As a small business owner, protecting your bottom line is your biggest priority. For your business to succeed, you have to be profitable. One way to maximize your profits is by protecting your most vulnerable assets. Unfortunately, stores, restaurants, warehouses and offices are vulnerable to theft, intrusion, fire, flood, burglary and other security incidents. That’s why it’s important to install a small business video surveillance system.
When you begin to consider the best wired or wireless security camera system for your business, there are many key factors you must evaluate. Video surveillance systems come with a variety of features and specifications, with functions such as remote control, intrusion detection, 24/7 monitoring, and more.
As you assess different video surveillance and security camera systems and choose the best one for your business, consider the following factors:
- Size and layout of the business
- Critical areas of the business
- Indoor vs. outdoor security
- Features and capabilities
- Memory storage and viewability
- Installation
- Pricing
Selecting the Best Security Cameras for Your Business
Here’s what to think about as you choose a small business video surveillance system.
Size and Layout of the Business
To begin, think about the size and layout of the business you need to protect. What key areas need video surveillance? Think about the most important areas in your business that you want an extra set of eyes on. For example, how many windows, doors, and other entrances you might want to install window and door sensors on or equip with access control, so you always know who is coming and going. Access control also gives you the ability to see who is coming and going in real time.
The security expert who handles your small business security camera system installation will also provide guidance in selecting the best cameras and installing them properly to capture the most important angles, so this isn’t something you need to determine ahead of time. Rather, it’s smart to start thinking about the size and layout of your business so you have a good idea of what security system features matter most to you.
Critical Areas of the Business
On a related note, you’ll want to determine the critical areas of your business where a security camera is a necessity. For example, if you have a brick and mortar store, you’ll want a camera placed behind the cash wrap or point of sale counter, so that you can keep an eye on the cash register. You’ll also probably want a camera with an unobstructed view of all doors and windows, so you always know who is coming and going.
Remember, surveillance cameras can be used for more than just security needs. For example, because CPI’s latest line of business security cameras are equipped with Business Activity Analytics, it can alert you when lines get too long or provide you with key insights about traffic flow, so you can optimize your operations. So, think about areas of your business where cameras can help improve service to your customers. You can read more about Business Activity Analytics and how it can help you maximize your business here.
Bonus Feature: While you may want an extra set of eyes everywhere you can, there may still be areas of your business you want to keep confidential. For example, a camera watching the safe in your back room is ideal, but you might want to block the keypad from being recorded. With CPI Security Privacy Zones, you can have the best of both worlds.
How to Set Up Privacy Zones in Your Business
Indoor vs. Outdoor Security
Are your small business video surveillance needs indoor, outdoor, or a mix of both? If you need security cameras outside your business, you’ll need to purchase and install weatherproof cameras. Check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating of your outdoor cameras before purchasing and installing them, to make sure they can resist water, dirt, and adverse weather conditions. Check out our blog explaining IP ratings and other things you need to know about weatherproof security cameras.
Features and Capabilities
Carefully think through what other factors matter most to you. In addition to cameras, you may want to include glass break detectors, motion sensors, and other intrusion detection features that can trigger an alarm, and alert you in real-time, if someone is up to no good after hours.
As a small business owner, your bandwidth is likely stretched pretty thin. We recommend you don’t add security monitoring to your to do list. Consider professional 24/7 monitoring, so you don’t have to be on the clock 24/7. If an alarm is triggered at your business, the monitoring center will notify you, attempt to verify the emergency, and call the authorities, if needed. It’s one less thing you have to worry about if there’s ever a break-in, fire, or medical emergency.
Why Goin’ Postal Relies on CPI for 24/7 Professional Monitoring
In addition to professional monitoring, you’ll want to have full remote access to your entire security system, so you can keep tabs on what’s going on, even if you aren’t there. That’s why remote monitoring on an all-inclusive app is most beneficial to small business owners.
Having a good idea of what features you care most about can help you narrow down the options and select the right video surveillance system for your business.
Memory Storage and Viewability
Video surveillance cameras have high storage needs. Depending on how many cameras you install, how high their resolution is, and how many days of footage you plan to keep, will affect how much storage you need.
Memory storage location is another important factor to consider. The video could be stored locally on the camera’s SD card, which can be accessed remotely through an internet network. It could also be stored locally on a video recording device, which can be accessed locally as well as remotely. Video clips may also be stored in the cloud, which can be viewed and downloaded on a PC, if desired. Ask your security professional which storage option is the best fit for you, depending on your recording needs.
Many video security systems, including CPI Security, offer a hybrid storage solution, with footage stored both locally and on the cloud. For example, recorded footage can be viewed 24/7 using CSVR, SD card recording can be viewed remotely with internet connection, and IVAN recordings are automatically uploaded to the cloud for further review.
Regardless of where the footage is stored, getting real-time alerts is an important feature you’ll want to ensure your business security system is equipped with. There’s no point in having a system that captures video of someone lurking after hours but doesn’t alert you to the activity in real-time. With CPI Security business solutions cameras, AI-powered technology known as IVAN provides alerts in real-time whenever a person, animal, or vehicle is detected on your property. These alerts can be customized to fit the needs of your schedule, so you aren’t receiving unnecessary notifications of goodwilled customers.
Installation
Are you hoping to install your CCTV security system yourself, or do you want a security expert to handle installation for you? You may opt for a DIY solution because of a seemingly more cost-effective solution to security. However, you can’t put a price on protecting your employees, customers, and livelihood. We recommend relying on professional installation for your business security needs. A professional will help you select the best places for cameras, window and door contacts, glass break detectors, and more, so that you’re left with no blind spots. You can rest easy, knowing everything was installed correctly. Still undecided? Check out our blog that shares more information about professionally installed security systems.
Pricing
Pricing varies greatly depending on the size of your business, how many cameras you need, and what features you are most interested in. You’ll need to weigh the cost of the system with the benefits it provides to land on a business security camera system, and video surveillance setup that helps keep your small business secure while also fitting into your bottom line. Your small business video surveillance system installation expert can help you sort through your options to find a security system that meets your needs and fits your budget.
If you’re looking for improved security and peace of mind for your small business, consider a video surveillance system from CPI Security. With a full suite of commercial grade camera options, plus features including varifocal lenses, 24/7 onboard or SVR recording, perimeter detection analytics, fire alarm monitoring, intrusion detection, smart access management, and business activity analytics, CPI Security’s small business video surveillance systems offer the reliable security you need to protect your business’ most important assets.
To learn more about keeping your small business secure with video surveillance, contact our business security experts today.
