Store security has come a long way. We've always needed to protect our goods and minimize losses from theft, but now we've got better tools than ever before.
Traditional systems like surveillance cameras and electronic article surveillance (EAS) have been the basics.
But advanced technology has expanded what's possible.
Why is this important?
Theft is a big expense for stores.
In 2019, retail shrinkage hit $61.7 billion, mostly from theft. That’s a big wake-up call for retailers to beef up their security.
And it gets worse. A survey showed shoplifting increased by 13% in 2020, making up over 35% of annual losses. Things are pretty bad in England and Wales too, with shoplifting rates reaching a 20-year high. Last year alone, incidents jumped 30%.
Reasons?
Economic pressures, staff shortages, and outdated security measures.
Training and monitoring employees is a good start. It can make a big difference if employees know what to look for and how to report suspicious behavior.
Among all the measures, RFID technology stands out as a game-changer. It gives us new ways to improve security, manage inventory, and run the store more efficiently.
Why is this a growing issue?
Retail theft is a huge problem. It is a constant headache for store owners. It includes shoplifting, vendor fraud, employee theft, and administrative errors.
Why?
All these things may lead to big financial losses.
Imagine running a large store with many customers and employees all the time. It gives thieves plenty of opportunities. They can use equipment to block EAS signals or just distract the staff.
Traditional systems don’t cut it
Traditional security systems like CCTV cameras have been around for a while but have limitations. They require constant monitoring and manual intervention, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error.
EAS systems are simple and cost-effective, but they lack intelligence and customization. All tagged items are treated the same, regardless of value, and traditional EAS tags can be manipulated or removed, allowing thieves to get away without triggering the alarm.
RFID Anti-Theft System
RFID technology is top-notch when it comes to store security. Unlike traditional systems, RFID tags can be read continuously, providing real-time insights into inventory and theft control.
This makes it much easier to identify internal theft by tracking items and seeing patterns between staffing and losses.
Combining RFID technology with traditional systems brings a new level of efficiency. With RFID systems, stores get better intelligence, customization, and continuous monitoring.
It's a superior choice for enhancing security and providing a better customer experience.
Traze's RFID Solution
Traze, in collaboration with NordicID, really understands the importance of RFID in-store security. They've worked hard to develop an advanced, comprehensive, and integrated security solution using RFID technology.
Traze's system uses RFID tags attached to products. When these tags pass through RFID-enabled exits without proper checkout, an alarm is triggered.
This immediate response is important for preventing loss. The system can also be synced with the store’s inventory management, providing real-time insights into stock levels and movement.
Traze's solution not only helps detect theft but also keeps accurate inventory records by linking security with inventory management. This is important for identifying discrepancies, managing stock effectively, and ensuring inventory data is up to date.
Ready for the Future?
Mediaset aims to optimize and automate store operations with RFID technology. They envision a future where all elements in the store are connected through a unified RFID system.
This will allow for tracking inventory and security incidents at a whole new level, providing a coordinated response to theft trends and optimizing stock management.
In the future, the role of store staff will evolve from passive monitoring to proactive engagement. With real-time data, they can act quickly and efficiently to prevent theft and manage inventory.
Are we ready for more sophisticated smart alarms?
Or is it about embracing a new pattern of in-store security and management?
The possibilities are endless, and the benefits are clear: reduced theft, accurate inventory, and a seamless, integrated approach to store operations.
This is the future for stores.
