Oncam Cameras Spotlight on London's Residential Towers

Editor / Provider: Oncam Global | Updated: 3/18/2011 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Oncam Global has designed a customized security solution for The Landmark, one of London's latest luxury residential addresses.

Boasting floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the London skyline, this property, developed by Chalegrove Properties, consists of four towers joined by a landscaped central public piazza with convenient retailers and cafes, creating an upscale and vibrant community.

Critical to designing the security system for The Landmark was “first, understanding our key concerns and goals, as identified by security staff,” said Karim Azem, GM, Chalegrove. “Those key concerns are to protect residents, personnel and guests by stopping unauthorized visitors from gaining entry to residential areas in the luxury towers and to prevent vehicles in the car park and retail shops from vandalism and theft.”

“For example, while cameras continue live surveillance, retrospective video from all cameras can be viewed to track suspicious events; so, even thieves working in pairs or groups in different areas of the property are captured by Oncam's networked cameras, regardless of the concierge staff's focus at that time,” said Paul Stout, MD of InCam Digital Surveillance.

“Each Oncam network camera and third-party fixed and PTZ camera is situated to provide maximum coverage outside the buildings and in the central piazza, and within the luxury towers, with camera locations in the lobby areas, entrances, residents' gymnasium, underground parking area and the bicycle storage rooms,” Stout said.

Chalegrove's Azem noted that The Landmark's two concierge centers are manned 24 hours a day with staff trained by Oncam to manage all manner of situations that may arise, from typical security or liability events such as theft or destruction of property, to more serious breaches such as behavior that is harmful to residents.

US Retail Chain Purchases Genetec Surveillance Video Management

Editor / Provider: Genetec | Updated: 12/24/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

BJ's Wholesale Club introduced the warehouse club concept to New England in 1984 and has since expanded to become a warehouse club operator in the eastern U.S. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, the company operates more than 180 locations in 15 states, 102 gas stations and three main distribution centers and sells everything from general merchandise to fresh meat and perishables across its retail enterprise.

The Business Challenge
In a store environment as large as BJ’s Wholesale Club, which Charles Delgado, VP of Asset Protection for BJ’s, said “essentially a working warehouse,” response time to potential incidents is paramount. Each BJ’s location employed an older video system comprised of a PC-based DVR and analog cameras to monitor its stores. On average, the system was comprised of 32 cameras per store, typically four PTZs and 28 fixed cameras. But the legacy system was quickly reaching end of life and BJ’s found it was spending more time resolving issues with its DVRs, than using them to its advantage.

“We faced a lot of challenges with the old system,” Delgado said. “Maintenance and upkeep was needed often and the system wasn’t scalable. The DVRs maxed out quickly and the length of storage was limited. Facing these issues on a regular basis, we determined that an organization like ours required a futureproof solution. We needed to begin deploying a platform that would meet the needs of the business downstream.”
More so, with plans to keep growing the chain and new stores opening in various locations, BJ’s needed to rethink their video surveillance strategy for new installations. Thus, in order to meet future development plans and replace failing older technology, BJ’s management embarked on a search for a solution that would meet their current security, safety and asset protection needs.

Retail Safety, Security and Loss Prevention
At BJ’s Wholesale Club, maintaining a safe and secure environment is of utmost importance. Large equipment, such as forklifts, is frequently used to transport goods for restocking and products are commonly stored on large pallets. The combination of a large space, frequent goods restocking and large machinery can lead to accidents but BJ’s is committed to minimizing the possibility of incidents before they can occur.

But the company’s DVR system could not effectively help BJ’s maintain the secure and safe environment for its team members and customers. Poor video quality led to lengthy and ineffective investigations; video storage space was limited; and bandwidth limitations restricted the ability to remotely view surveillance footage.
BJ’s needed a solution that could help it identify theft, fraud, intrusion and trespassing throughout its various stores, gas stations and distribution facilities. The system also needed to be scalable in case camera deployments were expanded and be able to store video for a specific time designated by BJ’s, and not by standard system capabilities. The retail giant was also interested in moving to an IP solution to leverage the company’s network infrastructure.

