Importance of cloud video surveillance for small warehouses

Businesses and warehouses spend years and years on building assets, and then some more, but in the end, it all comes down to how well equipped a business truly is to secure these assets. Concerning the security of premises, inventory, and personnel, cloud video surveillance solutions have proven to be an organization’s best option, strengthening the whole skeletal structure, taking its place as its backbone.

There is no denying the fact that the world is steadily moving towards cloud services. Warehouses are one of the major industries that have seemingly found great functionality with cloud video surveillance. These security systems for warehouses have proven their potential by allowing warehouse owners to manage all their data from a centralized point of control. 

Small warehousing facilities can now leverage cloud video surveillance solutions to tackle their limitations of resources and make the most efficient use of their assets. 

However, even with the number of people believing in the capabilities of AI and its potential for small businesses, several misconceptions have led to limited growth in technological adoption. 

For example, sending the data ‘to the cloud’ is generally perceived as data being taken. That alone is a scary thought for someone who wants to upgrade their security mechanism but not at the cost of their privacy. 

Little do people know that the cloud offers the highest security and privacy guidelines to protect the data. Moreover, the security surveillance footage uploaded to the cloud is handled by experts, reducing the time spent by personnel to ensure the security of their premises and allowing managers to focus on warehouse operations.

HERE’S WHY CLOUD VIDEO IS THE NEXT BIG THING FOR SMALL WAREHOUSES

1. Effortless setup

Complex hardware installations, high costs of maintenance, and delayed realizations about system downtime or situational emergencies are a few ideas one attaches to traditional surveillance systems. Cloud video security systems save warehouses from all these discrepancies.

 Less hardware requirement makes it very cost-effective for small warehouses. It follows the principle of plug and play. Simply connecting the cameras to the cloud via the internet saves all the hassle, time, and much-needed energy. 

The cameras can be configured to the cloud enabling the applications and set up to run within minutes. Moreover, small warehouses won’t need to invest much time and energy to expand the unit. Existing camera infrastructure coupled with some new cameras would do the entire task.

2. Easy and extended storage

DVRs and NVRs are concepts of the past for a reason. The external drives require local on-site storage leading to potential physical setbacks. Some of these issues include overheating, improper installation, accidental damage, or tampering. On the other hand, Cloud-managed video recorders are fast and easy to use and offer scalable storage capacities.

Storing the files in external storage involves various efforts to copy-paste, delete, and backup the data from time to time. However, CMVRs can back up data directly and in real-time, solving video storage and data latency issues. These automated processes enable cloud video security systems to store information for more extended periods.

3. Easy access to the data

The seamless integration of cameras with the cloud and the warehouse management solution makes monitoring and accessing data completely effortless. The system allows one to retrieve date-time-incident specific data without going through the complete footage manually. Not only does the system save time and effort, but it will enable owners to connect with their facilities closely. 

The anytime and anywhere solution brings expansive perks to the table, with owners being on the road or somewhere remote and still being in control of their site and data.

An application programming interface (API) as part of the cloud video surveillance acts as the connecting wire between the customer and the solution. This interface is the window that enables quick and efficient access to footage, especially beneficial in security breaches, accidents, or emergencies that require timely footage retrieval for validation purposes.

Round-the-clock access is another feature specific to cloud-based video surveillance that allows users to monitor their premises even after hours.

4. Remote maintenance and updates

Updates and health checks are necessary to keep a system up and running. The cloud video surveillance for business is programmed to regularly run health checks on the security cameras, thereby keeping them in excellent condition.

 Whenever a fault is detected, it is immediately notified to the handlers via the camera manager application. These alerts are centrally managed. Sometimes smart cloud cameras themselves report a case of any faulty working. 

With the help of AI, tampering alerts are now a reality. Cameras give advance alerts in case if anybody tries to change their surroundings. Cloud video cameras receive updates over the internet to keep the technology up-to-date. Small warehouses don’t need to have their security system checked up by technicians regularly; instead, opt for a cloud-based system. This saves them loads of money.

5. Less reliance on ground staff

As small warehouse owners don’t have many resources to employ more workers, cloud video cameras seem to be viable options. This dramatically reduces the need for a workforce in every aspect. Be it managing the data, accessing it, or upkeep of the system. With the seamless and fully integrated platform provided by cloud-based video management systems, warehouse owners do not need to hire a committed surveillance team or monitoring crew.

Gone are days of dependency on employees to get a truthful insight into premise productivity. The cloud video surveillance solution provides the owner accessibility into the solution, enabling real-time monitoring of the premises and all the devices installed across the sites. Employers receive direct notifications via mail or SMS, staying updated about all operations.

All the requirements and intelligent systems can be configured within the application without the need for specialized technicians. This gives small warehouse owners a sense of confidence and makes the operation handling more efficient.

6. Easy integration with AI and ML

Small warehouses are on the growth stage. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with cloud video surveillance systems provides them with much-needed intelligent insights. These insights could be many, depending on the type of surveillance system used and the programming done.

 AI-based surveillance systems and analytics reduce the workload on staff by identifying any automating detection. The solution can be trained to recognize any unusual activities, securing the site without manual intervention. 

With its face recognition, motion detection, people counting capabilities, the AI & ML-based solution can drastically improve warehouse efficacy.

7. Cost-effective and flexible to scale

For small-scale warehouses, costs are of utmost concern when adopting a new system. The cloud video surveillance solution is economical both in the long and short run when compared to traditional surveillance methods. 

The negligible hardware required to process video surveillance solutions does not need enormous upfront costs or workforce for installation and maintenance purposes. 

When expanding the business and adding more sites, there is no upfront cost, unlike the traditional systems, which would require many on-premises hardware and storage devices. Some changes in the software and the site becomes fully functional as data is stored remotely. This makes cloud alternatives a lot more flexible when scaling for small warehouses.

8. Safety and security of the data

A video surveillance system is only as worthy as the data it collects and stores. If the footage is somehow lost, tampered with, or the storage system is vandalized, the whole security system loses its value.

With fewer people handling the security systems in cloud-based solutions, there is an exponential decrease in risks associated with human errors and the threat to the data from some deceitful employees. The data from cloud video recorders is stored in safe data centers, and the system also creates backups. Moreover, the cloud-based cameras also provide the service of secondary on-premise storage. 

This is how cloud-based surveillance systems are designed to reduce the liabilities which could occur using a traditional surveillance system if cameras or any other hardware component is vandalized or faces malfunction.

TO CONCLUDE

Video security systems for warehouses have evolved from traditional cameras and bells to a much more sophisticated approach. With widespread applications and reducing costs, these cloud-based solutions are becoming attractive for small warehouses. With the potential for improved storage, readily controlled remote access to data and information, and wide-ranging utility, cloud video security mechanisms have simplified how a small warehouse operates. At a fraction of cost, it’s no wonder why the ever-reaching cloud has become so popular in warehouse security. It’s time for small businesses to tap its potential to their business to new heights.

AT IGZY, we recognize the surveillance requirements of businesses, but we understand the limitations of small and upcoming enterprises even more. 

Our customizable solution promises you scalability at the rate of your preference. For more information – contact us today! 

Want to read more? Here’s a guide to choosing the best security solution for your warehouse!