CPN10-3 , Thunder Tag-4 , Tablet Theft-3
Checkpoint Systems In The Medical Field
Many doctor’s offices are converting to all digital records keeping systems. This allows them to use less physical space for those bulky file cabinets or records boxes. It also allows offices the ability to share information more easily and freely. Imagine the convenience of simply emailing patient history or lab results directly to another provider, instead of having to retrieve them and fax or even mail them. Many offices are now even converting their check-in process to a digital format and providing the patient with a tablet or I-pad to enter or update their information. Unfortunately there always seems to be a downside to any process evolution, and this is no exception. Office staff was already responsible for the security and maintenance of paper records; a tablet theft could result in the loss of hundreds or thousands of patients’ records.
You’ve heard of financial identity fraud, but medical identity fraud can be just as devastating. It’s hard enough for someone to deal with the bank if their credit card information is stolen and they discover unauthorized charges. Medical information is just as valuable. Health insurance is a new commodity that hackers can sell. It is a new lucrative market and the money that can be made from one tablet theft from a medical office is astounding. A local news station just covered a story last week that was a prime example of what can happen when this type of information gets in the wrong hands. A woman got a hospital bill in the mail for her husband. There was also a whopping charge for an MRI, which her insurance did not cover. The big problem: her husband had not been hospitalized. Someone had stolen his medical records and made a fake health insurance and identity cards. Then they went and had some outpatient surgery, among other procedures, and now this poor woman gets the bill. When the investigation is completed, I would hate to be the medical office manager that gets the blame for this breach. Heads will roll.
Instances like this will get more common as the switch to digital occurs, because a tablet theft from a doctor’s office can have such far reaching repercussions. There is a solution to protect these valuable devices though. Two tools, the Checkpoint N10 system and the Alpha Thunder Tag, are the tag team duo that can save the day. The thunder tag is simply attached to the device that needs to be protected. If someone attempts to remove or tamper with the tag, it will self-alarm and alert your staff. If a patient accidentally attempts to take the tablet beyond the established perimeter, the thunder tag will also set off an alarm. That is where the N10 system plays its part. This is a sleek, space-saving system that attaches to the door frame. It has the same detection capability of its larger counterparts that you see at the entrance of many department stores. This same system that protects a store’s merchandise from shoplifters can protect any medical devices at a doctor’s office or hospital.
Keeping the patient’s medical information secure is paramount. When considering the cost of the digital conversion and the fines and sanctions the office would face if a loss occurs, the answer is clear. An investment in the Checkpoint N10 system and Alpha Thunder tags is well worth the peace of mind knowing your equipment is secure.
For more information on the Checkpoint N10 System and Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
Many doctor’s offices are converting to all digital records keeping systems. This allows them to use less physical space for those bulky file cabinets or records boxes. It also allows offices the ability to share information more easily and freely. Imagine the convenience of simply emailing patient history or lab results directly to another provider, instead of having to retrieve them and fax or even mail them. Many offices are now even converting their check-in process to a digital format and providing the patient with a tablet or I-pad to enter or update their information. Unfortunately there always seems to be a downside to any process evolution, and this is no exception. Office staff was already responsible for the security and maintenance of paper records; a tablet theft could result in the loss of hundreds or thousands of patients’ records.
You’ve heard of financial identity fraud, but medical identity fraud can be just as devastating. It’s hard enough for someone to deal with the bank if their credit card information is stolen and they discover unauthorized charges. Medical information is just as valuable. Health insurance is a new commodity that hackers can sell. It is a new lucrative market and the money that can be made from one tablet theft from a medical office is astounding. A local news station just covered a story last week that was a prime example of what can happen when this type of information gets in the wrong hands. A woman got a hospital bill in the mail for her husband. There was also a whopping charge for an MRI, which her insurance did not cover. The big problem: her husband had not been hospitalized. Someone had stolen his medical records and made a fake health insurance and identity cards. Then they went and had some outpatient surgery, among other procedures, and now this poor woman gets the bill. When the investigation is completed, I would hate to be the medical office manager that gets the blame for this breach. Heads will roll.
