'Pilferage' is the theft of part of the contents of a package. Broader aspects of
theft may include taking the entire contents, entire package, pallet load, truck load,
shoplifting, etc.
Solutions
Solutions may involve ''all phases'' of product production, distribution,
logistics, sale, and use. No single solution can be considered as "pilfer proof". Often multiple levels of
security need to be addressed to reduce the risk of pilfering.
Some considerations might include:
★ Identify who a potential pilferer might be: an internal employee, security guard, truck driver, delivery person, receiver (consignee), organized crime, etc. What level of knowledge, materials, tools, etc. might they have?
★ Identify all feasible methods of unauthorized access into a product, package, or system. In addition to the primary means of entry, also consider secondary or "back door" methods.
★ Identify available means of resealing, reclosing, or replacing special seals.
★ Use extra strong and secure packaging: A weak or damaged package is an invitation to pilferage.
★ Consider unique custom seals (change regularly because these are subject to counterfeiting)
★ Improve the pilfer resistance to make pilfering more difficult, time-consuming, etc.
★ Conceal the identity and value of a pilferable item.
★ Add pilfer-evident features to help indicate the existence of pilfering.
★ Choose a
logistics provider who can reduce the risks of pilferage.
★ Educate people to watch for evidence of pilferering.
See also
★
Packaging
★
Tamper-evident
★
Tamper resistance
★
Loss prevention
★
Theft
References
★ Brody and Marsh, "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology" Wiley, 1997, ISBN 0-471-06397-5
★ "Improving Tamper-Evident Packaging: Problems, Tests and Solutions", Jack L. Rosette, 1992