Integrated security in retail: Supporting safe, efficient, and sustainable store operations 

Retail security has evolved far beyond theft prevention. Today, it's a complex ecosystem that touches nearly every aspect of store operations: from customer experience and safety to energy efficiency and operational resilience. In modern retail environments, especially those embracing automation and 24/7 access, integrated security solutions are essential to meet rising demands and expectations. 

The shift toward integrated retail security

Retailers are under pressure to do more with less. Rising operational costs, changing consumer habits, and growing concerns about data privacy and sustainability reshape how physical stores operate. As a result, the role of security technology is expanding. 

Instead of siloed systems—where access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and environmental monitoring run separately—forward-thinking retailers are moving toward integrated platforms that bring everything together. This shift enables faster response times, centralized control, and actionable insights for security and operations teams. 

From security to smart operations

An integrated security platform connects a wide array of devices and systems: video cameras, smart sensors, access readers, point-of-sale terminals, and more. The value comes from how these elements work together. For example: 

• Access control ensures only authorized individuals can enter the store, which is especially important for 24/7 or autonomous stores. 
• Video analytics can detect unusual behavior, such as loitering, slips and falls, or crowd build-up, triggering real-time alerts. 
• Environmental sensors monitor temperature, lighting, electricity use, or equipment performance, helping reduce waste and ensure continuity. 

When these systems are orchestrated through a central platform like evalink, retailers automatically gain a holistic view of what’s happening in and around the store in real time. 

Automation and remote intervention

Many retailers operate across multiple sites, often with limited onsite staff. Integrated platforms allow teams to automate workflows and intervene remotely when needed. For instance, when a freezer alarm goes off or someone triggers an emergency button, the platform can immediately notify the right person, escalate the alert, or even initiate predefined actions like adjusting systems or guiding the customer via intercom. 

This level of automation improves incident response and reduces the burden on local teams, allowing them to focus on customer service rather than technical troubleshooting. 

Supporting sustainability goals

Retailers are also under growing pressure to reduce energy consumption and run more sustainable operations. Integrated platforms contribute by: 

• Monitoring power usage and highlighting inefficiencies 
• Connecting to systems like HVAC, lighting, and refrigeration to optimize performance 
• Alerting teams when abnormal consumption patterns are detected 
• Reducing unnecessary energy usage through remote control and automation 

As part of a wider ESG strategy, integrated security becomes a tool not just for compliance but also for driving measurable impact.

Data-driven decision-making

With all systems feeding into one platform, retail managers and security leaders can access rich insights, such as visitor traffic, equipment uptime, alarm history, energy metrics, and more. These insights can inform staffing, store layout, maintenance planning, and long-term strategy. 

The key is the ability to filter and act on data quickly and customize workflows depending on location, store format, or operational context. 

Real-world example: Migros Teo stores

A great example of this approach in action is Migros, one of Switzerland’s largest retailers. Their Migros Teo concept—autonomous convenience stores open 24/7—relies on an integrated security ecosystem combining access control, video analytics, environmental monitoring, and real-time alarm management. 

Each store is equipped with the evalink TNA Connect V2, a powerful gateway device that connects critical systems such as self-checkouts, freezer alarms, door controls, emergency buttons, and even lighting. This setup not only ensures a safe shopping experience but also helps Migros achieve its sustainability targets by monitoring energy consumption across their network of stores. 

You can read more about how Migros uses evalink in our customer story here.