CCTV Systems | Enhancing Business Security and Operations

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CCTV systems provide more than just business security. They also have a direct impact on business operations. Not only do CCTV cameras curb crime, but they can also facilitate business owners in either monitoring daily business operations or helping them understand how to make better business decisions based on CCTV footage.

For example, business owners can use CCTV systems on entrances to see how their customers enter and interact with the business. If the customers are facing problems with parking, or they have trouble accessing the business due to excessive hindrances then they can use CCTV systems to study customer interactions and make better decisions.

Smart CCTV systems can also be used to facilitate inventory operations. For example, advanced CCTV systems don’t just offer business security, but they can also keep track of inventory and notify the business owners of any inventory theft or even low stock.

If you are looking to enhance business security and operations, then this guide is just for you! Read below to learn more about how you can unlock the full potential of CCTV systems and use them to enhance business activities:

HOW CCTV SYSTEMS ENHANCE BUSINESS SECURITY AND OPERATIONS

Here are some of the ways CCTV systems can greatly enhance business security as well as operations:

Crime Deterrence

Perhaps the best reason why CCTV systems exist is their ability to deter all types of crime. CCTV systems were initially created in the 1940s to monitor the stockpile of V2 rockets.

The technology was seen as a breakthrough, and it didn’t take long for CCTV systems to go mainstream. Today, CCTV systems are the first line of defence for any business that wants to protect themselves.

Statistically, businesses that install CCTV systems are less likely to get robbed because the mere act of being monitored and recorded is enough for criminals to turn away! Check out these case studies of how CCTV systems thwarted business crime.

Investigation and Detection

Even if someone can breach your business, there is a high likelihood that they will get caught due to the footage recorded by the CCTV system.

CCTV cameras constantly record security footage with high resolution. This means that in the rare event that you do get robbed, the security footage can be used to not just identify the perpetrators, but the accompanying footage from other CCTV systems near your business can also be used to track the intruders!

Monitor Internal Operations

CCTV systems can also be used for accountability. For example, they are widely used in the warehousing industry to not just deter crime but to also keep an eye on the internal operations of the business.

According to statistics, the retail and warehousing industries are very susceptible to internal theft. However, with the placement of CCTV cameras, these threats can be either curbed or completely neutralised.

If you run a business that deals in inventory, cash, or other similar assets, then we recommend that you smartly place CCTV cameras to not just monitor the premises but to also keep an eye on the business operations.

Productivity Improvements

CCTV systems not only keep intruders away but they can also be used to enhance productivity. Studies have shown that humans tend to alter their behaviour and be more confirmative when being monitored.

In the context of a business, when employees are monitored via CCTV systems, they can be more productive and conform to the policies of the business.

For example, workplace harassment and other similar offences can also be eliminated by continuously monitoring business spaces. However, there is a limit to how much you can monitor employees, so please make sure that you obey all the local legislation of CCTV monitoring before installing a comprehensive CCTV system.

Employee and Customer Safety

CCTV systems are excellent for providing comprehensive security that covers assets, employees, and even customers.

Providing basic level security to customers is important and if you don’t install a CCTV system for your business, then this might also impact your brand image. In a recent study, it was revealed that customers who visit businesses expect a certain level of security and are likely to develop a relationship of trust and loyalty for businesses that take care of their customers’ security.

Keeping customers safe should be the number one priority for any business that expects heavy footfall. For example, retail businesses must offer a basic level of CCTV security for their customers so that they can not only monitor the movement of customers but also indemnify themselves in the case of malicious customer activities like theft or accusations.

Improve Liability

Expanding on the point above, CCTV systems can enhance business operations by providing indemnification and lowering the liability of the business. By monitoring business spaces, you can not only avoid disputes related to trivial matters like slip-and-all accidents, but you can also address serious issues like property damage claims, accidents, and more.

This can not only help the business eliminate the risk of litigation but can also help build an environment of safety and fairness for employees and customers.

Enrich Customer Experience

As explained above, CCTV systems can be used for more than just security purposes, they can also be used to track and enhance the customer experience.

Take the example of Amazon Go Stores. These stores exclusively use advanced CCTV systems to track and monitor customer interactions within the business. Amazon’s CCTV system helps them make sense of customer buying patterns and helps them make better decisions to enrich the customer experience.

Similarly, businesses can use CCTV footage to study customer interactions and reveal inefficiencies in checkout counters, parking spaces, waiting areas, and much more.

TYPES OF CCTV SYSTEMS FOR BUSINESS SECURITY

There are four main types of CCTV systems for business security:

Monitored CCTV systems.
Unmonitored CCTV systems.
Wired CCTV systems.
Wireless CCTV systems.

Monitored CCTV Systems

Monitored CCTV cameras are the best choice for businesses that want constant security. By outsourcing monitoring services, businesses don’t have to hire people to look after business security.

For example, Calder Security offers 24/7 monitoring services where trained professionals will keep a watchful eye on your business and try to report potential crimes before they happen! Monitored CCTV systems not only reduce the chance of theft, but they provide maximum security for customers too.

Unmonitored CCTV Systems

Unmonitored CCTV systems work by simply storing CCTV footage on a hard drive. In the event of a theft, the footage can be reviewed and shared with the relevant authorities.

As you can imagine, unmonitored CCTV systems don’t offer pre-emptive measures which means that your business, although monitored with the presence of CCTV cameras, can still be robbed. With unmonitored systems, you can act after the fact!

However, with Artificial Intelligence on the rise, unmonitored systems are gaining traction since these cameras can record and send suspected activities to business owners who can take immediate action.

