N10 Antenna-3 , Alpha Thunder Tag-3 , Tablet Theft-2 , Medical Field-2
A Whole New Type Of Tablet Theft
When I think of what people typically steal from a doctor’s office, many different items come to mind. Latex gloves, magazines, bandages, and even facial tissues are often liberated from exam rooms and waiting areas across the country every day. Patients often feel entitled to those items, considering the costs associated with the office visit or the time they spent waiting to be seen. While those are minor infractions, those items do add more and more to the overall costs to the medical field in general. Of course, there are much more serious cases of theft in many doctor’s offices too. People steal from the supply of medication samples. There is also a very alarming rate of thefts of identities and medical records. These are problems all employees of the medical field must face and battle every day.
Tablet theft is a whole new problem that doctor’s offices could be dealing with, and I don’t mean the type you swallow. I’m talking about those new tablets that the front desk hands the patient to register for their appointments. Many offices are steering away from the traditional clipboard, with paper and pen, to update contacts, insurance and gather information for the purpose of the visit. They are going with a more technological and paperless approach with tablets and digital notebooks for patients to use instead. The patient is typically given the tablet and allowed to go sit in the lobby to fill in all the pertinent information. They may fill that in and hand it right back or they may keep the device throughout their appointment and hand it back in at the checkout desk. Either way, these are major investments and they must be protected. Since they have access to medical records, and because they are expensive pieces of equipment, this type of tablet theft must not be allowed to happen. It won’t if the office has the right tools.
The N10 Antenna offered by Checkpoint Systems is a key player in this game plan. Pair that with the Alpha Thunder Tag and you have a team that can’t be beat. The N10 Antenna is a sleek and compact detection system designed for small spaces. It is meant to blend in with its surroundings. However, it will not just sit quietly if one of the patients attempts to steal a tablet if said device has an Alpha Thunder Tag. It’s a simple plan: Attach the tag and turn it on. If the patient walks to close to the N10 Antenna (usually placed close to the exit to minimize false alarms) the alarm will sound from the detection system. If there is an attempt to remove or tamper with the Alpha Thunder Tag, an alarm will sound directly from the tag itself. On top of that, if the person was to successfully get out the door, once they were beyond the selected perimeter, the tag would self-alarm as well. Most patients would never even think to try and commit this type of tablet theft, but for those that think they can, this pair of tools will put a very fast and loud stop to it.
The medical field is always in need of improvements that can help streamline the ability to share medical records and make things easier for the patient. These new paperless check in systems fit right in with the reduction of redundant and seemingly ceaseless paperwork. Taking a glove or two won’t break the bank, but there needs to be a plan in place to prevent tablet theft. (And that means the electronic or medication type!)
For more information on how to prevent theft in the medical field, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
When I think of what people typically steal from a doctor’s office, many different items come to mind. Latex gloves, magazines, bandages, and even facial tissues are often liberated from exam rooms and waiting areas across the country every day. Patients often feel entitled to those items, considering the costs associated with the office visit or the time they spent waiting to be seen. While those are minor infractions, those items do add more and more to the overall costs to the medical field in general. Of course, there are much more serious cases of theft in many doctor’s offices too. People steal from the supply of medication samples. There is also a very alarming rate of thefts of identities and medical records. These are problems all employees of the medical field must face and battle every day.
Tablet theft is a whole new problem that doctor’s offices could be dealing with, and I don’t mean the type you swallow. I’m talking about those new tablets that the front desk hands the patient to register for their appointments. Many offices are steering away from the traditional clipboard, with paper and pen, to update contacts, insurance and gather information for the purpose of the visit. They are going with a more technological and paperless approach with tablets and digital notebooks for patients to use instead. The patient is typically given the tablet and allowed to go sit in the lobby to fill in all the pertinent information. They may fill that in and hand it right back or they may keep the device throughout their appointment and hand it back in at the checkout desk. Either way, these are major investments and they must be protected. Since they have access to medical records, and because they are expensive pieces of equipment, this type of tablet theft must not be allowed to happen. It won’t if the office has the right tools.
The N10 Antenna offered by Checkpoint Systems is a key player in this game plan. Pair that with the Alpha Thunder Tag and you have a team that can’t be beat. The N10 Antenna is a sleek and compact detection system designed for small spaces. It is meant to blend in with its surroundings. However, it will not just sit quietly if one of the patients attempts to steal a tablet if said device has an Alpha Thunder Tag. It’s a simple plan: Attach the tag and turn it on. If the patient walks to close to the N10 Antenna (usually placed close to the exit to minimize false alarms) the alarm will sound from the detection system. If there is an attempt to remove or tamper with the Alpha Thunder Tag, an alarm will sound directly from the tag itself. On top of that, if the person was to successfully get out the door, once they were beyond the selected perimeter, the tag would self-alarm as well. Most patients would never even think to try and commit this type of tablet theft, but for those that think they can, this pair of tools will put a very fast and loud stop to it.
