The Internet of Things is present everywhere. Both a smart security camera and a reusable water bottle are technologically advanced and intelligent devices. Companies use these items to keep their employees safe and stop issues like shoplifting.

Now it’s not just security cameras; other tools also help companies fight theft and save lots of money. There are a number of ways that Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets make shoplifters feel better.

What Makes Traditional Security Methods Useless?

Most traditional security measures work by scaring people away, not by stopping crooks from stealing in the first place. For instance, people shopping may think a camera is watching them, but they know that no one is always watching them. Some cameras aren’t even operational, which encourages people to take pictures nonetheless.

Breaking into supply chains results in even higher costs. An IoT implementation case study looked at how a food and drink supplier saved €58 million a year and got a better image after just three months of use.

Additionally, storefront detectors or cameras are unable to retrieve lost items. While filing a police report doesn’t guarantee the return of stolen items, it typically results in a financial and emotional loss. It costs a lot to keep old systems running, so it seems like a waste of time and money when the investment doesn’t keep money from leaving the company.

Traditional security not only doesn’t keep people from stealing or returning items, but it’s also so ineffective that it makes workers less safe and boosts their mood. Hand patrols put workers in danger and divert a significant amount of time from more valuable tasks or customer service. So, how does the Internet of Things ease the worries that traditional ways of stopping shoplifting can’t?

IoT Technology Combats Shoplifting: 4 Ways

1. It Collects Data for Machine Learning

Shoplifting is becoming more common, so stores need to use IoT to prevent it. Since 2021, the average number of crimes in shops has risen up by 26.5%.

To learn about a store, cameras and other machines can link to self-learning algorithms. Management stores data and video footage, which includes information about return customers, busiest times of the day, and other useful shoplifting data, to identify trends. Are more people coming into certain parts of the store? Are the same workers going missing at odd times of the day?

This kind of information can let workers know right away when a trend appears, so they can take action instead of just reacting to it. You can also use it to look at videos better. Machine learning finds problems quickly, so workers don’t have to watch hours and hours of video to find a security blip. Less human error makes it harder to make decisions.

2. Geotargeting Has More Value

Even though GPS is strong, it’s even better to put up a digital fence around the shop. Managers can monitor which goods exit specific areas with the aid of IoT beacons and geofencing.

For instance, a shop that sells electronics like TVs might put the items in a certain section of the store. Getting permission from store staff is needed to leave that fence. If you don’t, bells and alerts will go off. Shoplifters won’t be aware of these systems’ presence because they are not visible.

Geotargeting is a powerful technology that extends beyond the confines of stores. For instance, it could keep track of certain things with tags, which would help police find shoplifters quickly.

3. Shelves, smart tags, and point-of-sale systems are all out there.

In the world of business IoT, smart shelves, tags, and point-of-sale systems all help keep people from stealing things from stores. They make an even bigger difference when combined with geofencing’s power. Traditional ways of organizing and keeping track of inventory, on the other hand, make it easier to find lost things and keep these systems even smarter.

These technologies link to a central piece of software. The software’s sensors inform management about inventory changes, such as the number of remaining units, their location, and even their weight, to prevent shoplifters from deceiving stores with fake replacements. When a cashier doesn’t scan a box or other item, the software can detect it.

4. Delivery and Tracking Have Instant Notifications

The least useful thing about old security technology is that it doesn’t allow for action and protection in real time. This is possible with the Internet of Things because it can send quick alerts for deliveries and keep track of products. Workers receive notifications during a theft, enabling them to take safety measures or track the movement of large amounts of product in or out of an area.

RFID (radio frequency identification tracking) works well with IoT to make security more complete. RFID tags improve the efficiency of systems that track things and send notifications. They are also harder to find and take off, which makes shoplifters less likely to notice them.

Making shopping safer with IoT

Less shoplifting happens with IoT technology. Retailers and supply lines need these extras to cut costs, find trends, and keep workers and stock safe. Although security cameras are good, stores need all the help they can get these days because shoplifting is so common. Burglaries and theft will eventually stop happening in a store that gets a name for using the Internet of Things to make it safer.