21 Benefits of Remote Real-Time Video Monitoring for Businesses: A Comprehensive Guide

Remote live video monitoring for businesses is essential for proactive security, timely response to threats, mitigation of risks, and reduction of costly legal cases.

CCTV monitoring systems can be integrated with video content analytics technology and other AI features to streamline and centralize your security system. Aside from enhancing the overall security of your assets, real-time video monitoring also provides rich data that can be used to improve your operational efficiency and for marketing purposes to enhance customer satisfaction and boost sales.

Scout Security offers live video monitoring services in the Colorado Springs and Denver Metro areas. We have certified CCTV operators and use cutting-edge technology to ensure the efficiency of your surveillance systems. We also perform risk assessments to optimize camera positioning and maximize visibility while eliminating unnecessary costs. Contact us now!

Summary: Enhanced Security for Maximum Protection as the Key Benefit of Real-Time Video Monitoring

Security threats are evolving which means you need advanced, scalable, and adaptable solutions to counter them. This includes a hybrid security strategy that combines real-time video monitoring with modern technology and other strategies such as physical security.

To make it easier for you, below are the key benefits of live video monitoring that we are going to discuss in detail in the following sections:

1. Real-Time Surveillance
2. Advanced Analytics and AI Integration
3. Preventative Security Strategy
4. 24/7 Surveillance
5. Remote Accessibility
6. Proactive Crime Deterrence
7. Reduction of False Alarms
8. Immediate Incident Response
9. Improved Criminal Apprehension
10. Reduced Inventory Shrinkage
11. Cost-Effective Security Solution
12. Compliance Monitoring
13. Protection Against Legal Disputes
14. Fraud Prevention
15. Safer Parking Lots
16. Scalability and Flexibility
17. Environmental Adaptability and Dependability
18. Enhanced Operational Efficiency
19. Improved Productivity and Accountability
20. Enhanced Customer Experience
21. Risk Identification to Strengthen Your Security Plan

In addition, you can jump straight to the benefits of real-time CCTV monitoring for different businesses below:

1. Retail Security
2. Multi-Family Residential Security
3. Restaurant Security
4. Construction Site Security
5. Office Building Security
6. Manufacturing Security
7. Warehouse Security
8. Car Dealership Security
9. Cannabis Security

What is Live or Real-Time Video Monitoring and How Does It Work?

Live video monitoring involves using security cameras to transmit footage over the internet to a remote location in real-time. This allows continuous surveillance of your premises without the need for on-site security guards.

Cameras are placed at strategic locations and are connected to a central monitoring station where CCTV operators watch for suspicious activities 24/7. Integration with advanced video analytics and AI also helps detect security breaches early by triggering alarms and verifying if these alarms are genuine to maximize resource allocation. It also initiates immediate action to address the issue.

Remote operators can coordinate with on-site guards if any are present to respond promptly as well as contact relevant authorities (e.g. law enforcement, fire department, medical emergency responders) when needed.

Also Read: What Is CCTV Monitoring and How Does It Work?

21 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Live Video Monitoring Services

#1. Real-Time Surveillance

Real-time surveillance involves continuously monitoring live video feeds of your property for uninterrupted surveillance that eliminates gaps and delays in responses.

Unlike traditional security methods that typically react to incidents after they occur, real-time monitoring improves situational awareness which allows CCTV operators to swiftly assess and respond to incidents appropriately as they happen. Your security teams can also deploy the right resources promptly to enhance the effectiveness of incident responses. (More on this later.)

#2. Advanced Analytics and AI Integration

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and other security devices (e.g. access control, fire detection, motion sensors, alarms) with live video monitoring systems offers comprehensive coverage and protection of your assets and people.

You can connect other security systems to your CCTV system to streamline security operations. For instance, syncing access control systems with video surveillance will help monitor your entry and exit points simultaneously.

