Business security is an important issue and CCTV security systems can play a vital role in preventing crime, keeping workplaces safe, and improving the productivity of staff. However, every business has different requirements, which is why bespoke security solutions are almost always preferable to “one-size-fits-all” solutions.

A 2020 IDC forecast predicted a compound annual growth rate of almost 13% for the following five years, with CCTV cloud storage as one of the key drivers of this growth. Cloud technology has allowed providers to offer video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) and the scalability is ideal for more bespoke security solutions. In this article, we explore why your business needs a bespoke security strategy.

The Need for Security Solutions 

Businesses need video surveillance and security systems for a variety of different reasons, but perhaps the most obvious one is to keep premises, people, and vehicles safe. The presence of CCTV cameras has been shown to help prevent crimes such as car theft, while most former burglars admit that CCTV is a deterrent that prevents break-ins.

The presence of a security system can help staff members feel safer in the workplace, especially in shops and other workplaces that receive regular visits from customers. CCTV can also deter staff members from stealing equipment, can help boost productivity, and can provide evidence in instances where crimes occur.

Meanwhile, CCTV cloud recordings can play a significant role in reducing or eliminating many problematic workplace behaviors. For instance, if employees know they are being recorded, and they know the footage will be easily accessible in the future, it can help prevent problems like bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace.

The Benefits of Cloud Security 

CCTV cloud storage offers several benefits over the older approach of storing data on hard drives that were usually kept on-site. For starters, data that is stored in the cloud is not at risk of being lost in the event of data corruption, accidental damage, accidental overwrites, and other problems that could cause loss of footage.

Using VSaaS solutions, it becomes possible to access footage remotely, on-demand, and even in real-time. This means a business owner can monitor the CCTV system in their workplace, even if they are on the other side of the world, as long as they have a compatible internet-enabled device and an internet connection.

As outlined in a previous ISA Interchange blog post, one of the major advantages of switching to a cloud-based system is the ability to consolidate data from multiple different CCTV cameras, even if they are located at different premises or branches. Bringing all footage to one location then makes management easier.

The initial investment in a security system is greatly reduced when using CCTV cloud recording because service providers oversee actually managing the data. This then reduces your staff costs and can help to save space in the workplace. Cloud services usually operate on a subscription model, making all costs predictable too.

Why You Need a Bespoke Strategy 

While there are clear advantages to moving towards a VSaaS model, it is also important to find a service provider that will work with your business to identify your specific needs. From there, you can collaborate to devise a bespoke security strategy that achieves what you want it to, at a scale and price point that suits you.

Bespoke options are the way to go for business security because no two businesses are the same. With simple, off-the-shelf solutions, you are likely to pay for security elements you do not need or will not really use. By contrast, with VSaaS, you can pick and choose the elements you need, and you only pay for what you use.

Cloud security service providers will typically make their offerings scalable, with the option to increase the amount of storage space you need or the number of security cameras you want to use as you go. This means changes can be easily made as your requirements shift, or as you open new premises.

With VSaaS, you are also able to pass on some of the responsibility for data compliance to the service provider. You will need to check your local laws and regulations to ensure you are complying, but much of the work required to adhere to data protection legislation can be handled by the cloud service provider, rather than you having to handle it all in-house.

Conclusion 

Security is a key focus area in most businesses, and CCTV can be invaluable when it comes to reducing crime, keeping employees safe, eliminating unwanted or problematic behavior in the workplace, and providing evidence if a crime is committed on-site. However, it is important to have a bespoke strategy.

The rise of cloud-based security solutions has helped businesses because service providers generally allow their services to be customized. This then not only improves data protection and allows CCTV footage to be accessed remotely, but it can also allow services to be upgraded or downgraded in the future as requirements change.