Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy’s owners in Mount Vernon, Illinois have been utilizing Security Alarm’s intrusion protection and video surveillance services for many years. Their pharmacy’s unique security needs have long been met by our advanced camera systems. And, we are grateful that they have trusted us with their security measures for so long.
When the pharmacy decided to evaluate its old video surveillance system, they quickly realized that they needed more. It was lacking the integration of motion detectors, alarm systems, and securely locked cabinets to truly secure the entire facility.
To fully customize a system for Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, our team met with the owners and completed a thorough walk-through. We addressed discrepancies and created a plan of action to upgrade their security and reduce pharmacy crime, like theft.
Outdated Pharmacy Security: Challenges & Risks
Before upgrading its security system, the pharmacy was working with outdated equipment. When the cameras were initially installed, they were considered top-notch and performed exactly as they needed to. However, the managers shared with us that the old system was no longer meeting their needs and they wished to use more up-to-date technology.
With the older, legacy surveillance systems, downloading and exporting video footage was extremely laborious. The video quality was low and they had to deal with fuzzy images. They wanted to upgrade their system so they could get the information they needed to protect their prescription drugs and controlled substances.
Results & Advantages Of The System Upgrade
The decision was made to scrap the old system and upgrade Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy to a brand new camera system.
Their pharmacy was fitted with 16 camera DVRs and cameras mounted on the inside and outside of their shop to completely cover the premises. The managers soon experienced the host of benefits the upgraded system had on pharmacy security overall and said, “we don’t know how we did it before the new system”.
Verifying Purchases
New cameras enable the managers at Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy to verify certain transactions with customers.
If a customer claims a medication is not in their bag, the cameras can play back to identify how the error occurred
Cameras located throughout the building allow a prescription to be visually followed through the store all the way to the hand of the customer. From filling to being placed in the bag, to being handed out the window, the cameras capture the entire process.
Prosecuting Theft
One of the most appealing advantages of a camera system is the ability to accurately monitor premises and catch thieves. Time-stamped, sharp recordings enable low managers, owners, and law enforcement to see what is occurring during, and after, business hours.
With the old system, the picture quality would not have allowed for clear recognition of shoppers. The crisp footage recorded by the new system has allowed the shop to press charges against shoplifters.
Deterring Theft
The cameras are proven useful in prosecuting theft, but they’ve been able to prevent it from happening in the first place. Potential thieves may see that they are being recorded and be less likely to attempt a theft.
Cameras can be obvious and in direct view or be hidden. Signs can be strategically placed around the store to inform customers that they are being recorded, which can also significantly deter theft.
Providing Footage To Insurance
Being able to provide footage to insurance has been another added benefit of the new system. In the case of someone falling or hurting themselves in the store, Medicine Shoppe’s owners have been able to submit high-quality footage of the event to their insurance company.
Improving Daily Operations
Often business owners think about the use of cameras from the security standpoint but they also can be valuable in improving operations.
The pharmacy has found that having the camera located at the front desk has been extremely beneficial from an operations perspective. The manager in the back can look at the camera and see how the workflow is at the front of the store. If they are piled with work, an additional employee can be sent up to the front to ease the situation.
Overall, cameras located at important work stations throughout the business enables managers to keep better tabs on how the day is going.
Remote Viewing
The ability to view cameras without even being onsite has made a significant difference for managers. Our camera system’s technology can be viewed from any location. Owners and managers can access the feed remotely from their smartphones at home or on the go. This system allows them to see exactly what is going on.
Learn More About Pharmacy Security Systems
A revamp of Medicine Shoppe’s video surveillance system has made all the difference for their business. They were pleased with the process from start to finish and feel that the investment was worth the benefits they have already received.
If you are a pharmacy owner and you are looking to upgrade your security or alarm systems, do not hesitate to reach out to Security Alarm. We take pride in being able to customize security solutions that meet your needs.
