Over the past few years, digital video recorders (DVRs) have replaced video cassette recorders (VCRs) as the core of closed-circuit surveillance programs used by many retailers and restaurateurs. The advantages of DVRs over VCRs are, better images, superior search capability, simultaneous recording, live viewing and playback, remote access, and easier integration with security systems. Now, there’s a new wave of implementation as merchants and foodservice operators begin to integrate DVR technology with point of sale systems. For some players, this is an initial foray at tying together security with the point of sale; for others, it’s a transition from VCR mode.

Integration of point of sale systems with video surveillance of any kind benefits retailers and restaurateurs by enabling them to put a “face” to suspicious activity–for example, pairing images of a clerk placing only a portion of the cash from a particular transaction in the till and pocketing the rest with data on the transaction that supposedly occurred. What’s more, DVRs can retrieve footage by such criteria as time and date, cashier, receipt number, transaction type, credit card, product, and product brand name. They can also be programmed to trigger reports of suspicious activity, like over-rings.

The end-result of any DVR/point of sale system combination is enhanced loss prevention–a must in the wake of shrinking margins and other financial challenges faced by the retail and restaurant community. pcAmerica makes it easy to reap such benefits: Version 12.5 of its Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express point of sale software features integration with Quadrox POS Fusion DVR. Users of either program need only push a button within the software’s facilities to view recorded video of an actual transaction, along with associated data. Learn more at www.pcamerica.com.