SMALL BUSINESS VIDEO SURVEILLANCE Cincinnati OH

Many owners of a "small business" are all too aware that they face most of the same security problems that trouble larger corporate-owned operations. The "mom and pop" shop must still deal with client and vendor theft, employee fraud and liability issues. Fortunately, video surveillance solutions are available that can be customized to fit anything from a four- to 400-person operation and provide similar levels of protection and return on investment as the larger operations.

When working with a small business end user, it never hurts to present some recent statistics that help make the case for a video surveillance system. According to a recent survey conducted by the University of Florida, the nation's retailers lose about $13.3 billion each year from shoplifters. They lose even more—about $19.5 billion—from their own employees. Vendors account for another $1.7 billion more in losses. A combination of a few well-placed cameras and a recorder along with an awareness campaign can help a small business owner prevent problems from occurring or spot the problems and more easily identify the culprit.

Depending on the type of business, employees may be stealing from a cash register, petty cash drawer, supply cabinet or even walking out with expensive electronic gadgets such as computers, printers, telephones, audio-visual equipment or even office furniture. Just the presence of a video system may be enough to act as a deterrent to many employees. Customers and vendors may learn the hard way that cameras are on guard protecting the business.

Generally, honest employees may be stealing from their employers in other ways such as wasting time and getting paid for it. According to a survey done by OnlineSalary.com, almost 45 percent of employees admitted to spending up to two hours of time on the clock surfing the Internet or talking on the phone. Employees tend to be more dedicated to the job if they know their activities are being monitored.

A camera system that allows access to the video via a company network or Internet Web site (via a secure password) allows managers to remotely view their operations anytime of day without them being present. Whether they are on vacation or wakened in the middle of the night, they visually inspect their operations.

Also, having recorded video of the daily operations can cut down on liability issues for business owners. If a crime occurs, the video can be used by law enforcement to investigate the situation. Video can also save a company by helping to disprove fraudulent slip-and-falls and provide information on other liability issues.

Be sure there are cameras placed to monitor all entrances and blind spots — such as stairwells — or other potential trouble areas. Install them to monitor parking lots, cash-handling areas and loading docks and supply rooms.

Just because a business is small, it does not mean its problems are small to the owner. The small businessperson needs to protect his or her investment, along with the employees and customers. A video surveillance system, designed to fit a smaller operation, can be a very productive security (and business) tool.

TOM ASP is president and chief operating officer of VTI Security Integrators. He joined the company in 1986 and works in the corporate office located in Burnsville, Minn., where he supervises the Minnesota, Colorado and Wisconsin operations.