Inspect What You Expect
November 24, 2007 Simply put, if you have certain expectations of security within your organization, from a cash handling program to merchandise protection standards, you must audit these procedures regularly, or they will lose much of their effectiveness. Why? Because your employees will perceive them only as important as you do. If you place high importance on a particular program, you will follow up regularly to ensure that it is running properly, and efficiently. Employees see that, and will take their cue from you, in most cases. For example, if you demonstrate great customer service skills, and demand that same level of customer service from your employees; and, you regularly review with them any opportunities and strengths to help them improve, they will “get it”. Essentially, they will become very good at customer service, and will thereby increase your sales. By the same token, if your employees know that you are going to review your security policies and programs, and that you are going to follow up with them about any deficiencies or strengths you find, then of course, they will follow your lead, and make those programs important to themselves, too. It’s really about managing people. You just have to apply the same principles you employ to increase your business to the programs that protect your assets. If you never check to see if the back door is locked, your employees will not think it is important to keep it locked. Even small businesses can, and should, have a security audit in place. Depending on the size of the business, and the specific need, the audits could range from a simple checklist to a full-blown multi-area, detailed audit process. When it comes to security, here are some things that every business owner should be checking on a regular basis: * Physical Security - Are your doors locked? Is your building secure? Is your alarm working properly? Including all motion sensors and door contacts? If you have cctv, is it working properly? Are the times correct on your video output? * Cash Handling - Is your cash handling policy being followed? Are the proper signatures, dates, etc. in place? Is your safe always locked? Do you regularly remove cash from registers so that you limit your liability in case of theft or robbery? Are your daily/nightly deposits secured? How are your registers counted? By whom? Are the fail-safes being used consistently? Is there accountability for discrepancies? * Merchandise Protection - Are your lockable cases kept locked at all times? Is your high theft or high risk merchandise protected from theft? If you use Inventory tags, are they being used to your expectation? Do your employees respond to alarm activations? * Operations - Are you checking your receipts of goods for discrepancies? Are you following up with vendors on any issues to ensure you get credit for mistakes? Is your stock area clean and organized, so that any theft activity will be more obvious? Is there a process in place to verify all receipts? * Safety - Are your customer areas free of any potential dangers? Are your fire exits clear and unobstructed? Are your back areas clean, organized, and a safe work environment for your employees? Do you have an emergency plan? And, do all of your employees understand it? This is just an example of the basic items that any business owner should be auditing on a regular basis, be it monthly or weekly. Sometimes, a simple checklist will work. The key to the audit is the follow up. All discrepancies must be corrected, and reviewed with the employees to ensure that everyone understands the importance of the programs. If you inspect what you expect, you will find that you will see improvements in execution, and reductions in losses. by: Joe Hughes