Advanced video analytics backed by AI algorithms can:

• Detect and track objects, people, or movements in real-time (this includes counting facial recognition, people counting, and license plate recognition)
• Distinguish between routine and suspicious activities to optimize threat detection
• Transform raw video data into actionable insights in real-time without human intervention

Integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) also allows cohesive information flow through the seamless connection between cameras, sensors, and monitoring centers. This enables smart and accurate alerts, granular searches, and actionable reports that can further improve situational awareness. (Keep reading to know more about the benefits of these features in the next sections.)

Also Read: 6 Advantages of Having a Hybrid Security Strategy

#3. Preventative Security Strategy

Integrating AI and IoT systems with your real-time video monitoring system can help predict potential issues before they happen to prevent security breaches.

Since these systems can analyze vast data to generate insights and trigger alerts, they can help on-site security make informed decisions swiftly to prevent incidents from escalating. The development of deep learning also makes object and pattern identification and recognition more accurate which improves proactive threat detection.

Examples of specific tasks that advanced live CCTV systems can perform to enhance your preventative security strategies include the following:

• Detect safety hazards like fires, spills, or equipment malfunctions
• Recognize patterns, identify objects, and detect anomalies
• Detect loitering and crowds
• Spot masked individuals and firearms
• Behavioral analytics can detect suspicious activities (e.g. violence, shoplifting, slips and falls)

These tasks can trigger instant alarms for investigation and help mitigate risks quickly.

#4. 24/7 Surveillance

You will have peace of mind knowing that your property is under constant watch, even when you’re not there.

Live video monitoring offers continuous, uninterrupted surveillance (i.e. extra eyes that don’t blink) and can cover multiple areas simultaneously.

This strategy is particularly helpful in protecting your assets and property if you are located in a high-crime area or managing a high-risk business.

Examples are when you have:

• A lot of valuable assets or high-profile people that you need to protect
• Sensitive data requiring strict protection
• Expensive equipment and tools such as in construction sites

Moreover, 24/7 video footage will be very helpful in case of legal proceedings because it offers well-documented evidence to protect you against false claims.

Also Read: 23 Benefits of Outsourcing Video Monitoring and Surveillance Services

#5. Remote Accessibility

If you have specific areas on your property with recurring security issues that require constant monitoring and frequent check-ups, remote real-time video surveillance can help.

Aside from your security personnel, you and your management can also access live video feeds remotely using your mobile devices which reduces on-site visits. You can monitor your property even while you’re traveling to assure you that your operations are running smoothly.

In addition, remote monitoring is useful for businesses with multiple locations that they need to keep watch because it allows for centralized monitoring and control. Thus, ensuring consistency and security across all your sites.

#6. Proactive Crime Deterrence

Visible cameras signal that your property is under constant monitoring which can discourage potential law violators and significantly reduce crimes.

Studies have shown a notable reduction in crime rates in areas with CCTV surveillance. For instance, a specific research in 2021 examined the effects of CCTV schemes on crime in different countries and reported a significant reduction, especially in the US, UK, and South Korea.

When criminals notice the presence of CCTV cameras, they often abandon their plans which can help reduce theft, trespassing, vandalism, break-ins, and other criminal activities on your property.

Moreover, CCTV operators can ward off potential criminals through audio interventions once an alarm is triggered by the intruder. In fact, blaring alarms alone are enough to scare off would-be criminals.

Also Read: 15 Tips & Best Practices for Securing Your Commercial Property

#7. Reduction of False Alarms

Alarm verification involves trained professionals verifying events in real-time when an alarm triggers to determine if an emergency response is necessary.

Smart video surveillance systems can distinguish between false alarms and genuine emergencies, ensuring appropriate resource allocation and preventing unnecessary emergency dispatches.

Deep learning-based video monitoring solutions can achieve up to 99.9% accuracy and excel at detecting abnormal events, reducing false-positive detection events which is a major issue in the video surveillance industry.

This not only enhances your property’s overall security but also reduces costs due to rising false alarm fines. Also, many police departments (depending on your jurisdiction) already have non-response policies for unverified alarms.