The medical field is always in need of improvements that can help streamline the ability to share medical records and make things easier for the patient. These new paperless check in systems fit right in with the reduction of redundant and seemingly ceaseless paperwork. Taking a glove or two won’t break the bank, but there needs to be a plan in place to prevent tablet theft. (And that means the electronic or medication type!)
For more information on how to prevent theft in the medical field, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
Bottle service-5 WC blog 41
Bottle Locks-4
Nightclub-4
Building A Bigger Fan Base With Bottle Service
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and with it parties, celebrations, and bars and clubs filled with revelers looking for a good time. Celebrations don’t stop there, sports fans will be crowding into sports bars and clubs for College Football Bowl Games and in February, Super Bowl parties will take center stage. March Madness is not far behind, and again, sports bars will be filled with fans rooting their favorite college teams on to victory. Most of the customers go to the bars and clubs to have a good time and enjoy friends and engage in good natured badgering of those cheering for rival teams. What an opportune time for bars and clubs which may not already have a Bottle Service to start one! With this service, nightclubs and bars can offer a dedicated server to a group and bottles of liquor or wine secured with bottle locks. The bottle locks can help a sports bar or club to keep those who are partying a little too excessively from continuing if they begin to become a nuisance.
Obviously sports bar and nightclub owners want their patrons to have a good time, but always within reason. When fans get a little too intoxicated it is easy for good natured fun to get out of control. It may be the fan who just becomes excessively loud or the one who gets angry and aggressive towards others. When patrons are permitted continual access to alcohol without any constraints that is the time when fights and arguments flare up, sometimes with little or no reason. With a bottle service, bottle locks are used to secure the bottle and drinks are poured by a waiter or waitress. The server has a key to open the lock and pour drinks when requested and secures the lock in place again once drinks are filled. If a patron is deemed to be becoming too intoxicated, the server has the ability to refuse to open the bottle and refill a drink. This service also gives the club or bar owner the ability to identify if a patron is not fit to drive and insist on a group’s dedicated driver to step in or insist a cab be called for the patron.
You may be wondering how you can make a bottle service work in your sports bar or nightclub. In either situation separate seating areas or rooms can be set aside for group reservation. If the group is large enough consider setting aside a room with a bar and wait staff that are dedicated to this group. For a sports bar there may be several large televisions with multiple games playing. For a nightclub, the room might be used for office get-togethers, birthday celebrations, wedding parties, etc. Set a group rate and designate the number of top shelf alcoholic beverages will be included in the price. Dedicate a waiter or waitress to the group and he or she will be the server and control the bottle cap key. The server can ensure no uninvited guests enter the group area and disrupt the party or try to drink from the allotted bottle(s). The server can be told in advance who a designated driver for the party group will be and ensure that the dedicated driver is not provided with alcohol and they can partner with the dedicated driver if a member of the group is becoming too rambunctious. The use of bottle caps and locks can help management keep control over a facility and intervene before issues arise by cutting off access to wine and spirits when a group is using a bottle service.
Bottle Service can be an asset to your sports bar or club by catering to groups of fans or special occasion celebrations. Provide a unique experience with dedicated wait staff and control the festivities by incorporating bottle locks so fans don’t turn fanatical in your establishment.
For more information on Bottle Service contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and with it parties, celebrations, and bars and clubs filled with revelers looking for a good time. Celebrations don’t stop there, sports fans will be crowding into sports bars and clubs for College Football Bowl Games and in February, Super Bowl parties will take center stage. March Madness is not far behind, and again, sports bars will be filled with fans rooting their favorite college teams on to victory. Most of the customers go to the bars and clubs to have a good time and enjoy friends and engage in good natured badgering of those cheering for rival teams. What an opportune time for bars and clubs which may not already have a Bottle Service to start one! With this service, nightclubs and bars can offer a dedicated server to a group and bottles of liquor or wine secured with bottle locks. The bottle locks can help a sports bar or club to keep those who are partying a little too excessively from continuing if they begin to become a nuisance.
Obviously sports bar and nightclub owners want their patrons to have a good time, but always within reason. When fans get a little too intoxicated it is easy for good natured fun to get out of control. It may be the fan who just becomes excessively loud or the one who gets angry and aggressive towards others. When patrons are permitted continual access to alcohol without any constraints that is the time when fights and arguments flare up, sometimes with little or no reason. With a bottle service, bottle locks are used to secure the bottle and drinks are poured by a waiter or waitress. The server has a key to open the lock and pour drinks when requested and secures the lock in place again once drinks are filled. If a patron is deemed to be becoming too intoxicated, the server has the ability to refuse to open the bottle and refill a drink. This service also gives the club or bar owner the ability to identify if a patron is not fit to drive and insist on a group’s dedicated driver to step in or insist a cab be called for the patron.
