Imagine if you never made changes in your business over, say, the last five years.

Maybe this looks like not accepting mobile payments that you can today, potentially alienating buyers who come in. Or you’re unable to upgrade your drive-thru to a dual-lane system, sending a ton of customers to your competitor whose lines look half as long. The list could go on.

Technology is changing so quickly for businesses that you’re doing yourself — and your business — a disservice by not regularly evaluating what changes you can make to improve operations.

This same idea goes for your video surveillance system. It can be easy to avoid making the switch. “It’s going to be a lot of work,” you think, and continue to accept what you have. But with the advancements that video surveillance has seen over the last decade, not upgrading is a complete disservice.

Let’s look at the evolution within the video surveillance world over the last ten years, and the signs to keep an eye for that are telling you it’s time to upgrade.

The Evolution of Video Surveillance

Over the past five decades, video surveillance has experienced a profound evolution. It began with analog systems and has evolved to the digital technology we see today, offering higher image quality and internet connectivity for remote access.

High-definition cameras have also significantly improved image clarity and flexibility, while video analytics powered by artificial intelligence have enabled automated event detection. Cloud-based storage solutions have also simplified data management for business owners, and integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) has made surveillance more interconnected. This transformation has not only enhanced security but also expanded the applications of video surveillance across various sectors, with ongoing advancements promising even more sophisticated solutions in the future.

“During the past 20 years of my career, video technology has evolved significantly, revolutionizing various industries and transforming the way we communicate, entertain, and work. The quality has improved, video is accessible right on mobile devices, insights are delivered from video right to business owners, and so much more. The way we use video was unimaginable in the early 2000s.”

• Mark Mullane, Senior Customer Success Manager at DTiQ

You may feel your cameras are working “well enough” for now, but you may be missing out. Here are 8 signs that it might be time to upgrade your video surveillance system — and what you’re missing out on by not.

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1. Outdated Technology

The general rule of thumb is that you want to upgrade technology every 3-5 years on average. This keeps you on top of the technological trends while not costing you an arm and a leg to upgrade every time the latest and greatest comes out.

Video technology doesn’t have to be updated every three to five years, especially if you find a provider that will grow and update with you. However, if your current provider’s technology is outdated and no longer meets your security needs or offers advanced features, it might be time to consider a switch to a provider with more modern and capable systems.

So how do you know if the updated technology requires a switch? You can look at this in a two-fold approach — the hardware and the software.

Hardware

You’ve seen it in the media time and time again. Detectives or police looking at footage and it’s so grainy that there isn’t a single detail that you can make out.

While running your business may not make the footage in a cop show, it’s the same idea. You faced an incident of theft and are trying to find the footage, but you can’t make anything out of the images. How much good is that going to do for you?

New hardware also allows you to do more with less. For example, newer 360-degree cameras can cover the same amount of area that a standard four cameras can cover, and integrated servers allow for file sharing instead of having to retrieve footage locally during each incident. A little goes a long way when you’re using the correct hardware!

Software

With the right software, you don’t have to upgrade your actual physical cameras as often. This can be a huge win.

When you have a camera system that leverages software within your cameras, you can gain a lot more from footage. Some solutions can pair your video with your POS data, letting you see exact transactions as an overlay within your video. Imagine how much easier it will be tracking an order gone wrong with something like that!

You also typically just need to hit “update” to get the most from solutions that are advancing with your updated video surveillance improves. No need to replace cameras as often when your solution offers upgrades that are done right on the platform.

2. Limited Integrations

No matter your industry, chances are you have a booming tech stack. Imagine how much better your video surveillance system can run if it’s able to integrate with those other parts of your businesses!

Integrations can be the difference between your video surveillance system being just a video recorder and it being a fountain of actionable insights. When your video surveillance system integrates with your point of sale, for example, you can pair POS data directly with video footage. It’s a game changer!

And some surveillance solutions can be even more detailed. Fully customizable suites of reporting can help you see the insights you directly need by location, giving you actionable insights immediately.

If your current system doesn’t integrate well with other security or management systems you use, you might be missing out on efficiency and effectiveness gains that could be achieved through better integration.

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3. Outdated User Interface

Everybody knows how easy it can be to pick up an iPhone and figure out how to use it. That all boils down to a solid user interface, something intuitive that is easy for just about anybody to use.

That level of usability is becoming the expectation across all technology, and your video surveillance system is no exception. It’s time to consider switching your provider if you find yourself pulling out the user manual every time you need to look footage up.

The user interface also goes far beyond the footage. Nowadays, everything is on your phone (seriously, what isn’t?). Having a mobile app that pairs with your video surveillance is a win, but having one that’s also easy to use is just golden. With an easy-to-use mobile app, you can check on your stores from literally anywhere in the world.

