For many businesses in the Bay of Plenty area, having a modern and effective CCTV camera system is crucial when it comes to protecting your property and assets. With so many options available, it can be hard to make a decision on which security setup is right for your business. Choosing the right CCTV system can be a complicated process, so we thought we would compile a blog designed to make things a little bit simpler. This blog offers insights and facts about the different options available and how they might best meet your security needs.
Importance of CCTV systems for businesses
The importance of CCTV systems for Bay of Plenty businesses of all sizes can not be understated. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, making sure your assets and employees are protected is a top priority. This is where modern CCTV systems are so effective – not only do they boost business security and act as a potential deterrent and can integrate with an alarm system, they can also aid in monitoring environments for health and safety reasons, as well as boost employee productivity and offer a chance to collect vital evidence of an event. Having an effective business security system offers you the opportunity to safeguard your commercial property at all times, and check on your assets from the comfort of your own home.
Different types of CCTV cameras
As any business owner in 2024 will know, choosing the correct security system to protect your assets can be overwhelming to say the least. The first step is understanding the different types of CCTV camera setups and how they can help achieve the desired security goals for your business. CCTV camera systems have come a long way in the 21st century, and now offer more than just the low-resolution grainy footage of 20 years ago. At Vertex, we have a large range of products that come under the CCTV umbrella – from night vision and HD cameras, to 360 degree Fisheye cameras, to cutting edge technology like radar controlled automatic zoom or PTZ (pan-tilt zoom) cameras, capable of offering extensive coverage, advanced perimeter detection and active monitoring in real-time. Modern CCTV systems also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with different capabilities and purposes. Whether you are looking for a hidden/covert camera setup, or something more obvious as a deterrent like a bullet or turret camera, our team of experts are only too happy to work alongside clients to determine which setup is best for their Bay of Plenty business security needs.
Key features to look for in a CCTV system
Alongside selecting the right shape and size camera setup for your commercial property, there are key features to look for when it comes to choosing the correct CCTV system for your Bay of Plenty business. High-Resolution is crucial for image quality and painting a clear picture of what is happening at your business. Cameras with a higher pixel count enhance visibility and general surveillance capabilities. Coupled with modern technologies such as heat mapping, facial and license plate recognition or thermal, we are able to design a comprehensive security system that protects your business 24/7, 365 days. The team at Vertex Security are able to leverage these technologies in order to provide a cost effective but highly suitable system specific to your needs.
One specific advantage of our CCTV camera systems are the integration to alarm systems and their remote monitoring capabilities. We offer alarm monitoring for businesses with sensitive products that need to be kept in certain conditions. Whether it’s a temperature alarm for a freezer door, or monitoring gas levels, being able to keep a close eye on every aspect of your business at all times is essential in the modern world.
Camera systems are also a great way to compliment and enhance existing BMS (Building Management Systems) and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems. They provide real time confirmation of actions and automations and allow for advanced control of a site, immediately and remotely.
Installation tips for optimal coverage
To effectively monitor and protect your premises camera placement is key. Eliminating blind spots and providing a comprehensive view of the property is the first step when it comes to choosing an effective CCTV system. To achieve this, carefully analyse your property area – including entry points and dark areas, along with any areas of high risk – to ensure that you have the correct camera systems in place around your business. Often, this includes installing a range of camera types in strategic locations, according to your property’s specific security needs. For instance, using 360 degree cameras for indoor areas as they offer a wider field of view and are less obtrusive. For outdoor areas, bullet cameras offer a longer field of view and are generally designed to be weatherproof. Or specific cameras which feature a large wide dynamic range (WDR) for high contrast lighting environments, such as front doors, areas with security/bright lighting and low light areas.
Another important consideration is to ensure the proper height and angle when it comes to mounting CCTV cameras. Camera’s should be placed high enough to avoid being tampered with, but low enough that they are still able to capture detailed images. Having cameras placed on the correct angle also ensures they monitor the intended area, minimizing any blind spots.
The type of camera used will also be dictated by the environment it is placed in, such as damp and dirty areas or costal locations, or even those close to corrosive elements such as sulphur or cleaning agents. Cameras that are placed in areas where vandalism is likely to occur should be of a high impact rating, while cameras used in a boiler room could be thermally rated and used to watch for rises in temperature or a fire. In the most extreme of cases, intrinsically safe cameras can be used to meet the health and safety requirements of almost any site.
Maintaining and upgrading your CCTV system
To ensure the ongoing effectiveness of your CCTV system, regular maintenance should be carried out. Regular maintenance helps avoid a situation where your cameras visibility is impaired due to dirt or objects blocking the field of view, or due to faulty or malfunctioning parts, which helps you stay ahead of potential security threats. Here are some important tips on maintaining and upgrading your CCTV system:
- Regular system checks. Inspecting wires, reviewing footage and checking connections are all important when it comes to making sure your CCTV camera system is functioning as it should.
- Clean camera lenses. In the course of any business operations, dust and debris can accumulate over time on camera lenses. This inhibits the camera system’s ability to effectively monitor your premises, and can be remedied by simply cleaning the lenses with a soft cloth to make sure they are recording images clearly.
- Update firmware and software. As is the case with most modern software, regular system updates are implemented to ensure the technology is running appropriately. Staying on top of these updates helps you get the most out of all the features modern cameras have available.
- Fit for purpose. Sites change, and as such the requirement for CCTV changes. Sometimes areas of importance have changed, and cameras need to be adjusted or upgraded in order to see that area better. Cameras can be obstructed by new equipment or buildings, or simply reach end-of-life and require replacement and potentially relocation in order to meet the sites current security needs and requirements.
In conclusion
Choosing the right CCTV camera system involves careful considering your property and businesses specific needs. From high-resolution cameras, to night vision and low-light capabilities, remote access monitoring and motion detection, there is a lot to think of when it comes to protecting your business. By selecting the right CCTV system for your Bay of Plenty business you can deter potential intruders, monitor health and safety and boost business security for your employees and assets.
Investing in a high-quality CCTV camera system provides long-term security benefits and personal peace of mind. If you are interested in our security solutions, contact our friendly and experienced team of professionals and start protecting your business today!
