Practical Video Surveillance Solutions for Small Businesses

May 27

Small and medium businesses today face rising challenges like shoplifting, employee theft, and the need for efficient operations. A well-planned security camera system can protect assets and give owners peace of mind. Skyline Tech Services, a managed service provider, specializes in Ubiquiti UniFi camera systems with network video recorders (NVRs) that store footage locally. These systems make it easy for business owners to monitor activity in real time or review recordings later, without expensive subscriptions. Modern cameras deter criminals and help managers see how their business is really performing. For example, nearly half of small retailers report having raised prices due to shoplifting losses — investing in cameras can reverse that trend.

Cameras do much more than “just watch.” They deter theft (both shoplifting and employee theft) and document incidents if problems do occur. They also help owners understand customer behavior – for instance, video analytics can count people and flag busy hours, so you know when to schedule more staff. In short, surveillance systems can pay for themselves by reducing losses, improving productivity, and even cutting insurance costs. In one example, Business.com notes that installing cameras is often cheaper than hiring security guards, and insurers may offer discounts to protected businesses.

Skyline Tech’s engineers guide each client from planning through maintenance. We design camera layouts that cover entrances, cash registers, stock areas and parking lots – places where problems often occur. Since Ubiquiti’s UniFi Protect platform is license-free and self-hosted, all video stays on-site and there are no hidden fees. We use PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) cameras that connect over the LAN to a UniFi NVR appliance. This setup stores months of HD video locally and lets owners view live or recorded footage anywhere via a secure app. Because the cameras are part of the same network Skyline already manages, we can check their health, update software, and troubleshoot remotely on your behalf. The UniFi system is highly scalable – for example, the Ubiquiti Cloud Key Gen2 Plus can handle up to 24 HD cameras, and larger units support 50 or more – so it can grow with your business.

Benefits for All Businesses

Even before considering anecdotes or case studies, it helps to know what security cameras can do for a small business. Key benefits include:

Theft deterrence and loss prevention: Visible cameras make would-be thieves think twice. Studies show most small retailers experience theft regularly, and having video evidence can recover stolen goods or catch repeat offenders. One report found internal (employee) theft made up about 29% of retail losses, with external theft at 36%. Knowing this, business owners use cameras to monitor stockrooms, registers and common areas, reducing shrinkage. As Business.com explains, “When employees know they’re under video surveillance, they’ll think twice before taking such a risk”.
Operational insight: Video isn’t just for security – it’s a tool for running the business. Modern cameras offer analytics such as people-counting and heat mapping. For example, UniFi cameras and NVRs with built-in analytics can track how many people enter the store each hour. A retailer can use this data to identify peak shopping times and understaffed periods. U.S. Chamber research notes that “two minutes of video can tell you a lot” about customer flow, helping owners optimize staffing and displays.
Safer workplace and liability protection: Security cameras in offices and shops help protect employees and customers. Placing cameras at entrances, exits and in the parking lot makes staff feel safer, especially after dark. It also deters crimes like vandalism or violence near the business. Crucially, cameras provide documented evidence in case of disputes or false claims. For instance, Business.com reports that cameras are “excellent deterrents” against frivolous lawsuits (such as staged slip-and-fall incidents). In a medical clinic or office where patient and employee safety is paramount, surveillance can prevent unsafe incidents without violating privacy – as long as cameras stay in public areas. We advise clinics to avoid placing cameras in exam rooms or restrooms, but covering waiting rooms and exits can quickly resolve misunderstandings.
Insurance savings: Many insurers offer discounts for businesses that install video surveillance. The logic is straightforward: cameras lower the risk of theft, so policies can cost less. A Skyline client who upgraded to a full UniFi Protect system noticed a premium reduction after notifying their insurer of the improved security.
Remote monitoring: Since Ubiquiti cameras connect to your business network, owners can log in to see live video at any time. Business.com notes you can “monitor 24/7 footage in real time from any location with an internet connection”. As an MSP, Skyline configures secure remote access, so you can check on your shop or office from home, and we can offer round-the-clock system support if needed.

Taken together, these benefits create a virtuous cycle: fewer losses, happier employees, smoother operations, and ultimately better profits. As one security expert bluntly says, “every business with a physical location should have security cameras”. In today’s world, cameras are as essential as locks on the door.

