It’s easy to come to the conclusion that you want a video surveillance solution...
It's more difficult to decide what type of system you need and how exactly you need it to work. We asked one of our expert system engineers for advice he would give to organizations that are contemplating installing a video surveillance, but are unsure where to start.
Here are the 3 main questions our engineering team recommends asking yourself before installing an IP video surveillance system:
1. What do you want to watch?
This is the most important question to ask yourself when installing a video surveillance system. Our customers often understand that video surveillance is something they need to improve security and protection. However, when designing a system, they don't exactly know what they want to see.
There are two main focuses for video surveillance; employees, and visitors. Which do you need?
As much as we don’t like to admit, there are times when employee monitoring is necessary. Tools or equipment may come up missing, car doors may get scuffed in the parking lot, or productivity may be called into question. In these situations, having a camera system available to tell a story can be essential in shaping a corporate culture where employees feel safe and valued, and for protecting corporate assets.
While most visitors are harmless, they are still a potential surveillance target. Visitors, both planned and unplanned, can pose a risk to your corporate assets and employees. Vandals, irate customers, trespassers, and thieves are all cause for concern to any business. An IP video surveillance system can play an integral part in deterring, identifying, and reacting to these threats. When coupled with an alarm system and access control, IP video is an excellent addition to protecting and securing your building and employees.
An EPS engineer will work to design a system to meet each customer's specific needs. For instance, if a customer needs cameras to work just as well at night or in dark areas as they do during the day, that will impact the type of camera we recommend.
2. What is your existing infrastructure?
Many modern IP cameras are network-based devices. This gives them the ability to exist on your current network alongside your other devices like workstations, printers and servers. When devices are part of the same network, integration is simple.
If your server environment is virtualized, the video management software (VMS) can exist in the virtualized environment as well. So if you want remote access to your video surveillance system on your phone or tablet, it can be done through your existing internet connection. Remote access allows you to view live feed from your security cameras.
3. Do you want a system that can grow and scale with your business?
Companies grow and change continuously, and your security and surveillance solutions need to be able to adapt accordingly. We recommended considering future growth when planning for the addition of your new system.
Unlike analog video, IP video offers scalability options beyond the initial install:
- Hard drives can be added to recorders for increased storage capacity.
- Cameras can easily be swapped out or upgraded.
- Switches can be added for more cameras and bandwidth.
About EPS Security
Engineered Protection Systems, Inc. was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1955. What began as a modest, local operation with a handful of employees has blossomed into a multi-state company with more than 200 employees, three additional Michigan branch offices and thousands of satisfied customers.
Over the past decade, EPS has more than doubled in size. We currently rank as one of the top 30 largest security providers in the nation. We offer the stability, experience, skills and technology of a national provider; yet the people who manage EPS are the same local people who own it. We are your neighbors.
Contact Us
Let us show you the EPS Advantage, and what it can mean for the security and protection of your business. Visit us at epssecurity.com to get your free, custom quote or call us at 1 (800) 966-9199.