The game has changed when it comes to physical security. Today’s LP/AP professionals are stepping up from little league to the big league where the stakes are higher, the adversaries are more fierce, and the tools and processes necessary to prevent problems are more sophisticated.
The evolution of security and loss prevention is characterized by new skills, new technologies, constant reprioritization and a focus on prevention. Increased volatility is the result of labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, cyberattacks, deep fakes, sophisticated organized retail crime (ORC) rings and even civil unrest. In many ways, security is a moving target.
Each year, I attend several LP/AP and security shows around the country. The conversations, sessions and keynotes expound on emerging challenges, but they also the propose solutions to overcome this swell of new challenges. Here are some proposed strategies for shoring up your security efforts.
- Empower your team with data – Things are changing quickly and require an increasingly rapid response. It’s not enough to monitor trends over time and attend an annual conference. Data is essential to understanding the most critical challenges, developing responses and establishing preventive measures to avoid incidents.
- Take a preventive approach – Unfortunately, many emerging threats endanger, not just property, but people. As a result, prevention is more critical than ever. This means being one step ahead of the problem, the criminal or the risk. Fortunately, emerging technologies offer insightful analytics, real-time information, even predictive forecasts that can mean the difference between a loss-causing disaster, and a risk averted. Preventive approaches decrease the likelihood of escalation by addressing red-flag situations rather than in-progress events.
- Have a disaster plan in place – In today’s day and age, if you’re not prepared for the worst, you’re not prepared. Every organization should have an emergency plan in place. It’s not a nice-to-have anymore; it’s an essential. Your emergency/disaster plan should include a plan for communications, sheltering/lock-down instructions, preparedness training for employees, and best practices for life-saving actions.
- Collaborate with others – Criminals are more sophisticated than ever and, often, more connected than ever. It’s impossible to tackle issues like ORC, supply chain theft, flash mobs and civil unrest alone. Your best bet is to develop an ecosystem of partners that work together to inform and address crime. Critical partners include law enforcement, technology providers, other retail LP/AP teams and local jurisdictions.
As you plan your physical security strategies, resources and technologies for 2025, Telaid is here to help. We can build a customized technology tour with best-of-breed providers who offer the solutions that are meaningful to you. Get the help you need for success in the big leagues. Your entire LP/AP team and organization will thank you.