3 Reasons Why IP Camera Systems are Superior to CCTV

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][social_buttons facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][vc_column_text]IP camera systems are not new, in fact, they’ve been around now for 20 years. Yet there are still markets that rely on older, analog CCTV technology. If you currently use CCTV and are on the fence about upgrading, now may be the time to make the switch. IP Camera systems are more affordable than ever and far superior to CCTV for many reasons, including these:

1. IP Camera Systems Offer The Best Quality Images

The purpose of video surveillance is to give you or the authorities a clear image of what’s happening at your place of business. The more details you can get, the better chance you have identifying  suspicious activity or perpetrators. But if your camera’s image resolution is blurry or pixelated, it’s much more difficult to catch those important details that could make a difference in solving the crime.

IP cameras offer superior digital images to even the best analog cameras. Today’s IP camera systems usually fall between 1-3 megapixels in resolution and some can even broadcast in widescreen HD with 720p or 1080p resolution. To put it in perspective, 3 megapixels offers 9 times better resolution than standard analog video –  a much clearer surveillance picture.

2. IP Camera Systems Have A Lower Total Cost Of Ownership

There is a widespread perception that IP cameras are more expensive than analog cameras, and generally speaking, they are. On average, IP cameras are about 50% more expensive than their analog counterparts. However, this only accounts for the cost of the cameras (if you need the same number of cameras.)In many cases, you’ll have to purchase more analog cameras to cover the same area that a digital camera would cover. This is because analog cameras have a narrower field of view.

 

Plus, there’s additional equipment involved too. And for analog systems, it’s expensive. Unlike IP systems, analog requires digital video recorders onsite, which means more equipment, and ultimately more cost. And as the equipment ages, it costs even more to maintain. Digital surveillance systems can come with features like IP health monitoringto ensure everything is running properly, saving you time and money on expensive repairs. This is not an option with analog systems.

3. IP Camera Systems Are Very User-Friendly

With an IP-based surveillance system, remote viewing and management are built in. Users can log into their system from any computer or mobile device and instantly have access to their camera feed—which include more than just visual footage. Not only do you have access to video feed with IP camera hosting, it records audio, can be activated by motion detection, and includes high-tech features like Pan/Tilt/Zoom controls.

IP systems also have useful analytics toolsyou can use for both security purposes and also to gain valuable customer insights. Analog systems don’t have near as much capability and they are much less convenient to operate. In fact, viewing must be done on location at one monitoring station, making it very difficult to check in on your business if you are away from the office for any reason.

Is It Time For You To Upgrade?

If you currently have a CCTV security system or are debating what type of security system to invest in, contact Pro-Vigil for a free quote and consultation. Pro-Vigil offers the most intelligent live surveillance on the market today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

4 Reasons Your Retail Security Solution Needs Surveillance

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][social_buttons facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][vc_column_text]While there are multiple retail security solutions available, video surveillance is the most comprehensive security solution you’ll find for your store. Not only does surveillance technology help deter crime, but it can also give you eyes on your employees, observe and analyze customer traffic, and reduce your long-term costs. Let’s look closer at what you stand to gain from using surveillance as a retail security solution.

1. Reduce Crime

The most obvious reason for installingvideo surveillanceis to protect your store from theft, and for good reason. When installed properly, cameras will catch much more than a security guard could because they have a bird’s eye view of the store. Most shoplifters know this too. And if they see that you have cameras in place, this alone could be a deterrent. However, if they still decide to steal from your store, you’ll have the evidence on video and can turn it over to authorities.

2. Monitor Employees

While you may believe that you’ve hired the best employees with the highest integrity, unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.Studiesshow that 75% of all employees have stolen at least once from an employer, and the amount stolen annually from U.S. businesses by employees is $50 billion. To help protect your business, your retail security solutions should monitor the people who work for you as much as the customers. Video surveillance can also help you observe whether employees are staying on task or not. If you are out of town or away from the store, you can still view the activity at your place of business from your smartphone to ensure your team is doing their job.

