Walmart title tags for workers: They’re small, rectangular, and seemingly easy, however these little badges are a portal to a world of customer support, worker identification, and, imagine it or not, a bit of little bit of firm tradition. Give it some thought – that tiny piece of plastic or metallic is the primary level of contact for numerous interactions, a silent ambassador for the retail big.
From the acquainted blue and white to specialised tags for various departments, these title tags aren’t only for present; they seem to be a basic a part of the Walmart expertise. Let’s embark on a journey, we could? We’ll delve into the nitty-gritty, from the supplies they’re manufactured from to the insurance policies that govern their use, uncovering the fascinating story behind these on a regular basis equipment.
We’ll discover the fundamentals, like the usual design and the all-important objective they serve, after which enterprise into the variations, the specialised roles, and even methods to snag a alternative if yours goes lacking. We’ll peek on the authorized necessities and the suitable customizations, after which we are going to uncover how these tags work together with the expertise. Ever puzzled how your title tag helps with loss prevention or worker identification?
We’ll unveil these secrets and techniques too! We may even hear from the individuals who put on them, and listen to the professionals and cons from them.
Identify Tag Variations at Walmart

Navigating the bustling aisles of Walmart usually includes interacting with quite a few associates. One key aspect of this interplay is the title tag, a small however vital element that facilitates identification and fosters a way of approachability. These seemingly easy items of plastic or metallic are extra numerous than one would possibly initially understand, reflecting the various roles and tasks throughout the firm.
Totally different Sorts of Walmart Worker Identify Tags
Walmart’s title tags aren’t a one-size-fits-all affair. They arrive in a number of variations, every designed to establish the worker’s position and, in some instances, tenure. Understanding these variations helps buyers and fellow staff alike.
- Customary Identify Tag: That is the most typical sort, worn by the vast majority of associates. It sometimes shows the worker’s title and the Walmart brand. It is the baseline identification for anybody engaged on the gross sales ground, within the backroom, or in customer support.
- Specialised Position Identify Tags: Sure positions warrant particular title tags to obviously point out their tasks. For instance, a “Pharmacy Technician” or “Asset Safety” title tag instantly communicates the worker’s experience or space of focus.
- Administration Identify Tags: Managers and supervisors usually have distinct title tags, maybe that includes a special colour scheme, a title (e.g., “Division Supervisor”), or a bigger font measurement for simpler identification. This makes it easy for patrons to find somebody with authority.
- Tenure-Based mostly Identify Tags: Some Walmart shops could acknowledge worker longevity with title tags that embrace a particular designation, comparable to “Years of Service” or a particular image to indicate years of employment. This follow is a nod to worker loyalty and expertise.
Identify Tags for Particular Departments or Roles inside Walmart
The aim of department-specific title tags is to supply rapid details about an affiliate’s space of experience. This helps clients rapidly discover the fitting individual for help, saving time and bettering the general procuring expertise.
- Pharmacy: Pharmacy employees, together with pharmacists and technicians, may have title tags that clearly point out their roles. That is essential for regulatory compliance and helps sufferers simply establish healthcare professionals.
- Imaginative and prescient Middle: Associates within the Imaginative and prescient Middle will show title tags that replicate their place, comparable to “Optician” or “Imaginative and prescient Middle Affiliate.” This helps clients differentiate between the varied specialists within the division.
- Asset Safety: Loss prevention associates sometimes have title tags that establish their division. These tags could embrace the title “Asset Safety” or “AP Specialist,” serving to to discourage theft and preserve retailer safety.
- Administration: Managers at varied ranges (e.g., Division Managers, Co-Managers, Retailer Managers) are sometimes recognized by title tags that embrace their titles. This makes it simpler for patrons and different associates to find somebody with the authority to resolve points or present steering.
- Buyer Service: Associates in customer support will put on title tags figuring out their position. This helps clients to search out assist with returns, exchanges, and different service-related wants.
Course of for Acquiring a Substitute Identify Tag at Walmart
Shedding or damaging a reputation tag is a standard prevalence. Walmart has a simple course of in place for acquiring a alternative, making certain that every one associates can preserve their skilled look and adjust to firm coverage.
- Reporting the Loss or Harm: Step one is to tell the suitable supervisor or supervisor. This enables them to doc the incident and provoke the alternative course of.
