Investing in commercial security camera systems can bring multiple benefits to your business. Major advantages include prevention of theft by employees, violence and internal crimes, settlement of employee disputes, improved productivity and performance from employees, being vigilant about strangers and unknown visitors, the safety of business interests through effective use of technology and more. However, the prevention of incidents and investigation are the two main reasons for businesses to invest in commercial security camera systems. With the cameras recording and saving everything going on around your establishment, the business owner or CEO can access such information from anywhere across the globe with the help of a mobile phone. In the unfortunate event of rioting or other accidents etc. these cameras come in very handy since they can tell you the precise story as it happened. Recordings from the camera can also be immensely helpful as admissible evidence in case of legal disputes.
Further, the mere knowledge that your business premises are under electronic surveillance can act as a major deterrent for the bad elements, employees and anyone else who want to meddle with your business.
It is important however that you get these cameras installed diligently to cover every aspect of your business to get the maximum benefit out of your investment. Once your employees are aware that the business premises use electronic surveillance, you will see a sharp decline in undesirable activities around your business as well as an increase in productivity. Let us now examine these vantage points that can capture everything that you should know.
Table of Contents
Exit/entrance
We seldom get advance intimation of impending trouble and your business premises is no exception. But once you have a security camera right at the entrance and exit, you can conveniently track all movements and take preventive action whenever you sense trouble from unauthorised entry or exit. While installing the camera, you should take care to ensure that it faces away from the external light source and inside the area so that external light does not lead to the blackened or dull image of persons facing the camera. Many times, businesses tend to point the security camera to the door and this should be avoided for best results from the camera. Similarly, when the cameras are installed closer to the entrance, visitors become aware of the electronic surveillance throughout their presence within your organization. If the camera is placed closer to the monitor, you can also expect a better image of the visitor’s face when the footage is viewed on the screen.
Reception area
In most situations, the reception area has high traffic and therefore it is essential that you keep the area covered. It could be desirable to have a covert camera in this location so that the presence of a security camera is not blatant to every visitor. You can hide the camera inside a picture frame, doorknob, statue etc. However, you should also check legal issues around covert cameras within your jurisdiction.
Workplace
The workplace can include manufacturing area as well as the administrative area. Consider the number of employees and the type of work to determine whether you need to keep an eye over their activities during working hours. But, ideally, you should let the employees know that they are under surveillance. This way, it is a lot easier to resolve any issues clearly and squarely using the footage from the camera.
Stores/office supplies
This is a crucial area for most businesses, and pilferage is common within this area. Similarly, you may also have some restricted areas where you want to keep confidential documents or sensitive material. Installing a camera in these areas can give you a lot of peace of mind and deter unauthorized persons from creating any mischief.
Customer interaction area
This can be a very sensitive area and you must have security cameras installed here for a variety of reasons. If your business involves regular money transactions like in banks, you must have your teller stations, cash registers and similar transaction points adequately covered. You should also ensure that the cameras are not mounted at heights above 6 to 8 feet since you may want a clear view of the people transacting business.
Warehouses
Your inventory worth several thousand or even million dollars may be stored in the warehouse and therefore becomes a prime target for pilferage and theft. When you mount several security cameras around the warehouse, including some of the access points from outside, you can significantly minimise or even eliminate this nuisance. You should also remember to ensure that the warehouse good all-round lighting throughout the day and night so that the images are sharp and clear.
Loading docks
Another obvious target for thieves is the unloading/loading dock. By installing security cameras in this location, you can conveniently monitor the movement of your cargo. This way you can prevent thefts and consequential losses.
Secluded areas
Have you come across instances where employees throw valuable items from your processing zone, packing area, warehouse etc. Into waste and then recover them late. Similarly, the parking lots, back alleys etc are potentially dangerous zones and potentially dangerous spots for vandalism and violence. You can effectively cover these areas with security cameras to stay safe.
Conclusion
The mere knowledge that your business premises is well protected alone can give you a lot of peace of mind. Acting before an unfortunate event deals a body-blow to your business is the way to go. Security cameras work best when they are also supported by adequate lighting during day and night.