The Challenge of Shrinkage for Retail Chains 🛒
Shrinkage, which includes shoplifting, administrative errors, and supplier fraud, represents a significant loss of revenue for retail chains. Whether in supermarkets, pharmacies, or DIY stores, this phenomenon directly impacts profitability.
For multi-site retailers, this challenge is amplified. Managing security consistently across tens, or even hundreds, of points of sale is a real operational headache. The lack of centralized visibility makes it difficult to identify trends, compare performance between stores, and implement effective and uniform prevention strategies.
Faced with this major issue, traditional security approaches are showing their limits, paving the way for innovative technological solutions to finally streamline the fight against loss .
AI in Service of Prevention: Real-Time Detection of Suspicious Gestures 🤖
Unlike traditional video surveillance, which is mainly used to investigate after a theft, intelligent video surveillance is a game-changer, adopting a proactive approach . Innovative solutions like Oxania no longer just record: they analyze video streams in real time to identify specific behaviors and gestures considered suspicious, often associated with shoplifting.
- ➡️ Concealing a product in a backpack, handbag, or under clothing.
- ➡️ Suspicious behavior or handling of packaging in sensitive areas.
- ➡️ Consuming products directly in the aisle.
When such a gesture is detected, the system sends a near-instant alert to security personnel or the store manager. This ability for immediate intervention makes it possible to de-escalate a situation before a theft is even committed, transforming security from a reactive function into a powerful prevention tool .
Standardization and Efficiency: The Advantages for a Store Network 📈
Deploying a unified AI detection solution offers crucial advantages for managing a network. The first is the standardization of security protocols . Each store benefits from the same level of technological protection and can apply consistent and professional response procedures across the entire chain.
Furthermore, management benefits from a centralized visibility via a dashboard. They can track key performance indicators (number of alerts, most affected areas, incident types) for all sites, identify the most vulnerable points of sale, and make informed strategic decisions . This gain in efficiency frees up in-store staff. Instead of passively monitoring screens, teams can focus on customer service, being called upon only when a potential threat is actually detected, thus optimizing their time and their positive impact on sales .
Beyond Security: Improving Customer Experience and Operations ✨
An intelligent detection solution is not limited to reducing loss; it contributes positively to the overall store environment. By proactively preventing incidents, it creates a safer and more serene environment for customers and employees alike.
Interventions become more subtle and effective. Rather than a confrontation at the exit, an early alert allows an employee to approach the person and simply offer assistance. This customer service-oriented approach often de-escalates the situation without any conflict. The collected data is also a gold mine for optimizing operations. It can reveal flaws in the store layout, allowing for adjustments to the placement of high-risk products to make them less vulnerable, without harming the shopping experience.
A Strategic Investment for Secure Growth 🚀
Implementing an AI-powered system for detecting suspicious gestures should be seen not as a mere expense, but as a strategic investment in profitability and the long-term viability of the brand. The return on investment (ROI) is tangible and rapid. It is first measured by the direct reduction in shrinkage , which positively and immediately impacts the net margin of each point of sale.
In addition, there are significant indirect gains: improved team productivity , a reduction in confrontational situations, and the collection of valuable data to refine marketing and operational strategy. Such technology is scalable and supports the chain's growth, deploying easily in new stores. By securing its assets and optimizing its processes, a brand equips itself with a sustainable competitive advantage for a resilient future.
