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Addressing retail security

The issues facing South African retail organisations have not changed. They’re still affected by theft, pilferage, damages and lack of control over stock coming in and out of the store. What has changed recently is the technology used to prevent this happening and we are seeing many fresh developments in the retail security arena, especially when it comes to the field of integration.

Given that retailing is a tough business in today’s economic climate, retail loss control needs to be tackled aggressively to prevent cutting into store profits. While retail surveillance using IP CCTV cameras is an excellent proactive decision to reduce losses, deter crime and create a safer environment for employees and customers, there are a number of other potential security weaknesses when one considers the various areas to monitor in the retail supply chain. For example, retail companies need to deploy security solutions behind the scenes in loading bays, warehouses and to monitor the goods throughout the supply chain, to ensure that products end up on the shelves where they’re supposed to be.

Retail loss control, which is what fuels security applications, is a complex but vital part of any retail operation. Complex doesn’t necessarily entail that the security measures taken need to be complicated, as the most innovative loss control approach is a simple one, based on the concept of integration. A precise assimilation of access control, intrusion detection and video surveillance technologies can improve the effectiveness of each system, letting them work together as a powerful, streamlined security process.

In store and behind the scenes

With the steady uptake of IP CCTV cameras, they are becoming more sophisticated and the resolution has improved dramatically. As such, Ultra High Definition (UHD or ‘4K’) cameras are becoming the norm. These cameras differ from their standard definition predecessors in that they offer the ability to not only view high resolution video, but to playback and view footage in the same UHD quality.

Accounting for nearly half of retail losses, shoplifting continues to frustrate retailers. Despite the fact that anti-shoplifting strategies have evolved, shoplifters still remain ahead of the curve and the retail industry has seen little change in loss levels. In order to be truly effective against shoplifting, current security devices (namely electronic article surveillance, shelf guards and CCTV), must be adapted to 4K cameras with video surveillance automated software to include the capability to better identify theft dynamics, and alert security and store operators in a timely and accurate manner.

4K cameras are capable of monitoring the store or environment in detail and using intelligent video analytics, together with the 4K image you can detect when someone steals an item, or does something out of the ordinary that is deemed suspicious behaviour.

To minimise employee theft and abuse, it is vital to develop a loss prevention strategy programme that employees recognise as meticulous and well-monitored; if dishonest employees think a store’s security systems are weak, they will take advantage. Control procedures, access control and detection technologies will convey the message that dishonesty will be quickly detected and addressed.

4K surveillance provides particular advantages to retailers, especially when tied into other systems, like inventory management, and can help determine whether loss is due to shoplifting, internal pilferage, or dishonest stock control occurrences. In addition, due to the high video resolution the 4K cameras deliver, it is possible to increase the video surveillance coverage using fewer cameras which helps to save on installation costs, bandwidth usage and ongoing maintenance.

Integrated cameras for more than security

These 4K cameras are also useful behind the store. The high-resolution view and playback functionality now means that warehouse supervisors are able to verify that the correct number of pallets or containers were dispatched or received, either by watching live stream or on later playback. In addition to offering increased security benefits, these cameras also deliver value to the business as a whole, as they are integrated with software that can monitor each transaction, alert management when queues are getting too long, and can even assist in mapping customer traffic, providing insight into what to sell and where to place it in the store.

In short, 4K cameras are the eyes of an integrated, intelligent security system that can help retailers keep an eye on their inventory, their staff and their customers, and their money, thereby reducing the opportunity for internal and external crime.

For more information contact Graphic Image Technologies, +27 (0)11 483 0333, laurence@git.co.za, www.git.co.za

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