Choosing between a commercial CCTV system or a security guard can be difficult given the range of factors to consider. If you’re unsure which route offers better protection for your business, then continue reading.
Common considerations to explore before choosing a security solution include:
- Cost
- Reliability
- Response Times
Traditionally, hiring a security guard was the best option for those looking to protect their business. However, CCTV for business is becoming a more appealing choice due to cost-effectiveness, advances in detection technology and improved response times. For a CCTV business solution to be fully effective in crime prevention it must include live video monitoring, also known as proactive video monitoring or PVM for short.
This article evaluates live monitored CCTV systems for business and security guards across the most common security and liability issues faced by businesses today. Understanding how these two solutions compare, and how commercial CCTV systems have advanced in recent years, will help you make a better decision for your own business.
Commercial CCTV Systems: A Business Essential
Hiring a security guard or installing a Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM) system provides value to your business by protecting your assets. However, commercial surveillance cameras and security guards deliver value in different ways. Which is the most suitable for your needs? Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
CCTV Business Solution: A Cost Analysis
Problem: You need a cost-effective solution offering 24/7/365 protection from theft and vandalism.
Security Guard: Hiring security guards to prevent theft and damage 24 hours a day, or for part of the day can be costly. You will need the services of more than one guard if the hours exceed the maximum working time.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): PVM in a commercial CCTV system can offer 24/7/365 protection at one fixed daily rate, that does not change for public holidays, weekends or unsociable hours. It does not take holidays, won’t ever call in sick and is always alert.
PVM: Swift Response Times for Businesses
Problem: You need to deter and prevent crime within seconds before an intruder has the chance to commit theft or damage your property.
Security Guard: A security guard must first know a potential threat has entered your premises or site perimeter. If they are looking at the right screen at the right time or patrolling the correct location, an intruder will be detected and deterred.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): PVM, a crucial feature in surveillance cameras for business, uses advanced analytical software to instantly detect an intruder approaching the perimeter of your business. An alert is immediately sent to a highly trained Intervention Specialist in a remote Communication Hub, who will immediately view a live camera feed to visually verify the threat.
They will then proceed to issue a custom audio warning to the intruder using built-in speakers. This can be immediately followed by a call to the Gardaí and/or the premises key holder. An audio warning is enough to deter a criminal in most attempted perimeter breaches.
Liability Protection with CCTV Business Systems
Problem: You need a security solution that can also offer protection in the event of a personal injury or liability claim on your property.
Security Guard: A security guard can provide evidence but only if they were on scene at the time of the incident, in which case they can offer a witness statement.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): Commercial CCTV business systems with PVM provide you with remote access to all recorded video on your property. This allows you to quickly investigate an incident in the event of an injury. Fraudulent claims can be quickly dismissed rather than pose a risk to your business. Using a remotely managed CCTV for business service removes the need for human presence, therefore no risk accidental injury to security persons on your site.
24/7 Protection with Business Surveillance Cameras
Problem: You need peace-of-mind that your business can be protected 24/7/365, without exception.
Security Guard: Security guards can be hired to work on rotating shifts to provide 24/7 protection. However, staying alert and continuously monitoring every part of your premises can be challenging. Even the most motivated guards can get sick, arrive late or find themselves preoccupied with texts, calls or other device-related distractions.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): CCTV systems for business turn all cameras into 24/7/365 security guards. Each camera constantly scans for activity using advanced analytical technology with no risk of sickness or distraction. Your entire perimeter can be always monitored.
Public Health Protocols and Commercial Surveillance Adaptability
Problem: Your business has been affected by Public Health protocols. You need a security solution that can remain operational without adding risk to your employees or those coming on and off your premises.
Security Guard: A security guard can function in these circumstances by adhering to the health and safety regulations. They will usually share a space with other guards. Keeping this space safe and infection-free involves strict cleaning protocol and adherence to social distancing. This may be difficult to implement and maintain. Guards will also need to be mindful of any keys, keypads, gate bolts and locks they touch to ensure they are regularly disinfected. There is always the risk of transmission when there is human involvement.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): This type of commercial CCTV business system is operated remotely, so there is no risk of transmission of the virus from security service to site. PVM services can open and close gates remotely for the likes of deliveries, staff members or cleaning services, without any physical presence. There is lone worker protection available so people to attend the site alone, eliminating the need for 2-person teams. This means fewer people on site which reduces the risk of transmission.
Remember, choosing between a commercial CCTV system and a security guard is a significant decision that will have a long-term impact on your business security. Each of these options has strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice largely depends on the specific needs and circumstances of your business.
Quick CCTV Business Deployment
Problem: You need a solution that can be quickly installed and expanded to ensure your property is not exposed to theft and vandalism.
