Protecting assets and staff in the retail industry has always been complex. Lately, however, companies have been facing a higher number of serious threats. Between 2022 and 2023, more than 475,000 incidents of violence and abuse towards retail staff were recorded.
On top of that, 88% of retailers say shoplifters are more aggressive today than they were in the past, and cyber security attacks have increased by a significant 57%. Growing threats aren’t just leading to greater financial losses for retail companies, they’re driving staff out of the industry, making it harder for organizations to grow and thrive.
Fortunately, innovative technology could be the answer. From intelligent camera systems with facial recognition capabilities, to robust access control systems and cloud-based tools for monitoring and minimizing threats, opportunities to enhance safety and security are everywhere.
The key to success? Accessing the network and connectivity tools that ensure retailers can take advantage of the benefits these tools have to offer at scale.
The Proactive Approach to Staff and Asset Protection
Retail companies and employees face an increasing number of threats in both the online and offline world. In the digital landscape, cybercriminals are launching more sophisticated attacks against businesses, particularly now that they have access to more advanced tools and AI systems. At the same time, retail staff rarely have the skills they need to effectively detect and deter attacks.
In the physical world, social, political, and economic unrest is leading to increased abuse and violence against retail workers. In the UK, retail workers experience anywhere up to 1,300 incidents of violence and abuse each day. A reactive approach to managing security and employee safety is no longer enough. Companies need to take a holistic, proactive approach to safeguarding employees and assets, drawing on the latest technology.
Gamma, one of the market leaders in the connectivity landscape, is working to empower organizations with the resources they need to access and use technologies that boost worker safety and minimize losses on a broad scale. They believe the future of security in the retail sector will revolve around various crucial tech systems, such as:
Enhanced Camera Systems
Cameras, designed to boost security, are nothing new in the retail sector. From CCTV systems, to cameras installed in self-service terminals, there are recording systems everywhere. Now, however, retailers are increasingly embracing new camera systems, such as body-worn cameras that can track the interactions between staff and consumers in real-time.
These solutions not only capture more direct information in real-time, providing the evidence of abuse and attacks companies need to prosecute criminals, they also play a significant role in deterring crime. Just the sight of a body worn camera can reduce violent incidents by an average of 45%.
At the same time, the technology built into camera systems is becoming more advanced. Facial recognition technologies can rapidly identify potential criminals by matching their appearance to a database. Number plate recognition technology can easily identify the license plates of consumers in a parking lot, making it easier to track down offenders.
Connected Headsets and Devices for Team Connectivity
When staff are in danger from abusive or violent customers, the ability to access support quickly from colleagues is crucial. Headsets are excellent for allowing team members to discreetly alert colleagues about any issues taking place. Plus, employees can use their headsets to immediately notify in-store security, and emergency services in problematic circumstances.
According to studies, staff with wireless headsets feel more empowered and confident in the workplace, which can help to reduce staff shrinkage by around 25%. Beyond headsets, some companies in the retail sector are even investing in personal safety devices for team members.
These devices, equipped with panic alarms and check-in systems can make it easier to keep on top of potential issues throughout the retail landscape. Some solutions even support audio recording, making it easier to provide law enforcement experts with details of the event that transpired.
Comprehensive Access Control
All retail companies have environments, tools, and systems that should only be accessible to employees. Over the years, traditional access control technologies, like “lock and key” options have become less effective, particularly as turnover in retail increases, and keys are lost.
Advanced access control systems, which leverage programmable key cards, pin pads, and biometrics, give companies more power to minimize the risk of losses. These solutions can even be integrated with existing technologies, such as security cameras, allowing companies to identify people visiting restricted areas, and monitor movement around sensitive spaces.
Again, these technologies don’t just give organizations more control, they can help to deter criminals. When companies show potential offenders have comprehensive systems in place to prevent them from gaining access to critical resources, they’re less likely to act in a negative way.
Optimized Alarm Systems
Even as technology continues to evolve in the retail security sector, foundational solutions, like alarm systems, remain crucial to overall security and risk mitigation. Today’s alarm systems, connected with IoT sensors and devices, can immediately identify unwanted entry to specific locations, and trigger alerts when employees face threats.
Motion sensors, glass break detectors, and countless other IoT systems empower organizations to take a more proactive and holistic system for detecting threats and notifying the right team members. Some organizations are even beginning to take advantage of electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags, which can be attached to inventory items and deactivated after scanning from a POS system.
Once again, these alarm systems improve how companies monitor and manage risks, while also acting as a deterrent to criminals, showing them there will be immediate repercussions for their actions.
Innovative Cyber Security
As mentioned above, it’s not just physical threats that are becoming more significant for retail companies today. The industry is moving through a rapid process of digital transformation, embracing ecommerce, IoT solutions, and cloud-based systems to support customers and increase sales.
Reactive measures for cybersecurity, such as spam filters and firewalls are great for helping companies to reduce the impact of immediate threats. However, organizations also need to consider a proactive approach, using intelligent tools and systems to enable threat hunting activities that detect suspicious activity before losses occur.
Advanced authentication systems, like multi-factor authentication tools, also provide an extra layer of proactive protection in the cybersecurity landscape. Alongside data encryption, MFA gives companies a way to minimize the risk of the wrong people gaining access to valuable data.
Optimizing Retail Security: The Network Factor
All of the latest technologies available to help boost security and safety in the retail landscape can be incredibly beneficial. However, they also rely on access to a robust network, and exceptional connectivity. Cameras, IoT devices, access control software, and cloud-based cybersecurity systems all depend heavily on connectivity.
Unreliable networks are subject to potential downtime and technological failures that don’t just harm team productivity and efficiency, but make security systems ineffective. That’s why Gamma believes the first step in securing and protecting the retail environment, is building the right network foundation.
A reputable managed service provider, like Gamma, gives retail companies the infrastructure they need to build a proactive security strategy, connecting critical devices and software in a durable ecosystem that keeps systems running smoothly, and improves internal collaboration. Already, Gamma has helped major brands like Morrisons take advantage of the latest technologies for security enhancement, by offering the comprehensive network capabilities needed for these systems.
If you’re ready to enhance the security of your retail environment and more effectively protect employees and assets, start from the ground up, with the right network solution.
