Bug Tag 2- 4 WC blog 296
i-pad Theft-3
Classic N10 -4
Home Medical Supply Stores Can Improve Service With i-pads And Tablets; Alpha Bug Tag 2 Provides Theft Protection For The Devices And Client Information
While I have no experience working in home medical supplier retail, I do have recent experiences in which I had to make some purchases from one home medical supply company. Not only did I have to provide personal information on the patient I was caring for and her medical information, I had to provide some of my own information. I noticed that the information was stored in a desktop computer along with old fashioned papers I had to fill out. One employee took care of paperwork, another employee seemed to be in charge of the inventory and inventory control process. I had three thoughts come to my mind while I waded through these transactions. First, why am I standing at a desk speaking to an office worker who is sitting at a computer workstation? Second, why am I filling out paper forms which could be lost, misplaced or even stolen? Third, inventory control would be so much easier for the inventory manager who appeared to be looking around trying to locate products? The entire process could have been more efficient if the business used i-pads or computer tablets to store client information, electronic forms and track inventory management. If they were to use tablets or i-pads, since these businesses are responsible for patient health information, it is important that client information is protected on mobile medical devices. The use of the Alpha Bug Tag 2 and Classic N10 electronic article surveillance antennas would be able to protect against tablet or i-pad theft.
What can the Alpha Bug Tag 2 do that would allow it to protect mobile medical devices? The tag has an adhesive back that allows it to be attached directly to the device. They have tapered sides to make tampering difficult for a would-be thief. For additional protection, the tag has a tamper alarm that activates if an attempt is made to pull it off. The anti-theft devices also have coils built in that send out radio frequency signals that can be picked up by electronic article surveillance antennas, like the Checkpoint Classic N10. If a signal is detected the antennas activate a loud warning alert and LED lights in the antenna flash. This alerts staff that someone is carrying a protected item out the door and employees can recover the property, preventing an i-pad theft. Patient and client information is thus protected from potential compromise by someone who would try to sell that information on the black market.
Home medical equipment sales are a growing segment of the healthcare market. According to a report on PR Newswire, “Global Home Medical Equipment Market Outlook: 2016-2022”, Oct. 18, 2016, “Increase in ageing population, growing incidence of chronic diseases, and rising healthcare expenditure are some of the key factors driving the growth of global home medical equipment market.” http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-home-medical-equipment-market-outlook-2016-2022-300347225.html
With the growth of these businesses, it is important to stay up to date with cutting edge technology to streamline processes and make tasks more efficient. The more companies that are out there, the more there will be fights for those medical supply dollars.
Finding ways to be faster and smarter requires innovation and bringing new technology into your business. The key is to bring in new technology without compromising patient data which can lead to significant fines from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Alpha Bug Tag 2 is your answer to the problem. The Classic N10 provides the other half of the solution when it is placed at building entrances and exits. This antenna has a small footprint, taking up little room in a doorway unlike most of the traditional EAS antennas. Despite this slimmer design, they pack a powerful punch with a detection field on par with larger models and an audible alarm that can’t be missed, by the criminal OR the staff.
I’m no expert in home medical supply sales, but I do know retail and theft prevention and I know how technology can improve efficiency and profitability. Upgrade to computer tablets and i-pads to enjoy the benefit of portable information at your fingertips. Use the Alpha Bug Tag 2 and Classic N10 antenna to prevent i-pad theft and the risk of client/patient information compromise.
Need information on Alpha Bug Tag 2? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
While I have no experience working in home medical supplier retail, I do have recent experiences in which I had to make some purchases from one home medical supply company. Not only did I have to provide personal information on the patient I was caring for and her medical information, I had to provide some of my own information. I noticed that the information was stored in a desktop computer along with old fashioned papers I had to fill out. One employee took care of paperwork, another employee seemed to be in charge of the inventory and inventory control process. I had three thoughts come to my mind while I waded through these transactions. First, why am I standing at a desk speaking to an office worker who is sitting at a computer workstation? Second, why am I filling out paper forms which could be lost, misplaced or even stolen? Third, inventory control would be so much easier for the inventory manager who appeared to be looking around trying to locate products? The entire process could have been more efficient if the business used i-pads or computer tablets to store client information, electronic forms and track inventory management. If they were to use tablets or i-pads, since these businesses are responsible for patient health information, it is important that client information is protected on mobile medical devices. The use of the Alpha Bug Tag 2 and Classic N10 electronic article surveillance antennas would be able to protect against tablet or i-pad theft.
