Businesses of all sizes and industries face the same decision when choosing the right security camera.

CCTV cameras offer business benefits beyond security as software improves and surveillance technology evolves. Making the right decision can bring you more benefits than ever.

Here are 10 questions businesses should ask before they invest in a surveillance system.

Are the cameras discreet or a visual deterrent?

Depending on the location and what you are looking for, discreet or obvious cameras may be required. The largest and most visible cameras are box cameras. They remind people that they are being watched and reduce the possibility of theft.

Dome cameras can be used for discretion because of their small, half-spherical shape. The ultra-compact models can fit in your palm. Pan Tilt Zoom (Pan Tilt Zoom), cameras are great for monitoring large areas and following subjects easily.

Can the security cameras only be used indoors?

Modern cameras can be used indoors and outdoors, but it is important to consider mounting and housing options. A durable design and an integrated heater will ensure that your camera can operate in extreme cold conditions.

It is important that a robust surveillance system can be used in transport industries, such as transportation, where extreme conditions and vibrations may occur.

Environmental housing is not only necessary for outside surveillance camera. Cameras in industrial environments like factories may need protection from sawdust.

It is important to ensure that the camera is safe from greases in restaurant kitchens. In bars and clubs, factors like smoke machines or spilt beverages might affect whether housing is necessary.

What size area would you like to cover?

You will need to determine how much surveillance you want and what type of network you need. To determine the number and types of cameras required, it is helpful to create a floor plan.

PTZ cameras are best suited for large areas due to their wide field of view and ability zoom in on specific activity. Canon cameras offer wide angle views up to 112 degrees, which allow you to monitor large areas from one camera.

This allows surveillance networks to be set up with fewer CCTV cameras and keeps costs low. Image quality is impressive even at wide viewing angles.

Smaller areas will not require static cameras. Depending on the size of the area you wish to monitor, there are different types and types of networks.

A LAN network is sufficient for most businesses, but a large network will need a WAN network.

What level of image clarity and detail do we need?

The resolution you require will depend on the size of the area that you are trying to monitor. High resolution cameras are required for large retail areas to ensure high quality zooming.

Smaller areas, such as offices and reception rooms, will usually only require low-resolution cameras. However, not all situations require the highest resolution camera.

It is better to evaluate each space individually, so you can spend your money efficiently.

What lighting conditions are there?

Test cameras to determine which models are most effective in your lighting conditions. There will be different levels of sunlight in different areas, both inside and out.

It is important to consider where the light will come from. Consider, for example, if there is a reflection on the floor.

Does the backlighting create a glare or strong illumination? Strobe lighting is a good option for environments like nightclubs.

There are many technologies that can be used to capture footage under different lighting conditions. There are many technologies that can be used to capture usable footage in a variety of lighting conditions.

Is audio important?

Audio integration in surveillance systems allows personnel to speak with potential perpetrators and hear them. It can easily be integrated with video management software.

It can be used for surveillance purposes and triggers alarms and recordings when audio exceeds a threshold.

Is scaleability important? Are you going to need more cameras?

It is essential to have a flexible, scalable surveillance system. Traditional CCTV systems are closed circuit, meaning they can be difficult to scale up and hard wired.

You should choose IP cameras that connect to a wireless network to allow you to grow and scale your installation as needed. It is important to choose IP cameras that connect over a wireless network. This will allow you to easily grow and scale any installation as needed.

Which parts of your business would benefit from effective surveillance?

Businesses can benefit from surveillance systems by monitoring theft and increasing safety of staff members as well as confirming incidents. Employees feel more secure knowing they are being monitored.

A surveillance system can also provide valuable information to confirm incidents like theft, vandalism, and violence at work. This information is crucial when you file a lawsuit for damages or report to the police.

A good surveillance system can be a boon not only for security and monitoring but also for business operations and analytics.

For example, in retail industries, surveillance systems can provide valuable insight and data to customers. This is changing not only the way security personnel work but also the marketing, customer service, and IT departments.

It is important to understand how customers move through a shop in order to plan the layout of products. Advanced features like facial recognition can also be used to estimate attributes such gender and age.

These capabilities allow store owners to better understand their customers and enable targeted advertising to be used to show the most relevant products to them.

What are your challenges with video surveillance? What can VMS analytics do?

A VMS system that works well is crucial, as video footage can only be viewed for 20 minutes on average. VMS and in-built analytics are able to alert you to suspicious activities and apply analytics, improving your ability to run your business.

Intelligent algorithms and motion detection built into the shop provide valuable, actionable information such as total people who have entered the shop. Retailers can compare sales to determine conversion rates and best times of the day for promotions.

How do you choose a VMS solution

It is important to clearly define the requirements for a video management solution, including how it will be used, during planning. You will need a VMS solution that addresses the key issues that drove you to purchase a surveillance system.

For example, someone who is on the move or has multiple sites to manage might need to be able to access their surveillance system from anywhere. Every VMS solution should be customized to your company.