Vacant Property Security Steel Security Doors
Industry-accredited steel security doors are a durable solution for securing your property
Bespoke Security Screens
Secure vulnerable openings on your property with out custom steel security screens
Vacant Property Inspections
Inspections give you advance notice of any problems before they cause significant issues
Vacant Property Management
Property checks, insurance compliance, open and lock up and keyholding services
Vacant Property Alarms
Works independently, without any need for a connection to a mains power.
Commercial Fencing
A defined perimeter is the first line of defence for a vacant property
Concrete Barrier Hire
Where an immovable physical barrier is required to prevent vehicle access,
Keyholding Services
Should an intruder alarm be triggered, our SIA trained security officers will respond
Open/Lock Up Services
Any premise is at its most vulnerable at the point of opening-up/closing-up
Vacant Property Clearance
As vacant property specialists, Clearway has been cleaning vacant properties for over 30 years.
Fly-Tipping Removal
Professional and rapid response for fly-tipping clearance and waste removal.
Hazardous Waste Removal
Licensed by the Environment Agency, we will remove and dispose of biohazardous waste`
Pest / Plant / Sharps Removal
With over 25 years of experience we are a trusted provider of safe sharps removal services in the UK.
Crime Scene Cleaning
clean the area, remove any bio-hazard waste and, where possible, restore the area to a safe, clean environment.

inView CCTV Towers
Easily transportable and set-up in minutes it can be positioned in the most inaccessible locations
inView Highway Technology Tower
Tower for instant CCTV analytics, stopped vehicle detection, alarm systems, air quality monitoring and much more
inView Detect PID Security
Rapidly deployable, portable protection device that Deters crime and anti-social activity
Temporary CCTV
Commonly for shorter-term use and provide great flexibility and value for money
Temporary Alarms
Install a professional vacant property alarm to run independently of mains power
Commercial CCTV
Advanced CCTV systems can work in isolation or as part of an integrated security solution
Perimeter Security Systems
Essential for safeguarding buildings, businesses, and critical infrastructure
Environmental Monitoring
Mapping helps you measure pollution levels, identify trends and understand where change is needed

Fire Detection Fire Systems & Alarm Systems
Accredited fire detection and alarm systems are suited to both commercial and rental properties
Commercial Fire Extinguishers
Independent advice to ensure you have identified your key fire risks and installed sufficient extinguishers
Disabled Refuge Systems
A disabled refuge is a vital, life-saving resource that ensures that everybody on-site has a safe, protected space
Commercial Alarms
Protect your business from theft, vandalism, and other security breaches and criminal activity
Commercial Intruder Alarms
Protect your business from theft, vandalism, and other security breaches and criminal activity
Access Control Systems
Streamline security protocols with automated networks that grant or refuse entry based on pre-set parameters
Fire Alarm Maintenance
Maintenance, testing and record-keeping are just as vital to fire protection and prevention as the equipment, systems and resources
Compound Security Systems
Ensure that managers, staff and security personnel have confidence that their site is protected around the clock
Construction Site Security
The construction industry reports over 6000 break ins each year, with nearly £1bn lost in associated costs
ANPR Cameras
A seamless way to verify the vehicles passing through entry checkpoints, and granting access only to approved cars and trucks
Fixed CCTV
For when you want to prevent unauthorised access a, vandalism, theft, or any other illegal activity
Smart Building Technology
Technology solutions that enhance and protect the value of your commercial property portfolios
Fire Special Risks
A suite of special risk services is specifically designed for properties with heightened risks
Emergency Lighting
A key component of a fire risk assessment and acts as a security safeguard during an emergency evacuation

Learn more

Blog article

What Are Quarter Days?

If you are new to the world of commercial renting, here is a brief explanation of what the term means.

