Purpose:
The purpose of certifying products in a lab environment is to ensure that the label performance for detection and deactivation, after application of the label to the product, meets industry standards. 

Test Criteria:
The AM system will be configured in a 9-point grid using a ginle AM transceiver pedestal.  The walk test will be performed by walking within a zone not to exceed 3 feet or 0.9 meters from the pedestal. The label will be placed on a wooden dowel and walked through the system in the lateral, vertical and horizontal positions to determine the pick performance of the label.  To pass, the label must detect at a minimum of 95%.  The grid will show a “P” for detection and an “F” for no detection

The test grid will be considered as follows:

Grid 95%   Vertical Lateral Horizental Top P P P Middle P P P Bottom P P P

Data:
The test findings are logged into the TAG Company database and are accessible upon request by the submitting vendor. An email notification provides the supplier with testing results and certification document as appropriate.

Process:
The initial process includes a QA test of the label prior to application to a product or package.  The label is tested by passing the label through the EAS system in accordance with the testing procedure to ensure proper performance of the label.

The label is then be placed on the product or packaging in the most logical location. Label location is determined by placing the label in the most noninvasive position that creates the least amount of interference by the product resulting in highest pick performance.

• The lab will make every effort to recommend label locations that do not require a packaging change however this may occur due to interference from the product itself.
• A change in graphics on the packaging may be required so as not to cover important product or warranty information while guaranteeing product performance.

Once the label location is determined, the product is tested using the test criteria as outlined above.  The optimal performance of the label should meet the 95% detection rate, however a minimum of 90% will be acceptable for products that present interference to the label.

Should there be a reduction in the pick rate or performance, the label is placed in a new location and is re-tested until the pick performance meets industry standards.  A maximum of 12 locations will be tested before considering the product test as “Failed”. 

• A “Failed” test (i.e. pick performance of less than 90%) will likely require a packaging change in order for the product to be certified as “Passed” for Source Tagging.  The Certification Centre can recommend a proper distance for locating the label from the product itself. 
• A “Passed” certification will be given providing the pick performance is 95% or above however it should be the goal of all vendors to achieve a 98% performance level.  Packaging changes should be considered for future development.

Deactivation:
The label must deactivate 100% of the time when scanned over the center of the pad at a height of 7.6 cm or 3 inches.