#8. Immediate Incident Response

Since real-time remote video monitoring can enhance situational awareness, it can also speed up security responses.

Immediate response is crucial in reducing losses and costly damages to your business. Every second counts especially when someone’s life is in danger which could have a huge impact on your image and finances when the incident is not dealt with properly.

All of the benefits we’ve listed previously will lead to faster intervention and responses to security breaches and emergencies.

To give you a recap, the following will help initiate rapid action which includes immediate dispatch of security teams to address issues instantly in case of incidents:

• Advanced video analytics that can detect early signs of unusual activities (e.g. trespassing) and hazards (e.g. smoke)
• Integration with access control, alarms, fire detection systems, and other AI-powered devices that create a cohesive security infrastructure
• Automatic alerts and incident notifications that can be sent to the on-site security team and the authorities
• Surveillance footage that can be shared with emergency services to provide insights and improve response efforts
• High-resolution cameras that can locate and guide individuals needing assistance during evacuations or rescues
• Alarm verification to ensure efficient resource allocation
• Combination of live on-site security with monitored cameras for swift response instead of waiting for the authorities to arrive

Also Read: The Role of Security Guards in Emergency Response

#9. Improved Criminal Apprehension

Live video surveillance increases the chances of catching criminals in the act.

When a crime occurs, live video feeds can immediately identify culprits which will help law enforcement apprehend them quickly and resolve the issue faster.

For internal theft, you can also easily catch employees who are responsible for inventory losses. This makes sure that only the guilty ones will be punished which will let other employees know that such behavior is unacceptable and will have serious consequences.

#10. Reduced Inventory Shrinkage

Real-time video surveillance can also help prevent damage, loss, or theft of inventory in the retail industry. Detecting a single theft incident can often justify the cost of this security strategy.

Take note that internal (employee) and external (outsider) theft requires specific prevention strategies. This is why you need an experienced service provider, like Scout Security, to maximize effectiveness.

Below are specific examples of how live CCTV monitoring can reduce inventory shrinkage:

• Identifying shoplifting incidents to help you in your loss prevention strategies and boost profitability
• Investigating external theft and tracking suspects within your premises (the data can be shared with the authorities)
• Deterring and identifying illicit employee activities and fostering accountability to reduce the likelihood of theft
• Integrating point-of-sale (POS) systems with CCTV monitoring to verify the legitimacy of high-risk transactions (e.g. cash returns)
• Using recorded footage as critical evidence for investigations and disciplinary actions

Also Read: How Security Guards Prevent Shoplifting in Retail Stores

#11. Cost-Effective Security Solution

When hiring 24/7 on-site security guards is impractical and too much for your budget, CCTV surveillance provides a balance between affordability and effectiveness through the following:

Reduced Labor Expenses

• Remote CCTV monitoring reduces the need for on-site security personnel which cuts costs associated with salaries, benefits, and training.
• Maintaining digital surveillance systems is generally cheaper compared to managing a security team.
• A single operator can oversee multiple locations simultaneously, further reducing your expenses.
• You won’t need to worry about traditional security guards that require additional payments for night shifts, overtime, and insurance.
• Unlike human security guards, surveillance cameras operate 24/7 without breaks or sick leaves which provides constant monitoring and reduces the frequency of new hires.
• Advanced video monitoring technologies enhance efficiency and minimize human intervention, leading to lower overall expenses.

Risk Mitigation

• Live video monitoring deters criminal activities and ensures swift responses which minimizes the likelihood of costly incidents and potential losses.
• CCTV monitoring is a flexible security solution that helps avoid unnecessary legal risks by providing recorded evidence. 

Insurance Premiums

• Insurance companies may reduce premiums and offer more favorable terms for businesses using video surveillance systems, giving you long-term savings. This is because a comprehensive surveillance system shows your dedication to mitigating risks.

