---
title: 6 Ways to Prevent Inventory Loss With Retail Security
description: Inventory loss is a huge problem for retailers. Here are 5 tips that will help you improve retail security, better manage your inventory and prevent loss.
image: https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Fashion%20store%20for%20male%20clothes.jpeg
---

[Blog](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog)

[Categories](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/6-ways-to-prevent-inventory-loss-with-retail-security#)

- [Verified Security Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-security-alarms)
- [Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security)
- [CCTV Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance)
- [Retail Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail-security)
- [Security Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-tips)
- [Building Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/building-access-control)
- [Office Workplace Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-workplace-security)
- [Verified Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-video-surveillance)
- [SonaVision Online Monitoring](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision-online-monitoring)
- [Prevent False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-false-alarms)
- [Verified Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-alarms)
- [Security for Construction Sites](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-construction-sites)
- [Construction Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction-security)
- [Office Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-building-security)
- [Security for Auto Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-auto-dealerships)
- [Restaurant Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurant-security)
- [Monitored Audio Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/monitored-audio-alarms)
- [CCTV](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv)
- [Pharmacy and Drug Store Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/pharmacy-and-drug-store-security)
- [Security Audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-audit)
- [Small Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/small-business-security)
- [Managed Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/managed-access-control)
- [Prevent Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-copper-theft)
- [Security for Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-fenced-compounds)
- [False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarms)
- [Police Response to Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-to-sonitrol)
- [Security for Marijuana Grow-Ops](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-marijuana-grow-ops)
- [Crime Prevention Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/crime-prevention-tips)
- [Security Systems for Schools](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-systems-for-schools)
- [CCTV Versus Sonavision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-versus-sonavision)
- [School Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/school-security)
- [Security for Pharmacies](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-pharmacies)
- [Security for Warehouses & Manufacturing](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-warehouses-manufacturing)
- [Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fenced-compounds)
- [Government Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-building-security)
- [Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/business-security)
- [Keyless Entry](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-entry)
- [Police Response Times](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-times)
- [Professional Office Seccurity](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/professional-office-seccurity)
- [Security for Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-place-of-worship)
- [SonaVision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision)
- [Automotive](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/automotive)
- [Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/dealerships)
- [Keyless Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-access-control)
- [Retail](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail)
- [Verified Reponse](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-reponse)
- [Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/copper-theft)
- [Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/surveillance)
- [Workplace security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/workplace-security)
- [vandalism](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/vandalism)
- [Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/access-control)
- [Audio Intrusion](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/audio-intrusion)
- [Equipment](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/equipment)
- [Financial Institutions](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/financial-institutions)
- [Legal Marijuana Grow-Op Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/legal-marijuana-grow-op-security)
- [Offices](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/offices)
- [Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/place-of-worship)
- [commercial security audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security-audit)
- [Cannabis Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cannabis-security)
- [Church](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/church)
- [Criminal Apprehension](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-apprehension)
- [Guaranteed Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/guaranteed-commercial-security)
- [Restaurants](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurants)
- [employee theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/employee-theft)
- [Construction](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction)
- [False Alarm Permits](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarm-permits)
- [Fraud](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fraud)
- [Government Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-security)
- [Technology](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/technology)
- [criminal captures](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-captures)
- [education](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/education)

# 6 Ways to Prevent Inventory Loss With Retail Security

![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png)

 by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson)

April 05, 2017

![Prevent theft and inventory losses at your retail store](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Fashion%20store%20for%20male%20clothes.jpeg?width=353&name=Fashion%20store%20for%20male%20clothes.jpeg "Prevent theft and inventory losses at your retail store")Inventory shrinkage is a huge problem for [retailers](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/retail-security-alarm-systems-lp). In fact, Canadian retailers lose about $4 billion a year to theft, errors and damage. Retailers are constantly looking for ways to reduce their losses - from eliminating shoplifting, to reducing internal errors in shipping and accounting.

Sometimes the risk of inventory loss can outweigh a retailer’s resources for managing it.

That's where we can help. I'd like to share with you 5 tips that will help you better manage your inventory and prevent loss.

****

**1. Control Access to Your Inventory System**

It's not difficult to change a couple numbers in the inventory system so that nobody even realizes product has gone missing. That's why it's critical that you are selective in choosing which employees have access to the inventory systems, and their level of access.

You will want to ensure that each employee is trustworthy and properly trained to use the system, to eliminate data entry errors. It is also important that each employee has their own password and does not share it.

Doing so will help reduce the chances of false entry and improve your audit process in the case of an inaccuracy.

**2. Communicate Policies**

It’s not enough to have policies in place, you have to communicate them effectively and enforce them if necessary. Your retail space should have a policy for managing employee purchases and returns, authorizing customer discounts, accessing valuable inventory, restocking products, handling damaged or returned products, and ensuring data entry is accurate, as well as consequences for not following policies.

Once these policies or procedures are put into place, you want to be sure that each employee fully understands them, and that your whole team is working together to prevent loss, by having frequent meetings and good communications.

