The end-of-year festivities are approaching, and the retail sector begins to operate at an accelerated pace to meet the increased demand. This period, which promotes greater economic activity and a boost in sales, on the other hand, also poses a challenge for retailers: an increase in theft and robbery cases. According to the Brazilian Association of Loss Prevention (Abrappe), in 2023, thefts—both external and internal—accounted for an average of 31.7% of losses in retail. In this scenario, technology emerges as an indispensable tool for security, offering intelligent solutions that help prevent these losses and optimize store operations.
Monitoring flow and density
Today, monitoring and customer and employee management systems are more sophisticated, providing real-time quantitative and qualitative data about your store's circulation, including who enters, how long they stay, and even who passed by your store's door without entering. With the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), generating data for real-time decision-making, whether to regulate space density or to assist in staffing and service planning. The resource differentiates between clients and collaborators by calculating entry and stay rates, as well as identifying the busiest areas, which facilitates team adjustment and minimizes the risk of incidents. With the help of heat mapping cameras, areas with the highest foot traffic can be identified, allowing the redirection of people flow, preventing queues and prolonged waits. During peak hours, the retailer can allocate resources efficiently and create a more organized and safer environment for consumers.
Systems integration: an extra layer of protection
The integration of cameras with traditional systems, such as alarms and electronic surveillance, is a highly effective feature to prevent thefts and invasions, especially during critical hours or at night shift. Facial recognition, for example, assists in verifying identities, helping to track suspicious activities in real time. In cases of alarm activation, the cameras capture images for instant verification, increasing response accuracy.
Heat mapping and consumer behavior analysis
Another significant innovation is the use of heat mapping, which allows retailers to identify the most visited areas by buyers. All this information compiled in BI, presented in dashboards by store, group of stores, facilitates the management of the information. These resources help not only in improvement and monitoring but also in enhancing product placement and the shopping experience. By knowing which sections of the store have the highest customer flow, it is possible to optimize the placement of items and identify points of attention to increase consumer engagement.
In parallel, analysis systems with Artificial Intelligence (AI) enable retailers to detect unusual or aggressive activities, such as fights or people running, and even harmful actions like smoking in restricted areas. One of the benefits of the feature is that it broadens the security scope by covering aspects of consumer behavior, providing a comprehensive view of store activity and preventing issues before they escalate.
Solutions for smaller stores
In stores facing budget constraints, the use of remote monitoring cameras is an efficient and low-cost alternative. This type of equipment covers large areas with a single device that moves 360 degrees and adjusts to capture different angles, providing a complete view of the space. Connected to a remote audit module, the lenses allow the detection of irregularities in the layout, queues, and other issues that may harm the consumer's experience. Furthermore, the use ofbodycamsIn small establishments, it is becoming a practical and discreet alternative. These compact devices capture images throughout the shift, without being invasive, and can be reviewed remotely, helping to increase security without affecting service.
The combination of different monitoring and analysis technologies is transforming security in the retail sector. Investing in innovations not only reduces thefts and robberies but also contributes to a more pleasant shopping experience, where customers and employees feel protected, providing an environment conducive to increased sales and customer loyalty.
