Whether you run a retail store, restaurant, or warehouse, having the right commercial security system is important to protecting your business. But how do you know what the best option is for your business?
The kind of place you want to monitor will determine the cameras and functionality you require. The fundamentals of what to take into account when selecting a business security camera system are covered in this article.
Types of Cameras
Understanding the many types of cameras available is the first step in selecting the best security camera for your company. Choosing between a wired and wireless system and the money you want to spend on a single or whole camera system are two of the most crucial factors.
Aesthetics and function are also important when selecting a security camera system. You might choose to use dome or bullet cameras that are visible and can act as a deterrent or opt for hidden or covert cameras that are less visible and offer privacy benefits.
The type of lighting where you’ll be filming will also impact your camera selection. Bright light levels usually allow any camera to capture clear footage, but dim or low-light conditions require more care. Look for a camera with a low light rating or listing day/night capabilities among its specifications.
You’ll also need to consider how far you want to be able to see facial detail and determine how much data storage you want for your camera system. You may use online calculators to determine how much storage space you need, but it’s advised to maintain some additional space in case of growth or unforeseen circumstances.
Camera Resolution
The resolution that commercial security camera systems can collect determines their quality. The term “resolution” describes the number of pixels, very small pieces of data used to record light and create images. They may also be known as the number of dots or lines per inch (DPI). The resolution of analog security cameras is often expressed in TV lines, with larger numbers signifying better resolution. On the other hand, digital video recorders frequently specify their resolution in terms of megapixels.
The higher the megapixel count, the more detail a camera can capture. However, a high megapixel count does not guarantee an image’s sharpness. Ultimately, an image’s detail will depend on other factors, such as frame rate and field of view. In general, the resolution of a camera should be high enough to allow for detailed digital zooming. However, it is important to balance resolution with range and pixel count when choosing a security system for your business.
Cloud Storage
Choosing the right storage device is essential for your security camera system. This determines how much footage can be stored and how long it can be kept. This is especially important if your cameras have a high resolution and capture more detail than usual.
You will also want to consider whether you would like to store your data in the cloud or on an on-premises device. While IT compliance and audits often focus on on-premise environments and first-party managed storage, you should still clearly understand how your business’s information is stored in the cloud or with third parties.
These are ideal for businesses that want to take a DIY approach to monitoring. However, you can always pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring if you want more peace of mind. These companies also offer additional features like motorized zoom and pan-tilt-zoom capabilities. This allows you to view more of your space and can help you spot any potential issues.
Video Recorders
In the case of business security cameras, a recorder is a hardware that stores all incoming video footage. Some different recorders can choose from, including DVR (Digital Video Recorders), NVR (Network Video Recorders), and hybrid systems that allow businesses to use analog and IP cameras under one management platform.
When choosing a recorder, you must consider your desired quality and how much storage you’ll need. Recorders typically have a built-in hard drive, but businesses can opt for remote cloud-based storage.
Another important factor is whether you want a fixed or pan-tilt-zoom camera. If you need to only focus on a single area of your workspace or parking lot, then a fixed camera is probably sufficient. If you want to remotely swivel and zoom the camera to follow a moving object, then a PTZ camera is the way to go.
You’ll also need to decide if you want the recorder to be hardwired or wireless. Hardwired systems tend to provide a more stable signal, but they require installation by a professional and can be more expensive than a wireless option.
Installation
Choosing the right camera system for your business isn’t just about video quality and resolution. Other factors like lighting and outdoor placement can impact camera performance. For example, you may need a special license plate security camera to monitor vehicles at night or an infrared camera to work in low-light conditions.
You’ll also need to decide if you want cloud or local video storage. Cloud solutions offer the advantage of remote access, but they can be more expensive than local storage options. You can also select from various recorder styles, including DVR, NVR, and hybrid systems.
A commercial security camera system can provide several benefits, from loss prevention to improved security for your employees and customers. But it’s important to consider how the system will affect workplace culture and productivity. For example, surveillance could feel invasive to employees and decrease morale. In this case, it’s best to consult a security expert before implementing any surveillance technology in your business.
