Security Cameras for Different Areas of Your Business

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Security cameras come in a variety of types, shapes, sizes, and features. Depending on their image resolution and use cases, some are best suited for indoor use while some are better adapted for outdoor use. Similarly, some are best used for broader coverage and high-risk areas whereas some are a better option for general areas.

The bottom line is that every business needs a security camera system to capture footage of everything happening in and around the premises and then send it over to recorders, monitors, and mobile phones for monitoring purposes.

Having security cameras installed in your business not only helps you keep a watchful eye over everything that’s happening but also deters potential criminals from targeting your property for fear of getting recorded and caught.

Read on to find out the best areas to install security cameras and how to choose the right security cameras for them:

BEST AREAS TO INSTALL SECURITY CAMERAS

Security cameras are an important part of business security and are known to be highly effective deterrents against commercial burglaries, theft, intrusion, and other types of crime.

When it comes to making the most out of these commercial security systems, placement is key. If you have the camera installed at the wrong place or the wrong angle, there’s no point in having it there at all.

Here are some of the best places to install security cameras in businesses:

Entrances and exits

The entrances and exits to business premises are key locations to be put under security camera surveillance. They allow the security team to keep track of who is entering and leaving the building and how long they stay.

Visible security cameras act as an effective deterrent for anyone considering committing a crime as they allow you to get a good look at anyone coming in and going out of the business premises.

To get the clearest footage of the person’s face for identification purposes, it is best to place the security camera near something such as a TV monitor or clear sign so that when the individual looks at the object, the camera will be able to capture a clear picture of them.

High-traffic areas

High-traffic areas such as the reception are important areas to put under security camera surveillance. The reception area is usually the first place inside the building that employees and visitors enter. Hence, it requires close monitoring and uninterrupted surveillance.

For businesses such as retail stores that have a cash register, it is important to install a security camera there as well because the cash register is the most targeted area when it comes to store theft and burglaries. This will not only discourage outsiders from targeting it but also keep employees in check.

You can position the camera subtly by blending it into the décor and use it as a hidden deterrent, or you could use it as a visible deterrent by making its presence obvious. However, be mindful of the CCTV laws when using security cameras in the workplace or any business premises.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure to place the cameras in such a way that they’re pointed at an angle where the individual’s face is clearly visible. Also make sure the height doesn’t exceed 7 feet, unless you want a view of only their head, which isn’t the best for identification purposes.

Storerooms, server rooms, warehouses, and offices

These particular areas in any business are usually off-limits for outsiders and often hold valuable inventory, assets, and documents. For this reason, it is very important that you put them under security camera surveillance so that you can keep a watchful eye on what’s happening there.

These areas can be a hotspot for theft, both internal as well as external, which is why you will need security cameras to be your eyes and ears when you can’t monitor the activities on site.

Since storerooms and warehouses are typically large, you may need more than one security camera to cover all areas. Also, they are often cluttered which makes it difficult for the camera to get a clear line of sight.

Exterior

When it comes to business security, the interior of the building usually gets all the attention. While it is important to secure the insides of the building, it is equally important to secure the exterior.

Although there are no valuables to protect outside the business premises, crimes start outside, and it would simply be wise to stop them then and there.

Placing security cameras along the perimeter of the business premises and in areas such as the car park to protect vehicles from car theft. The loading docks are also a key area to put under surveillance so that you can keep a check on the employees when receiving shipments.

Security cameras placed outside could record license plate numbers and provide law enforcement agencies assistance when it comes to solving crimes. They can also be used to provide a sense of security to employees, especially those working after-hours and entering the darkened parking lot at night.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SECURITY CAMERAS FOR DIFFERENT AREAS OF YOUR BUSINESS?

If you are setting up security cameras in your business for the first time, you need to start by identifying the potential risk areas such as the ones mentioned above. The best way to go about that is to conduct a business security risk assessment.

Once you have that out of the way, you need to determine your business’s unique security needs based on the size of your business, the type of industry your business is in, and of course, your budget.

The scale of operations within your business will be a big factor in determining the type of security system required. For instance, the security needs of a multi-storey office will be very different than that of a small retail store.

Similarly, the type of industry will also play a crucial role in the decision-making process. Some industries are high-risk due to the nature of operations and may require more sophisticated systems for security.

Last, but not least, defining a clear budget for the security cameras will help with the initial setup and maintenance costs. Keep in mind, though, that this should be seen as an investment and never compromised on.

When choosing the right security cameras for different areas of your business, there are a few very important factors that you need to consider. Each area has a different security need depending on the level of risk, the surroundings, and the environmental conditions.

There is a huge variety of different types of security cameras to choose from. Some are ideal for high-risk areas whereas others are more suitable for general surveillance. Some types work best in bright conditions while some are made specifically for low-light and night-time surveillance.