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4. Lack of Storage Options

Your video surveillance footage is only as useful as it is accessible. Imagine you spend tens of thousands upgrading your system and getting the best cameras, only for the footage to disappear after a week. It would be useless.

You may need a new video surveillance system if your current system either has no storage options or super minimal storage capacity. You need to be able to keep your footage safe — at least footage that captures an incident.

A ton of payouts from injury happen because the business doesn’t have footage to prove otherwise. Say the average statute of limitations to sue is within two years, you need footage stored at least until then. Storage is key to keeping and using your video surveillance system to the most of its ability.

Pro tip: Review the statute of limitations for the states you are operating in and ensure you are keeping clips for that time. This can vary between states, so make sure you know exactly what the standards are in the states you’re operating in. Don’t bank on it being something you know from somewhere else — it can be a costly assumption.

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5. Lack of Actionable Insights

A business owner could spend 24 hours a day watching video cameras, but it can be hard to decide what to do with said footage. And if you’re seeing things happen on the cameras with no idea how to action and improve them, your cameras are missing the mark.

A strong video surveillance provider can pull actionable insights. This can be done in the form of a dashboard, giving you insights into the speed of service, hourly performance, and so much more. And when you measure, you can improve.

Some providers can create audits of each location, providing actionable insights immediately for owners. The audits can serve as your 24/7365 unannounced visit, focused only on the areas of your business you need to focus on at each location. From there, you receive the overviews right to your mobile application of each location’s performance without ever needing to leave your desk.

Finding areas to improve on getting sent directly to you? It doesn’t get much easier than that.

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6. Frequent Downtime

Given that your video surveillance system runs on the power of a building, it’s impossible to have a system that’s 100% on at all given times. After all, things like power outs happen!

However, you should have a system that is generally up-and-running on all cylinders.

If you find that you’re often facing technical issues that cause your video surveillance system to frequently experience downtime and impact its functionality, this could be a sign that your current provider’s reliability is questionable.

Pro tip: While no provider can guarantee your cameras are online 100% of the time, you should look for a provider that can let you know when the downtime does occur. Certain providers will let you know that there’s an issue with your video surveillance system oftentimes before you even realize there’s an issue. You may not have flawless on-time, but you should expect 100% communication from your provider!  

“With DTiQ, the greatest asset they provide is their team working alongside us, not for us, as if they were part of our organization. When an issue arises at a site, I do not have to hunt down the correct person to assist as there is already likely an email in my inbox notifying me of the issue and the next steps for resolution. The hands-off customer experience allows for my time to be focused on other priorities while I can feel comfortable our camera and monitoring needs are being taken care of by a dedicated team with a simple call or email.”

• Kyle Granskog, IT System Administrator, Five Guys

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7. Limited Scalability

The goal is always to grow your business — after all, who gets into this world to stay stagnant?

This means you want a system that can grow with you. This can look like a video surveillance system that lets you see numerous locations on one screen at any given time, or a solution that can be started up quickly at new locations.

If every time you open a new location it takes 6-8 months to get your video surveillance system up and running, it’s probably not a very scalable partner. And if they’re lacking a way to review footage across locations at ease, you’re going to waste a lot of time trying to do so.

If scalability is your issue, it might be time to switch to a provider that offers better scalability options.

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8. Lack of Support

You’re a franchise owner, or a business owner, or a location manager — or maybe all the above. You don’t have the capacity to add “video surveillance support rep” with all the hats you’re wearing.

And truthfully, you shouldn’t have to.

A good surveillance provider will make it easy for you to access support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. After all, if you’re working then your cameras should also be working.

The big struggle is that no video surveillance solution will admit up front that they aren’t offering support — you typically find out when you need somebody. So what are the red flags to look for when it comes to a lack of support? When shopping, keep your eyes open for:

• The company doesn’t have an in-house customer success team
• The company isn’t available 24/7/365
• Reviews call out the fact their customer success team is unresponsive. Ask other industry experts in your network!

A winning customer success team is like hiring your own winning staff.

What Should You Ask When Evaluating Video Surveillance Systems?

Do the signs have you questioning your surveillance system? Ready to shop around but not sure what to ask?

Here are the top 5 questions you should ask different providers you are evaluating:

• How long does it take to get the new system set up?
• Does the new system require all new cameras?
• Are you able to help me make a seamless switch from [current provider]?
• What is the cost of switching?
• Do you have other customers who can share what their experience working with you has been like? Can I talk to a few of them?

Prepare to Get Shopping for Your New Video Surveillance System

Armed with the signs it’s time to switch and the questions you need to ask, you’re ready to upgrade with ease!

An upgrade of your video surveillance system can unlock new levels of operational excellence, loss prevention, guest experience, and so much more. And while the initial shopping and upgrade may seem daunting, it’ll all be worth it in the long run.