You may be wondering how you can make a bottle service work in your sports bar or nightclub. In either situation separate seating areas or rooms can be set aside for group reservation. If the group is large enough consider setting aside a room with a bar and wait staff that are dedicated to this group. For a sports bar there may be several large televisions with multiple games playing. For a nightclub, the room might be used for office get-togethers, birthday celebrations, wedding parties, etc. Set a group rate and designate the number of top shelf alcoholic beverages will be included in the price. Dedicate a waiter or waitress to the group and he or she will be the server and control the bottle cap key. The server can ensure no uninvited guests enter the group area and disrupt the party or try to drink from the allotted bottle(s). The server can be told in advance who a designated driver for the party group will be and ensure that the dedicated driver is not provided with alcohol and they can partner with the dedicated driver if a member of the group is becoming too rambunctious. The use of bottle caps and locks can help management keep control over a facility and intervene before issues arise by cutting off access to wine and spirits when a group is using a bottle service.
Bottle Service can be an asset to your sports bar or club by catering to groups of fans or special occasion celebrations. Provide a unique experience with dedicated wait staff and control the festivities by incorporating bottle locks so fans don’t turn fanatical in your establishment.
For more information on Bottle Service contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Return Fraud is generally not a laughing matter, it costs money and it can take up a lot of time in dealing with those attempting to commit fraud. There are steps you can take to prevent some attempts at return fraud like using Alpha Shark Tags to stop “ wardrobing”. Wardrobing is the wearing of merchandise then returning it after it has been worn once or twice. Other types of return fraud include stolen merchandise returns, ticket switching and no-receipt or wrong receipt return attempts. After almost 20 years in retail, I would like to share with you some of the people you will encounter in your holiday return frenzy.
Who are the fraud returners you will meet this year after the Holidays come to an end?
1. The “I got it as a gift and I didn’t get a receipt” customer. This customer will be adamant that there was never a gift receipt and the person who gave the item lives far away. They may have even lost the gift giver’s phone number or when the gift giver moved to the Alaskan Wilderness they couldn’t get phone reception.
2. The “Screamer”. This will be the person who has seen too many talk shows with guests who tell the audience how they create a scene and get what they want. These customers will try to draw attention to themselves, knowing managers don’t want these antics to disrupt the other customers.
3. The “Crier”. This customer will get teary eyed and let you know of all the problems they are facing and why an in-store credit just will not suffice for their return. Hold onto your heart strings…these have the saddest of lives.
4. The no-receipt, “What do you mean I have to get the lowest price?” customer. This patron will be horrified to learn that without a receipt they will only receive the last markdown price of an item. These customers can easily turn into the “Screamer” or “Crier”, prepare for either.
5. One of my favorites is the “I’m not leaving until I get my money” returner. This customer has the ability to stand in one place at your return desk even after all options have been reviewed and you have walked away. This patron has long term tenacity. They customer may have removed Alpha Shark Tags from clothing and they aren’t concerned that you have a return policy stating tags have to be on clothing to be returned. Your policies are “not their problem”. Be prepared to maneuver your lines around these customers.
6. There is the all-powerful “I want the number to corporate” returner. This customer is sure that your efforts were useless and with the power of “corporate” looming over you the game changes and suddenly miracles can be worked on their behalf.
7. There is the “Deer in the headlights” customer. This customer may not say anything or respond to you after you have turned down their return attempt. This customer can be identified by the slack jaw, the non-responsive stare and inability to move from the return counter. While passive, this returner can be deceiving, it is not necessary to call EMS. Just check on them from time to time. Generally they will follow you with their eyes as you return to your other duties.
8. Finally, there is the “I didn’t wear it!” customer who returns the clothing with make-up stains and occasional food stains or perfume odors. Somehow this customer never saw the stains or noticed the smells when they purchased the item, nor, for that matter, did the cashier. This one will usually have the receipt and even the tags on the item. This is a tricky refunder and will seemingly be more familiar with your return policies than you. This person may even know state laws! (PS. If your store uses Alpha Shark Tags, you may be able to fend off this patron)
To be fair not all of your customers who fit into these categories are attempting return fraud. They may just be reacting in the only way they know how at the moment. But, it can be intimidating and frustrating for the service desk associate or manager who has to deal with them. With the right return policies in place and consistency in applying them, you can avoid many of the uncomfortable interactions. Alpha Shark Tags can stop wardrobing fraud for your store if you apply the tags properly, have the store return policy clearly posted and you enforce the policy consistently.
Let Alpha Shark Tags keep your post-holiday return headaches a little less stressful. See what Alpha Solutions can do to help minimize return fraud and make your store more profitable.
For more information on Return Fraud contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Return Fraud-5 WC blog 30
Alpha Shark Tags-5
Wardrobing-3
Holiday Return Fraud: Who Are The People You Will Meet?
Return Fraud is generally not a laughing matter, it costs money and it can take up a lot of time in dealing with those attempting to commit fraud. There are steps you can take to prevent some attempts at return fraud like using Alpha Shark Tags to stop “ wardrobing”. Wardrobing is the wearing of merchandise then returning it after it has been worn once or twice. Other types of return fraud include stolen merchandise returns, ticket switching and no-receipt or wrong receipt return attempts. After almost 20 years in retail, I would like to share with you some of the people you will encounter in your holiday return frenzy.
Who are the fraud returners you will meet this year after the Holidays come to an end?
1. The “I got it as a gift and I didn’t get a receipt” customer. This customer will be adamant that there was never a gift receipt and the person who gave the item lives far away. They may have even lost the gift giver’s phone number or when the gift giver moved to the Alaskan Wilderness they couldn’t get phone reception.
2. The “Screamer”. This will be the person who has seen too many talk shows with guests who tell the audience how they create a scene and get what they want. These customers will try to draw attention to themselves, knowing managers don’t want these antics to disrupt the other customers.
3. The “Crier”. This customer will get teary eyed and let you know of all the problems they are facing and why an in-store credit just will not suffice for their return. Hold onto your heart strings…these have the saddest of lives.
4. The no-receipt, “What do you mean I have to get the lowest price?” customer. This patron will be horrified to learn that without a receipt they will only receive the last markdown price of an item. These customers can easily turn into the “Screamer” or “Crier”, prepare for either.
5. One of my favorites is the “I’m not leaving until I get my money” returner. This customer has the ability to stand in one place at your return desk even after all options have been reviewed and you have walked away. This patron has long term tenacity. They customer may have removed Alpha Shark Tags from clothing and they aren’t concerned that you have a return policy stating tags have to be on clothing to be returned. Your policies are “not their problem”. Be prepared to maneuver your lines around these customers.
6. There is the all-powerful “I want the number to corporate” returner. This customer is sure that your efforts were useless and with the power of “corporate” looming over you the game changes and suddenly miracles can be worked on their behalf.
7. There is the “Deer in the headlights” customer. This customer may not say anything or respond to you after you have turned down their return attempt. This customer can be identified by the slack jaw, the non-responsive stare and inability to move from the return counter. While passive, this returner can be deceiving, it is not necessary to call EMS. Just check on them from time to time. Generally they will follow you with their eyes as you return to your other duties.
8. Finally, there is the “I didn’t wear it!” customer who returns the clothing with make-up stains and occasional food stains or perfume odors. Somehow this customer never saw the stains or noticed the smells when they purchased the item, nor, for that matter, did the cashier. This one will usually have the receipt and even the tags on the item. This is a tricky refunder and will seemingly be more familiar with your return policies than you. This person may even know state laws! (PS. If your store uses Alpha Shark Tags, you may be able to fend off this patron)
To be fair not all of your customers who fit into these categories are attempting return fraud. They may just be reacting in the only way they know how at the moment. But, it can be intimidating and frustrating for the service desk associate or manager who has to deal with them. With the right return policies in place and consistency in applying them, you can avoid many of the uncomfortable interactions. Alpha Shark Tags can stop wardrobing fraud for your store if you apply the tags properly, have the store return policy clearly posted and you enforce the policy consistently.
Let Alpha Shark Tags keep your post-holiday return headaches a little less stressful. See what Alpha Solutions can do to help minimize return fraud and make your store more profitable.
