Businesses face an alarming variety and volume of threats, with the FBI Crime Report estimating 6.4 million property crime offenses in 2023 alone. External theft and equipment losses can have devastating financial consequences for companies across various industries. Remote video monitoring offers an effective solution to safeguard your commercial or industrial property.
What Is Remote Video Monitoring?
Remote video monitoring enables you to view live and recorded video footage of your property from anywhere using an internet-connected device. The system typically consists of several components:
- High-definition (HD) live monitoring security cameras
- Network video recorders (NVR) for processing and storing footage
- Cloud-based software platform for centralized monitoring
- Mobile app
- Central monitoring station
- Analytics software
- Motion detection
- Weather-resistant housing
When a would-be intruder approaches your property, the motion sensors trigger cameras to begin recording and send an alert to the monitoring center. Security agents can then:
- View live camera feeds in real-time.
- Communicate with intruders through two-way audio.
- Alert law enforcement with verified threat information.
- Guide response teams to the exact location of suspicious activity.
- Save and tag relevant footage to serve as evidence if needed.
Remote video monitoring solutions offer various configurations to meet different needs:
- Cloud-based systems: Enable seamless access to live feeds and recorded footage from anywhere through secure web portals.
- Mobile monitoring applications: Provide flexible deployment on solar-powered trailers with telescoping camera masts.
- Enterprise solutions: Integrate multiple locations into a single monitoring platform.
- AI-enhanced systems: Use machine learning to distinguish between routine activity and genuine threats.
Benefits of Remote Video Monitoring for Protecting Your Property
Live monitoring security camera systems offer multiple advantages for protecting your assets and operations, including:
Enhanced Security
Remote video monitoring can significantly deter criminal activity, making properties with these systems less attractive targets. The presence of visible cameras sends a powerful message to would-be intruders that the property is under constant surveillance.
If a crime does occur, live monitoring security cameras enable rapid response. Trained security agents can quickly verify the threat and dispatch law enforcement to the scene, increasing the chances of apprehension.
Accessibility and Convenience
Live video monitoring systems offer accessibility and control for more streamlined property monitoring. With just a few taps on a smartphone or clicks of a mouse, you can check in on your property from anywhere, at any time.
Remote accessibility is especially valuable for those responsible for overseeing multiple locations. Instead of having to physically visit each site or rely on secondhand reports, you get a firsthand, real-time look at what’s happening on the ground. This accessibility saves time and travel costs so you can make informed decisions and respond promptly to potential threats.
Cost-Effective Protection
A remote video monitoring system can yield significant cost savings for your business. Leveraging remote security agents allows you to reduce the need to hire on-site guards. This eliminates expenses associated with training and managing full-time, on-site security staff.
Many insurance providers offer premium discounts for properties with video surveillance. Cameras and monitoring services reduce the likelihood of theft, vandalism, and other incidents that would otherwise result in costly claims. These savings can mean a significant reduction in your security expenses.
Peace of Mind
Remote video monitoring provides peace of mind, knowing your property is under the watchful eye of trained security professionals 24/7. With live monitoring security cameras, you are assured that suspicious activity will be detected and addressed promptly, even outside regular business hours. This around-the-clock protection is crucial for businesses with valuable inventory, equipment, or sensitive data.
Live video monitoring systems also help protect your most valuable resource — people. Employees, customers, and visitors can feel more at ease knowing the property is actively monitored for potential threats.
Evidence Collection
Remote video monitoring is crucial for evidence collection and liability protection if a crime or incident occurs on your property. High-quality, timestamped footage can provide evidence to support insurance claims, legal proceedings, and criminal investigations.
Having a clear record of exactly what happened, when, and who was involved is critical. This video documentation is invaluable for resolving disputes, identifying perpetrators, and shielding your business from false accusations or unnecessary lawsuits.
Operational Insights
Beyond security, remote monitoring delivers valuable business intelligence. It allows you to track site activity patterns, note areas that need added security, and document any maintenance issues.
With a live feed, you can also:
- Monitor employees’ compliance with safety standards.
- Verify vendor arrivals and departures.
- Support training and process improvements.
Best Practices for Implementing Live Video Monitoring
Follow these best practices during implementation to maximize the benefits of remote video monitoring:
- Assess your property’s needs: Before investing in a live video monitoring system, assess your current security needs. Consider factors such as the size and layout of your site, the nature of your business, and specific vulnerabilities or high-risk areas. This threat assessment will help you determine the best camera types as well as quantity and placement.
- Choose the right equipment: It’s important to select high-quality, reliable equipment that is appropriate for your property’s requirements. Look for cameras with features like HD resolution, infrared night vision, weather resistance, and remote zoom and focus capabilities.
- Select a reliable service provider: When choosing a remote video monitoring service provider, consider their experience, reputation, technology infrastructure, and customer support. Look for a provider that offers 24/7 live monitoring by trained security professionals, along with features like real-time alerts, remote viewing access, and secure data storage.
- Place cameras strategically: Identify vulnerable areas, high-traffic zones, and potential blind spots. Ensure your cameras provide comprehensive coverage of the perimeter, entrances, and critical assets. To optimize visibility, consider factors like lighting conditions, obstructions, and camera angles.
- Conduct regular system updates: Keep your remote video monitoring system running smoothly with regular software and firmware updates. These updates include critical security patches, bug fixes, and performance enhancements.
- Train your staff: Properly train relevant staff on how to use and maintain your remote video monitoring system. Familiarize them with the user interface and provide education on best practices for system security. Additionally, teach them how to review footage and respond to threats.
- Complete routine tests and maintenance: Regularly test the system to ensure cameras, sensors, alarms, and other parts function properly. Schedule routine maintenance with your service provider to address wear, clean camera lenses, and optimize system performance. Promptly address technical issues or equipment failures to minimize downtime and maintain continuous protection.
