EAS Gets a Boost from RFID

Checkpoint Systems recently introduced its Overhead RFID EAS system, a packaged solution that combines EAS with RFID.

Checkpoint, a market leader in loss prevention solutions for retail, just introduced its first EAS/RFID system.  The solution, which includes a low-profile, concealable overhead reader, satellite antennas, software and an alarm box, is targeted at most retail installations, particularly image-conscious fashion/clothing retailers who desire an unobtrusive and smart EAS solution.  

The new system leverages Checkpoint’s Wirama reader, the first reader fully manufactured by the company and a result of its 2009 acquisition of Wirama.  It is further differentiated by its use of hard tags, as opposed to consumable hang tags. Hard tags—which account for the vast majority of item-level tags in retail—were chosen to increase security (hang tags are relatively easy to remove) and to maintain consistency with current EAS form factors used in apparel. 

The performance of this solution still has some limitations (for example, no add-ons for metal detection to combat foil bags), however, the value it offers is significant and is expected to simplify cost-justification.  This system offers EAS that performs similarly to traditional solutions, but is enhanced with RFID capabilities. As a result, instead of simply alerting associates that an item is leaving the store without authorization, the Checkpoint solution is capable of identifying what specific item(s) were taken and directing that information to ensure the most appropriate and timely response. Furthermore, the system is capable of identifying potentially suspicious merchandise movement, enabling associates to take preemptive measures.

Specifications are provided on the Checkpoint website (http://www.checkpointsystems.com/) – look into the location, merchandise direction and inventory control capabilities to see further differentiation points and value add capabilities.

The press release for this product can be downloaded on the Checkpoint website or by clicking the following link: press release.