Businesses that want to protect their assets will need a reliable security system. Here are some takeaways.
Security cameras have come a long way since the days of ceiling-high archives of VHS tapes. Today’s security cameras boast features that make a high-definition recording available to all size businesses.
But with so many to choose from, where do you start? Curious minds can read on for an overview of the most important factors when buying a business security camera system.
Indoor or Outdoor?
What part of your business do you want to monitor? This is the first question you need to ask because it separates the two largest categories of security cameras. It is best practice to mount both outdoor and indoor security cameras. Just be aware that you will need different cameras for each location.
Indoor Systems
In the event of a break-in, these cameras are the second line of defense. They help to better identify intruders and track all damages. They can be helpful in settling disputes within your workforce as well, protecting your business and employees in the event of any workplace violations.
However, indoor cameras are generally less weather resistant and lack secure mounting options.
Outdoor Systems
Outdoor cameras set up outside the walls of your business and reveal would-be intruders before they can enter. They also document the point of entry in the event that a break-in does occur. They can also monitor suspicious activity happening on the premises.
Outdoor cameras are built to withstand the environment, and more importantly, would-be intruders. These devices boast greater water resistance, and you can mount them securely out of reach. Overall, these cameras are better suited to keeping watch over the outside of your house. However, these features can significantly increase the cost.
Motion Detection vs Continuous Recording
As the names suggest, security cameras can either record non-stop or only when an object moves in their field of view.
Motion Detection
Motion detection cameras are the more economical option, with storage capacity to capture higher quality clips. They record only events with significant enough activity to trigger the motion detection, so motion detection cameras will often not activate for small events like a bird flying in front of them, or a passerby far enough in the distance.
Reviewing the footage on these cameras also is far more convenient. If the camera has no new recordings, you can assume nothing noteworthy happened. If there is a new recording, it’s a succinct clip of the event.
Doorbell cameras fall into this category as well. These allow your security camera to serve the dual purpose of conveniently identifying visitors or allowing you to answer the door even while you’re not in the office.
Continuous Recording
This is the more secure option in many cases because it will capture every moment. Continuous recording cameras are the more common choice in business surveillance camera systems.
Cameras with continuous recording capability provide a complete review of the day’s events. This eliminates the risk of a sly burglar who has figured out how to bypass triggering motion detection systems.
The downside to continuous recording is the amount of footage. With 24 hours in a day, you’ll end up with quite a bit of footage to review.
Storage
How will the footage be stored or delivered to you? There is a multitude of methods available for storing security footage. The most important factor to consider is local vs cloud-based or subscription storage.
Some companies offer subscription options to simplify storing large amounts of footage, while others even offer to review services. With the reviewing service programs, trained professionals will look through the footage for you and notify you of any events.
As DD Counter Measures notes, the biggest factor to consider in cloud-based systems is the strength of your Wi-Fi connection. Cloud-based systems can use quite a bit of network data, and businesses need to ensure they have adequate bandwidth to support it.
Cloud-based or footage review services also pose an important privacy question. Do you want a third-party reviewing footage of your business? If you are monitoring a place with sensitive customer information, there may be legal implications for allowing a third party to review the footage.
The Takeaway
Businesses that want to protect their assets will need a reliable security system. By considering the location of your system, the type of recording, and the storage features, you’ll be able to find a surveillance camera for business fit to protect against unwanted intruders.
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