Abstract: A mapping of a physical environment and objects within the physical environment are generated. The objects are tracked within the physical environment and any transaction data associated with transaction correlated with the objects. The objects, relationships between each object, and any transaction data are evaluated to assign a risk score or an assessment needs score. Each score is mapped to one or more unique visual features and a heat map is generated that depicts the objects within the physical environment along with their visual features. The heat map is continuously updated in real time as scores change for the objects and the visual features change. The heat map is rendered within an interface of a device operated or worn by an attendant to assist the attendant in quickly ascertaining any risk of loss, any risk of threat, and/or any customer in need of assistance within the physical environment.

Abstract: Two or more simultaneous conditions occurring during two or more Self-Service transactions that require a response from an attendant of a management terminal are evaluated in real time. A suggested or an expected response of the attendant for each transaction is determined based on the evaluation. A priority for each expected response relative to the other expected responses is determined based on the evaluation. A queue of the expected responses in priority order is provided in real time to the management terminal for action on the expected responses in the priority order by the attendant.

Abstract: Multiple cameras capture videos within a secure room. When individuals are detected as entering the room, identities of the individuals are resolved. When an asset is exposed in a field of view of one of the cameras, the individuals' eye and head movements are tracked from the videos with respect to one another and the asset. Additionally, touches made by any of the individuals on the asset are tracked from the videos. The eye and head movements are correlated with the touches or lack of touches according to a security policy for the asset. Any violations of the security policy are written to a secure audit log for the room and the asset.

Abstract: An item return for an item is identified and a workflow is determined based on first factors defined in customized rules. Resources associated with the workflow may be staged on devices associated with the item return and the workflow is initiated. When the item is detected as being present at a drop-off location for the item, item and customer information are gathered in accordance with the customized rules associated with the workflow. Security checks are processed using second factors defined in the customized rules. A decision is made based on the security checks as to whether the item return can continue processing with the workflow or as to whether an item return exception is to be raised for evaluation and/or inspection of the item and item return information collected before the item return exception was raised.

Abstract: A cross-entity and cross-retailer platform is provided that captures transaction data, indexes, and stores the data in a cloud-accessible data store. A service is provided that custom processes retailer and entity-defined workflows based on purchase transactions using the data store. The service also generates and maintains correlations between items, the transactions, geographical locations, retailers, and stores of the retailers. The correlations are provided as timely retail recommendations to the retailers and entities for suggested changes that are likely to optimize purchase transactions. The entities may comprise manufacturers of an item, a supplier of the item, a distributor of the item, and a Consumer Packaging Goods (CPG) company of the item.

Abstract: A cross-entity and cross-retailer platform is provided that captures transaction and item return data, indexes, and stores the data in a cloud-accessible data store. A service is provided that custom processes retailer and entity-defined workflows based on purchase transactions and return transactions using the data store. The entities may comprise manufacturers of an item, a supplier of the item, a distributor of the item, and a Consumer Packaging Goods (CPG) company of the item. In an embodiment, a given entity workflow causes the service on a given return to calculate a custom aggregation of returns for a given item or a given set of items across different retailers within a given geographical region for a select period of time and provide selective data about the returns automatically to an inventory system and/or a schedule/delivery system of the given entity through an Application Programming Interface (API).

Abstract: A cross-entity and cross-retailer platform is provided that captures transaction data (associated with both in-store or on-line transactions), indexes, and stores the data in a cloud-accessible data store. For any given store of a given retailer, a Virtual Planogram (VP) is maintained for that store. The VP comprises metrics, relationships derived from the metrics, and inferences drawn from the relationships based on item sales and the corresponding transaction data for those item sales. The relationships show the rate of change in item sales over different intervals of time vis-a-vis sales of item categories/departments within the store. The inferences drawn from the relationships show a logical product placement mapping of the items or the proximity of the items to one another within the store. The VP is provided to the retailers and/or entities associated with items of the retailers as an interactive graph within retailer-provided and entity-provided interfaces.

Abstract: A cross-entity and cross-retailer platform is provided that captures transaction data (and/or browser history data associated with online browser-based transactions), indexes, and stores the data in a cloud-accessible data store. A cloud service is provided that custom processes retailer and entity-defined workflows based on purchase transactions using the data store. The service discovers and updates trends and patterns associated with item sales for a given retailer or for a given entity across channels associated with in-store and online item sales. The trends and patterns are dynamically reported to the corresponding entity or the corresponding retailer. The entities may comprise manufacturers of an item, a supplier of the item, a distributor of the item, and a Consumer Packaging Goods (CPG) company of the item.

Abstract: A cross-entity and cross-retailer platform is provided that captures transaction data (associated with both in-store or on-line transactions), inventory data, and store planogram data for stores, indexes, and stores the data in a cloud-accessible data store. For any given store of a given retailer, metrics, aggregated totals for each metric, and correlations between the aggregated totals over intervals of time are maintained. Stocked inventory levels for items of the store and promotional compliance levels for promotions of the items within the stores are monitored and tracked using the metrics, aggregated totals, correlations, planograms, and promotion conditions associated with the promotions. When the stocked inventory levels and/or the compliance levels fall below thresholds select data and/or alerts are reported to the retailers and/or the entities. In an embodiment, select data is reported out to the retailers and/or entities at an end of each interval of time.

