Dash Cameras vs. Surveillance Systems: What’s Best for Your Fleet?

In today’s fast-moving world, fleet management is becoming complex, with increasing concerns about operational efficiency, safety, and accountability. Businesses look for technologies to improve fleet efficiency and protect drivers and automobiles. Traditional surveillance systems and dash cameras are the two best ways to enhance fleet management systems.

Dash cameras are becoming the best option for fleets because of their key features, but both devices have advantages for fleet management. This article will delve into how dash cameras are superior to surveillance systems and how they surpass conventional surveillance systems. Let’s first explore both technologies.

Dash Cameras

A dash camera is a small, mounted device that records 360-degree footage of the vehicle, interior, and surroundings [1]. These cameras are typically installed on the vehicle dashboard, windshield, and sometimes in the vehicle’s interior to record real-time events while driving, providing GPS tracking, motion detection, and cloud storage features.

Surveillance Systems

Typically, surveillance systems are installed in plain sight or occasionally out of sight in stationary locations like parking lots, warehouses, and offices [2]. Usually not intended for a car, these multi-cameras continuously record a fixed view. A traditional surveillance system requires proper infrastructure, including wiring, power resources, and a centralized monitoring system.

Although both technologies were developed for recording, they serve different functions, and fleet management benefits vary depending on their use.

Why is a Dash Camera a Better Choice for Fleet Management Systems? 

A dash camera is considered to be the best choice for vehicles when it comes to the fleet management system. Let’s dive into how dash cameras are the superior choice.

  • Real-time Monitoring

A dash camera has the feature of providing real-time recording of the vehicle when driving. Fleet managers can monitor the live location, driver behavior, and incidents that happen with their vehicle to respond quickly.

On the other hand, a surveillance system can record a stationary location. In case of any incident, a dash camera can cover all the incident footage, while multi-cameras can monitor an area of a fixed range.

2. Enhance Driver Safety and Accountability

Driver accountability and safety can be increased through the dash cameras by monitoring real insights. Many modern cameras have enhanced vehicle and driver safety security features, like fatigue alerts, speed monitoring, and lane departure warnings.

Drivers are encouraged to promote safer driving while aware of monitoring their behavior and feedback through a dash camera [3]. Surveillance systems do not provide real-time monitoring of drivers, enhanced security features, or feedback systems.

3. Cost-Effective and Easy Installation

A dash camera is a cost-effective solution for fleet management as compared to surveillance systems, which require upfront costs of infrastructure and wiring. From small to medium-sized fleets, dash cameras come up with an inexpensive cost.

Installation of the dash camera is as easy as plug-and-play. You just have to put the camera on the windscreen, plug it into the power source of a cigarette lighter, and start recording [4]. Traditional surveillance systems require professional camera installation, wiring, power, and regular maintenance.

4. Insurance Benefits

Your vehicle insurance company may offer you premium discounts if they find that your vehicle has a dash camera for fleet management. Implementing dash cameras offers multiple benefits, such as reducing accident risks and providing clear evidence in case of claims. 

Many insurance companies offer up to a 20 percent discount to fleet vehicles with dash cameras [3]. Surveillance systems do not qualify for these benefits as stationery.

5. Protection Against False Claims

Your business repetition may be affected by fraudulent claims in accidents. A dash camera can provide visual evidence and footage of the accident to prove the driver’s innocence and costly legal battles [5]. 

Fleet managers can avoid expensive insurance disputes by using dash cameras. Unlike dash cameras, which are restricted to a single location, traditional multi-camera systems do not offer the same level of security.

6. Increase Customer Trust

Your business can enhance customer trust by installing dash cameras in fleet vehicles. Dash cameras increase transparency and trust, especially if your business relies on timely deliveries and customer service [6].

Customers ensure that their goods are transported safely and drivers follow company policies. Surveillance systems are utilized for the specific area and do not provide such customer reassurance.

When are Surveillance Systems Useful?

Dash cameras are a winner for businesses with fleet management systems to track and monitor live locations and events around and inside the vehicle. Surveillance systems have their own merits for businesses. 

Surveillance cameras are ideal for tracking and recording the locations and areas of warehouses, parking lots, and office premises. Dash cameras are a better option for companies regarding fleet-specific requirements and on-road monitoring [7].

Final Verdict

As we compare the features or usage of dash cameras or surveillance systems, it is proven that dash cameras are a winner for fleet management. Dash cameras’ capabilities, such as real-time insights, operating efficiency, and safety and security features, are the perfect choice for businesses looking to enhance operation, driver accountability, and fleet safety.

Traditional surveillance systems are ideal for businesses with office setups, warehouses, and parking lots. Increasing security concerns of fleet vehicles can be solved by installing dash cameras for real-time monitoring, driver accountability, insurance benefits, easy and cost-effective installations, protection against fraud, and customer service.

FAQs

  1. What are the functions of dash cameras?

Dash cameras are small devices mounted on vehicles that record and monitor the interior and exterior of moving vehicles. Installed on the car’s windscreen or dashboard, these cameras capture video to improve security and business operations.

  1. Which camera system should I choose for my business and why?

Businesses with fleets should have prior dash cameras over surveillance systems. Dash cameras provide footage of overall surroundings, enhance driver safety and accountability, and give evidence in case of accidents, while surveillance systems do not provide such benefits.

  1. Is it legal to use dash cameras in fleet vehicles?

In many countries and regions, dash cameras are allowed in vehicles. Still, one must check local laws to record audio and video in the vehicles and privacy regulations. 

  1. Do dash cameras come with night vision and multiple weather features?

Many modern dash cameras are now available with night vision features to record footage in low-light conditions and fog and bad weather conditions, making it easy for drivers in all environments.

  1. Can dash cameras be accessed remotely?

Yes, dash cameras have a cloud storage system, and remote systems make it easy for managers to access dash cameras remotely through smartphones and computers.

References

[1]https://www.teletracnavman.com/fleet-management-software/video-telematics/resources/what-is-a-dashboard-camera 

[2] https://senstar.com/senstarpedia/what-is-a-video-surveillance-system/ 

[3] https://trackobit.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-dashcam 

[4]https://www.iconcox.com/news/cost-benefit-analysis-are-fleet-dash-cams-with-gps-tracking-worth-the-investment.html 

[5]https://www.thepersonal.com/blog/-/the-benefits-of-having-a-dash-cam 

[6]https://crystalball.tv/blog/enhancing-customer-trust-with-dashcams/ 

[7]https://www.westerndigital.com/en-in/solutions/cctv/blog/7-reasons-your-business-needs-video-surveillance 

Signup For Updates

Tags

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related articles

Contact us

We're happy to answer any questions you may have and help you determine which of our products best fit your needs.

Explore how our advanced GPS and fleet management technology enhances security measures, ensuring protected data and a protected fleet.

Your benefits:
What happens next?
1
Fill Out the Demo Request Form
2
Schedule a Personalized Demo
3
Experience the Future of Fleet Management
Schedule a Free Demo