# Safe Return Systems Checkpoint Systems' Inventory Quarantine Temporarily Isolates Returned Items By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2020-05-28 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/product-returns References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/automate-returns-safely-with-inventory-quarantine-301066276.html) & [checkpointsystems](https://checkpointsystems.com/us/Inventory_Quarantine/) On top of implementing reduced hours and in-store rules for the maintenance of public health and safety, essential retailers have implemented no-return policies to minimize handling and contact—but as stores reopen, new solutions will need to be introduced to facilitate safe product returns where necessary. [Checkpoint Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/checkpoint-systems) launched Inventory Quarantine ([IQ](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intercard)) to address the fact that fitting rooms, stores and fulfillment centers will be looking for ways to adjust the way they operate. The SaaS-based solution can either be implemented as a standalone system or integrated into an existing [store management system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instore-inventory-management) so that returned stock can be separated into a "holding area" before it's deemed safe that the items can be released for resale. IQ uses a virtual "quarantine clock" to keep track of the assigned quarantine period, and notifies employees when it is safe for an item to be removed. Image Credit: Checkpoint Systems ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Contactless Product Returns:** Implementing contactless product return methods can minimize handling and contact, ensuring public health and safety. - **Quarantine Management Systems:** Introducing quarantine management systems can help retailers effectively separate and monitor returned stock before it is safe for resale. - **Integration of Saas Solutions:** Integrating SaaS solutions into existing store management systems can streamline and automate the process of handling returned inventory. ### Who This Affects Most - **Retail:** Retailers can explore innovative solutions for safe product returns to enhance customer experience and safety measures. - **Logistics:** Logistics companies can leverage quarantine management systems to efficiently handle returned items and mitigate the risk of contamination. - **Software as a Service (saas):** The SaaS industry can develop and provide specialized solutions like IQ to enable effective management of returned inventory in various sectors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Cloakroom Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coatcheck.md) - [RFID-Enabled Retail Cabinets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfly-store.md) - [Retail Checkout Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isensego.md) - [Rapid Refund Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reshop.md) - [Smart Retail Inventory Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nedap.md) - [Streamlined Return Processes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ulta-beauty-x-paypal.md) - [Ultra-Speedy Self-Checkout Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecrs-quickcheck.md) - [Simplified Return Processes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/returnzap.md) - [Contactless Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartshop-pick-and-go.md)