- Implement system integration: Integrate your remote video monitoring system with other security measures, such as alarm systems, access control, and intrusion detection. A unified security network allows for seamless communication and coordination between components.
How Remote Video Monitoring Protects Your Property as Part of a Multi-Layered Security System
While powerful on its own, remote video monitoring becomes more effective when integrated into a layered security strategy. Integrate live video surveillance with the following solutions:
Electric Fencing
An electric security fence is a physical barrier and visual deterrent for would-be intruders. If someone attempts to breach an electric fence, they receive a safe but memorable shock. Video monitoring and surveillance along your electric fencing can provide instant visual verification, allowing security personnel to assess the threat immediately and respond appropriately.
This integration delivers multiple security advantages:
- Security improvement: The monitoring system captures evidence of how intruders interact with the fence, documenting deterrent effectiveness and attempted breach methods. This information helps with ongoing security improvements as well as potential prosecutions.
- Warning system: Security personnel can issue verbal warnings through integrated speakers when they observe suspicious activity near the fence, preventing breach attempts before they begin.
- Threat differentiation: Video integration enables quick differentiation between actual threats and accidental contacts. This capability reduces false alarm responses while ensuring genuine security events receive immediate attention.
- Continuous observation: Video monitoring systems can automatically adjust camera positions to track movement along the fence line, continuously observing potential threats.
Gate Access Control
Take your Gate Access Control to the next level with remote video monitoring. The integration creates a sophisticated entry management system that verifies identities, prevents unauthorized access, and maintains detailed activity records.
A live video monitoring system provides instant visual identity verification when someone presents credentials at an access point. Real-time confirmation prevents unauthorized entry through stolen or shared credentials.
Integrated video monitoring enables remote driver and vehicle validation for loading docks and gates. Security personnel can verify that the vehicle and driver match scheduled deliveries or pickups before granting access. This capability is valuable for facilities handling high-value cargo or requiring enhanced security protocols.
Alarm Systems
Integrating live monitoring security cameras with alarm systems creates a responsive, intelligent security network. This combination improves threat detection for faster, more effective response protocols.
Integrated video provides immediate visual context when an alarm triggers, which is valuable for large properties where multiple alarm zones require simultaneous monitoring. Security personnel can quickly determine whether the alarm represents a genuine threat or a false alert for appropriate response prioritization.
The system also supports progressive response protocols based on visual verification. Minor incidents might warrant verbal warnings through integrated speakers, while confirmed break-in attempts receive immediate law enforcement notification with real-time video feeds. Graduated response optimizes security resources by ensuring appropriate reactions to each alert.
Security Lighting
Incorporating video monitoring into security lighting systems facilitates intelligent light management based on real-time monitoring needs and detected activity.
When the fence alarm is triggered due to a suspected breach attempt, integrated lighting systems can automatically adjust illumination levels to optimize video quality while deterring criminal activity. This coordinated response can discourage opportunistic intruders. For more determined threats, enhanced visibility enables better video evidence collection and supports security personnel in tracking suspicious activity.
This integration also enables greater energy efficiency through intelligent light management. Rather than maintaining full illumination throughout the night, the system can adjust lighting based on security needs and monitoring requirements.
Law Enforcement Coordination
Remote video monitoring improves coordination with law enforcement agencies for faster response times and better outcomes. The system provides responding officers with actionable intelligence as well as complete documentation for investigations and prosecutions.
Security personnel can provide dispatchers with real-time situation updates and descriptions of suspects when they detect a threat requiring police response. Immediate intelligence enables responding officers to approach the scene with better tactical awareness. In many jurisdictions, live video feeds can be shared directly with police dispatch centers for closer coordination during active incidents.
Video monitoring systems maintain comprehensive incident documentation, from initial detection through final resolution. This complete record, including high-definition video evidence and timestamped event logs, supports successful prosecution.
Cybersecurity
Incorporating robust cybersecurity measures protects surveillance infrastructure and the broader security network. This integration ensures that electronic security measures don’t create digital vulnerabilities. The following measures ensure adequate cybersecurity protection:
- Encrypted video transmission and secure cloud storage protect sensitive security footage
- Regular security updates and patches maintain protection against emerging threats
- Access control protocols prevent unauthorized system manipulation
- Integration with the IT security system facilitates monitoring of physical and digital security events from a single platform
These strategies protect real-time monitoring capabilities and archived security footage. A unified approach also helps security teams identify potential correlations between physical and online incidents for more effective threat detection and response.
Mobile Security
Remote monitoring integration extends to mobile security assets, including patrol vehicles and temporary surveillance units. The goal of this integration is to facilitate dynamic security coverage that adapts to changing needs and threat patterns.
Mobile security units with video capabilities can provide temporary coverage for special events, construction projects, or identified hot spots. You can seamlessly incorporate this mobile surveillance into the primary monitoring platform to maintain consistent security oversight across all property areas. The system also supports security patrol activities by providing real-time video feeds to mobile units. This promotes more effective patrol routing and faster response to detected threats.
Safeguard Your Property With AMAROK’s Video Monitoring Solutions
Protect your property against crime with remote video monitoring solutions from AMAROK. FORTIFEYE™ combines video surveillance, electric fencing, and live video monitoring capabilities. AMAROK’s security as a service means there are zero upfront costs to install. Unlimited maintenance and repairs are included in one manageable monthly subscription fee.
Experience the peace of mind that comes from a comprehensive security solution designed to safeguard your property’s perimeter. Find your local representative or request a threat assessment to see how a layered approach can protect your assets and enhance your security strategy.