Instances like this will get more common as the switch to digital occurs, because a tablet theft from a doctor’s office can have such far reaching repercussions. There is a solution to protect these valuable devices though. Two tools, the Checkpoint N10 system and the Alpha Thunder Tag, are the tag team duo that can save the day. The thunder tag is simply attached to the device that needs to be protected. If someone attempts to remove or tamper with the tag, it will self-alarm and alert your staff. If a patient accidentally attempts to take the tablet beyond the established perimeter, the thunder tag will also set off an alarm. That is where the N10 system plays its part. This is a sleek, space-saving system that attaches to the door frame. It has the same detection capability of its larger counterparts that you see at the entrance of many department stores. This same system that protects a store’s merchandise from shoplifters can protect any medical devices at a doctor’s office or hospital.
Keeping the patient’s medical information secure is paramount. When considering the cost of the digital conversion and the fines and sanctions the office would face if a loss occurs, the answer is clear. An investment in the Checkpoint N10 system and Alpha Thunder tags is well worth the peace of mind knowing your equipment is secure.
For more information on the Checkpoint N10 System and Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
CP Hard Tags-3 , EAS-2 , Stop Shoplifting-1 , CP Tags-4
Security Guard Vs. Checkpoint Systems
There are a few retailers that I have seen lately using loss prevention associates dressed as security guards, instead of the undercover approach. I get the deterrence factor of using these people, and I’m not against this as a way to stop shoplifting. If you can find the right people to do the job, train them according to all your policies and local regulations, your store can benefit from their presence. If nothing else, they can make some customers and even the staff feel more safe and secure. However, I think in order to really make a difference and reduce shrink in your store, you should take a look at the additional assistance you can get by introducing an electronic article surveillance system, like Checkpoint. Especially if you have the kind of staff and “security” personnel the store I went to this weekend employs.
I took my daughter shopping for a tie dye kit for her birthday, and the best locally owned place I knew to go was this crazy mix of gift shop and smoke shop that sells everything you can think of. We were greeted and offered help as soon as we walked in the door. My daughter was immediately mesmerized by all the band t-shirts and black light room decorations, so I just wondered around aimlessly, doing what I usually do: figuring out if a store has loss prevention tools in place. First of all, there are two clerks in the middle of this weird round checkout counter. There was a guy walking around the store with a black t-shirt on that said “security” on the back of it. Honestly, I kinda thought he could have actually been the store’s security, but there is the off chance that was just one of the novelty shirts they sell there. I accidentally (on purpose) took a pair of sunglasses I was “looking at” too close to the front door and activated their electronic article surveillance system. One of the clerks looked up from pricing merchandise, the security guy turned around but didn’t come closer, and the other clerk never budged. Now, I’ll admit I don’t look like much of a threat or a typical theft issue for a store like this, so I won’t crack on them too hard. As I really looked around, I could see that all the t-shirts had Checkpoint hard tags on them. All the beanie caps, bandanas, and scarves and more had some form of Checkpoint tags as well.
The store’s staff can’t see everything that happens. They get busy with other customers and things happen that draw their attention away. That’s why it’s so important to utilize Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint hard tags on any merchandise that may be targeted for theft. Clothing and accessories get stolen often because people conceal unpaid items beneath their own clothing when the staff gets distracted. Sometimes these people come in groups in order to create the distractions themselves. Checkpoint tags will alert the staff of the theft attempt as soon as the criminal gets too close to the door and activates the alarm. Also, the thief can’t just pry off Checkpoint hard tags. They can see they will damage the shirt or other item they are trying to steal if they try to tamper with the hard tag that is pinned through, so they will be more likely to just put it back. It might be worth it to some to find out if that’s a real security guard, but they know for sure they’ll be caught if they mess with Checkpoint tags!
Need more information on Checkpoint Hard Tags? Contact us or give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
There are a few retailers that I have seen lately using loss prevention associates dressed as security guards, instead of the undercover approach. I get the deterrence factor of using these people, and I’m not against this as a way to stop shoplifting. If you can find the right people to do the job, train them according to all your policies and local regulations, your store can benefit from their presence. If nothing else, they can make some customers and even the staff feel more safe and secure. However, I think in order to really make a difference and reduce shrink in your store, you should take a look at the additional assistance you can get by introducing an electronic article surveillance system, like Checkpoint. Especially if you have the kind of staff and “security” personnel the store I went to this weekend employs.
