Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Electronic Article Surveillance User’s Guide Electronic Article Surveillance North America User’s Guide Copyright © 2016. Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
Table of Contents Introduction Equipment Care Dos & Don’ts EAS Antennas Troubleshooting Guide Hard Tag Application 3‐5 6 7‐8 9‐10 11‐13 Hard Tagging Dos and Don’ts 14 Hard Tag Removal 15 Soft Labels 16 EAS Tags and Labels 17 Where to Apply Labels 18 Label Dos and Don’ts 19 Source Tagging 20 Label Deactivation 21 Omni Verifier 22 Deactivation 23‐26 Testing Procedures 27‐28 Troubleshooting 29‐31 Handling Alarm Activations 32 Alarm Activation Log 33‐34 Customer Service Procedures
Introduction Congratulations on your new Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) equipment, the best in retail anti‐theft technology! Your EAS system is designed to deter shoplifting and provide an unobtrusive shopping experience that speeds the flow of customer transactions.
Introduction Tips for a Successful EAS Deployment • The training of management and store associates is the key to successful use. • It is important to remember that the system is only a deterrent based tool and its effectiveness depends largely upon how store associates interface with it. • Shrinkage results can vary even though they are obtained from the same system in the same environment depending on the attitude of management and store associates towards the overall tagging program.
Introduction Important EAS Facts to Remember • The system has been installed to deter people from taking merchandise from the store without it passing through approved point of sale or transaction points. • Without an alert work force, systems will not function correctly. Remember, the Checkpoint system is a tool that leverages your existing security policies. As is true of all EAS platforms, this RF‐EAS system can only be as effective as the people who operate it.
Equipment Care Dos and Don’ts The environment in which the system is installed is a factor to be taken into consideration for peak performance. This section explains how the best results are achieved. There may be interference from metal items near the antenna or electrical activity, which can create 'noise' for the system. Before installation, this is taken into consideration and the system or environment is adjusted accordingly.
EAS Antennas How they Work • • • • • • • • Installed at entrances, exits, staff exits and possibly restroom facilities in your store. Transmit low frequency radio waves at the same frequency as the tags. Checkpoint NGL (CLASSIC) and EVOLVE iRANGE pulse listen systems are based on transceiver technology and therefore can operate as a single stand alone antenna. When a tag enters the detection field an audible alarm is heard. After the alarm occurs, the system automatically resets.
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Troubleshooting Guide EVOLVE 360RF – Pulse Listen Problem Resolution The antenna does not alarm when tested with labels/tags Check the red light is illuminated (solid light) on the badge board (on Side only) at the base of the pedestal. Using the key provided during the installation, follow the guide below to check if the system is enabled or disabled. (Please note: the red light on EVOLVE antenna does not flash constantly when in disabled mode). 1.
Troubleshooting Guide • Your system should be tested each morning to ensure full functionality. • These tests should be carried out prior to store opening. • The store manager is ultimately responsible for the test. The following are possible problems that could occur, some of which could be rectified without the attendance of a Checkpoint engineer. Problem System is alarming continually Resolution Check for the following: 1. Tagged articles are not within 6 feet of the antenna. 2.
Hard Tag Application What is a Hard Tag? Hard tags come in many different styles and types. They are made of high impact proof plastic and are secured to lock with either a pin or a lanyard made of steel. Hard tags are reusable and are removed from merchandise at the point of sale using a magnetic detacher. Keepers, bottle tags, and other specialty tags are also available. General Guidelines • See inside product box for detailed application instructions.
Tagging Procedures – Hard Tags To start: Pins and hard tags should be separated from each other. Push and rotate pin to open fabric fibers and to avoid damage. Important! Always apply the pin through the fabric seam. Push the pin through fabric until the stem is seen on the outside of the garment. Line up the pin with the hole in the hard tag and push in as far as it will go. Tags should always be visible from the outside. Ensure pin is locked by gently pulling upwards.
Where to Apply Hard Tags For Tops: Sweaters, jackets, blouses, camisoles Place tag 3” above the hemline on the wearer’s left side seam For Bottoms: Jeans, Dress Pants, Skirts, Shorts Place tag 3” above the hemline on the wearer’s left outside seam For Shoes & Accessories: Place tag through eyelet, loop, or fabric material Consult your manager, as application preference may vary by product or company.