Read article

(CRAR) Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery
Rent arrears can cause significant issues, impacting cash flow with the additional cost of recouping overdue income
SCAR – Service Charge Arrears Recovery
Available exclusively from Clearway and has been developed to recover outstanding Service Charges & Insurance
Pre-Legal Debt Recovery
We provide UK landlords and businesses immediate outsource solutions for unpaid invoices
Business Forensics and Intelligence
Business intelligence services help companies nationwide make astute decisions, plan the correct approach to recover unpaid debts
Financial Recovery Solutions
Services span all debt-related matters and can provide an efficient, prompt, and effective solution, with full legal compliance
Eviction Services
Evicting trespassers, squatters and travellers from property and land can be complex, expensive, and highly stressful
Trace and Status
Our investigations team locate absconding debtors using the latest information and databases available
Individual Status Reports
Reports provide thorough background information to help businesses and landlords assess the creditworthiness of potential customers
End of Tenancy / Forfeiture of Lease
An all-encompassing end-of-tenancy or forfeiture of lease security service
Illegal Trespass
Whatever the time of day or night, and wherever the location, we commit to having an agent on site to expedite the required process of eviction to recover your asset
Traveller Eviction Services: 24/7 Rapid Removal
Clearway’s traveller eviction services are fully supportive, from initial consultation through to a successful and sustained eviction.

Learn more

inSite Wearable Safety Devices
Devices provide protection and support for those working in high risk, public facing environments
Stopped Vehicle Detection
Harnessing the power of AI CCTV analytics to identify the presence of a stationary vehicle quickly, determine the likely impacts, and automatically dispatch alerts as required.
Lone Worker Devices
Giving workers and employees peace of mind that they have constant communication channels
Insurance Compliance
It’s important to know about vacant property insurance and how to achieve compliance
Bodycams
Commercial-grade body worn security cameras and safety devices capture real-time events
PPE Detection
Protect your teams and reduce your liability with our automated, AI powered solution

Learn more

NSI Gold Cat II Monitoring
Our fully accredited, high security Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) provides uninterrupted 24/7/365 monitoring
CCTV Monitoring
Keeping a watchful eye on your site or premises and responding quickly to any security breaches
Alarm Monitoring Systems
Our trained personnel give you peace of mind by ensuring your premises are under careful watch by professional teams
Fire Alarm Monitoring
We provide vigilant fire alarm monitoring and response 365 days a year, 24/7, to protect your premises, assets, inventory and workforce from growing fire risks.
Incursion Monitoring
We are committed to increasing and maintaining the safety of those working on highway and transport networks
Environmental Monitoring
Mapping helps you measure pollution levels, identify trends and understand where change is needed
Traffic Monitoring Cameras
Intelligent traffic monitoring cameras have extensive uses, from general highways management to applications in logistics

Learn more

Stopped Vehicle Detection
Ideally suited to smart motorways, where speedy responses can be life-saving
PPE Detection / Identification
Protect your teams and reduce your liability with our automated, AI powered solution
Intrusion Detection
Virtual fencing creates an invisible boundary around a designated area, triggering an automatic alert when this boundary is breached.
People Recognition
Enables the precise detection of individuals within a specified area, identifying when a person enters or lingers in a restricted location.
Visual Feeds Generating Statistics
Statistics gathered from camera surveillance footage can then be used to identify patterns and trends, predict future behaviours.
Vehicle Speed Analysis Cameras
The precise identification and logging of vehicle speeds, providing crucial data for monitoring and managing traffic flow.
Vehicle Identification & ANPR
Vehicle identification and ANPR software on highways are essential tools for enhancing road safety and security.
Dropped / Abandoned Object Detection
A powerful tool to deter littering and fly-tipping by identifying and responding to discarded objects in real-time.
Event Detection
When a person is detected in these high-risk areas, the system automatically alerts authorities, allowing for rapid intervention.
Cloud Analytics
We provide a service to easily analyse and provide insight from data generated via your existing IP CCTV streams.
CCTV Analytics
Use advanced software to automatically detect, track, and analyse activity captured on camera—turning standard surveillance into a powerful, proactive security tool

Learn more

Facial Recognition CCTV Cameras

Clearway provides facial recognition camera systems that help organisations identify individuals, enhance site security, and control access across high-security environments.

If you’ve discovered an undetected intruder in a sensitive or restricted access area or only found out a trespasser has gained entry to your business after the fact, you need a reactive, reliable way to know exactly who is on your premises, and when.

Facial recognition CCTV uses advanced artificial intelligence to identify and track individuals based on their unique facial features. This gives you visibility that traditional systems simply can’t – and can dramatically upgrade access controls and correct the vulnerabilities linked with key card or fob-based solutions.

