Finding the right cameras to keep your office safe requires knowing your options. Here are tips on choosing security cameras for your business.
Employee theft is responsible for half of all retail shrinkage experienced by businesses. Whether you are in the retail business or not the fact is that security threats exist inside and outside of your business and you need to be prepared for them.
Choosing security cameras for your business is a necessity. It is not always easy to decide exactly what type of cameras you will need, since there is such a wide variety of them available.
However, you need to make a decision. Here is a look at exactly what you need to know to select the right security system.
1. Discrete or Obvious
The location of your cameras is very important. Where you decide to place your camera should be dependent on what you are trying to survey. For example, if you are trying to do surveillance of a storeroom then discreet cameras may be a good choice.
However, placing obvious cameras outdoors is a deterrent for criminals. A lot of criminals will think twice when they know that they are being watched.
2. Indoor and Outdoor Usage
While security cameras can be used both inside and outside, you do need to consider the weather conditions your cameras will face outdoors. The cameras that you choose for the outside of your business should be very durable.
If you live in an area where there are harsh winters, you need to ensure that the cameras have a built-in heater system.
This is one of the security camera features that you must look out for when purchasing a security system. By doing this you can be sure that they will operate effectively no matter what the temperature.
3. Consider the Industry
Whether or not your cameras need housing is dependent on the industry in which they will be used. For example, if they are being used in a factory where work is done with would, the dust from the shavings of the wood could affect the camera lenses.
Additionally, if the cameras are in a kitchen they may be susceptible to grease and grime. This means that when you are buying security cameras you need to consider how you will keep them clean in the environment.
4. Decide On Coverage
The amount of coverage that you will need is something that you will need to thoroughly consider. This will help you decide on the best types of cameras for your business.
What you should do is create a blueprint of the flooring of your building, this will help you to decide on the number of cameras you will need, and the types of cameras as well.
If you have a large floor plan you should consider using cameras that can cover large areas effectively. This will prevent you from having to buy many cameras for one space. Buying fewer cameras means you will save on costs.
5. Image Clarity
When it comes to the clarity of images, not all security cameras are created equal. The size of the area that you want to monitor consistently is the key factor in determining the resolution of the cameras that you use.
The best way to determine the type of resolution that you need for your camera is to take a look at each indoor space individually. The type of surveillance camera that works for one room may not be suitable for another.
6. Consider Lighting
One of the things you need to think about when you are choosing a security system for your business is whether or not it can perform well in the lighting that is on your premises. You may need to carry out a test run before you commit to any kind of system.
If you find that the lighting on your premises does not allow you to use a high-quality security camera. Then instead of choosing a different camera, it is probably more prudent to look at upgrading your lighting.
7. Do You Need Audio?
If you prefer to hear as well as see what is taking place then you will need to consider buying a security system that has audio as well. This is especially useful if you are monitoring goods and services.
In some cases, people have even spoken to perpetrators via their security systems while they were carrying out criminal acts and dissuaded them from continuing.
When you use security cameras with audio you will also be able to do audio recordings of areas under surveillance.
8. What Do You Want to Focus On?
If you’re on a budget not every area of your property will need to have surveillance cameras. For example, you may need security cameras for the front and back of your building.
You may also need it for your front office. There is no need for security cameras to be all over the building if you cannot afford them, in this situation consider carefully the locations for cameras.
The important thing that you need to think about is which areas of the premises need immediate security surveillance. Once you narrow down the areas where you want to invest in a security system then you can begin to plan accordingly.
Choosing Security Cameras
Choosing security cameras can be a hard decision. There is a lot that you need to consider when it comes to the security of your business.
There are internal threats and external threats that you need to protect yourself from. This means that you have to choose a security system that is able to handle all of this.
You also need to ensure that your security system fits into your budget and is easy for you to operate and upgrade if necessary. If you would like help with choosing a security system for your business please contact us.