How Can Retailers Improve IT Uptime and Drive Sales?
In the fast-paced world of retail, point of sale system uptime is crucial: An hour of downtime could cost a retailer up to $5,000,000 in lost sales, according to 
an ITIC survey. For a global retail chain with thousands of stores, they turned to Wachter to manage upgrades to their register and camera systems.
The Challenge: Minimizing Downtime While Upgrading Technology
The company needed to upgrade their POS systems and loss prevention cameras without major disruptions to daily operations. The company also needed a reliable way to track transactions and prevent theft: Cameras installed at each register help ensure that every item is properly scanned, and advanced analytics detects missed scans or incorrect item scans.
The Solution: Seamless Camera & Register Integration
With precise camera alignment (down to a one-inch margin) and coordinating multiple teams, this type of project requires careful planning.
Register Camera Systems
Above each register is a camera with miss-scan detection software to track scanned items. If a customer tries to skip scanning an item, the camera sends an alert to store associates, allowing them to quickly address the issue. The camera system is sophisticated enough to distinguish between items of similar sizes, making sure nothing goes unscanned.
Bottom-of-Basket (BOB) Cameras
Along with the overhead cameras, Wachter installed BOB cameras to detect unscanned items underneath shopping carts. Using the same advanced analytics, the BOB cameras ensure that associates are notified if any item is missed during checkout.
Efficient Installation
To minimize disruptions, Wachter technicians deploy new register and camera systems in stages, typically overnight. By working overnight, the team ensures the store can open the next morning with all systems in place. Wachter services up to 400 sites per year, installing the low-voltage cabling for each POS, and working closely with hardware provider NCR.
Each camera is checked back at Wachter facilities before installation to ensure every camera works and to identify potential issues ahead of time, reducing the risk of delays or malfunctions during installation.
The Results: Improved Efficiency and Zero Downtime
Thanks to careful planning and execution, Wachter’s team completed the installation of new camera and register systems across thousands of stores on time and on budget. The project not only enhanced theft prevention but also helped integrate the new technology into the customer’s broader automation and supply chain initiatives. The results were clear: the customer improved store efficiency, reduced shrinkage (theft and loss), and enhanced their ability to track and monitor operations in real-time.
By partnering with a trusted service provider like Wachter, retailers can ensure technology upgrades happen efficiently and without the costly risk of downtime.
Key Takeaways
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Minimize Downtime with Seamless Upgrades
Wachter deployed register and camera systems overnight, ensuring stores opened the next morning without disruptions. -
Advanced Theft Prevention Technology
Overhead and Bottom-of-Basket cameras use analytics to detect missed scans and prevent theft in real-time. -
Efficient, Scalable Installations
Wachter’s team services up to 400 sites annually, integrating low-voltage cabling and hardware for smooth operations.