What can the Alpha Bug Tag 2 do that would allow it to protect mobile medical devices? The tag has an adhesive back that allows it to be attached directly to the device. They have tapered sides to make tampering difficult for a would-be thief. For additional protection, the tag has a tamper alarm that activates if an attempt is made to pull it off. The anti-theft devices also have coils built in that send out radio frequency signals that can be picked up by electronic article surveillance antennas, like the Checkpoint Classic N10. If a signal is detected the antennas activate a loud warning alert and LED lights in the antenna flash. This alerts staff that someone is carrying a protected item out the door and employees can recover the property, preventing an i-pad theft. Patient and client information is thus protected from potential compromise by someone who would try to sell that information on the black market.
Home medical equipment sales are a growing segment of the healthcare market. According to a report on PR Newswire, “Global Home Medical Equipment Market Outlook: 2016-2022”, Oct. 18, 2016, “Increase in ageing population, growing incidence of chronic diseases, and rising healthcare expenditure are some of the key factors driving the growth of global home medical equipment market.” http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-home-medical-equipment-market-outlook-2016-2022-300347225.html With the growth of these businesses, it is important to stay up to date with cutting edge technology to streamline processes and make tasks more efficient. The more companies that are out there, the more there will be fights for those medical supply dollars.
Finding ways to be faster and smarter requires innovation and bringing new technology into your business. The key is to bring in new technology without compromising patient data which can lead to significant fines from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Alpha Bug Tag 2 is your answer to the problem. The Classic N10 provides the other half of the solution when it is placed at building entrances and exits. This antenna has a small footprint, taking up little room in a doorway unlike most of the traditional EAS antennas. Despite this slimmer design, they pack a powerful punch with a detection field on par with larger models and an audible alarm that can’t be missed, by the criminal OR the staff.
I’m no expert in home medical supply sales, but I do know retail and theft prevention and I know how technology can improve efficiency and profitability. Upgrade to computer tablets and i-pads to enjoy the benefit of portable information at your fingertips. Use the Alpha Bug Tag 2 and Classic N10 antenna to prevent i-pad theft and the risk of client/patient information compromise.
Need information on Alpha Bug Tag 2? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
AA Blog 49
Alpha cable locks: 5
Prevent shoplifting: 3
Use an Alpha Cable Lock to Protect Your High-Line Items Without Damaging The Product
I am the type of person that doesn’t require a great deal of possessions, although I might be the minority. In my experience women tend to shop for certain items, such as purses, shoes, scarves, watches, jewelry and other items. Some may have only a few of these items and others may have a large quantity of one or all of these items. I find that women tend to gravitate towards a particular item of preference. One friend of mine was really into expensive tennis shoes. Not really because she wanted them to work out or run in, but just to wear. She probably had 30 pairs in all different colors and styles, some of them ranging up to $300.00. I have another friend who is really into purses and has probably two-dozen or more. She has all shapes, sizes, colors and brands. I am sure she has enough to accessorize any outfit. Me on the other hand, I am very simple. I have several pairs of shoes, but nothing expensive, and most of them I rarely wear at all. I would say I have about 5 go-to pairs of shoes/boots that I wear year round. As for purses I only use one and tend to keep it around for a decade or more. I typically find a neutral color that I can use for any situation, which tends to accumulate a variety of unnecessary items, or at least my husband thinks so. I do, in this instance, prefer a high end brand of purse. Not only do I like a specific brand, which typically retails at $300 and up, I also feel that you need a durable product when you plan to use it as long as I do. The last purse I purchased was in 2005, and I just recently had to finally say goodbye to it, as it was beginning to show its wear. So after 12 years I was on the hunt for a new purse. I realized very quickly how much can change in a decade! The brand I like has increased in price quite a bit since 2005, but I also noticed a much larger variety to choose from. This made things very difficult, but fun. With the increase in price came an increase in security, which I wasn’t surprised about because it’s important to protect high-line items, and prevent shoplifting. The display purses I was perusing were secured with an Alpha cable lock, which I have seen before on other display items like shoes, bags, wallets and other hard to secure items.
