Small Business Surveillance System How-To: Where to Start and What You'll Need

Set Up Your Business Security Surveillance System

Do you want to install a security surveillance system at your business but don't know where to start? Read our guide to help make installation a breeze.

Keyword(s): security surveillance system

 

In 2016, over 1.5 million burglaries occurred. Do you have a quality security surveillance system for your small business?

Let's face it; small businesses are prime targets for would-be robbers. They think that most owners can't afford, or rather, just don't own a security system. In their mind, security is for big-name companies. It's time to prove them wrong.

You can easily protect your business, earnings, and property with this simple guide.

Let's dive in and see how you should start the process of establishing a quality security surveillance system, and what kind of planning you'll need to do leading up to your decision.

Take Notes

Before you invest in a security system, it's a good idea to take a walk around your property. Make sure you take careful notes on your observations.

You are going to want to note of your doors, windows, and stairwells inside. Also, check outside to see where the streetlights are and ensure that they are working correctly.

Thieves use broken streetlights or obscured entrances as a "sign" that your place of business is ripe for the picking.

The best time to walk around and take notes is during the day. It's both safer and allows for you to spot problem areas like a hole in the fence, damaged window locks, etc.

Once you've mapped out your business and noted any potential exploitative areas, it's time for step two.

Choose an Easy Security Surveillance System Setup

Now, it's time to shop around and find the best security system to fit your needs. You're going to want to look for something simple.

Ask around and find out what's involved in getting your new security unit functioning. If you have any questions, get them resolved on the spot.

When you are willing to take this extra step, you're giving yourself peace of mind, and ensuring that you have a full understanding of your new purchase.

You may want to ask:

Can I Access My Feed at Any Time?

The technological boom has helped many people, including small business owners looking to protect their companies. A good security system comes with a way to view your video feed at any time.

A good network will allow you to whip out your smartphone from the privacy of your home, and check your cameras. This feature is fantastic for people who want to check on the status of their business before they go to sleep at night.

There is nothing that gives you a night of great sleep like having peace of mind knowing that your business is safe.

You should also have the ability to set up video recorders in the store. This step is important if and when something does go wrong, and you need evidence. You'll be able to pull the tape and provide it to the police officers so that they can track down the person, or people, or robbed your establishment.

Is it Encrypted?

The next thing you should look into is whether or not the security surveillance system you're thinking of buying comes with encrypted data.

Essentially, if data is not encrypted, it's easy for other people to access your security feed without your permission. There are obvious safety and security hazards here, so it's important that you encrypt all the data coming from your cameras.

Ask About Quality

Video quality is one of the most important parts of having a security system. You need to make sure that your camera picks up the proper details, depending on your business.

Ask about varying types of quality available, and figure out the distance that your camera will sit from the points of interest in your business. For example, if a camera loses detail after 10 feet, your camera right above the door will work our just fine. However, your camera up on the tree overseeing the parking lot may need to be adjusted.

Installation and Test Run

Once you've purchased your new security system, you need to either install it yourself or have it professionally installed.

There are a number of factors that go into deciding whether or not you need to seek help with a professional installation. You should consider your tech skills, the complexity of your security surveillance system, as well as how much free time you have to work out any kinks that may arise during setup.

Try it Out

Now that your system is properly installed, it's time for a couple of test runs. See if you can get a couple of employees to get on camera and "pretend" to break in. While this is going on, look at your video feed so you can know what to look for during a real robbery.

You may want to try this a few times to make sure that you are comfortable using the features of your security system. It's vital that you know what you're doing if and when a real security breach occurs.

Regularly Check Your Camera

Things are looking up. You have your new security surveillance system installed, it works properly, and you've even tried it out.

The only thing left to do is check your cameras regularly. You are going to want to do this for multiple reasons.

First, you are going to want to use the cameras to make sure that your business is safe, cause that was the point, right? But you also want to check your camera because it will help you identify if there are any issues. You can see if it needs to be cleaned, somehow got cracked or damaged, and so forth.

Secure Your Business Today

Are you ready to get an extra layer of protection for your business? We have you covered.

Check out our wide range of security cameras today. We have something for every taste and budget - and we even offer installation!

You deserve a sense of security with your home and business. Let us help you take the next step.