Enhance Security with Instant Facial Recognition Cameras

Facial recognition cameras are surveillance systems that use biometric technology to identify individuals by analysing facial features, enabling real-time identification and access control.

Clearway installs facial recognition cameras to provide real-time alerts when known individuals are detected, automatically log access events, and support rapid responses to unauthorised entries.

Our facial recognition cameras can integrate easily with your CCTV giving you real-time alerts when known individuals appear, automatically logging access events, and supporting rapid responses to unauthorised entries.

It’s a simple, smarter layer of control for businesses for whom safety, efficiency, and accountability matter.

Facial recognition works independently and quickly, cross-checking characteristics with your approved database of verified staff, guests, and visitors, flagging when a person who is banned, unknown, or prohibited tries to trespass.

Key Benefits of Facial Recognition CCTV

Instant identification of known parties
Strengthened access control permissions
Accurate, secure and reliable screening
Vastly improved site access visibility and control
Prevents all unauthorised entry or repeat incidents
Integrates with existing CCTV systems
Real-time notifications and security alerts

Get a Quote

Experienced An Undetected Intruder?

If you’ve found someone has been able to enter your business or space without being confronted, we know this causes extreme concerns. Contact us today for a rapid upgrade to reinforce your access controls and entry management.

Get Help

Where are our facial recognition cameras used?

Construction Sites

By tracking authorised personnel and site attendance, supervisors and managers can ensure that only verified workers access restricted and high-risk zones, while also collating accurate logs to comply with regulations and safety policies.

Corporate and Commercial Buildings

Corporate and Commercial Buildings

AI-enabled facial recognition simplifies staff access and security management, providing seamless entry systems and enhanced control over who can enter, thereby improving both security and operational efficiency.

Educational Facilities

Educational Facilities

Keeping schools, colleges and childcare spaces controlled, protecting children and staff by ensuring only authorised individuals can enter. These benefits equally apply to sensitive spaces like laboratories and early years departments.

Healthcare Settings

Healthcare Settings

Ensuring access control in patient areas is fundamental for hospitals and clinics that have strict hygiene management policies, or who need to safeguard vulnerable patients or control their movements between facilities or areas.

Retail and Hospitality Companies

Retail and Hospitality Companies

Identifying banned individuals or known offenders provides retailers with the data needed to address attempted shoplifting and other crimes, ensuring repeat offenders cannot access the site undetected.

Transport and Logistics Firms

Transport and Logistics Firms

Monitoring loading bays, entries, and shift patterns ensures transport providers and hubs have continuous visibility of who is on site, managing shift changes, restricted staff-only areas, and verifying that schedules and working patterns comply with regulations.

Key Benefits of Our Facial Recognition CCTV

Key Features of Facial Recognition Cameras

Features designed to give you peace of mind.

Ask us a question about these features

Know exactly who is on your site – and who shouldn’t be.

Advanced facial recognition filters out threats, allowing known staff to enter uninterrupted, providing a faster and easier alternative to card or fob-based access controls.

Gain the Reassurance That All Activity and Traffic is Verified

Know that you’ll never need to check or second-guess who has entered and when, with huge improvements in site access visibility.

Remain in Control Across Multiple Locations

Dashboards and automated alerts keep you up to speed, enabling centralised oversight from any location or device that’s convenient for you.

Benefit From the Peace of Mind of Real-Time Alerts

Have the assurance you’ll be alerted immediately if a flagged or banned individual is detected, or when a repeated attempt at unauthorised entry has been identified.

Stay Compliant Without Additional Manual Checks

Avoid costly increases in physical security checks and identity verifications with accurate, automated screening that incorporates smart alerts, so you know when any specific individual appears on site.

Know That Smart Tech protects Your Site

Facial recognition technology works with existing CCTV systems, with cost-efficient integrations to upgrade your security at minimal cost.

Speak To Us About How We can Help Your Site

Our Process

Here’s what to expect from the process. From the moment you call us to the continued relationship after your CCTV Tower installation.

Talk To Us About Our Process For Your Site

How Facial Recognition CCTV Works

Site Visit and Evaluation of Your Needs

Every high-performing facial recognition system starts with understanding your expectations. We’ll organise a convenient site visit to get to grips with the layout, traffic and current security infrastructure you have to ensure we’re suggesting the best position camera placements, and integrations to get your security concerns under control.