I like the Alpha cable lock because they are small and provide an unobtrusive shopping experience. They are really convenient because they are easy to apply and remove in the store. This store was using the Mini Cableloks, which provide an even smaller security presence. They easily fit inside the zipper so there was no risk in damaging the product. This is a very important feature to both the retailer and the customer. I know I wouldn’t be very happy to spend that kind of money on a purse, if it had a hole in it, from a hard tag or other security device. The Alpha cable lock is equipped with Alpha 2 & 3 Alarm technology to prevent shoplifting. This EAS system sounds an audible alarm in the event of a breach or theft. These locks can be re-used multiple times, which saves money and increases profit margins. These locks are very durable and made of high quality material to prevent their removal. They are also very versatile making them a reasonable security solution for many items, especially items on display.
I like the Alpha Cable Lock because, although I noticed the added security, it did not hinder my ability to handle or manipulate the product in anyway. I was able to open the purse and see what compartments and lining was inside, and to observe the overall quality and fit of the item, which was very convenient. It is also comforting to me, as a consumer, to know that the stores ability to prevent shoplifting directly impacts the pricing and my ability to afford the merchandise I want. I did find a new purse that day, and I am completely satisfied with my selection, and my shopping experience. I wonder what type of security devices will be available in the next decade, when I shop for my next purse!
Get more information on the Alpha Cable Lock, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
I am the type of person that doesn’t require a great deal of possessions, although I might be the minority. In my experience women tend to shop for certain items, such as purses, shoes, scarves, watches, jewelry and other items. Some may have only a few of these items and others may have a large quantity of one or all of these items. I find that women tend to gravitate towards a particular item of preference. One friend of mine was really into expensive tennis shoes. Not really because she wanted them to work out or run in, but just to wear. She probably had 30 pairs in all different colors and styles, some of them ranging up to $300.00. I have another friend who is really into purses and has probably two-dozen or more. She has all shapes, sizes, colors and brands. I am sure she has enough to accessorize any outfit. Me on the other hand, I am very simple. I have several pairs of shoes, but nothing expensive, and most of them I rarely wear at all. I would say I have about 5 go-to pairs of shoes/boots that I wear year round. As for purses I only use one and tend to keep it around for a decade or more. I typically find a neutral color that I can use for any situation, which tends to accumulate a variety of unnecessary items, or at least my husband thinks so. I do, in this instance, prefer a high end brand of purse. Not only do I like a specific brand, which typically retails at $300 and up, I also feel that you need a durable product when you plan to use it as long as I do. The last purse I purchased was in 2005, and I just recently had to finally say goodbye to it, as it was beginning to show its wear. So after 12 years I was on the hunt for a new purse. I realized very quickly how much can change in a decade! The brand I like has increased in price quite a bit since 2005, but I also noticed a much larger variety to choose from. This made things very difficult, but fun. With the increase in price came an increase in security, which I wasn’t surprised about because it’s important to protect high-line items, and prevent shoplifting. The display purses I was perusing were secured with an Alpha cable lock, which I have seen before on other display items like shoes, bags, wallets and other hard to secure items.
I like the Alpha cable lock because they are small and provide an unobtrusive shopping experience. They are really convenient because they are easy to apply and remove in the store. This store was using the Mini Cableloks, which provide an even smaller security presence. They easily fit inside the zipper so there was no risk in damaging the product. This is a very important feature to both the retailer and the customer. I know I wouldn’t be very happy to spend that kind of money on a purse, if it had a hole in it, from a hard tag or other security device. The Alpha cable lock is equipped with Alpha 2 & 3 Alarm technology to prevent shoplifting. This EAS system sounds an audible alarm in the event of a breach or theft. These locks can be re-used multiple times, which saves money and increases profit margins. These locks are very durable and made of high quality material to prevent their removal. They are also very versatile making them a reasonable security solution for many items, especially items on display. I like the Alpha Cable Lock because, although I noticed the added security, it did not hinder my ability to handle or manipulate the product in anyway.
I was able to open the purse and see what compartments and lining was inside, and to observe the overall quality and fit of the item, which was very convenient. It is also comforting to me, as a consumer, to know that the stores ability to prevent shoplifting directly impacts the pricing and my ability to afford the merchandise I want. I did find a new purse that day, and I am completely satisfied with my selection, and my shopping experience. I wonder what type of security devices will be available in the next decade, when I shop for my next purse!
