Walmart is committed to Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) as a functional tool to combat loss.
All Walmart US stores are equipped with Sensormatic’s Acousto-Magnetic (AM) Technology with exit systems and deactivators at Point of Sale (POS). A critical component of the program is Source Tagging, and as part of our corporate strategy the program ensures inventory visibility, increased sales, and a reduction in shrink. Walmart continues investing to equip our stores with Sensormatic EAS (AM) Exit Systems. AM and RFID Source Tagging are both integral in the execution of and ultimate success of this strategy.
Walmart EAS Program Overview
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Source Tagging is the process by which disposable anti-theft labels are incorporated into a product’s primary packaging or into the merchandise itself during the manufacturing process. With Source Tagging, anti-theft labels can be applied to a much wider range of goods than with in-store labeling. Label compliance is more consistent for fast POS reads and improves product merchandising to ensure important manufacturer information and packaging design is not covered.
Acousto-Magnetic (AM) labels are engineered at a precise detection frequency of 58kHz. Quality materials and precision manufacturing concentrate more energy at this frequency for greater sensitivity, detection range, and consistent deactivation at the POS. When labels, deactivators, and pedestals are all tuned to the same frequency, detection and deactivation are both more effective. The result is a more positive in-store experience for shoppers without compromising performance and protection.
Label Performance Specs & Requirements
Product suppliers are required to have a process in place to ensure that all items requested to be tagged, have an EAS Acousto-Magnetic (AM) label that meets the minimum deactivation and detection performance standards
- (DETECTION PERFORMANCE): All Source label applied (AM) labels need to meet a 90% detection rate at exit systems with a maximum spacing of 2 meters/7.87 feet.
- (DEACTIVATION PERFORMANCE): All Source label applied (AM) labels need to deactivate at a distance within 10.1 cm/4 inches above Walmart approved point of sale deactivator.
- (FREQUENCY SPECIFICATION): 58kHz +/- 0.5kHz
- (AMPLITUDE): ≥ 2nWb
Product Certification & Label Placement
Label Performance Testing
- Label performance measures how well a sample of labels can be detected and deactivated by Walmart approved hardware.
- The supplier’s requirement is to evaluate label providers and ensure that the sourced and applied Acousto-Magnetic (AM) label meets the stated performance criteria.
Label Placement Certification
- Label placement certification confirms that the label performs to Walmart standards when place on the products
- Some label providers provide certification testing for label placement (Detection and deactivation).
- This is an ongoing required process for any label changes and product expansion.
- 90% avg pass rate in a 15-zone matrix
- Sensormatic Certification email - gstnalab@jci.com
Approved AM Labels
Sensormatic Sheets & Rolls
APX Insertable Label
Skin Care, Perfume Boxes, Other Plastic Shrink-Wrapped Packages
Metal Sheet Label
Energy Drinks, Baby Formula, Tools, Housewares, HBC, Automotive, Spray Cans
Getting Started
- Your buyer will discuss with you if your product meets certain Walmart thresholds that require it to be EAS source protected
- Determine the “Instore” date for tagged products to be received
- Contact Sensormatic to certify tag placement at no cost to you. Certification is an ongoing required process. All new products (including those with minor changes) should be certified to ensure standards are met. Download the Certification Form. When you have completed the form, return it to gstnalab@jci.com
- Sensormatic will provide portal log-in credentials for ease of ordering the authorized AM APX labels. This will assist you in your supplier compliance tracking as well. Walmart Source Tagging Registration - Sensormatic
- Periodic audits will be done by Sensormatic to ensure compliance to Walmart’s standards and requirements.
Source Tagging Portal Access
- The portal is an ecommerce platform that provides a holistic and self serve experience, that helps any supplier find the approved products for Walmart. All products on the portal meet the Walmart specifications.
- Does the portal cost anything? – No cost service for Portal access
- Retailer/country Walmart – USA in the registration
- Accessing the portal - Walmart Source Tagging Registration - Sensormatic