Independent Recommendations

Once we’ve studied your risk profile, concerns and needs, we’ll provide access to all our experience as an independent specialist in AI-enabled security. Whether you’re managing a high-traffic commercial space, need to control sensitive access points or want a ready-to-go remote monitoring solution, we’re here to help.

Rapid Deployment of AI Upgrades

We offer seamless integration with your current CCTV and security infrastructure, making it easy to upgrade without overhauling your entire setup. Our platform also supports real-time data sharing and comprehensive reporting to keep you informed.

Ongoing Controls and Updates

Security isn’t a one-and-done installation, and we’re happy to provide ongoing system monitoring, system updates and fine-tuning to ensure our facial recognition CCTV is perfectly aligned with your security needs and evolving data protection laws.

What To Expect

Here’s how does facial recognition CCTV function?

Start Your CCTV Tower Journey Today

How Does Facial Recognition CCTV Function?

Pick Up on Suspicious or Criminal Activity

By recognising individuals linked to previous criminal behaviour or suspicious activities, facial detection cameras enable quick identification and response, reducing the risk of theft, vandalism, or other illegal acts.

Log the Presence of Known Personnel

Simplified face detection cameras detect the presence of a person, record their movements, and store the data for analysis. This type of system is often used as a pre-emptive security measure or to monitor staff actions, workflows and productivity.

Make Automated Access Control Decisions

CCTV cameras with AI facial recognition functions confirm each entrant’s identity, decide whether to permit them access through a security control system, alert responders to an intruder, or monitor the behaviour of somebody who is behaving unexpectedly.

Trigger Security Alerts Immediately

If a person is found to be attempting entry without the appropriate credentials, entering or exiting at times that differ from HR records, or accessing a site without due cause, AI facial recognition can instantly alert to enable an appropriate security response to investigate the situation.

Key Problems Businesses Can Fix With Facial Recognition Cameras

Facial recognition CCTV helps businesses tackle some of the biggest security and operational challenges they face today.

From preventing unauthorised access and reducing theft, to identifying repeat offenders or monitoring restricted areas, it provides a smarter way to stay in control.

You’re Trying to Identify Individuals Entering or Leaving a Site Without Authorisation

You’ve experienced security emergencies where unknown people have entered your building or site, and you need a reliable way to prevent this from happening ever again.

You Need to Prevent Unapproved Access to High-Security or Sensitive Areas

You’re responsible for a complex or compound where compromising on security isn’t an option, and you need a failsafe way to check that every person has been approved.

You’re Looking for an Advanced Alternative to Traditional CCTV

You already have CCTV cameras and surveillance feeds, but they lack the depth of information and insight you need to achieve an acceptable level of threat prevention.

You Want to Track Repeat Offenders or Banned Individuals Across Multiple Locations

You have a blocklist of banned people or prohibited individuals who must not be able to enter and have to be able to detect their presence immediately at any time.

You’re Seeking to Verify Attendance or Clock-In Times With Greater Accuracy

You have a large workforce and need a reliable, unambiguous way to track arrival and exit times to ensure payroll and overheads aren’t being exploited or exaggerated.

You’re Managing a Site With Public Access and Want to Improve Accountability

Your setting has multiple people moving through and around it daily, and you need a way to track who’s been on site, when, and ensure any unwanted behaviours are logged and attributed to the responsible party.

Smart CCTV is a proactive solution that filters through multiple subjects, recognises authorised personnel, and tracks suspicious or unusual movements to focus security teams on specified risks.

Let Us Fix Your Security Problems

AI CCTV Video Playlist

01:31

CCTV Monitoring & Break In Response

00:49

inView Solar Powered CCTV Tower

01:03

AI Powered Littering Detection

00:42

CCTV Towers in action on UK motorways

Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel

What Our Clients Say

Fisher German LLP

uly 2025

Great Service and Rapid Response

I have been using Clearway for over 5 years. One of the standout features of Clearway is their rapid response time.

Axis Europe

July 2025

Can't Commend Them Enough

The guys were very polite, friendly and professional in their whole attitude. They worked very hard & did a great job!- Can’t commend them enough!

John Fisher S&C Slatter

July 2025

Huge Thanks

A huge amount of thanks goes to 'Clearway' for their exemplary conduct and unwavering commitment to the safety of my site management, site operatives and construction site.

