Shrinkage is now a critical issue for retail chains, directly affecting their profitability and operational efficiency. According to a study published by the National Retail Federation, the average number of shoplifting incidents increased by 93% between 2019 and 2023. Faced with this trend, advances in intelligent detection give stores precise, actionable data, turning security into a genuine performance lever.
Among these solutions, key performance indicators (KPIs) play a central role. They make it possible to analyze activity in detail, detect anomalies and optimize resource allocation.
When used well, KPIs (number of alerts per day, per hour or per camera, global alert maps, heatmaps, reaction times) provide a clear view of vulnerabilities and of the levers for action to effectively reduce shrinkage, while preserving the customer experience.
Real-time alert tracking: analysis by day and by hour
Tracking the number of alerts generated each day and their distribution by hour gives security teams a detailed understanding of in-store dynamics. A peak in alerts at the end of the day or during certain time slots can signal increased vulnerability linked to reduced vigilance or heavier foot traffic.
By analyzing this data, managers can adjust their strategies: strengthen physical presence at critical times, optimize staff rotation or reorganize teams to cover sensitive periods. Observing data over several weeks also makes it possible to detect recurring trends, anticipate activity peaks and plan human resources accordingly. This approach is in line with the principles of the combination of intelligent security and operational insights, where data feeds directly into decision-making.
The KPI for alerts per day and per hour thus becomes a genuine strategic tool, driving continuous improvement in shrinkage prevention.
Alert analysis by camera: identifying at-risk areas
Cameras play a crucial role in any security system, but not all areas of a store present the same level of risk. This is where the analysis of at-risk gestures by Oxania comes in.
By identifying the cameras that generate the most useful alerts, security managers can quickly pinpoint the areas to cover as a priority. A camera showing a high number of alerts may point to an area prone to theft attempts, a zone with poor visibility for staff, or a flaw in the store layout.
Conversely, a complete absence of alerts can also reveal a blind spot in the camera network's coverage. Thanks to this analysis, managers can reposition certain equipment, add extra cameras or reinforce staffing in strategic locations, while optimizing existing investments. To go further on the key technologies for detecting in-store theft, it is essential to combine visual intelligence with field data.
Global alert map: an intelligent overview
The global alert map is a real asset for in-store security management. By overlaying alert points on a detailed map of the store, managers get an immediate overview. This type of mapping, recommended by leading organizations such as ECR Retail Loss, makes it possible to base prevention decisions on reliable data.
This visual representation helps identify the red zones requiring heightened vigilance, and also helps understand the dynamics of at-risk gestures associated with shoplifting. A concentration of alerts near an exit, a sensitive aisle or a low-visibility area may lead to a review of the store layout, a repositioning of staff or an adjustment of certain procedures.
The global map also facilitates internal communication by making information clear, visual and accessible to everyone. Thanks to this incident heat map, decisions become faster, more collaborative and more effective, reducing shrinkage and improving the fluidity of daily operations.
In-store heatmap: visualizing activity to better anticipate
The hot zone heatmap is a valuable tool for further refining the strategy to fight shrinkage. It provides a visualization of the areas where activity is most intense, based on the movements detected by cameras and the alerts generated. Combined with features such as people counting, the heatmap provides a complete picture of customer flow and areas of concentration.
This type of analysis goes beyond simply handling incidents to anticipate risks: for example, if a zone is found to be particularly busy but poorly covered, it becomes possible to strengthen human or technological presence there. Likewise, areas that are too isolated can be rethought with a new layout to limit opportunities for theft.
Using heatmaps thus helps build a safer, smoother and more pleasant shopping environment for customers, aligning commercial objectives with security requirements.
Reaction time: a decisive KPI for in-store security
The reaction time to alerts is a fundamental indicator for measuring the operational effectiveness of security teams. A short response time means not only better protection against incidents, but also a reassuring presence for customers and an overall sense of safety in the store. As shown by the work of the Loss Prevention Research Council, speed of intervention is a determining factor in deterring theft.
By tracking these times precisely, it is possible to identify bottlenecks in the communication chain or shortcomings in task distribution. This tracking is part of the logic of augmented security where AI and agents work together to become more responsive. By analyzing average reaction times, managers can streamline agent deployment: avoid redundancies, better cover peak traffic hours and allocate resources more strategically.
This also makes it possible to optimize costs without compromising the quality of the system, by investing where the need is real, while strengthening the motivation and involvement of teams on the ground.
Oxania: KPIs serving intelligent security
In this demanding environment, working with an innovative partner is more essential than ever. Thanks to its AI-based intelligent detection solutions, Oxania enables retail chains to turn security management into a genuine lever for overall performance. Its high-resolution video analysis, backed by dedicated GPUs, guarantees a detection accuracy that low-resolution solutions cannot match.
By leveraging clear, visual KPIs directly connected to operations, Oxania helps retail chains prevent incidents, optimize their teams and improve the customer experience. Our approach is part of a continuous improvement dynamic, with tools designed to be simple to use while offering depth of analysis.
By choosing Oxania, retail chains strengthen their operational efficiency, limit shrinkage and lay the foundations for sustainable, controlled growth.
