Business owners have a responsibility to protect their property, inventory, employees, and customers. Installing a comprehensive business surveillance system is one of the best ways to ensure total security coverage of your business. Surveillance systems act as a deterrent to theft and other crimes, provide video evidence if an incident occurs, and give business owners peace of mind knowing their facility is being monitored 24/7. Here’s an overview of the key components of an effective business surveillance system and the benefits this technology offers.
Camera Types for Business Premises
The camera is the foundation of any surveillance system. For businesses, the optimal setup includes both indoor and outdoor cameras placed strategically around the property. Some of the most common cameras utilized are:
- Dome cameras – discrete rounded cameras typically placed on ceilings. Domes provide 360-degree views ideal for open indoor areas like lobbies and retail stores.
- Bullet cameras – cylindrical cameras that are highly weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor spots like building perimeters, parking lots, and loading docks.
- PTZ cameras – pan, tilt, zoom cameras that can be controlled remotely. The ability to pan, tilt, and zoom in on live footage makes PTZ cameras ideal for monitoring large open spaces both indoors and outdoors.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems
The backbone of a business video surveillance system is the CCTV setup. CCTV systems include cameras, monitors, network video recorders, and cabling. Professional installation ensures all components are connected and configured properly for seamless performance. Benefits of CCTV systems include:
- Deter theft/crime – Cameras covering all vulnerable areas of a property act as an effective deterrent to criminals. Signage announcing CCTV in use further emphasizes the site is monitored.
- Real-time monitoring – CCTV allows business owners to monitor all cameras in real-time from any internet-connected device. Activity happening on-site can be viewed and addressed promptly.
- Video evidence – Recorded footage from CCTV systems provides indisputable evidence if an incident occurs on a property, like theft or vandalism. The video can help identify perpetrators and aid police investigations.
Remote Monitoring and Management
The latest innovation in business surveillance is remote monitoring and management services. Professional monitoring centers can be hired to keep an eye on cameras 24/7 and dispatch help promptly if needed. Features of remote monitoring include:
- Live tracking – Monitoring centers have access to live CCTV feeds and can track movement on a property in real-time. Suspicious activity can be identified and dealt with quickly.
- Alert notifications – Monitoring systems use motion sensors and analytics to detect activity outside of normal parameters. Alerts are sent to the monitoring center, which can dispatch assistance.
- Secure access – Only authorized users have access to cameras through strict login protocols at monitoring centers. This prevents camera hacking/tampering.
Choosing the Right Business Surveillance System
When selecting a surveillance system, it’s important to think about your specific business’s size, needs, and budget. Key factors in choosing the optimal system include:
- Camera types and number needed to secure vulnerable areas
- Image quality needed for identification and evidence
- Durability of cameras to withstand harsh weather or attempted tampering
- Data storage capacity for retaining several weeks of footage
- Ability to check feeds and recordings remotely
- Technical support from the security provider
Video Management Software
Video management software (VMS) is the central hub that controls the entire surveillance system. A VMS allows users to view live and recorded footage from all cameras on a single interface. Key features of a VMS include:
- Remote access to cameras via desktop or mobile apps
- Intelligent search tools to quickly locate footage by date, time, camera, etc.
- Secure user login protocols and permissions settings
- Smart motion detection with alerts and automated recording
- Integration with access control systems, sensors, and alarms
Choosing a robust VMS tailored to your business ensures seamless management of the CCTV system, storage, and monitoring capabilities.
Data and Footage Storage
Storing the video captured by a business surveillance system requires a vast amount of secure data storage capacity. Storage solutions include:
- Network video recorders (NVRs) – store footage locally on-site. NVRs come with pre-installed hard disk drives.
- Cloud storage – video is stored off-site via an internet server. Provides scalable and secure remote storage.
- Hybrid storage – combing local NVRs and cloud servers to retain data both on and off-site.
Factors to consider for storage include retention time needed for footage, video quality and file sizes, internet upload speeds for cloud access, and data security and redundancy requirements.
Access Control Integration
For enhanced property security, CCTV systems can be integrated with access control systems including:
- Alarm systems – video surveillance can be triggered by alarms being activated.
- Intercoms – live footage provides visual verification before granting access.
- Keycard access – systems can pull up the ID photo of the keycard user for verification.
- Biometrics – CCTV adds a second layer of identity confirmation on top of biometrics like fingerprint scanners.
Integrating CCTV with access control provides complete visibility over every individual entering, exiting, and inside a facility.
Audio Surveillance
While most surveillance relies on video, adding audio recording is also an option to consider. Audio can provide crucial context to incidents not always evident on video alone. Audio surveillance should adhere to relevant one-party/two-party consent wiretapping laws.
Contact Live Patrol for Business Surveillance Systems and Solutions
When you’re ready to take your business’s security to the next level with a professionally installed surveillance system, the security professionals at Live Patrol can help. With years of experience securing facilities across Toronto and the GTA, Live Patrol provides customized and scalable video business surveillance systems. Contact our team for a free consultation and quote on implementing a smart business surveillance system for your business premises.