- Requesting a Substitute: The worker will then request a alternative title tag from their supervisor or a delegated division (usually Human Assets or a particular administrative space).
- Offering Data: The worker may have to supply their title, worker ID, and probably their division or job title to make sure the brand new title tag is correct.
- Receiving the Substitute: As soon as the request is processed, the worker will obtain a brand new title tag. The timeframe for this may range relying on the shop’s procedures and the provision of alternative title tags.
- Price: Usually, the preliminary title tag is supplied for free of charge to the worker. Substitute tags might also be supplied for free of charge, or there could be a nominal payment, relying on the circumstances of the loss or harm and the shop’s coverage.
Walmart Identify Tag Kinds
This desk illustrates among the frequent title tag kinds you would possibly encounter at Walmart, highlighting their key options and objective.
| Identify Tag Model | Description | Instance | Main Operate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customary Identify Tag | Usually rectangular, that includes the worker’s title and the Walmart brand. Typically manufactured from plastic. | [Image: A simple, rectangular name tag with the employee’s name and the Walmart logo.] | Primary identification for all associates. |
| Administration Identify Tag | Could function a special colour scheme, a title (e.g., “Division Supervisor”), and a bigger font measurement. Typically manufactured from metallic or higher-quality plastic. | [Image: A name tag with a different color background, the employee’s name, and the title “Department Manager”.] | Fast identification of administration personnel. |
| Specialised Position Identify Tag | Identifies the worker’s particular position, comparable to “Pharmacy Technician” or “Asset Safety.” Typically contains department-specific branding. | [Image: A name tag with the employee’s name and the title “Pharmacy Technician,” including a small pharmacy logo.] | Gives rapid details about an affiliate’s space of experience. |
| Tenure-Based mostly Identify Tag | Could embrace a logo or designation indicating years of service. Will be the usual title tag with an added emblem or element. | [Image: A standard name tag with the employee’s name and the Walmart logo, with a small star or emblem indicating years of service.] | Acknowledges worker loyalty and expertise. |
Identify Tag Customization & Laws: Walmart Identify Tags For Staff

Navigating the world of Walmart title tags requires understanding each the authorized requirements and the permissible private touches. This part will break down the important elements, acceptable customizations, and the dos and don’ts of representing your self on the gross sales ground. Compliance with these tips ensures readability, professionalism, and adherence to Walmart’s insurance policies.
Legally Required Data, Walmart title tags for workers
Walmart title tags, like these in lots of customer-facing companies, are topic to sure authorized necessities. This ensures transparency and permits clients to simply establish staff.The next info is mostly required on a Walmart title tag:
- The worker’s first title.
- The Walmart brand.
- The shop location or identification quantity.
Acceptable Customizations
Whereas particular rules could range by location and time, Walmart sometimes permits for restricted personalization to foster a way of particular person expression. These customizations should adhere to Walmart’s requirements of professionalism and appropriateness.Listed here are some examples of what is usually permitted:
- Nickname: Staff could use a nickname, so long as it isn’t offensive or deceptive and is authorized by administration.
- Small, authorized pins or badges: These can be utilized to point years of service, particular coaching certifications (e.g., CPR), or participation in firm initiatives.
- A barely completely different font or font measurement (inside motive) for the worker’s title.
Personalization Course of (if relevant)
The strategy for personalizing title tags, if out there, usually is dependent upon the shop’s techniques and native administration practices. In some instances, the method is streamlined and built-in into the worker onboarding process.The next is a normal Artikel of the personalization course of:
- Throughout onboarding, new staff sometimes obtain their normal title tag.
- If allowed, they could be given the chance to request a nickname or point out different preferences.
- These requests are then submitted to the shop’s administration for overview and approval.
- As soon as authorized, the title tag is both produced in-house or ordered from a third-party vendor.
- The worker receives their customized title tag and begins sporting it throughout their shifts.
In different cases, staff would possibly be capable of buy further title tags with particular customizations (comparable to a most well-liked nickname) by means of the corporate’s worker retailer or a delegated vendor, topic to approval.
Unacceptable Identify Tag Content material
Sure content material is strictly prohibited on Walmart title tags to take care of knowledgeable atmosphere and keep away from potential authorized points. These restrictions are in place to guard each the corporate and its staff.The next examples of unacceptable content material are supplied:
- Offensive language or profanity.