Get more information on the Alpha Cable Lock, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
AA Blog 29
EAS Tags: 5
Stop Shoplifting: 3
Don’t Wait For the Unthinkable To Happen, Protect Yourself With EAS Tags
I have worked in loss prevention for many years and have worked in stores that had security systems and some that didn’t. Obviously I am a proponent of security, and think retailers who fail to protect themselves, are left completely vulnerable to theft. I know that many businesses don’t think the cost of security is worth the money, but I am here to tell you that added security will pay for itself in the long run. Having a security system is the best means to stop shoplifting, especially when combined with loss prevention personnel. We had a customer that used to shop in one of our stores all the time. He would always bring in his own recyclable bag and shop with it. He would place all of his shopping items into the bag that he brought and use it as a shopping basket in a sense. He would then remove the items from the bag and pay for the items. He would then place the paid for items back into his shopping bag he brought in. This seemed somewhat strange, but Loss Prevention was not observing any obvious activity that would warrant further investigation. This went on for years, and at the time we didn’t have any EAS tags or labels on our merchandise.
Several years later, we got a new manager who convinced the “powers that be” that we needed additional security in the store. Later that year we began adding security tags and labels to some of our high priced merchandise. Soon after we started this process, our shopper was caught shoplifting merchandise from our store. We learned that every time he emptied his items from his personal shopping bag, he was leaving several small high priced items in the bag, and then concealing those items with the purchased items. We stopped this shoplifter with the use of an EAS tag that had been added to a package of razor blade refills. We discovered approximately $100 in stolen property in his possession. It really made me angry to think about how many times this had to of occurred over the last five years or more. It is estimated that we lost $50,000 in merchandise from this one person. If that doesn’t open your eyes to your risk, I don’t know what will.
These tags are a great way to secure all your merchandise and stop shoplifting in your stores. Tags come in various shapes and sizes to adapt to all your retail needs. They are an inexpensive way to secure your property. EAS tags are equipped with the latest technology, which will alert store personnel when someone leaves the store with merchandise, which has not been paid for. Tags can be easily deactivated at the time of sale, making it a convenient way to reduce your loss, and increase profit. These tags are durable and difficult to remove without setting off an alarm or damaging the product. Tags can be used on various types of products and will not damage or alter the product in anyway.
I learned a very hard lesson with this experience. Although there is a small amount of upfront cost to equip your store with EAS tags, they provide an obvious return on investment. Unfortunately not everyone gets to immediately see the cost-savings, because deterrence can’t be measured, and not everyone gets the opportunity to identify a career shoplifter. Don’t wait like we did, stop shoplifting by protecting your property and safeguarding your investment.
Need information on EAS tags? Give us a call at1.770.426.0547 now.
I have worked in loss prevention for many years and have worked in stores that had security systems and some that didn’t. Obviously I am a proponent of security, and think retailers who fail to protect themselves, are left completely vulnerable to theft. I know that many businesses don’t think the cost of security is worth the money, but I am here to tell you that added security will pay for itself in the long run. Having a security system is the best means to stop shoplifting, especially when combined with loss prevention personnel. We had a customer that used to shop in one of our stores all the time. He would always bring in his own recyclable bag and shop with it. He would place all of his shopping items into the bag that he brought and use it as a shopping basket in a sense. He would then remove the items from the bag and pay for the items. He would then place the paid for items back into his shopping bag he brought in. This seemed somewhat strange, but Loss Prevention was not observing any obvious activity that would warrant further investigation. This went on for years, and at the time we didn’t have any EAS tags or labels on our merchandise.
Several years later, we got a new manager who convinced the “powers that be” that we needed additional security in the store. Later that year we began adding security tags and labels to some of our high priced merchandise. Soon after we started this process, our shopper was caught shoplifting merchandise from our store. We learned that every time he emptied his items from his personal shopping bag, he was leaving several small high priced items in the bag, and then concealing those items with the purchased items. We stopped this shoplifter with the use of an EAS tag that had been added to a package of razor blade refills. We discovered approximately $100 in stolen property in his possession. It really made me angry to think about how many times this had to of occurred over the last five years or more. It is estimated that we lost $50,000 in merchandise from this one person. If that doesn’t open your eyes to your risk, I don’t know what will.
