With CCTV becoming more accessible, more and more business owners find themselves implementing the tech on their premises. CCTV can greatly improve security, but it is also easy to mess up if you don’t plan properly.
You may end up with blind spots, low-quality images, or even system failure. Knowing the precautions to take can help you create the proper setup for your property and identify which providers to trust.
1. Poor camera placement
This one is pretty intuitive, but you would be surprised how easily CCTV cameras can be placed in poor positions. Clear sightlines and maximised coverage from strategic angles are your main priorities here.
If they are too high, low, or hidden, the cameras may be missing crucial sightlines. This is especially problematic if you are installing them in areas that are more susceptible to security breaches, such as a back entrance to a building or a loading bay.
2. Ignoring lighting
You will probably conduct your CCTV tests during the day and consider it a job well done when you see clear images on your monitor; however, good quality during the day may not translate at night, especially in poorly lit environments. Ensure you have either supplementary lighting or infrared capabilities.
3. Unplanned DIY
DIY is tempting, but a lack of professional insight can massively harm the effectiveness of the system. Who is more likely to have the expertise: you, or a company that has already installed countless systems?
If you are unwilling to risk DIY, you can find plenty of providers of CCTV Swindon, such as //apmfireandsecurity.com/cctv-installation/cctv-installation-swindon/.
4. Forgetting or ignoring data storage
It is common for people to underestimate just how much footage their CCTV will generate, leading to a sudden pileup and no room for more recordings. Whatever storage you use – hard drives, cloud, NVRs – make sure you consider retention periods.
5. Network checks
With most modern systems relying on internet connectivity, ensure your system is not susceptible to shaky footage, lag, or shutdowns. A stable connection will prevent most issues, but be sure to find compatible systems.