For more information on Return Fraud contact us or call 1.770.426.0547Return Fraud is generally not a laughing matter, it costs money and it can take up a lot of time in dealing with those attempting to commit fraud. There are steps you can take to prevent some attempts at return fraud like using Alpha Shark Tags to stop “ wardrobing”. Wardrobing is the wearing of merchandise then returning it after it has been worn once or twice. Other types of return fraud include stolen merchandise returns, ticket switching and no-receipt or wrong receipt return attempts. After almost 20 years in retail, I would like to share with you some of the people you will encounter in your holiday return frenzy. Who are the fraud returners you will meet this year after the Holidays come to an end?1. The “I got it as a gift and I didn’t get a receipt” customer. This customer will be adamant that there was never a gift receipt and the person who gave the item lives far away. They may have even lost the gift giver’s phone number or when the gift giver moved to the Alaskan Wilderness they couldn’t get phone reception.2. The “Screamer”. This will be the person who has seen too many talk shows with guests who tell the audience how they create a scene and get what they want. These customers will try to draw attention to themselves, knowing managers don’t want these antics to disrupt the other customers. 3. The “Crier”. This customer will get teary eyed and let you know of all the problems they are facing and why an in-store credit just will not suffice for their return. Hold onto your heart strings…these have the saddest of lives.4. The no-receipt, “What do you mean I have to get the lowest price?” customer. This patron will be horrified to learn that without a receipt they will only receive the last markdown price of an item. These customers can easily turn into the “Screamer” or “Crier”, prepare for either.5. One of my favorites is the “I’m not leaving until I get my money” returner. This customer has the ability to stand in one place at your return desk even after all options have been reviewed and you have walked away. This patron has long term tenacity. They customer may have removed Alpha Shark Tags from clothing and they aren’t concerned that you have a return policy stating tags have to be on clothing to be returned. Your policies are “not their problem”. Be prepared to maneuver your lines around these customers.6. There is the all-powerful “I want the number to corporate” returner. This customer is sure that your efforts were useless and with the power of “corporate” looming over you the game changes and suddenly miracles can be worked on their behalf.7. There is the “Deer in the headlights” customer. This customer may not say anything or respond to you after you have turned down their return attempt. This customer can be identified by the slack jaw, the non-responsive stare and inability to move from the return counter. While passive, this returner can be deceiving, it is not necessary to call EMS. Just check on them from time to time. Generally they will follow you with their eyes as you return to your other duties.8. Finally, there is the “I didn’t wear it!” customer who returns the clothing with make-up stains and occasional food stains or perfume odors. Somehow this customer never saw the stains or noticed the smells when they purchased the item, nor, for that matter, did the cashier. This one will usually have the receipt and even the tags on the item. This is a tricky refunder and will seemingly be more familiar with your return policies than you. This person may even know state laws! (PS. If your store uses Alpha Shark Tags, you may be able to fend off this patron) To be fair not all of your customers who fit into these categories are attempting return fraud. They may just be reacting in the only way they know how at the moment. But, it can be intimidating and frustrating for the service desk associate or manager who has to deal with them. With the right return policies in place and consistency in applying them, you can avoid many of the uncomfortable interactions. Alpha Shark Tags can stop wardrobing fraud for your store if you apply the tags properly, have the store return policy clearly posted and you enforce the policy consistently. Let Alpha Shark Tags keep your post-holiday return headaches a little less stressful. See what Alpha Solutions can do to help minimize return fraud and make your store more profitable. For more information on Return Fraud contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
BG Check Company-4 , Employee BG Checks-2 , Pre-Employment Screening-1
Protect Your Assets With Employee Background Checks
There are times of the year it seems everybody is hiring, and with so many qualified people to choose from, it’s imperative to make the right choice. I am in that very situation right now, along with a few of our other stores in the area. We are all looking to fill positions before the holidays get into full swing. Unfortunately, I’m looking for help because the manager before me did not use a quality background check company to vet a guy I just had to help terminate.
There are certain things you can do as a hiring manager. First of all, you do need to check the applicant’s references. (I’ve had someone list a dead man as one of his professional references.) People do overstate their education and enhance their job histories. You can call the college and universities listed to verify the degree they have listed. You could also call their previous employers listed to verify their tenure. I also like to use the web and just do a quick check on their name to make sure nothing wild pops up about them. That said, you can’t find the critical items in a potential employees past. That’s why you need to check into a background check company. A pre-employment screening can save your company a lot of money in the long run. First of all, they offer a more complete check and they will stay in compliance with all local laws and regulations. There are legalities surrounding what you can or can’t look into when conducting employee background checks. I’ve hired someone recently that was from out of state, and she had to provide an additional signed form giving permission to the county courthouse from where she was from to release the information. A good background check company will take care of that extra footwork for you.
The key is getting as much information about the applicant as possible to make sure you make the right choice. You not only want to pick the best person for the job opening; you also don’t want to let the right person get away by picking the wrong one. People can have excellent interview skills and make themselves look like amazing candidates. Then you hire them and it’s you that’s the biggest loser. The manager before me hired a guy from a job fair. He talked a good game and claimed to have had an extensive and grand work history. The former manager called the references he had listed and bought the guy’s stories hook, line, and sinker. Amazingly, he failed to get a thorough pre-employment screening and I ended up firing the guy for stealing pain pills. It didn’t stop there. A couple days later we found ourselves in the office with representatives from the DEA and board of pharmacy. I can tell you that was not a fun time, and not a conversation I want to be part of again. One by one they called all the other technicians to the office to take statements and give them the third degree. This is just another good example of why employee background checks are so very important. Save yourself the time and money and invest in a reputable background check company. In work environments where your staff works with prescription drugs, sensitive documents or records, and certain groups of people like the elderly or children, employee background checks are not negotiable. Your company can be held liable for any harm or damages caused by an employee with a criminal record.
For more information on Background Checks, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
There are times of the year it seems everybody is hiring, and with so many qualified people to choose from, it’s imperative to make the right choice. I am in that very situation right now, along with a few of our other stores in the area. Unfortunately, I’m looking for help because the manager before me did not use a quality background check company to vet a guy I just had to help terminate.
