CCTV Systems Are a Must for Small Business

Are you a small business owner who has been resisting the idea of installing a security camera in your place of work? CCTV systems are becoming ubiquitous, and there are some very good reasons for that. If you own a small business that engages with the public in any way, there are far more benefits than disadvantages to installing a CCTV camera system.
Security
The biggest reason to install a CCTV camera on your premises is increased security, especially if you choose a surveillance camera setup with real-time monitoring. Of course, few small business owners can afford a full-time security employee to provide real-time monitoring, but there are ways to get around that limitation. The most common way is to place the monitor in the line of sight of a cashier, service desk employee or hostess. By installing a CCTV system with this configuration, your place of business can keep an eye on the parking lot while customers enjoy their meals or monitor areas around the building that aren’t in plain sight from the street, adding a measure of safety to your customers’ experience.
Theft Prevention
In retail stores, CCTV systems serve the purpose of preventing and detecting theft, both by customers/the public and by employees. Stores that install a security camera to cover areas that aren’t easily seen from employee stations see a major reduction in shrinkage due to shoplifting and employee theft. This isn’t restricted to retail establishments, though. In cafes, bars and restaurants, a surveillance camera can keep an eye on employee interactions to ensure that they aren’t comping friends to meals or pouring the liquor too freely and wasting your money.
Access Control
The newest CCTV systems can work in conjunction with a security/access control system. If you own a small apartment building, for example, a security camera at the front door can allow residents to see visitors before they answer the door and possibly let in a burglar or other dangerous person. By tying your smartphone or tablet into a feed from your security camera, you can set up a system to send an alert to your phone if someone arrives at your home, and choose whether to remotely unlock the door for them. Even if you don’t have a remote access system, an alert from your security system can prompt you to view the feed from your security camera and decide whether the incident merits a call to the police.
CCTV systems are becoming more and more of a convenience and a necessity in today’s business world. Don’t fall behind the times. Protect your business with the latest affordable technology.