The Importance of Video Surveillance in Retail Outlets

Effective video surveillance systems are important for all retail store owners, as these technologies enable business owners to remotely monitor store operations and ensure the safety and security of a company’s assets and goods.

The installation of high-end video surveillance systems will benefit the business by improving the aspect of loss prevention, which will – in turn – improve the profit procurement within a company.

There are infinite reasons for the utilisation of video surveillance technologies. This article will identify the main reasons for using these technologies, as well as the ways in which they can be better implemented for best practice.

Reasons for Investing in Video Surveillance Technology Products

24/7 Monitoring of the Retail Store or Business Location

Firstly – and most importantly – video surveillance enables retail store owners to remotely monitor business operations and facilities at any given time. Footage of the retail building that is captured by the video surveillance technology can be accessed by the store owner at any time – whether you are in or out of the office.

This makes it easy to manage the business’s security concerns, such as theft and robbery, or even employee misconduct.

Increasing Employee Productivity and Identifying Employees who Require Training

Video surveillance technologies enable retail store owners to identify which employees are performing and which workers are responsible for underperformance. In addition to thoroughly attributing employee theft, by viewing the surveillance cameras of a store, the owners can identify other just and unjust employee practices, and then conduct the relevant training needed to correct those inefficient business practices.

Moreover, it is safe to assume that employees will perform better when they are being monitored. This will be a benefit to the entire company, as an honest work environment will be instilled.

Benefits of Video Surveillance Footage for Customers, Store Managers and Corporate Leadership

If a customer has been involved in an accident in the parking lot of a retail store, it is possible to pull footage for the purpose of a liability claim from on of the parties involved. For example, if a customer requires footage of the accident for insurance claim purposes, then the store manager can pull footage from the exact day and time.

Furthermore, store managers can thoroughly analyse business operations at store locations from anywhere and at any time, making it easy to promptly resolve mishaps and loss prevention at the store. Store managers can also identify areas that are break-in hotspots and then inform security guards of this for future prevention.

For the corporate leadership of the organisation, it is possible to closely monitor practices conducted by store managers and general employees. In addition, corporate leadership can analyse store activity to identify areas that require development, such as better marketing and placement of products; security downfalls; and store aesthetic.

The Best In- and Outdoor Video Surveillance Products and Arrangement Methods

For indoor surveillance, the Google Nest IQ security camera is claimed to be the best in the indoor video surveillance camera category. This camera boasts an incredible night-vision quality; a general camera quality of 1080 pixels for high-definition resolution; and tracking to capture perpetrators. CCTV products are also a popular brand in the video surveillance technology category.

In contrast, one of the best video surveillance technologies for the exterior area of the store, is that of the water- and dust-resistant ‘D-Link Vigilance’ range of outdoor video cameras. Also recording footage in 1080 pixels, the domed camera affords store owners an almost 360° view of the outside area of the store. This device also the store owner to control the focus of the camera with remote-controlled features and comes with a motion detection feature which proves to be a helpful tool in identification processes or subject identification.

Lastly, the way in which video surveillance technologies are placed is an important consideration for all retail store owners. This process cannot simply be done by anyone but must be carefully done by professionals.

The size of the retail store will determine how many areas require the installation of cameras for video surveillance. For the general retail store, cameras would net to be set up at the cash register; at the entrances and exits; on the floor where consumers are shopping; parking lots; and loading or delivery bays.

The cameras should be placed in such a way that each corner of the area can be seen in order to avoid missing any gaps. In addition, the camera must produce a 360° view of the focus area with the option of being remote-controlled in order to divert focus to other spots within the same area.

Therefore, it is evident that video surveillance technologies play an important role for retail store owners insofar that they enhance the security of the business, as well as the safety of employees and business assets or products. Thus, investing in good cameras for installation, is an imperative.

Adapted from: Verkada, The Balance SMB, CCTV SG, and Supreme Alarm