Advanced metal detection in retail
The challenge
Organised retail theft is a growing problem worldwide. Shoplifters use tools like magnetic detachers and booster bags lined with metallic foil to defeat traditional EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) systems. To ensure proper operation of EAS it is necessary for the staff to be alerted when shoplifting tools are brought into the store while not alarming on common in-store objects like trolleys.
The solution
Eplusplus worked with AlertSystems to develop Hyperguard and Apparelguard, a detection platform that uses advanced digital signal processing to identify specific metallic and magnetic signatures associated with theft tools. Rather than simply detecting the presence of metal, the system analyses the characteristics of the signal to classify what is passing through the gate.
The result is a system that can reliably detect booster bags and detachers while ignoring everyday objects — dramatically reducing false alarm rates and giving store staff actionable alerts they can trust.
Key aspects
- Patented DSP algorithms for real-time signature classification
- Embedded Linux platform running on purpose-built hardware
- Low false-alarm rate — distinguishes threat metals from everyday items
- Deployed across retail environments internationally