As the American economy pulls itself out of the recent recession, many businesses continue to work within limited budgets. While tightening their belts, small businesses are simultaneously combating the increased crime that comes with the financial downturn. Here are a few key tactics for maximizing both cost efficiency and safety.
Current Deterrence Tactics
Deterrence is one of the most effective loss-prevention tactics. Whenever a would-be shoplifter or an employee is dissuaded from stealing, a business saves resources on lost merchandise, investigation time and litigation costs. Help ensure employees and shoplifters always have your security systems in the back of their minds by having versatile security equipment, including the following:
Cameras. As cameras continue to grow in popularity, people must think twice about what they do anywhere they are in public. In stores, video surveillance reminds employees and shoppers that they may be watched – and a second thought can make the difference between a stolen item and a purchased one.
Signage. Signs are a low-tech, low-cost way of letting the public know security is on the job. They can communicate that shoplifters will be prosecuted and that video surveillance is being used. It is another inexpensive way to give people that second sobering thought.
Emerging Technologies
Here are some of the latest technologies to consider as solutions for your business to stretch dollars and save you time.
Updated Video Cameras. Video cameras are becoming smaller, smarter and easier to install and upgrade. The biggest advancement of late is networked Internet protocol (IP) cameras. These cameras have their own IP addresses and can be plugged into your network.
Video from IP cameras can be accessed directly from the Internet for management and remote visibility. IP camera systems are more versatile and scalable, and they can download updates that extend their functionality. Oftentimes these cameras also produce higher-quality images, which can help make identifying suspects or providing convincing evidence easier than ever.
Digital Recording. Most law enforcement officials will tell you how much they rely on recorded images to solve crimes. Those same officers will also tell you how frustrating poor-quality video can be or how exasperating it is searching through hours of archives. Old VCR systems are certainly no longer ideal. Digital recording has improved both quality and the image-retrieval process.
Remote Monitoring. Using an in-house network or the Internet, video can be recorded by cameras and then sent to another location, where it can be analyzed and stored. Owners or management can also view live video at any location from anywhere in the world by using a password and a secure connection.
Mobile Security Management. Even when out of the office, mobile security management enables business owners and managers to control security systems remotely. Advanced security systems have applications for smartphones and tablets that help keep you in control wherever you are. You can receive email or text-message alerts, remotely arm your intrusion system and change user codes to help ensure people are safe and the building is secure.
Maximize Technology’s Potential with Tyco
Many have predicted how quickly the U.S. economy will recover, but no one really knows when shoppers will head back to stores in pre-recession numbers. For now, everyone is focusing on doing more with less. Advanced technologies can do the heavy lifting for businesses – cameras allow us to see more, and software can help us make sense of it all.
Tyco Integrated Security is North America’s leading commercial security integrator, providing security and business optimization services to more than 250,000 customers in business communities across the United States. With more than 140 years of experience and more than 10,000 employees – including a Worldwide Security Monitoring Network that helps ensure a fast, local, 24/7 responsiveness to your security infrastructure – you can rest assured that Tyco Integrated Security will be there when you need it.
Request a free, no-obligation security review today. We will work with you to understand your operations, identify your security risks and concerns and help you to excel in your day-to-day operations.
Related Content: Business Owner’s Security Buyer’s Guide
Everything you'll need to know before purchasing a business security system.
Related Insights
-
Advanced Active Shooter Integrated Security Solution
Accurately detect gunshots, locate and communicate to employees, and initiate lockdown procedures - so you can protect your most valuable assets, your people. Watch Video Now >
-
Datasource Demo
See how DataSource allows you to see alarm activity, system performance, maintenance activity, billing information and more, including open-and-close exception notifications for your remote facilities. Watch Video Now >
-
Strategic Collaboration Improves Security for a Pennsylvania School District
Following an audit of their security systems, a school district in Pennsylvania needed a security integrator that could meet all of its security needs on a tight budget and schedule, and that is when Johnson Controls was tapped to help. Read More >
-
Concise Planning Helps Fund Security Upgrades for Alabama School System
School district leaders might be surprised to find out how implementing an integrated security approach can help improve education along with safety – all while keeping in mind the lean budget most districts operate on. Read More >
-
Security Integration Helps a Washington School District Become Safer & More Efficient
Schools can’t afford to have a revolving door of unauthorized guests entering and exiting their buildings. However, if they’re not equipped with the proper security systems, this is an unfortunate reality for many K-12 institutions. Read More >
-
The Safety Road Map for a Pennsylvania College
Whether it’s keeping students secure within campus limits or protecting them from surrounding safety threats off-campus, it is crucial that higher education institutions have a 24/7 security plan in place to keep students, staff, and visitors safe. Read More >
-
How a Modernized, Integrated Solution Improved Safety at a New Hampshire High School
In an effort to streamline operations, school architects and engineers recognized the importance of investing in a single vendor that could support and integrate multiple technologies, and enlisted Johnson Controls to help. Read More >
-
Guardian Shooter Detection Systems
Guardian Shooter Detection Systems is a highly effective, efficient and affordable way to help protect your staff and visitors from gun violence. Watch Video Now >
-
K-12 Security Resource Center
Learn how to help reduce threats and risks to the people and property that make up a K-12 campus. See details on how an integrated security solution can help mitigate the risk of an active shooter event. FIND OUT MORE >
-
Mobile Security Management Demo
Mobile Security Management gives you flexibility and mobile freedom to keep your organization secure and running without interfering with all of your other goals for the day. >