In the retail industry, retailers primarily want to prevent and clear up theft with video surveillance. Yet it can also save retail from many losses in the area of logistics. However, to achieve these positive effects, the entire video surveillance equipment needs to be well planned. In this interview, Edmund Johanns from the Systemhaus Johanns (“System House Johanns“), explains how he implements such projects and how quickly even large investments can pay off after a short amount of time.
Mr. Johanns, can I really prevent theft using video surveillance as a retailer?
I am not able to completely prevent it – everybody needs to be aware of that. However, based on our personal experience, great video surveillance can avert up to eighty percent of thefts before they occur. Of the remaining twenty percent, I am able to throw light on half of them using images.
The software solution market for video surveillance is huge. What solutions do retailers prefer based on your experience?
The search function is essential for retailers. There is always activity in the shop, which is why I need the chance to filter out certain movements. If I notice in the evening for instance that a power drill is missing on the shelf, I want to be able to narrow down what happened there. With specific software solutions, I can select a window exactly for this specific area on the shelf and narrow down the time period. This greatly minimizes the search effort.
What does video surveillance consultation and configuration look like?
I look at the object and find out in our conversation where the weak points are, what is supposed to be recorded and which areas and angles are especially important. I explain what the customer should pay attention to due to privacy protection. Based on the floor plans and notes, I start to plan which camera is needed at what location. Using height, angle and distances, our software calculates the required products. Then I present the planning result to the customer and submit an offer.
The cameras are mounted either by a specialty dealer or by our subcontractor. In large companies, their own electrical goods department oftentimes takes care of the installation. We then take on the fine- tuning. I am able to explain the software to anyone within half an hour, so that he/she can handle it.
What does an entire video surveillance system include?
It includes the camera of course, the recording device and the software. Aside from PC workstations where the store manager is usually able to look and analyze the images, some retailers also want additional monitors with live streaming in the stores themselves. It’s important that the systems are well synchronized, otherwise it can quickly lead to failures and PC crashes.
You have also specialized in quality management in logistics. What can video surveillance accomplish in this area?
Retailers use our video system to monitor how their products are being loaded. With the help of image analysis, high-resolution graphical materials can be used to prove that a delivery was impeccably loaded onto the truck in case of disputes for instance. If there are any damage claims later, because products were damaged or didn’t arrive, this is verifiably not the retailer’s responsibility but that of the carrier.
What does surveillance cost retailers?
This varies and depends on the scope of the project. However, it is apparent that there are many calculations in the area of theft and burglary to see if an investment will pay off. In the area of logistics on the other hand, the benefit is so immense that retailers prefer to invest larger sums that pay off in a short amount of time however.
One of our customers recently paid 60,000 Euros for video equipment that already amortized after three months. Before that, he actually sent a new pallet with product to the end customer each time they received damaged items.
What must the graphical material look like to be used in court?
The image quality needs to guarantee that you can recognize the images well. This is already the case with a good picture at 250 pixels per meter. At 500 pixel/m, this is definitely the case. I am able to zoom in even better at this resolution.
What is your responsibility in terms of privacy protection?
We need to educate our customers relative to privacy protection. This refers to the fact that workstations, lounges and public zones must not be filmed for instance. If I want to monitor the parking lot outside, I need to make sure that no public areas are being filmed. To do this, you can simply black out areas that are not meant to be recorded with the software when you adjust the camera angle. After the customer has confirmed in writing that, he/she has been informed about this, he/she assumes sole responsibility. The areas that are being monitored also need to be clearly marked with signs.
Are there sometimes discussions in this area?
Not between the customer and us. However, when the workers‘ committee, who has a certain voice in this, is involved, there are often discussions on which areas can be monitored and which cannot. In this case, we are more of a mediator. This might be about an area where an employee goes for a smoke or drives through with a forklift. However, if the benefit of video surveillance outweighs alternative arguments due to quality management reasons, the workers‘ committee is not able to dismiss it. Both parties then need to come to an agreement. And if they cannot agree on anything, a data protection officer might be able to help. We can also procure one for our customer.
Interview: Natascha Mörs, iXtenso.com
