In today’s fast-paced retail environment, staying ahead of safety and security challenges takes more than traditional surveillance—it requires a smarter, more proactive approach. As threats become more sophisticated, retailers must rethink how they protect their stores, people, and products by shifting from reactive systems to intelligent, real-time solutions designed for modern retail.
CONTROLTEK is leading this shift by combining artificial intelligence, spatial awareness, and identity recognition into a single, holistic platform that delivers smarter security without compromising privacy. At the core of this approach is an advanced system that fuses ToF LiDAR and RFID technologies through AI-driven processing—creating a dynamic solution that empowers retailers with real-time visibility, accurate presence detection, and proactive detection of unauthorized individuals in sensitive areas.
Understanding the Technology: ToF LiDAR Meets RFID
At the heart of this solution lies a sophisticated fusion of ToF LiDAR and RFID technologies. While each is effective on its own, their integration creates a new level of accuracy and adaptability for retail environments.
ToF LiDAR, which stands for Time of Flight Light Detection and Ranging, uses laser light to measure distances and detect movement. By emitting light pulses and measuring how long they take to bounce back from objects, ToF LiDAR creates highly accurate three-dimensional maps of any space. In retail, this means generating a detailed, real-time model of a store’s environment—including the presence and motion of individuals within it.
More importantly, ToF LiDAR does not rely on traditional video surveillance. It doesn’t capture facial features or record identifiable video footage. Instead, it collects point-cloud data—a representation of spatial presence that tracks how people move without revealing who they are. This not only protects individual privacy but also ensures that monitoring remains compliant in sensitive environments.
RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, complements ToF LiDAR by providing identity verification. Employees or authorized personnel are issued RFID tags—typically embedded in badges, access cards, or vendor passes—that are read by strategically placed RFID readers when someone enters or exits a monitored zone.
When the system detects a person through ToF LiDAR and matches that presence with a corresponding RFID tag, access is confirmed. But if someone appears in a restricted area without an authorized RFID signal, the system identifies them as unknown or unauthorized—triggering a real-time alert.
Closing the Gaps in Traditional Security
Many traditional retail security systems rely heavily on video surveillance, which can come with limitations. Cameras may miss critical areas like back-of-house zones, stockrooms, or employee breakrooms. Reviewing video footage is often time-consuming and reactive, rather than real-time. And in many jurisdictions, video monitoring in certain areas may be restricted or raise ethical concerns.
This Authorized Presence Detection solution fills those gaps by offering a non-invasive, always-on method of monitoring without capturing images or audio. It can be deployed in areas where video surveillance isn’t appropriate, providing an added layer of security while maintaining compliance with privacy laws and internal policies.
In addition, the solution is scalable and flexible. It can be customized to monitor specific zones—like sensitive storage rooms or entry points to restricted areas. It can also integrate seamlessly with broader security infrastructure.
Built with Privacy in Mind
Perhaps one of the most compelling features of this solution is its privacy-first approach. By avoiding the use of cameras, video, or facial recognition technology, this system eliminates many of the legal, ethical, and bias-related concerns commonly associated with video surveillance. This makes it an ideal choice for areas where video isn’t permitted or appropriate—like back-of-house zones, employee spaces, or customer-facing areas where privacy is a top priority.
In an era where data privacy is under increasing scrutiny, solutions that prioritize privacy while still delivering robust security are a welcome evolution. This technology empowers retailers to maintain trust while reinforcing their security efforts.
RFID-Powered Versatility Beyond Detection
Unlike traditional sensors, this RFID-based solution goes beyond simple detection, leveraging RFID technology to deliver both security and operational value. Beyond its role in identifying authorized personnel and powering the detection system, the same RFID infrastructure can be used for a variety of retail applications—such as real-time inventory tracking, asset management, and advanced loss prevention analytics. This multifunctional approach allows retailers to get more out of a single investment, creating operational efficiencies while gaining deeper visibility into merchandise movement and store operations.
Real-Time Detection, Real-Time Response
Retailers adopting this advanced solution gain several operational advantages. Real-time alerts mean security teams can act the moment an unauthorized presence is detected—rather than discovering an issue after the fact. The system supports remote monitoring, allowing store or regional managers to stay informed even when offsite. And by learning behavioral patterns and adjusting its sensitivity accordingly, the system reduces alert fatigue and streamlines response workflows.
In short, this solution is not just a passive observer—it’s an intelligent partner in protecting people, property, and products.
Advanced Sensor Fusion & Integration
Through the use of sensor fusion, meaning it can be connected with a wide array of systems to create a fully integrated security network, the solution can be integrated into your existing ecosystem. Whether it’s a Video Management System (VMS), a Public Address (PA) system, or an audible alarm, the platform can trigger alerts exactly where and when they matter. Notifications can be configured to reach store personnel, security teams, or remote monitoring centers—via loudspeaker, text message, email, or any alerting method your team already uses. It’s designed to fit into your current ecosystem and extend your visibility across the store environment.
Key Benefits at a Glance
To summarize, this next-generation solution delivers:
- Real-time spatial detection using LiDAR to track the movement and presence of individuals
- Identity verification through RFID, confirming whether individuals are authorized to enter sensitive areas
- AI-driven intelligence that learns patterns, flags anomalies, and reduces false positives
- Instant alerts for timely intervention
- Privacy-preserving design suitable for non-surveillance zones
- Support for broader security integration including VMS, PA systems, and alarm triggers
- Multi-use RFID infrastructure that extends beyond security to inventory and operational efficiency
A Smarter Future for Retail Security
As retail security continues to evolve, solutions that blend technology, intelligence, and privacy will shape the future. By combining AI with ToF LiDAR and RFID, this system sets a new standard in proactive and responsive security.
Retailers looking to modernize their security infrastructure and protect what matters most now have a smart, scalable option built for today’s challenges while evolving for tomorrow’s challenges.
Built by Experts, Designed Around You
At CONTROLTEK, we have a team of experts in RFID technology, who work closely with our clients to understand their unique challenges and then build tailored solutions that meet those needs. By leveraging RFID and other advanced technologies across multiple use cases—from security to inventory management—we help retailers streamline operations, reduce shrink, improve safety, and gain deeper insights into their business. Our customer-first approach ensures that every solution is both practical and powerful.
Want to learn how this solution can impact your store? Contact us today at sales@controltekusa.com.
