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Functional Naming Of CCTV Cameras

Functional naming of CCTV cameras enables store staff to quickly reach the location within the store where a security incident is reported by the visual AI platform.

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Detailed view : Evolving Loss Prevention

Retail stores typically have a large-scale deployment of cameras to monitor entrances, exits, aisles, checkout counters, storage areas, and parking lots. Until recently, these legacy CCTV systems were mainly used in a passive manner, serving mainly as a deterrence against violence and theft. All the hardware was considered mainly as IT assets. 

With the advent of visual AI platforms such as the one from SAI, these assets are of greater interest to loss prevention teams. Visual AI has transformed these passive CCTV installations into a proactive and potent line of defense, protecting the store and the staff against violence and losses.

What is Functional Naming?

Among all the features that the visual AI platform provides, real-time alerts are the most critical. They enable store and security personnel to respond to security incidents in a timely manner. However, as legacy CCTV installations use coarse naming conventions,valuable time may be lost in trying to decode the CCTV ID and to identify the relevant location in the store where the incident is reported.

How Does Functional Naming Work?

SAI Visual AI platform enables store staff to use a naming scheme that is easy for them to recall and quickly identify the location. The platform also enables renaming of CCTV cameras to match the change in store layout or items being monitored.

For instance, functional naming conventions such as Meat-01, Coffee-03, or Exit-05, makes it easier for alerts to be routed to the respective store and security staff in charge of such locations.

What happens after functional naming of cameras?

After naming cameras based on their functions, when a customer conceals or steals an item,  the alert app connected to the visual AI platform provides the following information:  

  • •Clearly displays the section name where the incident occurred in the notification and on the alert
  • •Includes the video evidence, enabling the staff to approach that area swiftly.

Key Benefits

Reduce shrink

Timely alerts enable staff to intervene quickly and prevent theft. 

Quicker staff response

As the incident location is named intuitively, the staff assigned to that location can intervene quickly and address the incident. 

Improve operational efficiency

Security incidents are reported accurately and acted upon quickly.

FAQ

Can functional naming help with analytics and security?

Yes. Naming cameras by their monitoring purpose (for example, POS-01 for Point of Sale) helps AI systems categorize feeds for customer analytics and security, enhancing operational insights.

What should retailers avoid when naming CCTV cameras?

Avoid cryptic codes, duplicate identifiers, and inconsistent formats. Names should be intuitive, unique, and integration-friendly to maximize efficiency and minimize errors.

 How can retailers avoid confusion when cameras are moved or repurposed?

Always update camera names to reflect their new location or function. Avoid cryptic codes and ensure each camera has a unique, human-readable identifier. Consistency and integration-friendly naming prevent errors and confusion during incidents.