Security cameras are an essential part of protection in industrial, commercial, or business settings for a variety of reasons. When looking to purchase an industrial security camera system, these are things that you should consider:

The Benefits of Industrial Security Camera Systems

  • They provide peace of mind by enhancing employee and customer safety and ensuring the security of buildings and property.
  • Access to live video feeds allows business operators to know exactly what's happening on their premises in real-time.
  • Security cameras serve as an essential tool for keeping a historical record of events on the property.
  • The presence of security cameras acts as a potent deterrent for burglary and vandalism. Potential intruders or vandals are less likely to target a property if they know their actions are being monitored.

Features to consider when purchasing

  • Look for systems that are user-friendly, ensuring easy access to camera feeds for effortless monitoring.
  • The system should allow administrators to set up mobile access, enabling surveillance from anywhere, at any time.
  • High-resolution video is key, as it aids in clear visibility and identification of individuals on the property.
Fisheye - Dewarped

The Differences in Security Cameras

Types of Cameras

  • Fixed Cameras: As the name suggests, these cameras provide a constant, unchanging view, offering straightforward surveillance of specific areas.
  • Fisheye Lenses: Known for their ultra wide-angle shots, fisheye lenses create panoramic or hemispherical images with a distinct convex appearance, perfect for capturing broad views with a single camera.
  • Panoramic Cameras: These cameras capture wide, horizontally elongated fields of view, ideal for wide-format video.
  • Multi-Sensor Cameras: Offering 180° coverage without blind spots, multi-sensor cameras stitch together images from several sensors, delivering high-quality, detailed coverage across large areas.
  • PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom): These robotic cameras offer dynamic monitoring capabilities, including horizontal panning, vertical tilting, and zooming. Ideal for covering large, open areas, PTZ cameras can be manually controlled or set to automatically follow motion, offering views up to 360 degrees. They’re typically used when there is someone monitoring the cameras.

Types of Resolution

  • HD (High-Definition): HD video is the baseline standard resolution for present day security needs.
  • 4K (Ultra High-Definition): With a resolution of approximately 4,000 pixels, 4K offers unparalleled clarity and detail, making it easier to identify subjects and actions within the camera's field of view.

Recording Technology

  • DVR (Digital Video Recorder): Utilizing analog or coaxial wiring, DVRs record video in a digital format to various storage devices. They're beneficial for locations pre-wired with compatible infrastructure or where long distances between cameras and recorders exist.
  • NVR (Network Video Recorder): Designed for use with IP network cameras, NVRs receive video encoded and processed at the camera, then stream it for storage or remote viewing, offering a modern, flexible surveillance solution.

Power and Connectivity

  • At Assured Security, we install wired camera systems due to their reliability, speed, and the cameras need power.
  • Cellular options can be deployed in locations that don’t have network access. Solar with batteries can be used in locations without power.

Comparing Industrial and Residential Cameras

Residential Cameras

  • Typically, these are wireless and of lower quality. They are designed for ease of use and accessibility in home environments but may lack the durability and comprehensive coverage required for commercial settings. Assured Security focuses exclusively on industrial and commercial applications, due to the specialized needs of these environments.

Industrial Grade Surveillance Cameras

  • Robust Construction: Industrial cameras are built to higher standards, ensuring they can withstand environmental stresses better than residential cameras.
  • Scalability: Designed with future growth in mind, these systems can expand in terms of cameras, users, and other components, adapting as a business's needs evolve.
  • Professional Installation and Support: These systems come with professional-grade installation, ongoing service, and warranties, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
  • Integration Capabilities: Industrial cameras can often be integrated with other security measures, such as keyless entry and alarm systems, providing a comprehensive security solution.
  • Diverse Camera Options: Users have access to a wide range of camera types, including fisheye, panoramic, multi-sensor, and PTZ, to meet varied surveillance needs.
  • NDAA Compliance: These cameras comply with the National Defense Authorization Act, adhering to strict guidelines for use in government and contractor buildings, ensuring security and reliability.
180-Degree panoramic

Choosing the Perfect Industrial Camera System

Selecting the right industrial camera system is a tailored process that ensures your security setup meets your specific needs. Here's how to approach it:

  • Conduct a Site Survey: The initial step involves a thorough site survey to:
    • Review the property's layout and special features.
    • Understand the usage of different areas and potential security challenges.
    • Determine the appropriate camera types for effective monitoring.
    • Identify access requirements for image retrieval and monitoring.
  • Achieving the Ideal System: Opting for a custom-designed system ensures you get a security solution that is far more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach. It avoids the pitfalls of purchasing generic systems that may not adequately cover your needs or require complex installation processes.

Best Practices for Installation

When installing industrial security cameras, the key is to hire professionals who offer:

  • Comprehensive Customer Support: Ensuring you have assistance whenever needed.
  • User Training: Providing your team with the know-how to operate the system effectively.
  • Warranty Services: Offering peace of mind with support for any issues that arise.
  • Quality Installation: Guaranteeing that the system is set up to function optimally from day one.

Integrating with Existing Security Infrastructure

Integration with existing security systems should enhance overall effectiveness and efficiency.

  • Alarm Monitoring:
    • Use cameras to verify alarms visually, reducing false police dispatches and associated costs.
    • Allow remote staff to monitor cameras, offering an alternative to on-site security personnel.
  • Access Control:
    • Implement a unified platform for easier administration and information access.
    • Employ video verification for incidents, such as unusual access events, providing clear evidence of the situation.

Advanced Features in Commercial Security Systems

  • License Plate Recognition: Automatically sends notifications when specific license plates are detected on the property, enhancing vehicle security.
  • People Counting: Useful for monitoring the flow of people in a particular area, aiding in crowd management and safety protocols.
  • Line Crossing Detection: Alerts when an individual enters a restricted area.
  • Object Detection: Notifies when objects (e.g., backpacks) are left unattended, a feature valuable for identifying potential security threats.
  • Acoustic Detection: Capable of identifying specific sounds, such as shouting or gunshots.
  • Advanced AI Search: Utilizes metadata for searching specific details (like vehicle make or clothing color) rather than just time and date, streamlining incident investigations.
  • Audio Capabilities: Supports one-way or two-way audio, allowing for direct communication or announcements.
  • Loitering Detection: Identifies and alerts when individuals are lingering suspiciously, helping to prevent potential security breaches.

Budgeting for Commercial Security Systems

  • The cost per camera, including installation, ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. This investment ensures you get a system tailored to your specific security needs.
  • Be prepared for subscription costs if your system requires them, starting at $8 per month per camera. These fees often cover cloud storage, advanced analytics, and other services that enhance the system's capabilities.

Balancing Cost, Quality, and Efficiency

  • The emphasis is on demonstrating the value of investing in a higher-end security system. Think of it as choosing between the latest smartphone versus a basic flip phone; the initial higher cost is justified by the advanced features, reliability, and superior performance.
  • Investing in quality not only provides better security and efficiency but also ensures durability and future-proofing your security infrastructure.
Fisheye 360 View

Assured Security’s Installation Process

When choosing Assured Security for your security camera system installation, you can expect a comprehensive and professional process from the initial contact to post-installation support. Here’s a high-level overview:

  • Initial Assessment
  • Budget Discussions
  • Tailored Recommendations
  • Professional Installation
  • End-User Training
  • Ongoing Support and Service

Conclusion and Recommendations

It’s important to recognize that while industrial security cameras play a crucial role in post-event analysis and deterrence, they are just one part of a comprehensive security strategy, ideally complemented by proactive measures like access control. Contact Assured Security today for a Commercial Security Camera Consultation.