I took my daughter shopping for a tie dye kit for her birthday, and the best locally owned place I knew to go was this crazy mix of gift shop and smoke shop that sells everything you can think of. We were greeted and offered help as soon as we walked in the door. My daughter was immediately mesmerized by all the band t-shirts and black light room decorations, so I just wondered around aimlessly, doing what I usually do: figuring out if a store has loss prevention tools in place. First of all, there are two clerks in the middle of this weird round checkout counter. There was a guy walking around the store with a black t-shirt on that said “security” on the back of it. Honestly, I kinda thought he could have actually been the store’s security, but there is the off chance that was just one of the novelty shirts they sell there. I accidentally (on purpose) took a pair of sunglasses I was “looking at” too close to the front door and activated their electronic article surveillance system. One of the clerks looked up from pricing merchandise, the security guy turned around but didn’t come closer, and the other clerk never budged. Now, I’ll admit I don’t look like much of a threat or a typical theft issue for a store like this, so I won’t crack on them too hard. As I really looked around, I could see that all the t-shirts had Checkpoint hard tags on them. All the beanie caps, bandanas, and scarves and more had some form of Checkpoint tags as well.
The store’s staff can’t see everything that happens. They get busy with other customers and things happen that draw their attention away. That’s why it’s so important to utilize Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint hard tags on any merchandise that may be targeted for theft. Clothing and accessories get stolen often because people conceal unpaid items beneath their own clothing when the staff gets distracted. Sometimes these people come in groups in order to create the distractions themselves. Checkpoint tags will alert the staff of the theft attempt as soon as the criminal gets too close to the door and activates the alarm. Also, the thief can’t just pry off Checkpoint hard tags. They can see they will damage the shirt or other item they are trying to steal if they try to tamper with the hard tag that is pinned through, so they will be more likely to just put it back. It might be worth it to some to find out if that’s a real security guard, but they know for sure they’ll be caught if they mess with Checkpoint tags!
Need more information on Checkpoint Hard Tags? Contact us or give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Retail Theft prevention – 3 WC blog 45
stop shoplifting-3
Electronic Article Surveillance Buying Guide
Electronic Article Surveillance systems were created in 1966 by Arthur Minasy in order to prevent thieves from shoplifting from stores. Over the years the industry has grown and with it systems have improved from types of antennas used to detect EAS protected merchandise to the variety of EAS tags used in the industry today. The use of the technology has also grown from being retail theft prevention oriented to having an impact in businesses, libraries, and even into the medical field.
Knowing what you need to secure
It is important to know what it is you want to protect before making a purchasing decision. Are you a small retailer that sells clothing and need to stop shoplifting? Perhaps you own a wine specialty shop and want a retail theft prevention system to protect higher priced wines or other spirits from theft. Many businesses, including medical practices, have adopted newer mobile technologies in the workplace and use tablets and i-pads. Due to the information contained on these devices there is a need to ensure the devices don’t leave the building. While Electronic Article Surveillance systems all work on the same basic principle of a radio frequency reading tags that pass through antennas and alarm if the tag is not deactivated, there are various types of tags and devices that can be used based on the item(s) to be protected.
• Electronic Article Surveillance Tags – These are considered “soft” tags and generally can be applied to cardboard, plastic and ceramic surfaces. They may be purchased in rolls and applied by hand or they can be applied by vendors in a source tagging situation.
• EAS labels – Labels can be custom designed on different materials, for example denim, leather or plastic and vendor source applied. This method conceals the EAS tag, while maintaining the brand and appearance of the merchandise.
• Hard Tags – These tags come in a range of models and types. They can be applied by adhesives, clamps, pins or cables depending on the type of tag being used. Hard tags can be versatile and used on a variety of merchandise and property, including portable office electronics.
