Today almost all stores and businesses have closed-circuit surveillance cameras. These are systems that are here to stay, in order to strengthen loss prevention efforts and control other important aspects; such as trust towards employees.
by Fernando Esteban*
The technological advancement in these devices has grown at great speed and until recently there were only analog range facilities; but the arrival of digital video, mounted on IP networks, has brought a range of possibilities that go beyond fighting crime, because with state-of-the-art applications, which have become a true ally in improving sales and even in perfecting the flow of operations.
With the intention of making this time one of greater tranquility, hand in hand with its video surveillance systems, Axis brings us 12 simple tips:
1. Equipment suitable for higher reaches
Let's start with the obvious: You can never have a true "smart video surveillance" system if you don't have the right equipment. The general idea is that to change it, extravagant investments are required; however, that is not necessarily real. Axis has a wide and accessible portfolio of solutions and products that allow to install with a fair investment, a closed circuit television with IP scopes, which help optimize the Loss Prevention Program.
2. Systems integration
Digital technology offers superior benefits; installing an IP-based video system is not only allowed to have high-resolution video surveillance; but it also allows you to add access control systems, emergency alarm systems, air conditioning and point of sale control, among others. Through the integration of IP video surveillance, warehouse or establishment operations can be simplified by adding a set of alerts. In this way, the administrator can ensure that they do not make unauthorized discounts or gifts at the checkout, trigger alerts at the right time and ensure the safety of customers and staff.
3. Take advantage of every last drop of your IP video system
The integration of the systems is a good way to fully exploit your video surveillance system, but taking every last drop to the investment goes further, and only requires a little creativity; since through it, you can save hours on trips thanks to real-time monitoring, which allows you to replace the existence of the shelves and shelves; maintain the cleanliness and order of the warehouses, good customer service and closely observe the suspicious behaviors of a worker.
4.Restless customers?
An analytical video system can be very efficient in counting and detecting how many customers enter the establishments; Plus they can schedule alerts when the length of a row is too long, and in that case, the manager can react in advance to open an additional box. You can also closely follow the activity of "anxious customers", and the time to make "fraudulent returns".
5. Exception-based reporting
Obviously, not all "strange" behavior patterns at a point of sale are cause for concern. Through the reports in the video, the loss prevention department can corroborate fraud and illicit discounts against those that are human error. If it is a simple mistake, the video can be used for training and coaching purposes.
6. Secret Chambers
Unfortunately, sometimes malicious employees are hired, and secret chambers are a simple way to catch them. To do this, "covert cameras" and arranged in a network, can be enabled, in areas that offer potential problems without the employee knowing. In addition, based on its discreet location and state-of-the-art technological capabilities, high-resolution video or HDTV, will help its immediate and accurate identification.
7. Eliminating Worries
Fortunately today there are many software solutions that make it possible to detect fraud and act against a manager who appears to be doing his "proper job", thanks to network video cameras that have been equipped with so much "intelligence", they are able to know when they are being manipulated, that is, if they have been moved, blocked, or disconnected at the time of wanting to commit a crime. In this way, a camera can alert the security department to take appropriate action.
8. Internal Audit Savings
Between the months of November and January, a regional in-store security auditor must review large amounts of video. Having an IP video system makes it considerably easier to search, mark and locate "dubious" circumstances. In addition, it has remote viewing capabilities, so that the regional researcher can watch the video from anywhere in the country from the comfort of their home or office, saving time, money and travel.
9. Uniformity in the Image
The marketing department can take advantage of remote and centralized streaming of video storage to ensure that the brand's shopping experience is the same at any branch of the company. You can also monitor whether Christmas decorations and models in shop windows during special sales, are removed in a timely manner without having to hire other suppliers.
10. Makes it easy
IP-based surveillance systems can also be offered as a plus to attract partners and suppliers. With the use of a password, they can register to check on their screens the delivery of their products or provision of services. Also the analytical video can help to show the traffic patterns of the store, the analysis of the interaction with the customer, as well as the busiest areas and those without movement, all these factors allow to measure and give figures to the marketing department.
11. Cloud Surveillance
Streaming and storing video in the cloud is an emerging trend. By collecting data off-site, there is no need for storage with DVR devices. In this way, the organization of the video is perfect for a small retailer that cannot count on staff or resources to install a complete header system.
12. "Robo en bola" attacks again
What started as a funny situation has become a fearful trend. With Video Analysis, large formations of people – also known as a "blob" – can be effectively detected and an immediate security alert can be generated at the moment they happen or when they are just forming. Even if it's a false alarm, it's good for store management to know that a large crowd gathers in or around the store, a shelf, or a particular box.
* Fernando Esteban is the Country Manager for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean of the company Axis Communications.
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