- Political statements or endorsements.
- Private contact info (telephone numbers, social media handles).
- Promotional content material for outdoor companies.
- Hate speech or discriminatory language.
- Any content material that violates Walmart’s Code of Conduct.
As an example, a reputation tag displaying the phrase “Proud Republican” or a web site deal with selling a private enterprise can be in direct violation of firm coverage. Equally, a reputation tag utilizing a racial slur would end in rapid disciplinary motion.
Walmart Identify Tag Insurance policies and Procedures
At Walmart, title tags are extra than simply identifiers; they’re a logo of our dedication to customer support and a mirrored image of our workforce’s professionalism. Adherence to call tag insurance policies is crucial for sustaining a constant and welcoming atmosphere for each associates and clients. Understanding and following these tips is essential for all Walmart staff.
Walmart Coverage Concerning Identify Tag Put on and Show
The title tag coverage at Walmart is simple, but basic to our each day operations. It ensures that clients can simply establish and work together with associates, fostering a optimistic procuring expertise.The core of the coverage might be summarized as follows:
- Visibility: Identify tags should be worn visibly always whereas on obligation. This implies the tag ought to be positioned on the higher torso, sometimes on the left aspect of the chest.
- Content material: Identify tags should show the affiliate’s first title and, if relevant, their job title.
- Situation: Identify tags should be clear, legible, and free from any harm that would obscure the data.
- Equipment: Whereas the title tag itself is normal, any attachments or modifications that detract from its readability or professionalism are typically prohibited.
This coverage is designed to advertise transparency and ease of interplay inside our shops. It helps clients rapidly establish associates for help and builds belief within the Walmart model.
Disciplinary Actions for Non-Compliance with Identify Tag Insurance policies
Sustaining constant requirements is vital to the integrity of our operations. When associates fail to stick to the title tag coverage, acceptable disciplinary actions are taken to make sure compliance and preserve knowledgeable atmosphere.The disciplinary course of sometimes follows these steps:
- Verbal Warning: The primary occasion of non-compliance normally ends in a verbal warning from a supervisor or supervisor. This serves as a reminder of the coverage and the significance of adherence.
- Written Warning: Subsequent cases of non-compliance could result in a written warning, documented within the affiliate’s personnel file.
- Additional Disciplinary Motion: Repeated violations, or significantly egregious failures to conform, could end in extra critical disciplinary actions, as much as and together with suspension or termination of employment.
These measures are in place to make sure that all associates perceive and adjust to the title tag coverage, which is crucial for offering a constant and optimistic expertise for each clients and fellow associates.
Procedures for Reporting a Misplaced or Stolen Identify Tag
Shedding a reputation tag can occur, nevertheless it’s vital to report it promptly to take care of safety and stop misuse. This is the process for reporting a misplaced or stolen title tag.
- Report back to Administration: Instantly notify your supervisor or the shop’s administration workforce. That is the primary and most important step.
- Present Particulars: When reporting the loss or theft, present as a lot element as potential, together with the date, time, and site the place the title tag was final seen.
- Receive a Substitute: Your supervisor will provoke the method of acquiring a alternative title tag. This normally includes finishing a kind and offering the mandatory info.
- Safety Measures: In instances of suspected theft, the shop could take further safety measures, comparable to reviewing safety footage.
Reporting a misplaced or stolen title tag promptly helps to stop potential safety breaches and ensures that you would be able to proceed to serve clients successfully.
Procedures for Updating Identify Tag Data
Life at Walmart is dynamic, and adjustments in your position or private info require corresponding updates to your title tag. This ensures that your title tag precisely displays your present standing.This is methods to replace your title tag info:
- Identify Adjustments: In case your title adjustments (e.g., as a result of marriage or authorized title change), present the mandatory documentation (comparable to a wedding certificates or authorized documentation) to your HR division or retailer administration.
- Position Adjustments: When you find yourself promoted, transferred to a brand new division, or your job title adjustments, inform your supervisor. They are going to provoke the method of ordering a brand new title tag with the up to date title.
- Data Verification: All the time double-check the data in your new title tag to make sure it’s correct.
Updating your title tag info ensures accuracy and professionalism. Retaining your title tag up-to-date helps clients establish you accurately and displays your present position throughout the firm.
