Checkpoint Systems, Inc. 101 Wolf Drive, P.O. Box 188 Thorofare, New Jersey 08086 800 257 5540 Toll Free 856 848 1800 Phone 856 848 0937 Fax www.checkpointsystems.
RF-EAS System User’s Guide
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Important Information To Our Users in North America FCC Regulatory Compliance Statement Checkpoint Systems, Inc. offers certain Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) products that have been FCC certified or verified to 47 CFR Part 15, Subparts B/C and/or 47 CFR Part 18. Appropriately, one of the following labels will apply to the approval: NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Important Information To Our Users in Europe CE Compliance Statement Where applicable, Checkpoint Systems, Inc. offers certain Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) products that have CE Declarations of Conformity to Council Directive(s) EMC 89/336/EEC and LVD 73/23/EEC, as amended by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC.
RF-EAS SYSTEM USER’S GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to Radio Frequency Electronic Article Surveillance ........................................................1 System Components..................................................................................................................................2-4 Tagging ......................................................................................................................................................5-11 Checkout Procedures .........
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION TO RADIO FREQUENCY ELECTRONIC ARTICLE SURVEILLANCE (RF-EAS) The Checkpoint system is composed of sensing pedestals, some that transmit a frequency signal and others that receive the signal. When a Checkpoint tag passes between the transmitter and receiver, an alarm sounds. This alerts store personnel that store items are leaving the premises with a live Checkpoint tag. Often, the very presence of the pedestals will be enough to deter a potential shoplifter.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS SENSING PEDESTALS | DEACTIVATION | TAGS & LABELS | ACCESSORIES SENSING PEDESTALS The EAS Pedestal sends a radio signal into the intended detection area. If that signal detects a Checkpoint tag, an alarm will sound.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS DEACTIVATION Deactivation of the Checkpoint tag may be completed in two ways. One way is by using a Counterpoint Pad, another is by installing deactivation electronics into the scanner at the point of sale. Checkpoint tags are deactivated without interrupting the normal transaction flow. Checkpoint’s deactivation will not de-magnetize credit cards or affect magnetic media. Checkpoint equipment operates at radio frequencies and levels authorized by the Federal Communications Commission.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS ACCESSORIES Checkpoint’s universal detacher releases Hard Tags, Designer Tags, and ChekInk II Tags from merchandise at the point of sale. The hand held OMNI tool combines the functionality of the Personal Tag Verifier, the Deactivation Verifier and the Portable Deactivator into an easy-to-use RF-EAS tool. The self-contained unit automatically recharges when placed in its docking cradle.
WHAT TO TAG | USING DISPOSABLE TAGS | TAGS & LABELS | APPLYING DISPOSABLE TAGS APPLYING REUSABLE TAGS | WHERE TO PLACE REUSABLE TAGS TA G G I N G WHAT TO TAG To maximize the effectiveness of the Checkpoint system, it is important to follow tagging and placement procedures. What you tag depends not only on the merchandise you carry, but your store’s size, location, layout, and customers. Listed below are a few guidelines: • Protect frequently stolen items.
TA G G I N G TAGS & LABELS 6 • Roll tags off backing paper. Do not handle the adhesive side. • On merchandise that is placed in stacks, such as videotapes, DVDs and CDs, stagger tags so that no two are back to back. • In supermarket applications, use only the 2010 series meat labels with the warning “Remove Label Before Microwaving” or “Remove Prior to Microwave” when tagging meat, fish, poultry or other foods.
TA G G I N G APPLYING DISPOSABLE TAGS A pressure-sensitive tag is meant to blend with existing packaging and price stickers as much as possible.
TA G G I N G APPLYING DISPOSABLE TAGS continued 1. Tear a workable amount of tags from the roll. 2. Remove the backing paper with thumb and forefinger as shown. 3. Place the sticky edge of the tag against a flat, smooth surface on the item. Guide the tag onto the item with your thumb. 4. Smooth the edges of the tag with your finger to ensure that the tag is applied firmly. Each tag on every roll is subjected to Checkpoint’s quality control measures.
TA G G I N G APPLYING REUSABLE TAGS FLEX TAGS 1. Attach the Flex Tag or hang tag with a Tagger, Mini Tach-It, Swiftach, Dennison Loop, or similar device, just as you do with pricing hang tags. Lay the Flex Tag flat against the item, with the hole where you want to attach the tag. 2. Line up the fastener gun needle with the hole. Push the needle through the fabric and the hole. Squeeze the trigger. 3. Tug gently on the tag to be sure it is secure.
TA G G I N G APPLYING REUSABLE TAGS continued HARD TAGS 1. Holding the pin at its base, push it through the item until the stem of the pin may be seen on the outside of the garment. 2. Line up the pin with the hole in the hard tag or fastener. Push the pin straight in, as far as it will go. The pin should slide in easily. If not, try a new tag or pin. DO NOT FORCE IT. 3. To be sure the pin is locked, gently tug upward on it.
