Our FAQ's
What is a pedestal security system?
A pedestal security system is the pair of antennas installed at a store's exits that detect an active security tag as a customer walks through, triggering an audible and visual alarm if an item hasn't been deactivated or removed at the till. Tagmax's pedestal range includes the Optimum AM, Wide Exit AM and X-Clear systems, each suited to different store layouts and footfall levels, giving you a visible deterrent at every exit without disrupting the customer experience.
What are the advantages of using a pedestal security system?
Beyond deterring shoplifting, a well-specified pedestal system gives staff an immediate alert the moment a tagged item passes the exit, cuts stock loss without slowing down paying customers, and works around the clock without ongoing staff input. Because Tagmax pedestals are engineered for high detection with low false alarms, you get the deterrent effect without the customer friction and staff fatigue that noisy, over-triggering gates cause.
How do pedestal security systems enhance overall security?
Pedestals are most effective as part of a layered approach, paired with source tagging at the point of receipt, CCTV coverage of the shop floor, and trained staff response to alarms. Tagmax designs each installation around your store's specific exit points, stock mix and footfall, and our engineers handle positioning and calibration so detection stays consistent across the full width of the exit.
What are the benefits of underfloor security systems?
Underfloor systems give you the same detection coverage as a pedestal gate with none of the visible hardware, the antenna sits beneath the floor, so there's nothing at your entrance to clash with shopfitting, signage or accessibility requirements. That makes them a strong option for premium and luxury retail environments where customer experience and store aesthetic matter as much as loss prevention.
How does an underfloor security system work?
Tagmax underfloor systems use a detection loop set into the floor - depending on the site, this can be built around pressure sensors, motion detectors or fibre-optic cable, that reads active tags as customers pass over it, triggering an alarm at a discreet, wall or till-mounted unit rather than a visible pedestal. Our engineers assess subfloor access and store layout before recommending which detection method suits the installation.
How reliable are underfloor security systems?
Underfloor systems are built for continuous use, and, like any embedded security hardware, reliability comes down to correct installation and upkeep. That's why Tagmax fits and calibrates every underfloor system to the specific floor build-up and traffic pattern of the store, and offers ongoing maintenance to keep detection performance consistent over time.
What is a Concealed Door Security System?
A concealed door (digital loop) security system builds the detection antenna into the door frame itself, so entrances stay completely clear of visible pedestals while still detecting active security tags. It's a common choice for stores with narrow or architecturally sensitive entrances, where a free-standing gate isn't practical.
How effective are concealed door security systems?
Because the detection loop runs around the full frame, concealed door systems cover the entire width and height of the entrance, closing off gaps that can sometimes exist around freestanding pedestals. Tagmax calibrates each installation to the specific door and frame material to keep detection consistent without false alarms from nearby metal fixtures.
Can concealed door security systems be retrofitted into existing doors?
Yes, Tagmax regularly retrofits digital loop systems into existing door frames as well as specifying them for new fit-outs. Our engineers survey the door and frame construction first to confirm the loop can be fitted without compromising fire doors or listed features.
What are the benefits of using retail security tags?
Source tagging, applying a security tag to stock as soon as it's received, rather than only once it reaches the shop floor — closes the gap where most stockroom and shop-floor theft happens, and works alongside your pedestal, underfloor or concealed door system without adding a step at the till beyond deactivation. It's also one of the lowest-cost ways to extend coverage across your full product range.
How do retail security tags work?
Each tag contains a small resonator tuned to the same frequency as your detection system, Tagmax tags are matched to AM technology. Walking an active tag through a pedestal, underfloor loop or concealed door system triggers the alarm, and the tag is deactivated or removed by staff at the point of sale so it no longer sets off detection.
How do clothing security tags work?
Clothing tags use a pin-and-pad mechanism that clamps through the fabric and locks in place, so the tag can only be removed with a matching detacher at the till. This protects garments on the rail without the adhesive or hole-punch damage a label-based tag can leave, and Tagmax supplies both standard and ink/dye variants depending on the level of deterrence you need.
What are the benefits of using CCTV systems?
CCTV systems offer several benefits, including:
- Crime prevention and deterrence
- Surveillance and monitoring
- Evidence collection
- Employee and public safety
- Remote access and management
- Operational monitoring
How do I choose the right CCTV system for my needs?
Choosing the right CCTV system involves considering several factors:
- Purpose: Determine the specific objectives and requirements for the CCTV system, such as the area to be monitored, the level of detail required, and the desired functionality (e.g., facial recognition, license plate recognition).
- Camera types
- Resolution
- Storage capacity
- Scalability: Consider whether the system should be expandable in the future to accommodate additional cameras or features.
- Integration: Determine if you need to integrate the CCTV system with other security or building management systems.
- Budget
Are there any legal considerations when installing retail CCTV security systems?
Yes, there are legal considerations when installing retail CCTV security systems. It is essential to comply with privacy laws and regulations to protect the rights of employees and customers. Some key points to consider include:
- Disclosure
- Privacy protection
- Retention and access
- Data security
- Consultation with legal professionals
What is in-store analytics?
In-store analytics uses your existing camera or sensor infrastructure to count footfall, measure dwell time and track movement patterns through the store, turning security hardware you already have into a source of retail performance data rather than loss prevention alone.
Why is in-store analytics important for retailers?
Footfall and conversion data lets you see which areas of the store customers actually engage with, measure whether a layout or promotion change increased visits, and plan staffing around real traffic patterns instead of guesswork. Tagmax's analytics tools are designed to sit on top of your security system rather than requiring separate hardware.
What types of data are typically collected in in-store analytics?
Typically footfall counts (people in and out), dwell time in specific zones, and peak trading periods, all captured anonymously at an aggregate level rather than identifying individual shoppers, so it can inform staffing and merchandising decisions without raising the privacy concerns that facial recognition or tracking-based systems can.
What is a discreet retail security system?
It’s a hidden or low-visibility anti-theft solution designed to protect your products while preserving a calm and welcoming shopping environment — ideal for stores where presentation and atmosphere are key.
How does Tagmax’s Floor Mat System work?
Installed beneath your flooring or floor covering, our Floor Mat System operates silently and invisibly, detecting security tags as customers pass over it — all without any visible equipment.
Can Tagmax’s systems match my store’s interior design?
Absolutely. Our Digital Loop Systems can be colour-matched to your doorframes or fittings, ensuring a near-invisible installation that blends seamlessly with your interior design