Why Does Your Business Need Video Surveillance: Top 8 Reasons

As a property manager or business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that every aspect of your property and business is safeguarded. This includes the employees, building, inventory, and customers. Locking the doors for a small or medium sized business is simply not enough to protect everything, let alone for a large company. Then you will consider whether or not your company needs video surveillance. Why does your business need video surveillance?

Now you see security cameras are widely used in business area. At a fast food restaurant, in a clothing store, and etc., you see video cameras. So what exactly are the advantages and importance of having video camera surveillance in a workplace? Take a look at the following 8 reasons to install the best business security cameras.

8 Reasons Why You Need Video Surveillance in Business

When it comes to the overall safety and security of your business, there is no better way than installing a video surveillance system. Overall, there are many different reasons to consider a video surveillance system for your business, including:

1. Reduce and Prevent Theft with Business Security Camera Systems

Placing security cameras throughout a business can help prevent crimes such as vandalism and theft as well as break ins. According to recent retail industry studies, the average small business loses $50k per year. Companies lose an estimated $400 billion per year due to theft, according to Employee Theft Solutions. When security cameras are appropriately placed around your business, they can help deter potential burglars.

2. Do Real Time Monitoring by Installing Surveillance Cameras in Business

Real time remote video monitoring can be extremely useful. Commercial video surveillance will allow any approved employee to monitor critical areas of the business continuously. This monitoring can be completed from computer, mobile phones, or tablets anywhere anytime. What’s more, it is even possible to have multiple sites communicate using the same network, with each of the camera views accessible through the internet.

3. Improve Productivity with a Commercial Video Surveillance Camera

Another reason to consider surveillance in your business, especially factories, is to improve worker productivity. Communication between different buildings and departments is improved, which can improve overall production. In addition, employees are more likely to work at their fullest capabilities when they know they are being monitored.

4. Resolve Business Disputes via Commercial Security Monitoring Services

No matter what type of business you run, disputes are going to occur. In large markets, like Walmart, disputes usually happen between employees and customers. According to a report, up to 4,679 fatal workplace injuries occurred in the US in 2014. Usually when a disagreement occurs, business managers need to figure out exactly what happened. A surveillance camera can provide clear video proof about the entire incident. This will lead to a fair resolution and reduce workplace violence.

5. Provide Evidence for Investigations with a Camera System

Another major benefit of having a video surveillance system in the workplace is to offer evidence for investigation. If any type of criminal activity or suspicious activity occurs around your company, the cameras can help identify anyone that is caught stealing from the business. And it also provides visual evidence for the police investigation.

6. Make Digital Storage If You Have Video Surveillance Systems in Business

IP camera systems allow users to store all recorded footage digitally using a hard drive, network server, or an NVR. Digital storage provides an easier searching capability, which makes it easier to find the footage anytime you want.

7. Improve Customer’s Shopping Experience Using Business Surveillance Cameras

The reason to place the commercial security equipment is not only about safety. Business managers and small retail store owners can also use cameras to offer a better shopping experience. When a store has a security system, customers will think their security is cared about and guaranteed. What’s more, business managers can study customers’ shopping habits by studying videos recorded by surveillance systems. Then you can improve product placement and optimize store traffic patterns, making customers more satisfied.

8. Save Money in Business Surveillance

Placing video surveillance systems are also cost-efficient. They are less costly than hiring full-time security officers for every corner, entrance, exit and etc. And most surveillance cameras have excellent night vision. So you can have a peace of mind even when nobody is at company at night.

What’s more, video surveillance can also provide safe entry and exits to a business. Appropriate placed cameras can ensure that only registered employees and guests are allowed into restricted areas.

Controversy over Business Security Systems

While there are many great benefits to video surveillance systems in business, there are some bad things to consider as well. Some studies state that the work environment with video surveillance systems monitored is more stressful. And more employees suffer from depression, anxiety, fatigue, as well as other health complaints.

As privacy violation is causing the major concern for installing security cameras in public places, misuse of surveillance cameras in business can also lead to privacy invasion, or even worse, sexual harassment.

So considering employee’s privacy, federal and state courts have ruled that commercial video surveillance cameras are illegal to be installed in private places. For example, employers cannot install cameras in restrooms or locker rooms where people change their clothes. If you are business owners, you should firstly refer to federal and state laws regarding privacy. Note that installing cameras in these places would be sued under laws.

Conclusion of Installing Video Surveillance Cameras in Business

While these complaints about commercial surveillance systems do need to be considered, typically the pros outweigh the cons in the case of using business video surveillance. Every business needs to take the time to consider installing some type of video surveillance system in order to improve the overall safety of the workplace and as a way to protect the company’s assets.

As to installation of commercial surveillance cameras, there are two ways. For owners who have small sized business, like a small retail store, you can install a surveillance system by yourself. This will save a large amount of money. And the whole installation process is not complicated, just like installing your home security cameras. For someone in charge of a large office and company, you can consider hiring a professional security camera installation company to do it for you.

Another practical thing you need to consider is the cost of a business security system. It is important to refer to some reviews and make comparison before you finally choose one.  How much would you like to spend on it? Or if you have other questions, let us know in the comment below. We’d like to share more ideas.