A new year brings the excitement of hope and new goals to achieve. And for the loss prevention industry, 2023 will be one for the books! 

 

You may have missed some important news if you haven’t been following our articles lately. A new technology is appearing on the market specifically for retailers — the Internet of Things (IoT). In order to provide a tool that could genuinely make a difference in your loss prevention strategies, we spent months searching for options with a proven track record. 

 

So, to assist you in meeting your goals, we’re writing a three-part article on new anti-theft solutions for 2023 that you don’t want to miss. Part one will dive deeper into how IoT technology and retail loss prevention systems can work together to deter theft. Then parts two and three will focus on security shelving solutions and strategies. 

10 Ways IoT Differs from Past Loss Prevention Technologies 

First, there were AM and RF antenna systems; then it was RFID; now it’s IoT. This new addition to the anti-theft arsenal will give you an edge over thieves. 

 

In the past, these criminals were just as quick to find tools to aid their efforts. Well, that’s all about to change. IoT brings a new set of attributes to your retail loss prevention systems.

 

  • Improves tracking of customer purchases and returns 
  • Increases visibility on product status from shelf to register 
  • Enhances the customer’s shopping experience
  • Higher operational efficiency
  • Ability to catch thieves in the act 
  • Reduces human errors 
  • Automates notifications before an item leaves the store
  • Easier to scale with your operations 
  • Creates interconnected webs of services, including analytics
  • Integrates more sensors on merchandise

How IoT Can Reinforce Your Retail Loss Prevention System

After reading the above points, IoT sounds incredible and might look like the missing piece for your strategy. If that’s all you need to know, then contact us and share your goals so we can help you find the best device and features that’ll assist you. 

 

If you still need more information, continue reading to learn how IoT can reinforce your current retail loss prevention system. 

 

You want to feel confident that you’re making a well-informed decision when adding a new tool to your loss prevention system, and we’re here to help. We connected with a leading loss prevention manufacturer that backs up their products with data from retailers and can show the success they’ve achieved with their loss prevention devices. IMCo Solutions has a mission to empower businesses, and they have a track record to back up their words. 

IMCo’s In-Store Analytics Solutions 

They have an array of IoT loss prevention devices within their in-store analytics line with impressive features. 

  • Connect to any of your internet-based devices
    • Inventory management programs 
    • Smart TVs
    • POS systems 
    • Cellphones 
    • Headsets 
    • Smartwatches 
  • Alerts to fit your needs
    • ORC notifications 
    • Real-time inventory levels  
    • Out-of-stock or low-stock counts 
    • Low device battery alert
    • Product removals 
  • Text-to-speech options 
  • Custom alarm options 
  • Sound deterrent — releases a beep every time a shopper removes a product 
    • Customers hardly notice it 
    • Thieves want to avoid it 
  • Self-installation with simple instructions 
  • 2- to 3-year device battery life 

 

The above features barely scratch the surface of what you could achieve with IMCo’s IoT tools. Be on the lookout for our next article, which will discuss more specifically how an IoT device can help you achieve your loss prevention goals. 

Next Steps for Your 2023 Loss Prevention Strategies 

With IoT, this is the year you can focus on proactively deterring both professional and habitual thieves from your store. So, give us a quick call or send us a message to learn what we can do to find the retail loss prevention solution that’s the right fit for your goals.