm. If the tag is a hard, reusable tag, a detacher is used to remove it when a customer purchases the item it’s attached to. If it’s a disposable, paper tag, it can be deactivated by swiping it over a pad or with a handheld scanner that "tells" the tag it’s been authorized to leave the store. If the item has not been deactivated or detached by the clerk, when it is carried through the gates, an alarm will sound.
The use of EAS systems does not completely eliminate shoplifting. However, experts say, theft can be reduced by 60 percent or more when a reliable system is used. Even when a shoplifter manages to leave the store with a tagged item, the tag still must be removed -- something that is no longer as easy as it once was. For example, some EAS tags contain special ink capsules, which will damage the stolen item when forcibly, and illegally, removed. (This type of device is known in the industry as benefit denial) Other popular EAS components today include source tagging, whereby an inexpensive label is integrated into the product or its packaging by the manufacturer.
The type of EAS system dictates how wide the exit/entrance aisle may be, and the physics of a particular EAS tag and technology determines which frequency range is used to create a surveillance area. EAS systems range from very low frequencies through the radio frequency range. These EAS systems operate on different principles are not compatible and have specific benefits and disadvantages. (That’s why we are encouraging a "tower-centric" EAS approach that can "read" multiple tag technologies rather than the "tag-centric" models that exist today.)
Protect your store inventories and reduce shrinkage Deter shoplifters and eliminate their stealing attempt from your shops Allow your products be fully presented to the customers, so customers can easily examine them or try them.
Increase store staff’s service quality by providing them a secured and stress free working environment. Your staff can now concentrate on serving your value customers and create more sales rather than serve one and watch another one.
Enhance your shops profile and image. EAS system is becoming part of your shop decorator and brand building tool. Finely built EAS systems provide you more just loss prevention itself.
Provide a feeling of security and trust for your customers. When you go shopping, you don’t want to be watched, as it makes you feel guilty and kills your entire shopping mood. With the protection of EAS, merchandise is protected by security tags, not eyes or cameras. Reduce your operating
Back to Product Specific Questions
Which System Suits My Store or Business Best?
There are 4 types of EAS systems in the market which three of them are currently dominating the market: radio frequency (RF), acousto-magnetic (AM) and electromagnetic (EM). EAS systems operate on different principles, thus making them incompatible with one another. Each of the above systems has its advantages and disadvantages. And this makes it very hard to come to a conclusion to say which system is the best one.
To date, RF remains the most widely adopted system worldwide. RF operating frequencies generally range from 2MHz to 10MHz. Compared to AM and EM systems, RF systems boast the lowest power consumption and label costs. They have the thinnest soft labels as well as high efficient hard tags that are born to be immunized against magnets. Generally speaking RF tags are 1/3 the prices of AM tags.
Predominantly used in Europe, particularly in book stores and libraries, EM systems normally operate on 12.5 kHz. EM antennas are larger than those used by other EAS systems, with the maximum distance between entry pedestals pegged at 40in. Some EM tags are rechargeable. Such EM tags are especially good for the rental market whereas tags can be recharged and recycled. EM tags tend to be disrupted by common magnets, and are said to be prone to interferences.
Similarly, AM tags are disrupted by common magnets. Operating at 58 kHz to 66 kHz, AM systems consume more power than the other EAS types. Comparing with RF systems AM system is more adaptable to metal material except iron and steel. So in certain extension, AM system is less likely to be interfered by metal-intensive environment like hardware stores.
Generally, AM and EM systems power usage is said to be 20 to 30 times higher than that of RF systems. The cost of obtaining and installing an EAS system depends on the type of system used, size of the retail establishment, and the amount of merchandise to be protected. A typical EAS system can pay for itself in one and a half to two years time.
To choose a right system for your retail store, there are several things you need to consider:
| 1. | The characteristics of your business. |
| 2. | Cost of anti-shoplifting systems and accessories. |
| 3. | Compatibility with different brands of anti-theft devices. |
| 4. | After Sales Service. |
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What are the benefits of EAS?
