Security Systems are Serving up a New Menu of Protection

Written by Susan Bartholomew

Monday, 16 July 2007

When you think about a security camera in the corner of a restaurant or bar, your first thought is probably “a means of protecting themselves against break-ins.” That is certainly a valid thought; however, there are many other purposes as well. Security systems are installed for many reasons, not all of them obvious.

The most familiar use is as an anti-theft device. Theft is an ever increasing problem for restaurant and bar owners. Research conducted by RestaurantEdge.com shows, “over 85% of all robberies are ‘inside jobs.’ ” Restaurants and bars are not only protecting themselves from break-ins and hold-ups from the outside world, they are also protecting their investments from their own employees. Installing visible closed circuit security devices can help deter such acts by employees when they know that they are being observed. Non-visible closed circuit security can be used in problem areas, where the intruder thinks they are safe from being observed.

Observing employees allows restaurant and bar owners to prevent loss of revenue. Under pouring drinks may result in dissatisfied customers, whereas over pouring drinks results in a loss of inventory. In audits conducted by Bevinco.com, this loss of revenue ranges from “15-35%, with the average loss being almost 20%.” The use of security cameras can help owners keep an eye on bartenders. If digital recording systems are used, the footage can later be used in training to help employees learn how to correctly pour the right amount, which will improve the bottom line for both the owner and the bartender, who relies on tips.

Other uses of security systems include strengthening employee loyalty by observing positive behaviors in employees and rewarding them for that behavior. Restaurants and bars also use security systems to help maintain the service level. Tables can be observed from a distance to know when drinks might need to be refilled or the customer is waiting for the check. This allows the customers to enjoy the experience without being disrupted by the waiter checking on them every few minutes. Using a device, such as a digital recording system, can also be beneficial from a legal standpoint and installing a security system may even save money with the business’ insurance company. A digital recording system allows restaurant and bar owners to record events that are occurring, which can later be presented to police if the need may arise.

There are many options with security systems that restaurant and bar owners can choose from to fit the needs of their own individual business. Low light cameras allow owners to have the security they need without adjusting the atmosphere of the room. Certain digital recording systems allow the owner to view the happenings of the business while they are away; viewing footage on line or even from a cell phone. While there are several other security system options available to help restaurant and bar owners to meet their needs, the first step is to analyze what those needs are to find the best fit. Once the right fit has been met, owners can begin to employ the various uses for security systems to help their business succeed without needless lost revenue.

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Susan Bartholomew
		About the author:
		With over 7 years experience in professional writing, Susan Bartholomew is a free lance writer specializing in emerging technologies. She is particularly interested in the effects, benefits and applications of video surveillance technology. Susan brings a unique perspective to this highly technical field by combing technical know-how with personal experience. The result is really useful information about real world situations.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 12 November 2007 )

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