Will AI replace Retail Loss Prevention Specialists?
AI can do 49% of the work Retail Loss Prevention Specialists do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 21 tasks, while 9 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 3 physical tasks. 7 still need a person.
AI is already doing this2 · 11% of time
People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.
- Monitor compliance with standard operating procedures for loss prevention, physical security, or risk management.Mostly automated6% of time
- Prepare written reports on investigations.Mostly automated5% of time
AI could do this next9 · 38% of time
AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.
- Implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.10% of time
- Maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.7% of time
- Conduct store audits to identify problem areas or procedural deficiencies.6% of time
- Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to report or investigate crimes.4% of time
- Identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.4% of time
- Direct work of contract security officers or other loss prevention agents.2% of time
- Coordinate with risk management, human resources, or other departments to assist in company programs, investigations, or training.2% of time
- Recommend new or improved processes or equipment to reduce risk exposure.1% of time
- Recommend methods to reduce potential financial fraud losses.1% of time
Robots can technically do this3 · 12% of time
Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.
- Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
- Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.Robots: structured workplaces4% of time
- Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.Robots: structured workplaces4% of time
Still needs a person7 · 38% of time
No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.
- Perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.14% of time
- Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.12% of time
- Apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.5% of time
- Train establishment personnel in loss prevention activities.4% of time
- Testify in civil or criminal court proceedings.1% of time
- Conduct employee background investigations and review reports with operational or human resources managers.1% of time
- Respond to critical incidents, such as catastrophic events, violent weather, or civil disorders.1% of time
Your week is not the average
Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.
What this means
AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 10 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.
What to do next
- Do the 2 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
- Get ahead on the 9 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
- Keep an eye on the 3 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
- Build on the 7 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Related jobs
Get the weekly brief
One short email a week on how AI is changing work, including jobs like this one.