Making the right choice when selecting the CCTV system, you have installed on your commercial premises is of the upmost importance.

Businesses of all sizes in almost any industry that you could possibly think of could benefit from CCTV installation due to the fantastic impact that they have in deterring criminals, helping to monitor site activity, and reviewing any incidents that do occur so the root cause can be identified, and steps can be taken to ensure that it never happens again.

Knowing that CCTV is needed, and finding the right system to install, however, are two very different things. The cameras themselves are important, only high-quality imagery can be used as evidence in court and insurance claims, the installer you use is vital, and the location of the cameras will dramatically affect their effectiveness in allowing you to monitor your entire site simultaneously.

Given the impact that CCTV can have on your safety and security, not to mention productivity and performance of staff, these are not decisions to be taken lightly. To help you out, we have compiled a guide to 5 of the most important things to consider when picking Commercial CCTV.

Tip 1 – Decide what you want from your CCTV

CCTV is perhaps the most versatile of all commercial security tools, and can be used for a wide variety of different purposes on your property.

Deciding what the main goal of your CCTV is will allow you to decide on the type of cameras you want, and where you want them. Do you want them to be highly visible, to deter criminals from even thinking about targeting you, or discreet? If you are looking for smaller, less noticeable cameras that won’t compromise your ability to observe your entire site simultaneously, PTS (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) cameras are the best choice. These cameras can not only be rotated 360 degrees but can also follow intruders and be controlled either by humans or automatically.

It is worth noting that whilst you can choose more discreet cameras, you are not legally allowed to hide them and must display clear signage to indicate their presence. Most experts agree that making your cameras as hard to miss as possible is the most effective approach.

Tip 2 – Consider audio as well as visuals

Modern CCTV cameras can not only pick up audio but can even allow you to speak directly to staff or intruders through your camera system. Should an intruder be detected, this can be incredibly useful as you can warn them off and inform them that they are under observation.

Tip 3 – Don’t forget about the night

If you want your CCTV cameras to protect your site around the clock, you will need to ensure they are suitable for recording in low-light conditions, OR ensure that the area is suitably lit.

Lighting, whether constant or motion triggered, can be an effective tool in deterring criminals in itself, but is not possible in all locations, particularly in urban areas. To keep your site secure, night vision cameras may be required so this is something that it is worth discussing with your local security company.

Tip 4 – Consider a CCTV tower

If you are looking for permanent CCTV on a premises you intend to use for a significant period of time, a fully wired, static, integrated CCTV system is the best option. However, if you are only using the site for a short period of time, construction sites for example, or there is limited access to mains electricity, you might be better off with a temporary CCTV solution such as a CCTV tower.

CCTV towers can be installed on any site in and instant, providing short-notice CCTV surveillance of a surprisingly large area and being a pretty intimidating site for intruders, standing at an impressive height or up to 7m tall. They are most popular on construction sites and void properties where the nature of the location is set to change in the near future as the project progresses or a tenant is found by can also be used to monitor remote sites such as car parks and rural locations subject to fly tipping.

Tip 5 – Don’t forget the installer

The CCTV installation company you use to install your video surveillance is almost as important as the CCTV cameras themselves. A fault with your CCTV at the wrong time could have disastrous consequences, putting staff at risk and potentially costing you many thousands of pounds. The best installation firms are local experienced security companies who offer an extended warranty on all their products and will have any repairs or maintenance completed quickly and with minimal disruption to your everyday operations.

For more information, get in touch with us today and our expert team of security professionals will be happy to help.