3. Heat Maps And Store Layouts

Modern video surveillance has technology that goes beyond your typical retail security solutions. There are options such as avirtual guard solution, where live guards remotely watch your store. And there’s alsovideo analyticswhich provides things like heatmaps. Heatmaps reveal where your high traffic spots are in your store. So you know where customers congregate and linger. And you can plan your store layout accordingly. Have a new product that you want to draw attention to? Use your analytics to collect data on your customers and determine the best placement and move less popular items to an area with less traffic. When used right, this feature could also help increase sales, which brings us to our next point.

4. Reduce Costs

Of the various retail security solutions, video surveillance may seem expensive upfront due to the cost of equipment and installation. But in the long-term, security cameras will help you reduce expenses and increase profit. You’ll cut down on theft and shoplifting because savvy criminals will see your cameras and you’ll reduce the temptation from your own employees too. If your products are stolen, you’ll be able to hand over the evidence to the police and possibly even recover what was lost.

And on top of all of this, your insurance rate may even drop. Why? Because insurance companies will see your store as less of a risk if video surveillance is part of your retail security solution.

Contact The Leader In Retail Security Solutions

Pro-Vigilis a leader in video surveillance systems preventing 97% of all crime instances before they even happen.  To learn more about the most reliable live monitoring and surveillance company,contactPro-Vigil today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Understanding the difference in Temporary Surveillance and Fixed

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][social_buttons facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][vc_column_text]Not all businesses are location-dependent. If you are in a business that moves locations or you operate from a hard-to-reach spot, your security needs are different than those of companies in a fixed space. Temporary surveillance, also known as mobile surveillance, could be the solution you need to ensure your site is secure at all times.

What Is Temporary Surveillance?

Temporary surveillance is a type of surveillance system that isn’t permanently fixed to a specific location. It’s often called mobile surveillance because it has the ability to move with you. Some people confuse the term “mobile surveillance” with the ability to observe a security system from a mobile device. And while you can observe mobile surveillance from a smartphone or other device, this isn’t the reason it’s mobile.

Unlike its counterpart, fixed surveillance, mobile or temporary surveillance is portable. If you operate a construction or utility site, are renovating a portion of your office, or own property in a remote location without electricity, there are mobile surveillance systems that you can use to keep a watchful eye on your assets.

While fixed security systems are designed as permanent surveillance systems that stay with a business, mobile surveillancehas the ability to move locations when you do. So, in the construction business for example, when you complete one build and are ready to move to a new assignment, your temporary surveillance can go with you.

If you no longer need it, you can also easily end the service.

Why Use Mobile Surveillance?

Mobile surveillance is a cost-conscious way to protect property in the short-term, regardless of its location. This temporary surveillance solution comes with a live video feed that you can monitor from anywhere. In fact, you can do almost everything remotely that you could do onsite.

The cameras can be mounted on a building on the property, free-standing poles, trailers, or any other objects that are available for use. Even if there is no electricity on the property, mobile surveillance can still be set up to monitor your site using solar power panels. It’s a cost-effective way to protect your business.

What Types Of Businesses Use Temporary Surveillance?

There is no limit to the type of business that can use mobile surveillance, some of the more common ones who need this type of security include oil and gas companies, utilities, construction sites, ranches, and agricultural businesses.

Oil and gas companies are often targeted by thieves out on drill sites. The equipment is of high-value and there’s often little security due to the remote locations. Temporary surveillance on these sites can help to deter crime, especially if thieves realize that the site is being monitored.

Similarly, utility sites are often in remote, hard to reach locations, which can make security difficult. To ensure that customers don’t experience an interruption in their electrical or cable services due to crime, protecting this equipment from theft is critical.

Construction sites are another group that needs a temporary solution. Theft, vandalism, and accidents are common here. Video surveillance can monitor the construction site and prevent many of the vandalism acts and thefts from happening in the first place. And it may even help provide answers for accidents that happen.

Ranchers and farmers often use mobile surveillance to secure their land and any valuable livestock or equipment. These are just a few examples of how temporary surveillance is utilized.

Pro-Vigil Is The Trusted Source For Mobile Surveillance

Pro-Vigil offers the most intelligent live surveillance on the market today. Whether your surveillance system is a permanent or temporary solution, your business is in good hands with Pro-Vigil. We prevent 97 percent of crime instances before they even happen. Contact Pro-Vigil today to learn more and get a free consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What Can Video Analytics Do For Your Business?

