Latin America. Currently, IP-based video surveillance systems integrate advanced applications such as video analytics that, combined with data from existing sources of retail establishments, yield detailed and visual reports so that managers can make more specific decisions about marketing and promotion of products, packaging and locations that will direct customers more effectively through the store and simultaneously make possible an improvement in service at all points of contact. The ultimate goal is for more people to enter the store and leave happy with their shopping experience.
Against this background, Axis Communications provides 5 strategies to improve profitability through intelligent video surveillance systems:
1. Focus on "real-time" sales: To get the most out of today's video intelligence, managers must first embrace the concept of "real-time" sales. Traditionally, they have been classified by seasonality: days, months or years, but to increase profitability, they must focus on what happens in the moment. With access to up-to-date data, retailers can respond effectively to changes in consumer demand. Simultaneously, they will be able to maximize their operational efficiency, focusing on activities that foster consumer loyalty and decreasing their amount of inventory in warehouses.
2. Improve interdepartmental communication: A system that allows the flow of information at multiple levels of the organization can facilitate interdepartmental collaboration to create a high-performance business, as well as be able to design and execute strategies faster. In addition, access to real-time video analytics helps track all workers and measure customer satisfaction levels.
3. Include images with no expiration date: High-quality video, such as HDTV images, are of great value when investigating possible theft or conflicts. While images recorded on conventional videotapes deteriorate with use, digital images do not, no matter how many times they are displayed. And, in addition, the high quality of the recordings saves valuable time in the identifications. Smart network cameras with motion detection and active tampering alarms also help detect suspicious behavior, both outside the store and inside.
4. Behavior analysis: Through heat maps, which allow to identify the zones of occupation and human trafficking within a space, while facilitating the knowledge of the most visited and the least traveled areas, both in real time and evolutionarily, managers can track the behavior of the buyer. This information allows them to optimize the design of aisles, bookshelfs and advertisements based on real sales data. Information captured on video becomes a competitive differentiator because it allows a much deeper understanding of how consumers respond to products, their placement and promotions.
5. Easy setup and customization: Today's video systems integrate management software that simplifies installation and use through applications for any mobile device. This allows that a computer is no longer required to manage an entire video system. These mobility tools enable users to securely access recordings and operate cameras remotely from their cell phones or other mobile devices.
The combination of the best video surveillance equipment together with analytical applications provides retailers with intelligence designed to improve customer service and ultimately, the smooth running of the business. As a recommendation, comprehensive systems developed specifically for this sector should always be considered. In conclusion, today there are already solutions that automate data collection and the delivery of information in real time to achieve a greater degree in process efficiency, which ultimately means a higher success rate for any type of trade.