Identify Tag Know-how and Options
Walmart title tags are greater than only a easy piece of plastic; they’re evolving items of expertise that play an important position in varied facets of retailer operations, from worker identification to safety protocols. They’re designed to streamline processes and improve the general effectivity and safety of the retail atmosphere.
Built-in Technological Options
Walmart title tags incorporate varied technological options to enhance performance and safety.
- RFID Know-how: Some Walmart title tags make the most of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) expertise. These tags include a small chip and antenna that transmit information wirelessly to a reader. This expertise permits a number of capabilities.
- Clocking In/Out: RFID-enabled title tags can be utilized for clocking out and in of shifts. Staff merely faucet or wave their title tag close to a delegated reader, which robotically data their time. This streamlines the timekeeping course of and reduces the necessity for guide information entry.
- Entry Management: RFID expertise may also be used to regulate entry to restricted areas throughout the retailer, such because the backroom, stockrooms, or worker break rooms. This helps to boost safety and stop unauthorized entry.
- Stock Administration: In some instances, RFID expertise is used along with stock administration techniques. Identify tags might be linked to worker profiles, and their actions might be tracked throughout the retailer to assist with stock monitoring and loss prevention.
Worker Identification Techniques Integration
Identify tags are seamlessly built-in with Walmart’s worker identification techniques, offering a unified and environment friendly option to handle worker info and entry.
The title tag acts as a key aspect inside these techniques.
- Worker Verification: The title tag serves as the first technique of figuring out staff. It shows the worker’s title and, in some instances, their job title. This info is definitely seen to clients and different staff, fostering a way of accountability and professionalism.
- System Synchronization: Worker information, together with title, worker ID, and job title, is synchronized throughout varied techniques, together with point-of-sale (POS) techniques, timekeeping techniques, and safety techniques. This ensures that the data displayed on the title tag is at all times up-to-date and correct.
- Information Linking: The worker ID related to the title tag is linked to different worker information inside Walmart’s techniques, comparable to efficiency opinions, coaching data, and payroll info. This enables for simple entry to related worker info when wanted.
Loss Prevention and Safety Measures
Identify tags contribute considerably to Walmart’s loss prevention and safety measures.
They act as a visible deterrent and support in figuring out staff for safety functions.
- Enhanced Visibility: The title tag offers rapid visible identification of staff, making it simpler for safety personnel to establish approved personnel and stop unauthorized entry or actions.
- Entry Management: As talked about earlier, RFID-enabled title tags can management entry to restricted areas, limiting entry to approved personnel solely. This helps to stop theft and defend delicate info.
- Worker Accountability: The presence of title tags promotes worker accountability. Staff are extra possible to pay attention to their actions when they’re simply identifiable, decreasing the chance of inner theft or different dishonest habits.
- Surveillance Techniques Integration: Identify tags can be utilized along with surveillance techniques, comparable to CCTV cameras. By figuring out staff on digicam, safety personnel can rapidly monitor their actions and establish any suspicious habits.
Clocking In/Out Illustration
Image this: It is 6:58 AM, and the automated doorways of a bustling Walmart swing open, ushering within the early morning rush. Inside, the fluorescent lights hum, illuminating the extensive aisles and cabinets stocked with merchandise.
Let’s concentrate on an worker, Maria, who’s about to start out her shift. She approaches a glossy, wall-mounted clock-in station, a tool that appears like a contemporary pill with a small, built-in RFID reader.
Maria’s title tag, a regular Walmart worker badge together with her title and job title clearly printed on it, is clipped to her shirt. She holds the title tag close to the reader. A refined inexperienced gentle flashes on the gadget, accompanied by a tender beep, confirming that her time has been recorded. On the display, her title and the time are displayed, together with a pleasant “Welcome, Maria!” message.
The whole course of takes lower than a second.
The clock-in station is situated close to the worker entrance, a heavy-traffic space with a transparent view of the shop’s entrance. The realm is well-lit, with safety cameras positioned to observe the comings and goings of staff. Different staff are doing the identical, some chatting quietly whereas they wait their flip. The background noise contains the refined hum of the HVAC system, the distant sounds of stocking cabinets, and the occasional announcement over the shop’s intercom system.
