Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Laura Freeman
Co-Owner
Watcher Total Protection
Hardware Retailing (HR): What tools or services does Watcher Total Protection offer that include aspects of AI?
Laura Freeman (LF): Our XL Plus NVR surveillance option includes facial recognition. We also have an add-on option that can work with any existing surveillance system that detects shoplifting in real time. Our XL Plus NVR surveillance option is very feature rich and includes facial recognition in conjunction with a special camera. There are no monthly or annual fees to use the feature. We also have the Vision 360 shoplifting detection software available that has a monthly fee depending on # of cameras being monitored for shoplifting.
HR: How are these tools helping retailers be more efficient, save money and boost overall operations?
LF: There are some benefits of the facial recognition option. First, the camera is positioned at the front entrance and a snapshot of every person’s face entering the store is then available in the software and searchable. Second, retailers can “tag” specific faces, such as shoplifters. If a match is detected by the software, an alert pops up on the NVR screen and email alerts are sent out to any respective store staff.
Finally, face shots can be imported via USB into the software to tag. The faces do not have to be from recorded video. For example, for those with multistores, shoplifter’s faces can be shared with the other stores and tagged. Once a face is tagged, the system can search through recorded video for matches as well.
As far as our Vision 360 monitoring, benefits include select cameras monitoring 24/7 for suspicious behavior, such as putting items in bags, pockets and jackets. If a suspicious gesture is detected, an alert with the video clip is sent to respective staff within 10 to 15 seconds of the activity. This gives store personnel time to address the potential theft to get the item back or get payment for it. Most retailers do not have time to monitor all their cameras 24/7, so this software can do it for them for as little as $8 per day.
HR: What should independent retailers consider when implementing AI? What are the biggest challenges and how can retailers overcome these challenges?
LF: There can be some legality issues in using AI that are different for each state or city. We recommend that retailers check with their attorney before implementation. Retailers can implement regardless, but may not be able to use evidence against someone in a court of law, depending on the laws of that state. For example, it is not illegal to record audio without a person’s knowledge, however you can’t use it against someone in court if both parties did not give consent. It is considered wiretapping under federal law.
