How To Choose A Video Surveillance System For Your Business

What To Consider Before Purchasing A Video Surveillance System

If you’re looking to add a video surveillance system to your business premises, there are several considerations you should take into account before making a purchase. The first thing to consider is the size and layout of your building. Video surveillance systems need to cover all areas of the premises that are susceptible to theft or vandalism. You will also need to decide if the system needs to be monitored in real-time or if footage can be viewed after the event has occurred. It is also important to think about how many cameras you will need and where they should be placed for optimal coverage.

When selecting a surveillance system, look for ones with night vision capabilities so that your premises are protected even after dark. You should also make sure that the systems you purchase are compatible with your existing infrastructure, and consider if they offer any additional features that may be beneficial to your business.

Another factor to consider is the storage capacity of the system. If you want to keep footage for a long period of time, then it’s important that you select a surveillance system with enough hard drive space. Additionally, ensure that the system can easily be accessed remotely through a computer or mobile device. Finally, always make sure to read reviews from other businesses who have purchased the same video surveillance system before making your final decision. This will help you identify any potential problems with the product and provide an informed opinion on its overall effectiveness in keeping your premises secure. 

Installation

When selecting a video surveillance system for your business, it’s important to consider the installation process. This will include how complicated the setup is as well as any additional tools or manpower that you may need to install. Some systems are plug-and-play and can be used with minimal technical knowledge, while others require more advanced skills and could potentially require professional installation help. The location of the cameras should also be considered before purchase. You’ll want to determine where the camera will be installed, whether it is indoors or outdoors, and if any wiring is required. If you need a system with multiple cameras, you may need to consider how these are going to be connected and routed around the premises for optimal coverage.

You should also consider if there are any legal restrictions or requirements for installing a security camera system in your area. Depending on the jurisdiction, businesses may need special permission to install video surveillance equipment, and the laws surrounding recording audio may also vary from state to state. It’s important to research this information before making a purchase so you can ensure you are in compliance with the law.

Finally, you should investigate what sort of customer support is provided by the vendor or manufacturer should any issues arise during installation or usage. Some companies provide free customer support while others charge a fee for technical assistance, so it’s important to understand what your options are before making a purchase.

Pricing

While the cost of these systems can vary significantly depending on features and type, there are some basic price points that can help guide your selection process.

For example, if you’re looking for an entry-level system for use in smaller businesses, you can typically expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a basic system. This type of setup should include basic features such as motion detection, night vision capabilities, and two or three cameras.

At the other end of the spectrum, high-end systems designed for larger business operations may cost thousands of dollars. These systems will typically include more advanced features such as facial recognition and multiple cameras, which can help you monitor more areas of your business. In addition to the hardware cost, you should also factor in ongoing maintenance and support costs when deciding on a system. 

Type Of Camera

There are a variety of cameras on the market today that offer different features and benefits, so it’s important to understand how each one works and which cameras are best suited for your particular needs.

When choosing a security camera for your business, it’s important to consider the size and type of space you are monitoring. You want to make sure that the cameras you choose are able to provide wide coverage in order to capture any activity that occurs within the area. There are a variety of sizes available, so make sure to select the one that will fit your application.

You also need to consider the quality of the video you want to capture. Some cameras offer superior image resolution, while others may not have the same level of quality. You should take into account your budget and make sure that you select a camera with features that will meet your needs.

Type Of Storage

Depending on the size and scale of your business, you may require an on-site server for storing data or prefer a cloud-based solution.

On-site servers are great for businesses that don’t want their videos stored off site. This type of storage offers the benefit of fast access to data and more control over security settings. However, an on-site server can be expensive to install and maintain, and it may require additional staff to manage the system.

Cloud-based video surveillance systems offer a convenient way to store videos off site. It eliminates the need for a server in your office and reduces the total cost of ownership. Additionally, cloud storage makes it easy to remotely access your footage from any location, which can be a great advantage if you need to check in on business operations while traveling. However, depending on the type of cloud storage provider you use, there may be potential security risks associated with storing data off site. 

