This article is brought to you by Solink.

Saving time, for a convenience store operator, means saving money.

When a process isn’t efficient, invisible dollars slip away from your business. It could be the time that an operator routinely spends driving from one store to another or an unusual situation like a slip and fall that requires hours of combing through camera footage.

A tool to unlock efficiency is already inside your locations: “Your camera system can be about so much more than security,” said Chris Sisto, VP of Product at Solink. Solink is a video security and analytics platform that gives operators enhanced visibility into their stores by connecting their existing cameras and POS system.

“In fact, security may not be the most important function of cameras for retailers in the future. With the right software behind them, cameras become drivers of operational efficiency—allowing you to see and act immediately on what’s happening in your stores,” said Sisto.

How can video security software enable your business to move faster? Sisto offered some examples:

• Connecting your video security software and POS data provides real-time visibility into potentially problematic transactions. For example, if the number of employee discounts applied in a day exceeds a predetermined threshold, an automated alert is sent. This allows operators to follow up quickly and watch paired video for those sales to see if something is amiss.
• Connecting to a store’s cameras allows operators to visit locations in person less often, reducing time spent driving. Sisto noted that multiple clients will use Solink’s AI-powered Sidekick feature to automate remote store audits and compliance checks. These virtual checks allow operators to identify and address problems, such as cleaning a spill or clearing a blocked aisle, before they cost the store a customer.
• When a situation like a slip and fall does occur, “It’s important to get the footage quickly,” Sisto said. “With tools like motion search, retailers can find the footage in minutes by filtering for motion in key areas and easily save and send video clips to the relevant people.”
• Solink’s zone tracking feature counts how long people are spending in particular areas of a store. Is a new investment—such as a game or a merchandiser—drawing the attention you want it to? Through Solink, you can know almost immediately, according to Sisto.

Ultimately, there is an important change happening in how cameras are used, Sisto explained. “With the right software, cameras are tools for operational excellence, helping your company move faster and with more context.”

This is the second in a two-part series from Solink. Read the first part here. Discover more about Solink.