Commercial security camera systems are becoming an integral part of protecting businesses, schools, non-profits, places of worship, and more.
However, very few workplaces have the personnel or knowledge to effectively find the right type of business security camera systems to purchase.
To make the decision-making process easier, I have included some basic information that you should answer to educate yourself before choosing a video surveillance solution or solution provider.
You must know what your business wants to accomplish with your video surveillance system. Here are some questions to ask yourself that will help you identify what you want to achieve when selecting a video surveillance solution.
1. What are my existing pain points?
You must first evaluate your current security setup before reworking your business camera system. The details to explore include:
- What types of cameras are there, and how will they support my unique environment?
- Where is the video surveillance data stored? How do I access the video footage?
- How many cameras are necessary to support the size of my facility?
The goals of a surveillance system can typically be broken into 3 groups: observation activities, threat deterrent, and process automation. Use these answers as a checklist to identify your needs so you have a basis to plan any necessary upgrades. Examples of some of each are listed below:
Observation Goals
Here are some considerations for determining the field of view your commercial surveillance camera system should be capable of observing.
- Loss reduction in public areas
- Loss reduction from employee theft
- Identifying visitors and vehicles
- Monitoring public and workplace safety
- Monitor entrances and perimeter
- Improve productivity
- Enhance training
- Track cash transactions
- Ensure quality control
Threat Deterrence
It's a myth that security cameras should be hidden from sight. In fact, cameras that are highly visible can act to deter malicious activity. Visible security camera systems for business facilities can help to:
- Reduce vandalism.
- Protect the perimeter
- Increase the perception of public safety
Automation
Automation is another important aspect when finding the best business security camera system. Automation allows surveillance systems to:
- Integrate with access control.
- Integrate with retail transaction monitoring.
- Integrate with license plate recognition.
- Integrate with other video analytics.
- Know your existing environment.
Evaluating your existing environment will allow you to understand your physical security needs and current infrastructure.
2. Will I require the system to view multiple sites?
Multiple sites may create the need for various Network Video Recorders (NVR)s for an on-premises solution. This security solution will require a safe place to store the equipment and a good power source at each location.
A cloud-based deployment may be a better option for multiple sites based on your infrastructure if this is an issue.
3. Will my current infrastructure support a quality video surveillance system?
Most modern IP video surveillance cameras require a Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch. This allows the cameras to obtain power and network via the same cable. The switch must have adequate power capacity and enough ports to support your commercial cameras and any other connected device.
Cabling must also be considered when deploying a business surveillance system. It is recommended to use Cat6 cabling or better support the solution. If the switch or cabling falls below these benchmarks, your system could be faulty or cost you more in the long run.
4. What do I want to see?
This may seem obvious, but it's essential to understand what spaces and activities you want to monitor. The typical answer is everything. That is rarely financially possible or necessary. Your observation goals dictate camera location and type of cameras.
Most businesses need to monitor doors, parking lots, common areas, and high-traffic areas. However, these needs can vary between businesses. For example, manufacturers might need industrial surveillance cameras, which are vastly different from retail surveillance cameras, which might include dome cameras to deter theft.
Consider what you want to observe and the critical times you want to capture it. If your environment is light half the time and dark the other half, these are important details in determining the right type(s) of business surveillance cameras for that location.
5. How long do I need to retain my footage?
This question is often based on the goals that you have outlined for your solution and, in some cases, industry regulations. Some businesses may need to retain footage for a year, while others only need it for a week. It is essential to know this upfront so that the proper storage can be planned and budgeted.
6. What is my preferred method of accessing my video surveillance system?
This is becoming less, and less of a concern as most business video surveillance providers offer numerous ways to access the cameras and footage. Most providers allow you access to your footage from anywhere, from the server to your cell phone.
However, interfaces vary in usability, so if you believe that you will be accessing your footage from your cell phone most of the time, you should consider choosing a solution with a mobile interface.
To learn more about storing and retrieving footage from your commercial camera system, read our blog: Is Your Business’ Security Camera Footage Easy to Access?
7. What integrations are required?
Many small business security cameras will integrate with other building systems such as fire alarm, security, retail, and access control systems. It is essential to know if you would like to integrate with these systems or if it is better to have them separate.
If integration is required, it is necessary to work with both solution providers to validate that integration will result in the expected results.
8. Who will support my video surveillance system?
Most businesses do not have a dedicated security team, and the IT department does not have the expertise in deploying and maintaining a video surveillance system. For this reason, it is essential to choose a plan and a provider that best matches your business objectives, business hours, and the level of expertise you feel comfortable with.
Let there be no mistake; answering these questions will not certify you to engineer and deploy a video surveillance solution. However, answering these questions will provide you with the basic information which will assist you in picking the proper solution and solution provider.
Where to Find the Best Security Camera Systems for Small Businesses
By consulting with experts in security camera installation, business owners can get a solid overview of security and what their options are. Usherwood has a specialized team of experts who are well-versed in finding the best surveillance cameras for businesses and other solutions like access control.
If you want to discover the best video surveillance solutions for your business, click the button below to speak with a security and surveillance expert.