Some of the most popular types of security cameras include:

Bullet CCTV cameras – best for outdoor surveillance, long-range viewing, and visible deterrence
C-mount CCTV cameras – best for long-range surveillance, wide-angle monitoring, and low-light environments
Dome CCTV cameras – best for discreet surveillance, vandal resistance, wide-angle coverage, and indoor and outdoor use
Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) CCTV cameras – best for wide area coverage, dynamic surveillance, and live event monitoring
Network/IP CCTV cameras – best for remote monitoring, scalability, high-quality footage, and advanced analytics
Wireless CCTV cameras – best for temporary surveillance needs, rental properties, remote locations, quick installation, and inconspicuous surveillance
Infrared/Night vision CCTV cameras – best for low-light environments, nighttime surveillance, and outdoor security
Day/night CCTV cameras – best for outdoor surveillance, 24/7 surveillance, and vandal-prone areas

Here are a few questions that’ll help you choose the best ones for the main access points, high-traffic areas, the exterior, and other areas of your business:

Discreet or visual deterrent?

Depending on the shape, size, and placement of the security camera, it can either be discreet or act as a visual deterrent. The area that you need to monitor plays a huge part in determining which of the two would be best suited in a certain situation.

Bullet cameras are one of the largest and most obvious types of CCTV cameras because of their shape and size and are an apparent choice if you wish to have a visual deterrent to remind people that they are being monitored.

If you want a more discreet option, dome cameras are a good choice as they are smaller and more compact with their half-spherical shape. Some ultra-compact models can even fit in the palm of your hand!

Indoors or outdoors?

As discussed above, security cameras need to be placed in key locations around the business premises both indoors and outdoors. While most modern security cameras can be used both inside and out, there are certain important features to look out for including housing and mounting.

When used indoors, the cameras are usually protected from harsh weather conditions and do not need to be as sturdy and resilient. However, when choosing one for outdoor surveillance, you need a camera that has a durable design and that can withstand all the natural elements. It also needs to be protected against tampering.

Small or large area?

The size of the area that you wish to put under surveillance will determine the best camera to use. You will not only have to pick a camera with the required features to cover an expansive area but also determine the number and type of cameras needed.

Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) cameras are ideal for larger areas such as the reception due to their ability to adjust the angle of the lens and zoom in on a particular activity. With this amazing feature, you can use just a single camera to monitor a huge area. You would, of course, need someone to be operating and controlling the system though.

The great thing about these cameras is that you can keep the costs down by installing just a few cameras, all without compromising on the image quality.

Smaller areas, on the other hand, can make do with static cameras since the field of view would be smaller in comparison. These cameras do not have advanced pan, tilt, and zoom features, and they stay put in a fixed position.

Image resolution and clarity?

Security cameras come in a range of resolutions. The higher the resolution, the better the image quality and recorded footage.

The size of the area will be the determining factor in the amount of clarity you require from the security camera. This is crucial for larger areas because you wouldn’t want the image quality to be compromised when zooming.

As a general rule, larger areas require a higher resolution whereas smaller areas such as the office or reception can make do with slightly low-resolution cameras.

When choosing the best camera for a particular space, assess the space properly to determine the resolution required. The highest resolution isn’t always the best option and you must spend your money wisely. Just keep in mind that the image quality must be clear enough to result in footage that can be used for identification purposes. It shouldn’t be grainy or too pixelated.

Lighting conditions?

Different areas of your business may have different lighting conditions. Some may have adequate lighting, some may get intense amounts of sunlight and glare, and some may be covered in darkness.

When choosing the best security camera, it is very important to assess the lighting conditions and see which camera types and models work best for them.

Specialised cameras such as infrared/night vision and day/night CCTV cameras are equipped with advanced technologies that enable them to capture clear footage despite the lighting conditions.

They work well in bright environments as well as in situations with minimal lighting. They can also block glare and reflections and are one of the best options for 24/7 surveillance.

Wired or wireless?

Wired security cameras, also called DVR (digital video recorder) cameras, are the most traditional form of CCTV cameras. They are a combination of cameras and a recording device and are connected to a power source and the internet using a cable.

Wireless security cameras are connected to a power source via a cable and connected to the internet over Wi-Fi, uploading the video to a local storage device or the cloud.

The main difference between a wired and wireless security camera system is that the recorded footage in wireless systems is transmitted from the camera to the recorder wirelessly, whereas wired systems work entirely over cables.

Wireless security cameras are a good choice for areas that require temporary surveillance such as construction sites. They are also ideal for remote locations where cable installation can be a hassle. They are also the security cameras of choice where aesthetics are important, such as the reception areas and the main entrances and exits, since there are no additional cables required for installation.

Wired security cameras, on the other hand, are best suited for large-scale installations and areas that require continuous surveillance since they do not rely on batteries and can operate continuously without interruption. They are also great for long-distance surveillance and areas with network interference.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

Calder Security offers a comprehensive solution for CCTV cameras that are state-of-the-art and comply with CCTV laws and regulations.

We understand the special security and safety needs of various properties and offer professional installation services for CCTV systems bespoke to each property.

We are expert SSAIB-approved security system installers and supply only high-quality CCTV equipment from trusted brands such as Hikvision, one of the world’s leading CCTV manufacturers.

We conduct every aspect from surveys, design, specification, and installation ourselves, and our professional repair and maintenance services ensure that your CCTV systems work in optimal condition all year round, guaranteeing effectiveness and compliance with the law.

We also offer professional CCTV monitoring services that help detect criminal activity and security breaches as they are in progress for the appropriate action to be taken, even when the property is empty.

Photo by Alan J. Hendry on Unsplash

How to Choose the Right Security Cameras for Different Areas of Your Business