Smile! It's Good To Be On Camera

By Trent Thoms, Retail Business Development Manager, Milestone Systems

Today there are many retailers who believe that the best offense is a good defense. Since the goods disappear from the shelves to the tune of more than 135 billion a year worldwide, it is natural that retailers want to limit the losses by using video surveillance. But today's IP video technology can also be used to advance the business - it only requires changing your mindset from defensive to offensive.

In 2011, total calculation for loss (shrinkage) in retail amounted to 1.35% of global sales, according to the magazine GIT Security. Of course, this loss must be reduced. One of the ways is to use video surveillance and other security measures. But loss prevention alone is not an approach that directly improves competitiveness. Improving customer service and experience are some parameters that can also ensure a healthy bottom line.

So how can you both increase the customer experience and reduce losses - preferably with minimal use of resources?  This is often perceived as difficult. In the conventional thinking, improved customer experience and security are two opposites. But this does not have to be.

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