Security Guard: A security guard can be hired to protect your property without the installation of a camera system or related hardware. Additional facilities will be required such as a cabin with heating, electricity and toilet facilities at a minimum. You could also employ the services of a security patrol that would check in on your premises a certain number of times per day.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): There are both permanent and temporary commercial surveillance cameras options available that include PVM. Rapid deployment units use PVM to protect sites and premises in a hurry. These CCTV systems for business can be deployed in a matter of hours without the need for existing infrastructure, such as power or an internet connection.
Full Perimeter Protection with PVM
Problem: You are concerned about potential weak points around the perimeter of your business or site. You need a solution that can monitor all areas simultaneously and not let any attempt to gain entry go undetected.
Security Guard: A security guard can complete random foot patrols of the perimeter, at different times during the day. During a patrol, a security guard can quickly investigate issues and offer a physical deterrent to any prospective intruders. However, this protection is limited to patrol frequency and where the guard is on their route around your site.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): Commercial CCTV business with PVM can be placed strategically around the perimeter to ensure any breach or human movement will trigger an immediate alarm. This enables a highly trained Intervention Specialist to view a live feed of the situation and intervene accordingly.
Resilience Against Intimidation with Commercial CCTV
Problem: You need a solution that is not susceptible to intimidation from gangs or criminals.
Security Guard: Background checks and other measures can help when hiring a security guard. What is difficult to manage is the threat of intimidation by gangs or criminals, forcing the guard to turn a blind eye to malicious activity.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): A PVM system, a feature in the best CCTV for business, cannot fall victim to intimidation or threats. Security surveillance is done from an extremely secure, remote location, a Communications Hub. Any malicious activity on your site will be picked up immediately and deterred via an audio warning and/or a call to the Gardaí.
Transparency in Reporting with CCTV Systems
Problem: You need a fully impartial, transparent security service that guarantees you the full picture relating to an attempted break-in or incident.
Security Guard: Contracting a guard from a well-established, reputable security company can offer you strong reporting abilities and visibility. However, human error and bias are not fully removed from the equation.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): PVM records an incident exactly as it happened, there is no way to hide information. With commercial CCTV systems, you have full access to all recorded and live video, along with a range of reports to ensure you get the full picture at all times. However, PVM cannot complete administrative duties.
Managing Multiple Business Sites with CCTV
Problem: You need a solution that delivers consistent results across multiple locations, in multiple territories.
Security Guard: Services provided by a security company may differ across countries, regions and even counties. Finding a provider that operates in the country of your secondary locations can be difficult, and opting for local services can result in inconsistent service levels.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): With surveillance cameras for business that include PVM, you have a uniform solution across all your locations. Consistent practices and responses can even be guaranteed across multinational locations. With these CCTV systems for business, you will also have access to manage each facility and view video footage with the same ease as with a single site.
Efficient Security Protocol with PVM
Problem: You need to access security data reports on demand, control which areas of your building are secure at predetermined times, access video and control which contacts are notified if a perimeter breach is attempted.
Security Guard: Your security guard can be trained to complete administrative tasks and report back manually on a daily/weekly basis.
Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM): Commercial surveillance cameras with PVM act as a complete remote site management tool. You can access a wide range of site management tools remotely from your Android or iOS device. This feature of CCTV systems for business allows you to quickly, and easily control all aspects of your protocol and arming zones.
Conclusion: The Wisdom in Choosing CCTV Business Solutions
There is a lot to consider when weighing up the two solutions. Whatever your decision, it’s vital that you avail of the services of a reputable company. This will ensure peace-of-mind regarding the quality of the CCTV systems for business and systems involved in securing your business or site. Some businesses prefer to combine proactive video monitoring with on-site security guards. The two working together offer a powerful CCTV business solution.
To recap, here are some of the main benefits of proactive video monitoring:
- Cost-effective – Can offer significant savings against hiring a full-time security guard.
- Reliable – No distractions, no illnesses, cannot be threatened or intimidated.
- Prevents Crime – Proactively intervenes against unauthorized activity within seconds.
- Trustworthy – Impartial, unbiased and fully transparent
- Comprehensive – Also functions as a remote site management tool, wide-ranging applications.
Below is a Video of Proactive Video Monitoring in Action
About Netwatch
At Netwatch, we know how challenging it can be to find a security solution to meet your needs. Our objective is simple; to provide you with a proactive video monitoring solution that not only meets security requirements but also leaves you safe in the knowledge your property is protected by industry-leading technology and highly trained Intervention Specialists.
Netwatch has been providing proactive video monitoring services across a wide range of industries for over 20 years. Our experienced team can provide you with a tailor-made solution to meet and exceed your security needs.
