One of the ongoing challenges for retailers is effective merchandise security. This is because the loss of goods through theft has more than just financial consequences. At the same time, inadequate merchandise security and theft can undermine the trust of honest customers and place additional strain on employees. Modern merchandise security systems now incorporate innovative technologies that make theft significantly more difficult and enable permanent monitoring via AI-based video analysis systems.
Investment in theft protection for a positive shopping environment
The types of goods that are commonly stolen depend on various factors. These include economic conditions, the catchment area of the respective location and the security measures in place. Goods that are particularly susceptible to theft include high-value products:
• Electronic items: These include cameras, tablets and smartphones. They are handy in size and have an attractive resale value.
• Watches and jewellery: Due to their light weight and small size, watches and jewellery are highly sought after by thieves.
• Clothing and accessories: Designer brands and exclusive fashion items are particularly at risk of theft.
• Spirits: High-quality spirits are particularly prone to theft due to high demand and ease of resale.
• Drugstore items: For some consumers, inexpensive drugstore items are also a popular target for theft. The frequency of thefts causes significant damage to individual retailers.
The merchandise security system helps to reduce merchandise losses while improving the overall security of a store. Investing in modern merchandise security is therefore absolutely worthwhile for retailers. The cost of merchandise security depends on the security measures used and, of course, on the size of the sales area and the store layout. Particularly high-value products require very advanced security measures. The specific requirements ultimately determine the scope of the security measures.
Criteria for modern retail security
Modern retail security offers maximum protection against theft while ensuring a smooth shopping experience for customers. There are therefore a few important criteria that modern security systems should meet:
Effectiveness: Modern retail security should, of course, be as efficient as possible. On the one hand, thieves must be deterred by the measures in place. On the other hand, merchandise security must identify as many attempted thefts as possible.
Scalability: In addition, the loss prevention system must be scalable so that it can be adapted to changing requirements.
Customer friendliness: Security measures must be visible yet discreetly integrated. Customers should not find them disruptive.
Integration: Wherever possible, retail security must be seamlessly integrated into the retail environment. This applies to both the physical shop design and the individual products.
Real-time monitoring: Modern video surveillance should be able to identify suspicious activities and thefts in real time and automatically notify the responsible personnel. Machine learning and artificial intelligence support this process.
Training: Staff must be adequately trained to use security technologies safely. They must be constantly made aware of theft prevention in order to create awareness of the practical application of security measures.
Security labels as primary goods protection
Primary merchandise security refers to basic security measures that are applied directly to the merchandise in order to make theft more difficult or prevent it altogether. These primarily include traditional security tags, which are available in different designs depending on the size and nature of the product. Antennas in the exit area then detect active security tags that have not been correctly deactivated at the checkout. These security tags act as a physical barrier and provide effective protection against theft.
Special packaging and cable arm systems are also part of primary merchandise security. The special packaging is designed in such a way that the actual product can only be removed and stolen with considerable effort. The cable arm systems, on the other hand, create a secure connection between the individual product and fixed devices. There are also security boxes in which expensive products can be displayed.
AI-based video analysis systems as secondary loss prevention
In addition to primary merchandise security, secondary merchandise security is a supplement or alternative. Secondary merchandise security is provided by video surveillance systems that are strategically placed in the store to enable continuous monitoring of all key areas. Based on artificial intelligence, the linked software performs behavioural analysis so that suspicious activities are automatically identified. Retailers and security personnel can respond proactively to suspicious activities. This enables real-time monitoring of the entire sales area and even of several branches simultaneously.
Implementing loss prevention systems
Modern merchandise security does more than just prevent loss of goods. It is also an investment in customer confidence and operational efficiency. If you are faced with the challenge of modernising your merchandise security systems or optimising individual components, we are happy to assist you. Crosscan has decades of experience in implementing innovative retail solutions for shopping centres, retail chains, chain stores and boutiques. We provide independent, tailor-made advice on your individual operational challenges.
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