What Is CCTV and How Is It Used?

A CCTV, or closed-circuit television, is a system that links a camera to a video monitor allowing users to keep a watchful eye on their business.

While CCTV has been used for decades, it has evolved significantly. What started as a system that could only be used to observe live footage, eventually developed into a system that allows for viewing and recording footage to be viewed at a later date.

Today, video surveillance systems have gone even further. With modern, cloud-based solutions, like the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS, you can now gain remote access to your video from anywhere, at any time.

Common Uses for CCTV

CCTV has a wide range of uses. Whether it’s dealing with feuds between employees or keeping a watchful eye on customers and staff, CCTV helps you uncover the truth of any incident.

Crime Prevention

Theft and vandalism are common concerns for businesses. Strategically installing cameras so that they’re easily spotted can serve as a criminal deterrent, protecting against these incidents.

Supply rooms, sales floors, entrances and exits are also common locations for camera placement. By placing the cameras in crucial areas, as well as areas that are easy to spot, your cameras can be used to deter future criminal activity and instances of existing activity.

Business Optimization

CCTVs can also be used as business optimization tools. With insight from your CCTV system, you can easily spot areas for operational improvement.

• Restaurants can use CCTV in food prep areas to ensure food safety and quality.
•  Stores might keep cameras in storage rooms to monitor inventory levels and management.
• Cameras at the entry and exit give you insight into your peak business hours so you can plan your staffing accordingly.

Employee Monitoring

Another advantage of having video surveillance is increased productivity. Employees are more likely to be on their best behavior and work to their fullest capability when they know their workplace is safe and secure.

Many businesses will place their cameras near registers, which not only deters burglaries, it also discourages employees from mishandling cash.

Evolution to VSaaS, Modernized CCTV

VSaaS is a video surveillance solution, or CCTV,  that involves storing video in the cloud. The alternative to VSaaS is traditional on-premise storage where you use a recordable medium such as a hard disk, DVR, or NVR to store the captured video footage.

The service typically includes video recording, storage, remote viewing, management alerts, cybersecurity and more. Around 93 percent of businesses have now adopted cloud solutions. Cloud technology advances and greater bandwidth availability are making VSaaS – also called cloud video surveillance – increasingly attractive.

The key differentiators driving the shift to VSaaS are

• Broad camera support
• Easier setup
• Flexible payment structure with low ‘pay as you go’ cost
• Storage/retention flexibility
• Cybersecure remote accessibility
• Scalability

The Eagle Eye Cloud VMS was built to revolutionize video security with an infinitely scalable and comprehensive solution that streamlines everything from user management to remote monitoring to flexible cloud and on-site storage options. No matter the size of your organization the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS can work with your existing CCTV system to ensure that you always have visibility into the premises.