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Video
Surveillance for Car Dealerships
Car dealerships
are the perfect environment for video surveillance, both because of the value
of the inventory and its susceptibility to theft. Automobiles, depending on
make, model, year and features, can vary in price from a few thousand to a few
hundred thousand dollars. Dealerships also leave a large majority of their inventory
out in parking lots – leaving million dollar inventories exposed to theft and
harmful weather for hours at a time.
Benefits of Dealership
Surveillance
- Prevent
theft – Like other retail stores, the dollar is the bottom line for
auto dealerships. Protecting their inventory and potential profit is an essential
aspect of sales, and with expensive inventory, security becomes that much
more important. Video surveillance cameras placed around lots can help prevent
thieves from taking cars, as well as help identify any thieves who steal cars.
- Track
customers and visitors – The ability to track customer's habits,
especially correlating data between which cars customers look at and which
they decide to purchase, can be valuable information for marketing, inventory
and sales staff. Video security cameras, especially those equipped with intelligent
video analytics technology, can help you count and track customers as they
move around your business.
- Protect
building, employees and customers – Surveillance cameras can help
your security staff posted about any security issues that may arise throughout
the day. Modern security cameras allow your security staff to be more flexible
in their duties with features like video alerts. Instead of sitting in front
of a monitor all day, guards can actively patrol your grounds and receive
video alerts from networked cameras about issues that have arisen.
- Future
integration – Integration is a huge buzzword among security experts
at the moment, and is a technological possibility that could benefit nearly
every user of video surveillance.A networked security system utilizing IP
cameras is the key to any integration and technology advancements. An integrated
security system at an auto wholesaler has a multitude of possible functions,
including:
- Integration
into an ID card timekeeping system for tracking employees
- Integration
into current physical security systems such as door locks and car alarms
- Integration
into buildings systems like heating and air conditioning
Risks of Auto
Wholesaler Surveillance
- Privacy
– Be careful to only install security cameras in public places like
showrooms, parking lots and lobbies. Any area where a customer or employee
has an expectation of privacy – like a bathroom or a break room, should be
left alone.
- Damage
– Cameras, especially those monitoring cars in outside lots, are
susceptible to damage from weather. A damaged camera can lead to interruptions,
which can make your inventory susceptible to damage and theft.
- Over
reliance – While video surveillance may be an effective security
solution for an auto dealership, it should not be used as the sole security
system. Rather, a system of security cameras should work to enhance an existing
security system or systems like car alarms and security guards.
Things to Consider
When Installing an Auto Wholesaler Surveillance System
The perfect security
system for any business depends on a wide variety of factors. Consider the following
when choosing a security system:
- How many thefts
have you had in the last year?
- What part of
your dealership do you feel is the most vulnerable, security-wise?
- Have you ever
experienced problems with organized car theft rings?
- What kind of
security system or systems do you currently have in place?
Best Practices
for Dealership Security Cameras
- Make sure outdoor
cameras are placed in protective housings to shield them against weather and
wind damage
- When placing
outdoor cameras, be sure to not miss any areas of your lot, especially outlying
spaces. Different types of cameras (e.g. bullet cameras and dome cameras)
provide different types of footage and can be networked together to create
a comprehensive system
- Place cameras
in storage and maintenance areas to prevent theft of valuable equipment and/or
customer belongings.
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