Retail stores are often the target of shoplifters and burglars. This can lead to huge financial losses over time. For this reason, it is essential to install retail security alarm systems both inside and outside retail establishments.
If you have constant supervision, it not only prevents stealing but also keeps antisocial elements from bothering people in your store. This is particularly true for large retail stores with multiple floors, many of which might not have human security guards present.
Why You Need Retail Security Sensors?
Retailers lost an incredible $69 billion to theft in 2019 (before COVID). This information comes from a research conducted by the Retail Industry Leaders Association. The impact of organized retail crime (ORC) has been extensively shared on social media and received riveting television coverage, with incidents such as the theft of $400 worth of tools from a Home Depot in Lakewood, Calif., the ransacking of a Bottega Veneta boutique in Los Angeles, and a swarm of approximately 30 people grabbing electronics from a Best Buy near Minneapolis on Black Friday 2021.
The United States Congress has taken steps to combat retail crime by passing the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act and the INFORM Act, aimed at increasing federal coordination and curbing the sale of stolen goods online. Additionally, the NRF National Retail Federation declared October 26, 2022, as Fight Retail Crime Day.
Yet, retail business owners are recognizing the need for further actions – 52.8% of them allocating technology resources to combat theft and this trend continues to grow.
Benefits of Installing Security Sensors in Your Stores
Prevention is better than crime, so let’s take a look at why you need security sensors in your retail outlets.
Prevents Unauthorized Entry
Having an unauthorized entry alarm on your doors and windows will help offer strong protection against efforts by unauthorized individuals to enter. These sensors set off alarms that notify authorities right away and discourage potential thieves.
Additionally, if you add glass break and vibration sensors, they will instantly detect the shattering and the alarm will go off. These security systems will add an extra layer of security to your store.
Also Read: What is Security Alarm System?
Suspicious Motion Detection
While the motion sensors can become chaotic during rush hours, you can activate PIR sensors at night to identify suspicious activities. If there is some motion in your store after closing hours, the alarm system receives a signal from the PIR sensor and warns you about the intrusion. This enables proactive intervention before a break-in.
Also Read: What is PIR Sensor and What Does PIR Stand For?
Intrusion Deterrence
Imagine you’re sleeping peacefully, and a large alarm sound suddenly goes off! That’s your alarm sirens at work trying to detect some unknown person. This is a great way to deter thieves while you’re sound asleep at home. Some smart systems even use WiFi speakers to talk directly to the intruder saying, “Hey, we see you! The cops are on their way!”
These intrusion deterrents work together to make sure that burglars think twice before entering your store. They act as your eyes when you’re not in the store.
Capturing Evidence
The PIR sensors that you have installed to detect suspicious movement have integrated cameras that capture HD images of the intrusion. This security system captures evidence and helps the police apprehend perpetrators. It also serves as a deterrent against future incidents.
Additionally, if burglars know that there are cameras monitoring their every move, they will think twice before entering your store. You can also monitor shoplifters with these cameras and make sure that all your items are safe in their aisle.
Guaranteed Employee Safety
Now this one is very interesting. If you mount a panic button under the checkout counter or have every employee wear it under their uniform, it helps send a silent alarm to the authorities.
This means that you’ll have security in your store before the burglars can get a clue that they’re about to get caught.
A silent alarm will make employees feel safe in your store because it will not let robbers discover the alarm information and take any dangerous action. This in turn will help you retain employees.
Also Read: Best Panic Buttons
Early Detection of Fire Hazards
Apart from thefts and robbers, you also need to ensure indoor environmental safety to keep your store secure at all times. This can be achieved by adding smoke sensors in your store and inventory rooms. The smoke sensors will detect fire and alert the fire station before it can destroy your store.
Immediate Response and Notification
While having a strong security system in place can help you stay safe, it’s not enough. You need to have a smart home security hub that can send you instant notifications. A hub will send you a message on your mobile phone app, SMS, or phone call as soon as any alarm goes off in your store.
Simplified Management
When you have so many security devices at work in your store, you need an effective alarm keypad to manage them all. For example, you can arm and disarm the entire network when the store opens in the morning and want to take a break at a certain time.
Also Read: Arm Stay vs Arm Away, What’s the Difference?
Additionally, you can give access rights to some employees so that they can manage the security systems. It can also send out medical, emergency, and fire alerts when something goes wrong. So, all-in-all, the security system will make sure that you and your employees are safe from every threat.