Learn More About Clearway Labs

Facial recognition CCTV is one of the recent developments as part of our Clearway Labs AI surveillance software integration, allowing businesses and security staff to implement outstanding security controls and real-time incident responses.

Customisable AI-Based Facial Recognition

Our facial recognition cameras are tailored to your specific needs, offering flexible integration with existing systems, allowing for seamless upgrades without the need for costly overhauls.

Proactive Intrusion Detection

Upon detection of suspicious personnel, our systems can notify emergency services, site managers, or other relevant personnel instantly, enhancing response times in critical situations.

Cost-Effective

Clearway Labs enables easy integration of AI technology into legacy hardware, making it possible to implement advanced surveillance solutions without significant additional investment.

Deep Learning AI

We utilise cutting-edge AI and deep learning algorithms, ensuring accurate, real-time facial recognition while minimising false identifications.

Talk To Us About CCTV Monitoring

Reported Incidents
January - June 2025

Incidents Reported
Per Day

Incident Responses
By The Police

Incidents Result In
Police Response

Why Choose Clearway for Facial Recognition CCTV?

When precision and speed matter, facial recognition CCTV adds a powerful layer to your security strategy.

Clearway Labs is a leading provider of AI surveillance technology, with a particular focus on facial recognition. Working with us ensures you’re investing in a smart, scalable, and future-proof facial recognition system designed to enhance your security and provide peace of mind.

Trusted by Corporate, Public Sector and High-Risk Environments

We work with organisations where accurate identification is critical – from large corporate headquarters to stadiums, transport hubs, and restricted-access facilities. Our clients rely on us for discreet, dependable security technology.

Real-Time Identity Verification

Clearway Labs leverages the latest AI and deep learning algorithms to ensure accurate, real-time facial recognition. Our systems continuously improve over time, offering reliable detection even in challenging environments such as low lighting or crowded areas.

Integrated, Fully Managed AI Facial Recognition Solutions

We understand that every business and environment has unique security needs. Clearway Labs provides fully customised facial recognition solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, ensuring comprehensive protection that fits your specific requirements.

Specialist Advice on Compliance and Best Practice

We prioritise privacy and data security, adhering to strict UK and EU regulations, including GDPR. Clearway Labs ensures that facial recognition data is handled responsibly, with secure storage and access controls to protect personal information.

Who We Work With

Clearway supports diverse sectors requiring rapid security deployment. Our clients include construction companies, property developers, event organisers, and facility managers who need reliable surveillance solutions. We’re trusted by:

Technical Features of Facial Recognition CCTV

Enhanced Security

Facial recognition CCTV provides real-time identification of individuals, enabling quicker responses to potential threats or unauthorised access.

Increased Accuracy

Utilises AI-powered facial recognition technology to reduce false positives and ensure more reliable identification.

Improved Access Control

Strengthens security by restricting access to sensitive areas, allowing only authorised individuals based on facial recognition. Ensure only permitted drivers access commercial vehicles and verify compliance with driving times and working hours regulations.

Remote Alerts

Alarms can be transmitted to remote devices, including tablets, mobiles, PDAs and security control centres, and exported to digital text formats to create a clear log.

Identify Without Contact

The automated system requires no manual intervention and can be programmed to deliver dynamic video captures, live footage feeds and continual analysis against defined access control databases.

HD Footage

High-quality captures with videos stored in high definition at up to 500 frames per second.

Superior Database Search Speeds

Cameras can identify one of 35 million users in real-time security searches.

Fast response

Where a positive match is identified or an unauthorised individual enters the surveillance zone, AI software immediately notifies security teams, emergency services or site managers as appropriate to mitigate the risks of crime, theft, safety hazard or trespass.

Automate Fleet Management Controls

For example, switching off the cruise control or sending an alert if a lorry driver shows signs of diminished alertness.

Detect Aggressive Behaviour

Track road rage or dangerous driving incidents, identify the driver, and monitor ongoing behaviours.

Download our Clearway Labs Datasheet

What Do Our Security Experts Say?

Our UK Sales Director, Kelvin Danton, explains how identity detection enhances security.

