If you’re a small business owner, you know that building your business from the ground up is hard work. By installing a business security camera system, you’re taking the necessary and precautionary steps in protecting everything you’ve poured your time and effort into. From keeping your employees safe to managing your properties and assets, a security system is going to help safeguard your business in the event of theft or another dangerous and destructive event.
With ever-evolving technology, and your mind focused on growing your business, it can be overwhelming to choose the best surveillance system for your business. We’re here to help guide you in making the best choice by providing you with tips and questions you need to ask before getting started.
Tip 1: Consider Timing for Installing A Business Security Camera System
If you’re growing your warehouse operations or inventory, changing locations, or building a new office space it’s important that you think about your security system while in your construction phase or prior to moving.
While wireless cameras are a good option for some businesses, wired cameras systems are often determined to offer the best security solutions for businesses because of their great features and capabilities. These systems will require new or updated network cabling, meaning that minor construction will need to take place if you don’t have the appropriate cabling in place.
To prevent any disruptions to your employees or operations, it’s much easier for installation to be done before you move (but not impossible to be done if you’ve already moved in). Plus, having a security system in place before your assets get on property protects you in the instance of liability lawsuits for injuries or stolen and damaged goods during or after your move.
Tip 2: Know the Type of Security Camera You Want
The camera system you choose should fit your business needs and location. A few wireless cameras may be enough for your small business if you only have one or two entryways and minimal square footage to cover. These systems sometimes don’t require assistance with installation, which is convenient, but you may still want to speak with an expert to ensure your camera placement is sufficient for your needs.
If you have a warehouse, office space, and a parking lot where you keep your vehicles, you need to be thinking about each location and their high-traffic areas, points of entry, and consider a custom wired camera system that can handle data storage and the rest of your needs. In this case, you have a lot of options and will likely need someone to help you install a system.
Tip 3: Consider Functionality
Your business security camera system can be customized to do just about anything you want. Wireless, battery-operated cameras that you’d find at a home improvement store may work for you if you have a small space. There are a wide range of options with these cameras, but some of them have limited features and sometimes require you to monitor them.
Wired cameras work well for some small and medium sized businesses that have more security needs and a larger staff. They can alert you to an issue when triggered and have tons of features like facial recognition and the ability to track people and license plates. Also think about the resolution you want and if you’d like night vision, as this type of functionality will help you determine the type of camera to choose.
Tip 4: Know How Many Cameras You Need
Our experts at Rhode Island Telephone provide a free site survey to help you determine how many cameras you’ll need. A professional security camera survey is always best because experts often know where your blind spots will be located, thus protecting you from any lapse in surveillance coverage. If you choose to do this yourself, consider the size of your building and property. The larger your space, the more cameras it will take to provide coverage. Generally, at a minimum you want to cover all points of entry on your ground level.
Tip 5: Have A Professional Install Your Business Security Camera System
To optimize your protection, always call on a professional to complete installation. You don’t want to be climbing tall ladders by yourself, installing your cameras in the wrong place, or not installing enough cameras. A professional will be able to tell you about the benefits of a wired vs. wireless security camera system and show you how to use it properly. You should also check your state regulations, as many require licensed professionals to handle wiring and electrical components.
Security System Cost for Business
We know that cost is at the forefront of every business objective. Because there are so many varieties of cameras that offer different functionality and storage options (NVR’s, DVR’s, etc.), and different options for installation, you’ll find that security system cost for business can vary. Wireless security cameras that you purchase yourself may run you a few hundred dollars and custom wired cameras can run much higher depending on the coverage you want.
It’s important to keep in mind that having security coverage is a benefit to you. Creating a security system plan for your small business is a great place to start. With so many options at your fingertips, Rhode Island Telephone can help you narrow down the best business security camera system for your location.
Use the tips above to provide a baseline for what you think you need and give us a call for a free site survey. We’ll walk you through the rest of the process and provide you with peace of mind knowing your property will be fully protected.
