You are in:
Indies need to carry out business audit
Riots show need for independent retailers to examine all processes in order to improve security
Independent retailers need to examine their entire operation as part of their response to security concerns raised by the riots earlier this month, according to security systems supplier ADT.
Peter Stanton, ADT product marketing manager, said independent retailers should take the time to assess all aspects of their business, from the amount of stock they hold and where they store it to what products they have on the shop floor.
Stanton said this will provide pointers to the kind of measures that need to be taken to improve security.
“Independent retailers need to do an audit of all their processes,” he said. “They need to look at their stock levels, see what is being kept and what is out on the shop floor, that kind of thing.
“And they need to look at the general design and layout of their systems. Thieves will often look to steal recordings so there are no images to identify them. Storing recorders securely or even off-site are things to consider.”
Stanton said security advice will be forthcoming from a range of sources, including insurers, local chambers of commerce and the police, and this should also be considered when formulating a response.
This will take time and in the immediate aftermath retailers are putting a focus on proactive measures and physical barriers as a means to improve security, he said.
“Retailers are initially looking at physical barriers and electronic systems will be considered later.
“All systems are intended to reduce or stop losses and are now more proactive than they have been before. They should be looked at in a joined up way not on an individual basis. For instance, CCTV can be combined with intruder systems, and access control can be integrated.”
For more reaction to security conerns raised by the recent riots, see the September issue of SGB Sports
