How small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in retail can face the challenge of loss prevention, according to BCD.

SMBs have wildly different security needs than enterprise organizations. They’re often more limited, with smaller teams, fewer funds for capital investments and less technical expertise — yet security incidents, such as robberies or assaults, can be much more damaging to the business. In some cases, these events are enough to create significant hardship or even close an SMB’s doors.

For many business owners, the challenges of the pandemic included a spike in theft. In 2022, about 54% of SMB owners reported an increase in shoplifting and one in four say it happens every week.¹ Along with increased staffing demands, these issues can cause problems with insurance companies, where more claims can risk an SMB’s good standing.

SMBs looking for physical security also must consider the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Technology has developed quickly in the last few decades and new innovations and updates — like the Internet of Things (IoT) or basic security patches — appear frequently. SMBs must be in a position to adapt to these demands without extensive IT resources, lest they fall behind and expose themselves to further risk or a competitive disadvantage.

Video security for small businesses needs to address several important considerations:

• Balancing affordability and quality: most SMBs don’t have huge budgets to spend on their security systems. They need affordable equipment, as well as affordable maintenance, tech support services and installation. Of course, those systems need to provide results through high ROIs and modern analytics tools like license plate and facial recognition. They may also need integrations with other security systems, like automatic alarms and locking mechanisms
• Ease of use: in the same vein, SMBs may not have robust IT teams to install, manage and use their security systems. Easy-to-use video recording storage, playback and deployment allow SMBs to make the most of their security systems without needing extensive technical expertise. An intuitive solution can help SMBs cover all their bases, even if they lack an advanced understanding of network video appliances
• Scalability: SMBs often grow quickly whether by adding locations, expanding operations or moving to new offices. Video recording appliances must keep pace. The overall system should easily adapt to new components, like cameras or storage, with cost-effective installation and modification. If these processes are slow, expensive or complex, they’ll impede business growth and can restrict the agility the SMB might need to stay competitive
• Cybersecurity: many SMBs mistakenly believe that they are too small to be attacked by hackers. Unfortunately, that often leaves them to slack on cybersecurity. Their video storage and networking solutions must be completely encrypted, with security that isn’t prone to error from less-skilled IT teams

Meeting these challenges can be difficult without purpose-built technology. Enterprise systems might be too expensive or resource-intensive. Systems for homeowners lack the security, high capacity and scalability that businesses need. Network video recorder (NVR) appliances can fill this niche and leave room for growth when an SMB is ready to expand.

Loss prevention with NVR appliances

Network video solutions have emerged as excellent security solutions for SMBs. Their straightforward design allows for versatile installation, complete customization and scalability.

Smaller commercial operations such as retail stores and gas stations benefit from the simplified infrastructure and advanced capabilities NVR appliances offer. Retail network recording appliances, for example, might allow a store owner to search through footage for a visit from a known shoplifter. NVR systems can enable these features without complicated IT demands. Should these SMBs branch out, they can easily add new cameras and integrations to the same network.

Versatility: NVR solutions come in configurations perfectly suited to SMB environments. With diverse options, you can find the perfect balance of affordability and performance.

NVR appliances typically require just one cable to transmit power, video and audio. Some functions can even occur wirelessly. This design means that cameras are much more flexible and can be used in more locations and settings. Should someone decide they want to add a camera to their shop’s storage room, they probably have more options.

With compatibility for a range of different cameras, storage options and management systems, NVR systems work well in an array of businesses, even suitable for large corporations. If an SMB takes off, NVR can adapt alongside it.

Lastly, NVR systems can also be used alongside other building components, like fire safety and security mechanisms.

Ease of Use: when paired with the right software, NVR solutions offer unparalleled ease of use and functionality. Users can access video remotely, set up customizable alerts, implement artificial intelligence (AI) tools and more through a simplified, flexible architecture. Without dedicated IT experts, SMBs can still use NVR solutions effectively. They can more readily boost ROI and maximize the system’s value, despite limited technical knowledge.

Scalability: as an SMB grows, NVR appliances can move with it, adapting to new devices with scalable storage and systems. Since they’re easy to install, SMBs can quickly deploy network video solutions to new locations while keeping them on the same network as other cameras. Cloud storage allows users to add space as needed, so clients never need to worry about swapping, managing and buying new hard drives.

Along with the ease of hardware installation, NVR systems can build the foundation for a wide range of features for future scalability.

Security:despite its versatility, NVR storage can be highly secure, complete with encryption and access control. It runs on internet protocol, which doesn’t eliminate risk but can be used alongside exceptional security features.

Affordability: while many SMBs lack the resources for large capital investments, you can’t overlook the importance of long-term savings or a competitive advantage in favor of low-cost equipment like closed-circuit television (CCTV). When considering the additional costs and setbacks of more complicated systems, NVR appliances become a particularly affordable option.

Finding the right solution

NVR systems can minimize installation costs, downtime from technical issues and the cost of upgrades or adjustments. Finding the right solution can not only lower your total cost of ownership, but provide peace of mind knowing your system is reliable and scalable, backed by trusted hardware.

This article was originally published in the January edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.

Reference

1. Di Lella, C (2022) Fed up with the rise in thefts and shoplifting, small-biz owners across U.S. are taking action, CNBC. CNBC. Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/16/fed-up-with-rise-in-thefts-and-shoplifting-small-biz-owners-take-action.html.