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Need help evaluating your business’ video surveillance needs? We’re here to help. Contact us or book a demo today to see what DTiQ can do for your business.

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Opening a new business for the first time or expanding an existing operation is costly. There are a lot of upfront costs that are a part of it. You want to ensure that every dollar you’re putting into these new items (like your decor, POS, video surveillance, and more) is a dollar well spent — which is why it’s key to understand your entire commercial security camera system beyond just the hardware.

After all, a full understanding will allow you to get a system that can have the most impact on your business, ensuring the most bang for your buck.

This guide is the last guide you’ll need to understand everything around commercial security camera systems.

Psst, are you ready to shop now? Click here to get in touch with DTiQ and learn more about our tailored loss prevention and video surveillance solutions for restaurants, retailers, and C-stores. 

What is a commercial security camera system?

For the sake of this guide, it’s important to have a standard definition of commercial security camera systems.

When we talk about the commercial security camera system, we are referring to the entire video security ecosystem. This includes hardware (your physical cameras, the POS hardware, etc.) and the software (the program that you are running on the hardware to get the most from your video surveillance system).

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What questions should you be asking when shopping for a commercial security camera system?

For those already shopping, let’s jump into one of the most important parts of this guide: the questions you need to ask providers when shopping for a commercial security camera system.

Just like nearly everything nowadays, you have options. You don’t want to purchase the first camera system and hope for the best. You need to compare prices, talk to providers, and see who can meet your needs.

To best compare, here are some of the key questions you should be asking and why (plus, a bonus 12 questions in the free checklist — no email required!).

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Questions about experience and reputation

• How long has the company been in business?
• Do you have any current customers I can talk with about their experience with you?
• Can you share some reviews from your customers?
• What is your experience with multi-location setups?

Questions around customization and scalability:

• Can the system be customized to suit the unique needs of each restaurant location?
• How easily can the system be scaled to accommodate future expansions or additional locations?
• How long does it take to get a new system online?

Questions around camera types and features:

• What types of cameras do you recommend for my environment (indoor/outdoor, dome/bullet, PTZ)?
• What resolution and features do the cameras offer (night vision, motion detection, wide-angle lenses)?
• What types of cameras is your solution compatible with?
• Do you have preferred hardware partners, or is your solution camera agnostic?

Questions around remote monitoring capabilities:

• Is it possible to monitor all restaurant locations remotely?
• What kind of remote access options do you provide for viewing live feeds and recorded footage?

Questions about integrations and integration partners

• Can the video surveillance system integrate with other security systems in place (such as alarm systems)?
• Can the system integrate with my POS system or other management systems possible?
• Is the solution still valuable if I cannot integrate directly with my POS? How do you still provide value?
• Can you expand your integration abilities to accommodate an integration with [insert partner]? Is that on the roadmap?

Questions about video footage storage

• How long can the system store recorded footage, and what storage options are available (local, cloud)?
• What is the process for retrieving and exporting footage for legal or investigative purposes?
• Are there costs associated with long-term storage?
• Are there costs associated with retrieving the footage?

Questions about the installation process of a security or surveillance system

• What is the installation timeline for each location?
• Will the installation disrupt operations, and if so, how can that be minimized?
• Are there installation costs? What are they, if so?
• Who do you require from my team to be on-site for the installation?
• Is there a self-onboarding option?

Questions around training and support:

• Will staff receive training on using the surveillance system?
• What level of customer support is available, and how quickly can issues be addressed?
• Is there a cost associated with different support tiers
• Do I have ongoing support from a customer support manager or other internal resources?
• Is there any type of annual training or review to ensure we are getting the most value from our system?

Questions about camera maintenance and upgrades

• How often is system maintenance required, and what does it entail?
• Are software updates and hardware upgrades included, and how are they managed?
• How long can I expect my hardware to last?
• Is there an offline time when I upgrade my software? How does that impact my offering?

Questions around cost and pricing:

• What is the initial cost for installation and equipment?
• Are there ongoing fees for maintenance, support, or cloud storage?
• Are there additional costs around upgraded software offerings?
• How often do prices increase?
• Is there a discount or package deal for multiple locations?

Taking the time to thoroughly discuss these questions with potential providers will help you make an informed decision and ensure that the chosen video surveillance system meets the unique needs of your restaurant chain.

What goes into a commercial security camera system?

Most commercial security camera systems are made up of a combination of two core elements. These core elements include:

• Your physical hardware: what’s a commercial security camera system without physical cameras? The cameras are the hardware that allows you to keep an eye on what is going on at your store and capture the video.
• Your software: your cameras are only as powerful as the software that you’re using to review what comes through the cameras.  The software allows you to sort footage, store it, organize the footage, and even set up alerts to stay on top of areas of concern.

Physical hardware: what types of commercial security camera systems are there? 

No matter what you’re looking for, there are surveillance cameras out there that fit every business need. Let’s go over the six most common types of commercial security cameras.

