Start with the ability to take a sale

For a small retail shop, a short technology failure can interrupt payments, stock checks and fulfilment. This is an illustrative planning scenario. List the steps from a customer choosing a product to a completed transaction. Identify the internet services, devices, accounts and third parties each step depends on.

Ask your payment provider what works during an internet outage and under what conditions. Do not assume offline transactions are always supported or risk free. Write down who can authorise a fallback and how transactions are reconciled afterwards. Test within the provider’s instructions before you rely on it.

Separate customer Wi-Fi from trading systems

If you offer guest access, ask the network supplier to show that guest devices cannot reach payment equipment, recorders or business computers. A different network name alone is not evidence of effective separation. Staff should know which network to use and whom to call if a device connects to the wrong one.

Put critical fixed devices on suitable wired connections where practical. Position wireless access points according to the building and test the areas where staff actually work. Shelving, fridges and neighbouring shops can affect radio performance, so floor area alone is not a coverage specification.

Plan cameras around useful outcomes

Mark entrances, tills, stock areas and delivery points. Write whether each view needs to show general activity or identify a person at a particular distance. Consider backlight from windows and the lighting left on after closing. Ask for representative footage at the relevant distance and lighting, rather than comparing resolution alone.

Recording audio and monitoring staff may raise additional legal issues. Check current state and territory rules and seek advice for your circumstances. OAIC guidance explains that privacy obligations can apply to CCTV, with requirements depending on the organisation and relevant laws. Do not treat this planning checklist as legal approval.

Calculate retention with measured assumptions

Storage depends on average bitrate, recording hours and retention, not just the number of cameras. Motion-only recording can save space, but the saving is uncertain in a busy shop. Use continuous recording as a conservative comparison, then test actual usage if you intend to rely on motion recording. Allow for formatted capacity and recorder reserves.

Prepare for interruption

  • Keep payment, internet and security support contacts accessible during an outage.
  • Document a safe opening and closing procedure when a system fails.
  • Test any mobile backup connection, including data allowance and signal quality.
  • Restrict recorder access and confirm that an authorised manager can export a useful clip.
  • Review retention, signage, access permissions and deletion practices with appropriate advisers.

Use the downtime tool to estimate disruption separately from headline sales. Enter gross profit at risk and staff recovery time carefully to avoid counting the same loss twice. Put spending first against the interruption that would most affect your ability to trade.