Why facial recognition technology is essential for retail and hospitality businesses

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Facial recognition software has long been a fixture of science fiction. A technology with almost limitless potential, we’ve all seen it being used to identify threats and protect against attacks. Now, thanks to advances in image analysis, facial recognition technology is no longer a far-off concept.

In fact, we are seeing facial recognition software increasingly used right across the retail and hospitality sectors. Business owners across Perth are embracing the additional control it provides them. They are also reaping the benefits of being able to analyse who enters their premises, and when.

Here we explore how facial recognition technology could help your business and what it looks like in action.

Facial recognition technology can help you proactively prevent issues

As the business owner, you decide who can and can’t come onto your premises. Whether it’s due to theft, abuse, or other antisocial behaviour, you have the right to refuse entry. You also have an obligation to your staff and customers to keep them – and your venue – safe.

Facial recognition software can help with this, identifying habitual troublemakers and allowing you to stop them before they offend again. Using your banned list as a reference point, the system analyses the face of everyone entering your premises. If it finds a match, it alerts the appropriate staff via a message to their smartphone.

Best of all, you set the banned list and can add to it as needed. You can also share this list across multiple locations, keeping your whole chain safe.

Facial recognition software can help you analyse customer behaviour 

In addition to spotting unwanted guests, facial recognition technology can also help you get a better picture of your customer movements. Most systems have a people-counting function that tracks the number of customers on site across the day. This can help you better understand, and plan for, your peak times.

The insight your facial recognition technology provides can assist with everything from rostering to stock control. It allows you to confidently plan your staffing, knowing when you will get your highest customer volumes. It also allows you to keep your presentation up, restocking the shelves or doing a full clean before the rush comes.

Facial recognition software helps you avoid false alarms

While traditional security systems are great at identifying “intruders”, sometimes these aren’t what they seem. And having security called out for a stray dog or fallen branch can be inconvenient, embarrassing, and expensive.

Facial recognition software helps avoid this issue by analysing anything that breaches the perimeter. As part of this, the system determines whether it’s something malicious (like a potential break in) or something more innocuous (like rustling leaves). If it is a real threat, security will be alerted – if not, no notification will be sent.

Facial recognition technology in action – a case study

The Riverton Bar and Grill is a family-owned tavern that’s known for its relaxed atmosphere and great pub grub. It was also the first hospitality business in Perth to make use of facial recognition technology.

Located in the Stockland Riverton Shopping Centre, the Rivo (as it’s known to locals) gets a lot of foot traffic. As one of the few pubs in the area, it’s also a hot spot for thirsty locals. While this is great for business, it also presents plenty of potential safety risks.

Having seen a nearby venue be plagued by bad behaviour, owners Nat and Mat Graham-Helwig, knew security had to be taken seriously. They also knew that a top-notch camera system was critical to minimising drama and creating the family-friendly atmosphere they wanted.

Working closely with the Tecsec team, they designed a bespoke security system featuring 40 cameras and cutting-edge facial recognition software. This allows them to monitor everyone who enters their establishment and red flag anyone that they believe poses a risk. It also allows them to prevent potential incidents before they happen.

If the system sees someone that’s on the banned list trying to enter the premises, it automatically alerts security staff. It also sends a message to the owners’ mobile phones, allowing them to stay on top of issues, even when they’re not on site.

For more information on this installation, check out our Riverton Bar and Grill project overview.

Need help choosing the right facial recognition software for your business?

As one of Perth’s leading providers of facial recognition technology, we understand how to get the most from this software. We can work with you to come up with a fit-for-purpose solution that meets your business’s specific needs. Our experienced team can also recommend any additional features that could further optimise your security system.

Call Tecsec Security Solutions today to discuss our wide range of facial recognition technology and to arrange your free quote.