Hard Tagging Dos and Don'ts Hard Tagging Dos and Don’ts Dos Don'ts Tag in a consistent position on all like garments Pierce leather, suede or waterproof materials Tag in line with your company policy Tag in a position that will interfere with the customer trying a garment on Tag in a visible position for maximum deterrence Use bent pins or damaged lanyards Gently ease the pin through the fabric Leave pins on the point of sale area or on the floor Perform the tug test to ensure the pin/tag is lock
Hard Tag Removal • Using the metal detacher, tag removal is quick and simple. • Place the cone of the tag into the hollow of the detacher, press lightly on the pin and lift the pin upwards. The tag will remain in the detacher and the pin can be removed from the fabric. • If the pin does not lift away, then press slightly more firmly on the pin head and twist gently. This allows the pin to reposition itself in the lock. The pin will now lift from the tag.
Labels EAS Labels are thin RF labels designed to help protect merchandise and deter theft. These labels come in many different shapes, sizes, prints, colors and can be customized to convey company or corporate information. Items on which sticker tags/labels are applied must be passed over the deactivation equipment at the point of sale in order to neutralize and prevent the antenna at the exit being activated as the customer leaves the store. The rolls of labels are delivered in a ‘live’ condition.
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Where to Apply Labels Application may vary depending on type and size of label used. Below are general guidelines based on standard, white labels and Checkpoint micro, clear labels. Clear Labels Placement White Labels Boxed Goods Clear labels are designed to be a visual deterrent. Boxed Goods Price Tags or Packaging Labels White labels may not be a visual deterrent. Place them on the front of packaging, but do not obstruct important information.
Paper Label Do’s and Don'ts Paper Label Dos and Don’ts Dos Don'ts Consult your manager regarding proper placement options and procedures Cover important or legally required information about the product with the tag Apply the tag as close to the product barcode as possible Bend or crease the tag. A slight curve is OK.
Source Tagging Checkpoint offers a range of resources including proprietary RF‐EAS/RFID technology and global sourcing, as well as convenient ordering, design services and experienced engineering support for high‐speed application. In retail stores around the world, radio frequency (RF) Source Tagging consistently reduces losses due to shoplifting and employee theft.
Soft Label Deactivation • Labels are not reusable and stay on a product during and after purchase. • • • • • The labels must be cancelled or turned off prior to the customers leaving the store. This process is called “Deactivation”. The deactivation equipment come in several forms. All forms are wired to a Chassis. It is essential that the chassis is switched on. An illuminated green light on the front of the chassis indicates it has power and is operational.
Omni Verifier The Omni Verifier is a portable device that has 3 functions. It is rechargeable and comes with its own charger cradle. Omni Verifier with card Function 1 Testing for a ‘live’ tag – place in ‘PV’ mode • Depress red button and hold over product/tag. • Green light will illuminate and if label/tag is ‘live’ the Omni Verifier will sound and red light will illuminate.
Deactivation Below you will find procedures for how to deactivate labels after purchase. A wide variety of apparel labels – including soft and clear RF labels, iS Pro Tags and graphic hang tags – do not require removal. Instead, deactivation turns the label OFF. USE OF VERIFIER UNITS Portable verifiers feature an Alarm sensor, allowing verification of EAS security tag ON or OFF. • • When an active label is held within range, a beep sound indicates the label is ON.
Counterpoint Intelligent Deactivator‐RF (CPiD‐RF) Introduction If your store has the Counterpoint Intelligent Deactivator‐RF installed, this section applies to you. With energy‐saving electronics, an upgrade path for integration with counters and network servers, and superior RF‐EAS performance, this is a future‐ready POS solution. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Counterpoint Intelligent Deactivator‐RF (CPiD‐RF) SYSTEM SETTINGS Access to DIP Switches & Reset Switches provide control of unique system features and fine tuning of performance. Pull access panel open from right. By moving selected switches up or down, you can adjust system mode, power and gain. Operation Modes Operation Mode is a global system setting which configures CPiD‐RF to deactivate (only), deactivate and detect, or verify active EAS tags. Set Switches (SW) 2 and 3 to configure Mode.
Counterpoint Intelligent Deactivator‐RF (CPiD‐RF) Troubleshooting The purpose of this table is to explain steps to troubleshoot CPiD‐RF issues. Problem Action(s) Green power LED is not on. Confirm DC plug and AC power cord are both secure. Function is lost (or reduced deactivation). Check connections; confirm antenna(s) are plugged in. Confirm SW 1 (Power) is OFF. Status light is teal. CPiD‐RF may need to be auto‐tuned: reset unit by pressing button.