Amount Of Storage

With all the video footage that will be recorded, you’ll likely need significant amounts of storage capacity.

You should estimate how much space each camera requires per day and then multiply that by the number of cameras you’re looking to install. This will give you an idea of the amount of storage space that your cameras will require.

You can also consider the type of recording software you’ll be using, as some systems allow for variable resolution and frame rate recordings to save on storage. You can also look into cloud-based solutions which may offer more affordable data storage options.

Customization

You need to think about what type of features and settings you want in order to make sure that your system is tailored to meet your specific needs.

For instance, some advanced systems may offer customizable recording schedules, motion detection, and alert notification options, while others may lack these features. It’s crucial to consider which of these features are most important for your business before making a purchase.

Some systems may also allow you to customize the video quality settings in order to ensure that you’re getting the best possible pictures from the cameras. This is an especially critical factor if you plan on using the system for legal purposes, as you want to make sure that any footage captured is clear enough to be used as evidence.

Areas Of Business That Need Protection

To begin with, it is important to determine the size and scope of the area you wish to monitor. This will help determine what type of camera or cameras are needed. If you have an expansive store front or office space, multiple cameras may be needed, while smaller spaces may only need one or two.

It’s also important to consider the environment that you’re monitoring. If your business is located in a high-traffic area, it may be wise to invest in an outdoor camera system with night vision capabilities. If there are sensitive documents or data present, cameras can help provide additional security to ensure their protection.

Video Analytics

Video analytics are algorithms that analyze video feed data and detect objects, activities or patterns of interest. Most modern video surveillance systems have embedded analytics which can be used for detecting intruders, monitoring suspicious activity and other security purposes.

These advanced features provide businesses with powerful tools to help protect their premises from potential threats. For example, analytics can be used to detect when people enter or leave the premises, identify certain objects, and track suspicious activity. They can also be used to create heat maps that show how often people visit certain areas of the building.

The sophistication of video analytics technology varies from system to system; some systems are more advanced than others. When researching different systems, it’s important to consider the analytics capabilities of each one and determine which system best meets your business’s needs.

Power Over Ethernet (Poe) Switches

When it comes to choosing a video surveillance system for your business, one of the most important considerations is whether or not you should use Power Over Ethernet (PoE) switches. PoE switches offer several advantages over traditional switches that can help enhance your security and make it easier to manage the system.

The main advantage of using PoE switches is that they provide power to connected devices without needing to be plugged into a wall outlet or other external power source. This means that cameras and other equipment can easily be installed in locations where it would otherwise be difficult or impossible to connect them to a traditional power source. Furthermore, PoE switches are generally more reliable than traditional switches as they are less likely to suffer from signal degradation due to interference.

In addition, PoE switches can support a wide range of security cameras with different resolution and frame rates. This allows you to take advantage of the latest camera technology available on the market today while ensuring that your system is scalable for future expansion.

Hybrid Video Recorders

When considering what type of video surveillance system to purchase for your business, hybrid video recorders (HVRs) should be on the top of your list. HVRs are an advanced recording device that can capture both digital and analogue images at high resolution. They provide business owners with a cost-effective way to keep their premises secure while still having access to real-time footage.

These hybrid video recorders are able to store and transmit data to a variety of devices, making them extremely versatile and useful for many businesses. For instance, they provide the option to access live footage from mobile phones, computers, or tablets. Additionally, HVRs can be set up with motion sensors that trigger alerts when movement is detected on the premises, and some even come with audio recording capabilities.

DVRS Vs. NVRS

When deciding which video surveillance system to purchase for your business, you need to consider several factors. One key factor is the type of recording device you will use – a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR). DVRs and NVRs are both effective solutions but they have different strengths and weaknesses that should be taken into consideration when making your choice.

DVRs are typically the more popular choice due to their affordability and ease of use. They are great for basic surveillance needs, such as keeping an eye on a cash register or monitoring a limited area. However, DVRs have limitations in terms of storage space, resolution quality and overall flexibility.

