|
"Security" is a word with a very elastic definition, especially when applied to businesses. For an e-commerce-only firm doing all of its sales and transactions over the Internet, this term means safeguarding data, protecting customer and company credit information, stopping hackers and backing up all its computer records. A retail store of the brick-and-mortar type not only has these things to consider, but the rest of the "security" definition, as well - physical security, that is, for the buildings and the people in them.
Companies today need more than just an ethical workforce to prevent theft and good locks on the doors to provide after-hours break-ins. They also need a good way to document "security events," for a variety of insurance, business and legal reasons. There is one thing, and one thing alone, that can handle an assignment this broad, and it's a CCTV (Closed Circuit TeleVision) system. Since it comprises various subsets of "high tech" - computers, cameras, optics and sensors for light, sound, motion, temperature, etc. - it is a field where there is constant progress. It is also, thankfully, a field where prices drop as technology matures, something that warms the heart of every bottom-line-focused businessperson.
First things first
Do not get ahead of yourself if you are getting a CCTV system for the first time. Ease into it by doing some reading and getting accustomed to the terminology. You need to learn at least a bit about cameras, wireless technology, DVRs and NVRs (Digital Video Recorders and Network Video Recorders), do-it-yourself packages, the role of the PC in computer-based systems and various other system components. Each of these areas uses terms - gigabytes and terabytes, frame rates and fps, flash memory and USB, and so on - that you or your designated security manager must understand. You won't be designing circuitry or building a PC, so there is nothing here that requires anything but average intelligence and a little studying.
So, you do your homework, and you decide to put a few cameras outside your building and a few inside, too, covering the sales floor, the entrances and exits, and the checkout lanes. You can feed all the cameras into a single computer in the back office, too, using the proper hardware - and then, with your off-the-shelf or customized surveillance software, you can manage all the "footage." (It is odd how some of the old terms from the early days of analog recording, like "footage" and "taping," are still in use.) You can archive as much or as little as you want, and you will be able to search for a particular event with the time code stamped on the images.
Multiple kinds of protection
Just the presence of a few pan/tilt/zoom cameras around your perimeter serves notice that your building is serious about security. The deterrent effect of visible cameras is so powerful that there is still a booming business in fake cameras, the best of which have multicolored blinking lights, can make panning movements and even emit an occasional "whirr" or "click" to simulate a lens zooming in or a shutter opening and closing. However, the fake cameras are a gamble, and are not recommended for business use except as "extras" after installation of real ones. Since, in this particular installation example, you are also installing inside cameras, adding a few dummies in non-critical areas can serve as a reminder to both shoplifters and employees that you are serious about stopping theft.
A CCTV system can safeguard your business in many other ways. With a video record of all events, you can document any accidents or other incidents involving customers, employees or both. Having the cameras can also reduce your insurance premiums, and having a safe, secure store environment can even become a selling point when promoting your business.
Back to business
Laws vary from state to state, but it is usually illegal to record audio without people's permission so you will probably be recording video images only. In fact, people have won lawsuits against companies that recorded audio along with the video, so it is something you should steadfastly avoid. The last thing you want to do when you are safeguarding your business is to implement a procedure that will blow up in your face down the line. Check local and state laws where you live for anything and everything having to do with building security regulations.
It is a bit facile to suggest that CCTV security "equals" business security, as some surveillance system advertisements do. A CCTV system is a very important, even central, component of your business and building security plan. However, it has to be tailored to your precise needs and situation (not to mention budget). Fortunately, there are many products to consider, many ways to put it all together and a wide range of pricing for both new and used equipment. Once you know what you want to do, you should be able to get your system installed in short order so that you can get back to business - with a newfound sense of security, hopefully!
eDigitalDeals carry a wide array of digital surveillance DVR systems and CCTV cameras. We offer the lowest prices on the Internet for top-quality digital surveillance and 16 channel dvrs. Feel free to compare us to the competition to see for yourself! Our vast knowledge of computer hardware and electronics, coupled with our ability to purchase computer parts and electronics at rock-bottom prices, allows us to sell our goods at or below wholesale price levels.
|
|
SIGN
UP FOR FREE
