VIDEO SURVEILLANCE Q&A
Video Surveillance for Your Business: An Essential Investment for your Safety and Security
As a business owner, you understand the importance of protecting your assets. One way to ensure the safety of your business is by installing a video surveillance system. Not only does it help deter theft and vandalism, but it can also provide valuable evidence in case of a crime. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of video surveillance for your business and how to choose the right system for your needs.
Benefits of Having a Video Surveillance System at Your Business
Video surveillance has several main benefits for businesses, including:
Theft Prevention
According to a survey by the National Retail Systems, 64% of retailers reported that theft was their biggest concern! A video surveillance system can help prevent theft by deterring potential thieves and providing evidence in case of theft.
Employee Monitoring
Video surveillance can also be used to monitor employee activity and ensure they are following company policies. This can be especially useful in industries such as food service and retail where theft by employees is a major concern.
Reduced Liability
A video surveillance system can also help reduce liability in case of accidents or injuries on your business premises. It can provide evidence that the business took reasonable steps to maintain a safe environment for customers and employees. (You can also get an insurance reduction by adding video security cameras at your place of business!) Many times, video surveillance pays for itself in reduced costs.
How to Choose the Right Video Surveillance System
When choosing a video surveillance system for your business, there are several factors to consider:
Indoor vs. Outdoor
If you need to monitor outdoor areas, make sure to choose a system that is weather-resistant and has night vision capabilities. When we come out to do a site survey, we need to know how many outdoor cameras you need.
Number of Cameras
The number of cameras you need will depend on the size of your business and the areas you want to monitor. Make sure to choose a system that allows for easy expansion if needed. Why? Because business owners never downsize the number of cameras that they need, but they do add more cameras, after they see the value in the video recording. Typically, around 90 days after the cameras are installed, the business owner will call us asking to add more cameras, to be able to capture more square footage. If you buy a larger DVR with space to add cameras, this will not be an issue.
Storage and Retrieval
Consider how long you need to store video footage and how easily you want to retrieve it. Some systems allow for cloud storage and remote access, while others require physical access to the storage device. At the initial consultation, let us know your preference.
Investing in a video surveillance system for your business is an essential step in protecting your assets and ensuring the safety of your employees and customers. By considering the factors mentioned above and choosing the right system for your needs, you can have peace of mind knowing that your business is secure, with Stealth Video Surveillance.
How Many Video Cameras Do I Need at My Business?
Installing video cameras at your business can be a great way to increase security and monitor activity, but determining how many cameras you need can be difficult. Let’s explore some key factors to consider when deciding on the number of video cameras you need for your business.
What is the Size of Your Business?
The size of your business is an essential factor to consider when determining the number of video cameras you need. A small business may only need a few cameras to cover the entire property, while larger businesses may require dozens of cameras to monitor all areas adequately.
Start by measuring the square footage of your business, then consider dividing it into zones that require monitoring. For example, you may need cameras in high-traffic areas, such as entrances, exits, and parking lots.
What Areas Need Monitoring?
When deciding how many cameras you need, think about the areas of your business that require monitoring. For example, if you’re in retail, you may need cameras to monitor point-of-sale areas, stockrooms, and areas where high-value items are stored.
For businesses with outdoor areas, such as parking lots, loading docks, and storage yards, outdoor-specific cameras may be necessary. These cameras are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and are equipped with night vision capabilities.
Where Do You Need the Video Cameras to Be Placed?
The placement of your cameras is just as important as the number of cameras you have. Cameras should be installed in areas that provide the best angles and views of the areas you’re monitoring.
Consider placing some cameras at eye level to capture facial features and clothing, which can be helpful in identifying suspects. Additionally, you may want to angle cameras to capture license plates of vehicles entering and exiting your property, as well as some overall views of your warehouse, offices, or hallways.
Consider the Quality of Your Cameras and the Video Images
The quality of your cameras is another key factor to consider when determining how many you need. High-quality cameras can capture clear video footage, making it easier to identify suspects and analyze incidents.
Investing in high-quality cameras will provide features such as high-resolution video, wide-angle lenses, and remote access capabilities.
When it comes to determining how many video cameras you need at your business, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Factors such as the size of your business, areas that need monitoring, camera placement, and quality of cameras should all be considered.
By taking the time to assess your business’s unique needs, you can ensure that you have the right number of cameras to provide maximum security and peace of mind.
Call Stealth Video for a FREE site survey! You can trust our expertise to help you with your video security needs.