Anti-theft devices have become a mainstay for retail companies across the globe, complementing loss prevention’s efforts to keep products safe and secure. By harnessing the benefits of cutting-edge technology with the merits of proactive physical security measures, these critical tools help us balance product access and customer service with the essential need to keep high-risk merchandise protected and available.
Strategic decisions on the use of these tools—what products to protect, the extent to which they need to be protected, the devices chosen to maximize availability while maintaining security, and the ability to effectively balance protection with a positive customer experience, have long been challenges for the industry. These, coupled with finding cost-effective solutions, are questions we’re faced with every day.
Innovation Remains Our Greatest Need
In an age where ORC poses real and ongoing threats, innovation remains the constant. Both retailers and solution provider partners have had to adjust and modify, finding new and creative ways to keep products on the shelves and available to customers. Longstanding staples are tweaked and fine-tuned, while new products are introduced, always looking for that balance between product protection and customer satisfaction.
Even the most novel professional is familiar with many of these tools. Both EAS and RFID products have been around for many years now, and most understand the use and application of both hard tags and soft tags and how they are managed in the retail setting. Recent trends include the use of product keepers. With dozens of sizes to choose from, these tough, clear polycarbonate cases are designed to protect everything from electronics and razor blades to cosmetics and baby formula. Most are available for use either alone or in combination with electronic article surveillance systems.
We know what the products are for—and we have a general understanding of how they work—but we wanted to take things a bit further, and see how it all comes together. This is what led to our recent visit with the team at Checkpoint, who invited us to tour their facilities in Canton, Ohio for an up-close look at how some of these products come to life—and even how some are recycled to maximize effectiveness and efficiency.
Let’s Take a Tour
“Our manufacturing operation is an environmentally sustainable facility,” says Stuart Rosenthal, global vice president of sales, marketing, and operations at Checkpoint. “We are committed to sustainability. We recycle 100 percent plastic, cardboard, paper, glass, magnets, and all other materials. We have a customer recycling program as well for old Alpha products. Outfitted with the latest injection molding machines that reduce electric and water consumption by 25 percent. The addition of motion-sensing LED lighting will only further reduce electric consumption.”
Final Thoughts
Tools are only as good as the hands and minds that use them. Learning more about the tools that we use every day—and what goes into bringing them all together—can only make us better at what we do. Doing our best to make sure each step is a step forward only helps make us better leaders and valued partners. Stay current, relevant, and informed. It’s not just a priority—it’s a leader’s responsibility.