In today’s world, it’s very risky not to have some form of security at home or in the office. Crimes just go on throughout the day and night. A CCTV is proven to be the most effective way to prevent crimes. You need to protect your business from outside crooks and even from within.

I can’t afford a CCTV system

There are many models of CCTV systems in the market today and you can definitely get one that is within your budget. Even private homeowners install CCTV systems in and around their premises so there is no reason for you not to. An Internet CCTV system might be just right for you as it’s easy to install and is affordable. It is also very flexible, perfect for businesses.

What do I need?

You need to have a dedicated computer for surveillance purposes. Don’t use a computer that you also use for other tasks as there is no point in installing a security system if you can’t keep an eye on it from time to time.

You also need a computer with lots of storage as you may need to save at least 2 months worth of your footages. This is especially helpful when you need to identify a criminal and you need to review the tapes from the past.

You don’t have to buy a new computer. Just make sure that your operating system and the software that you have can work with your new security system. Make sure that all components will work flawlessly with your Internet CCTV.

If you have an old monitor, it’s also a good idea to purchase a new one. You need to be able to clearly see all the details in your surveillance footage. Purchase the best monitor that your money can buy. Choose a large monitor with clear details so you do not have to squint or move close to the monitor when watching.

Benefits

As mentioned above, a CCTV camera is the best way to deter crimes such as robbery, vandalism, shoplifting and even employee theft. You will also have some valuable evidence if you catch someone committing a crime in your property.

Travelling

If you are a travelling businessman, chances are you worry about your business every time you leave. That can give you a lot of stress and you won’t be able to focus on your purpose for travelling. An Internet CCTV can take away all your worries. You can watch what’s going on in your office from anywhere in the world through your computer. You need to have Internet access, of course. You don’t have to call your staff from time to time to ask if everything is fine. You can just log on to the system and see the daily happenings in your business.

Productivity is another issue when the boss is away. Employees tend to slack off when the managers are not around. If your employees know that you can still keep an eye on them even when you’re away, productivity will not take a dive. You can be assured that the same level of efficiency and productivity is kept even when you are not in the office. You won’t have to worry about your customers suffering because your employees are doing other things instead of their jobs.

At Home

Many entrepreneurs worry about their offices when they get home especially if there is something in the news that freaks them out. Worrying can lead to sleepless nights and stressful mornings. You won’t be able to function well if you lack sleep. Installing an Internet CCTV system in your office will give you a good night’s sleep. You can also take breaks and leave the office during the day because you can easily know what’s going on without having to call your secretary.

All hours of the day and night

Crimes can easily happen just as easily in the day as during the night. Keeping a close eye on things and showing criminals that your business is protected can save you, your employees and your business. You can check on things during the day and even after office hours all at the convenience of your home.

Budget

As mentioned earlier, an Internet CCTV system is a cost-effective way of boosting the security in your office. You can buy affordable cameras that provide clear footages online or in stores. Do some research to find the best cameras for your business. If you hire a security company, they will most likely charge you for their services so if you are on a budget, just do the grunt work yourself. They are pretty easy to install anyway and they come in various packages that you can choose from. You can compare prices and most suppliers offer small businesses a special discounted starter package.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to avail of an Internet CCTV system. Plus, a little investment is nothing compared to the peace of mind that this security can give you and your company.

Post contributed by Raynor Lee. He is a businessman & part time blogger. He runs www.bslcctv.co.uk