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8 Non-Negotiable Considerations When Choosing Business Security Camera Systems

Every company needs to prioritize security and get business security camera systems. After all, how can you be successful if you can't safeguard your assets? 

Business security camera systems can help protect your business.

With business security camera systems that offer computer-like services like motion sensors, remote viewing, and mobile notifications, video surveillance systems are more intelligent and effective than ever. With the click of a button, some devices can even alert police enforcement immediately.

More effective recording and storing methods have also resulted from business security camera system technological advancements. Small business owners can access extremely powerful surveillance equipment at quite low costs. If you're looking for a video surveillance system but don't know where to start, our business security camera systems buyer's guide can help.

What to Consider Before Getting Business Security Camera Systems

Before choosing business security camera systems for your company, you need to think about a few considerations.

Pricing

The size of your company determines pricing, the number of cameras you need, the type of storage you want, the length of time you want to keep video, and the services you want, such as video analytics or motion detection.

Type of Camera

Internet Protocol (IP) and analog cameras are the two most common types used in business security camera systems. IP cameras, which have more features and capabilities, are gradually replacing traditional analog cameras. IP cameras are networked devices that collect images in a higher resolution and provide additional features such as automatic warnings, video analytics, and other features.

What to Look for When Choosing a Camera

Resolution

This is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a camera. A camera that shoots at least in 720p high definition, which means an IP camera, is required for sharp photos. Don't scrimp on this step if you want to ensure that your camera produces a clear, recognized image.

Frame Rate

Another important feature of a camera is its frame rate; the higher the frame rate, the smoother the footage. A motion picture comprises a succession of still images patched together. The lower the frame rate, the fewer stills are captured, resulting in choppy footage. Real-time is usually measured in frames per second to give you a sense of scale.

Models

Security cameras come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Bullet cameras are rectangular boxes that protrude from a wall; dome cameras, which are commonly affixed to a ceiling and contained in a tinted cover; and special cameras, which allow you to modify the field of vision remotely, are among the most common. Consider which cameras will offer you the quality of footage you want with your business security camera systems based on your security needs and where you plan to deploy the cameras.

Indoor/outdoor

Some security cameras are designed for indoor use only and will not withstand Mother Nature as well as their outside counterparts. Purchase waterproof cameras if you intend to use them outside. On the other hand, water or dirt will obstruct the clarity of your video feeds or, worse, cause the camera to fail.

Lighting

Many business security camera systems shoot in low-light infrared (IR), which allows them to capture quality footage in low-light situations. The more infrared LEDs a camera has, the better it can shoot sharp, clear video at night. If you want to capture film in the dark, ensure your camera includes many IR LEDs.

Audio

While some cameras do not pick up audio at all, others do. Some even support two-way audio, allowing someone on the other end of the line to converse with a subject in the camera's field of view.

Type of Storage

For your business security camera systems, you have three options for video data storage: NVR, DVR, or hybrid. Analog cameras are used by DVRs, which stands for "digital video recorder." IP cameras are utilized with NVRs, which stands for "network video recorder." You can use hybrid systems to integrate analog and IP cameras.

Amount of storage

Your surveillance system's storage requirements are determined by the quality and duration of your videos. If you want to record and store high-resolution video, you'll need a lot of storage space for your business security camera systems. You must also decide whether the footage will be saved locally on the camera's internal storage drive, on a hard drive, or externally on a cloud-based platform.

The amount of storage should be considered when choosing business security camera systems.

Customization

Most vendors provide extensive customization, so you can quickly modify a system to your company's requirements. There's a solution for everyone, whether you require a large system to cover numerous sites or only a few cameras to keep an eye on your storefront.

Features

Night vision, sophisticated motion detection, and pan/tilt/zoom are just a few features offered for business security camera systems. Determine your company's needs and choose your cameras and security system accordingly. Choose a system with powerful night vision and 24/7 notifications, for example, if you need to watch your business at night.

Areas of the Business that Need Protection

Determine the type(s) of the camera(s) you require by determining where you want to install your surveillance. For example, a weatherproof exterior camera and motion alerts are a good choice if you need to keep an eye on your back entrance.

Top Benefits of Business Security Camera Systems

If you're considering installing business security camera systems, here are some of the most important ways they can help your company, employees, and you as a business owner.

