Sensormatic FAQ's


What is the difference between Phase I, II, and III?
Phase I is placing the tag on the outside of the product's packaging within three inches of the UPC Code. Phase II is placing the tag on the inside of the product's packaging within three inches of the UPC Code. Phase III is placing the tag inside the product itself. During Phase II, it is best to try and conceal the tag. This may, however, not always be possible because of packaging constraints.

What is the difference between contact and proximity deactivation?
Sensormatic's tags can be deactivated with two types of equipment:
A) DoubleChecker (contact deactivation)
B) RapidPad
The difference between the two is in the name itself. With a contact deactivation unit, DoubleChecker, the tag is deactivated by touching (contact) the tag to the deactivation pad. With a proximity deactivator, RapidPad, the tag does not have to touch the pad. Instead, it only needs to be passed over it (proximity) at a height not to exceed 4".

Why is it important to know the difference between contact and proximity deactivation?
As more retailers require manufacturers to move from Phase I to Phase II, the type of deactivation becomes an important issue. A contact deactivation unit cannot deactivate a label that has been placed inside thick corrugation. However, it can deactivate through clamshell and folding carton packaging.

How does the system work?
There are two pedestals placed at the door. One is a receiver, the other a transmitter. (In some cases, there is only one pedestal that acts as both the transmitter and receiver). The labels contain a resonator made of an amorphous magnetic metal of a precise length and thickness, which is excited by low-frequency radio signals generated by a transmitter at the store's exit. The resonator vibrates at the same frequency, thus transmitting an identical signal. A receiver at the exit that detects the resonator's signal then initiates an alarm.

How does a tag become deactivated?
The deactivation pads degauss (demagnetize) the bias metal inside the tag. When this demagnetization occurs, the magnetic acoustic resonator will not vibrate.

Which retailers currently have source tagging programs implemented with Sensormatic?
Wal-Mart, The Home Depot, Kmart, Fred Meyer, Orchard Supply Hardware, McCoys Building Center, CVS, Brooks/Maxi Drug, Best Buy, Computer City, Discount Drug Mart, BJ's Wholesale Club, Revco, The Sports Authority, Food Lion Inc..to name a few. There are 122 retailers participating in source tagging.

Does Sensormatic's tags work in Checkpoint's systems?
Does Checkpoint's tags work in Sensormatic's systems? No. Both systems operate independently one another.

What is the shelf life of the tag?
The shelf life is one year from the date of manufacture when the labels are stored between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. See the Specification Summaries for information on dimensions, materials of construction, environmental constraints, sheet specifications, product application guidelines & label position requirements.

Will static electricity on my manufacturing line deactivate your tag like it does with RF tags?
No, static electricity will not deactivate Sensormatic's security tags. However, strong magnets on your line may have an effect. The best thing to do, if uncertainty exists, is run a sample of the tagged product through normal manufacturing processes, and then send the product to the source tagging innovation center for evaluation.