Video Surveillance (CCTV) – A Centralized National Retail Approach for Loss Prevention Professionals

www.FocusMicro.com

By National Account Manager Monte L. Cain

Are you having problems with your security integrator maintaining consistent delivery schedules? Does the quality of work and performance vary by region? How about the lines of communication, are they fragmented or non existent leaving you with the feeling of being in the dark and out of the loop? These are common issues and problems that every retail organization face daily when working with most national security dealers. The right approach to this common and complicated problem has a very simple solution.

When considering the best approach to a national roll out of new Video Surveillance CCTV technology, there are two divergent models to be considered. Typically a decentralized is used; meaning each location or region is making independent decisions towards the project goals and thus controls the regional process. The other is centralized; where a team or committee controls decisions and delegate those out to the regions or locations, thus controlling the process. A centralized approach when paired with the right national partner will create the best possible outcome. On the surface it seems as simple as hiring Loss Prevention companies in various regions give them specific instructions for your CCTV System and everything will be fine. Unfortunately, that is not what happens in many cases. The key to consistency is controlling the process from the top down. Just because a company has offices in or near all your locations does not mean that they take on the ownership of the end result. In fact all too often it is the same as working with individual security integrators. This disconnect creates a loss of understanding of the project´s global goals and objectives leading to an overall disconnect in the process and implementation. Let´s take a moment to consider the differences and benefits.

Centralized management offers a superior outcome with your video surveillance system installation because there is accountability for every decision making process.

• Unified decision making – a single point of contact and single plan.

• Structured deployment plans – consistent installations and product.

• Clear communication – knowing who to contact for every issue.

• Standardized installation inventory – same product creating congruent training and operation

Streamlined operations, support and resource management

• Scalability – the same plan that works in one location works in others.

• Quality resource – getting the best value in product and service

• Ownership accountability – the buck stops here.

Centralized management benefits

• Consistency equals savings because of the central management of the CCTV installation.

• Single point of contact for all of your locations makes communication open and easy.

• National scale with a local feel providing a personal touch on a larger scale

The benefits of a centralized approach hit the bottom line through better use of corporate resources, clearer lines of communications, well known expectations and less duplication of process. This results in both hard and soft cost savings that are measurable. When looking at decentralized models, the cheaper upfront costs are off set by the long term costs of managing various platforms and technologies, and the cost of achieving parity nationwide.

There are enough complexities in successfully deploying any security system technology. Choosing the right product which offers flexibility to address current and future needs, creating an installation plan, training personnel, service and ongoing maintenance are just a few. All of these variables are only magnified when being deployed in multiple locations. The next time you need to install a new CCTV/ Video Surveillance or security system of any type in more than one location or region, partner with an integrator that offers centralized project management. The positive outcome will speak for itself!

For more information about centralized management solutions contact FocusMicro today at 1-800-524-3090. www.FocusMicro.com