Running a small business means keeping a careful eye on every dollar spent, especially when it comes to expenses that don’t directly contribute to growth, like security. However, protecting your business from theft, vandalism, or internal fraud is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, traditional security systems can be expensive to install, maintain, and scale, draining resources that could be better used elsewhere.

But there’s good news. Arcadian.ai’s cloud-based surveillance solutions offer small businesses a way to save up to 50% on security costs over five years, while also providing enhanced, real-time protection that’s scalable to meet your growing needs. Let’s break down how making the switch from traditional surveillance to a cloud-based system can keep your business safe without breaking the bank.

The Real Cost of Traditional Surveillance Systems

For many small businesses, the cost of security can feel like a necessary evil. Here’s why traditional surveillance systems often end up costing more than expected:

1. Upfront Hardware Costs: Installing a traditional system means investing in hardware such as cameras, servers, and storage devices. For a small business, this can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the size of the property.

2. Ongoing Maintenance and Repairs: Once the system is up and running, regular maintenance is needed to keep it operational. Hardware breaks down, software needs updates, and cameras need to be repaired or replaced. These costs can add an extra $1,000 to $5,000 annually, depending on the system’s complexity.

3. Storage and Data Management: Small businesses are often required to store surveillance footage for several weeks or months, depending on local regulations. Traditional on-site storage systems need to be upgraded as more footage accumulates, leading to additional costs of $2,000 to $5,000 every few years.

4. Limited Flexibility and Scalability: As your business grows, your security needs will expand. Traditional systems don’t easily adapt to new requirements, meaning you’ll need to invest more in cameras, servers, and storage devices as you add new locations or expand existing ones. This can quickly drive up costs.

A Real-World Example: Small Retailer Slashes Security Costs

Let’s take the example of a small retail business with three locations. Initially, the retailer installed traditional surveillance systems at each store, spending $30,000 in upfront costs. Over the next three years, they spent an additional $10,000 annually on maintenance, software updates, and storage upgrades.

Frustrated by the high costs and complexity of managing three separate systems, the retailer decided to switch to Arcadian.ai’s cloud-based solution. Here’s how they benefited:

• Upfront costs dropped by 40%, saving the retailer $12,000 across the three locations.
• Maintenance costs were reduced by 50%, saving $5,000 annually.
• On-site storage systems were eliminated, saving $3,000 per year in storage upgrades.
• Real-time monitoring and AI-driven video analytics allowed the retailer to detect and prevent theft before it occurred, reducing shrinkage by 30%.

Over five years, the retailer saved a total of $50,000 in surveillance costs, allowing them to reinvest in growing their business.

How Arcadian.ai’s Cloud-Based Solutions Save You Money

1. Reduced Upfront Costs Traditional systems require significant investments in hardware such as servers and storage units. With Arcadian.ai’s cloud-based solution, cameras connect directly to the cloud, eliminating the need for expensive hardware. This can reduce initial setup costs by 30-40%.

2. Lower Maintenance and Repair Expenses Cloud-based systems require minimal on-site maintenance. Arcadian.ai offers remote monitoring and automated software updates, ensuring your system is always running smoothly without costly interruptions. This can cut maintenance costs by up to 50%, saving you thousands of dollars over time.

3. Scalable, Cost-Effective Storage Instead of paying for physical storage systems that need constant upgrades, Arcadian.ai provides scalable cloud storage that grows with your business. You only pay for the storage you need, saving up to 50% on storage costs over five years. Plus, there’s no risk of running out of space or needing expensive storage upgrades.

4. Seamless Expansion Across Locations As your business grows, Arcadian.ai’s cloud-based system grows with you. Adding new cameras or locations is simple and cost-effective. There’s no need for expensive installations or new infrastructure. This scalability means you can expand your security system without worrying about ballooning costs.

5. AI-Driven Analytics for Proactive Security Arcadian.ai’s AI-powered video analytics go beyond traditional surveillance by detecting suspicious behavior in real-time. This allows businesses to respond proactively to potential security threats, preventing incidents before they occur. Fewer incidents mean fewer losses due to theft or damage, further improving your bottom line.

The 5-Year Cost Breakdown: Traditional vs. Cloud-Based Surveillance

Here’s a comparison of the costs for a small business with three locations over five years:

• Traditional On-Site System Costs:

  • Upfront installation and hardware: $30,000
  • Annual maintenance: $10,000/year
  • Storage upgrades: $3,000/year
  • Expansion costs for new locations: $15,000

  Total over 5 years: $105,000

• Arcadian.ai Cloud-Based Surveillance Costs:

  • Upfront setup: $18,000
  • Annual cloud subscription and maintenance: $5,000/year
  • No storage or expansion costs

  Total over 5 years: $43,000

By switching to Arcadian.ai, the small business saves over $60,000 in five years—a 57% reduction in total security costs.

Frank’s Story: A Small Business Owner’s Experience

Frank owns a small chain of coffee shops. Like many small business owners, he initially invested in traditional surveillance systems to keep his stores safe. However, the costs quickly began to pile up—every few months, Frank found himself paying for repairs or storage upgrades. Worse still, expanding his security system to cover a new location was proving to be prohibitively expensive.

After learning about Arcadian.ai’s cloud-based solution, Frank made the switch. The results were immediate. His upfront costs dropped by 40%, and he no longer had to worry about costly maintenance or storage upgrades. Over the next five years, Frank saved nearly $60,000, which he reinvested in opening new locations.

Now, with Arcadian.ai’s real-time monitoring and AI-driven analytics, Frank sleeps soundly knowing his shops are protected 24/7 without breaking his budget.

Ready to see how much you can save with Arcadian.ai? Arrange a demo to discover how our cloud-based solutions can cut your surveillance costs in half and enhance your business security. Schedule your demo now.