Retail security solutions to reduce loss, manage technology, and support the business

Unclear announcements during an emergency can cause people to panic. In case of an emergency the voice alarm system sends out pre-recorded messages in multiple languages, thereby helping to manage large crowds and ensure a safe evacuation.

Public address (PA) and voice alarm systems (VA) used in conjunction with a fire system can improve the safety of crowded spaces during an emergency. In case the emergency is a fire, a certified integration of fire alarm and voice alarm is needed. This integration often has complex cable networks that do not allow operators to customize verification times for pre-defined areas. This could lead to unnecessary evacuations, in cases where operators were not quick enough to identify a false alarm. The ideal solution is a shift from a hardwired to an IP-based connection between the fire alarm and evacuation system. Verification times can be set up according to walking distance, with operators able to confirm alarms on mobile devices rather than just on the fire panel.

See a fire before it spreads. Video-based fire detection uses cameras with intelligent algorithms to identify smoke and flames at the earliest stage. If an indication of fire or smoke is detected, an alarm is immediately triggered, and the location is pinpointed in the control room. This provides time-critical information that staff need to respond quickly to prevent damage to stock through fire or unnecessary activation of a sprinkler head. Video-based fire detection systems help to prevent loss of life, loss of inventory and stock, and other business disruptions.

In the current situation, retail businesses need to keep visitors and staff safe by following COVID-19 operational guidelines and considerations, while also delivering a premium shopping experience. Shop owners can now achieve this by communicating important audio messages and in-store promotions not only to customers in the store shopping, but also to people queuing outside waiting to enter.

This can be supported by crowd monitoring with camera based video analytics, focusing on bottlenecks and queue locations. First applications exist where video based crowd detection triggers automatically a pre-recorded announcement on the public address system. A leading U.S. retail chain upgraded their public address system with high performance outdoor speakers and amplifiers from Bosch. This way, they can inform visitors outdoors about their current store policies in order to improve safety and customer satisfaction. This automated solution enables employees to focus more time on day to day tasks and gives customers a positive feeling of reassurance.

How can Bosch audio solutions help retailers to provoke a buyer's interest?

• Informing customers about product promotions while they wait to enter the store.
• Providing ambient music to trigger the senses of customers
• Informing customers about COVID-19 regulations and other important information.

As the world moves towards the new normal, customers and staff need to feel safe with the number of people in shared spaces. Managing customer flow with staff has always been expensive, not to mention the extra workload. Stand-alone People Count solutions are an effective and efficient way to help navigate and manage crowds:

Bosch and Philips Professional Display Solutions have brought their strength together. By combining the power of Philips Android displays and Bosch intelligent cameras, we bring you timely, tested, social distancing solutions, designed to inform people and to manage crowds effectively and efficiently.

Read more about Bosch and Philips Professional Display Solutions >

Bosch Video Systems are also integrated with G2K, allowing the possibility to control data from more than one camera and entrance and exit points, counting the traffic flow in both directions. This automatic procedure keeps the safe amount of people inside buildings, venues or stores.

Over the past decade, security cameras have evolved from mere image capturing devices into complex data sensors. They provide valuable data that can be analyzed and used in beneficial ways that are becoming the norm. Recent developments, like COVID-19, have shown that data is becoming even more important. Customers ask for actionable insights that enable them to take the right measures to safeguard people’s health. Since 2016, Bosch consistently pursues a data-driven approach by offering video analytics, a form of artificial intelligence, as built-in standard. This strategy and software competence together with our ability to build high quality hardware platforms has helped us to swiftly develop a smart solution that detects elevated skin temperatures: a Human Skin Temperature Detection solution.

Areas like emergency exits must be clear and accessible at all times. With Video Analytics, cameras can identify objects blocking or people entering or exiting a designated area. If an emergency exit is blocked or someone uses it to enter or leave the shop, an alarm is automatically triggered. Using Video Analytics for object detection can reduce the risk of theft and loss, while simultaneously improving the safety of customers and employees.

An intrusion system can also monitor the status of a door during disarmed periods. The system can alert to a door propped or inadvertently left open, indicating the possibility of employee theft and preventing unnecessary heating and cooling costs.

Using the intrusion system to monitor critical systems unrelated to security – like refrigerated cases and freezers – ensures alerts are triggered if the temperature in a case rises above a certain threshold for longer than a pre-defined time. Store personnel are notified if action is needed to maintain the integrity of the stock, prevent spoilage, and reduce loss.

Optimize resources and reduce costs with a central monitoring system. Operators can easily view live and recorded video footage from up to 10,000 sites remotely and from a single platform. If new stores open, more cameras can be integrated into the system.

Using cloud-based video monitoring services, an in-house or third-party monitoring station can also verify alarms by accessing live video views remotely and comparing them to video snapshots from the time of the alarm. Plug-and-play camera connectivity provides live video and audio interaction with recorded evidence that allows operators to choose the appropriate escalation path for store alarms. Verified video response virtually eliminates false alarm fines, lowers labor costs, helps to stop vandalism, and more.

Long lines may leave customers dissatisfied and result in loss of profits and potential turnover for retailers. Cameras with Video Analytics technology can help store personnel effectively manage customer queues by alerting if lines exceed a pre-defined threshold. At this point, a message can play over the public address system and employee radios to request that another cash register open to reduce customer wait times.

Without shopper data, stores may miss key information on the needs and preferences of their customers. In-Store Analytics provides valuable insights on the customer’s journey throughout a store, for merchandisers to use to improve customer engagement and for operations managers to enhance service.

In-Store Analytics is a camera-based solution that uses Intelligent Video Analytics to generate anonymous data about shopper movements in a store. It measures their journey through the store and tracks their engagement down to the level of a certain product fixture or display. This data is processed into performance results and visualizations, which enable retailers to optimize their product positioning and presentation.

Precise monitoring of customer traffic can help operations managers to identify peak times for scheduling staff to ensure exceptional customer service. Use real-time customer behavior data to make decisions that maximize customer loyalty and sales.