Types of Retail Security Sensors
If you want your store to stay safe and secure at all times, you can use a set of different types of security sensors. Some of the most useful sensors include:
Door Entry Sensors for Shops
The door magnetic sensor can be installed on windows and doors independently because of its split structural build. When the sensor detects an unauthorized or unexpected entry while it is armed, it triggers an alert right away. This allows you to take a prompt response to any potential security breaches.
Motion Sensor Alarm for Shop
A Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor is a type of motion sensor that detects changes in infrared radiation emitted by objects within its field of view. When the warm body of a person enters the detection zone, the temperature will trigger the sensor and send a signal to the security system.
One of the best parts of PIR sensors is that they are “passive,” meaning that they do not emit any energy themselves but instead detect changes in the energy emitted by other objects. This makes them energy-efficient and well-suited for battery-powered devices.
Smoke Detector
Smoke detectors help identify fires or unexpected smoke from cigarettes in your store. As soon as the smoke detector senses a fire, it will turn on the sprinkles or notify the authorities, whatever option you have set for your store.
Technologies Used by Security Sensors for Retail
In the world of retail security, the use of advanced technologies has become very important to safeguard merchandise and prevent losses. It’s also important for the safety of the customers that come inside the store to shop.
Among the wide range of technologies used by security sensors, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) are the most common.
Let’s learn a little about these technologies and their applications in retail security:
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Bluetooth Low Energy is a wireless communication technology that is designed for short-range communication between devices. The best part about this technology is that it consumes minimal power. You can use BLE technology is various purposes in your store:
- Asset Tracking: BLE beacons are used to track the movement of high-value assets within the retail environment. If you attach BLE tags to your high-value products or assets, you can monitor their location in real-time. This helps mitigate theft and streamline your inventory management processes.
- Proximity Sensing: BLE sensors can identify the presence of employees or customers in designated areas of the store. This helps retailers gain valuable insights into customer behavior and foot traffic patterns, which helps them make well-informed decisions about staffing needs and store layout optimization.
- Access Control: BLE-enabled access control systems provide secure and convenient authentication mechanisms for restricted areas within retail stores. You can give access to authorized employees by handing them digital keys or providing smartphone passwords to maintain security protocols.
Zigbee
Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol widely adopted for low-power, low-data-rate applications in smart home automation, industrial monitoring, and retail environments. In the realm of retail security, Zigbee technology offers several advantages:
- Sensor Networks: Zigbee enables the creation of powerful and scalable sensor networks for monitoring various parameters within retail spaces. Zigbee-compatible sensors, such as motion detectors, door/window sensors, and environmental sensors, form interconnected networks that provide comprehensive security coverage.
- Energy Efficiency: Zigbee’s low-power consumption characteristics make it ideal for battery-operated security devices deployed throughout retail environments. By minimizing energy usage, Zigbee-based security systems can operate for extended periods without requiring frequent battery replacements, reducing maintenance costs.
- Interoperability: Zigbee’s interoperability with a wide range of devices and systems facilitates seamless integration with existing retail infrastructure and security systems. This interoperability enables retailers to leverage Zigbee technology to enhance security capabilities while maintaining compatibility with other smart devices and platforms.
RBF
The two-way radio protocol RBF, created by Roombanker, has remarkable long-range capabilities, low power consumption, and high-security data transfer. It offers a reliable solution for smooth communication between a home security hub and wireless accessories. RBF offers several advantages to its users:
- Different Frequency Range: RBF technology uses a different frequency range with BLE and Zigbee, which means that there will be less interruption.
- Secure: While wireless technologies have been criticized for low security, they always take measures to optimize this disadvantage. Similarly, RBF uses an AES-CCM encryption system to keep your data safe.
- Good Signal Quality: RBF offers ultra-long coverage for large places with good penetration as it is a Sub-1 GHz protocol. Additionally, it employs an omnidirectional antenna for all devices to ensure smooth communication.
Final Words
Roombanker has some of the smartest security sensors for your retail store. Our products keep you informed about the activities of all the alarms and ensure safety at all times. Additionally, our powerful detectors could protect your business against threats such as theft, robbery, or other accidents that could occur during off-hours.
Featuring contract-free and no monthly fees, feel free to buy our security sensors for retail stores from our global distributors or apply to be our distributor!