The Role of CCTV in Employee and Customer Safety

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Modern CCTV monitoring with advanced capabilities has completely changed how we approach security.

With theft on the rise, modern CCTV systems are being redesigned with the help of software and Artificial Intelligence (AI) features to completely revamp the age-old CCTV system which has been in service for several decades.

Businesses rely on CCTV monitoring to not just secure their assets, but to also ensure the safety of their employees and customers on the premises.

Businesses face a variety of threats such as vandalism, trespassing, graffiti, malicious damage, arson, protests, loitering, drug dealing and abuse, terrorism, possession of offensive weapons, and even threats from disgruntled customers.

Of course, the list goes on with several more threats that businesses may face that could jeopardise the security of their employees as well as customers. Statistically speaking, businesses that do not invest in a basic CCTV system for their business are likely to face many challenges in maintaining a level of security.

Not to mention, security is also paramount in building a positive brand image. Customers are likely to choose safe spaces instead of going to businesses that don’t provide a basic level of security.

So, what role does CCTV play in employee and customer safety?

Well, to start, a well-designed and positioned CCTV system is one of the most basic and best measures for deterring crime of any level. Whether it is monitoring the footfall of a business or keeping an eye on suspicious individuals on the premises, CCTV systems cover a lot of bases and help maintain an air of safety for everyone.

Read on below to learn about the many advantages of CCTV and how they can add to the safety and security of a business:

IMPORTANCE OF CCTV MONITORING

Crime always correlates with the amount of surveillance. The lower the surveillance, the more likely it is for unscrupulous people to make their attempt.

CCTV was invented by Walter Bruch and the technology was seen as a breakthrough. The system used the same idea as the successful television network, but instead of broadcasting prerecorded content, the system would provide a live feed directly from a camera positioned far away.

Initially, CCTVs were conceptualised and used in Germany in 1942 to monitor the stockpile of V-2 rockets. It wasn’t until 1949 that the technology was commercialised for government, business, and personal use.

CCTV systems usually came with a hefty cost and accompanying hardware that not every business could afford. Thankfully, as market competition, technology, and manufacturing in the security space improved, security companies began to drive down the price to a level that was affordable to not just medium-sized, but also small-sized companies or shops.

The widespread use of CCTV systems eventually led to a profound control of crime rates!

CCTV monitoring ensures that a business is watched 24/7. Some businesses may also opt for dedicated monitoring teams. Security companies, like Calder Security, provide top-class surveillance staff that monitors premises remotely – this option is usually an excellent way to guarantee the safety of both employees and customers on the premises.

The advantage of active monitoring is that security threats can be discovered and reported in real-time. So, if a crime is in progress, the monitoring team can take prompt action, such as notifying your keyholders or alerting the police.

HOW DO MODERN CCTV SYSTEMS WORK?

CCTV systems today use the same technology that was innovated back in the 1940s. However, there have been a lot of changes in both hardware and software for these systems.

Modern CCTV systems are available in three forms:

Wired CCTV Systems
Wireless or Hybrid CCTV Systems
Smart CCTV Systems

Wired CCTV Systems

Wired CCTV systems have a more traditional layout. The system works by linking all cameras to a central hub that records all the security footage on a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). A Digital Video Recorder uses physical hard drives to store all the footage that can then be replayed on demand.

The benefit of going with a wired CCTV system is that there is potentially no lag in the video feed. This means that you will likely be viewing things in real-time without a delay that you would normally find in simpler IP cameras (more on this below).

Furthermore, these systems are often very reliable, and the camera hardware is more than capable of withstanding the harsh environment outside of the business premises. So, things like water and dust have little to no effect on these systems.

Wired CCTV systems can also be configured to work with alarm systems. In fact, if you are looking for comprehensive security for your customers and employees, then it is always best to go with an alarm and CCTV system combo.

An alarm system installed at the premises can be triggered to scare away intruders while the professional CCTV monitoring team can notify the authorities along with contacting the owners or key holders of the crime.

Wireless or Hybrid Systems

Wireless technology has become the norm around the world. Ever since the introduction of Web 2.0, companies have been pushing more internet-friendly products to improve services.

Web 2.0 was seen as a breakthrough in Internet technology because it fundamentally changed not just products and services but also surveillance hardware by connecting them to the Internet.

Today, we stand at the forefront of Web 3.0 which is expected to make an even bigger impact on security by implementing new data transfer technologies along with data processing capabilities.

Wireless CCTV systems have been a popular option for not just businesses but also home users. In fact, the technology was specifically developed for home use so that people wouldn’t have to buy dedicated CCTV hardware.

A wireless CCTV camera can be installed virtually anywhere with internet coverage and the user can access the live feed from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

Although these systems were convenient, they were often not recommended for serious business that required tight security. The reason for this came down to video lag.

