Which method helps prevent inventory theft?

Restricting access to authorized personnel is a highly effective method for preventing inventory theft because it ensures that only individuals who are trained, vetted, and responsible for inventory management can physically access the inventory. By limiting access to these authorized individuals, organizations can enhance accountability and surveillance over inventory handling. This practice minimizes opportunities for theft and unauthorized activities, as it reduces the number of people who can potentially manipulate or remove inventory without oversight.

In environments where inventory theft is a concern, it is crucial to create a controlled access system. This can include key card access systems, surveillance monitoring, or escorts for individuals who need to enter inventory areas. By knowing that only certain individuals can access the inventory and that their actions can be observed, the likelihood of theft may be significantly reduced.

The other choices do not provide the same level of proactive control over inventory access. For instance, using periodic inventory checks is a valuable practice for identifying discrepancies but does not prevent theft from occurring in real time. Allowing all employees access to inventory logs makes it easier for unauthorized individuals to alter records or misappropriate inventory. Lastly, reducing documentation requirements can lead to a lack of accountability and oversight, increasing the risk of theft and making it harder to trace any wrongdoing.