Why Are Security Cameras Important for My Business?
By Randy Allen
Recent technological advances have improved security camera performance and quality across the board. Utilizing commercial security cameras helps protect your assets, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency in every business. Continue reading to discover the multifaceted benefits of business security cameras.
Addressing Regional Crime Risks for Business Security
New Mexico ranks first among all states for violent crime, while Colorado holds the seventh position. As such, installing commercial security cameras brings business owners like you peace of mind and a secure environment for personal belongings, business property, and employee safety.
Violent crime is a significant concern for facilities, with aggravated assault ranking highest in both New Mexico and Colorado, closely followed by robberies. In terms of vehicle-related crimes, auto theft is noteworthy; it ranks fifth in New Mexico and second in Colorado. Since this region experiences a considerable amount of crime, having security measures such as surveillance systems on your property is invaluable.
Real-World Success: How Security Cameras Prevent Theft and Enhance Safety
A local car dealership faced a significant issue, being targeted monthly by individuals who would enter the lot, jack up vehicles, and steal the wheels and tires. Each morning, they discovered new cars sitting on blocks. Seeking a solution, they contacted us.
Our team at Next Level implemented a comprehensive security system, starting with multi-sensor cameras capable of 360-degree views and equipped with multiple lenses. These cameras were installed on light poles throughout the lot. Additionally, we set up horn speakers with microphones to enable communication with anyone on the property.
Two weeks after their business security cameras were installed, the dealership also hired us to do their monitoring services. Our AI-driven monitoring system was designed to alert us when a human was detected on the property, specifically from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, covering their off-hours. The AI was programmed to notify our call center if a human was detected during those hours.
Shortly after the setup, our call center received an alert. Our technician accessed the camera and quickly identified a person at the dealership. Upon logging in, she observed a man pulling a jack out of the bed of his pickup truck at two in the morning. Using the microphone, she addressed him, stating, “Excuse me, sir, in the white shirt, licensed plate number…” and proceeded to provide his license plate number. She informed him that she had images of his face and vehicle and that authorities had been notified.
Unsurprisingly, he fled the scene, but we had captured all the necessary footage. This evidence was provided to the authorities, who promptly arrested him and recovered a significant amount of stolen property, not just from our client but from others as well.
The Value of Security Cameras in Business Protection
Providing a specific number for the value of security cameras can be challenging, as it depends on various factors, including what is being protected and the type of area. If I have cameras installed on my buildings, valued at around two million dollars, the threats can vary—ranging from vandalism to materials being taken—all contingent upon the customer and their industry.
At Next Level, we exclusively use top-tier products. Every business camera system we install comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, the best in the business. These devices are mission-critical, and typically, that five-year mark is surpassed, with our systems often lasting around ten years. It is important to note that commercial security cameras include a server on the back end, which has hard drives that will need replacement roughly at the five-year mark, leading to some ongoing costs. Nonetheless, the infrastructure and the surveillance cameras themselves are built to last.
The Benefits of Integrating Security Systems
Integrating multiple systems into a large system gives businesses significant benefits. With a standalone access control system, you achieve a secure facility without the need for keys, badges, pins, or even NFC with your cell phone. However, when integrated with other systems, the advantages multiply.
Picture this: I badge in, and the alarms are armed. Because my credentials are valid, the alarm disarms, and a camera outside captures my entry. That image is stored in the database, creating a log of who accessed the facility and when, along with a photo for two-factor authentication. This security system setup enables verification such as, “Yes, that’s Randy,” or raising questions like, “Who is this person?” Leveraging all products in this manner results in a highly secure facility.
Integrating Security Cameras with Cloud Solutions for Optimal Business Protection
There is no “one size fits all” approach to integrating security cameras into a business. While business security camera systems are able function beyond five years, they become a ticking time bomb. I prioritize understanding my clients’ IT infrastructure to determine if they can manage servers and handle upgrades internally, or if we need to establish a service contract. Several factors come into play, but the most important step is engaging with the customer to gather this information, which guides my direction.
Currently, we are focusing on cloud solutions due to their convenience. Choosing a cloud solution alleviates concerns such as whether a server will recover from a power outage, the speed of hard drive replacement, or the necessity to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. With cloud technology, these issues become irrelevant.
When creating a virtual machine, we specify the operating system, required drive space, RAM, GPU, and other specifications to ensure optimal performance for your business security cameras. Our team assumes responsibility for maintaining those cloud servers, ensuring that your business camera system is replicated across multiple servers in various locations for maximum uptime and data security.
