Alternative ways to combat retail book theft.
To combat retail book theft, last year the Booksellers Association recommended that its members should install AM (acousto magnetic) technology. By encouraging one solution, the association sought to enhance buying power. Ken Pettengale, Loss Prevention Manager at Ottakar?s investigated alternatives: ?We felt it was important to research and evaluate other security systems in order to make an informed decision. We were surprised to find that RF (radio frequency) technology was far more effective and far more suitable for our needs.? As RF tags are flat they can be integrated into the cover of books at source, used as a promotional sticker or price label, or incorporated into a swing ticket. Three-dimensional AM tags applied either to the outside of a book or its spine causes problems for storing books against one another. Hence Ottakar?s has installed Checkpoint Meto?s radio frequency (RF) technology in-store (pictured). Pettengale said: ?In the long term, the book industry will inevitably move towards RFID source tagging as a means of ensuring minimal shrinkage throughout the whole supply chain.?
Sarah Wall, National Account Manager at Checkpoint, recently took part in the Booksellers Association?s Loss Prevention Consortium meeting, demonstrating RFID: ?The processes and issues we have found in the book industry are unique and require tailored solutions. Checkpoint?s RF systems will not only produce immediate results but as we implement RFID, will continue to add value to many other areas of their business.”