These tags are a great way to secure all your merchandise and stop shoplifting in your stores. Tags come in various shapes and sizes to adapt to all your retail needs. They are an inexpensive way to secure your property. EAS tags are equipped with the latest technology, which will alert store personnel when someone leaves the store with merchandise, which has not been paid for. Tags can be easily deactivated at the time of sale, making it a convenient way to reduce your loss, and increase profit. These tags are durable and difficult to remove without setting off an alarm or damaging the product. Tags can be used on various types of products and will not damage or alter the product in anyway.
I learned a very hard lesson with this experience. Although there is a small amount of upfront cost to equip your store with EAS tags, they provide an obvious return on investment. Unfortunately not everyone gets to immediately see the cost-savings, because deterrence can’t be measured, and not everyone gets the opportunity to identify a career shoplifter. Don’t wait like we did, stop shoplifting by protecting your property and safeguarding your investment.
Need information on EAS tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Customer Counting Systems-5 WC Blog 266
Retail Counting System-4
Door Counting System-5
Customer Counting Systems Can Help Convert Foot Traffic Into Improved Sales And Reduced Shrink Part 1
Door counts and customer counting systems sound so mundane. How do you get excited about the number of people who enter and leave your store? It only makes sense that your total sales receipts for the day tell you what happened in your business? If this is your perception of what a retail counting system can do, you are missing the bigger picture (and you may be missing sales as well). Of those people that entered your store and left, how many actually made purchases before exiting? How many electronic article surveillance alarms activate at the antennas during the day? This is not mundane information, this is data that can be used to improve your sales and drive up profitability. It can also help determine if there is a need for refresher training on EAS alarm response. Are employees reacting to EAS alarms properly and do alarm activations match the alarm response log? The VisiPlus customer counting system can provide you with useable activity report information that can assist you in a multitude of ways.
It is important to know what a retail counting system does before we can understand how it can impact our store operations and profit line. A basic customer counting system counts the number of people passing through a door counting sensor installed at an entrance and exit and provides the number of people counted. Along with sales data which includes the number of transactions through the course of a day, you can get your average sale/customer. I know that the store I currently work for measures the number of customers and the number of transactions in a day and it provides the number of potential missed sales resulting from the difference in customer counts versus the number of transactions that took place in a day. The VisiPlus customer counting can do all this and more. In addition to the door counting system, this retail counting system also has overhead sensors that can be used to monitor customer movement near specific points such as high profile displays.
Consider the opportunities that a door counting system with VisiPlus overhead sensors could provide you with. How many times do you set up a display of new merchandise and not look at what impact it has on your sales. You dress up a mannequin in a new suit, shirt, tie and shoes and leave it standing for a month. Is it making a difference in your sales? Is it generating traffic? If it isn’t boosting sales it may need to be changed out for something else but with no measurements in place you won’t know. Having a display up for the sake of a having a display is lost revenue. The same goes for an endcap display. The retail counting system can provide the information you need to get the biggest bang for the buck, so to speak. One final thought on this, what if an overhead counter could identify locations that are NOT drawing customers? You would have an opportunity to create a display that could be impactful and pull in those customers, especially if your customer counting system report indicates a high volume of traffic entering the store but not moving to that location.
It is also important to think about the data a door counting system can give in relation to transactions versus traffic flow. If your business is drawing in a lot of customers but your transactions per customer are low, you can evaluate the possibility you are not optimizing your staffing. Are people leaving without making a purchase because there are not enough employees to provide customer service assistance on the salesfloor? Are customers annoyed at long lines at the registers and abandoning merchandise out of frustration for having to wait in line? Visiplus can help you identify when and where you need to improve store staffing and even when you can reduce some of your staff for the slower periods of the day.
A door counting system is more than just a tool to tell you how many people walked in and out of your store. A VisiPlus system can give you the information edge you need over your competitors to improve efficiency, customer service and profits.
Need information on customer counting systems? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now
Door counts and customer counting systems sound so mundane. How do you get excited about the number of people who enter and leave your store? It only makes sense that your total sales receipts for the day tell you what happened in your business? If this is your perception of what a retail counting system can do, you are missing the bigger picture (and you may be missing sales as well). Of those people that entered your store and left, how many actually made purchases before exiting? How many electronic article surveillance alarms activate at the antennas during the day? This is not mundane information, this is data that can be used to improve your sales and drive up profitability. It can also help determine if there is a need for refresher training on EAS alarm response. Are employees reacting to EAS alarms properly and do alarm activations match the alarm response log? The VisiPlus customer counting system can provide you with useable activity report information that can assist you in a multitude of ways.