“BJ’s wanted to be able to review video remotely and the capability to accomplish that from an IP standpoint is much greater than with traditional surveillance systems. This capability would enable other departments to leverage the system during investigations,” said Patrick O’Leary, Director of Sales, Eastern Region at Checkpoint Systems, BJ’s integrator and partner. “The company also wanted to build off its growing IP infrastructure, making an IP-enabled security solution an ideal choice.”

And there were other needs: BJ’s required technology that could provide the flexibility to integrate video systems with other applications and provide remote monitoring capabilities.

While on the search for new technology, Delgado also stressed that a new solution should help the loss prevention and security teams conduct more effective investigations. Searching through the sheer volume of video BJ’s collects can be a time-consuming process. With that in mind, BJ’s needed a system that would have the capability to integrate with the company’s PoS solution to link video with transaction information.
With the help of Checkpoint Systems, BJ’s decided that Genetec’s IP video surveillance solution with network cameras from Axis Communications was the ideal choice for the retail company.

The Perfect Solution
Genetec management software is an enterprise IP video surveillance solution that provides management of digital video, audio and data across an IP network, assisting retailers with controlling and limiting loss. In addition, a single enterprise system can accommodate thousands of cameras and enables BJ’s to set its own parameters for storage and recording schedules. By far, the solution met all of BJ’s current needs and also offered areas for expansion in the future.

Currently, BJ’s has deployed the system at 75 locations and plans to have another 60 locations online over the next year for a total of 135 locations at the project’s completion. “The IP video surveillance system was initially installed in BJ’s new stores,” O’Leary said. “However, we are focusing our efforts on replacing the obsolete DVRs, and installing encoders to leverage the analog cameras in existing stores.”

Since the solution is compatible with network-camera brands, BJ’s chose their preferred brand. They deployed a mix of Axis Communications’ cameras because of their reliable image quality and ease-of-installation. BJ’s also leveraged its existing analog cameras, which are being converted to digital streams with Axis encoders. All of BJ’s cameras networked to Genetec management are monitored locally within the stores and are available for remote viewing from BJ’s corporate office, providing enhanced visibility into each store from a remote location.
The recording and retrieval of video is of critical importance in the retail environment, as every time a camera or a recording device is down is an opportunity for loss. The failover and redundancy features ensure BJ’s has access to live and archived data at all times, limiting the chance that an occurrence of shoplifting or employee theft occurs unrecorded. Failover servers can automatically assume all functions of a failed component, while redundant servers continuously record all or only high-priority camera feeds.

The Benefits
BJ’s is leveraging the strengths of the solution to review video for investigations purposes and also on a nonincident basis to gather an understanding of where a store could modify its processes before a loss or incident occurs.

Because operators are using the solution for multiple purposes, including conducting investigations and trending data, the system’s ease-of-use was a significant factor in BJ’s decision to deploy the system.
The platform also enables BJ’s to take advantage of the highest quality images, enabling security professionals to accurately identify potential suspects, vehicles, merchandise and even currency denominations, inside and outside its stores.

“This success story is a compliment to both Checkpoint and Genetec as well as BJ’s,” O’Leary said. “We all came together and learned the processes, and at the end of the day because of this teamwork, we were able to deploy a solution that helps BJ’s create a safer environment.”

Agilence PoS Software Streamlines US Chain Stores Operations

Editor / Provider: Agilence | Updated: 12/3/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Agilence, a provider of PoS video auditing, announced that Ohio-based grocer, Chief Super Market, has deployed Agilence's solution in an initiative to reduce PoS losses throughout their 12-store chain, including stores under the Rays Super Markets banner.

Chief supermarkets began deployment of Agilence's software in late-2009 and will complete rollout to all its locations by 2011. The northwest Ohio grocer has capitalized on an immediate ROI.