1. Dome Cameras

These cameras are dome-shaped and are often used in indoor security applications. They are less obtrusive and provide a discreet surveillance presence. Some dome cameras are designed for outdoor use and are equipped with weather-resistant features.

2. Bullet Cameras 

Bullet cameras get their name from how they look: They are cylindrical, like a bullet, and are commonly used for outdoor surveillance.  They are easily mountable and provide a visible deterrent to potential intruders. They often have a longer range and are suitable for monitoring large areas.

3. PTZ Cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)

These surveillance camera names won’t sweep at the awards for creative naming, but nail it when it comes to names that explain the functionality. PTZ cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom (hence the PTZ name), offering a wide range of coverage. These cameras are remotely controlled, allowing operators to adjust the viewing angle and zoom in on specific areas of interest. PTZ cameras are suitable for large areas where flexible surveillance is needed.

4. Box Cameras:

Looking for something more traditional? Look no further than a box camera. Box cameras are traditional, rectangular-shaped cameras with interchangeable lenses. They are versatile and can be customized for specific monitoring needs. Box cameras are often used in areas where a visible security presence is desired.

5. IP Cameras (Internet Protocol Cameras):

IP cameras use digital technology to transmit video data over an Ethernet network, which is critical if you’re using an NVR system. They are versatile and can be accessed remotely through the internet, and often provide a higher resolution and more features than your standard analog cameras.

6. 360-Degree Cameras:

Again, the functionality of these cameras can be found in the name — your 360-degree cameras provide a complete view of space with a 360-degree field of vision. This makes these cameras perfect for monitoring large areas with fewer blind spots, like in a retail environment.

 

Physical hardware: what should you be looking for? How do you choose?

The joy and burden of having so many options are just that — having so many options. It can seem daunting trying to choose the right kind of camera with a handful of options and dozens of manufacturers.

To help narrow down the decision, here are some questions you can ask yourself that relate specifically to hardware:

Q: What are my security goals and priorities?

A: Identify the main reasons for implementing surveillance, such as theft prevention, employee safety, or monitoring specific areas.

Q: What areas of my business do I need to cover?

A: Determine the specific locations and areas that require surveillance, both indoors and outdoors.

Q: What level of image quality do I need?

A: Consider the resolution required for your surveillance footage. Higher-resolution cameras provide clearer images but may come at a higher cost in terms of storage and bandwidth.

Q: What lighting conditions are present in the areas to be monitored?

 A: Evaluate whether the areas have consistent lighting or if there are variations throughout the day or night. Choose cameras with appropriate low-light or infrared capabilities as needed.

Q: Do I need cameras with audio capabilities?

A: Determine if an audio recording is necessary for your security needs. Some businesses may require sound recording for compliance or additional context, and some states may not allow audio recording.

Q: How much storage capacity do I need?

A: Estimate the amount of storage required based on factors like the number of cameras, resolution, frame rate, and retention period. Consider whether local storage or cloud-based solutions are more suitable.

Q: What type of surveillance system architecture suits my business?

A: Decide between IP (Internet Protocol) cameras and analog cameras, considering factors like scalability, ease of installation, and the need for remote access.

Q: What is my budget for the surveillance system?

A: Determine a budget for both the initial installation and ongoing maintenance. Consider the total cost of ownership, including hardware, software, and any additional infrastructure.

Q: Do I need remote monitoring capabilities?

A: Decide whether you need the ability to monitor your surveillance system remotely. This is important for businesses with multiple locations or for those that require off-site monitoring.

Q: What are the legal and regulatory requirements for surveillance in my industry and location?

A: Ensure that your surveillance system complies with local laws and regulations regarding privacy and surveillance.

Q: What level of system integration do I need?

A: Consider whether you need your surveillance system to integrate with other security systems or business operations for a comprehensive security solution.

Q: What is the expected lifespan of the surveillance equipment?

A: Evaluate the durability and expected lifespan of the cameras and other components to plan for future upgrades or replacements.

Commercial security camera systems software: what should you consider?

If your cameras are the frame of your car, the commercial security camera system software is the engine — it’s what gets the car rolling.

So what do you need for your engine? What should you be looking for when it comes to a software provider for your commercial security camera system?

We went through some of the questions at the beginning, so now let’s go through some of the features you can look for and expect from a high-quality commercial security camera system solution provider.

1. Managed video platform

An easy-to-use managed video platform is arguably the cornerstone of your commercial security camera system solution. After all, you’re not going to want to use the platform if it’s complicated.

A managed video system in the context of video surveillance involves the centralized control and coordination of cameras, recording, and monitoring equipment. It enables efficient storage, retrieval, and analysis of surveillance footage for enhanced security management.

