Training Bridges The LP/Operations Divide

August 2012 Integrated Solutions For Retailers

By Matt Pillar, editor in chief

One loss prevention training authority says that as long as LP starts with the associate, training will be necessary to create a cohesive LP/operations unit.

Jason Elwell, director of operations for LP Software, Inc., says IT/operations collaboration is more about process, training, and awareness than it is about technology. Fresh research from the National Supermarket Shrink Survey conducted by FMI (Food Marketing Institute) and Retail Control Group underscores Elwell’s point, revealing that 64% of all store shrink results from the absence of adherence to store operations control best practices. According to the report, only 36% of shrink occurs because of theft. The research also tells us that, despite this alarming statistic, 74% of surveyed companies have not changed their key operating disciplines, standards, or practices in the past five years. Report authors tell us that while this certainly doesn’t diminish the importance of combating the shrink caused by theft, it should help retailers prioritize and focus resources on the areas where the greatest ROI can be gained. Here, Elwell gives us some pointers on leveraging a training initiative to bridge the LP/operations gap.