1. A method of monitoring electronic tag operation comprising the steps of passing an item through a read volume; identifying the item by reading a label on the item with a data reader and thereby obtaining identification data; determining whether the item includes an EAS tag by attempting to sense an EAS tag using an EAS sense and deactivation system; if an EAS tag has been sensed, (a) attempting to deactivate the EAS tag and (b) validating whether the EAS tag has been deactivated by attempting to re-sense the EAS tag after attempting to deactivate; if the EAS tag has been re-sensed, repeating steps (a) and (b) for up to a given period or a given number of cycles; assembling data of operation of the EAS system pertaining to sensing and attempting to deactivate the EAS tag, the operation data including the number of deactivation attempts; correlating the EAS system operation data, including the number of deactivation attempts, to the item identified.