CCTV Systems have long been a powerful weapon in the retail battle to prevent loss and limit liability. Here are 3 ways to get the most out of your Video Surveillance system.
1. Prioritize your cameras and position them wisely
Chances are, you don’t have a CCTV system in place that covers every inch of your store. It may be a physical limitation of your NVR, a unique store layout, or maybe even a budgetary issue. I’m often asked, “So how do I maximize my coverage?” One simple answer is to prioritize the areas that need to be covered. Think through where your business is most vulnerable for loss or liability and make sure those areas are well covered first. Cash Handling, Entrances and Exits, Offices, or high dollar inventory are great places to start. Simple, right?
2. Maximize the impact of you CCTV system with the fewest number of cameras
Cameras are often assigned to cover very specific areas of the business. Perhaps you have a camera that only shows one important door or one register. Based on the retailer’s need to see detail in a high risk area, this was and is a very common theme in retail CCTV systems. This design works but can require a high camera count to cover your entire store, as you need these “specific” cameras and then “general” cameras to cover the remainder of the location. Thankfully, there is now a better way. Many retailers are seeing incredible benefit in transitioning to high definition CCTV cameras. The image quality captured by these HD cameras not only allows retailers to use one camera to see both a “general” area, but also enormous detail within it. One high definition camera can often take the place of several standard definition cameras. You get the detail you need to protect your business, but you keep the camera count low. Win-Win!
3. Integrate your business data with your Video Surveillance
Most retailers have access to business data from their point-of-sale system or other business intelligence tools. Most retailers also have some form of Video Surveillance in their locations. However, forward thinking retailers are finding ways to integrate these systems with powerful results. The insights you can gain from pairing your video system with point-of-sale or business data can reveal countless opportunities for you to stop loss, reduce shrink, and improve processes. For example, let’s say your P.O.S exception report tells you that there has been a dramatic increase in manager overrides lately. The data alone is useful, but imagine being able to immediately see the video of each of those overrides. Immediate and actionable information right at your fingertips! Whether it’s potential coupon fraud, increased discounts, or any number of exceptions eating into your profits, combining video and data can add valuable context to your business and profit to your bottom line. Powerful.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, video can be worth a million. Installing, upgrading, or integrating a high quality, well designed CCTV system into your business can foster profitability and peace of mind. Try taking these 3 steps with your CCTV system today.
Retail Crime
