|
|
How should I go about purchasing video surveillance?
Home » Office Equipment » Video Surveillance » How should I go about purchasing video surveillance?Not only are there several different types of video surveillance, but within each type, there are several different subgroups, and you will have to choose between a number of different surveillance vendors. As always, keep in mind the specific needs of your company.
The first question, of course, is whether you want analog, DVR, or IP surveillance. In order to make this decision, consider whether you have very basic or moderate to complex surveillance needs. How much recorded material do you want to store? How much money do you want to spend on a system? Do you want to be able to monitor the material as you record it? Your answers to these questions determine what kind of video surveillance you should purchase.
Next, you want to think about the actual features of your cameras themselves. Do you want fixed or movable cameras? Do you want to record in color or in black and white? Do you have a monitor to playback material? In many cases, you will need to buy a lens separately, so think about how much detail you want in your recorded images.
Finally, begin contacting surveillance vendors. Ask other companies if they recommend a specific vendor. When talking with the vendors themselves, make sure you understand how much you are paying and what you will receive for your payment. Is service included, for example?
Video surveillance is a major piece of a business’s security, but it may not be the only piece. Make sure that your video surveillance fits in with the rest of your security—both the technical aspect and the human aspect. Especially with IP surveillance, it is important that you make sure your system supports the digital recording. Then, consider if you want a specific employee to monitor the material as it is being recorded. These are all secondary considerations when you purchase video surveillance, but you may want to keep them in mind.
Related Video Surveillance Articles
- What is video surveillance?
- When and where should I use video surveillance?
- What are the different levels of video surveillance?
- How should I go about purchasing video surveillance?
- How does video surveillance impact a person’s right to privacy?