No matter what business you are in, you need to have security systems in place. In this digital age, security systems are becoming increasingly necessary.
Almost all businesses are focusing on installing automated shopping systems. Although there are many advantages to automation, it also represents an increased security risk. In many ways, you have to rely on your customers’ honesty.
As we all know, not all customers are honest. Before you invest in retail automation, you need to make sure you have the relevant security systems in place.
What Are Business Security Systems?
Business security includes anything from entry systems to security cameras. The future of security cameras and retail automation go hand in hand.
1 Increased Retail Automation
One of the most overlooked reasons why businesses in Australia need security systems is retail automation. Post Covid, retail automation has more or less been thrust on us.
Retail automation has been part of online shopping for years. It is now quickly feeding through to the physical retail shopping experience. An increasing number of customers favour retail automation. It reduces the need for standing in line and makes the shopping experience faster. Security cameras are an integral part of automation.
2 Security Cameras Are A Deterrence
Security cameras also act as deterrence when it comes to vandalism, theft and trespassing.
If a potential criminal knows he is being watched by security cameras, he is less likely to commit a crime. This helps to save money on the loss of inventory and property damage. Ultimately, it results in lower insurance premiums.
3 Legal Disputes
Having to foot the bill for legal disputes adds costs to any business. When you have security cameras installed, it is impossible to dispute the facts.
On many occasions, the case is clear-cut and does not go to court. Yes, you committed a crime and it is there on film. There is no need for lengthy procedures to collect evidence and pay lawyers to take the case to court.
4 Protects Business Assets
Having security cameras in the right locations in your business can stop theft. Don’t forget that it may not only be customers and visitors to your business that steal. Sadly, many employees also steal from the companies that they work for.
If you have the right security systems in place, you can prevent both interior and exterior business crime. Inhouse stock theft is a common problem. It would be nice to think it does not happen, but it does.
Security cameras can also help to monitor digital theft or theft of intellectual property. As businesses are relying increasingly on digital technology and sales, it is important to monitor this activity as well as physical assets. Security cameras are valuable assets against digital crime. They serve as a backup to confirm computer system’s derived information.
5 Can Security Cameras Reduce Stress?
This sounds like a more challenging idea to understand. But, the truth is that security cameras can help when it comes to reducing stress.
Imagine yourself working in a shop selling high-value items such as expensive watches or brand jewellery. If you know customer activity is being monitored by cameras, you probably feel more secure.
The end result is that you feel less stressed. Staff in high-end stores biggest concern is often theft or robbery. Smart AI security cameras can help to monitor customer behavior in a busy store. If there is a problem, AI technology discreetly notifies staff there is a problem.
6 Customer Safety
Not only can security cameras make your staff feel safer. They also contribute to customer safety.
Violent retail crime in Australia is on the increase. It does not only threaten staff, in a worst-case scenario it threatens customers and store visitors.
Customer safety is not only relevant in a retail environment. It is just as important in beauty salons and spas. Once again, this is an environment which is easy to monitor thanks to new security camera technology. Smaller, smarter cameras mean monitoring systems are far less intrusive.
7 Save Money On Security Costs
Digital security cameras can help to reduce the need for extra security. Perhaps you are alone in your store and like to control the number of people who can enter. Maybe you run a high-end store with a need for a security guard.
A camera placed by the front entrance means you can see and communicate with a customer. You can decide if you like to let the potential customer in. No security guard is needed.
8 Monitoring Purchases
Cameras placed correctly can also help to monitor purchases. No matter how many systems you put in place, it is still easy for customers to slip something into their pockets.
Smart security camera systems can help to check how many items a customer picks up and what they do with them.
It is handy to know what happens to them. Do they always end up in the basket or back on the shelf? If a customer comes to the till with 10 items in their basket, but your security cameras tell you they picked up 12, you can use your camera to find out what happened to the other two. Were they put back on the shelf?
9 Employee Productivity
Most business owners don’t like monitoring productivity, but it is a must.
If you work in a busy environment, it is more or less impossible to constantly monitor productivity. However, security cameras can help you to do so discreetly and after staff has gone home.
Any issues can be addressed. An added benefit is that you have the evidence right in front of you.
10 Business Compliance
Business compliance can involve all sorts of things. It can mean the way a member of staff deals with a customer or how they handle goods.
In some commercial environments business compliance is more important than others. Maybe you run a business selling gases for the welding or the medical industry. If so, it is important that staff comply with safety procedures.
Final Thoughts
Security cameras help you to monitor safety as well as security. When you stop and think about it, there are probably endless reasons the right security system can help you to run your business in a smart, efficient way.
