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1. Make Ease of Set-up and Use a Priority

We all know that if it's not easy to use, it probably won't be used. Though DVR video surveillance systems retain numerous advantages over earlier VHS technology — from searchability, point-of-sale (P.O.S.) integration, storage capacity, and remote use — some have complex installation and usage requirements that can compromise their usability.

Lower quality DVR surveillance systems require extensive work. Instead, look for a plug and play system that’s ready to go, right out of the box. Owner-operators or chain managers should opt for an advanced DVR system that's designed for ease of use. Once set up, the DVR system should begin recording immediately and automatically using simple, pre-loaded software. In case of power loss, the DVR should also resume recording automatically once power is restored without having to be manually rebooted.

For ease of use, a good DVR system should store audio and video together. The alternative — storing audio and video separately — requires manually synchronizing them to play together, which can be time-consuming and make the data vulnerable to tampering.

Because some incidents, such as theft rings with multiple perpetrators, require multiple views, multi-camera playback should automatically synchronize stored video of the same incident, preferably in real-time. The DVR should not require the user to manually start and synchronize each camera used in multi-camera playback.

When employers suspect they have a shoplifting, employee theft or "slacking" problem, but lack evidence — short of viewing endless hours of raw video, a "smart search" capability is desirable. This feature allows instant searches by day, time, motion, camera, or other criteria, allowing owner/managers to view suspected instances without looking through hours of video.

 

2. Choose a DVR System with True P.O.S. Integration

One of the great advantages of a DVR system over older VHS technology is that it can display P.O.S. data onto video. This makes it easy to uncover and prosecute misdeeds by "video auditing" suspicious transactions — such as unwarranted voids, returns, exchanges or cash drawer openings. By comparing before and after images and data for discrepancies, owner-managers can quickly track suspicious transactions to their source and burn the evidence to CD.

The problem with many DVR systems, however, is that they're not truly P.O.S. integrated. Typically, translating equipment reads data from printed receipts. But if the receipt doesn't print, there's no P.O.S. data to display. Such P.O.S. translation systems are susceptible to technical errors or tampering — and require extra cabling, equipment, installation, labor and maintenance.

To maximize reliability and ease of use, look for a DVR system that fully integrates at the software level with P.O.S. systems like The Edge, Micros, Radiant or P.O.S.itouch. It should overlay P.O.S. data directly onto recorded video and plug into the existing network, without reading data from printed receipts.

Truly integrated DVR systems can pay off quickly. In one popular fast food chain, for instance, an advanced DVR system was able to pinpoint employee refund abuse in an hourly exception report. This showed an assistant manager and workers huddled over a register with receipts stuck in their aprons and cash disappearing into their pockets. The exception report showed questionable refunds overlaid onto the real-time video.

 

3. Choose a DVR System Capable of Continuous Recording up to Two Years

To protect against theft and fraud and to reduce liability, a DVR surveillance system able to record continuously for up to two years is a wise choice. Continuous recording of this length serves as an added defense against sources of fraud, such as check, credit card or identity theft, which may require positive identification many months after a disputed transaction.

Motion-activated video also leaves recording gaps, which can become a legal liability in public areas. For instance, in slip-and-fall cases where a litigant claims injury at a certain time and place, a motion-activated recording gap could be interpreted as camera failure, casting doubt on its reliability.

Continuous recording capability establishes DVR system reliability that can stand up in court, since there are no recording gaps subject to misinterpretation. The ability to continuously record from one to two years can be crucial in defending against litigants, especially where the statute of limitations ranges up to two years.

Most DVR video systems, however, are incapable of continuous recording beyond a month or two due to inefficient video compression techniques. DVR systems using advanced video compression not only offer continuous recording capability of up to two years, but also offer significantly lower per day storage costs.

 

4. Choose a DVR System with Fast Remote/Multi-site Monitoring Ability

Because DVR images are digital, they can be accessed remotely from home via a PC or laptop, thereby avoiding trips to the store for false alarms. For instance, if you're home and the alarm goes off, you can check out the store from your computer without having to come in — you can tell right away if it's a false alarm or burglary.

For added productivity, some digital systems enable store owner-managers to see, hear and talk with employees at multiple sites via PC or laptop screens. This can greatly reduce travel and face-to-face management at multiple stores, especially when used in conjunction with surveillance and P.O.S. "video auditing" capabilities.

The best digital systems allow owner-managers to remotely view video from up to 32 cameras and 32 locations simultaneously on a single screen. Each image can be enlarged to full screen size for more detail while all cameras continue recording so nothing is missed.

Mediocre DVR systems, however, suffer from slow transmission speeds that make remote viewing painfully slow. While many DVR systems may take minutes to download just a few seconds of remote video, the best systems feature high compression algorithms that enable the downloading of up to 10 minutes of full motion video in as little as 15 seconds. For maximum convenience and productivity, store owner-managers should opt for high-speed DVR systems capable of remote viewing from a web-browser from anywhere in the world.

 

5. Choose a DVR System with a Three-Year, Next Business Day Warranty

For all its security, productivity, and liability protection benefits, your video surveillance system is only valuable as a business tool if it's up and running. If it breaks down or you can't get it to operate correctly, you're left unprotected while it's shipped off to the manufacturer, repaired and re-installed. This could take weeks.

A much better bet is to look for manufacturers or integrators who will stand behind their work with a three-year, next business day warranty. That way, if anything goes wrong, the problem will be fixed by the next business day. And you'll be protected.

 

6. Choose a Total Surveillance Solution and Avoid "Remodeling" Headaches

Buying video surveillance equipment piecemeal — a few cameras here, a recording device there — and trying to integrate them later is just asking for trouble. Like remodeling a house, you may get it to work eventually, but not without added expense and a lot of hassle.

As your business grows, what once met your needs may no longer be enough. Your surveillance system needs to be flexible enough to grow with your business and adapt to your needs so you don't have to discard it and start from scratch. At a minimum, key features must be available and easily added once you're ready.

So consider working with a manufacturer or integrator that can provide an integrated video surveillance solution that will work from the get-go and continue to function reliably even if changes are necessary down the line. This is like working with the builder up front to get the house you want — rather than fighting a pack of contractors later on to make endless and costly changes.

 

7. Get a Professional Security Analysis of Your Business

To ensure you get the most out of your DVR surveillance system, choose a system and integrator capable of offering a true professional security analysis. Your video surveillance system is more than just a bunch of cameras mounted to the wall, and there is no such thing as a "one size fits all solution."

When employee theft alone can account for $1,000 of cash walking out the door on a weekly basis per store, the right system for you will blend the right equipment with the right knowledge of retail. Get the right system but place it wrong and you've missed the theft.

Here are just a few things that implementing the right system will entail: getting the right camera type, number, placement, angle, lens and coverage; accounting for lighting levels, windows and day or night; housing indoor-outdoor camera installations and protecting them from weather or interference; and planning for customer flow, store layout and high-value merchandise.

Whether you manage a single store or a national chain, implementing the right DVR surveillance system can significantly boost your bottom line while enhancing security, productivity, and liability protection.

 

Raphael Adouth is the founder and president of Eyeson Digital Surveillance and Management Systems, which specializes in DVR systems. He is offering complimentary video surveillance security analysis, along with additional information about digital surveillance and remote management systems. For more information, visit www.eyeson.biz, e-mail sales@eyeson.biz or call (800) 327-5784. Write to him at: 50 NE 25th St., Miami, Fla., 33137.