Your managed video platform allows you to leverage a more sophisticated camera setup. Go beyond traditional CCTV security and surveillance with enhanced intelligent video management systems (VMS). You can review customer interactions, gauge employee effectiveness, and further loss prevention within your managed video platform.

DTiQ’s managed video platform

DTiQ’s managed video platform lets you see your store performance from one central place at any time. Some of the key features include:

• Single sign-on access to all stores
• Live and historic video
• Ability to easily share video or pictures with other users
• Archiving of video for permanent video storage
• Camera favorites to see all stores at the same time
• Features such as pan, zoom, and smart motion search
• Browser, iOS, and Android app

2. Alerts, analytics, and reporting

Video surveillance analytics revolutionize business operations, offering valuable insights. Features like people counting optimize store layouts, while facial recognition enhances security by identifying and tracking individuals. This technology goes beyond security, aiding marketing strategies through behavior analysis that tracks customer movements and improves overall satisfaction.

In addition, video surveillance analytics extend to monitoring employee performance, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment. By tracking movements and adhering to safety protocols, businesses can foster a culture of safety. In essence, video surveillance analytics provide actionable data, informing decision-making not only in security but also in optimizing operational workflows and enhancing various facets of business management.

DTiQ’s alerts, analytics, and reporting functionality 

DTiQ’s video analytics offers both current data and historical trend analysis. This valuable information assists staff, store managers, and corporate leadership in recognizing when they are meeting their crucial performance benchmarks, as well as when they are falling short. This insight empowers them to make informed choices aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.

Some areas that DTiQ’s analytic reporting covers:

• Refunds, cleared items, and discounts within the system
• Business reports for sales activity and loss prevention
• Advanced filters and custom reporting for all users
• Loss prevention algorithm to help identify fraud
• Tailored alerts are delivered via push notifications, email, or in-app

3. Remote audits

Did you know that less than 1% of video footage from surveillance is actually watched?

Remote audits mean you can unlock a lot more insights, finding things that may be hidden in that 99% of footage you don’t have time to watch. These audits can focus on areas of concern within your business, like early closings and late openings, theft, customer experience, and more.

DTiQ’s SmartAudit™

With DTiQ’s SmartAudit™ reports, trained experts use advanced algorithms and remote observation to deliver unparalleled insights through more than 28,000 monthly audits.

SmartAudit™ is a customizable ten-question remote audit of each of your locations. Received on a weekly or monthly basis, each business can create a rule-based distribution of findings, ensuring that each member of your team receives the information they need to succeed.

As your business changes and priorities evolve, so can your SmartAudit™ questions.

See more about DTiQ’s SmartAudit™ here.

4. Remote video monitoring

They say “There’s an app for that”, and your video surveillance should be no exception.

Remote video monitoring is the ability to view your live security cameras at any time from any place through a platform or app on your laptop or smartphone.

Having remote video monitoring is key for business owners who want to keep an eye on operations without living in the office. This gives you the ability to see anything happening at any time at any site, and the benefits for owners are endless.

• Flexibility: Remote video monitoring gives owners and operators more flexibility with where and when they do their work.
• Training: Having footage from anywhere available at all times unlocks new training opportunities for staff at every level of your organization

Camera placement: how do you choose where to place cameras in the store?

Without cameras placed strategically, you can guarantee you won’t get what you need from your security camera system. Imagine how useless a camera pointed at the wall would be!

So how do you choose where to place cameras in the stores?

Unfortunately, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. A common theme in this article is how much variation and customization within this space you can tailor––the type of cameras, type of setup, number of cameras, the software you use to run the cameras… and that doesn’t even include what you can customize within the solution itself.

However, we do have tips on how to place your cameras strategically and some areas you want to focus on:

• Exterior doors: You should have security cameras at any entrances and exits to your store or restaurant.
• Points of sale: Whether you have a cash register staffed by an employee, a self-checkout terminal, or a drive-through window, you’ll want security cameras anywhere transactions take place
• Loading dock or back entrance: You should have a camera placed at the location where vendors and suppliers drop off deliveries.
• Parking lot: If your business has a dedicated parking area, you should have exterior cameras to capture foot and vehicle traffic in the lot.
• Employee-only areas: Security cameras can also be helpful in employee breakrooms or storage areas.
• Drive-thru: having eyes throughout all elements of your business helps increase security and actionable feedback.

You can read more on camera placement here.

Camera set up for large-scale deployment versus smaller deployment: hardware requirements

Now that you have all the pieces of the recipe, it’s time to ask yourself the biggest question: how do you put this all together? How do you deploy your commercial security camera system or video surveillance system at your business?

The first important difference is in the size of deployment you need. Let’s break down a few examples of what this looks like.

Small set up

Your small stores require a smaller setup, naturally.

The amount of equipment for this would include:

• 6-8 cameras
• One 360 camera

Medium set up 

A medium store setup may be slightly more complicated than a smaller square footage or simpler layout.

