Why Video Analytics Changes Everything for Retailers

Video analytics has changed everything for retailers. There was a time when merchandising (making money) and loss prevention (saving money) were two separate retail tracks. There were mystery shoppers and people counters to help improve merchandising, and there were security cameras, store detectives and security guards to help deter and catch shoplifters and reduce loss. Not anymore.

Analytics in Video Surveillance Goes Mainstream

Once reserved primarily for stable, high-security specifications, the swift advancement of technology and vast improvements in reliability, effectiveness and accessibility has moved video analytics from the sidelines to the mainstream for a lot of smart reasons.

Top Reasons Video Surveillance Analytics is Revolutionizing Retail

When you understand the advantages, the increased usage of video analytics in retail is no mystery. Here are just a few.

  • There are analytic solutions for everyone. Video analytics, or CCTV software, has come a long way in a very short time with increased capabilities and accessibilities that can fit any size business with vast options in servers and infrastructures.
  • Options for implementing analytics software. There are two main options for implementing analytics software, inside an IP camera (referred to as edge-based) or on a centralized server. These options provide more effective ways to implement powerful and affordable analytics.
  • Greater business intelligence. The options for greater awareness are nearly endless. Using video analytics you can improve marketing, health, safety, productivity, and queue monitoring. It can also help reduce loss.
  • Video surveillance analytics improves decision making power. Whereas it may take months of observation and charting otherwise, video surveillance analytics makes a great amount of information clear very quickly. This means for swifter and more effective decision making.
  • Improved customer insights. The more you know about your customers, the better you can serve them which results in greater sales. Intelligent video innovations help you understand type, time, and frequency of shopper and how they engage with displays versus those who do not. It also helps to more accurately count shoppers at entrances, and test and compare product placement and displays.

Today, merchandising and loss prevention are largely one tract accessible from one analytics-driven smart security and CCTV system. And this is true for every type and size of store, including large chains and local retailers, convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants and more.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is the largest, privately owned security company in Delaware. Whether you’re the owner of a small business or the security director  of a Fortune 500 company, Security Instrument has the right solution.

 

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Commercial Video Surveillance Systems: Key Points to Consider Before You Buy

Buying a commercial video surveillance system for your business is a big deal. Since it involves a moderate investment and is likely to serve your business for some time, you’ll want to make sure you get it right. Video surveillance systems are not one-size-fits-all (or they shouldn’t be) and the number of options and capabilities within the industry is expansive. It is very easy to get swooped up in the exciting technological options and miss ensuring those options are right for you.

While the technology is complex, ensuring that you get what’s right for you isn’t. All you need to do is ask yourself some basic questions to help you define and then meet your goals. Here are 5 important considerations to keep you on track.

Pro Tip: There are a ton of advanced options out there but that doesn’t mean you need to invest in all of them. Determining your true needs will help you control the costs of video surveillance.

How Will the Video Surveillance System Be Used?

The first step in designing a fitting security camera system is defining your goals. Do you want to use them to improve your safety and security? Maybe it is to reduce false injury claims, or prevent loss. Security cameras also provide a way to improve processes and productivity. Perhaps it is a combination of all of those things. Whatever you hope to accomplish by installing a surveillance system define it and prioritize your list.

What Areas Will You Cover?

Determine what areas and what kinds of areas you want and need to be covered, such as a dark stockroom or a bright public area. Determining which and what kinds of areas you want covered will help in determining what kinds of equipment you will need.

Attach a Goal to Specific Areas

Since each area of a property is used for different purposes and faces different challenges, it helps to attach a specific goal you want to achieve to that area. For example, you might want an overview of operations to improve workflow patterns, or you might want to boost security at entrances and exits. Knowing your goals will help you choose the right equipment to the job. That may sound simple, but small choices have a huge impact on the effectiveness of the system. For example, even the best HD fixed camera may not give you the expansive overview you’d want, or a dome camera may not give you the view you hope for of point of sale areas.

What kinds of Surveillance Options do You Need?

As we mentioned, there are a ton of advanced options out there but that doesn’t mean you need to invest in all of them. Once you know where you want to cover and the goal you can opt into or out of options like infrared technologies, waterproof, dustproof, vandal resistant, the field of view, low light, high light, high and low resolution, tilt, zoom, remote viewing and more. Determining your true needs will help you keep the costs of video surveillance minimal.

