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Defining Our Industry—A Business Topography
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How do loss prevention professionals define what they do, how they contribute to their companies, and how they relate to their peers. The chart above is one attempt to define loss prevention. What are your thoughts?
To read the entire article that discusses this topic, click here.
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| Bryan Gittings September 3, 2009, 11:09 pm |
| This was a great article as this question has been posed to probably all of us at one time or another throughout our careers. I am excited to see that we are now asking within the industry so that we can globally brand our image. In my opinion, part of the historic problem with providing an accurate and consistent answer from each of us in the industry to this question might have been caused by those least likely expected, us. At one time, Loss Prevention/ Asset Protection departments were those in the business environment that "policed" the organization. We were only seen when a shoplifter was apprehended, interviewing an Associate to resolve an investigation, reviewing physical security, conducting an audit and interacting with local law enforcement. I believe we are now creating a global brand image that transverses industries and organizations by lifting the curtain, being more visible and available to all of our employees and teams and being active participants in the organization. We still have a very important role in theft resolution and shrink reduction, but proactive measures are more effective than reactive methods for long term sustainability and brand image. I believe we are now "thinking globally" and providing more return on investment through being the business conscience to protect all business assets and a strong and effective resources for our business partners (whether it be human capital, shrink, safety, investigations, operational processes, supply chain, etc.) and reduce exposure. When I am asked "what do you do?" I answer I am global business partner responsible for the asset protection function of my organization. How we validate understanding of this response is to ensure that after every visit, meeting, walk or audit we are communicating to all levels of the organization, not just the Loss Prevention/ Asset Protection teams. I hope, as we all do, that by our industry being more proactive and taking an active participant stance, the next time we are asked "what do you do?", it will be asked from an individual interested in a career in our field or by those executives eager to bring our industry to their organization to strategically attack global issues that impact profitability because we are the best out there and our industry is synonymous with attaining results. Thank you for this article as the Topography on page 23 is a great tool to share with all levels of an organization in any industry. |
| Kourtney Montgomery August 26, 2009, 12:25 am |
| There are always many different roles that AP or LP has to play in whatever business they are in. I have been at 3 different companies and they all start out the same way: everything is a mess and you wonder what the person did before you, you create a game plan to get everyone on board with the program to reduce shrink, you attempt to implement these "new" ideas. And as quickly as you thought about it- there is always resistence from someone, whether it is Department managers, associates, or your own manager. Sometimes when a person gets used to be lazy it makes it real hard for change- and when that change happens the defensive wall is put up. We all got in the business to protect the assests of the company and enjoy what we do- but without cooperation we can not do our jobs properly. There were many occasions where I just wanted some recognition for all the other things that I did while I maintained my SL rate- it never came. I didn't mind helping with the small tasks- I just want to be thanked for doing more than asked. |
| Jim Palmer July 30, 2009, 11:55 am |
| Great article. I too have struggled with the question of “what do you do for a living?” Like many professionals I can't stand the counter response of "oh, you're security." My response is usually risk management or retail investigations; I admit it. I agree with the business model on page 23 and you owe it to yourself and your company to get involved if you’re not already. Catching bad guys is easy and is yesterday’s news. Taking a holistic approach to Loss Prevention is critical in today’s business model. Stay on top of current events and trends. Be the in-house consultant for HR, IT, and Ops. I remember when I started out as a store investigator that I “complained” about LP being perceived as the jack of all trades. It seemed like when no one could find an answer they would come knock on the camera room door. Why would it be any different today? Different door, yes, but still the go to department in my humble opinion. |
| Bill Petropoulos July 22, 2009, 6:43 pm |
| The article really challenges all of us in the industry to deal with the fact that a problem exists in the way LP is perceived in the retail industry. This has been an issue for a long time. More senior level management has in fact questioned what type of value we bring to the table in LP. If we have a difficult time defining what we do, how will our retail partners perceive the LP function? In difficult economic times LP is one of the first functions to be reduced or in some cases eliminated. We all know that as individuals or as an industry we are defined during the challenging times. I think Suni’s article was published at the right time. The LP industry is suffering through hard times in this tough economy. I believe there are more LP executives unemployed then ever before. If we are going to change the way we are perceived in the industry we really have to get involved. This is the right time to do it. Let’s not wait for someone else to take the ball and run with it, let’s do it together. |
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