“Facial detection CCTV operates in real time, automatically recognising and flagging specific individuals or behaviours. This can be instrumental in preventing security breaches, identifying unauthorised access, or ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

Performance levels are exceptional, and facial detection operates flawlessly even when a face is partially obscured with caps, glasses or scarves, or a person is attempting to impersonate a photo ID.”

Kelvin Danton

UK Sales Director

Our CCTV in Action

A major distribution company utilises a rota system to manage on-site parking, allocating groups of employees to either the main car park or the overflow area based on their shift patterns.

However, enforcing this system has proven challenging, resulting in capacity issues and inefficiencies in parking management.

The client approached Clearway to provide a more effective and less labour-intensive solution to the problem.

Read Full Case Study

Following a site survey, a bespoke, comprehensive security package was installed including concrete barriers, Heras fencing, mobile solar-powered CCTV Towers, manned guarding and K9 security dog units.

Clearly visible security warning boards were erected, a temporary vehicle access gate and a welfare cabin.

Read Full Case Study

The canal towpath adjacent to Scrubbs Lane on the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal in London has been a challenging site for the Canal & River Trust for a number of years.

Boats have been repeatedly fly-tipping along this stretch, and the area has become a magnet for fly-tipping and littering, including hazardous waste, pressurised containers, oils, old mattresses and more.

Read Case Study in Full

View all case studies

Related Case Studies

Read more about the companies, sites, buildings and properties we helped to secure.

Highways Technology Tower for safer journeys

Award-winning collaborative delivery using AI-technology innovation

Key information Scope of project: Informed junction redesign – A417 Missing Link Scheme Area: Cheltenham Services: Traffic monitoring Background Concerns.

Read article

Bodycams deter abuse towards highways operatives

Key information Scope of project: wearable devices Area: Nationwide Services: Bodycams, remote monitoring Background Our client, Core Highways (Core) provides.

Read article

Comprehensive security systems upgrade for copper manufacturer

Background Following a forced intrusion which resulted in a significant loss of stock at a substantial cost, Metelec, the most.

Read article

CCTV prevents Anti Social Behaviour in Lancashire Woodland

The countryside can be one big playground. But not when you’re trespassing on private land. We installed some camouflaged Ultra.

Read article

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about our Facial Recognition CCTV? Read our frequently asked questions.

Is facial recognition CCTV legal in the UK?

Yes, although organisations need to be mindful of data protection regulations, facial recognition CCTV is completely legal. We can offer more personalised advice on request. Still, the basics are to ensure you’ve erected clear signage, have defined the purpose of your surveillance, and have the policies in place to ensure secure data is properly stored and managed.

What environments is facial recognition most effective in?

We’ve listed a few of the most in-demand sectors that rely on facial recognition CCTV above. However, in short, it’s an ideal solution for any commercial or public space with entrances, controlled access requirements, or safeguarding priorities where managers must know who’s gaining entry, when, and for what purpose.

Cameras with facial recognition technology are used extensively throughout businesses, border protection, logistics, event planning and public highways management.

Can facial recognition systems integrate with existing CCTV infrastructure?

Absolutely – facial recognition CCTV is one of the recent developments as part of our Clearway Labs AI surveillance software integration, allowing businesses and security staff to implement outstanding security controls and real-time incident responses.

We can integrate facial recognition platforms that work like a software layer over your existing cameras, which means you get enhanced deep learning-enabled systems without the cost and upheaval of replacing the entirety of your hardware.

How secure is the data collected through facial recognition?

Secure data transmissions mean that information collated via your facial recognition CCTV is heavily secured against unapproved access, meeting all of the standards and regulations. By implementing encryption, access controls, and minimising data storage to avoid normal movements, your systems can flag anything unusual without impacting the privacy of verified and authorised attendees or staff.

What are the privacy implications of using facial recognition technology?

We always advise that it’s essential for businesses, organisations and authorities to be transparent about where, why and how they’re using AI-based tech, and this applies to facial recognition as much as any other system.

Privacy concerns matter, and by proactively informing individuals about the nature of your systems, clarifying their purpose, and ensuring their application is necessary, you can effectively defend employee privacy rights without compromising your ability to react to potential criminal and trespassing activity.

Do you offer temporary CCTV for events or short-term projects?

Yes, we specialise in temporary installations for construction sites, events, and short-term security needs. Hire periods can be as short as a few days.