CCTV is more than Security

If you only think of Security Cameras as a way to keep an eye on your home or business in case of vandalism or theft then you are not seeing the full potential of this technology. Although the term "Security Cameras" is the most popular when describing what I do, in the industry we refer to it as Closed Circuit Television or CCTV. For years, Closed Circuit Television has been used in schools, churches, and businesses. As improvements came in recording devices, the popularity of CCTV increased and became largely dominated by security.
In recent years however, through the internet and the ability for the average person to access the video, an explosion is taking place. People are realizing the advantages that CCTV can bring and the time it can save them. Here are just a few of things my clients use their "Security Cameras" for other than security.

1. Customer Service. With many offices operating with less people the use of a permanent information secretary to greet people as they walk in has been eliminated. Many people work from an office without the ability to see the front door when customers, vendors, and delivery personnel enter. They are constantly having to interrupt their work to "see if someone just came in." Using CCTV they can see that front door from their desk. My CPA, Ken Klingler loves this about his security cameras and he keeps the picture of his office front door minimized on his computer all day long. In 2009, I ran a camera for Continental Airlines at the SLC Airport so they could see their gate from their new control point and know when the plane had arrived.
2. Safety. I have worked with Industrial companies that use CCTV cameras to view processes of the operation that need to be monitored for safety purpses. Rather than having one person at each point, they use CCTV cameras and allow one person to monitor many points at the same time.

As I worked with AES Huntington Beach and Alamitos in Southern California the past couple of years they used cameras for both safety and security. CCTV cameras gave each control room the ability to montior the generators, turbines, etc. The cameras allowed them to see in places where it would be impossible otherwise.
3. Child Observation. Baby monitors have been popular for years. First it was the audio ones that were more like walkie talkies. The use of CCTV in this area became very popular in schools, nurseries, hospitals, etc. Advancements in quality have made this a must for many parents that want to know what their children are doing without having to run to another part of the house. Over the past year I have seen a dramatic increase in the number of customers wanting CCTV in their homes. Some of the cameras are for "Security" purposes, but over half of the cameras that I install are so parents can keep an eye on their children.
4. Production & Operation Management. A recommendation that I make to most of my business clients is that they use their security cameras to help them with production and operation management. By watching video footage they can learn important information about their operation...ie......How long are customers waiting for service? How do customers move through the business space? Are security procedures being followed? What about other company policies? Does production/Quality decrease when the owner or management is absent?
I have found that my clients that use their camera systems to obtain information to improve their business, quickly find CCTV as one of their most important management tools.