Crime Deterrent

For starters, strategically placed business security camera systems serve as a deterrent to would-be burglars. Thieves will take notice of their presence and seek a different, simpler property to break into or vandalize. Installing many security cameras that can be seen from every potential entry point is the best way to be an effective deterrent. When security cameras are combined with other security accessories such as motion-activated lights, sirens, and security alarms, they prove to be an even more effective crime deterrent.

Business security camera systems can monitor your business operations.

Business security camera systems can also be used to dissuade employees from committing crimes. The temptation to steal from your company is greatly reduced when employees know they are being watched.

Monitors Movement

You can monitor and record what is happening on your business premises at any time with business security camera systems.

Features like line-intrusion alarm detection can help you monitor your business security camera systems more effectively. You can receive notifications on your smartphone app at certain intervals if a breach has occurred on your allocated line. From the smartphone app, you can toggle this feature on or off. When the line is crossed, this feature can activate a siren and flashing lights in some camera models.

Collect Information

Business security camera systems not only watch your business in real-time but also record footage. As was previously the case, security footage can now be recorded directly onto the machine's hard drives rather than on tapes or discs. This makes storing film for prolonged periods considerably more convenient (no need to record over the same tape repeatedly). Even better, it makes it significantly easier to obtain footage from a certain period, whether on-site, via PC software, or the smartphone app.

In the event of a crime, such as a break-in, a security film is vital since it captures footage of the suspects, which you can then send to the authorities to aid in their investigation. You'll also have more information about the incident, such as when it happened, what portions of your property were broken into, and what they seemed most interested in.

Decision-making

Business security camera systems can help with more than simply deterring and investigating crimes; they can also aid with other elements of your organization. Installing cameras, for example, will be useful in resolving employee disagreements, customer problems, or anything similar. Both the company and the employee in issue are allowed to present evidence supporting their case at any time during an employee disciplinary session; security camera footage could be useful here.

Security cameras can also assist you in making judgments that will allow you to generate more money. In a retail firm, for example, you may utilize the footage to:

  • Keep track of how customers move around your store.
  • Keep track of the products that clients are most interested in.
  • Determine which things consumers are most likely to buy.
  • How many people enter your store, look around for a bit, and then leave without buying anything?
  • How long does it take for a customer to be attended to by a staff member?

You can utilize this data to make necessary modifications to your business' layout, client interactions, and so on. Security camera footage may reveal information about your company and consumers that you would not have learned otherwise.

Keep Data and Records

Business security camera systems are important for capturing data and keeping records, in addition to providing evidence of crimes committed on your property. This contains information such as who is entering and exiting the premises when they did so, and so on. As mentioned above, you can also preserve records of occurrences that lead to disciplinary action. This is especially useful if you have to go to an employment tribunal because of an incident with your employees; perhaps, the surveillance footage will be able to tell the narrative for you.

Save Money

Business security camera systems perform two vital functions: prevention and assisting in investigating crimes. CCTV serves as a deterrent for break-ins, stealing, and other sorts of theft, vandalism, and other crimes when preventing them. When potential criminals notice the cameras, they will second-guess their actions. Similarly, business security camera systems may help prevent theft in the workplace, thus saving you money and resources.

Could Reduce Insurance Costs

Business security camera systems can help reduce insurance costs.

Your business may qualify for lower business insurance premiums if business security camera systems are professionally installed by a security provider like us at A-1 Fire & Security Equipment. Because insurance companies recognize the importance of business security camera systems in preventing and investigating crimes, they are frequently ready to provide discounts to businesses that install security systems. Why not check with your business insurance provider to see whether this is anything that applies to you?

Preventing Other Crimes in the Workplace

In addition to avoiding theft, business security camera systems help in the detection of other workplace offenses and misconduct. Fraud, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and workplace bullying are all examples of this. As a result, it makes individuals feel safer, making your workplace a more enjoyable place to work. As a result, there is a more favorable workplace culture and less personnel turnover.

FAQ

Why security cameras are important?

Business security camera systems are excellent tools for business and company protection, and they could also work both as both a recovery tool and a crime deterrent system.

What makes the best business security camera systems?

Pricing, types of surveillance cameras, storage capacity, and user-friendliness are among the most important aspects of the best business security camera systems.