CCTV surveillance is vital to any business’s security but with so much new technology and different options available to you what is the best system to choose?
The perfect solution for one business won’t work for everyone and choosing the optimal system for your budget and needs is essential.
This article will take you through some of the key questions you must consider before installing your CCTV and give you an idea of how to proceed.
Should you use hidden CCTV cameras?
Understanding the benefits of both hidden and visible cameras is key to deciding what CCTV system will best suit your business.
Hidden security cameras are far more likely to catch criminals in the act and provide accurate identification. If you are dealing with a repeat offender or want to have the best chance of securing a conviction against the perpetrator then a hidden camera is the way forward.
Hidden cameras can also be used if you have a legitimate concern about bullying in the workplace and want to gather evidence before proceeding. If a camera is visible, it is likely a bully would alter their behaviour when under observation, and their actions would go undetected.
Visible CCTV cameras act as far more of a deterrent than hidden cameras as people will be on their best behaviour if they know they are being watched. For CCTV to be effective in reducing crime and malpractice in the workplace your cameras must be prominent and obvious.
In most cases, if a person sees a large white camera glaring down at them, they will avoid any actions which they know will lead to negative consequences.
Visible cameras have also been proven to increase productivity among workers who will work harder if they know that their bosses may be observing them.
It is important to know that whether you choose a hidden or a visible CCTV system you are legally required to put up a sign telling individuals that they are under surveillance.
Should you use indoor or outdoor cameras?
CCTV cameras can be used both inside and outside your property, but different locations have different needs.
Some cameras are designed solely for indoor use and tend to be slightly smaller and less intrusive so as not to destroy the aesthetic of your workplace.
Outdoor cameras must be built to survive much more extreme conditions and cope with anything from heatwaves to high winds and snow. Due to this, they tend to be heavier with more robust mounts and tamper-proof casing.
If you are unsure which type of camera is ideal for your desired location, then get in touch with us here at Central FS who will advise you on the best solution for your specific situation.
Does my business size matter?
Yes. The amount of area which needs to be covered by your CCTV system will be crucial in determining what cameras should be installed by CCTV installation Glasgow.
In a small space such as an office or corridor, a small static camera may well do the job on its own. A much larger area such as a warehouse, however, will need a far more advanced system with auto-tracking and multiple different cameras.
For very large areas such as parking lots, a camera with strong zooming capabilities is essential and a PTZ camera that allows you to adjust the lens at a moment’s notice would be your best choice.
Central FS provides the most advanced innovative auto tracking technology in the industry, using software that allows cameras to track motion and move accordingly as well as using smart technology to switch surveillance to a different camera once a target leaves the field of view.
What camera resolution is best?
As is the answer to most of these questions, this depends on your surveillance needs.
CCTV cameras come in many different resolutions which affects just how clear the image or video recording will be.
A camera with very high resolution would make identification easier and image quality affects whether footage can be used as evidence in legal disputes.
This means that if you are looking to monitor areas susceptible to criminal activity it is essential that you opt for a camera that can produce high quality images.
Do you need to access your CCTV from anywhere?
If you have a small business, you may not be able to hire a full-time security staff to observe your security footage 24/7.
If you want to keep an eye on what’s happening on your premises whilst on the move, then you should choose a CCTV system that can be linked to a smart app on your phone.
This will allow you to access live CCTV footage from anywhere giving you peace of mind that everything is fine and alerting you if you need to return to the site.
Systems installed by Central FS not only link to a smart app, but we also have trained staff who can monitor your system 24/7 and alert you if there is an issue. This saves you the time of finding your own staff to monitor your CCTV feeds and ensures a rapid response is possible to live situations.