There are certain things you can do as a hiring manager. First of all, you do need to check the applicant’s references. (I’ve had someone list a dead man as one of his professional references.) People do overstate their education and enhance their job histories. You can call the college and universities listed to verify the degree they have listed. You could also call their previous employers listed to verify their tenure. I also like to use the web and just do a quick check on their name to make sure nothing wild pops up about them. That said, you can’t find the critical items in a potential employees past. That’s why you need to check into a background check company. A pre-employment screening can save your company a lot of money in the long run. First of all, they offer a more complete check and they will stay in compliance with all local laws and regulations. There are legalities surrounding what you can or can’t look into when conducting employee background checks. I’ve hired someone recently that was from out of state, and she had to provide an additional signed form giving permission to the county courthouse from where she was from to release the information. A good background check company will take care of that extra footwork for you.
The key is getting as much information about the applicant as possible to make sure you make the right choice. You not only want to pick the best person for the job opening; you also don’t want to let the right person get away by picking the wrong one. People can have excellent interview skills and make themselves look like amazing candidates. Then you hire them and it’s you that’s the biggest loser. The manager before me hired a guy from a job fair. He talked a good game and claimed to have had an extensive and grand work history. The former manager called the references he had listed and bought the guy’s stories hook, line, and sinker. Amazingly, he failed to get a thorough pre-employment screening and I ended up firing the guy for stealing pain pills. It didn’t stop there. A couple days later we found ourselves in the office with representatives from the DEA and board of pharmacy. I can tell you that was not a fun time, and not a conversation I want to be part of again. One by one they called all the other technicians to the office to take statements and give them the third degree. This is just another good example of why employee background checks are so very important. Save yourself the time and money and invest in a reputable background check company. In work environments where your staff works with prescription drugs, sensitive documents or records, and certain groups of people like the elderly or children, employee background checks are not negotiable. Your company can be held liable for any harm or damages caused by an employee with a criminal record.
For more information on Background Checks, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Liquor bottle security-4 WC blog 12
Alpha Security-4
bottle locks-5
Bottle Loss Got You Blue? Battle Back With Bottle Locks
In a June 6 , 2015 Washington post story, a man stole nearly $2,000 worth of alcohol in under 8 minutes from a liquor store. July 8, 2015 Jackson Hole News & Guide had story on a man who stole 3 bottles of top shelf liquor, “Grey Goose” (price range $20 – $60 a bottle). Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania in an April 21, 2014 story reported on a distributor in Wray, Washington State that installed locking cabinets due to thefts they were experiencing of $800 – $1,000 a week. As I considered the last story, I wanted to tell the store owner, there are alternatives to a locking cabinet! Did you even consider looking into liquor bottle security products?
Alpha Security products offer bottle locks that are easy to install and remove for a retailer and provide a deterrent to shoplifting. Locks can come in adjustable bottle collars, “Steel Grip” collars with a metal band, clear bottle caps that permit viewing of labels, as well as other designs. The removal of the lock at the point of sale is easy and will not significantly add to the time of checkout. Business owners are well aware that in today’s fast paced world of mobile technology, and immediate accessibility, customers do not want to be slowed down in a checkout line.
How important is it for a business to consider using Alpha Security products? Consider this, according to the 2014 Global Retail Theft Barometer, retail shortage in North America equated to 1.48% of sales. In 2014 38% of shortage was attributable to shoplifting. The report also states that one of the most stolen categories of merchandise overall is wine and spirits and not only that, in the grocery category it is the number one shortage item. When employee theft is added to the equation, over 65% of shortage incurred by retailers is due to theft! What would it mean to your bottom line if you could reduce your losses by well over 50%? How much could you reduce that amount simply by using liquor bottle security in your store?
Recently I was in a major retail store and I was curious to see what kind of Alpha Security devices, if any, they were using. I was shocked to see that despite carrying wines and champagnes ranging in price from $10 to $60 a bottle, there were no bottle locks on any of the products. Knowing that this retailer uses Alpha Security devices on other items to decrease the opportunity for theft, I was surprised to see no steps had been taken in regard to bottle security. If a big box retailer fails to protect their wine section what are smaller liquor stores doing to prevent theft?
If the stories I referred to in the beginning of this article are any indicator, it would seem liquor stores may be taking the wrong steps or worse no steps at all to protect product. Liquor bottle security does not mean putting everything under lock and key, bottle locks are a far better solution. Lock- up cases requires an associate to be readily available with a key. Customers don’t like to wait for service and if you operate a smaller store, you may not have the staff to run a register and open showcases for multiple patrons. When customers feel they are going to have to wait for a long time, whether or not they really will, those customers will go elsewhere. Your merchandise may be protected, but if you aren’t selling anything then what’s the point?
Liquor bottle security is a problem that can be solved without hindering your honest customers. Using bottle locks permits the customer to select merchandise and take what they want to the register. You have the peace of mind knowing that the locks are extremely difficult to tamper with and can work with an EAS system if you have one installed. You don’t need to go to extremes to prevent shortage, just use bottle locks.