• Security boxes – Security boxes allow merchandise to be placed in the box for display purposes and then displayed on a shelf. They are clear so customers can look at the contents and read packaging and carry it around the store until they are ready to check out at a register. These boxes will alarm if tampered with or if someone were to try to exit with the box.
Within the range of available retail theft prevention supplies there are other factors to take into consideration such as whether a 2 alarm device or 3 alarm device makes more sense to meet your demands. The 2 alarm devices alarm if tampered with and activate an EAS antenna alarm if someone attempts to exit with an item that is tagged. The 3 alarm devices add another layer of security by activating not only the antennas, but the alarm device itself if someone were to attempt to exit with tagged product. A new product on the market allows merchandise that is tagged with the appropriate device to be tracked if it leaves a zone it is designated to be in. The merchandise tracking feature will alert store or office staff via mobile devices or computers (even P.A. announcements) if a device is tampered with or moved out of its’ designated zone.
A company specializing in merchandise protection, such as Checkpoint Systems, can provide suggestions on how best to stop shoplifting and/or protect the merchandise or equipment you are selling or using in your business.
Electronic Article Surveillance Antennas
Store or business space can also be a factor when looking at EAS systems. Antennas are the pedestal looking devices you most frequently recognize when you enter or exit a store. These are the devices most people will associate with a system, and may be a concern if your location is not very big. An example might be a small jewelry store that you see in a mall. They don’t tend to have a lot of sales floor space and that space can be constricted. Small medical practices, such as a doctor’s office may not have a lot of space for the lobby and entry ways are tight, allowing only the necessary room for a wheelchair. These situations may not seem suitable for EAS antennas which appear to take up a considerable amount of entry way space. At one time this may have been true, however there are antennas on the market now that take up considerably less space than you might imagine and are compatible with the smaller waiting room or limited sales floor footprint. For locations where space is not a factor, antennas on the market are stylish and have a sleek design. There are also antennas that provide for customer counting options for analyzing traffic data through a store. Some now integrate signing capability that allows a business to incorporate advertising opportunities in the antenna.
Electronic Article Surveillance is continually growing in the scope of businesses that can benefit from installing a system. Whether you are running a small business and need to stop shoplifting or a large medical facility and seek to prevent theft of equipment, electronic article surveillance can be designed to fit your business model.
For more information on retail theft prevention, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Electronic Article Surveillance systems were created in 1966 by Arthur Minasy in order to prevent thieves from shoplifting from stores. Over the years the industry has grown and with it systems have improved from types of antennas used to detect EAS protected merchandise to the variety of EAS tags used in the industry today. The use of the technology has also grown from being retail theft prevention oriented to having an impact in businesses, libraries, and even into the medical field.
Knowing what you need to secure
It is important to know what it is you want to protect before making a purchasing decision. Are you a small retailer that sells clothing and need to stop shoplifting? Perhaps you own a wine specialty shop and want a retail theft prevention system to protect higher priced wines or other spirits from theft. Many businesses, including medical practices, have adopted newer mobile technologies in the workplace and use tablets and i-pads. Due to the information contained on these devices there is a need to ensure the devices don’t leave the building. While Electronic Article Surveillance systems all work on the same basic principle of a radio frequency reading tags that pass through antennas and alarm if the tag is not deactivated, there are various types of tags and devices that can be used based on the item(s) to be protected.
• Electronic Article Surveillance Tags – These are considered “soft” tags and generally can be applied to cardboard, plastic and ceramic surfaces. They may be purchased in rolls and applied by hand or they can be applied by vendors in a source tagging situation.
• EAS labels – Labels can be custom designed on different materials, for example denim, leather or plastic and vendor source applied. This method conceals the EAS tag, while maintaining the brand and appearance of the merchandise.
• Hard Tags – These tags come in a range of models and types. They can be applied by adhesives, clamps, pins or cables depending on the type of tag being used. Hard tags can be versatile and used on a variety of merchandise and property, including portable office electronics.
• Security boxes – Security boxes allow merchandise to be placed in the box for display purposes and then displayed on a shelf. They are clear so customers can look at the contents and read packaging and carry it around the store until they are ready to check out at a register. These boxes will alarm if tampered with or if someone were to try to exit with the box.
