Retailers have faced many challenges through the years relating to theft and asset protection. Advancements in technologies have made vast improvements in the industry, as retailers can better monitor their assets and track theft on a case by case basis. It is impressive how technology can closely monitor each bar code scan, recognize facial features, and even restrict access to specific areas.

Take a look at the variety of solutions that are helping various security aspects of the retail industry:

• Point of Sale: Combine cameras with video analytics and you get an advanced monitoring solution for POS systems. Tying POS data to a camera system helps retailers track bar code scans and ensures employees are not giving items away for free. This technology can even charge for items on the bottom of a shopping cart without scanning them.
• Alarms: Remote monitoring can play a major role for retailers, allowing you to control alarms from anywhere. This technology is especially useful for smaller businesses who want to monitor camera systems remotely in addition to alarms. You can log in from a computer or smartphone to access real-time views of the shop or arm the system if an employee forgets.
• Access Control: Advancements in access control technology enable retailers to manage secure areas more effectively. For example, you can restrict an employee’s access to jewelry cases so the employee can only open specific areas during work hours. Access badges also give retailers the opportunity to monitor employees’ start and finish times.
• Customers: Facial recognition software has the ability to scan facial features when a customer walks through the door. This technology works to match individuals with previous shoplifters, criminals, etc. by searching through a database.

With the economic woes, more and more individuals are looking to steal from retailers and sell at a markup online or on the streets. However, the retail industry is incorporating new technologies and working to increase loss prevention. If you or a friend are interested in learning about our security solutions and how they can protect a retail environment, please contact us.