Remote Video Surveillance System For Better Security

Video surveillance security systems involve the use of closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) that are linked - either by cables or by using wireless technology - to cameras placed at strategic points, from where video data has to be collected. Digital video security systems involve the use of multiple and movable cameras, and are used in offices, banks, casinos, supermarkets, airports, malls, and even on the streets.

Video surveillance security systems are commonly used in offices and shops to keep a tab on employees, customers, and visitors. They render a business safe and less vulnerable to theft and misconduct. CCTV surveillance systems can go a long way in adding to the company's profits by ensuring that there are no leakages - either of stock or of important data.

How does video surveillance help business?

In some businesses, video security surveillance systems are a necessity. Even in others where it does not seem necessary to install such a system, video security surveillance can prove beneficial by acting as a deterrent for potential miscreants. The following factors highlight how video surveillance can contribute positively to a company's performance:

• Placed at inventory spots in shops, video security surveillance systems can help catch shoplifters and minimize product theft. In inventory rooms, video surveillance can check if any employee is into pilfering the company's stocks.
• A video surveillance system can monitor the cash register area and keep an eye on employees who handle the cash. In case there's a break-in, it captures the identity of the thieves on camera.
• In case the company is faced by a bogus accident claim, all data recorded by the video surveillance system can be treated as hardcore evidence.
• Video surveillance can be used to identify visitors and employees.
• In industries that deal with hazardous materials, video surveillance helps in case there is an emergency such as a leakage, a fire, misuse of raw material, etc.
• Video surveillance systems increase the security factor not only inside the business premises but can also do the same outside the premises when installed, for example, in parking lots.
• Many insurance companies anyway insist on businesses installing video security surveillance systems. So, in this way even the insurance criteria are met.

Types of video surveillance

There are two kinds of video surveillance - overt and covert.

In the overt system of video surveillance, the cameras can be seen easily by anyone who passes by that area. This system mainly acts as a deterrent as it gives out the strong message that “you are being watched”. Coupled with strong signage, an overt video surveillance system can strike fear in the mind of a prospective thief.

The covert system requires the cameras to be hidden. These cameras are not visible to the naked eye as they might be placed inside innocuous objects or fixed inside walls or ceilings. Though a covert video surveillance surely helps, it may compromise on an individual's privacy. Hence, companies must be very careful about the methods they adopt in using this kind of surveillance. In a small business, covert video surveillance is normally used to safeguard against theft of sensitive data and precious stocks.

Video surveillance: features and factors

Before deciding on what features a video surveillance system should have, keep the following factors in mind:

• Decide what you need to monitor: people, inventory, or vehicles. Once you narrow down what and where you need to monitor, choosing a surveillance system will be easy.
• Lay down priorities: Do you want the surveillance system as a deterrent or as a tool to catch thieves. An overt video surveillance system costs lesser than a covert system.
• Choose an experienced vendor with excellent references.
• Then sit with your vendor and figure out what kind of image quality you need. If you need detailed image quality along with a fast frame rate then the system will be expensive and more so if you need color images rather than black and white. However, color images do make identification easier.
• Plan for human resources to monitor the video. You need a reliable, dedicated employee/s to monitor the video feed.

These factors may help in choosing a video surveillance system. But the game begins once these surveillance systems are put to use and the human factor starts playing. All human beings want to protect their privacy, so that makes it important how you go about using your video surveillance system, especially covert surveillance systems. Here are some factors that explore the human angle when it comes to using surveillance.

• You must draw up a short business surveillance policy. It should state where cameras could possibly be placed, and it should be categorical in stating that all employees have no right to privacy in working areas. Disciplinary action should be spelt out clearly. This way, employees know what to expect and they are at ease while at work.
• Make sure that all your employees have a copy of the business policy on surveillance. Periodically keep reminding the employees of such a policy. This will act as a good psychological deterrent.
• Tell your employees why you need to use video surveillance. This will put them at ease and lather up a high regard for your management skills, as you are being nice and sensitive about their privacy.
• If there's a workers' union existing in your business, then you may face complications in installing surveillance systems as union employees have some contractual rights. Your negotiation powers will be put to test when you are talking with employee unions about the use of CCTVs because, as per court rulings, the use of video surveillance at workplace is a mandatory subject of bargaining with employee unions.