How Skyline Tech Implements Ubiquiti Systems

When a client signs on, Skyline’s first step is a site survey and consultation. We work with you to understand key concerns: Are theft and robbery the primary issue? Do you want analytics on customer flow? In any case, we use Ubiquiti UniFi Protect cameras and NVR hardware for their balance of quality, features, and total-cost. The UniFi Protect platform is highly scalable and AI-powered. Unlike some security vendors, Ubiquiti imposes no per-camera licensing fees – once the system is in place, there’s no recurring camera license cost. All video analytics (like motion detection, people counting or even advanced AI features) run on-site, preserving privacy and speeding up processing.

Skyline typically installs PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) cameras. This means each camera receives power and data through a single network cable. We then connect them to a UniFi NVR device (Network Video Recorder) or a UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) with Protect enabled. This NVR serves as the central storage hub. We discuss with you the expected number of cameras and days of storage needed, and choose the right model. Often a small shop can be fully covered with just 4–8 cameras, while larger offices or clinics might require more.

Once the system is running, administrators can use the UniFi Protect app or web portal to view live feeds and recorded clips. As the Help Center notes, UniFi Protect “seamlessly integrates the privacy of on-premise video storage with the convenience of remote management”. In practice, that means the business owner or Skyline can pull up video from anywhere, but the footage never needs to leave the business network unless you choose (all storage is local). For convenience, we often set up notifications: for example, if motion is detected after hours, or if a camera goes offline. Skyline handles the initial setup of network rules and ongoing maintenance. Clients appreciate that cameras become “just another device” on the network – as Skyline already supports the company’s Wi-Fi and servers, we can easily add cameras to our monitoring dashboard.

We also ensure ease of use. Training is part of our service: we show managers how to use the mobile app to scan past recordings by date/time or event. For example, if there is a customer dispute at the cash register, the manager can quickly find the relevant clip. Behind the scenes, Skyline configures the NVR to regularly back up its settings, and we can even integrate camera feeds with access control systems if desired.

Applications in Retail Shops

Retail stores are one of the most common places to see a quick return from video surveillance. Deterring shoplifting is the obvious benefit: cameras over aisles and exits discourage thieves. In practice, customers don’t know which cameras are recording and which are just for show, so often the perception of surveillance already cuts theft. If a theft does happen, a clear recording can identify the culprit for the police or prove to insurance what occurred. This can recover losses and make it easier to prosecute repeat offenders.

Retail analytics go beyond theft. As U.S. Chamber research notes, video systems can provide insights on customer behavior: “identifying peak business hours, understanding customer interactions with products and displays, and even assessing employee performance”. For instance, one of Skyline’s grocery clients used camera analytics to discover a long checkout line at 5 PM. They opened an extra register at that time, which sped up service and made customers happier. In general, video analytics let stores do more with less: by knowing exactly when the store is busy, managers can optimize labor costs and sales strategy.

At the same time, cameras help with internal issues. Business.com points out that when employees know they’re on camera, “they’ll think twice” about theft. In retail, employees handle cash and merchandise, so surveillance cameras over register areas discourage dishonest behavior. If inventory suddenly disappears, managers can review video of the stockroom or checkout to see what happened.

Loss prevention is crucial: industry surveys show 85% of small retailers experience theft annually. In that same report, 50% of those retailers said they installed cameras to fight losses. Investing in cameras can reverse costly trends – almost two-thirds of small retailers in the survey increased prices to offset theft losses, which hurts their competitive edge. By contrast, using video evidence to catch shoplifters can save a store thousands a year.

Applications in Office Buildings

Office environments have their own security and operational challenges. In office lobbies and parking lots, cameras enhance personal safety. Employees often stay late or come in early, and they want assurance the premises are secure. Mounting cameras at the front door and parking garage gives walking employees extra confidence. Business.com explains that cameras at entrances, exits, and parking areas “create a safer environment” – they prevent vehicle break-ins or vandalism around the property. For example, a business park client of Skyline Tech saw a drop in car break-ins after we added cameras to the underground garage and stairwell exits. Employees reported feeling much more comfortable staying late.

Inside the office, cameras can help resolve disputes and accidents. For instance, if an employee accuses another of harassment or if someone alleges a slip-and-fall, video can quickly confirm or refute claims. This use of cameras is business-critical: cameras are excellent tools against frivolous lawsuits, like staged injuries. One of Skyline Tech’s clients – a law firm – had a case where a contractor claimed he was injured on site. The firm reviewed security footage and saw the contractor was alone in an off-limits area after hours when he slipped on wet paint. Armed with that evidence, the firm avoided a wrongful-termination lawsuit and cleared up the misunderstanding.

