Q: Who is SAFR Guard?

A: SAFR Guard, a subsidiary of RealNetworks, leverages 30+ years of streaming technology innovation to deliver the retail industry’s most accurate facial matching solution. SAFR Guard uses AI-powered edge computing to instantly identify known shoplifters and threats the moment they enter stores, enabling loss prevention teams to prevent theft rather than just document it.

Competitive Advantages

Q: What makes SAFR Guard different?

A: Three facts:

1. 1. Fastest and smallest AI model in the accuracy cohort (172MB vs competitors’ multi-GB models).
   2. 30+ years RealNetworks streaming expertise.
   3. Only system engineered specifically for retail “wild face” conditions.

 Q: Is Speed an advantage? A: SAFR Guard has the fastest recognition speed in NIST WILD faces testing among top-accuracy algorithms. Speed means more opportunities to capture clear facial images before someone exits your field of view. Slow systems miss matches.

Q: Why does model size matter? A: Small model = edge deployment = no servers = lower costs + faster deployment + better image quality (no compression for network transport). Competitors’ bloated models require expensive backend infrastructure.

Q: Bias performance? A: NIST tested 103 algorithms for bias. SAFR ranked #2 for demographic consistency. Tested on 1+ million positive matches, 10+ million negative matches across diverse populations. Bias isn’t just ethics—it’s operational failure.

Business Impact

Q: What’s the ROI? A: 1-3 months payback. Period. When 10% of offenders cause 68% of losses, stopping repeat theft isn’t optional.

Q: How much shrink reduction are we talking about? A: Varies by location, but the math is simple: identify repeat offenders before they steal, prevent the theft. Some retailers report significant reductions because you’re targeting the small group causing most damage. Word spreads fast among criminal networks when your stores can instantly ID known shoplifters.

Q: Compare this to hiring more security. A: One SAFR Guard camera works 24/7 without breaks, sick days, or human error. Security guards cost $35,000-50,000 annually plus benefits. SAFR Guard operates on OpEx model, which is significantly less than the cost of a security guard. You’re not replacing security—you’re making them 10x more effective.

Technical Performance

Q: How accurate is this in real stores? A: 99.87% accuracy on “wild faces”—the uncooperative, moving, partially obscured faces you actually see in retail. Not posed lab photos. Real-world validation. SAFR ranked #2 globally out of 103 algorithms for least bias across demographics when tested by NIST.

Q: Why does “wild faces” accuracy matter? A: Everything. Lab testing uses perfect lighting and posed subjects. Retail reality is motion blur, backlighting, hats, masks, people looking down at phones. Most systems fail here. SAFR was specifically designed for these conditions. If it can’t handle wild faces, it can’t handle your store.

Q: What about false positives? A: Engineered out. False positives destroy employee trust and create customer incidents. SAFR uses multiple AI algorithms plus human verification. The system is built to err on the side of caution because accuracy with speed wins every time.

Q: Performance under challenging conditions? A: SAFR processes 12 faces per second, works up to 150 feet, handles masks/disguises. Face Prioritization Auto-Exposure (FPAE) technology dynamically adjusts for backlighting and poor conditions where standard cameras fail completely.

Q: Infrastructure requirements? A: None. True edge computing means no servers, no IT infrastructure, no network load. AI runs on the camera itself. Compare that to competitors requiring server farms and IT overhauls.

Implementation

Q: Deployment timeline? A: Hours, not months. No infrastructure means no IT project delays. The Camera is pre-configured, connects via a SAFR 5G gateway. You’re operational almost immediately.

Q: Who manages the database? A: SAFR handles it. Upload your existing POI data, but all new incidents get reviewed and approved by SAFR before database entry. Ensures data quality and legal compliance without your staff becoming database administrators.

Q: Training requirements? A: Minimal. System sends alerts to mobile devices when it identifies watchlist individuals. Your people get actionable intelligence, not technology training requirements.

Q: Pilot program approach? A: Start with highest-shrink locations. Measure results for 60-90 days. Use actual data to build business case for rollout. No vendor promises—just measurable results.

Legal & Privacy

Q: Legal restrictions? A: Multiple states explicitly support facial matching for security purposes. Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, among others, provide clear guidance. Even restrictive jurisdictions acknowledge momentary biometric capture for internal security. The regulatory environment supports responsible deployment.

Q: Privacy compliance? A: Privacy by design. No match = immediate data deletion. Only keeps obtained biometrics of known offenders. Doesn’t track customers or support marketing. Pure loss prevention, not surveillance.

Q: Data sharing capabilities? A: Optional. Share high harm POI data with other SAFR subscribers to create network effect against organized retail crime. Your choice—local-only or collaborative approach.

Objection Handling

Q: “This technology isn’t ready for retail.” A: 99.87% accuracy, NIST validation, real-world deployment across multiple retailers. Early adopters of face matching have shown 90% reduction in employee accidents from confrontations, near-zero police responses, and measurable shrink reduction. The technology isn’t emerging—it’s proven. Question is whether you’re ready to stop losses.

Q: “Too expensive for our margins.” A: 1-3 month payback on OpEx model. Compare cost of one theft incident to monthly SAFR Guard fee. Single prevented organized retail crime event pays for months of service.

Q: “Our IT can’t handle this.” A: No IT required. Edge computing means plug-and-play deployment. Your IT team doesn’t install, maintain, or manage anything.

Q: “What if accuracy drops over time?” A: SAFR continuously updates algorithms and maintains database quality. You’re buying a managed service, not point-in-time technology that degrades.

The Bottom line:

SAFR Guard delivers proven ROI through industry-leading accuracy specifically designed for retail conditions. Edge computing deployment eliminates infrastructure costs and IT complexity. The question isn’t whether facial matching works—it’s whether you’re ready to stop playing defense against repeat offenders.

Ready to see the numbers? Contact SAFR to get your pilot started today at sales@safr.com or visit here for more information.