“Our commitment is to our customers and the communities where our markets are located," said Stephanie Skylar, President and CEO of Chief Supermarkets. “In order to keep our prices competitive in an industry that operates on strict margins, we need to be proactive in minimizing shrink activities beyond just typical fraud incidents. Agilence allows us to do this by keeping us in control at the PoS.”

Agilence has also helped Chief Supermarkets identify other issues such as employee theft and fraud. Even as employee theft costs retailers billions of dollars each year, many existing loss prevention tools miss much of this theft because they focus only on trends and outliers. The efficiency of the Agilence solution enables retailers to analyze every irregularity within a transaction, helping them to identify these activities as part of being a comprehensive PoS tool.

Bucking the Downward Trend: Top 10 Revenue Growers of 2009

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 12/7/2010 | Article type: Security 50

Looking back, the true impact of the 2008-2009 economic recession was not felt until months later. Limited supplies and services, growing costs and dormant buyers all contributed to a challenging year. As the world takes small recovery steps, the top 10 revenue growers share how they managed to perform so strongly in 2009.

Despite an unfavorable economic climate and project delays, the majority of the top 10 revenue growers completed large-scale projects in transportation, government, education, city/public surveillance and entertainment.

Large-scale public projects funded by government or city administration bodies were able to continue, even when budgets are cut. Privately funded projects had more financial concerns, as Axis Communications found the slumped economy was one of the main reasons some customers deferred decisions regarding installations. Infrastructure is going strong in China and South America, with South America seeing an increase in city surveillance projects, said Ray Mauritsson, CEO of Axis. Mobotix completed several projects in Germany and abroad, including a sports stadium in Ukraine and a library in Vatican City.

Even in retail, the need for security installations resulted in positive growth. “The retail market has also contributed to the growth in revenue due to the fact that retailers face overwhelming security and loss prevention challenges, necessitating a more intelligent and efficient method of assessing and identifying site-related activities that result in these losses,” said Kenneth Tsang, Technical Director of APAC for Verint Systems.

According to the 2009 Global Retail Theft Barometer conducted by the Center for Retail Research, the first half of 2009 saw significant drop in security spending in the retail sector, predominantly as a direct result of the recession. By the end of the survey period, 15.9 percent of retailers surveyed had already installed new video surveillance systems and 28.7 percent planned to do the same. The 2010 survey showed a 29-percent increase in security equipment installations starting from the second half of 2009.

Geographical Divide
Some other revenue growers concentrated on making business advancements by region, and not necessarily by vertical, to boost sales activity.

Dato' Lee Boon Han, CEO of RCG, said in 2009 the company focused on regions less affected by the recession, namely Southeast Asia, Greater China and the Middle East, which contributed to most of the company's revenue.

For customers in various regional markets, Dahua Technology adopted different strategies. It provided OEM equipment for the European and American markets, while promoting Dahua's branded solutions for the South American and Indian markets. Tony Yang, International Marketing Director of Hikvision Digital Technology, noticed that the US and European markets were affected more in comparison to the rest of the world by the recession. IndigoVision's regional growth in Latin America more than doubled. Similarly, Mobotix considered export business a growth driver in 2009, suggesting the German company found ample opportunities abroad.

Analog-IP Shift
The migration from analog to IP technology continued throughout 2009. Despite the fact that many larger players such as Pelco and Bosch Security Systems have now joined the IP race, existing manufacturers like IndigoVision, Axis and Mobotix are confident about the added competition. “The video surveillance market is fragmented in a way that there is room for growth in many different concentrations, so the induction of larger players into the IP market has not affected us in any significant way,” Mauritsson said. “Analog also experienced decline in 2009, which allowed the transition from analog to IP to continue.”