#12. Compliance Monitoring

Installing security cameras and implementing video monitoring for your business can demonstrate your adherence to safety regulations and standards. In addition, you can also monitor the compliance of your employees with your company policies and other applicable safety requirements to your business. This can help you avoid violations and penalties.

#13. Protection Against Legal Disputes

Video recordings provide irrefutable evidence during investigations, compliance audits, legal disputes, and insurance claims to resolve issues quickly. They will help you deal with lawsuits successfully and avoid significant legal costs.

Modern video monitoring services provide high-quality footage with timestamping and watermarking features which ensures the legitimacy of evidence in court. Clear footage also guarantees a fair trial. Moreover, cloud-based storage systems allow for secure and easy retrieval of footage when needed for settling legal disputes.

Specific ways CCTV footage can help protect your business from legal issues include the following:

• Footage can help identify perpetrators, establish event timelines, and validate claims.
• Continuous recording provides substantial proof in the event of criminal activities, workplace accidents, or disputes to protect you from false claims and determine liability.
• In employee (e.g. wrongful termination and other employment-related disputes) or customer disputes, reviewing surveillance footage helps determine the facts to aid in fair mediation and appropriate responses.
• In contractual disputes involving customers, suppliers, and vendors, video footage verifies compliance with terms and conditions.

#14. Fraud Prevention

Live CCTV monitoring helps you prevent various types of fraud:

• Point of Sale (POS) Fraud: Fraudulent activities like sweethearting and register manipulation
• Internal Fraud: Employee theft including embezzlement or mishandling of funds
• Vendor and Supplier Fraud: Includes overcharging, subpar product delivery, or document falsification

Also Read: 9 Proven Ways to Prevent Retail Theft With Security Cameras

#15. Safer Parking Lots

Parking lots, especially large ones in retail settings, are popular targets for crime and face a lot of liability issues including the following:

• Safety hazards (especially during wet or snowy conditions)
• Fender-benders
• Hit-and-runs
• Vehicle theft

Real-time CCTV monitoring will help address and resolve these incidents promptly through the following:

• Strategic placement to eliminate blind spots for maximum coverage and safety
• Accurately identifying potential hazards and criminal offenders even in low light for quick response
• Allowing for remote monitoring and management of traffic flow to prevent accidents
• Providing evidence to investigate vehicular accidents, thefts, and other crimes which reduces liability claims

Safer parking lots will also increase customer satisfaction.

#16. Scalability and Flexibility

Scalability and flexibility are important in ensuring the success of your business. With modern CCTV monitoring systems, you can upgrade your security infrastructure easily as your business grows and keep up with evolving security threats.

Remote CCTV monitoring systems are scalable and compatible with other advanced technologies, allowing you to expand your security infrastructure seamlessly with the growth of your business. This means you can add cameras or integrate new technology without significant changes or downtime. You don’t have to start from scratch.

The system’s flexibility also ensures that it can adapt to your evolving security needs and according to situational demands, such as heightened surveillance during high-risk periods or special events.

Also Read: Security 101: Types of Commercial Security Systems & How to Choose

#17. Environmental Adaptability and Dependability

You can rest assured that your assets are being protected by vigilant CCTV operators, regardless of external conditions.

Modern CCTV surveillance systems are built to withstand diverse environmental conditions, including extreme weather and temperatures as well as low light. This ensures uninterrupted and constant surveillance, especially in high-risk areas.

#18. Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Live video monitoring can boost your business’s operational efficiency by providing real-time insights into your workflows and processes.

A few specific roles of video surveillance in enhancing operational efficiency include the following:

• You can oversee your operations remotely for immediate adjustments and quicker decision-making to increase productivity.
• Reviewing camera footage can also aid in pinpointing parts of your production line that are slowing your operations which you were not able to identify before.
• In large facilities, such as construction sites or factories, you can monitor multiple areas simultaneously. This will help quickly identify and address bottlenecks to ensure smoother operations.
• When paired with AI, video surveillance can help you track people, task completion times, stock levels (to prevent stockouts), slip-and-fall accidents, and other manual tasks to verify efficiency.
• You can monitor crowds and customer interactions to help enhance customer service quality and optimize workflows where needed, especially in retail environments.

