Businesses must invest in commercial video surveillance systems to deter crime, protect people and property, and reduce costs. Many businesses also require these systems to comply with industry regulations like HIPAA or SEC.

Without commercial security cameras, business owners must hire security personnel to work around the clock – which can be expensive. 

Deterring Crime

Commercial video surveillance systems are one of the best ways to deter crime. It can help protect your employees and business from theft, burglary, vandalism, robbery, and other crimes that could take place on the property. It can also help you track who is on your premises, so you know who should be there and who shouldn’t.

A video surveillance system can be especially helpful for businesses that deal with late-night shifts, such as gas stations, convenience stores, and taverns. These businesses tend to see a lot more crime and are often short-staffed.

Video surveillance can help deter criminals by making them feel like they are being watched and will be caught if they commit a crime on the premises. A good commercial security system will have cameras that cover the entire parking lot with no blind spots, as well as any rear entrances to your business where criminals might try to hide. Some systems even alert you if someone lurks on your property after hours.

Keeping an Eye on Your Employees

As a business owner, you must keep an eye on your employees just as much as you do on your customers. A commercial video surveillance system allows you to do this easily, conveniently, and cost-effectively.

When your employees know you monitor them, they are more efficient and productive. They will also be less likely to waste company time or become distracted by social media.

A surveillance system can also help you to prevent theft. Studies have shown that shoplifting is one of the top causes of retail losses, costing businesses over $42 billion annually. With a surveillance system, you can monitor the front of your store and other areas susceptible to theft.

Some systems allow you to pair your cameras with a live monitoring team, which will watch the footage in real-time 24 hours daily, even during holidays and when your business is closed. You can also choose to use a DVR, NVR, or hybrid solution to manage analog and IP cameras on the same management platform.

Keeping an Eye on Your Customers

If your business is a retail establishment, a video surveillance system can help keep an eye on your customers and patrons. This can deter vandalism or shoplifting and allows you to monitor customer interactions with your employees. For example, if a customer complains that they were mistreated or provided with incorrect information by an employee, video footage can provide irrefutable proof.

The best commercial security systems are capable of a range of high-tech functionality, such as motion sensors and advanced analytics. They can also deliver mobile notifications and remote monitoring through a single interface. Some even offer one-touch contact with a contracted guard service or law enforcement when suspicious activity is observed.

Storage capacity for video data is also an important consideration when choosing a commercial security system. Most experts recommend cloud-hosted storage for maximum data protection and peace of mind. Ensure that any hardware you purchase supports this option and that your provider offers a secure, redundant infrastructure with controlled access and MFA policies. 

Keeping an Eye on Your Assets

Whether you own a large warehouse or operate out of a small office, you must protect your business from theft and other security risks. A commercial video surveillance system is a great way to do so. Monitoring the footage lets you see who is coming and going from your premises. This is especially useful for preventing shoplifting and other theft.

In addition to preventing theft, commercial surveillance systems can help your business improve operational efficiency. For example, a warehouse can use CCTV to identify inefficient processes. This helps them boost productivity and save money. Similarly, an oil and gas company can monitor its industrial sites to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Whether you want to install cameras in your reception area, workplace, or warehouse, choosing the right ones is important. Most experts recommend using cameras to cover all entrances, exits, and any secluded areas of your facility. Consider how much storage space you’ll need for the footage. Fortunately, online tools can help you calculate how much storage your system will need.

Keeping an Eye on Your Business

Video surveillance in your business can help protect your establishment from intruders and improve employee accountability. It can also deter theft and criminal activity, prevent workplace harassment, and reduce insurance rates.

When legal scenarios arise, footage can also help settle disputes in domestic or professional settings. This helps ensure that all parties are treated fairly and that the truth is revealed.

Before purchasing, decide what kind of storage you need and how many cameras you need to survey your business. Choose a managed video system that provides local or cloud-based storage for your footage. It’s also important to determine the type of cameras you need and whether they require night vision or thermal detection.

Finally, it’s essential to know how you plan to monitor the cameras and what your budget is for doing so. You can hire a security company to monitor the footage or use your internal team. Considering a camera with built-in alarms and alerts when something goes wrong is also a good idea.