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.
Need information on a Checkpoint security system? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