TA G G I N G APPLYING REUSABLE TAGS continued CHEKINK II TAGS 1. Holding the tag, push the pin through the item until it can be seen through the other side. 2. Line up the pin with the hole in the fastener. Push the tag straight in, as far as it will go. The pin should slide in easily. If not, try using another fastener. DO NOT FORCE IT. 3. To be sure the pin is locked into the fastener, gently tug upward on the tag. 4.
CHECKOUT PROCEDURES REMOVING HARD TAGS, DESIGNER TAGS & CHEKINK II TAGS REMOVING FLEX TAGS | DEACTIVATION OF PRESSURE SENSITIVE TAGS AND HANG TAGS REMOVING HARD TAGS, DESIGNER TAGS & CHEKINK II TAGS 1. Place the plastic dome of the hard tag in the detacher well and push down on the pin, then gently lift the pin away from the detacher. For Designer and ChekInk II tags, place the fastener in the detacher well. 2. Store reusable tags in a box at the checkout counter and store pins in another.
CHECKOUT PROCEDURES DEACTIVATION OF PRESSURE SENSITIVE TAGS AND HANG TAGS Pressure sensitive tags and hang tags may be deactivated at the point at the sale by using a Counterpoint Pad or integrated scanner. Please refer to the directions below to determine the optimum procedure for deactivating Checkpoint tags. COUNTERPOINT DEACTIVATION 1. While ringing up purchases, cashiers should pass each product across the full width of the Counterpoint Pad.
TESTING PROCEDURES To maximize the system’s performance, it is important to test it at the start of each business day. For best results, use the same test procedure each day. To test the system properly, walk completely through the pedestals while holding a test tag at waist level. (The test tag is included inside your Checkpoint Welcome Package). Waving the test tag alone between the pedestals will not provide a true reading.
PHANTOM ALARMS | DEACTIVATION UNITS | POS AREA | OMNI TOOL TROUBLESHOOTING PHANTOM ALARMS If you are experiencing phantom alarms (if the alarm sounds when no one is walking through the system), check the following: 1. Is someone carrying tagged merchandise near the system? Are there tags or tagged merchandise within three feet of the system? Check behind checkout counters, inside boxes, etc. 2. Look for coiled wire or cords near the system (carpet shampooers, extension cords, etc.). 3.
TROUBLESHOOTING POS AREA If you experience system failure or have new equipment installed near or around the point of sale or sensing system, contact Checkpoint’s Service Department. The detacher unit should be kept at least three feet away from any electric register that uses a computer diskette or digital tape. If you have difficulty removing a hard tag from a garment, lightly rap the dome of the tag on the counter and try to remove the tag again.
EQUIPMENT CARE • Do not decorate sensing pedestals with foil or lights (e.g. Christmas lights). These will interfere with the system. • Do not spray the sensing pedestals with cleaning solution. Instead, spray the cleaner on a towel and wipe down the antennas. • Do not place anything on the deactivation unit’s electronic housing that would interfere with air circulation. • Do not place liquids in an area where they would spill and short-circuit deactivation units.
CUSTOMER SERVICE PROCEDURES POSSIBLE ALARM CAUSES WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS POSSIBLE ALARM CAUSES The Checkpoint program is designed to deter shoplifters. Occasionally, the determined amateur or impulse thief will try to challenge the system. When this happens, you can rely on the sensing pedestals to alert you to a potential shoplifter. The success of the program depends on the way you react to the alarm once it has sounded.
CUSTOMER SERVICE PROCEDURES WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS continued If you are unable to find a tag that the cashier has forgotten to remove, detune, or deactivate, try asking the customer the following: Are you carrying an electronic door opening card for entrance to your office or apartment building? Some electronic door openers operate on the same frequency as the Checkpoint system.
ALARM LOG RECORDING ALARMS | USING THE ALARM LOG | WHAT TO RECORD RECORDING ALARMS Users should keep a written record of every alarm, regardless of its cause. Alarms may be caused by interference within the system (phantoms), tags that have not been detuned, deactivated, or removed, or when a shoplifter is attempting to remove merchandise.
POINTS TO REMEMBER • Test all components of the Checkpoint System each morning and record results in the Alarm Log • If using bar code scanners, scan each item for price • Record all alarms in the log • Review alarm response guidelines periodically with employees responsible for handling alarms • Familiarize all new employees with the system, and make sure they review User’s Guide • Make sure that employees do not give customers any information about the system or tags • Verify that all mercha
O R D E R I N G TA G S / C U S T O M E R R E T U R N S Be sure to keep a close watch on your tag inventory so that you do not run out of tags. When you need to order tags, contact Checkpoint’s Customer Service Department at (800) 548-8344. If you need to return merchandise, call (800) 257-5540, extension 3228. To speed up your transaction, have your customer account number readily available. A Customer Service Representative will be happy to assist you.