Increase security on the store floor with smart camera technology

Swearing, intimidation or physical violence. Supermarket employees are increasingly facing aggression. Reason enough for Albert Heijn to take immediate measures. For example, the supermarket is replacing its employees’ name tags. 70% of employees do not feel comfortable wearing such signs. This article from the AD underscores the urgency of improving security in stores. But how?

To increase that security, many retailers use camera surveillance. However, this technology is often only accessed after the fact. By then, the harm has already been done. Fortunately, there are ways to catch signals that can prevent aggression on the store floor. Constantly monitoring camera images for those signals is just practically impossible. In addition, it is labor-intensive and error-prone. Did you know that this piece of visual monitoring can be automated with AI?

What is Video AI Analytics?

Video AI Analytics uses AI technologies such as Machine Learning and Deep Learning to give meaning to video images. It uses algorithms to automatically recognize and detect spatial or temporal events on video footage. If an anomaly occurs, an alert can be issued automatically, making it possible to intervene on a process immediately. This technology can be deployed in conjunction with existing camera systems. In fact, it adds a piece of intelligence to the camera infrastructure there already is to secure the store.

In-store Video AI Analytics

As mentioned, incidents that affect store floor safety are often preceded by certain signs. Think crowds or theft. To detect these and others, Video AI Analytics can be used to automatically detect these various issues. Below we list some of them.

Shoplifting Detection

First, this AI technology is capable of detecting theft. When someone in camera view puts away items in a coat, bag or pocket, it is detected and staff is alerted via any device. Want to know more about how this works? Then read this article on the impact of AI on theft deterrence.

Detection of crowds or queues

Irritation often arises when stores are crowded. Long waits in aisles or in lines for the checkout is something you then want to avoid. Using Video AI Analytics, you are automatically able to monitor and count how many people are in a store. Does this number hit above a certain threshold? Then it immediately sends a notification to staff. This way, staff can take timely action.

Agression Detection

Video AI Analytics is also capable of detecting aggression. When aggression is detected, the harm may have already been done, but further escalation can be prevented if action is taken quickly.

Weapon Detection

Fortunately, gun-related aggression is comparatively less common than other forms of aggression. Still, automated detection of fire and stabbing weapons can play an important role in preventing it. Indeed, video AI Analytics recognizes objects like these within a split second. In this way, store employees are quickly informed when a weapon-related situation threatens to occur.

Forensic Video Search

Of course, it also happens that violent incidents cannot be prevented. What you want is for the perpetrators to be caught quickly. Video AI Analytics allows you to quickly search through hours of footage using smart search filters. In this way, you get quick insight into who was involved in the incident and where that person went. In forensic image investigation, speed is crucial to increase the chance of being caught.

Find out what Video AI Analytics can do for your shop

As is becoming clear, smart video technology can play an important role in making the store floor safer and preventing aggression. The nature of this technology is so broad that it can be used in a variety of ways. Curious about the possibilities for your store? Take a look at our solutions for retail or contact our specialists. They will be happy to assist you.