Also Read: 19 Effective Retail Loss Prevention Strategies and Best Practices

#19. Improved Productivity and Accountability

Live CCTV monitoring boosts productivity and accountability by ensuring your employees adhere to your company policies which can also reduce internal theft.

Employees who know they are being watched are more likely to maintain a high level of performance and avoid time-wasters like extended breaks. Real-time monitoring also deters misconduct, such as internal theft or harassment, and helps in performance assessments. (This can help managers give constructive feedback.)

Moreover, monitoring day-to-day activities helps address time theft by discouraging activities unrelated to work like using mobile phones or manipulating punch clocks (“buddy punching”) to claim overtime pay.

A monitored environment also enhances employee morale and performance by providing a sense of security, knowing that any potential issues will be identified and addressed swiftly.

Lastly, you can determine if retraining is needed to ensure that your employees follow your policies and help maintain productivity.

#20. Enhanced Customer Experience

Aside from enhancing security, real-time CCTV monitoring can also improve customer service to keep your business running by helping identify areas of improvement to enhance overall customer experience.

Specific tasks that CCTV surveillance can do to boost customer service in the retail and hospitality industries include the following:

• Helping evaluate staff interactions with your guests to ensure adherence to customer service standards
• Improving queue management by reducing wait times
• Providing evidence of interactions to help resolve customer disputes
• Encouraging employees to interact with visitors as they enter your premises to boost sales (and prevent external theft) through the visible presence of security cameras
• Granting secure room access, identifying troublesome guests, authorizing hassle-free payments, and offering personalized service through facial recognition in the hospitality industry

#21. Risk Identification to Strengthen Your Security Plan

Lastly, reviewing recorded footage is crucial for post-incident analysis. It provides clear insights regarding past security incidents and helps identify vulnerabilities in your security plan to prevent similar issues from happening in the future. Thus, helping improve your strategies and build a robust security system.

Also Read: 25 Common Video Surveillance Mistakes to Avoid

Application Examples: 9 Specific Industries/Businesses That Can Benefit From Live Remote Video Monitoring

Regardless of what industry you are in and your objective in installing a video monitoring system (increasing revenue, improving security, or enhancing customer experience), live CCTV surveillance can help you achieve your goals.

Below are more detailed ways how video monitoring can help address major security concerns in every industry:

#1. Retail Security

• Detecting and minimizing internal theft and shoplifting through real-time identification of suspicious behaviors at points of sale 
• Ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations and inventory management practices to prevent costly violations and merchandise damage
• Monitoring conditions to detect and address hazards (e.g. fire hazards, slippery floor due to bad weather conditions) to prevent accidents (e.g. slip-and-fall incidents) and liabilities
• Assisting in customer traffic and inventory management across all floors during peak seasons through AI technology with a people-counting feature to improve customer experience
• Aiding in locating disabled and elderly people and other lost individuals through AI face/people detection
• Ensuring parking lot security and effective management
• Providing valuable insights regarding your business operations (e.g. customer behavior or preferences and traffic patterns) through video analytics to improve your operations, sales, and customer experiences
• Identifying highly occupied areas, customer stops, walking speed, and gaze/walking direction to help you create strategic marketing decisions and optimize display placements and store layout

Also Read: Inventory Shrinkage: Causes and Ways to Prevent It in Retail Settings and Warehouses

#2. Multi-Family Residential Security

• Enhancing security while reducing costs, especially in rent-controlled buildings where increasing rent is challenging
• Helping address intrusions, parcel thefts, and loiterers that could invade your renters’ privacy by monitoring activities in the building
• Providing real-time surveillance of hallways, parking lots, entrances, and exits to ensure the safety of your tenants from acts of violence
• Helping increase property value which can make your units more attractive to potential tenants
• Aiding in resolving disputes between your tenants through video review