The cloud is undeniably the best option, offering significantly enhanced protections. I recall years ago dreading the call from a client who would say, “Arandi, I need to retrieve this footage from my system, and I can’t find it.” We would log in only to discover that the hard drive had crashed two months prior, and the customer was completely unaware because they owned the system. Without a maintenance contract, we weren’t monitoring for hard drive failures or advising upgrades; that responsibility fell to their internal IT. However, when we manage it, we take ownership of all those aspects, ensuring comprehensive oversight and support.
The Evolution of Security Camera Technology
Security cameras have evolved significantly in recent years, transforming the way businesses monitor their premises. Just five years ago, alerts were primarily triggered by motion detection, which often resulted in a flood of false alarms due to pixel shifts caused by changes in light or environmental factors, such as trees swaying in the wind. This made it challenging for security personnel to discern genuine threats, leading to a reactive approach where footage was only reviewed after incidents occurred. Countless hours were spent sifting through irrelevant footage, which was not only time-consuming but also frustrating.
Today, advancements in AI cameras have revolutionized this process. Alerts generated by commercial security cameras now boast an accuracy rate of 98.9%, allowing security teams to receive notifications about actual threats, such as the detection of a human or vehicle crossing a designated virtual line. This technology enables precise searches. For example, suppose a customer reports a missing item, such as a purse. In that case, security personnel can quickly input specific details—like “man, red shirt”—into the system, which will then retrieve relevant footage in seconds, rather than hours.
A compelling example of this technology in action occurred at a casino where a customer reported her purse missing while playing a slot machine. The security guard was able to locate her on the business surveillance cameras as she entered the casino. By uploading a picture of the purse into the system, he efficiently searched for footage from the past three hours, revealing a precise sequence of events. The cameras, equipped with 4K resolution, captured the moment a man snatched the purse and exited the premises.
Essential Maintenance for Security Camera Longevity
At Next Level, we recommend conducting annual preventative maintenance for business security cameras. While some customers may choose to handle maintenance internally with their own crews, certain essential tasks should be performed each year. These include a thorough inspection of the cameras to ensure the seals are intact and free from signs of penetration.
Although the materials used in cameras are designed to withstand the elements, inspections become increasingly important as business security camera systems approach the five-year mark. Additionally, updating the firmware on both the camera and the server is necessary. Each camera functions as a mini computer, equipped with an R-PIC chip housing the AI capabilities. With every firmware update, the AI improves in efficiency and effectiveness, providing you with long-term benefits.
For example, an industrial-grade camera we deployed received a firmware update that enhanced its functionality, enabling it to detect personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats, safety vests, and safety glasses. This advancement allowed us to implement a system at job sites where, if a contractor entered without proper PPE, a pre-recorded message would alert them: “PPE is required on this job site. Please leave the premises until you have proper PPE.” This feature was remarkable and came at no additional cost.
Just as one would rotate tires or get an oil change, taking care of your business security cameras will ensure their longevity and effectiveness in protecting your business.
Conclusion
Investing in commercial surveillance cameras is not merely a precaution but a strategic necessity for businesses operating in high-risk areas. Utilizing advanced surveillance technology safeguards assets, ensures compliance, and enhances overall operational efficiency. By choosing to work with Next Level, businesses gain access to cutting-edge security solutions tailored to their unique needs.
As technology continues to evolve, staying ahead with robust security measures will be paramount for the success and safety of your operations. Contact Next Level today; we will set you up for success with one of our top-of-the-line commercial security camera systems.
Author Bio
Randy Allen is a seasoned security systems expert and the founder of Next Level, a leading provider of advanced security camera, access control, surveillance, and alarm solutions. With over 17 years of hands-on experience building and scaling a thriving security business, Randy has grown Next Level from a one-man operation into a two-location enterprise with 50 employees, serving commercial, government, and residential clients across New Mexico.
Randy’s journey began in the technology sector, where his early passion for computers and software led him to a successful career in sales and marketing at a growing software firm. After relocating to Farmington, New Mexico, he leveraged his technical expertise and entrepreneurial drive to launch Next Level, initially offering audio-visual services before pivoting to meet a growing demand for security solutions.
Under Randy’s leadership, Next Level has become a trusted name in the industry, with 70% of its business focused on security systems and over 80% serving commercial and government clients. His commitment to excellence is anchored by a core value that defines the company culture: genuine care for clients, employees, and the work itself. Known for his customer-first approach, deep industry knowledge, and ability to anticipate market needs, Randy continues to set the standard for reliability, innovation, and trustworthiness in the security field.