6 July 2020
 Categories: , Blog

You need to protect all of your assets as a business owner, but you can't keep your eyes on every item of value in your offices, a warehouse, and other locations. Making the decision to install security cameras is a big deal and a wise investment. Here's how to get the cameras rolling.

Why You Should Point a Camera Instead of a Finger

Employee theft, from embezzlement to swiping supplies, can significantly cut into your profits; however, even if you know something is missing, if you have no solid proof, making any accusation can get you in trouble, instead of the actual perpetrator. Trust is also an important aspect of your successful business, which would be tarnished if you're forced to suspect every other employee or you have to question them regarding suspicious losses.

A good camera security system provides not only answers but admissible evidence you can use to protect your business. Additionally, cameras can deter an individual from ever engaging in criminal activity.

Where the Cameras Should Be Pointed

To reap the optimum benefits of your new security cameras, try to put yourself in the shoes of a nefarious employee by thinking of all the things you might take, how you might go unnoticed, and how you'd get stolen items out of the building. Also, prioritize what you need to protect according to monetary value and the value everything has to the overall operations of your business. Generally, cameras should be watching any place an employee, visitor, or customer could access that houses something worthwhile to them or you:

• Areas of access to money or checks, including safes, accounting offices, and petty cash, not to mention cash registers
• Anywhere removable merchandise might be
• Supply closets, even if they contain the most inexpensive objects
• All entrances and exits to monitor what people are leaving with 
• The outside of the building and parking lot
• Assembly lines where things happen quickly and things can disappear
• Any area there's access to sensitive data, including, but not limited to, your IT room(s) and other places your intellectual property is available.

Ask a security consultant, along with your insurance agent, where the most common crimes against businesses occur and the best ways to prevent them. Inform all your employees about the new measures, but in a casual, not accusatory manner. You want the new cameras for protection, as well as to foster trust between everyone. Be aware that privacy and disclosure laws regarding surveillance equipment vary between states. You should know what regulations apply and how to remain in compliance at all times.

Having security cameras installed for your business is just the start. You'll need someone to monitor and maintain all the equipment, as well as implement new company policies regarding the surveillance. Learn more about the process by contacting companies that supply camera systems for businesses.