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Managing security across several locations can feel overwhelming, but with a centralised CCTV system, it becomes far more efficient. Whether you operate warehouses, retail stores, head offices, or manufacturing sites, modern CCTV solutions allow you to monitor every location from a unified, secure platform.
Below, we explore the essential considerations when choosing CCTV systems for multi-site businesses in the UK, including centralisation, remote access, bandwidth, encryption, and camera types.
The Need for Centralisation
For growing businesses, centralising security is critical. A centralised approach ensures consistent standards across all sites, enables efficient monitoring, and simplifies decision-making for stakeholders. Centralisation is typically structured as a hierarchy, with business locations at the bottom, a monitoring station or internal security team in the middle, and C-level stakeholders at the top.
Benefits of centralising security include:
- Company-wide security decisions are easier to implement
- Stakeholders can monitor all locations from one place
- Security practices remain consistent across the brand
- Reduced cost and complexity compared to fragmented security teams
Businesses can centralise security in two main ways:
- Professional monitoring service – ideal for small to medium businesses
- Internal security department – preferred by large enterprises requiring strict control
Multi-Site CCTV: Centralisation, Remote Access, Bandwidth & Encryption
Choosing a CCTV system for a multi-site setup requires careful planning. Professional installers such as Calder Security can design a security blueprint tailored to your business and ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Establishing Centralisation (Unified VMS)
A unified Video Management System (VMS) is the backbone of multi-site CCTV. Cloud-based VMS platforms enable each location to record and store footage online in real-time, providing a single dashboard for all sites.
Key considerations:
- Choose a system built for scalability
- Ensure the provider uses open standards to avoid vendor lock-in
- Prioritise cloud platforms that easily add cameras and storage
Remote Access
Remote access allows authorised users to view and manage CCTV footage from anywhere. Monitoring teams can investigate incidents instantly, and stakeholders receive real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
Remote access also supports internal operations—for example, HR teams can review limited footage for incident investigations.
Bandwidth & Networking Requirements
IoT-based CCTV relies heavily on stable internet connectivity. While cameras continue recording offline, many AI-assisted features require online processing.
To avoid downtime:
- Use cameras with on-device or local server processing
- Implement redundant network providers for resilience
- Ensure large sites maintain local server rooms for uninterrupted storage
Encryption & Compliance
Security data must be encrypted during recording, transmission, and storage. End-to-end encryption prevents tampering and ensures only authorised personnel can access footage.
Compliance requirements include:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
- Surveillance Camera Code of Practice
- Ethical handling of staff, visitor, and customer data
Professional installers like Calder Security follow industry-standard practices to ensure your multi-site network remains compliant and secure.
Types of CCTV Cameras for Multi-Site Businesses
Dome CCTV Cameras
Ideal for indoor and outdoor use, dome cameras offer a wide field of view and conceal their viewing direction, making them excellent for deterring crime in large spaces like warehouses and retail stores.
Bullet CCTV Cameras
Bullet cameras are long, cylindrical, and built for long-distance viewing. They work well in outdoor environments that face heat, moisture, and dust—such as yards, car parks, and industrial sites.
PTZ Cameras
PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) cameras allow operators to move the camera and zoom remotely. These are excellent for real-time monitoring in centralised security rooms.
Day/Night Cameras
Designed to deliver clear footage in both bright daylight and low-light conditions. Proper installation is essential for optimal performance.
Infrared / Night-Vision Cameras
These cameras provide visibility in darkness using infrared sensors and heat mapping—ideal for warehouses, yards, and large facilities that switch off lights after hours.
HD CCTV Cameras
High-resolution cameras (720p to 4K) are perfect for cash desks, entrances, and any area requiring detailed facial and object identification.
Network/IP CCTV Cameras
IP cameras use the internet to store and transmit footage, making them ideal for centralised, multi-site networks. Large organisations may opt for local server rooms to minimise latency and ensure uptime.
Contact Calder Security
Calder Security provides professional CCTV installation, maintenance, repairs, and monitoring for businesses across the UK. As SSAIB-approved installers, we supply high-quality systems from trusted brands such as Hikvision.
We handle the full process—from surveys and design to installation and long-term maintenance—ensuring compliance and optimal system performance.
Contact us today or call 0800 612 9799 to speak with our security experts.