The security camera system you purchase for your business today will come equipped with features that simply weren’t available only a few years ago, including high-definition recording.
However, with so many security cameras to choose from, where do you start? Read on for an overview of the most important factors to consider when buying a business security system.
RELATED ARTICLE: 3 WAYS TO PROTECT EQUIPMENT AND PRODUCTS OF YOUR HOME-BASED BUSINESS
1. Indoor or Outdoor?
What part of your business do you want to monitor? This is the first question you need to ask since it separates the two largest categories to consider.
It is best practice to mount both outdoor and indoor security cameras for your business, but be aware you will need different cameras for each location.
Indoor Security Camera Systems
In the event of a break-in, indoor security cameras are the second line of defense. They help to better identify intruders and track all damages.
Also, they can be helpful in settling disputes within your workforce as they help to protect your business and employees in the event of workplace violations.
However, indoor cameras are generally less weather resistant and lack secure mounting options.
Outdoor Security Camera Systems
Outdoor security cameras reveal would-be intruders before they enter. They also document the point of entry in the event that a break-in does occur. Additionally, they can monitor suspicious activity happening on the premises.
Outdoor cameras are built to withstand the environment. More importantly, they can also thwart the efforts of would-be intruders. These devices boast greater water resistance, and you can mount them securely out of reach.
Overall, these cameras are better suited than indoor cameras to keeping watch over the outside of your place of business. However, these features can significantly increase the cost.
2. Motion Detection or Continuous Recording Security Cameras?
As the names suggest, a security camera can either record non-stop or only when an object moves in their field of view.
Motion Detection Security Cameras
Motion detection cameras are the more economical option and they come with storage capacity to capture higher quality clips.
They record only events with significant enough activity to trigger the motion detection. Therefore, motion detection cameras will often not activate for small events like a bird flying in front of them or a passerby in the distance.
Also, reviewing the footage on these cameras is far more convenient. If the camera has no new recordings, you can assume nothing noteworthy happened. If there is a new recording, it’s a succinct clip of the event.
Doorbell cameras fall into this category. These cameras will conveniently identify visitors. Additionally, you’ll be able to answer the door even when you’re not in the office.
Continuous Recording Security Cameras
This is the more secure option in many cases because it will capture every moment. Therefore, continuous recording cameras are the more common choice in business surveillance camera systems.
Cameras with continuous recording capability provide a complete review of the day’s events. This eliminates the risk of a sly burglar who has figured out how not to trigger a motion detection system.
The downside to continuous recording, however, is the amount of footage. With 24 hours in a day, you’ll end up with quite a bit of footage to review.
3. Storage
How will the footage be stored or delivered to you? There are multiple methods available for storing security footage. The most important factor to consider is whether to choose local storage as opposed to cloud-based or subscription storage.
Some companies offer subscription options to simplify storing large amounts of footage. Others also offer reviewing services. With the reviewing service programs, trained professionals will look through the footage for you and notify you of any events.
As DD Counter Measures notes, the biggest factor to consider in cloud-based security camera systems is the strength of your Wi-Fi connection. Cloud-based systems can use quite a bit of network data. Therefore, businesses need to ensure they have adequate bandwidth to support it.
Cloud-based or footage review services also pose an important privacy question. Do you want a third party reviewing footage of your business? If you are monitoring a place with sensitive customer information, there may be legal implications for allowing a third party to review the footage.
The Takeaway
Businesses that want to protect their assets need a reliable security system. So consider the location of your system and the type of recording your security camera will provide. Also, factor in the camera’s storage features. Then you’ll be able to find a security camera for your business that will protect against unwanted intruders.