The amount of equipment for this would include:

• 18-24 cameras
• Two 360 cameras

Large scale set up

Your large-scale setups are operations that require you to have more eyes in more places. This can include a retail location with loading docks and a busting back office, QSRs with drive-thrus, kiosks, and order desks you need to keep an eye on, or C-stores with long hours and lots of square footage.

The amount of equipment for this would include:

• 36+ cameras
• Three 360 cameras

Remember that each store is unique––varying from size to size and may require external camera coverage as well. Work with a DTiQ professional to determine your actual needs and ensure you get the most from your video surveillance and commercial security camera system.

Final notes on commercial security camera systems

As your business grows, so will your need for an advanced commercial security system or video surveillance solution. Understanding the different components of a commercial security camera system is what arms you to make the right choice for your business.

Give DTiQ a call or book a demo if you’re ready to level up your commercial security camera system. Our 45,000 locations with 190,000+ active cameras give us the expertise we need to elevate your business performance today.

• Are you a C-store operator? View this free guide on commercial security camera systems for C-stores, no email is required
• View this free guide on guide to camera placement for surveillance and security, no email is required
• Are you a retail operator? View this free guide for a complete guide to specialty retail stores for owners and operators, no email is required

Having some type of security or surveillance set up has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity — which is why an understanding of CCTV is so important for business owners.

CCTV can seem like a buzzword, but it’s actually quite simple once you break it down — which is exactly what we’re going to do in this article.

This article will go over:

• What CCTV is
• How CCTV works
• Types of CCTV cameras
• Why business owners should care about CCTV
• CCTV benefits

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What is CCTV?

CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television. It’s a surveillance system that uses cameras to capture and transmit video signals to a specific set of monitors or recording devices. Unlike traditional television broadcasting, the term “closed-circuit” implies that the video is transmitted through a private, secure system.

How does CCTV work?

A CCTV camera works like a digital eye. It has a lens that captures light, and an inner part called an image sensor turns this light into an electronic signal. The signal can be sent in two ways: through cables to a recorder (analog) or over networks to a computer system (digital).

Once the signal reaches the recorder or computer system, it gets processed and compressed to save space. The final video is stored on the recorder’s hard drive for later viewing. The same video can be watched in real-time on monitors connected to the system.

Modern cameras might have cool features like seeing in the dark (infrared), sensing movement, or even moving (pan, tilt, zoom). Overall, CCTV cameras are like digital eyes that capture and store what’s happening, helping with security and monitoring.

Types of CCTV cameras

There are numerous types of CCTV cameras you can see around. Some of the most popular CCTV cameras include:

• Dome cameras: Named for their dome-like shape, these cameras are often used for more discreet looks — they are both harder to spot and harder to determine where they are focused on
• Bullet cameras: Just like the dome cameras, the bullet cameras are named for their bullet-like shape. These cameras can be mounted on walls or ceilings and are pretty rough-and-tumble, able to function with dirt and dust

• C-mount surveillance cameras: A C-mount camera is a type of surveillance camera that features a C-mount lens interface. The “C” in C-mount refers to the standardized thread type on the camera lens, allowing for the attachment of various lenses depending on the specific surveillance needs.

Why should business owners care about CCTV and video surveillance?

Video surveillance is becoming a cornerstone of a safe and profitable business for numerous reasons, which is why

Some of the arising surveillance and loss prevention risks that are arising, which can be addressed easier through video surveillance solutions, include:

1. Theft

A lot of external factors are contributing to the rise of theft, both internal and external, that businesses are facing. The cost of living rising faster than wages is a huge one — people may become more desperate as they struggle to compete with these rising costs.

Why does surveillance help? An intelligent video surveillance and loss prevention system allows you to keep an eye out for instances of theft with ease.

2. Shrinking profit margins

It’s not just the cost of living that makes people nervous. It’s the cost of everything, including fixed costs in running a business (energy, cost of labor, base food costs, rent, ad more).

Why does surveillance help? Set up audits through your video surveillance system to keep an eye on common areas of loss. If your energy bill is going up, your surveillance system can notify you if lights are left on or freezer doors are left open. If food costs are skyrocketing, review where food is being wasted.

3. Insurance claims/experience claims

The saying is the customer is always right, but what happens when the customer is trying to make a quick buck? This can be through something as small as finessing a free meal (through a complaint that wasn’t valid) or trying to sue through a slip-and-fall that may not have been as accidental as they let on. These incidents can be costly

Why does surveillance help? Surveillance gives you the evidence you need to review if these costly incidents are taking place. Without surveillance in place, incidents can quickly become a “he said/she said” situation where the cost to your reputation or dollars spent fighting the incident is more costly than the payout.

