In the modern retail environment, technology plays a crucial role in combating theft, managing inventory, and enhancing the overall shopping experience. Two of the most prominent players in the retail loss prevention and merchandise visibility sectors are Sensormatic Solutions and Checkpoint Systems. Both companies specialize in electronic article surveillance (EAS) and RFID technology, and they offer a variety of solutions to retailers worldwide. However, their approach to security tags and loss prevention differs in several ways, making each company a unique partner for retail businesses.
Let’s take a closer look at these two industry leaders, with a focus on their security tags and loss prevention solutions.
1. Company Background: Legacy and Innovation
Sensormatic Solutions, founded in 1966, is a part of Johnson Controls and has established itself as a global leader in retail intelligence and security. Sensormatic’s mission is to drive operational efficiency and protect retail assets using cutting-edge technology. Their solutions range from basic EAS tags to advanced RFID systems, aiming to help retailers track inventory and reduce shrinkage. Over 50 years of innovation have allowed Sensormatic to integrate AI, RFID, and IoT into their product portfolio, including security tags that are used worldwide in top retail chains.
Checkpoint Systems, founded in 1969, operates as a division of CCL Industries and similarly focuses on loss prevention, merchandise visibility, and inventory management. Initially a subsidiary of a packaging company, Checkpoint quickly grew into a global player in the retail security market. With a commitment to innovation, they have expanded their offerings beyond traditional EAS to include RFID tagging, source tagging (embedding security tags at the point of manufacturing), and labeling solutions for a variety of industries, particularly apparel and high-theft items.
2. Security Tags: EAS and RFID Technologies
At the heart of both companies’ offerings are security tags, which are essential for preventing shoplifting and reducing shrinkage.
• Sensormatic’s EAS Tags: Sensormatic pioneered some of the earliest EAS technologies and continues to lead the market with their advanced hard tags, soft tags, and label solutions. Their EAS tags use acousto-magnetic (AM) technology, which is known for its long detection range and resistance to interference from metallic packaging. This technology makes Sensormatic’s tags particularly useful in stores that deal with products like electronics, where traditional RF-based tags may be less effective.
• Checkpoint’s EAS Tags: Checkpoint, on the other hand, specializes in radio frequency (RF) EAS tags. RF labels are thin and lightweight, which makes them ideal for apparel and products with high turnover rates. Checkpoint’s RF tags can be integrated into items at the source (known as source tagging), which means the tags are embedded during the manufacturing process. This provides a seamless solution for retailers, as it eliminates the need for in-store tagging and speeds up inventory replenishment.
3. RFID Capabilities: Advanced Tracking and Inventory Management
Both companies have embraced RFID technology to enhance their product offerings, but they cater to different retailer needs:
• Sensormatic RFID Solutions: Sensormatic integrates RFID into their Sensormatic IQ platform, which combines inventory intelligence with shopper data analytics. Their RFID tags are not just for loss prevention but also enable real-time tracking of merchandise throughout the supply chain. Retailers can use this data to optimize their operations, ensuring that the right products are available at the right time. Sensormatic’s RFreshID™ solution, for instance, tracks perishable food items, helping retailers reduce waste and ensure freshness.
• Checkpoint RFID Solutions: Checkpoint focuses heavily on source tagging with RFID, which allows retailers to track products from manufacturing to the point of sale. This end-to-end visibility is crucial for industries like apparel, where inventory accuracy can make or break profitability. Checkpoint’s NEO™ RFID antenna and system range provide flexibility for retailers who want to integrate RFID with their existing security systems without completely overhauling their infrastructure.
4. Customer Focus: Industry and Retail Solutions
Both companies cater to a wide array of industries but approach retail loss prevention from slightly different angles:
• Sensormatic is heavily involved in data-driven insights and customer behavior analytics, combining RFID and EAS with solutions that help retailers optimize shopper engagement and operational efficiency. Their AI-driven loss prevention tools go beyond simple security tagging by integrating advanced surveillance, traffic counting, and analytics, which can help retailers improve not only security but also the customer experience.
• Checkpoint places more emphasis on customized security tagging solutions for high-theft items, particularly in the apparel sector. Their Alpha High-Theft Solutions focus on protecting high-value merchandise, such as luxury goods and electronics, from theft, offering a range of robust tags designed specifically for challenging retail environments.
5. Global Reach and Partnerships
Both companies are major players on the global stage:
• Sensormatic serves 70% of the top 100 global retailers and has a presence in nearly every corner of the retail world. Their partnership with Google and Intel helps Sensormatic provide advanced analytics and data-driven solutions, making them a top choice for large retailers looking to integrate their operations with AI and IoT technologies.
• Checkpoint also has a significant global footprint, with operations in over 33 countries and partnerships with 60+ additional countries through a strong network. Being part of CCL Industries, a leader in labeling solutions, Checkpoint is well-positioned to offer comprehensive tagging and security systems, particularly for global retailers in the fashion and luxury industries.
Conclusion: Which Company Is Right for Your Business?
When comparing Sensormatic Solutions and Checkpoint Systems, the choice largely depends on your specific business needs:
• If you are a large retailer looking for integrated data intelligence, AI-driven loss prevention, and comprehensive shopper analytics, Sensormatic offers a more holistic, future-forward approach.
• If your primary focus is on source tagging, RF-based EAS systems, and high-theft merchandise protection, Checkpoint Systems provides a flexible, scalable solution that emphasizes inventory accuracy and high-theft solutions.
Both companies have proven track records, extensive experience, and innovative product portfolios, making them leaders in retail loss prevention and inventory management. The decision between Sensormatic and Checkpoint ultimately depends on your store’s specific goals, whether they lean more toward advanced data analytics or streamlined, source-based tagging solutions.