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][social_buttons facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][vc_column_text]Video analytics can significantly improve your security and give you a better understanding of your customers. With features like facial recognition, behavioral analysis, emotion detection, and people counting, video analytics helps you create a better experience for your customers and keep your company safe from suspicious activity. Let’s look at some video analytics features and what they can do to protect and improve your business.

Behavioral Analytics To Gain Customer Insights

Do you ever wish you could see inside the minds of your customers so that you can serve them better – and ultimately generate more sales? Video analytics can help you get a better sense of your customers and what drives their decisions. Video analysis picks up information that humans can’t. It records what your shoppers look at, how long they look at it, and even their expressions in any given moment while shopping in your store.

One of the types of behavioral analytics is emotion detection. This can be used to get a better sense of where people go throughout the store through the use of heat mapping technology. You can then use this data to plan out your product placement so that new displays or items you want to sell quickly receive more attention.  Using these video analytics, you can also discover the parts of your store that people rarely pass through and map out your store plan more effectively.

Video Analytics For Security

Behavioral analysis can also be used for security purposes. Using video surveillance tools, you can monitor and observe people’s body movements while in your store. How they walk and act can be tell-tale signs of suspicious activity. Large operations such as airports and sports venues use video object tracking as part of their surveillance, which combined with behavioral analysis can be a very effective tool for preventing theft.

Live video monitoring, another feature available through video analytics, allows you to monitor everything that is happening in your store in real-time from anywhere.

If someone does attempt a crime in your store, it will be captured on video. And with the facial recognition feature of your video analytics, this person can be identified based on their features so that you and the proper authorities can be notified.

People counting is another form of video analytics technology that can help you know who is entering and exiting your premises at all times. If someone enters the store but doesn’t exit when the store is closed for the night, you will know about it. Additionally, you can use this information to track patterns of activity and identify when your company is busiest.

Video Analytics Experience Is Not Required

You don’t need to be an expert in big data to take advantage of video analytics. Pro-Vigil can provide you with the systems and services you need to receive all the benefits, without being an expert in analytics.

Pro-Vigil’s video analytics software will sift through all of your company’s many hours of video content to find a specific series of events related to an incident. All it takes on your end is the click of a button. We can pull information based on a variety of search parameters such as objects in frame, the color of objects, and time to quickly find the information you are looking for. Video analytics is a game-changer for many businesses from both customer experience and security standpoints.

Pro-Vigil has a track record of deterring crime 97% of the time without having to contact the authorities. To learn more about Pro-Vigil video analytics and surveillance systems, contact us to schedule your free consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Apartment Security Camera Systems: Don’t Leave Out The Pool

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][social_buttons facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][vc_column_text]A pool is an amenity that adds value and appeal to an apartment complex, but it also brings risk to the property. Including apartment security camera systems in the pool area can help mitigate some of the risks associated with pools.

Apartment Complex Pool Risks

Pools are attractive and may even be one of the many selling points of your apartment complex. However, they can also be dangerous. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports drowning as the leading cause of injury-related unintentional death amongst kids ages 1 – 14.

But unattended children aren’t the only ones who create risk. If some of the tenants decide to throw a party and it’s too loud, there’s lots of horseplay, or drugs and alcohol are involved, things could downward spiral. And as the landlord, you could be held liable for an injury or death that happens on your property, even if it involves people who don’t live there.

Landlords have also experienced bad online reviews and ratings based on noise or incidents at the complex pool. And while this may not impact you legally, it could stop potential tenants from considering your property, which is bad for business.

Ways To Improve Apartment Pool Safety

To help keep your residents safe and reduce the risk of poor ratings or an injury-related lawsuit, install apartment security camera systems in the pool area and include the following safety practices at your complex:

  • Review the guidelines in the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). These guidelines go over things like maintenance, policies, and proper pool management for apartment complexes.
  • Require residents to sign a disclosure document. To protect yourself legally, provide your tenants with a list of all the pool rules and be sure to get their signature confirming they’ve seen them and agree to follow them.
  • Require a key code for entry. Since the pool is private to renters, you can install a gate with an access code or key that is only available to your renters and their guests. This will help keep unwanted intruders out and prevent small children from entering the pool area.
  • Post the rules clearly by the pool. Place a large sign somewhere at your pool so that all swimmers and sunbathers can read them. These rules should include key information such as pool hours, and have rules about proper swim clothes, noise levels, the maximum number of guests, requiring children to be accompanied by an adult, and prohibiting diving.