Both Mauritsson and Oliver Vellacott, CEO of IndigoVision, noticed that growth in the IP segment had accelerated since the slowdown in 2009. Even with several Asian IP manufacturers bringing lower-cost products into the market, the IP-driven revenue growers believed that the market was big enough for everyone. Standards bodies ONVIF and PSIA were important to IP revenue growers in 2009, as compliant solutions enabled greater compatRay Mauritsson, ibility and use with existing systems.

Outstanding Issues
With fewer projects and limited spending, the revenue growers continued to launch new products in 2009. Some took the opportunity to complete their product lines, offering a wider range to customers who might have otherwise considered another vendor. Axis observed that although interest in products remained high, customers' decision to invest was not as favorable as before. Despite this observation, all 10 makers — including Axis — believed that bringing new products into the market consistently remains a strong advantage and barrier over its competition.

To use new launches to increase market share, revenue growers did not reduce their budgets for R&D. As a core department in any enterprise, all 10 manufacturers devoted the same — if not more — resources and manpower to their R&D departments. Investments into R&D ranged between 10 to 13 percent of annual revenue. The ability to do so suggests that R&D resources should not be slashed even in critical times, where cost savings are a primary concern.

When choosing channel partners, distinguishing between the ones from a traditional security background or others savvy in IP was unnecessary, as manufacturers usually provide extensive training to partners. “We don't have any preference on whether the partners are IP-savvy, although it surely will add value,” Tsang said.

Even if a channel partner understands networking, the partner might be familiar with a product's functions, but not necessarily its installation and applications. “We provide training for all channel partners to make sure that they understand and are able to provide customers with application-driven services,” Mauritsson said.

A raw material shortage coupled with logistics costs was another major challenge to some revenue growers. Component lead time was extended, sometimes up to a full year, and sufficient planning for earlier deliveries needed to be incorporated into logistics and strategy meeting schedules. “We have been shipping far more by sea this year, by planning ahead to get the right stock in place in our regional hubs,” Vellacott said.

Rosy Front
With the experience gained from the hard times, this year's revenue growers are optimistic about the recovery and have already embarked on new projects and R&D efforts. Remaining flexible, controlling costs prudently and adjusting business plans accordingly were essential for the revenue growers to scale new heights. “Keep moving forward,” Vellacott said. “We see plenty of opportunities ahead.”

Find More 2010 Security 50 Articles :

● Asia Weathers the Storm

● Growing Profits in Lean Times Part Ⅱ

● Growing Profits in Lean Times PartⅠ

● Security 50's Top Performers Rise Above the Fray Part Ⅱ

● Security 50's Top Performers Rise Above the Fray Part Ⅰ

UK Fashion Retailer Purchases Axis Network Cameras

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 11/11/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Axis Communications have partnered with Expedite IT, an Axis solution partner to provide network video cameras to Pulp, a UK fashion retailer, to help improve profitability and enhance the customer shopping experience.

As retailers head towards the busiest shopping season of the year, fashion brand Pulp is making the most of its investment in new surveillance cameras to help keep an eye on staffing levels, customer footfall, queuing times and sales uptake in store.

Pulp sells culture merchandise and music-inspired fashion and has nine stores in major locations in the U.K. Axis' network video cameras have been installed by Expedite IT as a trial at Pulp's flagship store in the Arndale Center, Manchester. If the trial is successful, similar surveillance systems will be rolled out to its other stores.

“As a growing retail chain, we have to exploit our resources and it's essential that we get commercial pay back on any investment we make. Expedite IT has positioned discreet Axis network cameras which are acting as a virtual area manager by allowing management team to log-on remotely to monitor the store at peak shopping times,” said Andy Martin, CEO of Pulp. “This allows us to keep an eye on how long customers have to queue to pay or try on clothes and we can check the consistency of our customer service which is an important part of our brand.”

“With Christmas approaching, we're hoping for record numbers of customers to visit our stores. I am interested to see the difference the surveillance system in the Manchester store will make to help us improve profitability and the shopping experience for our customers.”

