The automated future of retail and how to secure it

Axis’ Graham Swallow looks at the concept of the unmanned store that is gaining in popularity, the impact on the retail industry and how innovative security technology can help.

While the foundation of autonomous retail has been built up over the past few years, it is only now that retailers are beginning to fully experiment with the technology.

There were an estimated 350 stores globally in 2018 offering a fully autonomous checkout process, yet this number is forecast to increase dramatically with 10,000 stores anticipated by 2024.

This acceleration in the growth of unmanned retail stores has, in part, been boosted by the Covid-19 pandemic and a demand for a more contactless, socially distanced shopping experience.

Many retailers are now exploring such solutions as a way to streamline their services and simplify store operations while reducing overheads.

Of course, the security of unmanned sites is a concern, with many eager to embrace such a design, but wary about the prospect of leaving a store unguarded.

This is where innovative physical security technologies can play a significant role in protecting a site while supporting its operation and also helping to improve customer experience.

Optimising security and operations

To make the autonomous retail vision a reality, a comprehensive solution is needed that integrates network cameras, IP audio speakers and access control devices.

The cameras can be employed to monitor entrance points and sales areas, including checkout terminals, and can be monitored and operated remotely from a central control room.

This offers management full visibility of operations, regardless of the number of stores. Recorded video material can be processed, packaged and passed to authorities, when necessary, in accordance with applicable laws.

As autonomous stores do not require staff to be present and run largely independently, managers can be notified automatically via mobile device if an event occurs that requires their attention.

This could range from a simple need to restock popular items or clean the premises after a spillage, through to a criminal break-in or attack.

Again, network video surveillance cameras installed inside and outside of the premises provide high-quality video of any incident as it occurs, enabling immediate action to be taken.

Improving customer experience and boosting profits

Access-control mechanisms at entrance and exit points enable smooth, touch-free access to customers, while IP audio speakers allow ambient music to be played, creating a relaxed in-store atmosphere and also offering the ability to play alerts or voice messages as required.

Due to the automated nature of such audio broadcasting, a consistency of brand can be created across multiple locations where playlists and pre-recorded voice messages are matched in terms of style and tone from store-to-store.

The accessibility of premises 24/7 can ultimately lead to an increase in sales by simply allowing customers to enter the store and make a purchase at any time, rather than being restricted by designated retail hours. This also serves to improve customer loyalty through retail convenience.

Utilising data from the access-control system, managers can configure lights to turn on/off and ambient music to power-down when the last person leaves the shop, to be reactivated the next time someone enters the premises.

This approach can also conserve energy, leading to cost savings.

Designing a future-proof solution

The threat of vandalism is greatly limited if everyone entering the shop can be identified, which is something that is already happening in Scandinavia using QR codes linked to an electronic identification system called BankID.

This process involves a user being identified by their bank details, and their credentials checked upon entering the store.

This not only streamlines the transaction process but vastly improves security because only those who want to legitimately use the services will go through the identification process, helping to deter antisocial or criminal behaviour.

Both inside and outside of the premises, physical security technology should be reliable and of a high quality, without compromising the service to customers, or hampering their experience.

Door controls, network cameras and loudspeakers, together with a comprehensive video management system (VMS), enable retailers to control every element of their store and remove any uncertainty around its management or security.

Such a system, network-enabled and fully scalable to meet ongoing business requirements, can be offered using open APIs; this allows configuration and customisation while ensuring that the retailer is not limited by the technology or tied-in to any particular set-up or vendor as their requirements evolve.

As more businesses launch their own unmanned stores, the benefits of such technology to streamline and improve every aspect of their operations becomes ever more clear.

A comprehensive solution from a trusted security provider can bring complete peace of mind while offering additional benefits to support the retail business as it seeks a secure future.

Learn about Axis’ solutions for retail here.

About Graham Swallow MSyI CMI

Graham leads the Axis Retail strategy for UK/Ireland and the Nordic regions.