Discover seven essential features to consider when choosing business security cameras.
While they’re both businesses, car dealerships and hardware stores don’t have much in common. One sells cars, the other sells tools. One lets customers test drive the product, the other uses a register to check out all items before they leave the store. One keeps its products in a parking lot, the other keeps its products on shelves.
Just as these two businesses have different products, processes and approaches, they also have different security needs.
Security cameras are a key component of most security systems, but—thanks to the evolution of modern tech—the options available vary nearly as much as the businesses they protect. Selecting the right business security cameras is crucial to protect your products and your people.
To ensure you invest in a system that meets your business’s needs, we’ve compiled a list of seven key features to consider as you weigh which commercial security cameras are right for you.
The first—and most obvious—consideration is the cameras themselves. Different cameras are designed to excel in different areas. Bullet cameras can see farther than many other camera types, but they don’t have as wide of a field of view. Panoramic cameras (also known as dome cameras) have a very wide field of view—often 180 degrees or 360 degrees—allowing you to monitor wide areas at a glance. PTZ (which stands for pan, tilt, zoom) cameras are controlled remotely and can pan across a space, tilt for a better angle, and zoom in as needed.
No matter the camera type, the higher the resolution offered, the better off you will be. High camera resolution allows you to capture more details to use as evidence if a crime or other incident occurs. It also allows features such as facial recognition and license plate readers to work.
Most cameras operate at peak efficiency during daylight hours, but the night has a reputation for more insidious crimes. v-overt-security allow your security system to function effectively even after the sun sets. Thermal options come with additional advantages as they are able to “see” through camouflage and can identify other issues such as overheated equipment or fires.
All security cameras are designed to record events, providing evidence in the case that something happens, but remote monitoring takes security to the next level, allowing you to know instantly if something has happened. Remote monitoring gives you access to your camera feeds at any time from any place with an internet connection.
While you can monitor your own business security cameras, it’s likely you have other responsibilities to attend to as well. With remote monitoring, third-party video monitoring services can watch your camera feeds for you and alert you to any issues that arise.
If you already have a security system in place, choosing cameras that will easily integrate can make your life significantly easier. When considering devices that will connect to your security system’s network, look for cameras that are compatible with the system you already have.
Taking it a step further, consider cameras that will allow you to easily add to your arsenal for future expansion needs or even temporary additional protection for short-term events such as Black Friday.
When reviewing your commercial security camera options, infrastructure needs are no small consideration. Security cameras that require extensive wiring and infrastructure mean construction costs, materials costs, and can keep customers away from your business during the installation process. And if, for some reason, you discover your surveillance needs shift or the camera placement isn’t what you need it to be, cameras that are wired in place are very difficult to move.
Some locations naturally have easier access to infrastructure, making security cameras less of a hassle to install. Other places—such as parking lots or remote sites—may be significantly harder to connect to existing power sources. In situations like these, consider solutions like mobile security units, which are self-powered, take less than an hour to deploy, and can be repositioned easily. (If your mobile security unit uses a cellular connection for remote monitoring, it won’t even need a Wi-Fi connection.)
Advanced detection capabilities can make a world of difference when it comes to stopping crimes before they escalate. When your system can alert you to an issue and its location, you save time and increase efficiency.
While we typically think of using our cameras to see things to stop problems, having a would-be criminal see the camera can be even more effective. (People are much less likely to cause trouble if they know there’s a good chance they could be caught.) This is why it’s important to have a very visible, very obvious camera system in place. This is another area where mobile security units shine since towering camera mounts and flashing lights aren’t easy to miss.
Cloud storage and local storage for video footage both have their advantages. Cloud storage allows for easy accessibility and sharing. Local storage is protected from network interruptions and cyberattacks. Cloud storage is protected from physical threats and has virtually unlimited space. Looking for the best of both worlds? Consider security cameras that allow you to use local and cloud storage.
If you’re looking for an outdoor security camera system that:
Then look no further than the LVT Unit®. LVT Units are mobile security systems designed to give you full coverage and complete peace of mind. Contact LVT for a demonstration today!
