How Intelligent Security Helps Multi-Site Networks Stay One Step Ahead

For many multi-site forecourt and convenience store operators, security systems have been in place for years. They record footage, capture number plates, and, on the surface, appear to be doing their job. So, the question often comes up: if it’s working, why change it?

The answer isn’t about fixing something that’s broken — it’s about unlocking more value from security in a fast-changing operational environment.

The Reality of Managing Security Across Multiple Sites
Running multiple locations brings complexity. Each site faces different risks, from theft and fraud to safety incidents and compliance challenges. Traditional security systems tend to be reactive, meaning incidents are reviewed only after they’ve already happened.

As organised and mobile offenders become more sophisticated, predictable, and static security setups are easier to exploit. What starts as an isolated incident at one location can quickly become a recurring issue across an entire network.

What Traditional CCTV and ANPR Do Well — and Where They Stop
Standard CCTV and basic ANPR still play an important role. They provide visibility and evidence when something goes wrong. However, they’re limited in how much insight they can offer day to day.

These systems:

– Capture footage and licence plates
– Require manual review
– Provide little behavioural or operational context
– Don’t deliver real-time alerts

They help explain what happened, but not why it happened or how to prevent it next time.

Turning Security into Insight with Intelligent Analytics
This is where Watch-it for mobility by BigBrother adds a new layer of value. Rather than operating in isolation, Watch-it connects video with transactional data, alerts, licence plate recognition, and other operational inputs.

The result is security that supports decision-making — not just investigations.

Key capabilities include:

– Real-time alerts for unusual or suspicious behaviour
– Automated tagging to highlight exceptions instead of hours of footage
– Linking video to POS and pump data for greater context
– Remote visibility across all locations from a single platform

Real-World Impact Across Forecourt Networks
One example is AutoAlert, a Watch-it features designed to detect potential fuel drive-offs. Some operators have reported up to an 80% reduction in these incidents after implementation.

This kind of result shows how intelligent analytics can shift security from being reactive to becoming a preventive and operational tool — saving time and helping teams stay focused on customers and safety.

Why Multi-Site Operators See Added Value
When applied across a network, intelligent security delivers benefits beyond loss prevention:

– Consistent visibility across all sites
– Faster and more efficient incident resolution
– Improved staff and customer safety
– Better understanding of operational patterns and compliance

Security data becomes a source of insight that supports both daily operations and long-term strategy.

Looking Ahead
Security systems don’t have to be replaced because they’re failing — sometimes they’re upgraded because the business needs more from them.

For multi-site operators, intelligent analytics offer a way to move from simply recording events to actively supporting safer, smarter operations.

If you’re interested in exploring how smarter security can add value across your network, Watch-it for mobility offers a practical next step.