**3. Minimize Internal Theft **

Employee theft is a growing problem in the retail industry. Statistics have shown a dramatic increase in theft committed by employees according to Retail Council of Canada and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

While business owners don’t want to suspect their employees are stealing from them, having good processes in place to help prevent employee theft is necessary.

When looking into hiring new employees, be sure to take the necessary steps to screen them properly. Background and criminal checks, drug screening, and references are important to making sure you have the right people working for you.

For more ideas, read our blog about [Reducing Internal Employee Theft in Retail](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/reducing-internal-employee-theft-in-retail).

**4. Monitor Valuable Goods More Closely**

Managed access to valuable goods is important to preventing loss. Sonitrol access management system is integrated with our Sonitrol intrusion detection system so different employees can have different access levels.

Employees who are authorized to enter certain secure areas, such as the warehouse, back office, or caged high-value inventory items, will be allowed access. Employees who are not authorized to open the store, or access secure areas, will not be allowed to do so when the security system is armed.

**5. Use A Sonitrol Verified Security System**

Install an integrated [**Sonitrol**](http://t.sidekickopen61.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XYgdnHT2W1px0zF2zGG26W7fsH1M56dQGVf1JRc8-02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonitrolwesterncanada.com%2Fretail-alarms-retail-surveillance-video-monitoring&si=6025642232250368&pi=35682fe3-ea2d-4df6-f869-c7e45739a3ef) Verified CCTV Security System to monitor key internal processes such as cash transactions and receiving/shipping. Employees are MUCH less likely to steal when they know they are being monitored. And if there is a theft, our security specialists will respond in real-time to the authorities, and you will have a record of it.

With early detection, verification, comprehensive CCTV coverage, access control – Sonitrol makes it easy for you to meet all of your security and safety needs. We also back every security system with a commitment to service that includes:

- Service Guarantee
- Satisfaction Guarantee
- False Alarm Guarantee
- Performance Warranty
- Intelligent Security

**6. Use Sonitrol Analytics **

Cash registers are a vulnerable area for any business. Not only should you be concerned about short sales and missing cash, you also need to watch your electronic systems for questionable refunds and voids.

Sonitrol Analytics allows our CCTV systems to monitor your point of sale registers for voids, returns, etc. so that you are always aware of what is happening and can quickly look into anything that seems suspicious. 

Download our free eBook [30 Smart Tips for Retail Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/30-smart-tips-for-retail-security-protect-your-store-secure-your-shop) for more way to keep your retail store secure and protected against a variety of threats. 

[![Download The Free Guide Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/72afff49-bb0c-45d5-a623-6549bcfa5e17.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/72afff49-bb0c-45d5-a623-6549bcfa5e17)

**Tags: **

[Retail, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail) [CCTV, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv) [Retail Security, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail-security) [Managed Access Control, ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/managed-access-control) [CCTV Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance)

![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png)

Post by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson)  
 April 05, 2017

 We provide our customers with the best commercial security solutions and quality service backed by our unique Guarantee and Commitment to Service. It's something unverified conventional alarm companies simply cannot guarantee!

### Related Articles

##### [![Retail Crime is Getting More Advanced - Are You?](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sonitrol_retail_2019_crime.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=Sonitrol_retail_2019_crime.jpg) Retail • January 30, 2019 Retail Crime is Getting More Advanced - Are You? 2 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/retail-crime-is-getting-more-advanced-are-you)

##### [![Retail Security in the Busy Holiday Period](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-photo-264554.jpeg?width=520&height=294&name=pexels-photo-264554.jpeg) Retail • November 30, 2017 Retail Security in the Busy Holiday Period 3 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/retail-security-in-the-busy-holiday-period)

### Subscribe to Sonitrol Blog Updates

Stay up to date with the industry's leading news, products and information.

###### Recent Posts

- [What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-your-ai-camera-cant-see-commercial-security-systems-2026)
- [How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/how-to-stop-break-ins-at-commercial-properties-and-why-most-businesses-are-getting-it-wrong)
- [Are Business Alarm Systems Worth it? A Risk-Based Breakdown](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/are-business-alarm-systems-worth-it-a-risk-based-breakdown)
- [Why Businesses Switch to Sonitrol Verified Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-businesses-switch-to-sonitrol-verified-security)
- [Why Every Business Should Get a Commercial Security Audit Before Choosing a System](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-every-business-should-get-a-commercial-security-audit-before-choosing-a-system)

![sonitrol-guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/sonitrol-guide.png?width=219&height=200&name=sonitrol-guide.png)

##### Learn what the competition isn't telling you about commercial security systems

Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective, and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery.

[Download Guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/25-misconceptions-about-commercial-alarm-systems-and-problems-with-conventional-cctv-alarms)

![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg) ![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg)

Free eBook: Learn What The Competition Isn't Telling You About Commercial Security Systems

#### There are lots of problems with conventional, commercial security alarm systems that you need to know about.

Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery.

[![Read the Free Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554)