What are some of the advantages CCTV surveillance has for business owners? 5 major benefits to consider

As a business owner, everything you bring into your business needs to be beneficial — there’s too much going on to waste time on anything that isn’t bringing you a benefit or solid ROI.

Luckily, CCTV surveillance (or any video surveillance set up, truthfully) has some major benefits for business owners, making it something you need to investigate ASAP if you aren’t a current video surveillance user.

And if you are, some of the benefits may be unlocked only when you upgrade your system. Which you may also want to investigate ASAP.

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1. Improved security efforts

Back in the day, a physical camera was enough to stop a thief in their tracks — the mere thought of the camera capturing a grainy photo had people changing their petty theft plans.  However, that’s not the case anymore. Not only do you need cameras to physically deter theft, you need them working when the theft takes place.

Security is huge for businesses, and having the equipment to adequately secure your business is arguably the biggest part of security.

This is a huge reason to invest in CCTV or other video surveillance options. The physical cameras can act as a deterrent to potential intruders, and when (inevitably) something happens, you have the cameras

One of the primary reasons to invest in CCTV is to enhance the security of your business premises. Surveillance cameras act as a deterrent to potential intruders or vandals. The presence of visible cameras can discourage criminal activities and protect your assets.

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2. Proactive loss prevention

You know the example we talked about above around theft and shrinking profit margins? Having a loss prevention system in place is one of the largest ways to tackle theft and shrinking profit margins.

But you’re shooting in the dark without CCTV or another video surveillance system to catch the moments of loss.

CCTV and video surveillance technologies provide a vigilant set of electronic eyes that monitor and record activities within and around a business premises, acting as a powerful deterrent to potential thieves and vandals. The mere presence of visible cameras can significantly reduce the likelihood of criminal activities, as individuals are less inclined to engage in illicit behavior when they know they are being watched.

CCTV systems offer real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing business owners to keep a constant eye on their operations even when they are not physically present. This enables swift response to any suspicious activities or incidents, minimizing the potential for losses. In the event of a theft or vandalism, recorded footage serves as valuable evidence for law enforcement and insurance purposes, aiding in the identification and apprehension of perpetrators

3. Employee productivity

Believe it or not, a modern CCTV or video surveillance system can actually help to monitor employee productivity — talk about getting your bang for your buck on dollars put towards labor.

No manager can sit and watch their store 24/7. A CCTV or video surveillance system works two-fold when it comes to boosting employee productivity.

• “Eye in the sky”: Your staff will not be always at 100%, but the idea that a camera can catch them will definitely get them closer to that 100% mark. Knowing they could potentially get caught is enough to keep some staff more on track
• Measurable productivity: A smart CCTV or video surveillance system can measure your employee productivity through reporting.

Pro tip: An intelligent CCTV or video surveillance system, like DTiQ, can create audits that summarize what your cameras are seeing, including things around employee productivity. You can get an overview of some harder-to-measure areas of productivity, like phone use.

4. Actionable insights

CCTV systems can provide valuable insights into the daily operations of your business. You can observe customer behavior, track popular areas, and make informed decisions about store layout or product placements.

It’s also hard to improve things you aren’t measuring. Without intelligent video surveillance or a CCTV system in place, it’s impossible to keep your eyes on everything happening. You can measure things like time in line, wait times at drive-thru, foot traffic, wait times, and more with CCTV — and by measuring it, you can improve it.

5. Evidence

Unfortunately, things will go wrong at your business at some point. Whether it’s a bad customer experience, internal theft, or somebody using a saw to cut down a wall and get into your business for cash (it happens!), you need video evidence to deal with these situations.

In case of incidents such as accidents, disputes, or security breaches, CCTV footage serves as valuable evidence. This evidence can be crucial for investigations, insurance claims, and legal matters.

CCTV and video surveillance: keeping your business safe

In summary, investing in CCTV for your business offers a comprehensive and effective way to enhance security, reduce losses, monitor operations, and provide evidence in case of incidents. It’s a valuable tool for safeguarding your business assets and ensuring a safe and secure environment for both employees and customers.

Want help figuring out the right video surveillance and loss prevention solution for your business? Get in touch or book a demo with DTiQ and see how we power 190,000+ cameras nationwide.

Shopping for a video surveillance system can seem daunting, especially when so many options out there sound technical — some people find themselves questioning a DVR (digital video recorder) vs. NVR (network video recorder) video setup and immediately want to shut down.

Luckily, a DVR vs. NVR set up isn’t as technical as it sounds.

In this article, we’ll break it all down for you, including:

• What a DVR and NVR are
• The key differences between these two video set ups
• How to evaluate which of these set ups, if either of them, is right for surveillance for your business

Let’s dive in.

TL;DR? Check out this summary on DVR vs. NVR

What is a DVR?

