Inventory shrinkage causes significant financial losses in the retail segment. This is often the result of theft or misappropriation. According to the British Retail Consortium, customer theft caused a cost of around £1.8 billion to the UK retail sector between 2022 and 2023.
In Germany, according to the EHI Retail Institute, inventory shrinkage in German retail trade amounted to around 4.1 billion euros in 2023. Thefts are also increasing in warehouses and on transport routes. This development presents major challenges for the retail trade, according to Wanzl, and requires security strategies to be continuously adapted – starting with logistics.
Protect your inventory: effective protection against theft
In order to minimise losses, logistics companies rely on a variety of security measures:
1. Access gates: Access gates ensure that only authorised persons have access to the goods warehouse. When combined with metal detectors, they provide an additional layer of security by preventing the unauthorised removal of goods. The detectors can detect even the smallest concentration of metal on the body of the person entering the building or security area through the access gate. If the amount of metal previously detected changes by the time the person leaves, the passage is closed.
2. Roll cage with tracking system: The location of a roll cage can be monitored continuously if it is equipped with a tracking system. This ensures that no roll cages are lost or leave the storage area without authorisation. This system is a valuable tool for fleet management and allows transport routes to be analysed and potential logistical deficits to be identified. It provides insight into the total number of roll cages in the fleet and their location. It also makes it easier to plan service intervals and maintenance work, which can help to optimise the total cost of ownership.
3. Fully enclosed roll cages: Wire mesh parcel roll cages provide an effective barrier against potential thieves, including ‘tarpaulin slashers’. This type of theft, which is used for easily accessible pallet goods on trucks, is hampered by the sturdy mesh structure. Additional security is provided by a padlock, which protects the roll cages against unauthorised access. For extremely valuable goods, opaque roll cages with sheet metal panelling are recommended. They not only offer privacy from prying eyes, but can also be equipped with an electronic lock to provide greater security.
At an individual level, each solution contributes to goods security, protects goods from unauthorised access and minimises shrinkage. However, combining all three elements significantly increases security in logistics.
A comprehensive security strategy that includes technological and organisational measures is needed to manage inventory shrinkage in logistics. The continuous implementation and enhancement of these technologies is also crucial for effectively counteracting the growing threats in the area of warehouse and logistics security.
similar news
