Why You Should Invest in a Security Camera System for Your Retail Business
You hear the word "camera," and the first thing that might come to a few people's minds is a breach of privacy. Yes, we 100% agree with this but add the word "security" behind it, and you have got yourself a foolproof system that protects you and your retail business.
Nowadays, security cameras have become the norm. They can be found everywhere, from homes to offices, malls, and the streets. Their only purpose: to keep an eye out for any crime that takes place on your property.
Before you go running to an appliance store and buy yourself a security camera, we suggest you first read what we have to say and then make your decision.
Why?
We are glad you asked because when the customer service representative starts throwing around words like IP cameras, analog cameras, NVR, and DVR, you will have a hard time wrapping your mind around the information.
You probably went into the store with the intent of buying a CCTV camera and are now left standing baffled as to what’s what. The good news is that we have carefully compiled all the data you will need to make an informed decision. So, before we talk about the benefits of having a security camera for your system, let’s talk about how to choose one:
Analog Camera (BNC) vs. IP Camera (Digital)
If you are a fan of crime TV shows or dramas, you have probably seen the following scene hundreds of times:
A group of policemen and women are gathered around a TV and watching surveillance footage of a crime last night. In the midst of it, one of the policemen says, "Wait! Zoom in a little on the right-hand corner. Enhance the image!” Miraculously, the blurry and grainy footage clears, and what looked like a human being becomes crystal clear. With the culprit's identity now known, they catch the perp, and the case is closed.
Well, that's a load of fiction. Cameras don't work like magic. The more the footage from the analog camera is enhanced, the blurrier it gets.
However, this doesn't mean all is lost. This might have been possible if the analog camera was an IP camera. The image quality wouldn't have been that poor, and the chances of getting a slow or broken connection would be nil.
The IP train is a bit costly but well worth the high price tag!
Defining IP and Analog Camera
An IP (Internet Protocol) camera is a digital video camera similar to a webcam. It transmits data and receives it over the internet. Unlike an ordinary security camera, such as an analog that uses BNC video cable technology, an IP camera is a single unit with its individual IP address that only requires an online connection to transfer images. Its connection is the same as any standard network device like a laptop or printer.
So, how do analog cameras and IP cameras differ?
Well, think of an analog camera as an eye. This eye takes visuals, and that's it. To make this eye useful, it needs a connection. This is where a DVR recorder comes in. Known as the brain of the system, the DVR receives the visuals through a coaxial cable and stores them to be viewed later. You can connect up to 32 cameras on a standard DVR, but they will all need to be connected to your business through a wire.
Where analog is just the eye, IP is the eye with a fully functioning brain. Meaning: The IP camera takes visuals, processes the information, and sends it digitally to the recorder through a Cat6 or Cat5e Ethernet cable. Since an IP camera uses NVR, it can support around 128 cameras.
DVR vs. NVR
You are familiar with the two most common types of cameras. Now, let's look at how they signal visuals to be processed.
When looking for a security camera system, you have to choose between two recorders: DVR and NVR. They both have the same function to process information but differ in the camera types used.
The Basics
DVR and NVR record videos. Digital Video Recorder or DVR processes the video at the recorder. On the other hand, NVR, also known as Network Video Recorder, encodes the data and processes the video at the camera. The video is then streamed to the recorder, where it is stored for remote viewing.
Since NVR and DVR handle data differently, their camera specification differs too. Most NVRs use IP cameras, and DVRs use analog cameras. One of the biggest and most noticeable differences between these two recorders is that DVR is wired, whereas NVR is both wired and wireless.
The Difference
DVR
1 coaxial cable with BNC connector and 1 power cable with every camera
Coaxial cable is fatter, larger, harder to thread, and has a complicated installation system
Each camera needs to be connected to a power source, which makes the installation messier
NVR
1 PoE cable or Ethernet for power, audio, and video and an RJ56 connector with every camera
Ethernet cable is slimmer and smaller, and easier to install
Direct power from NVR, eliminating any need for wall sockets
Comparison
Now we come to the good part! Armed with all the information, you can now easily decide which camera to choose. To nudge you a little bit more towards the obvious option, which is an IP camera, here are a couple of comparisons between the two camera types:
Media Transmission
An analog camera operates over a BNC cable, whereas an IP camera works via ethernet cables or wireless connections. IP cameras are a practical and affordable security solution in areas where wiring can be expensive.
