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Retail security has undergone significant transformations over the years, adapting to the evolving challenges of theft and inventory management. Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) are pivotal technologies in this journey. Understanding their evolution provides insight into how retailers strive to protect assets and enhance operational efficiency.

The Advent of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) EAS technology was introduced in the late 1960s as a groundbreaking solution for retailers combating shoplifting. The system operates by attaching tags or labels to merchandise, which trigger an alarm if not deactivated or removed upon purchase. This straightforward mechanism significantly reduced theft and became a standard in retail security.

EAS systems primarily use three types of technologies: • Magnetic Systems: Utilize magnetic strips that cause an alarm when passed through detection gates. • Acousto-Magnetic Systems: Employ resonating tags that respond to specific frequencies, offering higher detection rates and better resistance to interference. • Radio Frequency (RF) Systems: Radio waves detect RFID tags, which are commonly used due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. Despite their effectiveness in deterring theft, EAS systems have limitations. They primarily serve as anti-theft mechanisms without providing detailed information about the merchandise, such as inventory levels or item location within the store. Additionally, false alarms and the ease with which determined shoplifters can circumvent some EAS tags have highlighted the need for more advanced solutions.