Improvements in security technology have made us safer now than ever before, yet many businesses still aren’t using these systems adequately, or even at all.
The first padlocks were invented by the Roman Empire back around 500 BC, while the modern combination lock came into being in the 1860s. Since then, security technology has continued to improve. We’ve obviously come a long way from locking our goods behind wooden doors and heavy beams. Unfortunately, many businesses still aren’t utilizing these improvements in security—often relying on standard locksets, barricades, and other out-of-date solutions.
Today, modern security solutions flood the market and remain easily available to almost anyone, which means there’s next to no excuse to not take advantage of affordable video surveillance systems that provide more protection than a locked door ever could.
Traditional Video Surveillance
While the earliest forms of video surveillance were used in the early 1920s, via closed-circuit television (CCTV), the technology didn’t become commonplace until the 1970s thanks to the development of video cassette recorders. As a result, banks and stores began installing security cameras to keep their businesses safe from criminal activity. Within two decades, the development of digital recording replaced tape recording and afforded greater opportunity to record, store, and review security footage.
Modern Video Surveillance
These days, most video security systems are installed to begin recording whenever motion is detected. That’s a great start, but many of these systems ignore the fact that not all motion events are created equal.
Furthermore, some systems don’t allow users to filter data for easy access to specific attributes like gender, shirt color, and more. Improvements in modern surveillance technology also afford businesses the opportunity to take advantage of facial recognition and artificial intelligence (AI) for greater protection.
What does that mean for you?
Hypothetically, let’s say someone stole something from your business last night. Your employee says the robber was wearing a dark blue shirt—maybe purple—and can’t remember the exact time of the incident, but thinks it was between 9:00 and 10:00 at night. For now, you’re busy reviewing an hour’s worth of footage and making note of every character in a blue or purple shirt. Could be one person, could be 20.
Had you installed updated video surveillance systems from TCI, you’d be able to set your system to take a high-definition snapshot anytime a person came inside. From there, you’d be able to filter and sort by color to identify a more specific pool of potential individuals to look out for or report to local authorities.
More Than Simple Security
For many, the word “surveillance” is synonymous with “security.” While security is, or should be, the main idea, video surveillance can also be used for video analytics—allowing users to gain additional valuable insights from recorded data.
According to Security Magazine, businesses have used video data to enhance store layout and improve foot traffic. Others have used their data to improve sales by adjusting business hours and optimizing staff scheduling.
In any event, modern video surveillance isn’t just about increased security—it’s about improving all aspects of your business while protecting the people and goods inside of it from almost anywhere in the world.
Why TCI?
Keeping your business safe is our top priority, and we make it possible by offering a comprehensive suite of on-premise and cloud-based security solutions tailored to your needs.
From video surveillance technologies that allow you to monitor areas, people, and things of interest to smart products that restrict or permit admission to specific buildings, rooms, or areas, we’ve got the experience and expertise you want when working with a security partner.
Ready to make the change? Contact the experts at TCI at (757) 490-7733 to take advantage of reliable security services today.