The Following 8 Features Should Be Included In Any Retail Security Camera System.
Instead of just recording the event for documentation, modern security solutions can help retail store owners catch crimes as they happen.
Crime and Retail
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), organized retail crime costs businesses $700,000 for every $1 billion in sales. According to three-quarters of U.S. retailers, the volume of organized retail crime is expected to increase in 2020. “One thing that has gone up is the visibility of open theft from stores,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Last year, they were covering some high-profile smash-and-grabs. In just two minutes, a professional thief can make off with $2000 worth of merchandise from a CVS.
Some retailers have closed their doors because of organized retail crime in some cities. In San Francisco, Walgreens has closed 15 stores in the last two years due to these incidents.
To combat determined thieves in this environment, retailers must keep their security up to date. However, how do these security systems appear? What features do they have that can help them combat some of these trends?
To make matters even more complicated, these costly events can occur both internally and externally, as a result of malicious employees or burglars. Since the outbreak, a new wave of organized criminals has been targeting brick-and-mortar stores for smash-and-grab operations. In some cities, it’s becoming a serious issue.
Modern security solutions can assist these store owners in catching criminals in the act rather than just recording the event for documentation, which can aid in criminal prosecution. The best retail security camera systems can even deter criminal activity.
But, out of all the security options for your store, which ones will be the most beneficial to your company?
The Best Security Camera System Features for Retail Stores
Every security system has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s critical to concentrate on the features that will have the greatest impact on theft. Asking yourself the following questions is a good place to start:
- Do you have any live security guards? Could remote monitoring and virtual guards take their place?
- Is it possible to integrate your retail security system with access controls that activate motion detection in restricted areas?
- Is there any part of your store where you might have a wiring problem? Is it possible that cloud-connected IP cameras would be more practical?
Some of the best retail security cameras offer these best-in-class features:
- Location And Range
- HD Video Resolution
- Night Functionality
- Weatherproofing
- Smart Camera Analytics
- Mobile Device Alerts
- Remote Monitoring
- Audio And Visual Deterrents
Location and range
To put it in other words, the best security cameras for your retail stores will cover a lot of ground, even in odd-shaped stores. Selecting the best retail security cameras first requires an analysis of your store layout, since each store has a unique footprint. Cameras that don’t require wired internet give you much more flexibility.
HD Video Resolution
HD video resolution is important for capturing fine detail. Higher resolution means more detail. For example, 4K (3840 x 2160) captures four times the detail as an HD (1920 x 1080) camera does. The higher the pixel count, the better you’ll see faces, license plates, or other important details.
Night functionality
Night functionality is just as important as day vision for most retail security cameras. Since many robberies occur after hours, you probably want night vision cameras. These smart tools allow clear vision in low-light conditions. This means you won’t need to light up your store 24/7 to give your cameras the “eyes-on” you need.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing, or hardening your cameras, is important for indoor and outdoor use. This feature can also deter vandalism. If you have a parking lot to monitor, a weather-hardened camera is a necessity. Your security cameras can be mobile mounted and IP-connected. You don’t even have to worry about wiring. The best security cameras for your retail stores can go anywhere crime can happen.
Smart Camera Analytics
Smart camera analytics use artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to track patterns in your store. For example, the camera can alert you when someone is at a high value section of the store. Alternatively, it can detect patterns of human behavior where someone repeatedly lingers near the entrance of your store.
Beyond security, analytics can also help retailers redesign their store footprint to increase sales. Analytics can spot bottlenecks or where people tend to congregate. Video clips can automatically be tagged, making them easier to pull from data storage. This allows retailers to maximize their floor plans for a better customer experience.
Mobile Notifications
Mobile device alerts also make our list of best retail security camera features. Tying your video surveillance to a mobile device means always-on connectivity. With a mobile app, you can pull up a camera feed or look at online analytics. The phone can alert you to any anomalies in or around your store. You can even control your cameras from a dashboard, zooming in, panning out, and much more.
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring with a virtual guard is a great way to remain vigilant 24/7. In-store guards can be intimidating to potential customers. They also cannot physically watch your parking lot or store constantly without spending significant amounts on staff. A virtual guard watches a bank of camera feeds from your entire retail footprint.
Audio and Visual Deterrents
Audio and visual deterrents, lastly, can help stop crime before it happens. Imagine a camera system that flashes bright lights or a recorded warning when activated. When these systems trigger, 97% of intruders flee because they know they’ve been seen.
Most other video surveillance is there to capture data for after-the-fact prosecution. Audio and visual camera features can actually deter crime from happening. You can integrate these features into almost any cloud-connected IP camera.
Inventory shrinkage or damage to your store are not victimless crimes. You need the best retail security camera system with the most modern features. It’s the only way to up the ante on criminals focused on getting something for nothing from your business.
Trusted, Local Security Camera Installers
Are you interested in a company that offers the features and capabilities of its devices with total transparency?
Houston Security Solutions has been in business for almost a decade. Our knowledgeable security camera experts can assist you in determining which security cameras are most appropriate for your specific application and explain why. Furthermore, our professionals will install your security camera system using the most up-to-date security industry practices. We’ll guide you through every step of the process of locating material, recording and cutting video, exporting files, and everything else once your system is up and running. If any difficulties with your cameras emerge in the future, we are only a phone call or remote-view away.
Are you looking for assistance with security cameras? Houston Security Solutions will provide you with a free security assessment for your business. Our security specialists will walk you through what it takes to safeguard your business, even if you aren’t sure what you need. Houston Security Solutions can help you with all of your security needs, no matter what type of institution you need surveillance support for! Contact Houston Security Solutions now at (713) 673-8089 or fill out a quick, easy online request form if you have any concerns about how PTZ dome cameras operate, what you need for your business, or the purchase and installation procedure.
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Use Houston Security Solutions to Assist You
Setting up remote viewing is important for safeguarding your home, but it is not the only consideration. Obviously, you’ll need a security camera system first, and you may also require an access control system or a burglar alarm. Professionals develop and install the greatest security systems, both commercial and domestic. Give Houston Security Solutions a call if you’re interested in purchasing a security camera suite or simply want more information about surveillance systems. We’d be delighted to share the knowledge that has made us Texas’s best local security system installation for almost a decade.
