Buying Business Video Surveillance Systems

 

Crime is up. Businesses all around the nation are installing video surveillance systems. The three main reasons a business installs security cameras are: watching the employees (to prevent theft and improve management supervision); watching the customers (to prevent pilferage and for use in liability issues); or to record any intrusion from outside (intruders or burglars). Unless you are an expert in computers, select a reputable and local professional security vendor. The three main things to consider are: 1) Equipment; 2) Installation 3) Technical support.

 

1) Equipment. Make sure your vendor provides only brand-name equipment. The cameras, the recording device and the cables should all be of professional quality. You must choose between a dedicated recording device or a computer-based system " Windows or Linux. Your cameras should be able to do what you need them to do: infra-red cameras cost more but can see in very low light; Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras can be manipulated by the user, even from a remote location, but these cameras also cost more. Your vendor should provide an onsite assessment of your security needs and suggest the appropriate equipment.


2) Installation. A professional vendor should install your system. The cable they use must be tested: make sure it is CAT 5 standard. A professional vendor knows the best camera placement positions, how to lay and conceal the cables and how to configure the system. They should provide training for you to operate the system. Their bid will include everything you need for your system. In today's competitive economy, get at least one other professional estimate. Make sure their prices reflect comparable brand-name hardware and workmanship. Check references!

3) After-sales service/technical support. This is a critical element in selecting your vendor. After installation, you and your staff will need training. Some basic instruction is usually included with your vendor's bid. If you need more training, hire your vendor to give you and your staff some more lessons. It is vital that a business is able to access previously-recorded archive video in case of an incident. If there is an incident, your vendor will record the relevant video onto a DVD for use by company officials, the police, attorneys etc. Select a local vendor who can make onsite service calls at very short notice for any adjustments or difficulties which occasionally arise. The hardware should be covered by a warranty " 12 months is standard " but expect to pay for service calls and additional training and technical support.

Additional considerations:

* Before you buy, decide if you need remote access to your system. If you do, you need a DSL line and will require a dedicated IP address from your telephone company. This can take a week to be activated.

* For remote viewing, you will also need to download to your computer remote-viewing software provided by your vendor. Some vendors allow you to download this software from their website, making it easy for you to do this from any internet-accessible computer. If not, they will provide software which must be loaded onto any computer from which you wish to view your system.

* Most business security systems record only video, since it is mostly illegal to record audio of a person speaking. If you wish to use video as evidence against an intruder, customer or employee, you must post a sign at entrances: -Smile you are on camera" or -Premises under video surveillance" will suffice. Your vendor should provide these signs.

* Keep your system locked in a drawer or metal box to prevent tampering. Restrict employee access. 

* Even if you do the installation yourself, make sure the equipment you buy is of professional standard. The hardware sold at big-box retailers is NOT of professional quality. Your best bet is to find a reputable, local vendor to provide professional installation, configuration, training and technical support.