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Dedicated Micros launches segmented approach with Retail Solutions range

Dedicated Micros has announced the first in a new line of bespoke digital video recorders for specific market sectors with the launch of the Retail Solutions range, available locally through RGB Technologies.

Chris Boyce, group commercial director at DM explains: "Obviously a supermarket, a casino and an airport are all very different places. As the managers of these establishments look to expand the role of CCTV within their operations, there is a growing demand for specific functionality to address particular business requirements. We are responding to this demand by tailoring technology to meet the needs of different market sectors."

Inventory shrinkage is estimated to add up to 24% of retail profits, with internal theft an increasing problem. DM's Retail Solutions (RS) products are set to save retailers vast amounts of money a year in lost stock by providing evidential quality, digitally signed images irrefutably associated with point of sale (POS) transaction data.

RS units can be configured to trigger events on suspect transactions via a keyword match facility. User-defined keywords such as 'VOID' or 'REFUND' generate an event every time they are entered at the till. Managers can then review all CCTV footage associated with these keywords at the touch of a button and rapidly identify any fraudulent behaviour.

A transaction search facility is also provided to allow managers to investigate specific concerns. For example, sales records might suggest abnormally high level of sales of a particular low-value item. The manager can immediately review the CCTV images associated with each instance of this type of sale and check for any 'sweet-hearting', where the checkout operator undercharges a customer who is known to him/her by swiping the wrong product.

Unlike some analog retail systems, RS units do not permanently 'burn' the transaction information into the CCTV images, which risks obscuring critical detail. Instead, the data is stored separately, with an index to the relevant video. The user is able to select the colour and position of the textual display to maximise its readability whatever the underlying view. The display text can even be completely disabled such that live and recorded images can be subjected to the closest possible scrutiny. However, regardless of what appears on the monitor, the RS unit continues to record every element of each transaction, so that it may be referred to at a later date.

Through a range of interface units, the RS products are compatible with around 300 different types of cash register and POS terminals, making them suitable for new and existing installations alike. Support for new POS systems is being added all the time.

The RS is more than just a security system - it is a management tool. By connecting to local RS units from a remote PC, area managers with responsibility for several sites can monitor operations remotely, even taking control of telemetry cameras.

Retail Solutions' DVRs are based on Dedicated Micros' award winning range D4, DS2, DS2Plus and BX2 recorders featuring DM's trademark reliability, ease of installation and support.

Boyce adds, "By tailoring products specifically to the needs of defined market segments, we believe we are making it easier for installers and distributors to sell in our range to their customers.

"Most importantly, adding new functionality such as that found in the latest RS products will improve the investment case for CCTV systems, creating new opportunities for all concerned."

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