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

Test Criteria:
The RF system will be configured in a 9-point grid between 2 RF pedestals.  The walk test is performed by walking within a zone not to exceed 3 feet or 0.9 meters from the pedestal. The label is 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 90%.  The grid will show a “P” for detection and an “F” for no detection

The test grid will be considered as follows:

Grid 90%   Vertical Lateral Horizental Top P P P Middle P F P Bottom P P P

Data:
The test findings will be logged into the TAG Company database and may be accessed upon request by the submitting vendor.  An email will be sent to the supplier with the 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 the placing the label in the most noninvasive position that creates the least amount of interference by the product resulting in highest pick performance.  The optimal location would be within 7.6 cm or 3 inches of the barcode, per industry standards.

• The lab will make every effort to recommend label locations that do not require a packaging change, however this may occur do 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 90% detection rate, however a minimum of 80% 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 80%) 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 80% or above, however it should be the goal of all vendors to achieve the 90% 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 20.3 cm or 8 inches.