The ground is clear and well-maintained, reflecting the brilliant overhead lights.
This streamlined course of is a transparent instance of how Walmart makes use of expertise to enhance effectivity and preserve correct timekeeping data. It additionally offers a visible cue for safety personnel and different staff, confirming that the individual clocking in is a sound worker.
Worker Experiences with Identify Tags
Navigating the retail panorama, Walmart staff encounter a spectrum of experiences tied to their title tags. These small, but vital, identifiers play a pivotal position in shaping each their each day work lives and their interactions with clients. The next sections delve into the frequent challenges, buyer impacts, and particular incidents that underscore the significance of title tags within the Walmart atmosphere.
Widespread Worker Complaints and Points
Staff usually voice issues concerning their title tags. These vary from sensible inconveniences to extra vital points affecting their consolation and sense of safety. The fixed put on and tear can result in dissatisfaction.Widespread complaints embrace:
- Sturdiness and High quality: Many staff discover that the standard-issue title tags are inclined to break, comparable to scratches, fading, or detachment from clothes. This could result in frequent replacements, which could be a trouble.
- Attachment Strategies: The pins used to connect title tags might be problematic. They might snag on clothes, inflicting harm, or pose a security threat in the event that they detach and fall. Magnetic attachments, whereas an enchancment, can generally be too weak or intervene with digital units.
- Visibility and Readability: Identify tags might be troublesome to learn in sure lighting circumstances, significantly in dimly lit areas of the shop. The font measurement or design might also make the title laborious to decipher, resulting in buyer frustration.
- Personalization and Professionalism: Some staff want to have the flexibility to personalize their title tags. The inflexible nature of the usual tags could not permit for the expression of individuality, impacting worker morale.
- Consolation and Match: The dimensions and form of the title tag can generally be uncomfortable, particularly for workers who work in bodily demanding roles or who put on uniforms that limit motion.
Affect on Buyer Interactions
Identify tags have a direct affect on how clients understand and work together with Walmart staff. The presence or absence of a visual title tag can dramatically alter the dynamics of those interactions. The position of the title tag is a software for fostering optimistic connections and offering a way of accountability.This is how title tags form buyer interactions:
- Constructive Impacts:
- Constructing Belief and Rapport: A clearly seen title tag fosters a way of approachability and professionalism. Prospects usually tend to really feel comfy asking for help once they can deal with an worker by title.
- Personalised Service: Utilizing an worker’s title creates a extra customized procuring expertise. This could result in elevated buyer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Accountability: The title tag holds staff accountable for his or her actions and interactions. Prospects usually tend to report points or present suggestions once they know the worker’s title.
- Unfavorable Impacts:
- Privateness Issues: Some staff really feel their title tags make them susceptible to undesirable consideration or harassment.
- Misuse of Names: In uncommon instances, clients could use an worker’s title to make inappropriate feedback or interact in unfavourable behaviors.
- Problem Figuring out Staff: If title tags usually are not clearly seen or simply readable, clients could change into annoyed when making an attempt to hunt help or present suggestions.
Experiences with Stolen or Misused Identify Tags
The theft or misuse of title tags, whereas not commonplace, poses a critical safety threat and may have vital penalties for each the worker and the corporate. These incidents spotlight the significance of correct safety protocols and worker consciousness.Situations of stolen or misused title tags embrace:
- Theft for Impersonation: A reputation tag might be stolen and utilized by somebody trying to impersonate an worker, probably gaining unauthorized entry to restricted areas or participating in fraudulent actions.
- Harassment and Stalking: A reputation tag might be used to establish and harass an worker outdoors of the office, resulting in critical security issues.
- Information Breaches: Whereas much less frequent, the title on a reputation tag, mixed with different info, might be utilized in phishing assaults or different information breaches.
- Misuse for Fraud: In some instances, a stolen title tag might be used to achieve entry to reductions, advantages, or different privileges supposed for Walmart staff.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Identify Tags in a Retail Setting (Walmart)
The usage of title tags in a retail setting like Walmart presents a trade-off between the advantages of identification and accountability and the potential drawbacks associated to privateness and safety. Cautious consideration of those facets is crucial for making a optimistic and protected work atmosphere.Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and downsides:
- Benefits:
- Enhanced Buyer Service: Identify tags allow clients to deal with staff by title, fostering a extra customized and optimistic procuring expertise.