Within the range of available retail theft prevention supplies there are other factors to take into consideration such as whether a 2 alarm device or 3 alarm device makes more sense to meet your demands. The 2 alarm devices alarm if tampered with and activate an EAS antenna alarm if someone attempts to exit with an item that is tagged. The 3 alarm devices add another layer of security by activating not only the antennas, but the alarm device itself if someone were to attempt to exit with tagged product. A new product on the market allows merchandise that is tagged with the appropriate device to be tracked if it leaves a zone it is designated to be in. The merchandise tracking feature will alert store or office staff via mobile devices or computers (even P.A. announcements) if a device is tampered with or moved out of its’ designated zone. A company specializing in merchandise protection, such as Checkpoint Systems, can provide suggestions on how best to stop shoplifting and/or protect the merchandise or equipment you are selling or using in your business.
Electronic Article Surveillance Antennas
Store or business space can also be a factor when looking at EAS systems. Antennas are the pedestal looking devices you most frequently recognize when you enter or exit a store. These are the devices most people will associate with a system, and may be a concern if your location is not very big. An example might be a small jewelry store that you see in a mall. They don’t tend to have a lot of sales floor space and that space can be constricted. Small medical practices, such as a doctor’s office may not have a lot of space for the lobby and entry ways are tight, allowing only the necessary room for a wheelchair. These situations may not seem suitable for EAS antennas which appear to take up a considerable amount of entry way space. At one time this may have been true, however there are antennas on the market now that take up considerably less space than you might imagine and are compatible with the smaller waiting room or limited sales floor footprint. For locations where space is not a factor, antennas on the market are stylish and have a sleek design. There are also antennas that provide for customer counting options for analyzing traffic data through a store. Some now integrate signing capability that allows a business to incorporate advertising opportunities in the antenna.
Electronic Article Surveillance is continually growing in the scope of businesses that can benefit from installing a system. Whether you are running a small business and need to stop shoplifting or a large medical facility and seek to prevent theft of equipment, electronic article surveillance can be designed to fit your business model.
For more information on retail theft prevention, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Alpha Security – 5 WC blog 70
Retail Anti-Theft Devices – 4
Prevent Shoplifting -3
Alpha Spider Wrap-3
Alpha 3 Alarm-3
One Size May Not Fit All, But Alpha Security Has The Right Anti-Theft Device For You!
How many times do we hear the term “One Size Fits All”? I don’t know about you but I am usually hesitant to purchase anything that is sold as “One Size Fits All” or “Universal” because it rarely seems to work out for me. For example, I recently purchased a bathtub hardware kit for some plumbing work I had to do. I dropped about $45 or so into a “Universal” kit. Let me tell you this, I am not sure WHICH universe the kit was designed for but apparently it was not mine. After several trips to the hardware store I was able to get all the parts together and fix my problem (thank you ‘You Tube’!) I share this adventure because the same sort of issues can arise when looking for products that will help you prevent shoplifting. There are a lot of retail anti-theft devices on the market, but knowing what will or won’t be the right solution for your store can be a tricky problem. I am going to provide some information on Alpha Security products that will help you in your decision making process.
Before I get into a discussion of specific products, it should be understood that in order to prevent shoplifting or even employee theft, one crucial component a store needs to have is an electronic article surveillance system (EAS). This is the antenna system that detects retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Security products and sounds an alarm as someone attempts to exit the store with an Alpha device on it. Checkpoint Systems would be one such company that could provide you with more information on installing an EAS system.
As for merchandise protection, Alpha Security has solutions to prevent shoplifting for everything from clothing to electronics. One product is not going to work for all of the categories of product you may sell. Alpha Spider Wrap, for example, is great for protecting boxed merchandise like computers and LCD televisions but it won’t do you any good for protecting suits or dresses. Likewise, Alpha 3-Alarm clothing tags will not be any help to you in the video game section of your store. Each retail anti-theft device has a type of merchandise or packaging design it is developed to protect. Even in these categories there are variations. For instance, Alpha Spider Wrap can be ordered in several sizes for protecting small boxes such as headphone sets to an extra- large wrap that will cover a television. Try to place an extra-large wrap on a small box and the wrap slips off, not a great idea.
