Stock seems to be disappearing from your storage room more frequently than usual, and cash register discrepancies are becoming a regular headache. In addition, a couple of your regular customers have mentioned suspicious activities around the shop during late hours.
If you’re in this situation, it’s time to invest in security. But what are your options?
Let’s go through how to choose the best small business video surveillance system.
Table of Contents
Identify Your Security Needs
Before investing in a video surveillance system, it’s essential to thoroughly understand the specific security needs of your small business.
Start by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your premises. That will help you pinpoint the most vulnerable areas that require monitoring.
Common areas of concern often include entrances and exits, cash registers, stockrooms, and any secluded spots where unauthorized activity might occur.
An enterprise surveillance system might be the right choice for your commercial monitoring needs.
Choose the Type of Surveillance System
Selecting the right type of surveillance system is crucial to meeting your security needs effectively. The primary decision is between analog and digital systems.
Analog systems, while typically less expensive, offer lower image quality and limited features. These systems might be suitable for businesses with modest security requirements and budget constraints.
However, they can be less efficient in capturing detailed images. That can be a drawback in critical security situations.
Digital systems, particularly those utilizing Internet Protocol cameras, provide superior image quality and a host of advanced features. IP cameras can deliver high-definition video, often starting at 1080p resolution and going up to 4K for ultra-clear images.
This high resolution is beneficial for identifying faces, license plates, and other critical details. Digital systems are generally more flexible and scalable. They can be easily added to your current infrastructure.
That allows for remote access and monitoring through smartphones, tablets, and computers. This capability is particularly advantageous for business owners who need to keep an eye on their premises from anywhere in the world.
Camera Features
When choosing a video surveillance system for your small business, the features of the cameras themselves are critical to the overall effectiveness and usability of the system. High-resolution surveillance cameras are important for capturing clear and detailed images, making it easier to catch faces, license plates, and other important details.
For most small businesses, cameras with at least 1080p resolution are recommended, but higher resolutions, such as 4K, can provide even greater clarity and detail, which can be crucial in situations requiring precise identification.
Storage Options
Selecting the right storage solution for your video surveillance system is crucial to maintaining an efficient and reliable security setup.
Onsite storage offers the advantage of immediate access to video data without relying on an internet connection. This method can provide greater control over your data and often has no recurring fees. However, it requires physical space and regular maintenance.
Cloud storage solutions often come with user-friendly interfaces and advanced features like automatic updates, data encryption, and enhanced redundancy, ensuring your data is secure and accessible.
Choose the Best Small Business Video Surveillance System ASAP
With this guide, you should be able to pick the best small business video surveillance system for your needs.
Do you need more help with office protection? Find more of our helpful guides in the Business and Tech categories.
