Ever since we were a bit young, we have all seen these small plastic tags on clothes and other items inside any supermarket or big store. These tags are notoriously hard to remove; let’s be honest, we’ve all tried to do that. These are known as EAS Security Tags. They are essential in maintaining strong security & deterring theft inside retail stores & libraries.
They are in very high demand, as they are cheap to implement and reusable. So, let’s learn more about these tags and how to remove them using EAS detachers and other types of security tags.
What are EAS Security Tags?
One of the most popular tools to improve security and deter theft in retail stores right now is the EAS Security Tags. Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is a system designed to secure assets by preventing the unauthorized exit of any such assets from the premises.
An EAS security system consists of tags and security gates with an alarm and a software system integrated with the POS. In case someone tries to steal a tagged item (meaning unbilled if the tag is on), the EAS tag alerts the security gates and the anti-theft alarm, allowing the security team to stop a stolen item from leaving the premises.
How to Remove Different Types of Security Tags?
Now, we are discussing how to remove different types of security tags, but before that, we need to understand how distinct types of security labels and tags are used in a retail store or a library. For example, most retail stores now use EAS tags based on EM, AM, and RF technology. Some retail stores use RFID labels on apparel and luxury bags, while libraries use a combination of QR codes and RFID labels to secure books and journals. Some libraries also use EAS security tags.
Types of Security Tags & Their Working Principles
Based on their working principle, there are three types of EAS tags available for consumers. These are Electro-Magnetic (EM), Acousto-Magnetic (AM), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The basic idea behind all these systems is the same – communication between the tags & gates using electromagnetic waves. However, in practical applications, they are quite different. Let’s check them out.
How Do EAS Security Tags Work?
There are two components of an EAS security system, namely, the EAS Tag and EAS Security Gates. They communicate using electromagnetic signals and maintain security inside the premises. However, you can classify these systems based on the type of signal and their working principles.
1. Electro-Magnetic EAS System
Also known as an EM tag, these contain a layer of ferromagnetic material lined on the inside, next to a strip of amorphous metal. The amorphous metal strips in the tags start to vibrate at different frequencies (also known as producing harmonics) when they’re inside an electromagnetic field. The status of a tag depends on whether the ferromagnetic layer is magnetized or not. If it’s not, the metal strip will start to vibrate and produce harmonics once it enters the signal field of the security gates. However, if it is magnetized, then the layer will stop the strip from vibrating because of a principle called magnetic biasing.
EM systems are known for using low-frequency magnetic fields.
These systems are often used for small or metallic items and are suited for applications like libraries and pharmacies.
2. Acousto-Magnetic EAS System
Much like EM, acousto-magnetic systems work on the principle of using signals to cause the magnetic strip to vibrate. However, an AM system uses signal pulses in the range of 58 kHz. This causes the strip to change its magnetization, which is then picked up by the security gate, alerting the system.The biggest difference between EM and AM is that in EM, the strip needs to be demagnetized to turn on the tag. However, in AM, the strip must be magnetized to turn on the tag.
AM EAS security systems are recognized for their high detection rates and excellent resistance to false alarms. They are effective at detecting large exit areas, mainly preferred by big retail stores.
3. RF- EAS System
An RF-EAS system works by communicating between the tag and the security gate/reader through radio waves. Whenever an RF EAS tag enters the field of influence of a reader, it starts to broadcast a preprogrammed signal using the energy from the reader’s signal. The reader’s antenna acts as a transmitter and can pick up these signals and alert the system.
RF systems are widely used and are known for their ability to use slimmer tag designs and their integration with some modern IoT features. The most common operating frequency for RF EAS is 8.2 MHz.
I must make the distinction that RF-based EAS tags and the more advanced RFID tags are two different things. While RF EAS tags work the same, they act as chipless RFID tags, unlike RFID tags that can also identify which item exactly is being shoplifted, since RFID tags contain item-specific information, but RF-EAS tags, like EM and AM EAS tags, don’t contain a chip to identify the exact item. So, RF-EAS tags and RFID tags both work on radio frequency signals, and the reader sends RF signals to activate the batteryless tag.
Another thing is that RFID tags work on LF (125-134KHz), HF (13.56 MHz), and UHF (860-960 MHz) frequency bands, while RF-EAS tags typically use an 8.2 MHz frequency for short-range detection.
How to Remove These Distinct Types of Security Tags?
Now, coming to removing or deactivating EAS tags, there are several methods of removing and deactivating EAS security tags. Mind you, there is a difference between deactivating and removing a tag. Deactivating refers to turning the tag off, meaning it won’t alert the security gate. Removing/Detaching refers to physically removing the tag from an item. So, let’s discuss how to do both.
How are EAS Tags Detached?
The EAS tags generally have two components: the tag with the lock inside it, which is inaccessible, and a pin. The pin is held tightly by the lock in such a way that unless the lock is moved down, you won’t be able to pull the pin out. The only way to remove the tag is with the use of magnets.
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There are two types of detachers, mechanical and electronic, both of which use magnets. Just put the tag inside/on the detacher, and the detacher will use a powerful magnet (either permanent or an electromagnet) to pull the lock, allowing you to remove the pin. This method works for EM and AM tags.
When it comes to RF tags, the detachment process is even easier. Just grab a corner and gently peel off the RFID tag. Or if it’s on the inside, you can just leave it there.
How to Deactivate an EAS Security Tag?
Aside from detaching, you also need to deactivate the tags before they leave the store or the item. For electro-magnetic and acousto-magnetic tags, you just need to put them on the detacher and press the deactivate button. In the case of EM, the deactivator will magnetize the ferromagnetic layer, and for AM tags, it will demagnetize the metal strip.
An RF-deactivator can also be used for RF-EAS tags. Many retail stores use an EAS deactivator pad as well.
For RFID tags, however, it is a bit different. For deactivating an RFID tag, the reader sends a signal, known as the “kill signal”. This signal reprograms the tag to not broadcast a signal if it comes into the range of a reader, effectively deactivating the tag permanently (killing it). Once deactivated, this tag cannot be reused.
Another thing I would like to point out is that when it comes to shoplifting, these security tags only act as a deterrent. Many shoplifters use lined bags, also called Booster bags, to shoplift items. These bags are hand-made, designed with lots of aluminum foil layers that block electromagnetic signals, preventing EAS security tag detection.
EAS Security Tags FAQ:
Q1. How do I remove all types of security tags?
Ans: Unless you’re planning to shoplift from your local supermarket, you can just use a security tag detacher. Just put your tag on the detacher and follow the instructions given in its manual. If you’re a consumer and the billing attendant forgot to remove the tag from your item, you can just use a strong neodymium magnet to detach the tag.Although we advise you to just go back to the store and tell them to detach it.
Q2. What are the different types of security tags?
Ans: There are three types of EAS security tags in the industry: Electro-Magnetic (EM) Tag, Acousto-Magnetic (AM) Tag, and RF Tag.
Q3. Do security tags have GPS?
Ans: Yes, some select high-end active RFID tags can have an in-built GPS tracker. However, most of the tags available in the market do not have GPS tracking.
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