ECRA Loss Prevention Forum - New Report focussed on the Impact of New Technology on Loss

The way in which customers select their purchases and pay for them is rapidly changing. As new technologies emerge onto the market, retailers and suppliers are facing the challenge of reconfiguring systems to accommodate increasingly mobile customers who expect multichannel options supporting quick and secure digital payment. Mobile commerce (e-commerce via any mobile device) has been a hot topic since the early 2000s but it is only in recent years that it’s roll out has gathered traction, particularly in the US and Europe. 

Whereas Self Check-Out redefined the retailer-customer dynamic, the introduction of mobile payment platforms is set to revolutionise the relationship between retailer and customer. But it is not just this relationship that requires attention, the onset of mobile opportunities will potentially reconfigure the entity of bricks and mortar stores, presenting opportunities for innovations such as ‘endless aisle’, ‘click and collect’, and the ‘mobile wallet’ with integrated loyalty platforms bridging the gap between virtual and physical stores. 

Mobile scanning and mobile payment, however, create a ‘disconnect’ in the customer journey, presenting new challenges for those charged with preventing loss as the new technologies give rise for potential for ‘shrinkage’ attributable to fraudulent behaviours, malicious theft (both customer and employee), and non-malicious theft through customer or staff or system error. 

The ECRA Loss Prevention Forum, comprising retailers, suppliers and academic partners commenced a project stream entitled ‘Staying Ahead of the Game - Managing the Impact of New Shopping Technologies’ with a Workshop in May which defined key focus areas for an ensuing research phase of the work. The output of this phase of the project is a comprehensive report authored by Dr Emmeline Taylor, Convenor of Criminology and Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University, and supported by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney. 

The report builds a strong view of the various types of mobile selection and payment technologies and the business case for their roll out, before turning attention to the potential risks to loss and key considerations for retailers as they take up the technologies. Reference is given to key learnings from the introduction of self check-outs where relevant. The development of the report was supported with generous funding from Checkpoint Systems and will shortly be made available on the ECRA website.

The next phase in the ‘Staying Ahead of the Game’ project is currently being determined by the Forum.  Membership of the ECRA Loss Prevention Forum is open to Full Members of the Australian Food & Grocery Council and FMCG retailers. For more information please contact the ECRA Secretariat.

Have you downloaded - Carton Identification Guidelines?

A set of industry guidelines, Carton Identification, deliver practical suggestions on how to label cartons to ensure the choice of the correct product and rotation of stock through the supply chain is achieved. The guidelines focus on distribution centre, back of store and shelf replenishment processes.  

The Guidelines have been endorsed by Coles and Woolworths and are an adjunct to (not a replacement of) the retail specific specifications.
The Guidelines can be downloaded from the ECRA website here.  

ECRA acknowledges IGD - Easy ID Guidelines (www.igd.com/easyidguidelines).

GS1 GoScan smart device application classified as game changing technology

Award winning smart device app that hosts food and beverage data direct from manufacturers and brand owners is recognised as a revolutionary technological game changer.

The GS1 GoScan smart device app that enables consumers to know if a food product suits their special dietary needs with a simple scan of a barcode has been acknowledged as a game changer – shifting the power to the consumer via smart device technology. 

Today, consumers want trusted product information immediately and GS1 GoScan delivers just that.  This revolutionary smart device app has been recognised as the way forward for industry to communicate directly to consumers rather than government regulating for more food and beverage product information on food labelling and packaging. 

On Wednesday 30^th October 2013, Chief Executive of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) Gary Dawson addressed the National Press Club in Canberra on the topic, ‘Dining Boom or Bust: Challenges and Opportunities for Australia’s Food and Grocery Sector’. 

“The AFGC, working with GS1 Australia, embraced a new approach in the development of the GS1 GoScan app. It enables consumers to scan a product barcode and get instant access to product information.  It’s been a particular godsend for allergy sufferers, enabling the consumer to tailor alerts for particular allergens,” said Mr Dawson. 

“But the application is just as relevant to traceability of ingredients, nutritional value, cultural sensitivities, even recipes.  It’s a game changing technology offering a win-win for consumers, business and government. Regulators and policy makers need to be looking for these technology solutions.” 

GS1 Australia’s CEO, Maria Palazzolo said, “As manufacturers and brand owners continue to list their products on our database, the GS1 GoScan application will increasingly empower Australians to make more informed food choices. Consumers are, however, becoming more frustrated by the continued absence of many leading food brands on GS1 GoScan.” 

In August 2013, GS1 Australia and the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) were awarded the winners of the prestigious national Consumer iAward for GS1 GoScan in the 2013 iAwards Services Domain Category for ICT innovation as well as the winners of the VIC iAwards Merit Recipient earlier in the year.

GS1 GoScan is currently available for free download on the App Store, Samsung Apps and Google Play Store

Joe Berry Australian Retail Industry Executive Award open for 2014

Institute of Food & Grocery Management - Food and Grocery Executive Program

ECRA 2013 Winner attends this year’s program  

Claire O’Neill (Category Manager, Independents, Simplot Australia) was the 2013 recipient of the ECRA Joe Berry Retail Industry Executive Award. Claire attended the 16^th Annual Food and Grocery Executive Program in September.  

“I found last week’s course incredibly insightful and pertinent. I gained great insights into the Food and Grocery industry, as well as personal development.   Additionally, there were great opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry.”