The surveillance system installed in Pulp's Manchester store is being used for more than just a security system to monitor for shoplifter, shrinkage remains a major battle for the chain, especially during the run up to Christmas. However, Andy Martin is confident that the cameras will help deter shoplifting, and as they deliver such high-quality images that can be shared remotely, Pulp can share intelligence with the Arndale Center's security teams. Staff safety will be improved thanks to the cameras.

“The cameras will help Pulp to meet many of the challenges facing small retail chains as the image quality provided by network video cameras will allow it to analyze the shopping habits of its customers, closely examine how the store's layout works during busy periods and give evidence to prevent known shoplifters coming into their store,” said Daniel Hobbs, MD of Expedite IT. “This is done by some analytics that will provide a motion map of the busiest areas within the shop as well as footfall of people coming in and out of the store. Pulp's staff members are alerted when movement has been detected in areas outside the main retail floor, or if someone has entered the changing areas.”

US Grocery Store Deploys Agilence Analytics to Combat Losses

Editor / Provider: Agilence | Updated: 10/15/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Grocer minimizes shrink with chain-wide roll-out of Agilence's Hawkeye PoS video auditing solution

Agilence, a provider of point-of-sale (PoS) video auditing solutions, announced San Francisco-based grocer, Draeger's Markets has improved profit margins by leveraging Agilence's Hawkeye solution in all of their locations.

Draeger's first implemented Agilence in the second quarter of 2009. By the end of fiscal year 2009 (Dec. 31), Draeger's realized an ROI of more than 20 times their initial investment — highlighting the program's effectiveness in quickly reducing PoS losses.

“There's a famous business axiom that says you cannot measure what you do not know — Agilence enables us to see the margin-robbing activities that were once unknown to us, and gives us a way to track and measure the effectiveness of the correction,” said Richard Draeger, President and CEO for Draeger's Markets. “It all boils down to the positive impact to margin.”

Agilence's patented PoS Video Auditing Software, Hawkeye, pulls data directly from the point-of-sale system and synchronizes it with video in real-time. The data for each individual item scan and key punch is perfectly linked to its associated video image. The instantly visible video for each suspect line-item enables retailers to view 50 times more transactions per day, allowing them to detect issues immediately and before they cause considerable shrink.

“Our unique ability to synchronize point-of-sale data with corresponding video enables retailers like Draeger's to identify operational, promotional and fraudulent shrink activities that directly affect bottom lines. As a result, retailers see a substantial ROI within only a few months,” said Derek Rodner, VP of Product Strategy at Agilence. “In less than a year, we also helped Draeger's correct problems in the supply chain that ultimately create margin gaps at the PoS.”

IndigoVision IP Surveillance Watches over Canadian Shopping Centers

Editor / Provider: IndigoVision | Updated: 10/13/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

A number of shopping centers, owned and managed by Ivanhoe Cambridge, are deploying surveillance systems using IndigoVision's IP video security solution. Mapleview Shopping Center, located in Burlington, Ontario, is the latest to undergo the transformation, following on from the installation at the company's Mayfair Mall in Victoria, British Columbia. The new 78-camera system was added as part of a US$60 million redevelopment project that included a 100,000 square-foot expansion with 20 new retailers. The surveillance system at Mapleview was designed and installed by IndigoVision's approved partner Quinn Digital in partnership with Hoffman & Company Security Management Consultants.

It was the first-hand experience of IndigoVision's surveillance technology operating in the Mayfair Shopping Center that helped the company to decide on its surveillance strategy for Mapleview. “IndigoVision's technology gives us a platform for our surveillance needs, allowing the systems to be updated as shopping centers expand and develop. This in combination with the partner network in Canada and the experience of seeing the technology installed in the Mayfair Center gave us the confidence to use IndigoVision's solution,” said Santo Polito, Property Services Manager for Ivanhoe Cambridge.

