“We’ve talked to managers at major store brands and their head offices tell them not to even bother attempting to reduce shrinkage. Of course they try to minimize it as much as they can, but they resign to the fact that, if you can’t stop it, just build it into the cost of the merchandise,” said franchisee Steve Olson. “Our goal is to have shrinkage rates as low as humanly possible.”

To achieve this lofty goal, ICS Advanced Technologies suggested a gradual transition to IP video and designed a tailor-made IP video system with Axis Communications cameras and Salient Systems software that strategically morphed to meet Plato’s Closet’s changing security and loss prevention needs. ICS began with a video encoder solution, shifted to a hosted video solution as new IP cameras were added and then fully converted to an all-IP solution to add more functionality and high-definition cameras, including the covert AXIS P8514 Network Camera.

Covering more than 90 percent of the 7000 sq. ft. store, the IP video system has helped reduce theft to less than 1 percent. The store has also built an excellent relationship with the Des Moines police, providing video evidence to help bust up an Organized Retail Crime ring. Remote video also allows the Olsons to keep the store running smoothly from anywhere and proves an important training tool for their staff.