7 Reasons Your Business Needs Surveillance Cameras

If you’re like most business owners, you probably wear a lot of hats. But regardless of how many tasks you’re overseeing in a day, you can’t be two places at once—unless you have security cameras.

Surveillance cameras act as an extra set (or more) of eyes around your business. And like you, security cameras wear a lot of hats. They provide security, visibility, and even help improve employee productivity and safety, making them an invaluable resource for any business.

Top benefits of security cameras

If you’re considering adding surveillance cameras to your business, here are the top ways they can benefit your business, employees, and your bottom line.

1. They're an effective theft deterrent system

What’s the most effective theft deterrent a business can invest in? Security cameras! One survey of more than 400 burglars found surveillance cameras were the most effective way to deter theft. Of those surveyed, 60% said they would skip that target or find another one if they knew there were security cameras on the premises.

2. They discourage shoplifters

Security cameras not only help discourage shoplifting, but they can also be valuable in catching shoplifters in the act. Many security cameras can be accessed remotely via a smartphone or another mobile device. So if you notice someone suspicious lurking in your business, you can discreetly observe them on one of your security cameras. If a theft occurs, you can stop them before they leave with the merchandise.

3. They help employees be more productive at work

Security cameras can also help employees be more productive at work. Often, the mere presence of a camera encourages employees to stay more focused on their work while on company time. They can also help you address potential issues, such as an employee taking frequent or excessively long breaks that can impact productivity. If using cameras to monitor employees, however, just remember to be aware of video surveillance laws in your state.

4. They improve workplace safety

Security cameras play an important role in workplace safety. They help you monitor conditions and identify any potential workplace hazards or behaviors that could lead to injuries on the job. They also serve a role in training; if an incident does occur on camera, the footage can provide insight into the factors that led up to the incident and help you take the proper course of action, such as increased training or modification of current processes.

5. They discourage employee theft.

Employee theft falls under the umbrella of employee fraud and is a major source of lost revenue for businesses of all sizes. In fact, an estimated 7% of a business’s annual lost revenue is the result of employee theft. Security cameras at your business help provide fraud protection by deterring employee theft. Employees who know the business is monitored by cameras are less likely to steal on the job.

6. They prevent sexual harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace is prevalent; the most recent data shows 12,739 sexual harassment claims were filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last year. This data does not include charges filed with state or local agencies, making actual numbers much higher. Despite the prevalence, one survey found 90% of employees and employers didn’t believe it was a problem in their own offices. Security cameras can help with investigating and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace by documenting instances of inappropriate contact or aggression, as well as by discouraging inappropriate behavior.

7. They provide criminal evidence

Security cameras can be a powerful ally if you need proof of a crime, validation, or even exoneration. A high-quality security camera can provide the evidence needed to help identify and prosecute shoplifters or employee theft. In addition to providing evidence of a crime, they can also clarify he-said, she-said situations or work in your defense if you or an employee are accused of something they didn’t do.

Choosing the best security cameras

As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to having security cameras that can make your workplace a more profitable, productive, and safer workplace for all.

At the same time, a security camera that constantly goes offline, has blurry footage, or records intermittently won’t do your business much good. That’s why it’s important to find a camera that fits your needs and budget while still delivering excellent reliability and footage.

Types of security cameras

Business security cameras come in all shapes and sizes. Most can be divided into two main categories: indoor and outdoor.

Indoor security cameras

Indoor security cameras provide footage of the inside of your business. They can be positioned just about anywhere and can be both discrete or out in the open.

Features you'll want to look for in an indoor security camera include:

• Wide viewing angle
• HD resolution
• Night vision
• Motion detection
• Automatic recording
• Remote monitoring

Outdoor security cameras

Outdoor security cameras are made to withstand the elements and more extreme lighting conditions while still providing clear footage. Outdoor security cameras provide surveillance to the exterior of your business, parking lots, or sheds.

Doorbell cameras, although commonly used in residential settings, can also be useful for certain businesses. For example, a small office without a receptionist or a business that wants to keep doors locked for security reasons can benefit from a doorbell camera.

Features to look for in outdoor surveillance cameras are similar to indoor and also include:

• Weatherproof
• HD resolution
• Wide field of view
• Night vision and low-light performance
• Motion detection
• Automatic recording
• Sufficient cloud storage options

Keep an eye on your business with the best

When it comes to cameras, choosing cameras from a leading security provider like Vivint provides your business with some of the most advanced technology in the market.

Vivint’s security cameras include:

Vivint Indoor Camera

The Vivint Indoor Camera provides everything you need in a security camera, such as a wide-angle lens for greater viewing area and high-definition video, but also includes features like:

• Two-way talk so you can talk to employees or potential thieves.
• Infrared night vision for a clear view day or night.
• One-touch callout, allowing employees to access you right from the camera.
• Vivint app control, so you can view live or recorded footage and receive notifications right from your phone.

Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro

Vivint’s Outdoor Camera Pro is the ultimate deterrent from thieves, providing necessary capabilities like night vision, 4K UHD picture, and a 140-degree field of view. But it goes a step further to proactively protect your business thanks to Smart Deter, an AI-powered feature that identifies lurkers on your property.

Once a lurker has been detected, the camera plays a warning tone through the 85dB speaker and illuminates a red LED ring around the lens, letting the lurker know they’re being recorded.

Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro

If your business could benefit from a doorbell camera, the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro is the way to go. You can answer your business’s front door right from the Vivint app, or view footage later if you don’t want to be interrupted. The Doorbell Camera Pro also features Smart Deter to provide proactive package protection, so you can protect your business deliveries from theft.

Start securing your business with Vivint

Choosing security cameras from Vivint not only provides you with the best technology on the market, but it comes as part of a complete business alarm system. Securing your business with Vivint allows you to customize a solution that includes:

• 24/7 monitoring, ensuring your business is protected around the clock.
• Professional installation, so you know everything works just as it should.
• Integration with other smart security features, such as burglary detection or fire monitoring, depending on the package you choose.

As a business owner, you’ve invested a great deal into your company. Protecting your investment, employees, and customers with surveillance cameras is a must.

To find out how Vivint can help you keep an eye on your business day and night, contact our Smart Home Pros today at 800.646.1469 for a free quote.