Managing multi-site security

From a health and safety perspective, it is unfair and likely against their working conditions to task keyholders with additional security roles, such as patrols and checks. When it comes to managing operational risks, it will cost the business more in the long term to operate individual security systems that require their own operators who might be following their own interpretations of your rules and needs, along with splintered protective systems and cybersecurity measures. 

Fortunately, modern video monitoring systems can be installed at a central location, providing feeds and sensor data from all of your sites. This makes them ideal, say, for construction companies moving from site to site, or fast-growing businesses that are focused on small units around a town, or as they expand regionally. 

The rise of smart video management systems

Up-to-date CCTV systems are essential for ensuring site, office or warehouse safety; checking on visitors and keeping out unwanted guests; or preventing anti-social behaviour around a premises. And from a management perspective, they provide a unified source of activity through dashboards, and report activity to help develop insights on how to improve safety or security. 

They are easier to manage with one focused team responding to each potential incident and contacting the appropriate on-site person, or any external agencies, to deal with any problem. Reducing the operational complexity, ensuring consistent compliance and reducing cost inefficiencies, a centralised approach is the norm, and the way to go for any growing organisation. 

Powered by AI, a modern VMS CCTV system triggers when the system is notified by a sensor. Or, when the AI spots unusual behaviour on the multiple CCTV feeds. AI tracks these 24/7 without fail, and unlike human operators, don’t get tired or need a break, creating coverage gaps. 

They can also track worker and operator processes to ensure they comply with your health and safety rules, and best practices. From simple tasks like working on-site with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to workers taking too long or rushing tasks, AI can ensure compliant and safe behaviour remotely.

The benefits of unified monitoring

Operating either in the cloud or on-premises to meet your data and accessibility needs, the VMS helps your security and safety teams focus on the important areas and issues, while highlighting outlier activity that they might not otherwise notice. 

With centalised dashboards and analytics, they provide real-time alerts to any issues and provide standard workflows to deal with a situation, helping guide the operator through the task. Automation can handle much of the detail and logging, leaving the operators to communicate with those on the scene and provide high-quality video, insights or advice as a situation unfolds. 

Whether you outsource the security function, or use temporary staff, they will find these systems highly standardised and easy to manage. And whatever the incident, from someone vaping in the toilets or on a stairwell, or people regularly gathering in a suspicious way around the rear of one of your stores or warehouses, a consistent response in line with changing best practices, laws and industry regulations is delivered as the central system is easy to update. 

This centralised approach makes your premises safer for workers, visitors or customers. They give your business a better reputation for health and safety as incidents are resolved faster, and help reduce insurance bills or premiums through strong governance.

As with any IT-led system, the VMS CCTV network must be secured to prevent outside interference, and all cameras, network points and sensors require strong cybersecurity. Training for all staff that use the system is essential, helping smooth operations between shifts and teams. 

If all those steps and workflows are in place and well managed, the company’s leadership benefits from a visible system to ensure safety and security. 

And, as AI and these cameras get smarter, they will be able to identify more intricate behaviour in the workplace. Noticing incidents, such as theft, concealed weapons and other risks that can have a huge impact on the business, will soon fall under the watchful AI as the technology improves.