The Importance of Video Surveillance Systems for Business

updated 7/15/2024

Video Surveillance for Commercial Properties

In Arizona, over 65,000 crimes have occurred in 2024. Your business needs a robust crime deterrence strategy and concrete video evidence when a violation occurs on your property.

Installing high-definition surveillance cameras is an excellent start if you’re looking to invest in robust security measures for your Arizona business.

The Importance of Security Camera Systems for Businesses

It is impossible to overstate the value of high-resolution security systems for businesses. Here’s how your establishment can benefit from an effective surveillance solution.

Enhanced Security and Safety

The mere presence of a functional security camera system can deter criminal activity. While video surveillance won’t stop crimes 100% of the time, trespassers who spot cameras may be less likely to attempt theft, fraud or vandalism.

You can use the footage as tangible evidence for investigations if criminal activity occurs in or around your business. A video surveillance system can increase security and peace of mind on your commercial property. Your employees and patrons may also feel safer with effective on-site security cameras.

Cost-Effectiveness

Business security cameras can offer long-term savings in multiple ways.

Reduced need for physical security personnel: Having high-definition surveillance cameras eliminates the need to hire security officers, saving you money in the long haul. You can access real-time, remote monitoring capabilities from a mobile phone, tablet or computer.
Potential crime deterrence: Commercial security systems often prevent criminal activity and help business owners recover stolen items. As such, it can minimize the expenses associated with property damage and court proceedings.
Lower insurance premiums: If criminal activity occurs on your property, you will have footage to prove what happened. Many insurance companies offer liability insurance discounts to businesses that install security cameras, making this solution a worthwhile investment.

How Effective Is Video Surveillance?

The growing popularity of video surveillance in commercial settings is a testament to its efficacy. A report revealed that 54% of small and medium business retailers installed or updated security cameras in 2023.

Sixty-eight percent of SMB retailers experienced above-industry-standard shrink rates, primarily due to factors like:

Fraudulent returns
Organized retail crime
Shoplifting

Many of these businesses adopted security cameras to curb shrink, improve surveillance and decrease theft.

Essential Features of Effective Video Surveillance Solutions

Prioritizing a few vital features can make all the difference when browsing security camera systems for your business.

Remote Monitoring

As a business owner or manager, accessing your surveillance system anywhere and anytime is critical. Driving to your commercial location whenever you need to review or analyze footage can quickly become inconvenient. That’s why remote access and monitoring capabilities are must-have features for your security system.

You can examine real-time footage from anywhere, whether you’re five minutes down the road or 100 miles from your central business location. Your surveillance solution should also integrate with any devices you regularly use, like your smartphone, laptop or desktop computer.

Motion Detection

With motion detection, you can set up your camera to record only when it detects movement in its field of view. You’ll also receive automatic alerts and notifications that help you spot intruders and detect criminal activity. As a bonus, motion-triggered recording can preserve storage space by only capturing relevant footage.

Intrusion Detection

Intrusion detection enables you to monitor areas that shouldn’t display any movement. It’s ideal for overseeing customs locations, hazardous sites and other areas of concern.

This virtual security guard can survey the area 24/7, identify unauthorized access and notify you of any changes that occur in that area. It can also integrate with other security systems your business might use. After the camera detects abnormal activity, you will receive an alert and can act accordingly.

Wireless Security Camera Systems

Wireless security cameras are closed-circuit television cameras that transmit audio and video signals to a wireless receiver via a radio band. They offer various benefits.

Portability: Wireless security cameras are simple to install and move, making them ideal when you frequently need to relocate them or don’t anticipate staying in the same business location long-term. This feature is particularly beneficial for events and other temporary applications.
Ease of installation: You can deploy these cameras quickly and seamlessly. They’re often easier and faster to install than their wired counterparts, which require more labor. You can place wireless cameras nearly anywhere in your business, including hard-to-reach spots.
Connectivity and reliability: Battery-powered wireless cameras can often withstand power outages that compromise wired cameras.

Installation Process for Commercial Video Surveillance

Once you’ve narrowed down critical features and chosen the appropriate surveillance system for your business, it’s time to install your cameras.

Planning and Assessing Needs

Identifying your business’ security needs should involve the following steps.

Conduct a security audit: First, create a security checklist to assess your current security system and vulnerable areas. What areas of your business would benefit most from more robust security measures? What is their current security coverage like? What features are nonnegotiable? Consider these points when performing your security audit.
Determine camera placement: Next, choose the ideal location. Consider your security goals and requirements for each area, such as monitoring deliveries to your business. Pick unobstructed spots with clear sightlines. Ensure there is plenty of space for the camera and easy power access. Additionally, the location should be out of plain sight and reach — that way, the camera isn’t easy to disable.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

You have another decision to make when investing in commercial security cameras — hiring a professional or opting for DIY installation. Compromising the equipment’s quality might make your business less secure. That’s why professional services are a safer bet.

While the DIY installation approach might save you money in the short term, it carries the risk of errors and can void your warranty. Professional installations are ideal for anyone seeking a reliable, hassle-free security solution.

High-quality equipment: Professional installers have access to durable, high-resolution cameras and equipment with more value-added features. Commercial-grade equipment can withstand various environmental factors, providing long-lasting performance.
Superior installation: Professional installers can strategically place cameras for maximum coverage, ensuring no blind spots are present. They can identify the best camera positions based on factors that DIY installers might overlook, such as height, angle and lighting.
Integration with existing systems: An experienced installer can easily integrate new cameras into your existing surveillance system, ensuring a cohesive security infrastructure. Installation by an inexperienced DIYer can result in compatibility issues or gaps in security coverage.

Maintenance and Upgrades

When you partner with an experienced security system installer, they’ll usually take care of inspections, maintenance, repairs and upgrades, removing the burden from your shoulders. This ongoing support addresses issues quickly before they spiral out of hand. Your security solutions provider can help you determine the ideal hardware and software upgrades for your system, ensuring years of smooth and reliable performance for your business.

Enhance Your Business’ Security System With Titan Alarm & Fire

With unpredictable crime rates in Arizona and nationwide, understanding the importance of video surveillance for commercial properties is more critical than ever. Partnering with a reliable surveillance systems provider can help you stay on top of your security goals and demands.

At Titan Alarm & Fire, we provide wireless commercial video surveillance and other security solutions for businesses throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler and Tucson. We’re also one of the state’s largest installers of IP commercial surveillance systems.

Let us help you elevate your business’ security strategy with HD-quality video surveillance systems. Contact us today to learn more about our customized solutions or schedule an appointment.