For more information about bottle locks contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
In a June 6 , 2015 Washington post story, a man stole nearly $2,000 worth of alcohol in under 8 minutes from a liquor store. July 8, 2015 Jackson Hole News & Guide had story on a man who stole 3 bottles of top shelf liquor, “Grey Goose” (price range $20 – $60 a bottle). Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania in an April 21, 2014 story reported on a distributor in Wray, Washington State that installed locking cabinets due to thefts they were experiencing of $800 – $1,000 a week. As I considered the last story, I wanted to tell the store owner, there are alternatives to a locking cabinet! Did you even consider looking into liquor bottle security products?
Alpha Security products offer bottle locks that are easy to install and remove for a retailer and provide a deterrent to shoplifting. Locks can come in adjustable bottle collars, “Steel Grip” collars with a metal band, clear bottle caps that permit viewing of labels, as well as other designs. The removal of the lock at the point of sale is easy and will not significantly add to the time of checkout. Business owners are well aware that in today’s fast paced world of mobile technology, and immediate accessibility, customers do not want to be slowed down in a checkout line.
How important is it for a business to consider using Alpha Security products? Consider this, according to the 2014 Global Retail Theft Barometer, retail shortage in North America equated to 1.48% of sales. In 2014 38% of shortage was attributable to shoplifting. The report also states that one of the most stolen categories of merchandise overall is wine and spirits and not only that, in the grocery category it is the number one shortage item. When employee theft is added to the equation, over 65% of shortage incurred by retailers is due to theft! What would it mean to your bottom line if you could reduce your losses by well over 50%? How much could you reduce that amount simply by using liquor bottle security in your store?
Recently I was in a major retail store and I was curious to see what kind of Alpha Security devices, if any, they were using. I was shocked to see that despite carrying wines and champagnes ranging in price from $10 to $60 a bottle, there were no bottle locks on any of the products. Knowing that this retailer uses Alpha Security devices on other items to decrease the opportunity for theft, I was surprised to see no steps had been taken in regard to bottle security. If a big box retailer fails to protect their wine section what are smaller liquor stores doing to prevent theft?
If the stories I referred to in the beginning of this article are any indicator, it would seem liquor stores may be taking the wrong steps or worse no steps at all to protect product. Liquor bottle security does not mean putting everything under lock and key, bottle locks are a far better solution. Lock- up cases requires an associate to be readily available with a key. Customers don’t like to wait for service and if you operate a smaller store, you may not have the staff to run a register and open showcases for multiple patrons. When customers feel they are going to have to wait for a long time, whether or not they really will, those customers will go elsewhere. Your merchandise may be protected, but if you aren’t selling anything then what’s the point?
Liquor bottle security is a problem that can be solved without hindering your honest customers. Using bottle locks permits the customer to select merchandise and take what they want to the register. You have the peace of mind knowing that the locks are extremely difficult to tamper with and can work with an EAS system if you have one installed. You don’t need to go to extremes to prevent shortage, just use bottle locks.
For more information about bottle locks contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Alpha Thunder Tag-4 WC blog 39
Classic N10-3
The High Price Of Health Care Mobile Device Theft
What is the cost to a medical facility for having a mobile device or portable laptop with patient information lost or stolen? Can a price tag be placed on privacy? The United States Department of Health and Human Services can and does put a price tag on security breaches. According to DHHS documents on their website, on October 11, 2011, Lahey Clinical Hospital, Inc. reported a breach of its unsecured electronic protected health information (“ePHI”) when a laptop containing information of 599 patients was stolen from their radiology department. According to the website, this breach cost Lahey $850,000 in fines. In a separate incident, a stolen laptop from the car of an employee who worked for Cancer Care Group resulted in a $750,000 fine for the company. The stolen laptop reportedly did not contain “ePHI” data, but a “computer server backup media”, apparently in the same laptop bag contained the “ePHI” of approximately 55,000 individuals. In both of these cases, the complaints stated the companies failed to conduct thorough risk assessment for vulnerabilities in relation to “ePHI”. Two incidents cost over 1.5 Million dollars in fines. Could these fines have been avoided? It is very possible they could have, had the companies had a comprehensive security plan in place that included Alpha Thunder Tags and the Classic N10 antenna.
It is important to be proactive and create a plan before an i-pad, tablet theft, or laptop theft occurs. What are some steps your company can take to protect information?
• Ensure you have secure areas inaccessible to the public. You may even want to use pass code enabled door locks to prevent unauthorized entry. It is in these areas your mobile devices should be secured when not in use.
• Be sure all of your mobile devices are encrypted. While a hacker may be able to eventually get through encryption, it is difficult and time consuming.
• Number all laptops and devices and require an audit of the devices at the end of the day to ensure they are accounted for.