A DVR, or digital video recorder, is an electronic device that records, stores, and plays back video footage. It is commonly employed in surveillance and security systems to capture and retain camera video data. DVRs can be analog or digital and are designed to work with different types of cameras, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

The DVR encodes video signals into a digital format for storage, manages the storage of recorded video, and provides the ability to retrieve and view footage later. DVRs are equipped with various features such as motion detection, scheduled recording, and remote access, allowing users to monitor and manage their video recordings efficiently.

What are the pros and cons of a DVR system?

Like anything in life, there are both pros and cons to a DVR system.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: A DVR system is a more cost-effective option than NVR systems
• Compatible with older technology: If you want security without investing in new cameras, a DVR system may be the way to go. DVRs are designed to work seamlessly with analog cameras, which you may have if there are existing cameras in place.
• Ease of use: DVR systems are typically straightforward to set up and manage, making them suitable for users who prioritize simplicity in their surveillance solutions.
• Stability: Since a DVR runs on your local network, there is more stability and less of a risk of downtime

Cons:

• Less scalability/flexibility: It is hard to scale a DVR video system rapidly due to the systems needing more intricate wiring
• Lower video resolution: You won’t get the video quality you’re looking for if you want an HD option. DVRs typically have lower resolution than an IP camera.
• Fewer advanced features: DVRs are older school technology, meaning there are less options for analytic integrations or integrations with other modern technologies

What is an NVR?

Just like a DVR, a network video recorder (NVR) is a specialized device employed in video surveillance systems to capture, store, and manage digital video footage from IP cameras.

However, unlike traditional DVRs designed for analog cameras, NVRs are tailored for the digital era. They work seamlessly with IP cameras that transmit video data over a network. The core functionality of an NVR revolves around its ability to receive, process, and store high-quality digital video streams, enabling users to monitor and review surveillance footage with ease.

What are the pros and cons of an NVR system?

Just like a DVR, an NVR isn’t the perfect solution in every situation. Here are the pros and cons of an NVR system.

Pros:

• High-Resolution Support––NVR systems are optimized for IP cameras, which often provide higher resolution images compared to analog cameras, leading to improved video quality.
• Flexible Connectivity––NVRs connect to cameras through Ethernet cables or wireless networks, offering more flexibility in camera placement and reducing the need for extensive cabling.
• Scalability––NVR systems are highly scalable, allowing users to easily add or remove IP cameras as needed without major infrastructure changes, making them suitable for growing installations.
• Advanced Features––NVRs typically support advanced features such as remote viewing over the internet, intelligent video analytics, and integration with other network devices for enhanced functionality.
• Centralized Management–– NVRs provide centralized management of video data, making it easier to control and monitor the entire surveillance system from a single interface.

Cons:

• Cost––NVR systems can be more expensive than DVR systems, particularly when considering the higher cost of IP cameras and the additional networking equipment required.
• Dependency on Network Stability––The performance of NVR systems is heavily reliant on network stability. Any issues with the network can impact video streaming and system responsiveness.
• Potential Bandwidth Issues––High-resolution video streams from multiple IP cameras can consume significant bandwidth, potentially causing congestion and affecting other network activities.
• Complex Setup––Setting up an NVR system may be more complex than a DVR system, especially for users who are not familiar with networking concepts.
• Compatibility Concerns––While NVRs are designed for IP cameras; compatibility issues may arise when integrating with cameras from different manufacturers or with varying specifications.

What is the difference between a DVR and an NVR?

The biggest difference between a DVR system and an NVR system is how they communicate and transmit video data — essentially, how the video system talks with the rest of the system.

But there are some larger differences that are important to review as well.

DVRs are typically a part of an analog surveillance system, which is the more “traditional” surveillance system people think of. DVRs receive the video from their analog cameras, which then is stored. DVRs can handle both. It’s important to note that a DVR-based surveillance system has some restraints due to its more traditional set up — larger installations will be less flexible since it involves additional wiring and larger scale changes.

On the other hand, NVRs are designed to work seamlessly with IP cameras, which transmit digital video signals over a network. NVRs are connected to cameras through Ethernet cables or wireless connections. Also, unlike DVRs, NVRs rely on cameras for video processing, focusing on the storage and retrieval of digital content.

Because NVRs leverage IP cameras, installation and scaling can be more flexible for many — you aren’t having to add wiring. With NVRs, you can also benefit from other features that go beyond surveillance, like remote viewing, intelligent video analytics, or other integrations over your network.

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DVR vs NVR. Doing what’s right for your business

So, what’s the best surveillance system for your business? A DVR or an NVR surveillance system?

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as picking A or B. As outlined, both options have pros and cons — upfront cost, scalability, and more. It boils down to what makes the most sense for your exact business needs.

But you don’t need to make that decision alone. Reach out to DTiQ today to discuss your business video surveillance needs. Our team of experts will help make the decision easier, with 45,000+ locations succeeding using DTiQ today.

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