It is important to know what a retail counting system does before we can understand how it can impact our store operations and profit line. A basic customer counting system counts the number of people passing through a door counting sensor installed at an entrance and exit and provides the number of people counted. Along with sales data which includes the number of transactions through the course of a day, you can get your average sale/customer. I know that the store I currently work for measures the number of customers and the number of transactions in a day and it provides the number of potential missed sales resulting from the difference in customer counts versus the number of transactions that took place in a day. The VisiPlus customer counting can do all this and more. In addition to the door counting system, this retail counting system also has overhead sensors that can be used to monitor customer movement near specific points such as high profile displays.
Consider the opportunities that a door counting system with VisiPlus overhead sensors could provide you with. How many times do you set up a display of new merchandise and not look at what impact it has on your sales. You dress up a mannequin in a new suit, shirt, tie and shoes and leave it standing for a month. Is it making a difference in your sales? Is it generating traffic? If it isn’t boosting sales it may need to be changed out for something else but with no measurements in place you won’t know. Having a display up for the sake of a having a display is lost revenue. The same goes for an endcap display. The retail counting system can provide the information you need to get the biggest bang for the buck, so to speak. One final thought on this, what if an overhead counter could identify locations that are NOT drawing customers? You would have an opportunity to create a display that could be impactful and pull in those customers, especially if your customer counting system report indicates a high volume of traffic entering the store but not moving to that location.
It is also important to think about the data a door counting system can give in relation to transactions versus traffic flow. If your business is drawing in a lot of customers but your transactions per customer are low, you can evaluate the possibility you are not optimizing your staffing. Are people leaving without making a purchase because there are not enough employees to provide customer service assistance on the salesfloor? Are customers annoyed at long lines at the registers and abandoning merchandise out of frustration for having to wait in line? Visiplus can help you identify when and where you need to improve store staffing and even when you can reduce some of your staff for the slower periods of the day.
A door counting system is more than just a tool to tell you how many people walked in and out of your store. A VisiPlus system can give you the information edge you need over your competitors to improve efficiency, customer service and profits.
Need information on Customer Counting Systems? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now
Checkpoint tags- 4 WC Blog 282
Checkpoint security system-3
Stop shoplifting-3
Inventory Time Does Not Have To Be Intimidating; A Checkpoint Security System And A Few Tips Can Lead To Great Results – Part 1
I believe that this year will be my 26th inventory I have participated in for stores I work for or have worked for. If I include stores I supported as a Loss Prevention Manager, I would estimate it is about my 35th inventory to participate in. I have seen inventories that have gone very smoothly and I have participated in some that were just plain headaches. I would like to spend some time in this article helping store managers and owners ensure they have smooth inventories. I would also like to make suggestions on how using a Checkpoint security system and Checkpoint tags will improve shortage results for stores in future years.
Conducting inventory is all about accounting for merchandise, determining how much is missing, reconciling the two and coming up with the difference or store shortage. When a store is using a Checkpoint system it can stop shoplifting, deter employee and vendor theft and in doing so merchandise remains in the store and therefore improves store profitability. It also makes the reconciliation process easier since there are fewer discrepancies between what is on hand and what the books say should be on hand. The use of a Checkpoint security system includes the installation of electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennas, using Checkpoint tags on merchandise and deactivation and detachment equipment at points of sale. If you don’t currently have a Checkpoint system in place, I recommend installing one to impact the next inventory. The next points I go over will be of value for helping prepare for the current inventory you are about to go through.
Managers should plan prep time for getting the store ready for inventory. If an outside agency is going to come in, a pre-inventory meeting should be conducted. This includes a walk-through with the inventory management supervisor to discuss how the flow of inventory should go, what time inventory should start, how many people will be coming in to do the inventory and how will SKU checks be completed? It is also the time to ask what could make the inventory process easier for both parties. Are there suggestions that the inventory supervisor can make based on their experiences to help the process go smoother? Discuss how break times will work, is the inventory crew going to be in the store long enough to require breaks? If so, will their crew members leave the building and if they do, are purses or bags checked before they go? Note: this is a good time to ensure employees will enter and exit through doors protected with EAS antennas so that if Checkpoint tags are detected the alarm will sound. I have seen employee entrances used that did not have EAS antennas and I felt this was a poor practice. In my opinion, all entrances and exit points should have electronic article surveillance protection in place to stop shoplifting as well as employee and vendor theft.
