Eyes Everywhere: Why You Need Business Security Cameras

CCTV cameras are integrated into a comprehensive commercial surveillance system, allowing you to see who enters your building, monitor activity in your parking lot, and track what products are leaving your premises.

Every year, Canadian companies lose millions of dollars to smash-and-grabs and theft, putting their profitability at risk. Our video surveillance systems and security solutions are tailored to manage these risks effectively. By integrating CCTV cameras both indoors and outdoors, you can monitor all crucial areas of your business. These cameras serve as a deterrent to criminals and provide essential evidence if an incident occurs. With recorded footage, you can track down perpetrators and recover stolen goods.

For complete peace of mind we connect your outdoor and indoor cameras into a complete Business Security System which could include card access control and alarm monitoring.

Security Camera Systems

Whether you own a small business or are responsible for a large enterprise, a business surveillance system can be used to reduce and manage many different risks:

• Safety - The safety of employees is paramount in any business.  Give your staff peace of mind with video surveillance in secluded areas such as underground parking lots and during evening hours and night shifts.
• Burglary and vandalism - Security cameras serve as a deterrent to burglary and theft as well as an insurance  tool in the event of a break in and theft.  Video surveillance cameras provide the evidence that you need for an insurance claim and  for law enforcement to arrest perpetrators.
• Asset loss - Well placed cameras and motion detection in inventory rooms can reduce inventory loss.  Surveillance at access points can minimize challenges with staff sharing access cards.
• Property disputes - Graffiti, unauthorized parking and dumpster use are additional concerns that can be managed with properly placed surveillance cameras. 

How do you pick the best Commercial CCTV Security System for your business?

Many factors must be considered in selecting commercial security cameras and office video security systems. Here are a few elements to consider:

Field of view and lighting

The areas that require video monitoring will determine the number and types of cameras needed.  Will you need indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, or both? Would you like to monitor entry ways to your building? Are you looking for a video solution for your warehouse or a dark parking lot?

Commercial security cameras range in quality.  Image quality and recording resolution range from 1080p HD to 4K UD.  Some cameras have built-in infrared lighting or integrated spotlights.  The ability to capture identifying features such as facial characteristics, clothing logos and vehicle license plates will depend on the quality features of cameras chosen.  Where relevant we include cameras that offer analytics such as facial recognition.

Surveillance cameras for outdoor security

Outdoor surveillance equipment are designed with many considerations:

• Wide angle cameras may be necessary to cover the field of vision completely.
• You may need a camera system with night vision or built in illumination to assist with dark areas. Night vision distances can range from 20 feet to 50 feet. 
• Weather is an important factor, especially in Canada. Your video surveillance system needs to work well in the summer heat and also in freezing winter.  Rain and humidity as well as dust are other key considerations outdoors.
• Tamper resistance is important for outdoor cameras which are usually unattended especially at night and during the weekend. Dome cameras, for example, are designed to resist vandalism and deter potential thieves.

Commercial Security Camera Installation

Choosing the right commercial security camera system is just the beginning—proper installation is key to ensuring your system delivers the protection you need. Our expert technicians are well-versed in the precise placement of cameras to maximize coverage and eliminate blind spots. We carefully consider factors like camera height, angle, and environmental conditions to ensure your security system works flawlessly, day or night.

With our professional installation services, you can rest assured that your people and assets are protected by a business security system designed to perform, 24/7.

Communication and Mobile Security App

Many cameras have two-way communication features or alert features. You will be able to monitor your property in real time using a laptop or mobile devices using our dedicated mobile app.

Our security expert will take the time to discuss your particular situation and recommend the best possible solution. When we have together made the choice from the available surveillance systems then our technical team will ensure professional installation and ongoing monitoring. With our monitoring solutions you will be able to have your eyes everywhere, inside and outside of your building!

Storage and Access of Recorded Video Footage and Video Evidence

Live feeds of remote unmanned areas, such as warehouses and parking, can be streamed to your computer or mobile phone. It's important to keep in mind that this will require 24/7 high-speed internet to be part of your surveillance budget.

A range of options exists for video recordings: local storage, off-site  storage and storage in the cloud.  Each of these have different benefits, costs and risks. Excess data storage in a network video recorder (NVR) or digital video recorder (DVR) will enable the addition of cameras at a later date.

You will want a video security solution that retains the information for as long as you need, whether that is one week or one month.

Wireless Cameras

There are many wire-free solutions on the market these days. It's important, however, to realize that completely wire-free camera solutions do not exist in a commercial solution.  Consistent, reliable power over time is a critical requirement of commercial security system.

Wired cameras installed by a security expert will provide the best possible solution. At a minimum you will want to have a standby battery or UPS (uninterruptable power supply). This will make sure the cameras work when you need it most. 

Different challenges exist with each option:

• Plug in power supply: What happens in the event there is no power to that outlet? What happens when someone intentionally or unintentionally unplugs the power supply? Our security advisors will take every possible scenario into consideration and make sure the right video surveillance is designed and implemented.
• Battery power: What happens when the battery dies?   What happens when it is minus 20 degrees outside (typical for our Canadian clients)? 
• Wireless solutions also need a substantial amount of internet bandwidth.  After all, the internet connectivity needs to support the transfer of high quality images to the monitoring room and for storage. This is also necessary in case you need to provide evidence in case of an event.

If you want 99.9% uptime, consider a hardwired managed systems designed and delivered by A1 Security Systems.

Do it yourself security camera systems

Be aware of do it yourself kits. They are generally of a much lower quality, can include old technology offered at discounted prices and may not include a secure network solution. Wiring and installation of these kits will require skills that some businesses don't have in-house.

Professional security companies will not work with equipment purchased from big box retailers. In the long run it pays to work with a professional!

Video Surveillance Solutions by A1 Security

At A1 Security Systems, we take all the above into consideration. First we will do an in depth review of your security needs together with you, and assess your particular situation. Then, we'll design a business security camera system that protects your people and assets–completely tailored to your needs, from security camera installation to setting up your surveillance system.