Key Takeaways
- Accurate real-time stock counts
- Staff login tracking for accountability
- Discount and void monitoring and approval
- Waste and damage recording
Quick Answer
EPOS reduces stock loss through accurate tracking, staff accountability, theft detection, and waste recording. Most UK retailers see 1-3% stock loss—proper EPOS can cut this significantly through visibility and control.
Stock loss (shrinkage) costs UK retail billions annually. Common causes include theft, admin errors, and waste. The right EPOS gives you visibility and tools to tackle all three.
How EPOS Reduces Stock Loss
- Accurate real-time stock counts
- Staff login tracking for accountability
- Discount and void monitoring and approval
- Waste and damage recording
- Stock count variance reporting
- Unusual transaction pattern alerts
Key Features for Stock Control
- ✓ Barcode scanning prevents wrong product sales
- ✓ Individual staff logins for every transaction
- ✓ Manager authorisation for discounts above threshold
- ✓ Reason codes for voids and refunds
- ✓ Regular stock count scheduling and variance tracking
- ✓ Goods received booking against purchase orders
Choose How You Buy Your EPOS System
UK businesses choose EPOS in different ways depending on budget and growth plans:
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Stock Loss Prevention Features
| Feature | What It Catches | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Login Tracking | Employee theft | Links every action to a person |
| Void Monitoring | Fraudulent refunds | Flags unusual patterns |
| Discount Limits | Over-discounting | Requires approval above threshold |
| Stock Counts | Shrinkage overall | Identifies problem areas |
| Waste Recording | Legitimate losses | Separates from theft |
Stock Control Mistakes
- ✗ Shared logins that hide who did what
- ✗ Not regularly counting and investigating variances
- ✗ Assuming all loss is theft when admin errors are often significant
Frequently Asked Questions
How much stock loss is normal for UK retail?
Average UK retail shrinkage is around 1.3%, but varies by sector. High-value or high-theft categories can be significantly higher.
Can EPOS catch staff theft?
Good EPOS makes staff theft harder and easier to detect through accountability features and unusual pattern reporting.
Will stock control features slow down transactions?
Not noticeably with modern systems. Barcode scanning actually speeds things up while improving accuracy.
How often should I do stock counts?
Full counts quarterly minimum, with regular spot checks on high-value or high-risk items weekly or monthly.
Does EPOS integrate with stock ordering?
Many systems can suggest or automate orders based on stock levels and sales velocity, reducing over and understocking.
Already have software? Buy EPOS hardware only
Buy EPOS Hardware – Best UK Prices →Touch terminals • Printers • Scanners • Cash drawers • Scales
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