The access control solution has been delivered by Axis partner Entryfy.
“In combination with Axis network cameras and loudspeakers, a cloud-based video management system from Milestone Systems have resulted in safe and secure stores, extended opening hours and increased revenue”, says Carl Stael von Holstein, Industry 4.0 Segment Lead, at Axis Communications.
Fully digitized solution
Crazy Candy has two confectionery stores and needed to reduce costs and staff as a result of the corona pandemic. The company demanded a complete solution with access control, camera and sound to be able to have unmanned stores. Instead of staff, there is now a fully digitised solution with access control, speakers, network camera and checkout.
Voice message
“Welcome to Crazy Candy!” The pre-recorded voice message can be heard from the loud- speaker as visitors enter Crazy Candy’s unmanned bulk confectionery store in Uppsala, just north of Stockholm. The lights switch on, the music starts. The new solution, with Axis A1001 Network Door Controllers, Axis P3245- V Network Cameras, and Axis C1004-E Network Cabinet Speakers, together with a cloud-based video management system (VMS), Milestone Xprotect Professional+, from Milestone Systems – has strengthened Crazy Candy’s brand, improved the customer experience, and led to increased sales.
Challenging beginnings
Crazy Candy opened the first of its two stores just as the Coronavirus pandemic hit. After a few, very difficult months, the situation escalated to the point where there were only two viable options; close the stores or find an alternative solution that would improve store success and ultimately revenue.
Damoon Mortezaie, founder of Crazy Candy, says: “We found ourselves in a desperate situation. We wanted to stay open and to win back our customers. We decided to fully automate our stores and stay open around the clock. Transactions take place at a digital checkout terminal where customers weigh and scan their confectionery before paying. Clear instructions are also printed on the wall. If someone needs help, there is an emergency telephone number to call, and in one of the stores there is – during the day – a button to press if you need personal assistance. When the store is empty, the music turns off and the lights go out after a while.
Open standard
Store surveillance cameras are monitored and operated remotely from a central control room. Recorded video material can be processed and passed to authorities when necessary, in accordance with applicable laws.
”Axis network products are based on an open standard, and other types of products and software can be easily integrated with the solution and managed remotely via a laptop. It is easy to add and remove products. Central control means easy handling, regardless of whether it is one or more stores”, says Carl Stael von Holstein.
The cameras offer high-quality light sensitive image capture with wide dynamic range, so they can produce sharp images even in variable light conditions. In addition, Axis Lightfinder technology allows image capture in almost total darkness; highly beneficial when used to protect a retail site such as Crazy Candy where lights are automatically turned off when the last customer leaves.
Network audio for increased sales
Furthermore, Axis’ network products for sound are an important support to help stores build their brands, enhance the customer experience and increase sales.
“The audio solution is a complete all-in-one solution and requires no additional hardware and is simple to install, saving time and money and reducing the requirement for technical expertise for fine-tuning”, says Carl Stael von Holstein.
Regarding plans for the future, the next step is to introduce voice messages using the speaker and camera that are adapted to where the customer is located in the store. A person standing at the checkout can, for example, receive special offers for products that are placed at the checkout.
Less problems
According to Damoon Mortezaie, wastage and theft are not a problem in the unmanned stores. He says: “People pay and do the right thing. In general, customers behave better without staff than with staff being present.”