How Apartment Security Camera Systems Improves Pool Safety

Incorporating the pool safety guidelines included in this article will help prevent many of the risks associated with a pool, however, there are times when situations arise.  Knowing that your pool is being watched 24/7 can serve as a deterrent against potential threats and unruly behavior. And if this fact alone doesn’t stop it, then you have added protection with video surveillance monitoring services.

Monitored video surveillance provides peace of mind knowing that your pool and your tenants are being watched over at all times to ensure their safety. Pro-Vigil’s surveillance solutions have advanced recognition software that can identify, track, and evaluate potential threats. If a threat is detected, it can immediately activate audible and visual deterrents to thwart the activity. This system has proven to be so effective that it blocks 97% of threats before they take a turn for the worse. And for those rare cases when this is not enough, you still have the evidence on your camera to turn over to authorities.

Contact Pro-Vigil today to learn more about video surveillance at your complex pool.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

3 Reasons Why Video Surveillance Is Crucial To Your Car Dealership Security Plan

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][social_buttons facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][vc_column_text]Automobile dealerships are the perfect target for criminals. The inventory is of high-value and, because it’s outside, it’s also easy to get to. Criminals can steal a vehicle off your lot, or even swipe its portable parts to make a profit. You probably already know this, but good security is crucial to keeping your vehicle inventory safe. An effective way of doing this is by incorporating video surveillance into your car dealership security plan.

With inventory worth thousands of dollars, you are faced with the challenge of making your vehicles accessible to your prospective customers yet protected from criminals. Gates and security guards may help with this, but they are much more limited than video surveillance cameras. If you are on the fence about incorporating cameras into your car dealership security plan, here are three reasons why you should move forward with it:

1. Theft Deterrence And Prevention

With remote surveillancecapabilities, you can keep up with your car dealership security from anywhere at any time. Whether you are in your office, at home, or out of town, you can check in on the vehicles on your lot. And if something happens, you can go back and watch the recorded video from the time of the incident. If a crime is caught on tape, you have the evidence to hand over to the authorities. The fact that you have video cameras throughout the parking lot could even serve as a deterrent to theft. And if the video cameras don’t startle them, there are surveillance system options such as alarms, strobe lights, and other deterrents to scare away thieves before they get too far.

2. Real Time Protection

While theft commonly occurs at night, some bold criminals will target your dealership in broad daylight. They blend into the crowds and take advantage of all the activity as they swipe your valuable goods. Or, they scan the premises during the day to gain knowledge on your car dealership security – then return later that night. If you are monitoring your video surveillance throughout the day, or utilize a service such as a virtual security guardand you see suspicious activity, you are able to proactively act upon it.

3. Observe Potential Customers

The primary function of your car dealership security plan is to prevent crime, no doubt. But your video surveillance can also be used for sales. By observing the video footage of your potential customers, you can collect data on what types of vehicles and displays your prospects respond to and like, and what they show little interest in. You can see where the majority of your customers spend their time while on your lot. And you can incorporate this data into your business strategy.

What To Look For In Video Surveillance For Car Dealership Security

When you are ready to make a choice, Pro-Vigil offers the most intelligent live surveillance out there. In fact, we view over a million events every day. We are reliable, professional, and have a track record of preventing crimes before they happen in 97% of all instances. Pro-Vigil is the undisputed leader in catching crime. To learn more about Pro-Vigil, visit us online or request a quoteon our pricing for video surveillance as part of your car dealership security plan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

How Smartphone Compatible Security Cameras Changed Commercial Security

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][social_buttons facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][vc_column_text]Gone are the days when you were required to sit in front of a video screen in a specific location to monitor your business. With smartphone compatible security cameras, you can be anywhere in the world and still keep an eye on your company. Today’s remote video surveillance abilities are a game-changer for business owners and here’s why:

Mobility Equals Convenience

With remote surveillance capabilities, you can check on your business from anywhere – it does not get more convenient than that! If you want to work from home one day or you are out of town, you can still check on your business from your smartphone. You can have peace of mind knowing that at any given moment, you have the ability to observe your business, your employees, and anything that might concern you.