NVRs provide businesses with the power of a full-scale surveillance system. The NVRs allow for more expansive coverage and higher resolution video quality, as well as storing large amounts of data on an internal hard drive or cloud server. They are also easy to install and configure. However, they can be costly and may require additional hardware or software to work properly.

What To Look For When Choosing A Camera

Resolution

Resolution refers to the sharpness and clarity of the image, and it can have a major impact on the usefulness of your camera system. Higher resolution cameras can provide more detail in recorded footage, making them ideal for identifying people or objects. Lower resolution cameras may be more affordable, but won’t provide the same level of detail.

When shopping for a video surveillance system, you should look for cameras that have at least 1080p resolution or higher. This is the minimum resolution needed to get good quality images and videos. You may even want to consider 4K resolution cameras, which can provide up to four times as much detail as 1080p cameras.

Frame Rate

When shopping for a video surveillance system, one of the most important considerations is frame rate. Frame rate, also known as frames per second (FPS), tells you how many images a camera can capture each second. A higher FPS indicates that the camera can capture more detail, making it easier to identify objects or people in the footage. If you want your surveillance system to be able to deter and detect crime, then a higher frame rate is an essential factor when choosing the right camera.

Model

When choosing a video surveillance system for your business, it’s important to consider the model of camera you’re looking at. The model will dictate what sort of features the camera has, how high-resolution the image quality is, and how much power it consumes.

You may opt for a more expensive professional CCTV system with advanced features such as motion sensing or facial recognition. Or you could go for a cheaper, simpler solution such as a basic webcam or IP camera that records images to the cloud.

Indoor/Outdoor

When it comes to video surveillance systems, there are two main types of cameras that you need to consider: indoor and outdoor. Indoor cameras provide the best coverage for your business as they can be placed in places around the building that give an unhindered view. Outdoor cameras, on the other hand, offer a wider coverage range but may be limited by weather conditions.

When looking for the right camera, it’s important to consider the type of environment in which you are deploying your camera system. For example, if you’re using indoor cameras, make sure they are secured against dust and moisture and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Outdoor cameras should be designed to be weather-resistant so that they can survive any conditions your business may encounter.

Lighting

When choosing a camera for your video surveillance system, lighting should be taken into consideration. A camera with low light sensitivity will not capture images that can accurately identify people or objects in dimly lit areas. Low light cameras require more illumination to be able to register an image and produce a clear picture. Conversely, high light sensitive cameras are capable of producing clear images even in low light settings.

It’s important to also consider whether a camera is capable of capturing color images in low light, or if it only records in black and white. Some cameras are able to capture both color images and black-and-white images depending on the amount of ambient lighting. This can be beneficial when trying to identify people or objects based on their clothing or other visual cues.

Audio

Audio is an often overlooked factor when it comes to video surveillance systems. However, it can be just as important as visuals for providing useful intelligence about what’s going on in a given space. Audio from cameras can help provide valuable clues about what’s happening with your staff and customers and can also serve as an additional deterrent for would-be criminals.

When choosing a video surveillance system for your business, make sure to consider audio features. Look for cameras with two-way audio capabilities, which allow you to communicate with people at the other end in real time. This can be used to provide customer service or check in on staff if needed. Also look for noise detection technology that can alert you when certain sounds are detected, such as breaking glass or loud noises.

Another useful feature to look for is audio analytics technology, which can analyze sounds and alert you of any suspicious activity in the area. This AI-driven technology can recognize different types of sounds and help you quickly identify a threat or abnormality. Finally, make sure that microphones are placed strategically throughout your surveillance system so you can capture the right audio for a given situation. Placing them in strategic locations will ensure that you’re capturing all of the important conversations and sounds within your surveillance system.

What To Look For In A Video Recorder

Camera Compatibility

Many business owners go for CCTV systems that are designed to work with certain types of cameras and may not be compatible with other brands or models. Make sure to pay attention to what cameras are compatible with your chosen security system before you purchase it. 

Compression

Compression is an important part of recording and managing video footage as it can reduce the file size while still preserving image quality. There are many different types of compression available on the market today, so be sure to select a system that offers the best quality at the most efficient file sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions