Distance management is an art and a science that requires a new mix of resources to move through this recession. Reduced staff levels are being met with comparatively cost-effective remote internet camera and access control systems. These tools are rapidly being adopted by multiple location managers to quickly and accurately check and maintain quality, productivity and performance benchmarks at distant locations.
Remote internet security systems can leverage time, travel and talent savings for managers that may now oversee twice the number of distant locations after lay-offs thinned their ranks. An existing security camera installation can be expanded to do double duty as a remote management tool that lets manager’s recession proof their ability to stay in touch and in control of distant locations, especially when staffing levels leave gaps in on-site supervision or a poor performing site requires closer oversight.
Closed circuit television surveillance camera systems, are a mainstay in the retail, restaurant and warehouse sector. CCTV security systems are traditionally used to deter theft and property damage, reduce shrink, prevent fraudulent workers compensation insurance claims and gather incident information. Now CCTV is appearing in professional, sales and management office suites along with other automated productivity measures.
Since the downturn, new security camera installations in Los Angeles and outlying Southern California field offices are increasingly being used to remotely manage performance, and productivity while minimizing face-to-face oversight of multiple small to mid-size teams. Coupled with remote access software key loggers, entrance access control systems and other IT based productivity measures, CCTV now serves as a remote set of management eyes and ears in business offices.
Real time, well placed camera monitoring tools prevents the “isolation factor” and offsite locations are no longer out of sight and out of mind when multiple cameras continually scan many views of the property, and personnel on one computer screen while working on another.
Off-site management is informed by time of day, work area and even individual staff member if necessary. This DVR recorded information can be reviewed later at the convenience of the distance management team. It can be cued to motion detection points and other relevant searches of recordings to get needed information fast. Data captured can help guide solutions to reverse productivity problems, getting a poorly performing location up to speed.
Access control systems can be integrated into your remote internet security system to track each time employee’s arrive and depart the location. Access control systems, using access cards rather than keys, can compliment internal security surveillance and improve your dash board of productivity indicators with time tracking of employee punctuality, and attendance.
How do you keep your finger on the pulse of off-site action without making employees feel like “Big Brother” is watching? Typically, employees respond favorably to access control systems and security camera installations that are designed to improve their personal safety and security. In corporate or small business environments, it is advisable to conduct a complete safety and security assessment including a review of all related processes, policies and procedures to screen for gaps, before upgrading or installing business security systems in workplace areas.
Assess all aspects of security monitoring, surveillance, alarms, access control, work flow traffic and gathering points in key sectors of workplace area. Solicit and integrate employee feedback as a part of the review used to plan or upgrade your CCTV and access control systems. Contact Net Cam-LA professionals conduct the assessment and engineer your system design upgrades to meet your customized remote management needs.
Once the new or upgraded security camera installation is complete, take time to educate employees on the overall value of improved workplace security and productivity. National studies show that on average 68 percent of employees perceive their colleagues do not work as hard as they do. Proving this perception right is not likely to achieve quick buy-in from staff, but it may elicit a nervous laugh or two.
Customize your presentation to the location. Work force attendance, performance and productivity monitoring are features of access control and security camera installations that managers are advised to address in a straightforward way with staff, emphasizing improvements to the broader safety, management and sustainability of the off-site location and the long term profitability of the business enterprise.
About The Author
Teresa Penza, founder and President of NetCam LA, has been in the security industry for more than 10 years. She has designed and engineered business security systems for a wide range of small business, retail, warehouse, commercial, industrial, government and healthcare applications. A partial list of Net Cam LA clients include Starbucks, Victoria’s Secret, Blockbuster, Taco Bell, Emerson, Closet Maid, Los Angeles County, ML King Hospital, UCLA Hospital and ADP Tax and Financial Services. You can visit her at the NetCam LA website www.netcam-la.com.
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