Combat Internal Theft Risks

For many businesses, the risk of employee theft is as much of a concern as external theft. A CNBC reportsays that workplace crime costs businesses $50 billion a year. While you want to trust the people you hire to work for you, the reality is that not everyone can resist temptation. If your video surveillance system is weak or your access to it is limited, and your employees know this, then your business is vulnerable to internal crime. However, if your team knows that you have a robust security system in place – and you can access its cameras at any given moment, they may be less inclined to steal from you.

Improve Employee Productivity

Remote surveillance can also help to motivate your employees. If you must travel for business, or better yet, take a vacation, you want to feel confident that your employees are still performing in your absence. When you place cameras throughout your facility and indicate to your team that you monitor them, they are more motivated to stay on task because they know you could be watching.

Quick Reporting On Incidents

In the event that there is a break-in or other type of incident at your business, you have immediate access to the footage. You don’t have to drive into the office and download it or retrieve the video. With remote surveillance capabilities, you have the information at the palm of your hands, and you can get it to the authorities quickly. Criminals work fast – they know that the more time that lapses between the crime and reporting, the better chance they have to get away with it. Your immediate access to the footage improves the odds in your favor of catching them.

Mobility Allows You To Be In Complete Control

One of the best perks of remote surveillance from your smartphone is that you have control of your security system. You can customize it to fit your needs, determine where the cameras are placed, and who is responsible for monitoring them. You have the option to watch all of the feeds yourself, hire a guard to patrol your property and monitor your surveillance system onsite or utilize the benefits of a virtual security guardor video surveillance monitoring.  How you choose to do it is up to you – you are in control.

How to Find the Right Smartphone Compatible Security Cameras System

Are you convinced yet that remote surveillance from your smartphone device is a game-changer? If so, it might be time to look into a video surveillance system provider. Pro-Vigil is the most reliable live monitoring and surveillance company around.  With features like remote surveillance monitoring and virtual security guards, we prevent crime in 97% of all instances and view over a million events each day. For more information about Pro-Vigil or to request a quote, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Parking Lot Security: 5 Necessities To Mitigate Risk

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][social_buttons facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][vc_column_text]Parking lot security is crucial to keeping your business and your customers safe. If a crime happens in your parking lot, it could damage your business – and your reputation. Here are five actions you can take to mitigate the risk of parking lot crime.

#1 – Add More Lighting To The Parking Lot

Parking lots should be well lit. If your business operates during hours when it is dark outside, good lighting deters would-be criminals and helps your customers and staff feel safe. It’s also easier to identify the perpetrators if a crime occurs. Even if your business is closed in the evening, criminals could attempt a break-in or use your dimly lit parking lot as a meeting place for criminal activity. Well-lit spaces ward off crime.

#2 – Keep Up With Parking Lot Maintenance

A well-maintained parking lot shows you care about the appearance and safety of your business. And it serves as a deterrent. Don’t leave graffiti on your buildings or parking lot surface. Remove it quickly and make every effort to identify the perpetrators to prevent further vandalism. Also, be sure that litter is picked up, weeds and debris are removed, grass trimmed, and parking lot lines are clear and not faded. One simple way to keep up with maintenance is to outsource the work to a contractor and schedule it in advance on a routine basis.

#3 – Post Clear And Easy-To-Read Signs In Your Parking Lot

Helping customers get to and from their vehicles quickly improves parking lot security.  If signs are clear and easy-to-read, people visiting your business will know exactly where they are and where to go next. This is especially important in larger parking lots. You don’t want customers distracted and wandering around because they can’t find any markers to lead them back to their car. This could make them a prime target for criminals. So think through your signage and where it is placed. And keep it clean and maintained and replace it if it becomes too difficult to read.

