Have you ever wondered why you view video surveillance as a grudge spend? As a South African fuel station owner, you might have faced challenges with your video surveillance system, preventing it from achieving the expected goals of a security solution. These shortcomings have not only cost you but also contributed to the negative perception of video surveillance as a grudge spend. Let’s delve into the reasons behind these failures and how proper design and deployment can turn your video surveillance system into a profit generator.
Design and Deployment Shortcomings
One major reason for the failure of video surveillance systems in South African fuel stations is the lack of proper design and deployment. This can lead to blind spots, inadequate coverage of critical areas like pumps, cash registers, and parking lots, and poor image quality due to outdated equipment and lack of maintenance. These issues can hinder the effectiveness of the surveillance system, preventing it from deterring criminal activities and providing evidence for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Why are we still investing in video surveillance?
Despite these shortcomings, fuel station owners still invest in video surveillance as it is viewed as the responsible thing to do. Customers have the precedent to sue the facility if it doesn’t reasonably provide for their security and safety. However, this need not be the case. With proper design and deployment, video surveillance systems can be transformed into profit areas.
Many fuel station owners may ignore this advice, because they may already have video surveillance systems in place and believe they are following the necessary advice and regulations.
What does the evidence show?
However, the evidence suggests that not all fuel station owners are following the best practices for video surveillance. There are frequent reports of incidents where fuel station owners have not followed the advice given to them, resulting in security breaches and criminal activities going undetected. For example, some fuel stations have not updated their surveillance systems to cover all critical areas, such as pumps, cash registers, approaches to the convenience store, and areas behind the fuel station, and parking lots. This can lead to a lack of evidence for insurance claims or legal proceedings. With CS mount box cameras now somewhat out of style, owners even degrade their quality of surveillance with cheap and readily available home diy cameras, that offer nothing more than detection, in areas where you need clarity and identification – like the forecourt, cash points and others.
How can we easily correct these failings and start increasing profit?
To achieve a surveillance transformation, fuel station owners should partner with CCTV companies that go beyond being camera installers. These companies should use data and risk analysis, coupled with knowledge of the specific business risks, to design and deploy a comprehensive video surveillance system. This system should not only keep an eye on the pumps but also monitor the store, providing remote viewing and high-definition cameras to deter shoplifters and aid in their prosecution and specifically address the other real risks faced by these facilities.
Investing in a new security system is necessary for the protection of your business and customers. Modern surveillance systems offer remote viewing and monitoring of the entire fuel station, which can help you keep tabs on your gas station even when you’re not physically there. Moreover, high-definition cameras can deter shoplifters and aid in their prosecution, contributing to your bottom line.
Why should we?
In conclusion, a comprehensive video surveillance system can save you money and prevent issues in the long run. By working with experienced security professionals, you can design and implement a system that covers all critical areas and is regularly maintained and updated. This will not only improve the safety and security of your customers and employees but also turn your video surveillance system from a grudge spend into a profit generator.