- Protect your store inventories and reduce shrinkage (more profit for your business)
- Deter shoplifters and eliminate their stealing attempt from your shops
- Allow your products be fully presented to the customers, so customers can easily examine them or try them.
- Increase store staff’s service quality by providing them a secured and stress free working environment. Your staff can now concentrate on serving your value customers and create more sales rather than serve one and watch another one.
- Enhance your shops profile and image. EAS system is becoming part of your shop decorator and brand building tool. Finely built EAS systems provide you more just loss prevention itself.
- Provide a feeling of security and trust for your customers. When you go shopping, you don’t want to be watched, as it makes you feel guilty and kills your entire shopping mood. With the protection of EAS, merchandise is protected by security tags, not eyes or cameras.
- Reduce your operating cost and increase your profits with its outstanding.
What are hard tags?
Hard tags (usable tags)
Hard tags usually made of PVC and appear in different shapes and sizes. Hard tags offer visible detection and strong deterrence. Unlike labels, hard tags are reusable security tags and normally last for long time. Hard tags can work in conjunction with pins and lanyards and protect different merchandise. Hard tags deliver high defeat-resistance and excellent detection properties for both hard and soft goods.
Where can you use hard tags?
Adventure and Hiking Stores
Adult Shops
Audio and Visual Stores
Bags, Handbags and Luggage Shops
Bedding and Manchester
Bottle Shops (Cellars)
Clothing Stores
Hardware Shops
Hobby Shops
Lingerie
Shoes Stores
Sport Shops
Surf and Ski Shops
Toys and Gift
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What are Soft Tags?
Labels (Soft Tags / Disposal Tags)
Labels are adhesive-backed security tags (stickers) that can be easily adhered to the merchandise. Labels are disposal and can only be used once when they are deactivated. Some labels are disguised as barcodes or printed with the shop’s logo on. Labels are small, low cost and protect diverse range of products. Labels are always a good option when hard tags are not applicable. For example: small goods, boxed products etc. Labels need to be deactivated during the checkout process. A deactivated label can not be reused.
Where can you apply labels:
Books and Magazines
Apparel
Cosmetics
Fashion earrings
Liquors Razor blades
Batteries
Film
Vitamins and Medicines
Software
Ink Cartridges
Videocassettes
Compact discs
Bottles of all kinds
Meats
Shoes
Hardware
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What are ink tags?
Ink tags represent a different idea of loss prevention solution. It referred to as benefit denial products, because ink tags discourage shoplifters from benefiting from the stolen products which are mainly clothing. If a shoplifter attempts to forcibly remove an ink tag from its locking device, the ink tag will erupt and ink will spill out onto the garment permanently defacing it, so the stolen merchandise can neither be worn nor sold.
Advantages:
Ink Tags can be used alone. They do not rely on a detection system to work with. So ink tags are more economical to use for small shops. No fault alarms and system maintenance. Since there is no involvement of Detection Systems, of cause, there are no fault alarms and you don’t need any installation and maintenance works.
Disadvantages: You may forget to remove the tag from the merchandise, so customers have to come back to get it removed. Because there is no detection system, shop lifters can take the products from your shop without your notice and remove the tags at home when they have plenty of time and tools. Most of ink tags are safe enough to use, but the risk still remains that shop staff or customers may break the ink cartridge by accident and damage the products. Ink Tags are not suitable for everything.Ink Tags are only good for clothing and textile. You can’t use it for hardware, sport gears or boxed products etc. Shop lifters may
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What Is Source Tagging?
Source tagging is to integrate EAS tags in the product during the point of manufacturing or logistics. Both hard tags and soft tags can be used in source tagging. The types of the source tagging tags are varying. Generally speaking the appearances or the forms of source tagging tags can be customized to suit different requirements. The most popular used forms of source tagging are embedded swing tags and customized hard tags. Single-use hard tag is a fresh idea that combines the benefits of conventional soft tags and hard tags. Single-use hard tag is always used as an extra protection for high risk products
