A New Landscape for Supply Chain Loss Prevention

Supply chain loss prevention has evolved significantly across the retail industry in recent years, a message that echoed loud and clear across the halls at the 2017 International Supply Chain Protection Organization (ISCPO) conference in Dallas, Texas last week. The advancements in retail technology and the ongoing growth of omni-channel retailing is changing the pulse and the pace of the supply chain network, a retail trend that will only continue to develop and unfold in the coming years.

Global e-commerce is growing at such a fast rate that it’s changing the landscape of loss in our industry,” says Glenn Master, director of loss prevention, EH&S at Newgistics and board member with ISCPO. “When today’s consumer orders online, that package can touch numerous companies in multiple countries before ever reaching the consumers door step. We’re in an unprecedented time where companies are now working with each other to get that consumer their package. Everyone is working with everyone else, which changes the way businesses are operating and the way that the supply chain network is managed.”

“This clearly must be reflected in the information presented and the speakers that participate in our conference,” adds Rod Fulenwider, executive director for D & L Protective Services, and chairman of ISCPO. “Businesses can’t afford to fall behind, and these trends must also be a primary driver in our supply chain loss prevention programs. As the retail industry becomes more sophisticated, we must respond in kind to support those needs.”

Conference Highlights

Following opening comments by Fulenwider, Tuesday’s event kicked-off with a keynote presentation with Stuart Spiegel, chief marketing officer with Newgistics, on the evolution of e-commerce and the importance of operational transparency in a way that benefits both retailers and consumers. Wayne Hoover with Wicklander-Zulawski then hosted a session on interviewing suspects as part of a supply chain investigation, complete with a video play-by-play of an interview involving supply chain theft.

The afternoon sessions featured Timothy Speits, director of global security and risk with Hitachi Consulting on building a successful security and risk management program, followed by a presentation with Brett Leatherman with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on terrorism and the supply chain. The day ended with a fascinating session with Jeronimo Sosa, regional security head with DHL in Latin America, on the use of drones as part of security efforts in the distribution center environment.

Wednesday’s sessions began with a presentation by Eric Davis Fernald, head of security for Nestle USA on emergency management and the journey to safety. David Mozden, regional security manager with XPO logistics followed by discussing the security issues posed when doing business in Mexico; and Bill Besse, vice president of investigations with Andrews International Consulting addressing global threat responses to business.

The afternoon sessions featured a discussion with Amanda McMurrey, inspector with the United States Postal Service, as well as a presentation by Bill Temple, special agent-in-charge with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The diversity, depth, and sophistication of these presentations clearly reflect the global reach and complexity of today’s supply chain loss prevention, and the ongoing need for professional development in this critical facet of retail. The progressive and expanding world of supply chain loss prevention offers many challenges and a spectrum of opportunities for those looking to expand their professional horizons.

For more on supply chain loss prevention, read the LP Magazine feature article “Keeping Pace with the Global Retail Supply Chain.”

Hurricane Efforts

The impact of hurricanes Harvey and Irma had a direct influence on conference attendance, as many attendees are responsible for critical aspects of emergency management response and supply chain relief efforts during these natural disasters, and were needed to support response, recovery, and business continuity efforts. While their presence was missed, their expertise and recovery efforts are greatly appreciated in the many areas devastated in the path of these storms.

Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund

The Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund was established by the Loss Prevention Foundation as a way to honor loss prevention professionals and to offer assistance to their families who suffer a loss of their loved ones while conducting the duties of our profession. In addition to distributing funds to the families of the fallen, the LPBF may also provide financial grants to eligible participants who experience a verifiable economic hardship as a result of qualifying circumstances. Situations that could qualify for a grant include serious medical issues, death of a dependent, natural disaster, no permanent shelter, homelessness, and similar serious needs.

As part of the ISCPO event, $2100 was donated to this worthwhile industry charity. Thank you to the ISCPO board of directors and all those who offered their support. To learn more about the Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund, click here.