Whether you are a business owner, in charge of a parking garage or storage yard, or simply want to be able to see the sales floor from the back room, the decision to purchase a video surveillance system is one that can give you peace of mind, as well as make sure your customers, staff and property are as safe as can be. Before jumping at the first good offer you see, however, there are few things to keep in mind about how to purchase a video surveillance system that suits your needs.
How will surveillance equipment benefit my business?
There are numerous ways that a good video surveillance system can benefit your business. From enabling safer monitoring of your parking lot or other hazardous areas of your business, to making customers feel safer and potential shoplifters anxious, surveillance equipment is a good investment. For some businesses, insurance requirements mandate surveillance cameras, while for other businesses, the purchase of a video surveillance system is just the right thing to do. Every business will not need every single option available, of course, but it is a rare business that would not benefit in some way from having electronic "eyes" watching at all times.
What equipment is best? What features should I look for?
Understanding how to purchase a video surveillance system starts by becoming familiar with the many types of cameras available. Video surveillance systems can be broken down into two groups: those that deter crime and those that help catch thieves. Visible cameras help deter crime, while (more expensive) hidden cameras can catch a criminal red-handed. As well, there are black and white, color, and night-vision cameras. Cameras can be stationary or pan and zoom. There are digital and analog cameras with digital recorders to go along with the cameras. You can also view your cameras from your IPhone, Android or Blackberry smartphone.
Should I purchase video surveillance systems for all parts of my business?
Depending on your needs and your budget, purchasing a CCTV (closed circuit television) system for your entire business may be overkill. If you are only worried about having visual evidence of any shoplifting from your sales floor, it only makes sense to position your cameras there. If you are worried about internal theft, putting cameras in the stock room would be a good choice. As mentioned, insurance companies may have their own requirements, and there are privacy issues to consider as well. Here at CCTV Agent, Inc. we will help you determine the appropriate level of coverage without squeezing you for every dollar.
At the end of the day, cameras will make your business safer, not only for your customers, but for your employees (and you), as well. Give us a call today.
The Video Surveillance Camera Has Made The Uk A Surveillance Society
The video surveillance camera has become part of our everyday lives, but more so in certain regions of the world. For instance, some people refer to Britain as a “surveillance society.” Along with the surveillance of cell phones and credit cards, businesses and the government are using closed circuit television (CCTV) to monitor citizens’ behavior.
Cameras for everyone
Exactly how many CCTV cameras can one country install? In the UK alone, roughly 4.2 million security cameras are operational. In other words, that is about one camera for every 14 citizens! In fact, Britain has been labeled as the most monitored country, among all industrialized, Western nations. In one survey, it was one of the top five nations in the world, in terms of its video surveillance camera frequency.
Experts predict that surveillance in Britain will continue to increase. Within a decade, schools might use cards to allow parents to track how many burgers and sodas their children buy during the day. Also, machines could scan shoppers as they stroll into grocery and retail stores.
A balancing act
Some critics of England’s surveillance society are less critical about the cameras themselves, and more concerned about its usage. These critics are not anti technology. Instead, they are concerned about improper usage of data collection becoming a threat to a free society. This includes cases when the data collected is wrong, or when the wrong parties obtain it.
In other words, some groups want a balance between the sharing of data in a trustworthy way, while protecting the rights of the citizens. As technology continues to improve, these concerned groups want society to progress along with it.
Video surveillance in society should certainly be used in the correct proportion, and should be properly managed. Like any other tool, if the security cameras are used improperly, then they will become less effective and perhaps even have negative effects on society.
A bunch of benefits
Nevertheless, in this Information Age, people are daily exchanging more information. Thus, the importance of preventing various crimes has become more significant as well. Today, theft can involve not only the stealing of products, but also of information and even identifies. Here are some of the benefits that the video surveillance camera can provide to society:
• Controls the pricing of products. Lowering inventory shrinkage lowers product costs.
• Prevent shoplifting. This causes a third of inventory shrinkage.
• Lowers taxes and insurance premiums. Security cameras can be tax deductible!
• Saves money. One security camera can be cheaper than one employee theft.
• Thwarts employee theft. This is the top cause for inventory shrinkage.
• Prevents harassment. Not all harassment is reported.
• Serves as a tool to train employees. Train employees about inventory loss topics.
• Provides feedback about store traffic. Teaches why certain products sell well.
• Prevents vandalism. Many crimes can be discouraged.
When used with the right proportion and when its usage itself is monitored, the video surveillance camera can become a useful and practical tool in society. While it cannot create a perfect society, it can certainly make it a better one.
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