Deploy IP Surveillance Technology That Delivers High ROI

February 2013 Integrated Solutions For Retailers

By Ed McCabe, national sales manager, retail solutions, Panasonic

IP cameras address retail challenges beyond loss prevention.

Regardless of the size or scale of their business, retailers everywhere continually evaluate how to reduce costs and proactively implement strategies that deliver a high return on their investments. Deploying IP surveillance is one such strategy, as it addresses three main industry opportunities in the retail sector: preventing shrink, improving the customer experience, and driving efficiency in business operations.

Minimizing shrink is the most common challenge among retailers. According to the results of the National Retail Foundation’s 2012 Security Survey, retailers lost more than $34 billion to theft in 2011. Employee theft, also referred to as internal theft, constitutes the largest share of losses at 43.9%, or approximately $15.1 billion. Shoplifting — or external theft — makes up 35.7% of shrink, or $12.3 billion. A white paper by research firm Frost & Sullivan, titled Retail Loss Prevention — Using Wireless to Stop the Stealing!, found the presence of cameras within sight serves as a deterrent for wouldbe shoplifters. Instant footage access from the cameras allows for immediate identification of suspects, so appropriate authorities can be notified. In addition to reducing external shrink, comprehensive surveillance can reduce liability against potential fraudulent claims by employees and customers.