How Many Cameras Do You Need

Of course, a skilled security technician will be the best person to help you determine this but it does help to think about before you opt in. For most people, the assumption is the more cameras the better security you have. But that is not necessarily true. Having the right surveillance cameras placed in the right positions can reduce the number of cameras you need– and reduce your costs. A great example is using a pan-tilt-zoom camera to cover a wide space which reduces the need for more fixed cameras. Knowing your need and being able to communicate that to your video surveillance provider and technician makes a huge difference.

About Security Instrument

From Fortune 500 to local SMB’s throughout the Tri-State area, Security Instrument integrates custom security systems to meet the needs of commercial clients.

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Creating a Security Plan Your Organization Can Live With

A good business security plan may start with having electronic security systems installed, but installation is only the first step. The fact is, a dependable security plan takes time and effort to create. The time to do it is not when it needs to be executed during or after an emergency; the time to do it is now. Here are some guidelines for implementing a business security plan your organization can live with, no matter its size or budget.

Identify Security Threats

What are the chief security threats to your organization? Identifying those is critical. These don’t just include external threats like robbery, intrusion or vandalism; they also include internal threat like employee theft (and don’t forget, employees can steal more than inventory). Then, there’s your business intelligence. Are you including cybersecurity? If not, you should. All of these are very real security threats your new security plan should encompass.

Address Environmental Threats

While fire should be addressed in the security plan, environmental threats go well beyond fire. A defense against other environmental hazards should also be included in the plan, including flooding and freezing. Strategies for all of these things should be included in the new security plan to the extent that they affect building operations.

Determine What’s in Place

Next, it’s time to assess what you have in place to address these threats. This is where an experienced security integrator can be a valuable partner in creating the security plan. During an onsite assessment of your property, the integrator can identify the security technology you have in place and determine what parts of it can be used, retrofitted or upgraded for cost efficiency.

Add New Protections

Of course, the integrator can also explain where any new products or services would be recommended. In this step, you may learn about systems that hadn’t previously been considered: intelligent video equipment, access control for keyless entry, or commercial audio systems that keep everyone on the property informed. Additionally, they may propose new protocols to include in the security plan. Your security integrator can be your consultant and partner in the endeavor of developing a new security plan.

Creating a security plan your organization can live with is a better experience when you partner with a trusted security integrator. To discuss a new business security plan, Delaware businesses can call Security Instrument. We will be glad to show you what’s possible.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned security integrator that offers numerous electronic security options. We serve thousands with commercial and home security in Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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Prevent Unauthorized Access to Your Office with Access Control Security

In the past, businesses considered digital and physical security two separate issues, but that’s not the case today. A stolen tablet or laptop illustrates an example of a situation where these two securities collide, and both become compromised. Today, smart access control is a solution that tackles both physical and digital security problems and helps you manage access to your building. Here’s how access control prevents unauthorized access to your office.

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Using Access Control To Manage Your Business During COVID-19

Businesses are facing more security challenges than ever before in the age of COVID-19. For some, it’s business as usual, and the problem is limiting contact with people and items. Other people had to completely close their company and need to manage it from afar. Smart access control solutions can help you do both and continue working to make things safer and more secure for everyone once business resumes as normal.

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Some Factors to Consider Before You Have Your Access Control System Installed

Installing an access control system is not a one-step process and it’s easy to get lost if it’s your first access control technology. A professional security integrator should help you design and install this system to ensure nothing is left out. But it’s a good idea to know a little bit about the process so you can supervise and monitor the installation.

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Choosing the Best Access Control Configuration for Your Business

Every business is different. They have a unique layout and design, as well as risks and security challenges. Choosing an access control figuration is a critical task that can significantly affect the security of your building and property. Here are some factors to consider when setting up your access control system.

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Why Preventative Maintenance on Your Access Control System is Critical

Innovative access control systems add an extra layer of security to your building. However, regular maintenance is critical to the effectiveness of the system. If your access control system isn’t maintained, it will degrade over time, exposing your employees and customers to security risks. Here are three reasons to make routine maintenance a priority.

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Planning Access Control Systems for Managing Multiple Facilities

Managing multiple business locations can be a logistical nightmare. Ensuring that everyone has access to the right facilities at the right time is difficult, and planning is key to making it work. Here are some questions to consider when designing access control solutions for multiple locations.

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How to Fix the Two Most Common Workplace Security Mistakes

Most businesses think they’ve got their security nailed down, but they sometimes miss common security vulnerabilities. We’re going to fix that today. Here are some common workplace security mistakes. All you need to do is dedicate the resources and time to fix them.

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