The Unseen Guardians: How Technology Secures Retail Spaces
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is a powerful technology that has become an essential tool in retail loss prevention. While many of us have experienced the familiar chime of an alarm at a store exit, few realize the intricate technology behind this simple act of security. EAS systems are the silent guardians of a store's inventory, and they are a perfect example of how advanced engineering—and the semiconductor industry—works to create seamless, everyday solutions.
How It Works: The Electronic Article Surveillance System
At its core, an Electronic Article Surveillance System (EAS) operates on the principle of radio frequency (RF) or acoustic-magnetic (AM) technology. The system consists of three main components: a security tag or label attached to merchandise, antennas located at the store exit, and a deactivator pad or detaching device at the checkout.
When a customer makes a purchase, the cashier either removes the…