How can AI security go from cost center to value driver in retail? In this episode, we use the blog “Best 10 AI-Powered Security Solutions Recognized for Boosting Retail ROI” (https://alphavision.ai/blogs/axis-integration/best-10-ai-powered-security-solutions-boosting-retail-roi) as our playbook. We unpack the top platforms, dig into real use cases, and offer guidance for retail teams looking to modernize security and operations.

• Context: rising theft, fraud, and operational inefficiency make AI security a must, not a luxury

• Deep dive on how AI transforms surveillance from passive recording into proactive alerting and deterrence

• Differentiating factors among the 10 platforms: hardware vs software-led, cloud-native vs hybrid, plug & play vs custom integration

• Use-case examples:
    • Using POS correlation to flag suspicious refund/voids and trigger video lookup (Genetec, Verkada)
    • Instant search across multiple stores (“Appearance Search”) to trace an individual’s path (Avigilon)
    • Retro-fitting AI to existing installations via appliances (Spot AI)
    • Offloading processing to edge cameras to reduce bandwidth (Hanwha)

• Common pitfalls and risk mitigation:
    • Network constraints undermining cloud systems
    • Over-alerting fatigue need for smart filtering
    • Cost creep in subscriptions or per-camera fees
    • Ensuring data privacy, especially with analytics (face, LPR)

• Steps to adopt:
    • Benchmark current shrink & incident metrics
    • Run side-by-side pilots for 2–3 competing systems
    • Define KPI targets (loss reduction, labor savings, alert response)
    • Scale phased by region, store type, or loss risk

• Loss prevention and retail security executives

• IT and digital transformation leads in retail

• Integrators and vendors serving retail chains

• Retail operations managers seeking efficiency gains

• Analysts watching AI / retail technology trends