In a context where losses due to theft heavily impact the profitability of retailers, it's crucial to adopt security solutions that are both preventive, intelligent, and predictive . For a long time, security gates were the main barrier against unauthorised removal of goods. But today, artificial intelligence brings a new dimension to loss prevention.
🚪 Gates: Reactive Protection but with Limitations
Security gates play an important role: they detect unpaid or stolen items at the point of exit . They are visible, easy for customers to understand, and act as effective deterrents. However, their effectiveness relies on the correct placement of tags or anti-theft devices, and they only intervene at the end of the process , once the theft has already occurred.
In other words, gates are useful but act as a last resort. They do not detect suspicious behaviour in advance nor prevent losses within the store.
AI: A Proactive Vision of Security
Artificial intelligence, particularly video-assisted detection of suspicious gestures , enables a radically different approach. Thanks to real-time analysis algorithms, AI can identify atypical or suspicious behaviours (such as concealment gestures, unusual movements or abnormal interactions with products) well before the customer reaches the exit.
This type of technology, like that offered by Oxania , offers several advantages:
- ✅ Upstream prevention : incidents can be detected before they actually occur.
- 🎯 Fewer unnecessary interventions : AI reduces false alarms by focusing on meaningful gestures.
- 👥 Customer experience preserved : no feeling of intrusion, as the technology is discreet and non-invasive.
- 📊 Advanced analytics : the data collected enables continuous optimisation of the systems.
🔗 Smart Complementarity for 360° Protection
Rather than choosing between gates and AI, retailers would benefit from combining both solutions . AI acts as a suspicious gesture radar within the store, capable of detecting abnormal situations in real time, while gates provide a final line of defence at the exit.
Together, they form a comprehensive and coherent strategy:
- 🛒 In a supermarket, AI can detect suspicious behaviour in the aisles, while the gate validates the exit.
- 🧴 In a pharmacy, AI monitors sensitive areas (cosmetics, medicines), where gates are ineffective.
- 🔧 In a DIY store, AI monitors movements in high-value aisles, while gates filter items equipped with RFID tags.
🚀 Conclusion: For Modern Security, Let’s Bet on Intelligence
Gates have proven their worth, but the future of in-store security lies in an intelligent, anticipative and complementary approach . Integrating AI enables retailers to significantly reduce losses , while delivering a smooth and respectful customer experience .
Oxania supports retailers in this transition to enhanced security, combining the power of artificial intelligence with existing systems. A modern, balanced and effective vision to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