#3. Restaurant Security

• Proactively maintaining a safe environment for your customers and staff
• Enabling remote audits to remove hazards like unsecured compactors, blocked exits, and boxes on the floor
• Helping address major security issues like simultaneous monitoring of multiple locations, inventory theft, employee theft, discount abuse, and violence (e.g. verbal and physical abuse from upset customers, late-night confrontations between customer groups)
• Improving the speed of service, especially during peak hours with the assistance of video analysis to protect your revenue
• Monitoring drive-thru operations to identify and resolve service delays and improve customer service
• Helping address health and safety violations impacting food safety (i.e. ensuring proper handling of ingredients, timely placement of perishables, and stock rotation)

#4. Construction Site Security

• Preventing equipment theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities, especially since construction sites contain valuable assets and are located in remote locations which makes them vulnerable to crimes
• Mitigating risks and minimizing liabilities, work disruptions, and financial losses by bolstering security
• Improving hazard detection, especially in low-visibility conditions, to prevent accidents that could lead to liabilities
• Enhancing intrusion detection through video alarms that generate real-time motion alerts for prompt threat assessment and response

Also Read: 13 Benefits of Construction Site Surveillance and CCTV Monitoring

#5. Office Building Security

• Protecting valuable assets (computers, laptops, printers, etc.) inside your office building by employing real-time monitoring outdoors
• Triggering alarms at entrances for early detection of break-ins
• Preventing criminal activities at large parking lots (which office buildings often have and are prone to accidents like minor collisions and security issues like vehicle theft) to avoid liabilities
• Maximizing employee safety by preventing workplace violence
• Preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data that could expose you to cybersecurity threats

#6. Manufacturing Security

• Ensuring worker safety by identifying and addressing natural hazards promptly
• Identifying productivity issues early before they lead to cascading effects throughout your manufacturing plant and cause widespread disruptions

Also Read: 17 Benefits of Video Surveillance in Manufacturing Facilities

#7. Warehouse Security

• Ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols (e.g. forklift speed limits, inventory stacking, and ladder safety) to maintain a safe working environment and high productivity
• Enhancing employee safety and protecting your merchandise through policy compliance monitoring
• Providing evidence in legal cases to validate claims (e.g. unauthorized forklift use which can lead to costly lawsuits from injuries)
• Preventing employee theft at shipping and receiving docks by confirming that delivery drivers are remaining in their designated areas and that shipping manifests are thoroughly checked through CCTV monitoring
• Helping logistics companies ensure safe and timely truck entry and exit at shipping and receiving docks to minimize accidents

Also Read: Warehouse Theft Prevention: 19 Best Surveillance Practices

#8. Car Dealership Security

• Preventing costly repairs to cars (even minor scratches are expensive)
• Protecting your assets (e.g. cars, catalytic converters) from theft, vandalism including graffiti, and other costly damage while allowing access in open environments without the need for physical barriers
• Alarm video verification, loitering detection, and object detection are effective in preventing crimes on your property
• Helping combat fraudulent claims by providing evidence of vehicle condition before and after service to protect your business from unwarranted liability
• Preventing unauthorized access that could lead to car theft, especially at night
• Allowing for early detection of incidents for quick action which minimizes loss and damage

#9. Cannabis Security

• Ensures compliance with state requirements in the cannabis industry (most states require real-time video monitoring)
• Cannabis farms are vulnerable to theft which can be prevented through proactive monitoring and real-time alerts that cover all production, storage, and delivery stages 

Also Read:

• A Complete Guide: How Much Do Remote Video Monitoring Services Cost?
• 5 Major Differences Between Monitored vs. Unmonitored Security Systems?

FAQs

Scout Security Provides Live Video Monitoring Services in the Denver Metro and Colorado Springs Areas

Let our certified staff of security professionals help you enhance security on your property, boost productivity, and improve customer service through real-time video surveillance. We can help you upgrade your security infrastructure through advanced technology to offer you comprehensive protection against major threats faced by your industry. Call us now!