- Video surveillance can protect your business from theft, intrusion, fire, flood, burglary, and even more. You can use video surveillance in litigation to prove who was at fault in the unfortunate event of accident on your property.
- Before you evaluate systems, think about what types of cameras you want, what type of storage you need and the areas of your business that need protecting, and the budget you would like to maintain. You should also consider whether or not you’d like to invest in eyes on your property 24/7. The price of your solution is mostly dependent on how many cameras you want and the security services your property needs.
- The two main types of surveillance cameras are internet protocol (IP) and analog. IP cameras are network based and are becoming the favorite among the two for their advanced features.
Security is imperative for any business. After all, how can you be profitable if you can’t protect your assets? Video surveillance systems are more intelligent and effective than ever. Cameras now offer computer-like functions and features, like motion sensors and automatic mobile notifications. Some systems can be integrated into software like ControlByNet’s Remote Video Guard to combine artificial intelligence and human intelligence to automatically contact law enforcement instantly without risk of false alarms.
Technological development has also led to more efficient ways of managing recording and storage, as well. Small business owners have access to immensely powerful surveillance systems at relatively affordable prices.
What to consider before purchasing a video surveillance system
Any type of business should put a serious amount of consideration into a couple different factors before deciding on a surveillance system. The most important factors include:
Installation:
Small and large businesses obviously need different types of surveillance. A smaller business can get away with having a few cameras at the front entrance points while a larger business with multiple locations needing to be watched should budget for a professional installation.
Pricing:
The pricing of your surveillance system is completely dependent on the size of your business and the amount of storage you require, which is dependent on how long you’d like to store the footage as well. A larger business or residential community is going to need upwards of 15-20 cameras which can run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand for more premium features like video analytics or motion detection.
Type of Camera:
The two main types of cameras that are used for typical video surveillance systems are internet protocol (IP) and analog. Analogue cameras are slowly being phased out and replaced with IP cameras due to the advanced features and capabilities they offer. IP cameras are connected to an internet network, allowing them to capture images in a higher resolution, enable automatic alerts, video analytics and more.
Type of Storage:
The three types of video data storage include NVR, DVR, and hybrid systems. DVR stands for digital video recorder–think of the big bulky box that is likely shoved in the utility closet of your business right now that you don’t know how to use. These are the old school systems that use analog cameras, while NVR is a network video recorder and is used with the newer IP cameras.
What Features You Need:
The IP cameras that are used with NVR systems can be programmed with surveillance software to use features that each specific business needs. Some of these premium features can include night vision, motion detection, and alerts. Assess which features would be the most beneficial and cost effective for your specific businesses needs before choosing which system to invest in. For example, if you are a multifamily community property, you might need a camera with night vision capabilities and may also require remote guarding software for your parking decks with low light.
Key takeaway: There are several factors to consider when purchasing a video surveillance system, including camera type, storage type, features and pricing.
Benefits of a Surveillance System
Not only are surveillance cameras helpful for deterring criminal activity, especially at night, but they are also useful for improving accountability among employees by helping monitor productivity. Many insurance companies also recognize the safety benefits of having security cameras on your property and will reduce your premiums. While the upfront costs of installing a video surveillance system may initially seem steep, the long-term payoff and peace of mind will be worth the expense tenfold.
This article pulls from the Business News Daily article titled “How to Choose a Video Surveillance System for your Business” by Adam Uzialko. To read the article in its entirety click here.