By now, most people are aware of the benefits a CCTV system can provide a business. From keeping staff and customers safe to helping reduce theft, a good CCTV system can make a major difference to the security of your business.
However, while you may want to install a CCTV system, choosing one can be overwhelming. There are a lot of options available in the cctv market, and it’s hard to know which one you need. As it’s a significant investment, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting good value for money.
To help you with your decision, here are our top tips on choosing the best CCTV system for your business.
Understand your CCTV requirements
When choosing a CCTV system, having a clear view of your business’s unique requirements will help you source a CCTV system that’s fit-for-purpose. It should also help you focus on the functionality you require and avoid overspending on unnecessary features.
As part of this, you should consider:
· Why you want to install a CCTV system: Do you want to prevent theft, monitor business activities, or simply keep an eye on the place after hours? What you plan on using your CCTV system for will help determine the best design and most suitable technology.
· The size of the space you want to cover: A larger space may require a stronger camera – particularly if you want to achieve high-quality footage.
· If the area you want to cover is indoors or outdoors (or both): Outdoor cameras endure constant weather, so need to be more robust than indoor cameras.
· The amount of light your CCTV camera will be exposed to: As with any camera, CCTV systems need light to get a clear picture. If light is limited, a higher quality camera will be required. Similarly, if you want to have coverage at night, you will require special cameras.
Once you know what you need, you can work with a CCTV systems expert, like Tecsec, to design a suitable solution.
Choose IP cameras and remote access
When planning a CCTV system, there are two key choices to make – the type of cameras and how the footage is viewed. These two decisions will have a major impact on the usability of your system, so consider them carefully.
There are two main types of cameras that you can choose from, analogue or digital. While analogue cameras are cheaper, the image quality they provide is much lower. As such, if you can afford to go digital, it’s worth the investment.
Similarly, while just having on-site viewing capability will keep costs down, it will also limit the usability of your system. Remote access allows you to log into your cameras and see what’s going on at any time and from anywhere. This is particularly beneficial if you have multiple sites or aren’t on-site a lot of the time.
Focus on CCTV value, not price
In Perth, CCTV systems are widely available and there are options to suit almost any budget. However, when it comes to CCTV technology, you generally get what you pay for.
While there are plenty of low-cost options available, these usually provide limited functionality. They’re also more prone to issues and require regular servicing. As such, they can result in costing more in the long run.
With that in mind, it’s better to pay a little more upfront to get a high-quality system that meets your needs. This should also mean you’ll be working with an experienced professional that understands how to design, install, and maintain CCTV systems.
Not sure which CCTV system will be best? Consider CCTV hire
If you’re struggling to find the perfect CCTV system or are worried about installation costs, it’s worth considering CCTV hire. This will allow you to try the equipment before you buy and make sure it suits your requirements. It will also mean that, once you commit to a CCTV system, you can be sure it’s worth the investment.
Need help choosing the right CCTV system for your business?
If you’re ready to take the next step, or just want to discuss your options, give Tecsec a call. We’re one of the leading providers of CCTV in Perth and supply and install a wide range of high-quality equipment. Our experienced team can also work with you to design a CCTV system that suits your business’s needs and budget.