If it is clothing you are trying to protect Alpha products provide a selection of devices to choose from, but you may have to consider what type of protection you need. An Alpha 3-Alarm tag may be great for designer jeans but not so useful for a brassier. The delicate fabrics and need for proper fitting may require an alternative anti-theft solution offered by Alpha Security. Finding the right solution for your product lines will prevent theft and offer your customer a pleasant shopping experience.
Alpha Security products offer the best line of defense against shoplifting because they are designed to fit specific needs. While one size fits all may sound good, having a product that fits a specific requirement is often the best solution. Whether it is an Alpha 3-Alarm tag for your soft line merchandise or Alpha Spider Wrap for electronics, Alpha’s retail anti-shoplifting product line can fit any need you may have.
For more information on Alpha Security, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
How many times do we hear the term “One Size Fits All”? I don’t know about you but I am usually hesitant to purchase anything that is sold as “One Size Fits All” or “Universal” because it rarely seems to work out for me. For example, I recently purchased a bathtub hardware kit for some plumbing work I had to do. I dropped about $45 or so into a “Universal” kit. Let me tell you this, I am not sure WHICH universe the kit was designed for but apparently it was not mine. After several trips to the hardware store I was able to get all the parts together and fix my problem (thank you ‘You Tube’!) I share this adventure because the same sort of issues can arise when looking for products that will help you prevent shoplifting. There are a lot of retail anti-theft devices on the market, but knowing what will or won’t be the right solution for your store can be a tricky problem. I am going to provide some information on Alpha Security products that will help you in your decision making process.
Before I get into a discussion of specific products, it should be understood that in order to prevent shoplifting or even employee theft, one crucial component a store needs to have is an electronic article surveillance system (EAS). This is the antenna system that detects retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Security products and sounds an alarm as someone attempts to exit the store with an Alpha device on it. Checkpoint Systems would be one such company that could provide you with more information on installing an EAS system.
As for merchandise protection, Alpha Security has solutions to prevent shoplifting for everything from clothing to electronics. One product is not going to work for all of the categories of product you may sell. Alpha Spider Wrap, for example, is great for protecting boxed merchandise like computers and LCD televisions but it won’t do you any good for protecting suits or dresses. Likewise, Alpha 3-Alarm clothing tags will not be any help to you in the video game section of your store. Each retail anti-theft device has a type of merchandise or packaging design it is developed to protect. Even in these categories there are variations. For instance, Alpha Spider Wrap can be ordered in several sizes for protecting small boxes such as headphone sets to an extra- large wrap that will cover a television. Try to place an extra-large wrap on a small box and the wrap slips off, not a great idea.
If it is clothing you are trying to protect Alpha products provide a selection of devices to choose from, but you may have to consider what type of protection you need. An Alpha 3-Alarm tag may be great for designer jeans but not so useful for a brassier. The delicate fabrics and need for proper fitting may require an alternative anti-theft solution offered by Alpha Security. Finding the right solution for your product lines will prevent theft and offer your customer a pleasant shopping experience.
Alpha Security products offer the best line of defense against shoplifting because they are designed to fit specific needs. While one size fits all may sound good, having a product that fits a specific requirement is often the best solution. Whether it is an Alpha 3-Alarm tag for your soft line merchandise or Alpha Spider Wrap for electronics, Alpha’s retail anti-shoplifting product line can fit any need you may have.
For more information on Alpha Security, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
CP Systems-3 , CP Tags-2 , Retail Theft Prevention-3 , Stop Shoplifting-2
Stop Shoplifting With EAS 2.0
I read an article from Checkpoint recently that was very informative and also made me think about all the amazing advances made over the last twenty years. The article is titled: It’s EAS, But Not As You Know It. As you know, current retail theft prevention tools are leaps and bounds beyond the original pedestal system. (I’ve been with my current company for almost fifteen years, and I’ve seen many of these changes first hand.) Back when it was first introduced, the detection rate was about 50%, and that could even be determined by the day’s weather. Thieves learned which stores were equipped with EAS and simply targeted stores that were not. Over time, retail loss prevention departments and the makers of Checkpoint Systems alike, have been able to watch and learn. They’ve looked at what worked and what did not, and they’ve been able to work together and make the necessary improvements.