Anything broadcasted over the internet is subject to lag and the amount of lag usually depends on the servers where the CCTV cameras would broadcast the footage.

For example, instead of sending a direct and lag-free video feed through a wired system to a monitor, wireless cameras would first send the feed to an online server where it would become accessible to the user.

However, thanks to significant improvements to cloud and data technologies in Web 3.0, wireless systems are slowly and steadily creeping up to a lag-free experience.

This is why we are now seeing a trend towards the use of hybrid systems where businesses can go for both wired and wireless systems depending on their use.

Business owners can now view live footage of their business to assess employee activity and to check the footfall of the business from anywhere in the world. If you are a business owner who always wants to be in the know about the safety of your customers, then we highly recommend that you get a hybrid system for your business.

Smart CCTV Systems

Wireless CCTV cameras have another advantage: they can use data processing algorithms to assess threats! In other words, Artificial Intelligence is often applied to the footage to help detect potential crime-related activities.

Since the footage is first sent over the internet (or over the cloud) to a server, the footage can be assessed for several threats in real-time. The technology works seamlessly so there is virtually no delay in the processing of the video.

This means that you can view AI-enhanced footage in real-time without waiting for the system to scan for threats. For example, a wireless system can send the user live notifications by detecting human movement, trespassing, loud sounds, and more.

CCTV systems can even go a step further! Apart from being a means to monitor security, these cameras can also be used to mark the attendance of employees by detecting their faces. They can also be used to provide business owners with a report on the inflow and outflow of customers in your business.

For example, Amazon Go stores rely on smart camera technology for not just advanced surveillance but for also analysing customer interactions as well as employee activity.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Here are some of the key things to keep in mind when installing a CCTV system for your business:

AVOID LOW-COST INSTALLATION

Who doesn’t like low prices? However, to get the most value, business owners are recommended to do a full cost-benefit analysis.

Low costs may seem attractive at first, but they usually come with several caveats. For example, you could opt for a cheaper installation, but the security company may cut corners and leave vulnerabilities unaddressed which can lead to serious lapses in business security.

Business owners must consider the long-term effects of installing low-grade security systems. You would be surprised by the major vulnerabilities discounted CCTV cameras expose businesses to!

Low-cost systems are often rigid, unreliable, and insufficient which is why we recommend that you always opt for a professional installation company, like Calder Security to do the work for you.

The fact is, that surveillance technology and equipment are inherently expensive, but that doesn’t mean that businesses have to break the bank to get the security they need. A responsible security company can help a business owner choose the right path for maximum security by conducting a thorough security risk assessment.

At Calder Security, we give you the most competitive prices in Yorkshire along with your money’s worth by providing you with state-of-the-art CCTV monitoring security systems with qualified security specialist engineers, SSAIB-approved installers, along with maintenance and repair services.

CCTV INSTALLATION POSITIONS

The best way to figure out the right CCTV positions for your business would be, to begin with the customers and employees in mind.

When installing a system, you will need to think about where you will need the most amount of surveillance. Cash counters are usually a great place to start. Both employees and customers interact with cashiers to make and receive payments, so you must cover the area by installing cameras on at least two vantage points.

Better yet, we recommend that you leave this planning to a professional. While you may believe that you know your business better and understand the security needs of your customers, experienced security companies use successful security blueprints and their vast experience to cover all bases for your business.

It is much better to be a part of the planning process! Professional security installers, like Calder Security, keep business owners in the loop when installing security hardware. This means that you can have an input on the important spaces that you want to cover.

The team will then assess and share the right strategy for covering the spaces so that your assets, customers, and employees are secure.

Here are some common places that usually need security surveillance depending on the type of business:

Small Business (Basic Security)

All entrances (front, back, and side) – All windows – Driveway – Inventory Space – Storage areas

Retail store

All entrances and exits (back and front) – Checkout area – Aisles – Fridges – Freezers – Storage areas – Fire exits.

Double-Story Stores

All entrances and exits (back and front) – Lift areas – Stairways – Server rooms – Communal areas such as dining room – Fire exits.

Warehouse

All entrances and exits (front, back, and side) – Loading dock – Fire exits – Areas with machinery operation – Break areas – Communal areas.

We recommend that you use this basic security outline to develop a customised security layout. This outline can be used for not just retail stores, but virtually any business where you are likely to see employee and customer engagement.

Please keep in mind that you will need to opt for a professional installation service to get the right level of security for your business. Safety should be the top priority of any business as it directly impacts the brand image of your business.

By going with a professional service, you will not only get long-term business security, but you will also build a strong brand image of safety and trust that may just give you an advantage over your competitors!

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

Once you understand the importance of business security, the next step would be to contact a security company that you can trust and rely on to provide the best service suitable for your requirements.

Picking the right security company is crucial, especially one that has the right skill, knowledge, and experience to provide you with the best security solutions.

At Calder Security, 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.

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