Having a CCTV system in place is a no-brainer as a business owner - it helps you to maintain security and prevent crime. But is your CCTV fit for purpose?
Thanks to technological advances, CCTV systems for businesses have come on leaps and bounds in comparison to traditional setups. From cutting edge camera technology to state of the art software, modern CCTV has replaced the old school analogue as the system of choice. Keeping up to date with the latest technology makes sure your business is as secure as possible.
If your CCTV system could do with an upgrade, don’t fret. Here’s five things you should consider to make sure your investment is worthwhile.
Camera Type and Quality
When selecting the best camera for your upgrade, the first step is to work out the purpose of each camera and the best locations for them. Do you need to cover a large field of view, or a smaller focused area? Do you require Covert or Overt CCTV? Will cameras be indoor, outdoors or both?
Asking yourself these basic questions will help you to narrow down the type of camera that will be best for your needs.
Depending on the purpose and location of each camera, there are a range of options to choose from. The three main types of camera are:
Fisheye cameras, which are great for wide angle and blind spots,
Dome cameras, covering large areas thanks to a 360° rotation, often used for covert viewing, and are widely known for being vandal-proof,
Bullet cameras, regularly used for outside monitoring due to their long range.
Turret/eyeball cameras, extremely durable with capabilities for both long-range and close-up monitoring. They’re ideal for various settings like building perimeters or large outdoor areas.
When it comes to camera quality, bigger is better. The higher your camera resolution, the clearer your images will be and the better chance you have of identifying perpetrators if a crime is committed. What's more, it is worth thinking about additional camera features, such as low light imagery or night vision, which can help to ensure CCTV imagery captured is clear and usable.
High resolution and specialist cameras can come at a cost. 4K is a great option when looking for CCTV cameras - images will be clear and detailed. If your existing system is analog, you could also consider a HD analogue upgrade. This could be a cost effective option to improve your old system, keeping existing cabling and therefore reducing installation costs.
Storage Options
Enhancing your camera quality to produce higher resolution images will mean that you will use more storage space. Storage requirements depend on the number of cameras you have within your system, the resolution of images, and the length of time that you retain footage.
Storage can either be local or cloud based, depending on your requirements. While cloud based storage has benefits - such as its flexibility and ease of access - it is likely to have a monthly cost implication.
Keep in mind, there are strict CCTV Rules for Businesses including storage requirements. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) advises that businesses store CCTV footage securely to maintain its ‘confidentiality, integrity and availability’ (ICO, 2022), using encryption when possible. When looking at storage options, make sure that they will comply with your obligations.
Connectivity and Network
Ask yourself, how quickly can you access your CCTV recordings?
If the answer is more than 1 minute for real-time footage, or 20 minutes for a specific piece of stored footage, you definitely need to look at a new system.
With modern IP CCTV systems, you can benefit from features such as mobile apps, alerts and smart search. With these features, you can access footage quickly and easily, finding exactly what you need when you need it.
No more late night trips out to your business site to check a tripped alarm and on-site CCTV footage. You can check out any alerts from home, accessing everything you need to make sure there are no intruders on site.
Integration
Developments in technology mean that individual systems no longer need to work in isolation. Many modern CCTV softwares will integrate with existing systems you may have in place, like access and alarm systems. By working together, these systems can lead to a more comprehensive, effective monitoring operation.
Before purchasing CCTV that has the capability of integration, check it will be compatible with your existing systems. Taking this holistic approach to your security system will pay off in the long run.
Conclusion
Keeping up to date with new technology in the CCTV market is essential to ensure the security of your business. With so many options for upgrading your CCTV system, it can be overwhelming to decide exactly what is best for you. Upgrades such as high resolution cameras can be pricey, but a strategic review of your existing set up and careful consideration of your business needs will ensure that your investment pays off.
Our team can support you through the design and installation of an enhanced CCTV system, and advise you on the best security solutions for your business.