An auto dealership and repair center is a high-stakes environment that balances the safety of employees and security of products with the satisfaction of each customer who walks in the door. With such high-value inventory throughout the lots and showrooms — not to mention all the intricate equipment in the repair shop — there’s a lot to keep track of. For dealerships, business video surveillance is an essential security feature.
Auto dealerships face a unique challenge in that their greatest asset is also their most pressing safety threat. Automobiles can be expensive, which can heighten the lengths criminals are willing to go to in order to make off with one. An unauthorized person behind the wheel of an automobile — especially one with criminal intent — can put customers and staff at risk. What can a dealership owner do to mitigate these threats?
Why Business Video Surveillance Is Essential for Dealerships
A business video surveillance system is one of the most effective tools available in the security market today, especially when it comes to addressing the challenges of high-risk environments such as vehicle shops and dealerships. Unlike more basic precautions such as gates, locks, and access controls, a comprehensive system of surveillance cameras can allow you to watch for danger around the clock — and react accordingly.
Modern technology has made features like smart analytics, motion detection, and remote accessibility the new standard for video surveillance, allowing businesses to protect themselves with real-time insights and automatic alerts. These days, there’s virtually no reason not to invest in proper surveillance measures.
5 Zones to Monitor in Your Vehicle Dealership
With so many critical areas to monitor, figuring out where to start can be its own challenge. Fortunately, there are certain areas that warrant more attention than others in an auto dealership. Here are five locations that warrant an immediate upgrade:
1. Outdoor Lots
A dealership is one of the only commercial locations where the most valuable inventory is frequently stored outdoors. This can make parking lots a prime target for theft and vandalism, especially after hours. Consider implementing surveillance cameras with wide-angle lenses and night vision capabilities to enhance visibility to the perimeter of the property.
Modern improvements in footage definition have empowered outdoor cameras to capture critical details such as faces and license plates, which can be game-changing evidence in an investigation.
2. Sales Floors
As the heart of a dealership, the showroom is one of the most critical points for safety and security measures. It’s where most of the face-to-face interaction happens, which means human safety is on the line. Installing visible cameras on the sales floor can help to deter potential theft in addition to monitoring customer-staff interactions. This footage can be valuable for resolving disputes, improving customer service, and training employees on proper sales techniques.
3. Service Departments
Service areas are zones of constant activity — and one of the most likely locations to see a workplace accident of some kind. With technicians working on repairs, continual part deliveries, and customer drop-offs, a watchful eye is key. Surveillance can help you enforce proper handling of vehicles and inventory while protecting your business and its employees from liability claims.
4. Finance Offices
Though our practices of handling money have changed significantly in the digital era, the necessary security precautions have not. Transactions involving sensitive customer information — such as credit applications and contracts — should be a point of caution for any business. Video surveillance in these offices can help ensure compliance with privacy and security protocols while also protecting against fraudulent activity or theft.
5. Entrances and Exits
Few areas see as much activity as entry and exit points. Monitoring each of them is the best way to maintain an airtight record of who comes and goes from the property, day or night. This is particularly important for preventing unauthorized access after hours and identifying suspicious activity before it can escalate.
By upgrading your access control system with video surveillance and alarm systems, your business is always poised for reaction, even after hours.
Reimagine Your Dealership Security With PEAK Alarm
When it comes to business video surveillance, strategy is everything — especially for a commercial location as high-stakes as a vehicle dealership or repair shop. For the most advanced technology and the most effective placement strategies, contact your local professionals at PEAK Alarm.
We’ve been surveilling businesses like yours across the Mountain West for more than 50 years, providing around-the-clock protection from our 24/7/365 monitoring and dispatch center in Salt Lake City.
With decades of experience and industry-leading innovation, our technicians will equip your business with the tailored solutions it needs to excel in all things security. To discover what proper security could do for you, ask about our business video surveillance technology today.
Protect what matters most to you. Contact PEAK Alarm today.
