Special Products
The Challenge
A 2,000sqm home improvement and electronics retailer was experiencing significant inventory shrinkage, losing approximately $180,000 annually to theft and internal fraud. Their existing analogue CCTV system was outdated, with low-resolution images that made identification nearly impossible. Footage was reviewed only after incidents and was rarely actionable.
The store had no real-time monitoring capability and relied entirely on passive recording. Employees reported feeling unsafe during closing hours, and there were several incidents of after-hours break-ins that went undetected until the next morning.
The Solution
The store upgraded to a 32-channel 4K IP surveillance system with AI-powered analytics. Sixteen 8MP bullet cameras were installed at entry and exit points, eight 4MP dome cameras covered sales floor aisles, and eight 4MP cameras were placed in high-value areas including the electronics section and stockroom. All cameras were connected via PoE to a 48-port PoE switch and a 16-channel NVR with 16TB storage.
AI analytics enabled real-time person detection with alerts for loitering in restricted areas, unauthorised after-hours access, and unusual movement patterns near high-value displays. The system was integrated with the existing access control system to correlate entry events with camera footage automatically.
The Results
Within the first six months, inventory shrinkage dropped by 60%, saving the store over $108,000 annually. The AI system detected and alerted security to 23 shoplifting incidents in real-time, with 18 resulting in successful interventions. Employee theft was virtually eliminated as staff became aware of the system's detection capabilities.
The store owner reported that the system paid for itself within 10 months. Insurance premiums were reduced by 15% following the upgrade. Employee satisfaction also improved as the store became a safer environment, particularly during late-night stocktaking and closing procedures.
2 mins read
