The Importance of CCTV Surveillance Systems
Companies all over the world need a secure location for their business to thrive. And over the last decade, technology has improved so well that these companies have become so dependent on it, relying on it for safety and progress. With this evolution came the birth of CCTV, which wasn’t a mere coincidence but a necessary invention to safeguard those who need security. Following this vision, Smartway Security & Technologies is proud to be New Zealand’s leading CCTV and alarm systems provider.
As we all know, CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, which is technically described as a set of video cameras that is used to transmit signals to a monitor. It captures and records images in areas like shopping malls, banks, hospitals, parks or any place that needs to be monitored by security personnel.
The first known CCTV surveillance system was installed in 1942 at Test Stand VII in Peenemünde Airfield by the German company Siemens AG. The person responsible for its design and system installation was a German engineer named Walter Bruch. The first commercial CCTV system became available in the US in 1949 by a company called Vericon. What made the evolution of CCTV interesting was its earliest form of surveillance — when a security personnel would have to constantly watch the monitors all day since recording and storing images wasn’t invented at that time. But a few years later, the reel-to-reel media process was invented, allowing them to record hours and hours of video footage, making it easier to review the collected images.
CCTV in action
Today, various types of CCTV with amazing state-of-the-art features are available from different manufacturers all over the world. From high-definition IP cameras to face recognition and audio monitoring capability, achieving a secure environment is not a complicated choice anymore.
But no matter how digital — and dangerous — the world has become, some business owners are still hesitant in using CCTV surveillance systems in their companies. One reason is they mostly think of it as an overpriced investment or a mere additional cost, unaware of the benefits, capabilities and convenience brought by CCTV. Read on to know why installing CCTV is crucial in every business.
Prevent and Deter Crime
The presence of a CCTV camera in your business location (retail shops, gasoline stations, parking lots, etc.) can monitor the activities in the area, especially in your absence. It records crimes or any suspicious activities that may happen in your location. When people or criminals are aware that a CCTV camera is watching them, it will hinder them from acting on a crime which can put them and others in jeopardy.
CCTV cameras can be a very handy set of eyes at home too. In times when you leave your kid with the babysitter, or when your furry cats and dogs are left alone by themselves, the digital IP high definition camera allows you to monitor activities with just one click from your laptop or mobile phone — leaving you worry free wherever you are.
Help Collect Evidence
CCTV cameras are very helpful in case of an unfortunate event. With the recorded videos, it can help identify culprits. One perfect example was in 2013, when the Boston Marathon bombing suspects were tracked with the help of CCTV footage analyzed by the FBI. They were initially called Black Hat and White Hat, but as soon as their images were released, they were finally identified as the Tsarnaev Brothers. This incident popularized the use of CCTV in the USA. Weeks later, a poll by New York Times/CBS found that 78% of the respondents have valued its use and advantage.
Also, most companies today rely on cash-in-transit and bank services to do the banking for them. With video surveillance, you can monitor incoming collections or any activities from inside and outside the premises. Since CCTV allows you to review images recorded on previous days, it is also very helpful in solving internal problems like employee fights, non-productive workforce, sexual harassment and theft. Having CCTV in the area will give both employees and clients a sense of security while they’re doing business with you.
Cost-effective for Security
Companies with CCTV installed say it helps improve employee punctuality and productivity by 30%. In a recent poll by Harris Polls, 66% of business owners believe that CCTV is the most valuable security measure to alleviate problems in the office since it can monitor the employees’ productivity. These cameras protect not only you but your employees too, without the need of hiring excessive security personnel.
CCTV cameras today have a live viewing feature where you can view real time HD video 24/7. With this capability, you can keep an eye on what is going on in your office or home. It helps prevent break-ins from intruders, keeping your company and your assets safe 24 hours a day.
Investing in CCTV systems or video surveillance for your company is one of the most cost-effective ways to provide your business and your employees a secured workspace. Though CCTV today is highly modern and advanced, Smartway Security & Technologies is happy to provide you a seamless self-monitoring service at a very competitive rate.
There are still a lot of advantages in using CCTV that are not mentioned here, but it all leads to only one conclusion — CCTV surveillance systems are vital for the success of every business. Whether you run a small business, a big corporation or you need security at home, you can rely on Smartway Security & Technologies to provide you the best trusted service.
If you’re unsure about what CCTV service you need, feel free to talk to a CCTV installations professional at Smartway. You may visit our website or call us at 0800 93 63 63 today!