THE FIRETIDE BLOG

Does your business need wireless video surveillance?

Sep 25, 2015

2015-08-05 Wireless Mesh Neighborhoods.jpgThese days, it’s difficult to go anywhere without having a watchful eye over your shoulder. Now, all types of businesses and organizations have video surveillance in place, and not just for the reasons you might think.

According to a MarketsandMarkets report, the overall video surveillance market is on pace to reach a value of $42.06 billion within the next five years. As more companies invest in video surveillance technology – increasingly utilizing wireless connectivity to support these systems – the market will feel the effects.

But when is it time to consider implementing such technology within a business? Let’s take a look at a few reasons why wireless video surveillance is a considerable benefit for today’s organizations, as well as which industries are most heavily relying on these solutions.

Why is surveillance needed?
There are several reasons to install a wireless video surveillance system, including for security. However, this technology is not just about watching out for criminals and capturing crime on tape, although this is definitely a clear advantage. In addition to boosting overall security, there are several other situations that call for video surveillance, including:

  • Monitor expensive assets: Sometimes, a simple lock and key is not enough to thwart criminal or suspicious activity when it comes to considerably expensive items. In other cases, these assets could include machinery or other large equipment that physically cannot be locked away. Instead of leaving these items out in the open with the hope that no harm will come to them, it can be helpful to have a video surveillance system in place. This allows businesses to keep an eye on their expensive assets, even when they are too large to keep indoors.
  • Keep an eye on employees: While all managers would like to think employees are putting forth their all, throughout of the day, this is sometimes not the case. Wireless surveillance can be a considerable boon when bosses need to better supervise their staff. Not only can these systems encourage productivity, but they can also help resolve any worker disputes that might come up.
  • Watch even when you’re away: Wireless video surveillance isn’t just for when managers are on the business’s premises. Many solutions also enable users to access the feeds when they’re off-site. In this way, supervisors can ensure tasks are being carried out in their absence and that the location is safe and secure.
  • An eye in the sky for events: When people gather in large numbers, there always the possibility that something could go wrong. This doesn’t only mean crime or attacks, this could also include injuries or other instances. When crowds form, it can also be difficult for event staff to keep up – it’s nearly impossible to have boots on the ground in every location that might need to be monitored without a considerably large staff. When it is not feasible to have this many workers monitoring the event, a video surveillance solution can help fill the gaps. This way, security workers can keep a better eye on all corners of the event site, and they also have a record to refer to should something go wrong.
  • Bolster reputation: While all these are considerable benefits, there is also something to be said about the mere presence of a video surveillance system. Visible cameras and other equipment can serve as a deterrent for criminal activity and can improve an organization’s image.
    “The presence of a security system shows your customers that you care about their security and can improve their shopping experience,”  The Security Girl noted.

What industries are using video surveillance?
Businesses across several different sectors are now utilizing video surveillance for the reasons listed above, as well as for other purposes. Icon Voice Networks noted that there are a number of different industries that can benefit from surveillance, such as:

  • Retail locations and malls: These were some of the first adopters of video surveillance technology, putting cameras in place to monitor different store departments, dressing room lobbies and checkout areas. Many stores will also use video surveillance to monitor inventory and employee areas as well.
  • Car dealerships: This is one case where the assets of the company cannot easily be locked away. Because these dealers have to leave much – if not all – of their inventory outdoors, video solutions can be helpful to monitor the lot as well as indoor office areas.
  • Manufacturing and industrial automation: Organizations working with heavy machinery such as those in manufacturing and industrial automation can also benefit from surveillance. In many cases, these systems are put in place to watch over equipment as well as workers to ensure safety.
  • Schools: Many educational institutions have video surveillance in place as well, particularly those with large campuses. Colleges and universities typically use these solutions in classroom buildings as well as dormitories and other common areas.
  • Health care institutions: A number of hospitals, nursing homes and doctor’s offices utilize video surveillance to keep an eye on patients and help ensure the security of the expensive medical equipment and medication stored on-premises.

Why wireless makes the most sense
While there are still organizations that utilize hard-wired surveillance systems, many of these solutions are being replaced or supplemented with wireless mesh technology. A wireless mesh network not only eliminates the complexities and expenses involved with laying and installing wires, but can offer more reliable support for high-quality video feeds. In the event that one node in the system goes down, the solution is able to self-heal and utilize the other remaining nodes to put up the slack. This ensures that connectivity never fails.

To find out more about how a wireless mesh network-supported surveillance system can benefit your company, contact Firetide today.


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