Testing Procedures EAS Pedestals It is suggested that the pedestals are tested at the start of each business day. Use the same method each time which helps to build confidence that the system is performing as designed. To test the system properly, walk completely through the pedestals while holding the test tag (included in your welcome kit) at waist level. Waving the test tag alone between the pedestals will not provide a true reading.
Testing Procedures Omni Verifier On the side of the Omni Verifier unit slide the toggle switch to “DV.” Depress the red button. The amber and green lights will illuminate. If the green light is blinking, this indicates that the battery is low and the unit needs to be placed onto the charging cradle. Hold the Omni Verifier device approximately 24 inches above the deactivation pad and slowly lower until the red indicator illuminates and the sounder beeps. This indicates that the deactivation field is present.
Troubleshooting Phantom Alarms A phantom alarm is when the alarm sounds or the pedestals illuminate when no one is walking through the system. Review the following suggestions to troubleshoot: Q: Is someone carrying tagged merchandise near the system? Are there tags or tagged merchandise within six feet of the system? A: Check behind the counters, inside boxes, etc. Q: Are coiled wire or cords near the system (carpet shampooers, extension cords, etc.
Troubleshooting Counterpoint Deactivation Units If you are experiencing problems when testing deactivation units, check the following before placing a service call: 1. Make sure the chassis is plugged in and/or the power switch is turned on. A green light should illuminate on the front of the electronics box to indicate power. 2. Check for tags or tagged merchandise that may be located near the deactivation pad, electronics box or cabling.
Troubleshooting PV 2000 1. If it doesn’t beep when turned on, the battery may need to be replaced. 2. If the AMBER light is seen, this indicates a low battery and the battery should be changed at this time. Possible Alarm Causes A false alarm occurs when a pedestal alarms or illuminates when someone passes through the system after tags on the merchandise have been deactivated and/or removed.
A Guide to Handling Alarm Activations For every alarm activation, the nearest trained store associate should respond by following these tips and guidelines: • • • • • • • • • • • There is a chance that the staff has not deactivated/removed a tag. Keep the approach non confrontational. Walk calmly to the customer, do not run. Smile. Be friendly. Never touch the customer or stand too close…keep at arms length. Safety first! Apologize for the inconvenience and assume it is a store problem.
Alarm Activation Log Recording Alarms User's 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 deactivated or removed, or by a shoplifter attempting to remove merchandise. The alarm log sheets demonstrate how well the system is working in addition to providing alarm patterns that help management design the most beneficial inventory control program for your store.
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Customer Service Procedures A majority of the EAS alarms that are produced are caused when an associate fails to deactivate or remove a tag or other security device when the customer is checking out at the point of sale.
Points to Remember • Test all components of the Checkpoint system each morning and record results in the Alarm Log • 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 this User’s Guide • Make sure that employees do not give customers any information about the system or tags • Call your Checkpoint representative if you have any questions regarding the use of the
Contact Details Checkpoint Systems, Inc. 101 Wolf Drive Thorofare, NJ 08086 Customer Service: (800) 253‐7580 call.center@checkpt.com www.checkpointsystems.com For any additional training or information listed below, please contact us.
Important Information to our User's in North America FCC Regulatory Compliance Statement Checkpoint Systems, Inc., offers Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) or Radio Frequency Identification Products that have been FCC certified or verified to 47 CFR Part 15 Subparts B/C. Appropriately, one of the following labels will apply to the approval: NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found compliant within the limits for a class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Important Information to our User's in Europe CE Regulatory Compliance Statement Where applicable, Checkpoint Systems, Inc. offers certain Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) products that have CE Declarations of Conformity according to R&TTE Directive 99/5/EC, EMC Directive 2004/108/EC, and Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
WEEE Marking All products that are subject to the WEEE Directive supplied by Checkpoint are compliant with the WEEE marking requirements. Such products are marked with the "crossed out wheelie bin" WEEE symbol shown below in accordance with European Standard EN 50419. Information for User's According to the requirements of European Union member state WEEE legislation, the following user information is provided in English for all Checkpoint supplied products subject to the WEEE directive.
Checkpoint Systems is a global leader in merchandise availability solutions for the retail industry, encompassing loss prevention and merchandise visibility. Checkpoint provides end‐ to‐end solutions enabling retailers to achieve accurate real‐time inventory, accelerate the replenishment cycle, prevent out‐of‐stocks and reduce theft, thus improving merchandise availability and the shopper’s experience.