Business Continuity and Crisis Management

Shrinkage Analysis and Inventory Loss

Shrinkage from theft, fraud, damage and administrative errors erodes retail and warehouse margins. This course covers measuring shrinkage, analysing loss data, identifying high-risk products and locations, internal and external theft, process errors, prevention measures, investigations and building a loss prevention programme.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Small reductions in shrinkage significantly increase profit. You will learn to analyse and reduce inventory loss.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Loss data analysis exercises, store and warehouse case studies, prevention planning workshops.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Measure and classify shrinkage
Analyse loss data and trends
Identify high-risk products, sites and processes
Address internal and external theft
Reduce process and administrative errors
Build a loss prevention programme

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Loss prevention managers
Retail operations managers
Warehouse managers
Inventory controllers
Security managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Shrinkage measurement
Data analysis
Risk identification
Prevention design
Investigation awareness

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding Shrinkage

09:00–10:08Causes
10:08–11:00Measurement
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Measurement (continued)
11:45–12:53Benchmarks
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Data Analysis

09:00–10:08Loss data
10:08–11:00Hotspots
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Hotspots (continued)
11:45–12:53Exception reporting
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Theft

09:00–10:08External theft
10:08–11:00Internal theft
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Internal theft (continued)
11:45–12:53Organised crime
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 4Process Errors

09:00–10:08Receiving and counting
10:08–11:00Pricing and admin errors
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Pricing and admin errors (continued)
11:45–12:53Damage
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Prevention Programme

09:00–10:08Controls and technology
10:08–11:00Culture
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Culture (continued)
11:45–12:53Measurement
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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