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Top 7 non-security uses for video surveillance cameras -- more than just a crime prevention tool

July 25, 2006
By:  Alice Osborn

Video surveillance cameras are not just for traditional security uses -- they can also help with employee productivity, quality assurance and traffic flow. By having these cameras in the right locations, IT managers can make better decisions about safety, compliance and how to better serve their customers.

Video monitoring technology has also kept pace with the increasing video surveillance demands since now many video systems are moving away from analog CCTV systems and towards wireless IP and digital surveillance cameras, which require less monitoring (the camera operator can view the cameras on his/her laptop from a remote location, rather than in a centralized monitoring room) and can be routed onto a LAN. These cameras also have PTZ technology, and the panning and tilting can also be directed from a remote location.

The following is our list of the top seven non-security uses for video monitoring technologies:

1. Employee monitoring -- The 2005 Electronic Monitoring & Surveillance Survey found an increase in the amount of employers using video monitoring to monitor employees' on-the-job performance. The survey also noted that 85% of employers tell their employees that they are under surveillance. Monitoring helps companies see how employees are using their work time and it checks for efficient transaction processing at banks, high-tech companies, or in securities exchange businesses. Video monitoring can determine customer traffic patterns, which can help managers maximize their scheduling hours.
    
2. Gaining customer service information -- Without video monitoring, managers would not gain the proper amount of feedback from customers to know if the company is delivering its promises. For example, in a department store, surveillance cameras help managers know if the customer is greeted properly, if the customer's question is answered completely, and if the customer is thanked by name and also offered a credit card. These cameras provide valuable feedback to improve the service provided, which will ultimately bring customers back, build brand loyalty, and increase the customer's confidence in the product or service. In addition, images of employees performing correct and incorrect tasks from these surveillance cameras can assist with the training of new employees.
    
3. Compliance monitoring -- Video monitoring helps managers see if employees are using proper sanitation techniques, which is vital for the food and hotel industry. Compliance monitoring can also help to see if the appropriate methods for packing and processing are being used, such as in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. These PTZ surveillance cameras would be positioned above the processing floor so that they can optimally capture the employees doing their jobs from different angles.
    
4. Construction monitoring -- Video cameras are also used at construction sites for asset protection and the best choices would be ones that use infrared and lowlight technology, in order to capture nighttime images. Because of the harsh environments involved here, these surveillance cameras should also be weatherproof. Managers use these cameras to show the construction's progress to stakeholders, clients, and executive management. IP-based cameras work very well for construction monitoring since the user can view the images from a remote location.
    
5. Cameras for marketing -- Surveillance cameras are very useful for compiling demographic data at malls, resorts, amusement parks, and tourist attractions. They can also be used for traffic pattern analysis. For example, the British bed superstore, Dreams, uses video surveillance to track their foot traffic so that they can position their merchandise in key zones. To lure vacation travelers to their destination, popular beach resorts and other vacation hot spots are now showing live webcam images of their locations, which can easily be accessed over the Internet.
    
6. Remote telepresence -- These cameras are remote-controlled and are positioned in locations that are often not physically accessible to us, such as the ocean, on desert landscapes, and inside of the human body. The data from these images allows viewers to save endangered species, solve medical problems, and investigate natural resource issues.
    
7. Live traffic cameras for transportation system monitoring, management, and safety -- Video surveillance technology measures traffic flow and congestion, is used for red light cameras, and helps emergency service vehicles reach hospitals faster. Some cities and towns display their camera images on their websites, so that drivers can anticipate any traffic problems before they head out in the morning. More and more local governments are coming on board to this technology because it does achieve tangible results. Red light cameras reduce speeding and help prevent accidents, and even their presence helps improve safety.

Surveillance cameras keep up the success

Surveillance cameras aren't just for crime prevention anymore. They have a multitude of business and government applications since they have been proven to increase profits and improve efficiency. However, as this technology grows more popular, IT managers need to continue to be aware of privacy issues, especially in public and employee areas. Surveillance cameras are never allowed in dressing rooms or bathrooms and when they are placed in public areas, adequate notification is necessary. The signs tell us that as this monitoring technology is redefined for the twenty-first century, more businesses will invest in IP-based cameras to replace their old CCTV systems.

About the Author
Alice Osborn is a successful freelance writer and contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com.  Your definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.

Also See:  [ Home video surveillance using wireless technology ]
[ Advantages of digital video surveillance systems for your security needs ]
[ Wireless surveillance camera systems -- remote solar video security ]

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