- Improved Accountability: Staff are held accountable for his or her actions, encouraging professionalism and a better normal of service.
- Elevated Safety: Identify tags assist establish approved personnel, contributing to a safer work atmosphere and probably deterring theft or different illicit actions.
- Group Cohesion: Identify tags assist to foster a way of group amongst staff, significantly in a big retailer like Walmart.
- Model Consistency: Uniform title tags contribute to a constant model picture {and professional} look.
- Disadvantages:
- Privateness Issues: Staff’ names are publicly displayed, probably exposing them to undesirable consideration or harassment.
- Safety Dangers: Identify tags might be stolen or misused, probably resulting in unauthorized entry, impersonation, or different safety breaches.
- Potential for Discrimination: Identify tags could make it simpler for patrons to make judgments primarily based on an worker’s title or different private info.
- Upkeep and Substitute Prices: Identify tags require common upkeep and alternative, which might add to operational prices.
- Attachment Points: Pins or magnetic attachments might be inconvenient, uncomfortable, or probably hazardous.
Identify Tag Design and Branding
Walmart title tags are greater than only a piece of plastic; they seem to be a visible illustration of the corporate’s identification and an important aspect in fostering a welcoming atmosphere for patrons. The design and branding of those title tags play a major position in how staff are perceived and the way they work together with buyers, in the end impacting the general buyer expertise.
Incorporating Walmart’s Branding Components
The title tag design seamlessly integrates Walmart’s core branding parts. These parts work collectively to create on the spot model recognition.
- The Walmart Spark: The enduring yellow spark, a logo of innovation and vitality, is prominently featured. It’s usually positioned on the high or backside of the title tag, offering a constant visible cue.
- Coloration Palette: The title tag makes use of Walmart’s signature colour palette, primarily incorporating blue, white, and yellow. The background is often a clear, crisp white, with blue used for the Walmart brand and worker title. Yellow is used strategically, usually for the spark or to focus on the worker’s position.
- Font: The font selection is normally clear, simple to learn, and in step with Walmart’s branding tips. The font model conveys a way of approachability and professionalism.
- Emblem Placement: The Walmart brand is at all times current, making certain model recognition. Its placement is strategic, usually on the high or backside of the title tag, and is constant throughout all retailer places.
Reflecting Walmart’s Firm Tradition
The title tag design is a refined but highly effective reflection of Walmart’s firm tradition, which emphasizes customer support, teamwork, and group involvement. The design contributes to a welcoming and approachable ambiance.
- Emphasis on Approachability: The title tag’s design prioritizes readability and readability. This makes it simple for patrons to establish staff and deal with them by title, fostering a way of connection and approachability.
- Selling Teamwork: The constant design throughout all staff, no matter their position, reinforces the concept of a unified workforce working in the direction of a standard purpose.
- Group Focus: Some title tags would possibly embrace area for workers to checklist their hometown or a enjoyable reality, which helps to humanize the worker and permits for the chance to construct rapport with clients on a private degree.
- Inclusivity: The design is easy and easy, making certain it’s inclusive and straightforward to know for all staff and clients.
Evolution of Identify Tag Design at Walmart
Walmart’s title tag design has developed over time, reflecting adjustments in branding, expertise, and worker wants. The evolution exhibits how Walmart adapts to enhance customer support and model identification.
- Early Days: Initially, title tags have been easier, usually that includes simply the worker’s title and position. The emblem may need been a primary illustration of the Walmart model.
- Introduction of the Spark: The incorporation of the yellow spark was a major design change, visually reinforcing the corporate’s model identification and including a recognizable aspect.
- Digitalization and Customization: Trendy title tags could incorporate digital parts, comparable to QR codes, or provide extra customization choices, comparable to the flexibility so as to add a most well-liked title or a small badge to signify a particular ability.
- Emphasis on Sustainability: Walmart has explored using extra sustainable supplies in title tag manufacturing, reflecting its dedication to environmental duty.
“My title tag is like my handshake. It is the very first thing a buyer sees, and it units the tone for the entire interplay. After they see my title, it makes the expertise extra private, and it is simpler to construct a reference to them. It’s about extra than simply identification; it’s about making individuals really feel seen and valued.” – Maria S., Walmart Affiliate, Texas