Security is not expensive. It’s invaluable. Another set of eyes is never a bad thing when it comes to keeping critical business assets safe. Make sure your surveillance capabilities are up to date and performing at their fullest potential. Here’s what to expect during a video security audit conducted by DSI’s surveillance specialists.
The Anatomy of a Video Security Audit
A physical security audit for a video system is much like other assessments which DSI specialists perform. We’ll take a look at what’s there, what should be there, and how to align technology with need.
1. Discovery of current infrastructure.
Already got security cameras installed? Great. DSI security experts will take a look at the current hardware and software configurations a business is currently using.
Likewise, since video security dovetails nicely with other forms of intrusion detection, the assessment will inventory and consider all security measures already being implemented on the ground. These provide additional context and support for a strategic video security deployment.
2. Analyze goals and needs.
Just because video security is deployed doesn’t mean it’s deployed to its fullest potential. Following the initial discovery, the assessment takes a look at current needs and future goals for the organization’s overall security plan. In particular, specialists pay attention to features such as:
· High-traffic areas
· Location of critical assets
· Product placement
· Points of access
· Ideal vantage points
· Analytics or other advanced capabilities
Every security landscape is different. DSI will spend time methodically and comprehensively identifying what goals and needs exist within a space.
3. Develop a deployment strategy targeting identified areas of improvement.
Comparing and contrasting needs and goals with what currently exists allows security experts to identify the blind spots within an existing security framework. A team of skilled professionals will develop a strategy based on the discoveries of the video security audit. Video surveillance will become a supporting measure which augments the entire protection system.
Analyzing Costs: Implementation vs. a Disaster
Security isn’t cheap, but it’s much more cost effective than dealing with a breach. Last year, IBM estimated that the average data breach costs an organization $3.86 million over the entire course of the breach. It takes on average nine months to identify, contain, and rectify the incident. Following that, a company may face fines, lawsuits, lost business, and a damaged reputation which affects earnings in the long run.
That’s assuming the company even survives the breach. Over 60 percent of small and midsize businesses will fail within six months of having data or other company assets stolen.
Likewise, video surveillance exists for more reasons than simply ensuring the wrong people don’t get inside a facility. It also helps prevent costly accidents from incorrectly followed safety procedures. The average cost of a workers compensation settlement is around $22,000. That’s the equivalent of the average price of 12 to 15 professionally installed video surveillance systems.
An ounce of prevention really is worth several thousand dollars of treatment. Video surveillance doesnÂ’t stop a disaster, but well-deployed cameras will spot it well ahead of time.
The Benefits of a Well-Rounded Security Implementation
A modern, cutting-edge video surveillance system has numerous advantages. It’s much more than just a series of cameras connected to a series of computer screens. Surveillance technology enables:
Visitor Vetting
Video surveillance helps security professionals vet visitors through the use of intercom systems and video. Find out who’s at the front door and why before giving them access to critical areas of the building.
Operations Management
Keep track of production processes, foot traffic, and product to ensure that operations flow smoothly. Video systems are deployed for an array of creative uses, ranging from retail product placement to quality assurance and managing loading dock traffic.
Real-Time Emergency Data
The ability to respond to any situation immediately is a powerful capability, and it’s one which may potentially save lives. Real-time emergency data makes coordination and response times tighter.
Security Analytics
Security advancements have gotten pretty futuristic. It’s no longer unheard of or even unreasonable to expect to see things like deep analytics and artificial intelligence applied to surveillance. Do more with the raw footage captured: analyze behaviors and be better prepared for next time.
Workplace Safety
Video systems prevent more than unauthorized access. Actual footage supports training, procedure refinement, and documentation purposes for workplace safety.
Spot Trouble Ahead of Time with DSI
Security advancements have made video systems more versatile, with a greater degree of applications and capabilities which augment other efforts to keep operations safe, secure, and functioning smoothly. Long gone are the days when a video security system existed on its own. Video surveillance is now one prong of an integrated security strategy.
Ready to leverage video surveillance to its full potential? Contact the specialists at DSI today for a free video security audit of your video surveillance system.
Jocelyn Gorman, the Executive Vice President of DSI, possesses a deep understanding of the unique requirements of growing businesses. With over a decade of experience collaborating with clients across various industries, she closely collaborates with her Sales Team to develop and implement tailored technology solutions. These solutions aim to enhance office productivity and minimize operational costs. Her remarkable ability to effectively address business challenges has garnered recognition from prestigious publications such as the Cannata Report and Family Business Magazine.
