Iper, La grande i is one of the most important companies in the Italian large-scale hypermarket sector, and among the few that are entirely Italian owned.
Established in 1974, Finiper is one of the leading food retailers in Italy, with 27 outlets.
The Challenge
Iper was seeking to develop a more up-to-date and more connected security system (EAS), with the introduction of immediate reporting to store security in the event of theft or tampering of goods.
This would enable the group to oversee what is happening in its stores in a more efficient way.
Checkpoint's key account manager, Davide Giunta, said, "Initially, we were asked to improve and upgrade the system and technology that was in place at the level of article surveillance systems (EAS).
"Along the way, we proposed a more complex and scalable system of solutions that was more integrated and customised, and which was in line with our cutting-edge technology."
The Checkpoint Systems Solution
The 'Connectivity' project, arising from the partnership between Iper and Checkpoint Systems, involves an integrated, personalised and cutting-edge technological solution that improves the security of the group’s stores.
At the heart of the solution is Checkpoint’s EVOLVE-Store platform, which makes data available on an app from all devices installed at the store, therefore, making each device a part of an interconnected and remotely manageable system.
For example, a panic button has been installed in sensitive areas, such as checkout points, providing a more efficient interaction between hypermarket staff members and the security systems.
Security And Marketing Strategy
With a view to a complementary security and marketing strategy, Iper decided to implement the software applications Smart Analytics and Smart Counter.
The first collects and analyses historical data from the installed security systems.
The second detects entry flows and provides security indications and statistical data on customer traffic in relation to sales.
Having been successfully tested at the Savignano sul Rubicone outlet, Checkpoint Systems’ solutions were integrated into all 27 Iper stores by end of 2018, with the intention of activating data analysis technologies that are capable, among other things, of providing security management with quantitative and statistical data, for ongoing strategic purposes.
"This system really ensures that products will not be subject to shoplifting, and that the visual identity of the brand is not altered by tags or security collars," said Christian Visani, head of security at the Savignano sul Rubicone hypermarket.
The Results
Commenting on the added value of technologies that collect sensor-related insights and the growth potential of the global business, Claudio Rapizza, director of the hypermarket at Savignano sul Rubicone, said, "The visitor-counting solution also allows us to know the conversion rate between customers and turnover, and the precise relationship linked not only to the sales receipt, but also to the actual presence of people."
The 'Connectivity' project is characterised by the reduction of inventory differences and guaranteeing open access to free-sale products.
The Checkpoint project has contributed to:
- collecting data for targeted actions towards reducing inventory differences;
- guaranteeing open access to products;
- increasing product accessibility, to boost sales;
- direct communication between checkout staff and security;
- shortening intervention and resolution times;
- each device being part of an interconnected and remotely manageable system; and
- no store staff responsibility for checking the system.
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