The hot summer sun is a welcome relief from the past challenging year. While thousands of families take a break to travel and rest, entertainment facilities around the country will be on standby for the expected flood of guests, shoppers, passengers, and tourists.
To keep leisure seekers safe, South African building owners will need to be on high alert, investing in new or upgraded surveillance solutions. Matthew Hall, Chief of Products at Rectron offers tips on choosing the right surveillance solution for your business.
- Understanding what is right for your business:
When selecting a surveillance solution, a thorough risk assessment is necessary to identify the areas that need to be covered and how much detail is needed. Having this understanding of what the function of the surveillance system will be, determines the hardware and software needed.
Recording time and storage are relevant considerations when choosing a surveillance solution. The number of days of recording time needed will determine the storage that’s required and whether it should be kept on-site or stored in the cloud.
In addition to the hardware and storage capabilities, it’s important to know what information a business might want to pull from their recordings. Modern surveillance technology often includes AI-powered video analytics, which can detect unusual or suspicious behaviour, unauthorised access, and even predict potential threats.
- Selecting the right cameras
There are a wide variety of cameras available, but there are some important differences to note. Consumer-focused Wi-Fi cameras might seem like a quick and cost-effective solution to installing a surveillance system, but they don’t have all the features most businesses require.
Another crucial consideration is whether the cameras will be used inside or to monitor an outdoor perimeter. Ensuring a camera is suited for external perimeter use is vital as not many cameras offer reliable detection at night.
The VIVOTEK SMB Surveillance Solution combines Internet Protocol (IP) cameras with real-time object detection, Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and a cloud service. This allows the user to display live video, and record and play it back as needed. The cameras come in a wide variety that are suitable both inside and out with panoramic views or 360-degree fisheye, as well as illuminators for nighttime visibility. It remains a popular choice for business owners, who will be expecting an influx of customers over the festive season.
- Installation – get it right the first time
Unfortunately, the surveillance industry is not regulated and can result in challenges when it comes to finding the right installer. Using a reputable supply chain from installer to manufacturer can ensure the installation is done correctly and will avoid headaches in the future. Not only will they ensure the successful installation of a surveillance system but will also provide technical support and maintenance services – a crucial factor to ensuring a setup remains operational and effective over time.
As businesses will expect a flood of customers over the festive season, it’s imperative that they invest in solid surveillance systems. The right setup can provide several benefits, from deterring criminals to enhancing operational efficiency. By carefully considering factors such as comprehensive coverage, fit-for-purpose cameras, storage, and analytics, businesses can make informed decisions about the surveillance technology that best suits their needs and keeps criminals away this December!