Use of CCTV and other surveillance system in the last decade grew substantially. Getting a security and surveillance solutions can be a bit confusing especially if it’s the first time. What we would recommend is to have a clear goal and course of immediate needs and adaptability to the changes of your business

1. Determine your immediate needs

The first step is to establish your need of a surveillance system and your objectives in doing so. Some establishments get these services for monitoring their properties remotely especially those far and wide. While others get surveillance system to monitor and analyze patterns of transactions, like shopping patterns of people in a grocery store. There are a lot more purpose of getting a surveillance system and it is important that you set yours definitely before getting one.

2. Device and database

In some cases, a high-resolution surveillance system and fast streaming or data transfer is a necessity. For small spaces, a system with lower specifications might do the job. Pixel8 Web Solutions offers the brands Dahua and HIK Vision which provides a wide variety of hardwares for any of your needs. Image quality, ability to pan/tilt, wheatherproofness and other specifics should be considered in selecting the device that you will purchase.

3. Location and placement

Consider the location and positioning of the surveillance camera(s). Business surveillance cameras are best to be placed on entrances, exits and customer transaction points. Home surveillance cameras are best placed in front door with entrance view and at your backdoor with backview of the house. It’s also common to install camera on children’s room to monitor activity and safety.

4. Installation

While some prefer to DIY others recommend to get professional installation of surveillance camera. Professionals help you determine best viewing angles for your objective. They will provide walk-through and you may ask them questions or request placement on specific areas you’d like to monitor. Experts will provide tips on manipulating your device and getting the most out of it as they’ve worked with almost all kinds of surveillance systems.

If you are planning to DIY this article may help you go at it: 5 Best Places To Install CCTV In Your Home

5. Maintenance and upgrade

The importance of knowing your device is that you can maximize its capacity. Visit HIK Vision and Dahua official website to get updates and tips on how to take care of your device and system. Most makers and providers of surveillance systems include maintenance or insurance in their package if you want to have it. There's also tons of forums and blogs regarding troubleshooting of these devices.

6. Potential upgrade to meet changes in your needs

In choosing a security solution, it is suggested that you look at long-term goals as you would the immediate needs. The business models changes so quickly that you’ll end up being left behind if you don’t consider future plans. If for example you’re planning to expand your covered space in the future, you can opt to get a a camera with a little wider specification topping it up with a few bucks instead of buying a brand new camera when it finally comes. In the long run, you may find yourself needing to upgrade to Network/IP cameras from analog systems. Network/IP capture image digitally and transmit video thus providing real-time footage wherever you are as long as you’re connected online. Strategic planning and anticipation to meet the needs is the key to get on with the business and save costs.

7. Cost and ROI

We are investing on improvements expecting benefits and return of investment. For one, security and being able to secure safety in your house and business premises 24/7 is such a bargain you can trade. Surveillance system is also used in research and development, to observe patterns in customer flow, transactions and exchanges. Having surveillance system within your premises also adds credibility to your establishment, assuring people that safety and security is a priority. You’ll get ROI secondary to customer experience which is a strong game in business trends.