• Require all devices be signed for before being checked out for use. Signing for something tends to make people feel more accountable for something and it does make it easier to track if a device is out when an audit is conducted.
• Secure all devices with an Alpha Thunder Tag. The Thunder Tag will set off an electronic article surveillance system if someone were to attempt to exit the building with it.
• Install the Classic N10 antenna at ALL entrance and exit points. Even if it is a staff only entrance/exit, it will help detect if someone accidentally attempts to leave with a device.
• If External hard drives are used for data storage, be sure these are protected and accounted for in the same manner as your laptops and mobile devices.
• Use the S3 Locking Counter Key for removing the Alpha Thunder Tag if it has to leave the building for some reason, such as a repair. The counter key can be secured to a counter and the key locked to the base when not in use, preventing someone from removing an Alpha Thunder Tag from a mobile device.
Concerned your office space is too small for an EAS antenna? The Classic N10 is designed specifically for smaller entrances or lobby areas. The space requirement for this antenna is far less than the traditional models and will not detract from the small practice that has minimal waiting room space. This antenna will provide the same protection afforded by the larger models so you won’t have to be concerned about whether or not it would detect a device being removed from the office.
Mobile devices and laptops are leading to major improvements in providing improved patient healthcare. Better accuracy in data entry, faster access to medical records, the ability for real-time patient consultations between healthcare providers are some of the benefits to the industry. The opportunity for security compromise is the flip side of the equation. Don’t allow your practice to be the object of a huge DHHS fine. Consult with Checkpoint experts to see what protections including Alpha Thunder Tags they may have that can secure your mobile devices from theft and loss.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
What is the cost to a medical facility for having a mobile device or portable laptop with patient information lost or stolen? Can a price tag be placed on privacy? The United States Department of Health and Human Services can and does put a price tag on security breaches. According to DHHS documents on their website, on October 11, 2011, Lahey Clinical Hospital, Inc. reported a breach of its unsecured electronic protected health information (“ePHI”) when a laptop containing information of 599 patients was stolen from their radiology department. According to the website, this breach cost Lahey $850,000 in fines. In a separate incident, a stolen laptop from the car of an employee who worked for Cancer Care Group resulted in a $750,000 fine for the company. The stolen laptop reportedly did not contain “ePHI” data, but a “computer server backup media”, apparently in the same laptop bag contained the “ePHI” of approximately 55,000 individuals. In both of these cases, the complaints stated the companies failed to conduct thorough risk assessment for vulnerabilities in relation to “ePHI”. Two incidents cost over 1.5 Million dollars in fines. Could these fines have been avoided? It is very possible they could have, had the companies had a comprehensive security plan in place that included Alpha Thunder Tags and the Classic N10 antenna.
It is important to be proactive and create a plan before an i-pad, tablet theft, or laptop theft occurs. What are some steps your company can take to protect information?
• Ensure you have secure areas inaccessible to the public. You may even want to use pass code enabled door locks to prevent unauthorized entry. It is in these areas your mobile devices should be secured when not in use.
• Be sure all of your mobile devices are encrypted. While a hacker may be able to eventually get through encryption, it is difficult and time consuming.
• Number all laptops and devices and require an audit of the devices at the end of the day to ensure they are accounted for.
• Require all devices be signed for before being checked out for use. Signing for something tends to make people feel more accountable for something and it does make it easier to track if a device is out when an audit is conducted.
• Secure all devices with an Alpha Thunder Tag. The Thunder Tag will set off an electronic article surveillance system if someone were to attempt to exit the building with it.
• Install the Classic N10 antenna at ALL entrance and exit points. Even if it is a staff only entrance/exit, it will help detect if someone accidentally attempts to leave with a device.
• If External hard drives are used for data storage, be sure these are protected and accounted for in the same manner as your laptops and mobile devices.
• Use the S3 Locking Counter Key for removing the Alpha Thunder Tag if it has to leave the building for some reason, such as a repair. The counter key can be secured to a counter and the key locked to the base when not in use, preventing someone from removing an Alpha Thunder Tag from a mobile device.
Concerned your office space is too small for an EAS antenna? The Classic N10 is designed specifically for smaller entrances or lobby areas. The space requirement for this antenna is far less than the traditional models and will not detract from the small practice that has minimal waiting room space. This antenna will provide the same protection afforded by the larger models so you won’t have to be concerned about whether or not it would detect a device being removed from the office.
Mobile devices and laptops are leading to major improvements in providing improved patient healthcare. Better accuracy in data entry, faster access to medical records, the ability for real-time patient consultations between healthcare providers are some of the benefits to the industry. The opportunity for security compromise is the flip side of the equation. Don’t allow your practice to be the object of a huge DHHS fine. Consult with Checkpoint experts to see what protections including Alpha Thunder Tags they may have that can secure your mobile devices from theft and loss.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
