Source Tagging: Protect Stock Before It Reaches the Shelf

What Source Tagging Is

Instead of staff applying security labels to each item in the store, source tagging places the label during manufacture or at the distributor's packing stage. The product arrives protected and goes straight onto the shelf.

Why It Matters

In-store tagging is slow, inconsistent and leaves a window — items sitting in receiving and the stockroom are unprotected and are a common theft point. Source tagging closes that gap and frees staff for the shop floor. For high-volume lines it is the difference between tagging being viable and not.

Making It Work in Kenya

Source tagging needs coordination between the retailer, the supplier and the EAS provider on label type, placement and deactivation compatibility. We help set up the specification, supply compatible labels to your suppliers, and verify detection and deactivation once stock starts arriving. It works best for own-brand ranges and large suppliers; a hybrid model — source tagging for high-volume lines, in-store hard tags for high-value items — is typical.