This post originally appeared on Alibi Security’s Security Blog. It has been slightly edited and is republished here with permission.
The success of any Hampton Roads business depends on how well it is managed. It is important to protect your business against threats, such as malicious mischief, theft and burglary to avoid any distractions. One of the best ways to enhance the safety of a business in Hampton Road, and enable the manager and staff to concentrate on core business activities, is by installing business security cameras.
The rapidly growing numbers of businesses equipped with security cameras around the world prove their effectiveness in deterring would-be criminals. The process of selecting the right security cameras for your business, calls for time and careful analysis and evaluation to ensure it meets the security needs of your enterprise. Here is a buyer’s guide for businesses looking to install new security cameras. The guide contains prospective questions a buyer should ask when selecting a system for their business.
Question 1: What are the Security Requirements For Your Business?
To choose the right security camera, you must first determine its capabilities. Some of the common specifications include infrared and night vision capabilities that can identify intruders even in dark or low light conditions, weatherproof capability, and recording resolution. It is imperative to decide whether to go for a fixed lens or varifocal cameras, as well as whether to use a PC-based DVR or a hardware-based DVR. More importantly, you should consider whether the system will be used indoors or outdoors, expected temperatures in the area and the duration recorded footage is kept.
Question 2: Does the Prospective Supplier Meet all Requirements?
To get the best value for your money, it is recommended to choose a local Hampton Roads supplier that specializes in security systems. Choose a supplier with a good reputation, to ensure the products arrive with a reasonable timeframe and that you are given exceptional support and service. It is also important to take into account the expertise of the sales representatives as well as the length of time the business has been in operation.
Question 3: How to Ensure the System Meets all Your Business Requirements?
To ensure that the system meets the security needs of your business, consider consulting an expert before designing a video security system for your company. Some of the major factors to consider include the number of cameras required, capacity for the cameras in the system, power supply type, hard drive storage capacity as well as an adequate DVR that can record all video footage.
Question 4: Is the Security Camera Easy to Install?
It is recommended to choose a security system that is easy to install. This is a great way of saving money. To do this, you need to understand the wiring requirements of the system, method of aligning cameras, tools needed for installation and whether the cameras will be mounted on concrete, wood, metal or other materials.
Question 5: Does the System Have Remote Viewing Capabilities?
It is important to choose a system that has great remote viewing capabilities. Security systems with remote viewing abilities can broadcast live and recorded footage to devices such as laptops, iPads, iPhones, Android Smartphones, desktops and tablets. This ensures round the clock monitoring for your business.
Question 6: What is the initial and ongoing cost of the system?
Apart from the purchase price, you should consider the cost of monitoring and maintaining the system. Avoid purchasing cheap system as they may cost you more in the long run.
Question 7: Is the Selected System Expandable?
Since businesses in Hampton Roads grow and evolve over time, it is vital to choose an expandable security system. Go for a system that may be easily upgraded.
The process of choosing the right business security cameras can be daunting. However, with a good understanding of the above buyer’s guide, and with the right local partner, you will certainly have an easier time.
Computer Consulting Services (CCS) specializes in installing security camera systems. As a Virginia DCJS licensed contractor, and an authorized Alibi Security dealer, we adhere to the highest standards of installation and privacy.