AI-Powered Video Analytics: A Force Multiplier for Retail Security and Operations

Many retailers already use some form of artificial intelligence in their security technologies. Analytics engines process massive amounts of data, such as images, text or numbers, using AI algorithms to produce actionable insights.

For example, analytics can automatically flag vehicles linked to previous incidents upon arrival and streamline the secure sharing of relevant footage with law enforcement. At the same time, analytics also help retailers see how customers move through the store and identify when queue wait times are too long. These capabilities help create a safer, more efficient store environment.

Using AI-Powered Technology in Retail Security

For most businesses, implementing AI comes down to a couple of driving factors: achieving large-scale data analysis and higher levels of automation. A unified, open architecture security platform is a good place to start to reach these goals. It allows you to seamlessly connect your AI-enabled software and devices, simultaneously gathering analytics from various sources. You can see all relevant data in one place, automate data processing and workflows, and gather relevant insights quickly.

Key Benefits of AI-Powered Video Analytics for Retail Security

1. Reducing Friction for Loss Prevention Teams

Retailers accumulate vast amounts of video footage daily, but manually sifting through it is time consuming and inefficient. Loss prevention teams can identify potential issues faster and focus on actual risks by using AI-enabled alerts and bookmarks of their video management or physical security system to analyze video streams.

2. Accelerating Investigations

AI-powered video analytics help streamline forensic search functions. Investigators can use natural language prompts to easily locate relevant footage within a specific time frame, aiding internal investigations and facilitating collaboration with law enforcement. Loss prevention teams can securely share evidence with law enforcement using a digital evidence management system (DEMS).

3. Detecting Vehicle License Plates

Organized retail crime (ORC) often involves repeat offenders operating across multiple stores. An automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) solution enables retailers to track vehicle plates linked to previous incidents. When a flagged vehicle enters a property, staff receive immediate alerts and can share the information with law enforcement and nearby participating retailers.

AI Tools to Enhance the Customer Experience

Beyond security and safety functions, security teams are discovering new opportunities to use their systems to enhance overall operations and the customer experience. Here are a few examples:

• Store movement patterns: Retailers can understand customer traffic patterns throughout the store, including checkout lines, by using AI to analyze data from in-store cameras. They can then optimize store layouts and staffing levels.
• Marketing and promotions: Retailers may use video data to evaluate the effectiveness of displays and marketing campaigns. By correlating customer behavior with sales information, retailers can determine which displays convert browsers into buyers.
• Stocking: Video analytics help detect when stock is low or displays are disorganized. Automated alerts notify staff for restocking, ensuring products are available and the store stays presentable.
• Checkout lines and customer service: Video analytics can detect long lines at registers and alert managers to assist with staffing. Also, by monitoring store zones, staff can quickly know when a customer needs assistance. A prompt response may help close more sales.

Building a Responsible Approach to AI

AI isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Its success depends on thoughtful planning and human oversight. While AI can revolutionize how work gets done and teams make decisions, it must be deployed responsibly. Partner with a manufacturer that prioritizes data protection, privacy, and the responsible use of AI.

Most importantly, while AI can improve security based on rich data insights, it's not a replacement for security personnel. Human judgment will always be needed to make the best possible security decisions in any given scenario.

Scott Thomas is the national director of sales for Signature Brands in the U.S. for Genetec, a video surveillance and access control solutions provider.