Does EAS = RFID?

The retail market is not homogeneous and customers will require a range of EAS and RFID solution sets. For that reason, Sensormatic is developing a cost-effective, simple and scalable infrastructure that will integrate multiple sensor technologies, including EAS, item level-RFID, traffic sensors and digital CCTV. Due to our layered technology approach, this platform is capable of delivering customized solutions and unique benefits based on retailers’ specific operational needs. For example, some retailers may choose to deploy stand-alone Ultra•Max® AM EAS for security or RFID for inventory visibility, while others will implement a mix of EAS and RFID for security and inventory management.   With the introduction of the breakthrough Sensormatic iREADTM platform that significantly lowers the cost and complexity of item-level solutions deployments by eliminating separate power, control and data distribution infrastructures, our focus shifts on making sure we have a smart appropriate infrastructure no matter which technology the retailers chooses. Supporting our commitment to open RFID standards and solutions, the platform connects to any UHF RFID reader meeting the EPCglobal Gen 2 standards. Due to its modularity and flexibility, the platform can be adapted to most shelf and display configurations used by the retail industry. Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH is currently piloting our item-level iREAD platform for apparel inventory visibility, faster inventory management and price markdowns. Sensormatic has deployed RFID solution in a variety of applications, including supply chain management, item-level apparel, and asset tracking with leading global retailers. Sensormatic has two of the world’s 8 EPCglobal-certified RFID labs that support these deployments and we’ve partnered with many leading companies within the RFID industry. In conclusion, RFID will not replace EAS in most environments. Sensormatic customers will be able to leverage our common multi-sensor infrastructure to deploy both solutions.