Retail businesses understand the importance of retail store security and how it can keep merchandise protected and people safe from harm. Retail stores are often vulnerable during and after business hours. A store that lacks any sort of security plan can easily be targeted by criminals, dishonest employees, and shoplifters.
In the past, retail stores were limited in how they could protect their interests. With new advancements in surveillance technologies, it has never been easier to secure a retail business. Security cameras now come standard with incredible features such as mobile notifications, remote viewing, high-resolution feeds, and more.
Businesses of all sizes can even benefit from customized security camera systems designed with their needs in mind. These products are also surprisingly affordable and are an important investment for a retail store’s success.
There are many factors to consider when purchasing the right security cameras and surveillance products for a retail store. Some of these include features, camera types, capabilities, and more. The security needs of the retail store must also be taken into consideration.
The following article will highlight the benefits of retail store security, choosing between IP surveillance and analog CCTV camera systems, and what to look for when choosing a security camera system.
Benefits of Retail Store Security Cameras
Retail stores have unfortunately always been targets of criminals. Whether its criminals seeking to break in after hours or shoplifters stealing merchandise retail stores are vulnerable without a security plan. Just like any other business, successful retail stores take security very seriously.
Modern security cameras offer incredible benefits for retail stores of all sizes. Just the presence of security cameras can offer a powerful deterrent against crime. Studies have consistently shown that the presence of security cameras can deter criminals from ever acting.
This is because criminals will almost always go after the easiest target. Security cameras provide powerful evidence that law enforcement can then use to arrest the perpetrator and retrieve stolen property. Retail store security cameras can also keep store employees accountability.
Unfortunately, not all employees are honest. Security cameras strategically placed in employee-only areas or at the store counter can monitor their activity. Productivity can even be increased from the presence of security cameras.
This makes a security system an advantageous investment in the success of the business. Insurance premiums can even be reduced by installing a video surveillance system.
Best in Class IP Cameras
IP Security Cameras or Analog Cameras
There are two general categories of security cameras designed using different surveillance technologies; internet protocol (IP) cameras and analog security cameras. Analog cameras are the old, traditional security cameras that most people remember. IP cameras are a much more modern version of the older analog cameras.
Although individual IP security cameras are slightly more expensive than their analog counterparts, they offer features that far surpass analog CCTV systems. Below are the key differences between the two systems and why it is recommended that business should choose IP cameras for their retail store security plan.
Higher Resolution
Retail store IP cameras have much higher resolution than their older analog counterparts. Network IP security cameras are generally capable of producing video feeds between 1 and 5 megapixels, with higher MP options available. The higher quality resolution allows for clear and detailed video feeds. Analog security cameras also have a drastically reduced field of vision and require more wiring. With higher resolution video feeds, details can be easily identified.
Advanced Video Analytics
Many new security camera systems come with video analytics that provide users with powerful features. Some of these security features include mobile notifications, automatic recording once motion is detected, auto-tracking, scene change, missing object, and more. These features are extremely useful in maintaining the security and safety of the retail store. Users can even receive notifications on their phone when suspicious activity is detected.
Remote Video Monitoring
The video feeds from IP security cameras can be accessed by authorized individuals with remote video monitoring. Remote monitoring is an innovative feature not present in analog systems. It allows authorized users to access each camera video feed from an internet-enabled device including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more. Professional remote monitoring services even exist that can monitor the video feeds of a property and quickly act the moment suspicious activity occurs.
Choosing A Retail Store Security Camera
There are a number of factors to understand when considering how to choose a security camera system for business surveillance. There are different camera types that come in different sizes and with their own unique features. Below, we will examine resolution, models, and setting as three important factors when choosing a security camera.
Models
As mentioned above, modern security cameras come in a variety of models. The most common of these models is the rectangular bullet security cameras seen mounted on a wall. There are also dome security cameras that are attached to the ceiling and contained in a tinted cover typically seen in retail stores. Pan-tilt-zoom or PTZ cameras allow users to remotely control the cameras and control the field-of-vision.
Resolution
Resolution can be considered the most important factor when choosing the right security camera for a retail business. The resolution will determine how clear images will be and can help identify possible issues, vulnerabilities, and threats. A security camera that can produce images in at least 720p is recommended. It is important to remember that the clearer an image is the more effective the security camera will be.
Setting
The layout of a retail store is another important aspect to consider when purchasing retail store security cameras. The layout includes the inside and outside of the store, how the aisles are arranged, and the employee-only areas. Understanding how the business is set up will prevent buying more cameras that are unnecessary and knowing what models can work best in the setting.