Prior to inventory, have employees spend time looking for stray merchandise under fixtures and on top of them as well. For example, one easy to overlook fixture is the sunglasses rack. I have found many pairs of glasses tossed on top and growing dusty. If the store has gondolas, lift up base decks and check underneath for stray merchandise. It can be surprising what can fall down into the cracks and in some cases be intentionally hidden. If the store sells furniture take time to look inside the drawers. Does the store sell trash cans? Look inside them for hidden merchandise. Be as thorough as possible, I always stressed to store employees that every dollar accounted for, even something as small as a package of gum impacts inventory. It doesn’t take long for the small items to add up to big losses.
In part two we will continue with some additional tips I have to make inventory preparations easier and improve overall results. Remember, prepping and being ready for inventory do not stop shoplifting that may have taken place during the year. Use the preparation time to look into the purchase of a Checkpoint security system and Checkpoint tags so you can have even better results and lower merchandise shrinkage next year.
Need information on a Checkpoint security system? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
I believe that this year will be my 26th inventory I have participated in for stores I work for or have worked for. If I include stores I supported as a Loss Prevention Manager, I would estimate it is about my 35th inventory to participate in. I have seen inventories that have gone very smoothly and I have participated in some that were just plain headaches. I would like to spend some time in this article helping store managers and owners ensure they have smooth inventories. I would also like to make suggestions on how using a Checkpoint security system and Checkpoint tags will improve shortage results for stores in future years.
Conducting inventory is all about accounting for merchandise, determining how much is missing, reconciling the two and coming up with the difference or store shortage. When a store is using a Checkpoint system it can stop shoplifting, deter employee and vendor theft and in doing so merchandise remains in the store and therefore improves store profitability. It also makes the reconciliation process easier since there are fewer discrepancies between what is on hand and what the books say should be on hand. The use of a Checkpoint security system includes the installation of electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennas, using Checkpoint tags on merchandise and deactivation and detachment equipment at points of sale. If you don’t currently have a Checkpoint system in place, I recommend installing one to impact the next inventory. The next points I go over will be of value for helping prepare for the current inventory you are about to go through.
Managers should plan prep time for getting the store ready for inventory. If an outside agency is going to come in, a pre-inventory meeting should be conducted. This includes a walk-through with the inventory management supervisor to discuss how the flow of inventory should go, what time inventory should start, how many people will be coming in to do the inventory and how will SKU checks be completed? It is also the time to ask what could make the inventory process easier for both parties. Are there suggestions that the inventory supervisor can make based on their experiences to help the process go smoother? Discuss how break times will work, is the inventory crew going to be in the store long enough to require breaks? If so, will their crew members leave the building and if they do, are purses or bags checked before they go? Note: this is a good time to ensure employees will enter and exit through doors protected with EAS antennas so that if Checkpoint tags are detected the alarm will sound. I have seen employee entrances used that did not have EAS antennas and I felt this was a poor practice. In my opinion, all entrances and exit points should have electronic article surveillance protection in place to stop shoplifting as well as employee and vendor theft.
Prior to inventory, have employees spend time looking for stray merchandise under fixtures and on top of them as well. For example, one easy to overlook fixture is the sunglasses rack. I have found many pairs of glasses tossed on top and growing dusty. If the store has gondolas, lift up base decks and check underneath for stray merchandise. It can be surprising what can fall down into the cracks and in some cases be intentionally hidden. If the store sells furniture take time to look inside the drawers. Does the store sell trash cans? Look inside them for hidden merchandise. Be as thorough as possible, I always stressed to store employees that every dollar accounted for, even something as small as a package of gum impacts inventory. It doesn’t take long for the small items to add up to big losses.
In part two we will continue with some additional tips I have to make inventory preparations easier and improve overall results. Remember, prepping and being ready for inventory do not stop shoplifting that may have taken place during the year. Use the preparation time to look into the purchase of a Checkpoint security system and Checkpoint tags so you can have even better results and lower merchandise shrinkage next year.
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