Video Quality
The video quality of IP cameras is way better than analog cameras. Moreover, they have zoom capabilities, making them better for detecting small objects and facial recognition.
Resolution
The resolution of digital cameras is 20 times better than analog cameras. The resolution range of an IP camera is between 1.3 megapixels and 12 megapixels, and the resolution of an analog camera is between 420 pixels and 700 pixels.
Installation
Since analog cameras must be connected via wires, they require more cable. For example, one cable is required for movements such as zoom, pan, and tilt, one cable is required for audio and another for video, and so on. IP cameras can control all functions with just one cable.
PoE Capabilities
An IP camera can be powered using an Ethernet cable, eliminating electrical wires. An analog camera does not offer this option.
Distance
An analog camera sends video over a distance of 1.5 kilometers to 300 meters. However, the farther the range, the lower the clarity! An IP camera sends video over 100 meters using Ethernet, and with an IP network, the range is unlimited.
Security
The data from an IP camera is encrypted, so it cannot be breached. However, an analog camera's feeds can be intercepted and physically stolen.
Manageability
IP cameras allow you to stream remotely and different images simultaneously. The system to which the camera is connected will also message your phone if unauthorized motion is detected in your retail store.
Expandability
Since an IP camera offers more connection and their cabling requirement is less complex, they are expandable. You can leverage your current infrastructure to make the switch to IP cameras.
Reliability
The more reliable the network, the better the IP camera will work. Compared to analog cameras, IP cameras have a short history of reliability. However, other factors of the latter outweigh the former.
Cost
And we finally come to the elephant in the room: the cost.
Of course, with so many amazing features, an IP camera is more expensive than an analog camera. However, if you factor in the cost of labor, cabling, and recording equipment, you will find that the former is cheaper.
10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Security Camera System
Increases Overall Safety
Did you know businesses are four times more likely to get burglarized than a house? The biggest advantage of having a security camera system in your retail store is preventing break-ins and crimes. In addition, it allows you to catch shoplifters.
2. Prevents Fraud
Let's say that a customer comes up to you and says that a product they bought from your store yesterday expired, yet you still had it on the shelf. The customer does not have the receipt but swears they purchased the product from you. They threaten to sue you for damages unless you settle with their quoted amount. Your CCTV camera comes in handy in such scenarios. All you have to do is watch the tape from yesterday and see whether the customer came to your store and bought the product they claim has expired.
3. Prevents Employee Theft
Customers are not the only thieves roaming in your store. Even employees indulge a little when a new inventory comes in. A camera in the basement and blind spots can help you put an end to this.
4. Protects Against Burglary
Broken windows and kicked-in doors can cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs. A camera installed in the right place will help you prevent burglaries and allow you to prove to the insurance company that you are making a legal claim.
5. Ensures Customer Safety
A good security camera system shows the customers that you care about their safety. This will increase your business’s overall perception.
6. Improves Outdoor Security for Employees
If you have late shifts at your store, a security camera in your parking lot can keep your employees safe by ensuring they reach their vehicles.
7. Increases Sales
Let's say that your new product isn't doing so well. You have done your research, and the results revealed that people would happily buy what you sell. You can find the answer to your problem in your CCTV footage. One of the most important things to a business's sales is customer traffic patterns. They help determine how people shop. Your inventory might not be in the right place, thus hiding it from customers who don't go beyond the first aisle. By clocking the patterns of your customers, you can increase sales and improve your business’s bottom line.
8. Scalable and Cost-Effective
One of the benefits of an IP camera is that it’s scalable. As your business grows, your security needs will increase. An IP camera will easily allow you to install additional cameras without any cabling cost.
9. Reduces the Cost of Additional Security Personnel
A security guard at your front gate will be all you need to keep the entrance of your store safe. The IP cameras will handle the rest.
10. Monitors Customer Transactions
There are a lot of Karens out there who like to create a fuss over nothing. If an employee comes across one, they can show the police what happened.
Conclusion
Choosing a camera should be solely your decision but make sure to hire a professional for installation. They will assess the needs of your retail business and then determine the right places where the CCTV cameras should be mounted. This will help improve efficiency and give you the peace of mind that your business is protected from burglars and thefts.
Visit the website Motion VOIP to get IP cameras installed for your retail business. Our staff specializes in making businesses, hotels, and resorts technology savvy by offering modern security solutions. To get in touch with us, call (217) 331-6670.
Your business thrives on the sales it makes. So, don’t let thieves and frauds mess with your success, and install an IP camera on your business’s premises now!