The article referred to the importance of employees using the retail theft prevention tools that are available. One factor of employee compliance pointed out in the article was ensuring the use of Alpha Keepers and the adherence of Checkpoint tags to the predetermined merchandise. (I always walk the sales floor after our weekly delivery to validate my standards have been met.)
Are they deactivating Checkpoint tags and removing the hard tags to prevent false alarms? Those are both imperative to maintain the integrity of the system. It’s much harder to get all your employees to buy in to the importance of the system if it keeps going off when it’s not supposed to. That could also be a big turn-off to your honest cash paying customer.
Another key item reported in this piece was the many advances made in EAS. It’s not just about detection and deterrence now; It’s about selling more and losing less. Checkpoint Systems now have the capabilities to count the people coming in the door. We as retailers can see the days and even the times of the day when we have the most shoppers in the store, and then we can compare that to our sales. If there was a big advertising campaign launched, we can now see the effects with the data provided. For example, specific items can be tracked with the Checkpoint tags. Their movement throughout the store can be seen in real time. Store staff can step in and help make a sale or they could be alerted to the fact they need to step in to prevent a theft. How many times have you discovered a theft has occurred and not one employee can even say they knew the person or group was in the store? EAS is the answer to the reactive retailer. It can show them how to actually proactively manage their inventory and make the most of their retail theft prevention investment.
I definitely encourage you to take a look at this Checkpoint Systems article and read more about all the advances and improvements made over the years. This could be the perfect time to make that change from the sign that says “No Large Bags” to a real detection and deterrence system. Track your inventory, monitor your merchandise, and stop shoplifting.
For more information on the advances of Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
I read an article from Checkpoint recently that was very informative and also made me think about all the amazing advances made over the last twenty years. The article is titled: It’s EAS, But Not As You Know It. As you know, current retail theft prevention tools are leaps and bounds beyond the original pedestal system. (I’ve been with my current company for almost fifteen years, and I’ve seen many of these changes first hand.) Back when it was first introduced, the detection rate was about 50%, and that could even be determined by the day’s weather. Thieves learned which stores were equipped with EAS and simply targeted stores that were not. Over time, retail loss prevention departments and the makers of Checkpoint Systems alike, have been able to watch and learn. They’ve looked at what worked and what did not, and they’ve been able to work together and make the necessary improvements.
The article referred to the importance of employees using the retail theft prevention tools that are available. One factor of employee compliance pointed out in the article was ensuring the use of Alpha Keepers and the adherence of Checkpoint tags to the predetermined merchandise. (I always walk the sales floor after our weekly delivery to validate my standards have been met.) Are they deactivating Checkpoint tags and removing the hard tags to prevent false alarms? Those are both imperative to maintain the integrity of the system. It’s much harder to get all your employees to buy in to the importance of the system if it keeps going off when it’s not supposed to. That could also be a big turn-off to your honest cash paying customer.
Another key item reported in this piece was the many advances made in EAS. It’s not just about detection and deterrence now; It’s about selling more and losing less. Checkpoint Systems now have the capabilities to count the people coming in the door. We as retailers can see the days and even the times of the day when we have the most shoppers in the store, and then we can compare that to our sales. If there was a big advertising campaign launched, we can now see the effects with the data provided. For example, specific items can be tracked with the Checkpoint tags. Their movement throughout the store can be seen in real time. Store staff can step in and help make a sale or they could be alerted to the fact they need to step in to prevent a theft. How many times have you discovered a theft has occurred and not one employee can even say they knew the person or group was in the store? EAS is the answer to the reactive retailer. It can show them how to actually proactively manage their inventory and make the most of their retail theft prevention investment.
I definitely encourage you to take a look at this Checkpoint Systems article and read more about all the advances and improvements made over the years. This could be the perfect time to make that change from the sign that says “No Large Bags” to a real detection and deterrence system. Track your inventory, monitor your merchandise, and stop shoplifting.
For more information on the advances of Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
