Examining the power of remote monitoring for SMEs

Data from a recent Gartner survey shows that 62% of small-to-medium enterprises (SME) are already using cloud computing, while 33% are either planning on implementing the technology or evaluating how their organisation could best use it. As well as this, Forbes is predicting that 83% of enterprise workloads will be in the cloud by 2020.

Cloud computing and remote access

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, like Vanderbilt’s ACT365, enable users to remotely access live and pre-recorded video footage anytime and anywhere. Their distinguishing characteristics deliver information rapidly, cost-effectively, and can be upgraded with the latest features as and when they become available. The benefits of remote monitoring solutions are that through push or email notifications, business owners can be alerted to any disturbances immediately via their smartphone.

A recent survey of SME owners found that 73% wanted to be able to ‘keep an eye on the business while I'm not there.' This is because the most common challenges facing business owners today are essentially time and money.

Remote monitoring in retail industry As each retailer differs in size and luxury, flexible and scalable security solutions are a must

For example, let’s take a closer look at the multi-layered issues that the retail industry faces daily. Shrinkage, vandalism, false claims, and shoplifting are just some issues that can affect a store’s bottom line.

As each retailer differs in size and luxury, flexible and scalable security solutions are a must. Here, remote monitoring capabilities are an essential feature. When stores leverage platforms that combine the capabilities of video surveillance and access control solutions, operators can associate video of specific egress points, and they gain the ability to open, close, lock and unlock doors from a remote location, reducing travel time to various stores.

Vanderbilt’s ACT365 Enterprise software

For instance, dealing with early morning deliveries is an ideal example of Vanderbilt’s ACT365 at its best. From the ACT365 smartphone app, the store manager can identify the courier through a live video feed and then remotely open the doors of the loading bay to allow the delivery to be made. The manager can monitor all of this remotely, and once the delivery is finished, they can close the loading bay door, and it will automatically rearm. This has natural advantages that naturally create the conditions for peace of mind that SME owners crave.

At its simplest, remote monitoring allows for the elimination of once laborious tasks that are now capable of instant execution through the quick click of a button on mobile or desktop devices. For example, Travix, an online travel company, that use ACT365 at their London offices wanted remote connectivity with their site through smart devices. ACT365 delivers this by giving users control of access points via any major web browser or ACT365’s app. When not at the premises, Travix managers also have visibility of access requests to their external doors and diagnostics for door status throughout their offices. This assists in engineering a lynchpin of stability.

SaaS applications

SaaS applications are a natural fit for start-ups and small businesses

SaaS applications are a natural fit for start-ups and small businesses. These are unlikely to be attracted by the prospect of setting up and managing on-premises infrastructure and applications.

Most important to remember is, it is not the business of a start-up or a small-to-medium enterprise to be running their security system. That’s the business of an external security company. So, what the cloud has achieved, is that security is now a managed service for customers. So, if a business is selling cupcakes, that can now be their priority. Simple as.

Extensive cost savings with SaaS

This can lead to large cost savings with the eradication of expenses like installing, maintaining and upgrading on-premises IT infrastructure, versus the operational cost of a SaaS subscription.

Moreover, as your business grows, and you need to add more users, rather than investing in additional in-house server capacity and software licenses, you simply adjust your monthly SaaS subscription as required.

DropBox SaaS solutions

According to BVP State of the Cloud 2017, DropBox is the fastest SaaS company with $1 Billion Revenue Run Rate. In 2026, the SaaS market is expected to reach £234 billion – a 183 percent increase on 2018 figures.

Essentially, remote monitoring solutions put SME owners first. They eradicate once heavy responsibilities that can now be promptly completed through the click of a button on mobile or desktop devices. Through the power of remote monitoring, SME owners can find convenience through simplicity.