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Workplace Surveillance
Some may argue that video surveillance in the workplace can be an invasion of privacy. However, as long as employee privacy is respected and existing surveillance laws are abided by, it can actually benefit both the employer and employees. Aside from decreasing misconduct and increasing safety, workplace surveillance has its advantages.
- Reduce Risk Of Employee Theft & Fraud
Employee theft, also known as “shrinkage,” is a growing problem for businesses. It is a bigger threat than identity theft and cyber fraud according to the FBI. In addition, fraud by employees is still a major issue, mainly for businesses in the financial and retail sector.
Video surveillance systems work to combat these issues, providing a way to keep a watchful eye over employees while producing video evidence when necessary.
- Improve Operations & Productivity
Businesses thrive on success and profits, therefore, anything that can increase productivity and improve operations is good thing. Installing security cameras in the workplace influences employees to stay on task, thus, plays a role in productivity and efficiency.
- Ward Off Illegal Visitors
Security cameras not only safeguard the business, but work to keep employees safe and protected. An effective surveillance system will help deter intruders and provide video evidence should a break-in or other incident occur. Security cameras can also monitor the different visitors your business has throughout the day.
- Enhance Safety
Workplace safety is expected and non-negotiable. All employees should feel safe in the workplace and security cameras can enhance that feeling. When safety measures are blatantly disregarded, management can review these instances and deal with them accordingly to prevent any unnecessary accidents in the future.
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The Benefits Of Video Analytics
More and more surveillance camera systems are taking advantage of video analytics, which help to provide a better understanding of the areas being monitored. Whether they are added to your system via additional software or they are built-in to your security cameras, video analytics have advanced over time and deliver more practical and reliable performance.
Not only do video analytics improve overall security, but they can also provide valuable data for business intelligence. Here are some common and helpful video analytics functions and how they can benefit business.
- Facial Recognition
This function can identify individuals in real-time by cross referencing distinct characteristics against public and private databases and/or watch lists of known individuals. With that said, this function makes it easier to identify and locate wanted criminals if they are captured on smart cameras.
When it comes to casinos, for example, facial recognition can be used to detect cheaters. On the other hand, it can also be used to detect high rollers for VIP attention, or to detect high profile shoppers in a retail setting.
- Heat Mapping
Heat mapping measures and rates motion in a given image and uses color to portray the intensity of motion in that area. You might wonder how this data could help businesses, but there are numerous ways it does.
For example, retail stores can use heat mapping to better understand the flow of traffic. Knowing which way customers tend to travel when they enter the store (straight, left, right) can help business owners create a better floor plan. They can identify merchandising areas for optimal product placement which can then lead to increased sales. In addition, the data collected allows management to determine the high volume shopping days and times for more effective staffing and product placements.
- People Counting
This function is self explanatory, as it literally counts the number of people entering or exiting a specified area. This is especially useful for sports and entertainment venues as the data can help improve staffing for concession stands, ticketing areas, and entry/exit points. And since it is based on real-time data, security can better respond and allocate personnel when a large number of people quickly gather at an entrance. - Occupancy Estimation
Similar to people counting, occupancy estimation can determine on average how many people are present, even at different times of day. This data can benefit any type of venue or building. For example, event planners can optimize the use of space, improve staff planning, help determine business hours, and adjust lighting and temperature conditions accordingly. And in emergency situations, security can use this data to communicate with first responders to determine the best response. - Tripwire/Intrusion Detection
This acts as a virtual fence, which can detect when an object or person crosses the virtual line. When detected, security is alerted so they may assess the situation and address it right away. This can also reduce false alarms, and thus eliminate the added costs that go along with them. In warehousing and manufacturing environments, digital fencing can improve compliance by notifying personnel when people or materials cross designated work zone areas. - Motion Detection
Last but not least, motion detection has already proven extremely beneficial for security purposes. Nearly every security camera is equipped with motion detection, and with reason. This function allows you to designate an area of any shape or size, and when any motion is detected within this area, you will be alerted. Museums, for example, can benefit from this technology as it can be used to determine when people are getting too close to an exhibit, or when an object is picked up or moved.
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Investing In Business Surveillance
Installing video surveillance for your business may be a significant investment, but it can also provide numerous benefits. Although concerns about privacy and costs may prevent businesses from seeing their true value, many will find that business surveillance not only protects the owners, but also the employees and customers alike. Overall, a business surveillance system can prove to be a valuable asset for businesses. Here are just some of the reasons why.
- Deter Thefts
While video surveillance may seem to be targeted toward outside threats, it can very well prevent insider thefts. Unfortunately, employee theft is a serious and common occurrence for many businesses. Security cameras can help to monitor employees, account for anything that goes missing, and deter employees from misconduct. - Increase Profits
Analyzing video can help businesses learn how to improve their strategy and increase productivity. Managers may supervise employees remotely, allowing them to determine which employees are helping or hurting the business overall (for example, too much conversation or inappropriate internet habits). Reviewing footage also helps businesses see which times of day are over or understaffed, enabling them to adjust shifts accordingly to maximize profits.In addition, businesses with video surveillance systems may be eligible for savings on insurance. The potential savings for having a security system installed may be significant and should be taken into account when determining whether or not to invest in surveillance.
- Workplace Incidents
Frivolous lawsuits are more common than we would like to admit. Luckily, video surveillance can help to protect your business in these instances. Surveillance footage may be used as evidence for legal purposes. And as mentioned previously, the presence of security cameras can deter harassment, violence, and other misconduct from employees, customers, or other outsiders.
Does your business have a surveillance system? What other advantages can business surveillance provide? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
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Advantages Of Video Surveillance For Business
Video surveillance can be an excellent security measure in various environments. While retail stores and remote ATMs are commonplace locations for video surveillance, its benefits can also be seen when applied to a wide range of businesses and homes. Here are a few examples of these video surveillance benefits and why you should consider investing in it (if you don’t already).
- Protection Of Assets
A major selling point for video surveillance is their effectiveness as a crime prevention tool. The mere presence of these cameras can discourage criminals from trespassing, vandalizing, and stealing your property.
- Employee Protection
By installing surveillance cameras in parking garages or remote parking facilities, rear or side building entrances, and other dimly lit areas, you can increase employee safety and security. Not only does this protect your property, business, and employees, but it also shows employees that you care and value them.
- Legal Protection
Your video surveillance cameras can even deter frivolous lawsuits (and save you money). For example, let’s say a person claims to have injured themselves on your property and threatens a lawsuit. Without video evidence it’s your word against theirs. However, proper video surveillance footage provides concrete evidence of the incident.
- Discounts On Property & Liability Insurance
Often times, insurance companies offer discounts for home or business owners who have video surveillance cameras installed. These discounts can potentially offset the costs of your surveillance system.
- Increased Employee Productivity/Theft Prevention
A watchful eye can help to keep your employees on track. Employees are much more likely to stay on task when they are being monitored. Security cameras placed around the building, at loading docks and auto dealer service bays have been proven effective for improving productivity. In addition, employees are less likely to take off with company property when cameras are monitoring exit points.
- Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring is a common and popular security feature, which will enables surveillance around the clock, even after your and staff have gone home. You can utilize this on its own or you may supplement your staff and guards.
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For a great selection of CCTV video surveillance packages, security cameras, and other security solutions, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com. To schedule a site survey, request a free quote, or inquire about our installation services, please call us 888-203-6294.