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Retailers advised to fit in security before they fit out

Announcement posted by Write Away Communication 29 Jun 2010

With the trend towards open-plan, minimalist shop fit outs continuing, retailers are being urged to consider their security requirements before finalising their chosen design.

According to electronic security specialists ADT Security, demand for concealed EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) systems is on the rise, however the initial enquiry often follows completion of the shop fit out which can pose installation challenges.

“Off the back of the last year’s economic downturn when retailers all but abandoned investment in store aesthetics, we are now seeing an increase in enquiries for concealed EAS systems as retailers look to improve the experience they offer shoppers,” says Phil Brown, National Retail Manager, ADT Security Australia.


“A concealed Sensormatic EAS system, matched with low profile anti-theft tags and labels, enables retailers to display merchandise openly in a style which is visually appealing and in keeping with the latest trends, while still ensuring its protection against theft.


“It’s a highly attractive solution as it does away with obtrusive pedestals at a store’s entrance. However the system can’t always be completely concealed if the shop fit out has already been completed so it pays to incorporate your security requirements into the planning stage,” he says.


There are many advantages to be gained from installing a concealed system, also commonly known as a loop system, during the shop fit planning and construction stages. By discussing security requirements with designers and shopfitters in the early stages, retailers will ultimately achieve better performance from their concealed security system.


“By installing the concealed system prior to the shop fit out we are able to add components that will help maximise the retailer’s benefits from the system. For example, ADT Security can install specialised tiles in the floors and walls which maximise the height and width of the detection range. These tiles can be glued or placed in a tray prior to the initial coating of the floor. Our team then positions the cables on top of the tiles awaiting completion of the floor coverings.”


Disruption to business can also be minimised.


“While we can install a concealed system outside of normal business hours, installation during the shop fit out ensures any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.”


The biggest disadvantage to installing a concealed system post fit out is that expensive floors and walls may need to be tampered with, Brown adds.


“This could include cutting a visible line into tiles or timber surfaces. In other circumstances, where internal access to walls or vertical supports is not always possible, the ducting which holds the cables and other components of the EAS system, may need to be surface mounted as opposed to concealed.”


ADT Security currently offers two different types of concealed systems, both utilising Sensormatic acousto-magnetic technology. The first is a high performance loop system, whereby all the ancillary devices are embedded behind or inside the shop faade and beneath the floor coverings with the aid of shopfitters and joinery specialists. The second, a more traditional floor system, utilises a high powered noise cancelling receiver which sits beneath the floor covering only. The latter option is more suitable for post fit out installations.


ADT Security is the exclusive supplier of Sensormatic EAS solutions. For further information visit www.adtsecurity.com.au or phone 131 ADT (131 238).


ABOUT ADT SECURITY

With more than a century’s worth of experience and providing electronic security solutions to more than seven million residential, commercial and retail customers worldwide, ADT Security is the world’s largest electronic security company. ADT Security’s products include alarm systems and integrated security applications that link access control, CCTV, electronic article surveillance and source tagging systems. www.adtsecurity.com.au


Security Lic: VIC No. 65201491P | WA No. SA36517 | SA No. ISL152299 | NSW No. 405187443 | ACT No. 17501009 | QLD No. 3258669