Depending on your security needs and the area you must monitor, you will require different camera types. For example, larger areas may require cameras with high resolutions or a pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) feature.
It would help if you also determined how much storage you need and whether you want to store videos locally or remotely. This will help you select the best commercial surveillance system for your business.
Determine Your Needs
Once you understand your business security needs, you can decide what commercial surveillance systems are right for you. Consider factors like image quality, camera resolution, night vision, audio capabilities, and more. Then, consult with a professional to help you finalize your system.
The right security system can help you protect your employees, customers, and inventory from theft. It can also ensure your property complies with company and regulatory standards. In addition, it can help optimize operations and increase revenue. For example, heat maps of stores can help you make better merchandising decisions, while surveillance at the front door can confirm that guests are actually who they say they are and avoid fraud.
You also need to decide what type of video data storage you want see their work. Analog surveillance systems typically use a DVR, while IP cameras use an NVR or a hybrid solution. Video cloud storage can be another option as well.
You must choose between bullet or dome cameras depending on your specific security needs. Bullet cameras are great for long-range monitoring and have a more visible appearance, while dome cameras offer a larger field of view and can be less conspicuous. If you need a more flexible security solution, consider a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera. These cameras can automatically track movement, providing comprehensive coverage and real-time alerts.
Take a Look at Your Budget
Once you know the type of system you need and which areas of your business to monitor, it’s time to look at your budget. While you don’t want to cut corners on your camera quality, there are ways to make the most of your budget without compromising important features.
For example, consider utilizing cloud storage services instead of physical devices. This will allow you to keep a long-term footage record for your security team and business owners and enable you to access the video remotely. Some providers offer affordable plans with fixed monthly fees, which may be a more manageable expense for small businesses.
Another way to maximize your budget is by selecting a more affordable camera option. For example, an analog camera will be less expensive than a digital IP camera. However, the image quality of an analog camera will be inferior to that of an IP camera.
You might also opt for a hybrid surveillance system, which can accommodate both your analog and IP cameras. This cost-effective solution will allow you to upgrade to a full IP system at your own pace. You can also find systems that allow you to purchase camera hardware separately to upgrade or add new cameras over time as your business grows.
Determine Your Preferences
Your business needs will influence the types of cameras, storage, and surveillance system you select. For example, suppose your business will operate at night. In that case, you should include a camera with strong night vision capabilities or a 24/7 alerts system that keeps you updated on any activity.
Once you understand your priorities and have considered your budget, it’s time to determine which services are right for you. For example, you must decide whether to host your building security system on-premises or in the cloud. On-premise solutions require an on-site team to manage hardware and software updates. At the same time, cloud-based systems provide a more scalable solution but come with higher subscription fees and require a stronger internet connection.
How you store your video data will also impact how effective your business surveillance system is. For instance, you’ll need to allot more storage space to capture high-quality video footage than a system that records lower resolutions. You’ll also need to decide whether to keep your videos on a DVR or NVR system, a hard drive, a hybrid system, or in the cloud.
In addition to being a critical safety tool for your employees and customers, your commercial surveillance system can also serve as valuable business intelligence.
Consult with a Professional
You may know the security needs of your commercial property. Still, a professional can help you pinpoint specific areas that need protection, which types of cameras to consider, how long you want to store recordings, and more. This will help you create a customized plan to ensure your property is always protected.
It’s also important to choose a system that is easy to use. This will allow you to get the most out of your investment. Ask your vendor about installation, configuration, single sign-on (SSO) availability, and the user interface. These factors will make it easier to manage your business security and monitor activity remotely, so you can save time and money while maintaining the safety and profitability of your company.
A commercial security camera system protects your property from theft, vandalism, and other crimes. However, it’s important to understand the law and regulations around video surveillance in public places before making any purchases.
Many business owners are off-site to manage their video surveillance systems, so you should look for a remote management feature that allows you to check in on your property from anywhere. This will allow you to get alerts of any activities and assess the situation before acting. You can also set up 3rd party services that can monitor your footage for you and respond to any activity alerts.