#4 – Control Access To The Parking Lot

Depending on the location of your business, this may or may not be an option. If you do have control over the parking lot that your staff and customers use, then consider limiting its access. This can be done in several ways including parking stickers for employee vehicles, or even entrances and exits that control the flow and monitor who goes in and out.

#5 – Install An Advanced Surveillance System

A state-of-the-art surveillance system is one of the most effective parking lot security measures that you can implement to mitigate risk. Unlike low-quality CCTV systems, which have unclear pictures and are easily tampered with, a high-definition, cloud-based security system will help you identify and possibly even prevent crime from happening in your parking lock. If criminals know that your parking lot is under surveillance, many will go elsewhere. And in the event that they still attempt a crime, security features like Pro-Vigil remote guardsthat have deterred intruders 97% of the time without having to contact law enforcement.

Be Proactive With Parking Lot Security

Poor security in your parking lot is bad for your company and its reputation. Nobody wants to read or see on the news that a crime was committed on their premises, but the criminal got away because the parking lot was dimly lit or there was no outside video monitoring.Pro-Vigil has advanced video surveillance technology to protect your business and help your customers feel safe when they visit.  Learn more about Pro-Vigil video surveillanceto enhance your parking lot security.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

IP Camera Hosting Explained

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][social_buttons facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true”][vc_column_text]Are you considering a new video surveillance system for your business? Today, most surveillance systems come with one of two types of video cameras: IP or CCTV. Both cameras capture and transmit video footage, but they do so in different ways. IP cameras communicate across a network using internet protocol (hence the name IP camera) whereas CCTV cameras require coaxial cable connections.  Since IP cameras allow you to easily monitor your business onsite and remotely, they are the recommended choice. This article explains everything you need to know about IP camera hosting.

 

What Is An IP Camera?

An IP camera is often called a network camera. It’s basically a digital camera that transmits images and video over a network. This can be a wireless or local network, or it can transmit the data across the internet. Because these cameras can send and receive information easily across a network, business owners can monitor activity onsite, from home, or anywhere else. This makes IP camera hosting a popular choice in video surveillance systems.

How Does An IP Camera Work?

Unlike CCTV cameras, which need coaxial cables, IP cameras are easily accessed through a network connection.  Their transmission capability is built right into the camera unit. Simply configure the camera to the WiFi network or LAN (local area network) and it is ready to transmit the video footage. However, to observe the data remotely, you’ll need a dedicated IP host address for your camera. This is simple to set up and allows you to monitor your business from anywhere in the world.

How To Store Your IP Camera Footage

Now, your next question may be, what happens to the video feed after its transmitted?  You may want to hold on to it for a while to review it. To do so, you’ll want a secure place to store it – and you have a few options. You can store it directly on the camera, stream it tothe cloud, or send the feed to another storage device (All of the above are available as well). Customers of Pro-Vigil receive centralized storage of data from their surveillance cameras as part of the package. So if you choose Pro-Vigilfor your IP camera hosting service, then your video footage is automatically backed up and accessible for the next two weeks (14 days is the standard but additional days are available locally or in the cloud.)

What You’ll Need To Get Started With IP Camera Hosting

To connect a video surveillance system with IP camera hosting onto your network, you’ll need the following:

  • IP hosting service
  • Dedicated IP address
  • Wireless router
  • Computer
  • A place to store your footage

NOTE: Pro-Vigil provides the IP hosting service and storage for its customers allowing you to access your camera feed from anywhere without having to set it up yourself.

Why Choose IP Camera Hosting

IP camera surveillance is easy to install and manage, and it helps you monitor and protect your business 24 hours a day from internal or external theft and damage. Plus, you can access your surveillance system from anywhere to check on employees at work, observe your site after hours, or respond to threats. You can view the activity from your computer, smartphone, or tablet in real-time, or review securely stored video feeds from earlier.

The Pro-Vigil Advantage

Pro-Vigil offers high-quality surveillance systems including features like IP camera hosting and virtual security guards (so that there are eyes on your business even while you are sleeping). With state-of-the-art cameras, 24/7 surveillance, and deterrents to ward off potential threats, Pro-Vigil security systems stop the majority of crimes before they even happen. Get peace of mind for your business. Contact Pro-Vigil to learn more about business security systemoptions for your property today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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