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A shot of intelligence

As one of South Africa’s most established liquor store franchises, Liquor City has built its reputation on offering customers an extensive selection of quality products and exceptional service. The management team of the Oasis Brackenfell store, however, wanted to further elevate their operations.

To do this, they looked for ways to better understand customer patterns, optimise store layout, ensure the right products were available during peak periods, and streamline their daily operations. Their ambition was to create the smartest possible retail environment that would serve both customers and staff more effectively, while protecting valuable inventory and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.

An intelligent system supporting operations

To achieve this goal, the store partnered with TMT Services+ and Supplies to deploy a comprehensive Hikvision solution that integrates multidimensional data, AI-driven capabilities, and practical tools that staff can use every day. Each device has been selected to meet a real operational need, and the system is supported by Hikvision’s Guanlan large-scale AI models, which deliver highly accurate smart capabilities that improve decision-making.

At the store entrance, two DeepinView Moto Varifocal Dome Cameras provide insights into customer traffic patterns, including walk-in and walk-by rates and overall foot traffic. Analysed by the Hik-Connect for Teams business intelligence module, they effectively support management in optimising store operations.

In the store, three DeepinView Fisheye Cameras have been installed across the aisles to help staff identify where customers spend the most time. Queue detection is enabled near the pay points, providing early alerts when customers have been waiting too long. This allows the team to open additional tills faster and reduce pressure during peak times.

At the checkout area, three DarkFighter Fixed Dome Cameras provide clear images day and night and, through integration with point-of-sale (POS) data, provide a comprehensive view of sales trends. This integration helps resolve customer inquiries about purchases quickly and accurately, enhancing service quality.

In the storage area for high-value products, a face recognition terminal helps manage access. Only authorised personnel can enter, and the terminal also supports time-and-attendance recording, helping the store maintain orderly storage management.

Supporting the entire system is a DeepinMind NVS. This uses Hikvision’s Guanlan large-scale AI models to deliver specialised capabilities for various scenarios. These include fall detection to ensure staff and customer safety, gun detection for security awareness, and fire monitoring in storage areas to protect both people and products. Intelligent functions such as these operate continuously in the background, providing peace of mind without requiring constant manual oversight.

Connecting everything, a 16-port Smart PoE Switch enables seamless communication between all cameras and the central management station. Managed through web browsers or mobile apps, this enables quick device setup and remote configuration, giving the store flexible control over the entire security network.

Stronger insights, higher efficiency

Since introducing the AI-powered solution, Liquor City Oasis Brackenfell has gained much better insights into how the store performs throughout the day and across the seasons. “We can now clearly see when our store is the busiest and which area attracts the most attention,” says store manager Pieter Toriem. “That understanding helps us plan better and stay prepared.”

These insights have translated into stronger operational efficiency. Better visibility into peak periods supports smarter staff scheduling and faster responses during busy times, helping reduce pressure on both customers and employees. At the same time, clearer transaction reviews and structured access management help ensure smooth, consistent daily operations. As Toriem says, “The new system has helped us plan better, speed up service, and reduce loss.”

Beyond operational improvements, the store has gained greater peace of mind. The comprehensive protection provided by the Guanlan large-scale AI-powered features offers reassurance that both staff and inventory are safeguarded.

The success at Liquor City Oasis Brackenfell shows how AIoT (AI-powered Internet of Things) technologies can transform a retail space into a more dynamic, efficient, and customer-focused environment. With data-driven insights, strong operational support, and scalable technology, this store has taken a confident step toward the future. It may soon inspire similar upgrades across the wider Liquor City group.

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