“We can add additional cameras and workstations for minimal cost, as the network is already in place. From a property management perspective this has significant benefits,” Polito said. “Where there is no network infrastructure, such as the car park at Mapleview, we used a point-to-point wireless bridge to extend coverage. The five cameras installed here allow us to better monitor the parking areas and manage incidents.”

IndigoVision's IP video solution can be used to provide benefits beyond store security. The shopping center management can access footage to help analyze events, promotions and footfall trends. Real-time analytics can be used for some applications. Mapleview is currently testing the directional virtual tripwire analytics function built into the IndigoVision video transmitter modules to provide the shopping center with a count of customers entering two of the building's entrances. This provides better accuracy than the traditional equipment installed on the doorways, which double-counts people as they enter and leave the premises.

Video is recorded on IndigoVision's NVR. Five units provide Mapleview with a minimum 30-day archive of video continuously recorded from all the cameras. The low power consumption of the NVRs help reduce the equipment footprint and running costs of the IP Video storage solution. One of the NVRs is used as a redundant backup, which automatically starts recording if another NVR fails or is taken off-line for maintenance. Evidential quality video clips can be exported from the system for police investigations in the event of an incident.

3VR Security Surveillance Search Helps Roseville Police Combat Crimes

Editor / Provider: 3VR Security | Updated: 9/30/2010 | Article type: Government & Public Services

3VR Security, a provider for intelligent surveillance and search, in partnership with security integrator Surveillance Systems Integration, announced that the Roseville, California Police Department identified and arrested a convicted felon just four days following the attempted robbery and threatening of a security guard of a major department store using 3VR's online community of fraud, loss prevention and law enforcement professionals dedicated to stopping crime.

“Using the solution, we were able to make a quick arrest on a case that was otherwise going to be unsolvable,” said Darin DeFreece, Detective Sergeant, Roseville Police Department.

The case involved an unknown suspect who attempted to steal high-end jewelry from a department store and then threatened a security guard with a deadly weapon before fleeing the scene.

“In most cases it would have been very difficult to apprehend a suspect following this kind of confrontation, but the store was able to provide us with an image of the suspect from their own surveillance system,” DeFreece said.

“The online community has brought surveillance, collaboration and crime fighting to a new level,” DeFreece said. “Prior to the system, we were contacting people one by one. Not only is that inefficient, but there's no information sharing and coordination between communities. We've never seen anything like this.”

The City of Roseville's vision for collaborative crime fighting extends beyond 3VR's solution to include using the 3VR video management system. With services from Surveillance Systems Integration, the City of Roseville has installed 3VR system that provides video analytics and a next generation video search engine. Through 3VR's remote monitoring capabilities, Roseville Police Department has access to the city's 3VR system, allowing heightened situational awareness and rapid response to potential citywide threats. The video search engine makes it easy to search video and pinpoint specific people or vehicles in minutes, dramatically shortening investigations and leading to quicker arrests and even prevention. With a direct integration between 3VR's system and online service, DeFreece can upload surveillance video directly from management system.

“We're working with retailers, financial institutions and other law enforcement agencies to promote the use of 3VR solutions because of its tremendous potential as a crime fighting tool,” DeFreece said.

Bosch Security Systems Watches over Croatian Mall

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 9/24/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

A security solution from Bosch Security Systems has been installed in the Garden Mall in Zagreb, Croatia. 75 international and national retailers and service companies are represented on this retail complex, which covers an area of 38,425 square meters and offers parking space for 1,400 vehicles. The Bosch security solution encompasses customized surveillance, fire alarm and emergency evacuation systems to provide the security and safety for customers and employees. The solution was installed by Tehnozavod-Maru?i? of Zagreb.

The surveillance system consists of 64 cameras. In addition to providing antitheft protection, it offers features such as the monitoring of products and assets, assistance in managing manpower and operations and supporting safety equipment if an incident should occur.

The fire alarm system is based on the fire panel and incorporates more than 1,000 fire detectors. Together these allow control of fire detection throughout the shopping mall. The modularity of the system allows for easy extension and adaptation to country-specific regulations and conditions.

