The Difference Between a Virtual Security Guard System and a Conventional Surveillance System
With the installations of virtual security guard systems on the rise, conventional surveillance is beginning to decrease. Due to increased demand, security camera companies have started shifting towards offering virtual security guard systems. Property owners are now being faced with choosing between a virtual security guard system and a conventional surveillance system.
Before deciding which system to use, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each approach. Conventional surveillance systems have several benefits to consider. However, significant risks must be considered when opting for this traditional form of security. It’s important to compare these advantages with the help of a virtual security guard. The disadvantages of a virtual security guard system must be taken into account, as well.
Comparing the two side-by-side can help to reach a decision over which system to use. Weigh in on the advantages and disadvantages of each system to identify which method best suits your needs. Most security camera companies offer virtual security guard systems nowadays, making it easier than ever to upgrade to virtual if you choose to.
Look over this list of pros and cons to see if you feel switching to a virtual security guard system is worth it.
The Pros of a Conventional Surveillance System
- Discourages Criminals: The physical presence of a security guard can deter crime. Criminals are proven to be less likely to commit a crime if they see an authority figure nearby.
- Visible Protection: The presence of a security guard makes people feel more protected. Having physical security guards nearby can often make a property seem more secure.
- Assistance Within Close Proximity: An on-site security guard can address safety issues directly. Having a security guard nearby can guarantee that help is always nearby.
The Cons of a Conventional Surveillance System
- Expensive: A designated security guard must be appointed to monitor the surveillance footage with a conventional security system. Hiring a security guard team can be costly, as you need to be sure to have someone watching the footage 24/7.
- Unreliability: Conventional security guards are only human—so it’s normal for them to make human mistakes. Falling asleep, getting distracted, or overlooking a security threat are all possible mistakes a security guard can make. In-person employees also need sick days and bathroom breaks which can interfere with security coverage.
- Less Precision: Having one security guard watching all the surveillance footage doesn’t guarantee that they can keep an eye on every area of the property at the same time. Humans aren’t as precise as the capabilities of modern technology.
- Increased Liability: Hiring a conventional in-person security guard increases your liability risks. The possibility of a security guard using excessive force, or becoming injured themselves, is a liability that could increase insurance costs.
The Pros of a Virtual Security Guard System
- Cost-Efficient: Using a virtual security guard system is significantly cheaper than using a conventional surveillance system. Going virtual eliminates the need to hire in-person security guards to monitor surveillance footage.
- Reliable: Virtual security guard systems will outsource the duties of monitoring surveillance cameras and responding to incidents. The footage is monitored remotely by several supervised attendants, ensuring that no mistakes are made.
- Precise: Smart cameras with threat detection technology allow for more detailed observation. Virtual security guard systems can identify threats that would go unnoticed by in-person security guards.
- 24/7 Protection: With a virtual security system, there is a guarantee that surveillance cameras will be monitored 100% of the time. No need to worry about security guards taking bathroom breaks or falling asleep ever again.
The Cons of a Virtual Security Guard System
- Lack of Visible Protection: Virtual security guard systems do not have visible protection in place. Although lack of visible security could potentially be tempting to criminals, virtual security will promptly identify and stop any security threat.
- No Immediate On-Site Assistance: There is no on-site assistance available immediately with virtual security systems. However, incident response time with virtual security has proven to be much quicker than conventional surveillance systems.
Choosing a Security System
When deciding which security system to use, it’s essential to weigh in on the pros and cons. Each system holds value in its way. Although virtual security guard systems are more advanced than conventional surveillance, there will always be people who prefer the traditional methods. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages yourself and choose a plan that’s right for you.