For a small business, knowing what’s happening in your storefront, warehouse, or parking lot at all times can make all the difference in your company’s physical and financial security. In the past, securing your company with video surveillance would have been a daunting, and expensive prospect. But with today’s technology, small businesses can easily and inexpensively implement physical security systems to protect their businesses and employees.

The most common applications for video surveillance systems include:

• Deterring theft and vandalism in your building or parking lot
• View arriving or departing guests at office entrances
• Collecting evidence in the event of theft or vandalism
  • Reduce risk of liability by providing a record of everything that occurs in the workplace
  • Simplify incident investigation by making it easy to jump to any date and time
  • Enhance operational effectiveness by allowing business owners to directly supervise multiple locations from anywhere
  • Add to peace of mind by allowing business owners to receive alerts of any problems and view real-time surveillance video from anywhere
  • Reduce operational costs of supporting separate surveillance and business application networks
  • Improve profitability by providing a tool to understand customer behavior and traffic patterns

An IP video surveillance system operates over the IP network that is already in place and delivers features far beyond what conventional closed-circuit television systems can provide. This also provides tremendous flexibility, ease of installation, and reduces cost.

Cameras: There are a wide variety of high quality, relatively inexpensive cameras today, which provide a lot of flexibility in placement and the areas covered. Business owners can choose camera models with pan, tilt and zoom capabilities. This allows remote monitoring from virtually any angle, providing a cost-effective alternative to deploying multiple fixed cameras. Additionally, some camera models have sensors that can provide excellent image quality even in low light conditions. For ease of installation, there are wireless cameras, or Power over Ethernet (PoE) wired cameras.

Remote accessibility: With an IP video surveillance solution, users can access real-time video from any Internet-connected PC or mobile phone at any time, allowing them to monitor and respond to alarms in real time. They can also receive automatic alerts (including video clips or still images) whenever motion is detected on the premises after hours. Owners can virtually manage the business’s security and  operational efficiency from anywhere, at any time.

Advanced application support: IP based video surveillance solutions include cameras with integrated speaker output and microphone for two-way audio, and input/output ports to support a variety of applications. Customers can link the video surveillance system with door sensors, motion sensors, alarms, lighting systems, phone systems, or virtually any other business system.

Installing an IP video surveillance system can make the difference between saving your assets and risking burglary, vandalism, or employee theft.