Keeping tabs on the happenings of your business is probably a top priority. That’s why companies offer video surveillance with features that make monitoring your business easy and economical. A comprehensive video surveillance system should protect a range of people and entities within your business, from your budget to your employees. There are 5 features that every video surveillance system needs.
But what exactly should be included in a video surveillance system? What features are critical, and those not so much? The following are the five features every video surveillance system needs.
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Affordability
Keeping your business secure often comes at a serious cost. When considering a video surveillance system, businesses must keep budgeting and financial planning in mind. Remember to work with a company that allows you to lock in costs. By deciding your security budget in advance, you will be better able to avoid costly addendums to your security plan.
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Mobile-optimization
Our smartphones have become our banks, mailboxes and social networks, as well as critical tools for our businesses. This year, the U.S. could see an increase of 45 million employees who use smartphones for work purposes.
That’s why your video surveillance system should align with the way you work. If you find yourself using a smartphone frequently for your business, it’s best to find a company that can integrate your mobile phone into your security plan. Some companies offer features that allow you to view a live stream of your property from your smartphone or get security alerts around the clock. These features can help you stay connected to your business 24/7.
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Comprehensive Video Coverage
You may already be utilizing a security guard to ensure the safety and protection of your business. Security guards can be a great option for certain scenarios such as special events that are held at your business, cases that require the swift and immediate response of a guard on the scene. But if you need eyes on every square inch of your business at all times, a security guard simply isn’t enough.
In order to have effective 24/7 security monitoring for your business, you’ll want to either supplement your security guards with video surveillance or install a video surveillance system. Video surveillance systems allow you to have more eyes on all corners of your business and can help decrease theft and vandalism.
- Fast and Robust File Retrieval
Video surveillance systems boast one feature that guards can’t offer: recorded proof of a crime. In the event that a crime has taken place at your business, video recordings can be helpful courtroom documents.
For this reason, a critical feature of your video surveillance system should be quick and easy access to your video recordings, as well as the right to use those files as you see fit. It’s your video, and therefore your data, and you should have the right to access it. Different companies offer different lengths of time in which they hold onto recordings, so it’s best to investigate this before settling with a certain company.
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Up-to-date Security Features and Functionality
As a business owner, it’s important to keep up with the times. Even if you don’t handle the systems maintenance on your own, it’s critical to partner with a company that utilizes the latest technological advancements in their security approach.
When evaluating systems, make sure you and the video surveillance company agree upon how you’ll maintain and update your equipment going forward. While the initial purchase is important, it’s just as important to choose a company that will keep your system up-to-date with the latest technologies while not sacrificing what you need to meet your business goals.
Even if you’ve already begun looking into video surveillance equipment or techniques, it’s wise to take the time to craft a comprehensive plan. Doing so will help you better align with your security budget and unlock only the features you really need, all while keeping your business safe and sound. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”” shape=”square”]SMART Security Pros is a provider of armed security services utilizing only active/retired/prior law enforcement officers as well as Remote Guard Video Surveillance services. Shawn Scarlata is the Founder/CEO and the author of this post.
