Technology for shops

The network comes first

• Till and card terminals wired or on their own network, with a backup connection.
• Staff WiFi: tablets, stock scanners, labels.
• Guest WiFi, if offered, isolated and limited.
• A small, tidy rack with a UPS.

Security

• Cameras at the till, entrances, stockroom and high-value product areas. With information signs and in line with data protection law.
• Alarm with door, motion and glass-break detectors, and image verification.
• A discreet panic button at the till.
• Motorised shutter integrated with the alarm.

Access

• Opening and closing the shop with a record of who and when.
• Stockroom and office with restricted access.
• Temporary codes for suppliers and cleaners.

Atmosphere

• Background music by zone, with automatic schedules and volume. Playing music in commercial premises is subject to licences.
• Lighting scenes: opening, daytime, evening, night-time window display.
• Heating and cooling on a schedule, so they don't run with the shop closed.
• Digital signage screens, managed remotely.

Data

• People counting at the entrance: how many come in, at what times and on which days.
• The relationship between visits and sales.
• Electricity use by zone.

Counting can be done without identifying anyone, which is the simplest approach from a privacy standpoint.

Remote management

For anyone with more than one shop or who isn't always there: view the cameras, check it's been locked and armed, get an alert if the shop opens late or a refrigerated unit warms up.

High season

In Andorra, bank holiday weekends, sales and ski season multiply footfall. The network and systems should be sized for those days.

Where to start

1. A stable network to take payments.
2. Alarm and cameras.
3. Automating opening, closing, lighting and heating.
4. Footfall data.