Earlier this year, we were hired to do a site survey in advance of a major construction project. We recorded a route more than two kilometres long from multiple angles. We then synchronized the footage to make it easy to switch between cameras during playback, put in some title markers, and delivered the finished DVDs to our client. We didn't think about it again until recently, when we were asked to sign an affidavit about the video and its content.

This small investment, it turns out, may result in pretty substantial savings--if not for our client, then for their insurance company.

Recording a video can be an invaluable document, in many ways more valuable than a photograph, and for large projects, certainly a lot simpler. It also makes life a lot easier for the individuals on the ground. To know the state of something, in a particular location, at a certain time, knowing who was there, puts everyone on the same page.

Construction isn't the only industry where a video can come in useful. Use it to document an important shipment, show the safety procedures you have implemented on a work site, or tour a property before a real-estate transaction. Don't think of it as something invasive or difficult. It's more like hitting save in your software.

Video early, video often.

Once you're used to the idea, it really is convenient, especially when it comes to the hassle it can save you later. Why not break out your cell phone camera and take a quick movie the next time you rent a car or pack up a fragile shipment for the courier? It isn't only in our work that we could use a little extra insurance.

I'm sure you've run into your own headaches that have made you wish for some proof that could give your side some credibility. If so, I'm interested to hear about them. Just send me an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .