Electronic Article Surveillance is a system that protects
merchandise from theft. An EAS system has three components: 1) labels
and hard tags—electronic sensors that are attached to merchandise; 2)
deactivators and detachers—used at the point of sale to electronically
deactivate labels and detach reusable hard tags as items are purchased;
and 3) detectors that create a surveillance zone at exits or checkout
aisles.
The EAS process begins by attaching labels or hard tags to
merchandise. When an item is purchased, the label is deactivated or the
hard tag is removed. However, if merchandise with an active label or
hard tag is carried past the detector, an alarm sounds.
Over 800,000 EAS systems are installed worldwide, primarily in the
retail market. This includes Apparel, Drug, Discount, Home Centers,
Hypermarkets, Food, Entertainment, and Specialty stores.