Abstract: An item return for an item is identified and a workflow is determined based on first factors defined in customized rules. Resources associated with the workflow may be staged on devices associated with the item return and the workflow is initiated. When the item is detected as being present at a drop-off location for the item, item and customer information are gathered in accordance with the customized rules associated with the workflow. Security checks are processed using second factors defined in the customized rules. A decision is made based on the security checks as to whether the item return can continue processing with the workflow or as to whether an item return exception is to be raised for evaluation and/or inspection of the item and item return information collected before the item return exception was raised.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an augmented reality (AR) interaction zone to a user of a mobile device to provide remote access to a self-service terminal (SST) having a controller, a display for providing information and instructions to a user, a keypad for entering user data and user commands, and a camera (preferably a depth camera). A mobile device selectively initiates, based on a user command, a transaction by establishing a wireless communications channel with the SST. The controller generates the AR interaction zone based on signals from the camera, provides a signal to the mobile device to display an AR input field on an integral display, processes signals from the camera to monitor the AR interaction zone for user movement corresponding to input, identifies input based on the signals from the camera, and causes the SST to process a requested user transaction based on the identified input.

Abstract: An item return transaction for an item is identified at a transaction terminal. The item is authenticated using multiple factors at least some of which are independent of item code identification for the item. A fraud score is calculated based on the multiple factors, item code identification, and data that is specific to a customer associated with the transaction, specific to the item, specific to a store associated with the transaction terminal, and specific to a retailer associated with the store. The fraud score and a customer-return grade for the customer are processed to determine whether the transaction can complete at the terminal without assistance or whether the transaction is to be held in abeyance for an audit (onsite audit or remote network-based audit). In an embodiment, the t terminal is a Self-Service Terminal (SST) and the transaction is a self-item return transaction conducted by a customer at the terminal.

Abstract: An item return for an item is identified and a workflow is determined based on first factors defined in customized rules. Resources associated with the workflow may be staged on devices associated with the item return and the workflow is initiated. When the item is detected as being present at a drop-off location for the item, item and customer information are gathered in accordance with the customized rules associated with the workflow. Security checks are processed using second factors defined in the customized rules. A decision is made based on the security checks as to whether the item return can continue processing with the workflow or as to whether an item return exception is to be raised for evaluation and/or inspection of the item and item return information collected before the item return exception was raised.

Abstract: A first device is detected within a geofenced area of an establishment. A second device is determined to be within the geofenced area. A first individual associated with the first device is instructed to enter the establishment and complete a first portion of opening security procedures associated with an opening of the establishment. Upon completion of the first portion, a second individual associated with the second device is instructed to enter the establishment for a second portion of the opening security procedures. The first individual and the second individual are monitored through video feeds during the first portion and the second portion of the opening security procedures for compliance with the opening security procedures.

Abstract: An asset is identified in a predefined area. The type of asset is identified through video or wireless tag identification. A security policy associated with the type of asset is obtained. Entries in an asset log are recorded based on a location of the asset, an individual handling the asset, and/or actions taken by an individual with respect to the asset based on the security policy. A real-time notification is sent when the location, the handling, and/or any of the actions warrant a notification based on the security policy.

Abstract: An identity of a customer within an establishment is authenticated using a variety of captured biometric features obtained from sensors and/or video. Video capturing movements/interactions of the customer is analyzed in real time to identify the customer's behavior and actions. Any staff of the establishment who interact with the customer are identified from the video. Transaction data and other data retained for the customer by the establishment are aggregated and linked with the video and the customer identity. The linked data is analyzed in combination with the customer behavior and actions to determine responses within the establishment to customer-initiated transactions. In an embodiment, the customer is authorized to perform at least one transaction within the establishment based on the authenticated identity and linked data without a presentation by the customer of an identification card, a Personal Identification Number (PIN), a password and/or verification by a staff member.

Abstract: An identity of a customer within an establishment is authenticated using a variety of captured biometric features obtained from sensors and/or video. Video capturing movements/interactions of the customer is analyzed in real time to identify the customer's behavior and actions. Any staff of the establishment who interact with the customer are identified from the video. Transaction data and other data retained for the customer by the establishment are aggregated and linked with the video and the customer identity. The linked data is analyzed in combination with the customer behavior and actions to determine responses within the establishment to customer-initiated transactions. In an embodiment, the customer is authorized to perform at least one transaction within the establishment based on the authenticated identity and linked data without a presentation by the customer of an identification card, a Personal Identification Number (PIN), a password and/or verification by a staff member.

Abstract: A first device is detected within a geofenced area of an establishment. A second device is determined to be within the geofenced area. A first individual associated with the first device is instructed to enter the establishment and complete a first portion of opening security procedures associated with an opening of the establishment. Upon completion of the first portion, a second individual associated with the second device is instructed to enter the establishment for a second portion of the opening security procedures. The first individual and the second individual are monitored through video feeds during the first portion and the second portion of the opening security procedures for compliance with the opening security procedures.

Abstract: An asset is identified in a predefined area. The type of asset is identified through video or wireless tag identification. A security policy associated with the type of asset is obtained. Entries in an asset log are recorded based on a location of the asset, an individual handling the asset, and/or actions taken by an individual with respect to the asset based on the security policy. A real-time notification is sent when the location, the handling, and/or any of the actions warrant a notification based on the security policy.

Abstract: Individuals are monitored for actions and behaviors of the individuals during performance of establishment processes through video feeds captured by cameras. Transaction information associated with transactions being processed by a transaction system of the establishment are monitored. The actions, behaviors, transaction information, and establishment processes are correlated to process controls of the establishment and logged in an audit log. Non-compliant actions, behaviors, or transaction information with respect to the process controls generate real-time alerts, real-time assistance for compliance by any offending individual, and/or remedial training for compliance of the offending individual.