How UMATECH Helped an Online Store Protect Parcels and Staff with a Smart Camera System
As e-commerce grows, so does the risk: return fraud, order claims, picking errors, internal theft and incorrect shipments cost businesses thousands of euros a year. Many online stores only invest in security once something goes wrong – but with this customer, we did things differently.
A fast-growing online store (name withheld at the customer’s request) came to UMATECH because their fulfilment process was becoming increasingly chaotic. Customers were complaining that parcels arrived incomplete or damaged. The team worked hard, but without visual evidence it was impossible to find out where things were going wrong: during picking, packing, transport, or at the customer’s end.
We installed a complete professional camera system, including a view of the packing tables. The result? Fewer errors, fewer disputes and a faster process.
The problem: return fraud, wrong parcels and no evidence
The online store was facing the following concrete problems:
- Customers claimed that products were missing from the box
- Return fraud (claims that items were damaged on arrival)
- No way to review the packing process
- Uncertainty about whether errors occurred internally or with logistics partners
They had tried consumer cameras before, but the image quality, retention and searchability were not good enough.
The solution: a professional NVR camera system covering the packing stations
UMATECH installed a fully engineered IP camera system with:
- 4K turret cameras above every packing table
- PoE cabling with a managed switch
- Local recording on an NVR with 30+ days of retention
- Marked zones for each workstation
- No cloud dependency – the footage stays locally owned
- Time-synced logging, so order number → timestamp → video clip
Why cameras above the packing tables work
✔ evidence for claims (“here you can see the product being packed”)
✔ insight into errors to improve the process
✔ deterrence against internal theft
✔ support for quality control
According to the customer, the number of “incomplete order” claims has dropped by more than 70% since the installation.
Additional security solutions we delivered
Alongside video surveillance, we made the online store future-proof with additional solutions:
Access control for the warehouse
We installed an RFID access controller (Akuvox) linked to user profiles.
→ Only authorised employees have access to the stock.
Door detection + out-of-hours alarm
An Ajax alarm system with:
- opening sensors on the warehouse doors
- siren + push notifications to smartphones
- the option to connect an alarm receiving centre (ARC)
Ideal for premises that are unoccupied at night.
Outdoor perimeter detection
For outdoor security, we used WL4 infrared (IR) beam sets, connected to the Ajax DoorProtect input.
→ An alert as soon as someone enters the grounds, before they reach the building.
This gives staff more time to respond and acts as a deterrent.
Network segmentation (VLANs)
The cameras run entirely on an isolated VLAN with no internet access.
→ No outside viewing, no cloud, no risk from firmware vulnerabilities.
Why this setup works
| Challenge | Solution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Claims & disputes | Camera above the packing table | Evidence, no discussion |
| Fraud risk | Perimeter + access control | Prevention + logging |
| Insecure camera network | VLAN + local storage | No external access |
| Internal errors | Footage analysis | Process improvement |
The online store now uses the system not only for security, but also as an operational tool to raise quality.
Results according to the customer
“Since UMATECH installed the cameras, not only have the claims dropped, but we also work in a more structured way and faster. When someone calls to say ‘something was missing’, we can review the footage the same day and sort it out. It saves money and stress.”
We completed this installation within two days, without interrupting the fulfilment process.
Conclusion
Cameras aren’t just there to spot burglars – for online stores they are a crucial link in quality control, customer satisfaction and fraud prevention. With local storage, clear sightlines and integration with access control systems, you get a complete solution that does more than just record.
Would you also like cameras above your packing tables, access control for your warehouse or perimeter detection around your business?
Send us a message – we’re happy to help you plan it and we deliver complete turnkey installations.
