With theft rates at a high, the retail sector is one of the targets, as advancements in technology have resulted in evolved methods of committing crimes. In addition to this, outdated security systems leave no legitimate way for retailers to track the events taking place and receiving real-time notifications.
In such circumstances, the chances of shoplifting are greater. Further, the possibilities of life-threatening smash-and-grab incidents make retailers as well as customers vulnerable and put them in immediate danger.
Video surveillance systems bring IP cameras to our attention almost immediately. The fact that cameras are the most vital part of a security strategy is beyond doubt. Therefore, it becomes critical to deploy cameras that are well suited to the customer’s application and gives up to the mark performance. A good IP camera has a wide field of view and latest compression technology (H.265) to save bandwidth and can balance dark and bright areas in an image efficiently (True WDR).
Intelligent video analyticsSmash-and-grab incidents make retailers as well as customers vulnerable and put them in immediate danger
On the bright side, security strategies are also being enhanced. There are various Intelligent Video Analytics that are now a part of most of modern video surveillance security systems. These analytics can help in:
Quick response to theft
Securing the infrastructure is very important for a retailer. Therefore, when it comes to the security of infrastructure, retailers worry the most about getting delayed notifications or being notified only after the mishap has occured. Without timely notifications and alerts, the chances of preventing a burglary decreases drastically. Due to this, real-time notifications are crucial.
To combat this problem, many video surveillance systems, including Matrix solutions, provide real-time notifications through various means like SMS, Emails, Video pop-ups and Calling from Mobile Application. Moreover, remote monitoring is also possible with these systems including, the preparedness for sending remote notifications, like TCP, with bandwidth as low as 5kbps.
Increasing Profit
Being in the retail industry, retailers can make use of analytics such as Missing Object Detection and Intrusion Alert, which can instantly notify them about events of shoplifting and smash-and-grab respectively. This will quickly sanction remedy actions and limit loss. Using the Crowd Management Module can give retailers a detailed analysis of peak hours, and hence, their deployment of staff to assist better service to customers can be planned accordingly.
Improved Management
There is Video Management Software available in the market, such as Matrix SATATYA SAMAS, that has features like People Counting for occupancy control. By managing crowds during peak hours and otherwise, the scope of crime decreases. Moreover, with analytics such as Loitering, one can keep unusual strings on motion in check around the storehouse.Retailers must look for a solution that can be integrated with the other systems present in an organisation
Further, integration with POS enables systematic outflow of the crowd, for example, increasing the number of cash counters while the rush is high. Retailers must look for a solution that can be integrated with the other systems present in an organisation such as Access Control, Boom Barrier, etc. This will give scope to centralised monitoring and encourage simultaneous working of all security systems.
Automated System for Multi-Stage Verification
However, there are still some weak areas that technology needs to work on. For example, to make notifications more effective, industries now need an automated system which possess multi-stage verification. This is because often, false notification and alerts reduce the efficiency of security personnel. Further, to put the analytics into proper use, a retailer must be aware of their industry specific requirements and should know how these analytics can help them in fulfilling the same.