Cameras also assist managers with general oversight. For businesses with large buildings or multiple floors, live video can show whether conference rooms are in use, how crowded a common area is, or if there is a maintenance issue (such as water leakage) that needs attention. If employees work remotely (a growing trend), security systems ensure that all visitors or cleaners are properly monitored when no one is on-site. In essence, surveillance becomes another pair of eyes for the manager, especially outside normal hours.

Applications in Medical Clinics

Medical and dental clinics must balance security with patient privacy, but surveillance can play an important role in keeping patients and staff safe. According to a cooperative of American physicians, while cameras should never be in exam rooms or restrooms, they can be very helpful in public areas like waiting rooms or hallways. The same CAP article notes it’s generally acknowledged “security cameras can help prevent unsafe incidents” in a medical office. For example, if a patient becomes agitated or an altercation occurs in the lobby, cameras provide clear evidence of what happened. This protects clinic owners from false claims and helps staff get backup quickly when needed.

In addition to security, clinics can use video analytics (if enabled and appropriate) to improve service. For instance, cameras can count the number of people in the waiting room and help the front desk schedule nurses or adjust appointment spacing. While clinics must never record protected health information (PHI) on video, simple counts (just knowing how many bodies are there) can improve operational efficiency. In all cases, Skyline helps clients adopt clear camera policies: cameras must be visible (so patients know they’re being monitored) and only cover non-private areas. This transparency not only respects patient privacy but also discourages anyone who might act disruptively.

Integrating Cameras with IT Systems

One advantage of Skyline’s approach is the integration of video security into the overall IT environment. Many MSPs (and their clients) find it convenient to manage cameras, networks, and access control from a single platform. Ubiquiti’s systems allow precisely this: all devices appear in the UniFi Controller. Skyline Tech can therefore monitor camera status alongside switches and Wi-Fi access points. If a camera goes offline, our team is alerted just like any other critical device. This unified management was noted by industry experts as an emerging trend: MSPs are increasingly offering “integrated, multifunction solutions” that combine cyber and physical security.

After installation, Skyline offers ongoing support as part of our managed services. We perform regular health checks, update camera firmware, and provide 24/7 response options. Clients also have the option for subscription-based cloud backup or advanced analytics. For example, Ubiquiti has introduced an “AI Key” add-on that can transcribe speech from video and search footage by natural language. Skyline can install these options as needed. The important point is, owners don’t have to manage any of this complexity themselves – Skyline takes care of it so they can focus on running their business.

Conclusion

In today’s world, high-quality security cameras are a practical necessity for shops, offices, and clinics alike. They go beyond simply catching criminals; they provide valuable business intelligence and peace of mind. For a small business owner, the question is no longer if cameras are needed, but which system and how to deploy it effectively. Skyline Tech Services fills that role: as a trusted MSP, we custom-design Ubiquiti-based camera solutions that match each client’s needs. Our installations have helped retailers catch shoplifters, given office staff safer work environments, and allowed clinic managers to resolve disputes quickly. Throughout it all, the feedback we hear is consistent: owners value the flexibility to watch their business in real time and the confidence that their assets are protected.

By combining industry-proven benefits with the hands-on support of Skyline Tech Services, small businesses can enjoy the best of both worlds: strong security and effortless management. We invite any retail shop, office building, or medical clinic interested in upgrading their surveillance to contact Skyline Tech Services for a consultation. The right camera system can do more than secure your premises – it can give you the data and assurance needed to grow safely.

Sources: Industry and expert insights on surveillance benefits are drawn from security technology publications and business resources. These underscore how cameras deter theft, enhance operations, and protect people – outcomes our clients have seen firsthand.

Citations

How Security Cameras Can Help Your Business

https://www.business.com/articles/5-ways-your-company-can-benefit-from-security-cameras/

Getting Started with UniFi Protect – Ubiquiti Help Center

https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/27878858632599-Getting-Started-with-UniFi-Protect

How Security Cameras Can Help Your Business

https://www.business.com/articles/5-ways-your-company-can-benefit-from-security-cameras/

How Security Cameras Can Help Your Business

https://www.business.com/articles/5-ways-your-company-can-benefit-from-security-cameras/

Security Cameras For Retail: The Rising Cost Of Theft For Local Store Owners | SNAP Integrations

https://snapintegrations.net/blog/security-cameras-for-retail-cost-of-theft-for-local-store-owners/

The Benefits Of Video Analytics For Businesses | CO- by US Chamber of Commerce