Wired CCTV Systems

Wired CCTV Systems have been the foundation of business security for decades. These camera systems are extremely reliable and provide lag-free and instant security footage to business owners.

The benefit of wired systems is that they are harder to breach by hackers and they provide a constant feed of live footage to a central security hub.

Wireless CCTV Systems

Wireless CCTV systems are the go-to for domestic use, however, with advancements in wireless technologies, they are becoming even more useful to business users too.

The benefit of wireless CCTV systems is that they can provide live security footage feeds across the internet. This means that you can view the footage from anywhere in the world if you have an internet connection.

Wireless CCTV systems are also usually smarter, which means that they can employ artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms to monitor business operations like cash counter monitoring, inventory monitoring, and even internal theft monitoring.

ENHANCING BUSINESS SECURITY – BEST CCTV CAMERAS AND AREAS

Security cameras and business security go hand in hand! If you are looking for a highly effective deterrent against commercial burglaries, theft, intrusion, and other types of crime, then you must install an effective CCTV system.

Want to maximise the potential of CCTV systems? Then you need to focus on placement. Always keep in mind that in the case of commercial security systems, placement is key!

Here are some of the best places to install security cameras in businesses:

Cover Entrance and Exit(s)

Entrances and exits are key locations for security camera surveillance. Visible security cameras act as an effective deterrent for anyone thinking about robbing your business.

For the best results, place the security camera near something attention-grabbing like a colourful board, an expensive asset, or a clear sign so that when the individual looks at the object, the camera will be able to capture a clear picture of them.

Cover High-Footfall Areas

High-footfall areas such as the reception or lobby area must be put under security camera surveillance. You can similarly figure out other high-traffic areas in your business to cover as well.

The reception area is the first place that employees and visitors enter – and it also happens to be an area that can help capture faces. This is why these key areas require close monitoring and uninterrupted surveillance.

For retail stores, it is important to install a security camera near cash registers or any place that deals in money. Statistically, the cash register is the most targeted area when it comes to store theft and burglaries. A properly placed CCTV camera that captures faces well will not only discourage thieves but also keep employees in check.

We recommend positioning the camera by blending it into the décor and using it as a hidden deterrent.

You could also, of course, use it as a visible deterrent by making its presence obvious. As mentioned above, please be mindful of the CCTV laws when using security cameras in the workplace or any business premises.

Storerooms, server rooms, warehouses, and offices

These areas are important for the proper functioning of any business. They are essential to business operations and must be protected to ensure that the business doesn’t experience any downtime. These areas can also be important because they can hold valuable inventory, assets, and documents!

They can be a hotspot for theft, both internal and external. Since these areas are not frequently visited, you will need security cameras to be your eyes and ears when you can’t monitor the activities on site.

Storerooms and warehouses often span over a lot of area, which is why you may need more than a couple of security cameras! Please keep in mind that storerooms are usually cluttered and have large stockpiles that can come in the direct line of sight of cameras, so cover various angles!

Exterior

Enhancing exterior security is recommended because deterring criminals from the outside provides pre-emptive security.

Please keep in mind that crimes start outside, and if you want to maximise business security then you must strengthen your first line of defence!

Placing security cameras along the perimeter of the business premises and in areas such as the car park to protect vehicles from car theft.

Similarly, storage areas, back entrances, or loading bays are also key areas to put under surveillance so that you can keep a check on business operations or when you receive consignments.

Even in the rare instance that criminals breach security, a comprehensive exterior CCTV system could help in catching criminals by recording license plate numbers and providing law enforcement agencies assistance.

Exterior CCTV systems are also paramount for providing a sense of security to employees, especially those working after-hours.

Here are some of the most popular types of security cameras:

Bullet CCTV cameras – best for outdoor surveillance, long-range viewing, and visible deterrence.
C-mount CCTV cameras – best for long-range surveillance, wide-angle monitoring, and low-light environments
Dome CCTV cameras – best for discreet surveillance, vandal resistance, wide-angle coverage, and indoor and outdoor use
Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) CCTV cameras – best for wide area coverage, dynamic surveillance, and live event monitoring
Network/IP CCTV cameras – best for remote monitoring, scalability, high-quality footage, and advanced analytics.
Wireless CCTV cameras – best for temporary surveillance needs, rental properties, remote locations, quick installation, and inconspicuous surveillance
Infrared/Night vision CCTV cameras – best for low-light environments, nighttime surveillance, and outdoor security
Day/night CCTV cameras – best for outdoor surveillance, 24/7 surveillance, and vandal-prone areas

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

We are professionals working in the security industry for over 40 years and our vast experience enables us to understand the various needs and requirements of different types of properties.

We offer a comprehensive solution for CCTV cameras that are state-of-the-art and comply with CCTV laws and regulations.

We understand the special security and safety needs of various properties and offer professional installation services for CCTV systems bespoke to each property.

We are expert SSAIB-approved security system installers and supply only high-quality CCTV equipment from trusted brands such as Hikvision, one of the world’s leading CCTV manufacturers.

We conduct every aspect from surveys, design, specification, and installation ourselves, and our professional repair and maintenance services ensure that the CCTV systems work in optimal condition all year round, guaranteeing effectiveness and compliance with the law.

We also offer professional CCTV monitoring services that help detect criminal activity and security breaches as they are in progress for the appropriate action to be taken, even when the property is empty.

Photo by Israel Andrade on Unsplash

CCTV Systems: Enhancing Business Security and Operations