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RFID vs Electronic Article Surveillance

February 25, 2022

RFID vs Electronic Article Surveillance

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) technologies are commonly used in retail and supply chain management to track inventory and prevent theft. Both technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore in this blog post.

How do they work?

RFID tags and EAS tags have different mechanisms of functioning.

RFID

RFID is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to communicate between a reader and a small electronic tag or smart label attached to an object. RFID systems consist of an antenna, a reader, and a tag. When the tag comes within range of the reader, it sends a signal back to the reader with information about the tag, such as its unique identifier.

RFID tags come in two types: active tags, which have a battery and can transmit data up to hundreds of feet away, and passive tags, which do not have a battery and rely on the reader for power and communication.

EAS

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is a simple and cost-effective technology used to prevent retail theft. It works by attaching small tags, typically looking like a small sticker, to merchandise. The tags contain an antenna that picks up a radio signal from a sensor located at the store exits.

Retailers have the choice between magnetic, radio-frequency, or acousto-magnetic tags. The magnetic tag, activated by passing it over a specific type of magnet, is the cheaper option of the three. Radio-frequency and acousto-magnetic tags, on the other hand, require more complex equipment to create a surveillance zone around the area where the tags are located.

Comparison

Now that we know how they work, let's compare RFID and EAS based on the following elements:

Range

RFID tags can be read from a distance of up to tens of feet away, making them ideal for supply chain management and real-time inventory tracking. EAS, on the other hand, has a limited range and works only at the exits of the store, preventing theft but falling short on inventory management.

Cost

The cost of RFID tags has decreased in recent years, making them more accessible to retail and supply chain businesses. However, the cost of installation and maintenance of RFID systems can still be high. EAS, on the other hand, is a cost-effective option for retailers looking to prevent theft.

Versatility

RFID can store more data than EAS and can be used to track inventory, prevent theft, and even monitor temperatures for perishable products. EAS, on the other hand, can be used only for theft prevention.

Accuracy

RFID provides real-time data and accuracy, making it ideal for supply chain management. EAS can trigger false alarms, leading to inconvenience for customers who do not have stolen merchandise with them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, RFID and EAS have their own advantages and disadvantages. While RFID provides real-time data and accuracy and is versatile enough to be used for various purposes, it can be costly to install and maintain. EAS, on the other hand, is a cost-effective solution for theft prevention and ideal for small retailers but falls short on inventory tracking.

Ultimately, the choice between RFID and EAS depends on the needs and budget of the business.

References

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