The voice evacuation system is based around emergency evacuation and digital public address system with 15 amplifiers and 600 speakers. It provides background music, prerecorded messaging and live speech calls. Besides creating a relaxed atmosphere for customers it enables the efficient evacuation of the entire complex within a few minutes if necessary.

“With the Bosch security systems, the Garden Mall meets the highest security and safety demands,” said Mile Nagli, who was the main designer of Garden Mall Zagreb.

Choosing Integrated Security Management for Growing Enterprises

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Ademco Far East | Updated: 8/17/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

The modern enterprise regards security as an integral part of their business and modern security concepts are about protecting business assets, managing risks and creating value to the business.

Businesses need to recognize the risks they may face. In an ideal situation, a reputable international security consultant should be approached to complete an assessment from a third-party perspective. However, if upper management and staff openly discuss the possible risks internally, they may be surprised at how much they can discover with little professional help.

This requires a top-down approach with open support by management. Employees will disregard the need for security if management does not place an emphasis on it. This can erode the organization's competitiveness, margins and accountability over time. Also, organizations need to realize that educating employees and raising security awareness is a long-term effort. Results are not visible overnight like they are when investing in systems.

Investment in a proper security system that drives business processes is very much like investing in financial or human resources software. It is a process that does not drive visible profit, but instead improves operational efficiencies which subsequently help lower the total cost of operating the business.

Selecting an enterprise security solution is not an easy task for growing enterprises. There are many factors to consider — from protecting business assets, managing risks and creating value for the business, to the finer, more complex technological aspects in relation to business needs.

Protection of Facilities AND Assets Controlling
access to facilities and company assets is an important issue to consider, since thief and damage can hinder daily business operation. Some SMEs do not believe that they are a target because there are no assets of significant value on their premises. However, they could not be further away from the truth.

Burglars do not have criteria when selecting their target — they will jump at the opportunity to rob any establishment with a weak security system. A burglar could enter into an office hoping to steal some laptops. During the process, a lit cigarette could be dropped, causing a fire that destroys the whole office. Even if the office were insured, the organization would have lost all their documents and server data. Such data is sometimes irretrievable, and many SMBs would not survive such an incident; business operations and cash flow would be severely impacted. A more important factor to consider is the disruption of services to the client base. Clients may likely move to other service providers and this will inevitably affect the long term viability of the business.

Outsourcing has become a growing trend, and this is prompting many industries to regulate their security and safety standards. Compliance to security standards will determine the ability to grow for these enterprises.

Staff safety
No employee will be able to work effeciently when they feel insecure or unsafe. As businesses venture into more remote locations, security should become a top priority. Issues such as riots and protests, workplace violence and crime are significant concerns. While it is not realistic to control the dangers that happen outside the facility, it is possible to keep these dangers from entering the facility or office if a good security system is utilized.

Driving costs down
Operational costs can be lowered if business systems are integrated into a good security solution. Many SMBs are unaware that a good security system can be programmed to perform management and administrative functions such as managing attendance, updating payroll and controlling the internal usage of copiers. Retailers use video analytics software to count customers and detect overcrowding. These are just a few examples of security systems being used for business objectives and taking over functions that are tedious and prone to human error.

Total cost of ownership
Junior executives often do not have a very good grasp of the overview of the business; thus, decisions concerning the selection of a security system are often based on the upfront cost of the system. Upper management should take this into consideration and provide direct guidance over all security purchases to prevent wasting time and resources on an inappropriate system. The wrong system can result in frequent downtime, repairs and replacements, while failing to meet the security objectives.

Greater belief
There is a common misconception that security can be a source of inconvenience, but we have seen renewed confidence by customers and employees when better security is in place. SMBs who have implemented a well-integrated security management process see a large improvement in staff morale, which results in better productivity, punctuality, sense of ownership and reduces chances of disruptive behavior.