With its growing popularity in both business and commercial establishments, not to mention domestic homes, the integration of CCTV as a security plan will always be paramount. It is a proven technology that has evolved from simple monitoring devices to complex intelligent systems which are now being implemented for different purposes such as surveillance, monitoring, identification, and tracking of people and vehicles, as well as data recording.
However, a recent study states that an alarming percentage of businesses are spending on security measures and choose to remain ignorant of the diverse options available when it comes to CCTV surveillance. Hence, can result in a higher risk of loss and theft.
Types of CCTV Surveillance Systems
There are three main types of CCTV cameras:
Analog
Digital video recorder (DVR)
IP based
Analog cameras transmit a signal using a coaxial cable. Digital cameras use Ethernet (LAN) cables to send their signals over the Internet or other networks. IP cameras are the most advanced type of cameras; they have wireless transmitters and can send video signals over the Internet without needing any additional equipment.
What Can You Benefit from Installing CCTV?
Minimal maintenance
CCTV cameras are available as standalone systems or as part of a packaged solution. As long as your cameras are kept clean and in good working order, they’ll provide years of reliable service without any need for maintenance. Most CCTV camera solutions will also alert you if there’s an issue with one or more of your cameras to take action before it becomes a problem.
High resolution
Today’s CCTV in Singapore features high-resolution video output that provide detailed images from long distances, which help the police identify suspects or gather evidence for prosecutions with minimal fuss.
24/7 monitoring
You’ll receive alerts whenever a camera detects movement or an unusual object within its field of view, allowing you to respond immediately should there be an incident at any time of day or night.
Remote monitoring
CCTV allows you to monitor your property from home or work, with concerns about keeping an eye on things when not around. This is particularly useful for managers who may not be on site all day, but still want to be able to check on things when they’re away from their desks.
Since CCTV is a vital part of most building security plans, consider the impact it will have. The system can be very effective in deterring intruders as well as helping not just to catch them but also to identify and prosecute them.
A good CCTV installation in Singapore can also provide peace of mind for staff, customers, and visitors alike.
Tips on Implementing the CCTV Security System
Understand your requirements/needs
Before installing CCTV cameras and systems, try to understand what your security needs are. Will you be monitoring an office building or a warehouse? Is there a specific area that needs more protection than others? What types of crimes do you want to prevent? Are there any special considerations (for example, whether there are children present in certain areas)?
Conduct a risk assessment
Next, conduct a risk assessment of your workplace or business premises. This helps you determine which areas of the facility need more protection and which areas pose greater risks to the safety of employees, customers, or visitors.
Choose your equipment
Once you’ve done the risk assessment and determined where you want the cameras installed, it’s time to choose what type of cameras will best suit your needs. Most businesses use CCTV cameras that are DVR-based with analog video outputs, but there are other options available as well.
For example, business corporations are now turning toward IP technology because it allows them to easily access video feeds from anywhere in their facility if they have an Internet connection available at that location
Regardless of whether or not your current system is compatible with CCTV, here are the basic recommendations:
*Make sure all cameras are IP versions rather than analog versions.
*Purchase high-quality cameras that offer good resolution (1080p or higher) and low latency (less than 100ms).
Alter lighting conditions
Install appropriate lighting. If there’s no light in an area that needs it, then people will naturally gravitate towards areas that are lit up. This makes them easy targets for criminals because they won’t be noticed until it’s too late.
Keep all entrances well-lit so nobody can hide in the shadows when entering or leaving your building at night. Also, make sure each camera has its source of light in such a manner that there’s adequate illumination for it to function properly.
Choose the right location and angles
Using multiple angles helps capture more details about what happened during an incident or crime scene. CCTV cameras should cover all entrances and exits to capture any suspicious activity or people entering or exiting a property without permission.
If you only have one camera capturing one angle, then you are bound to miss out on valuable information – whether it be a break-in or someone sneaking into your premises during normal business hours.
Make sure there are no blind spots in your area of coverage. Blind spots are places where criminals could hide from view (usually by climbing onto shelves), so make sure there aren’t any areas where people could hide in plain sight.
Also, consider having no areas where a thief could break in without being seen by cameras (either because they’re hidden by furniture or they’re outside).
Select the right number of CCTV cameras
Choosing the right number of cameras for your facility is critical. You need enough cameras to cover all entrances and exits as well as other areas where there might be a threat (such as loading docks).
If you don’t have enough cameras, then criminals can simply choose not to go through areas that are covered by cameras. For example, the main entrance with two cameras may not have enough coverage at the back doors or loading docks. Criminals will then simply avoid those areas where they’re likely to get caught on film while committing their crimes elsewhere in the building.
Ensure the security system is protected from cyber threats
After the cameras are selected for your facility, ensure all security software is up-to-date with the latest patches and updates so it remains protected against cyber threats.
Next, install antivirus software on all computers connected to your network (including those used by maintenance personnel). Finally, make sure all devices on your network are protected from malware by installing anti-malware software on them as well.
Keydence Systems, your CCTV Camera Solutions Provider in Singapore
The popularity of CCTV cameras is on the rise among both domestic homes and public corporate organisations. If you are interested in a fully comprehensive installation process, contact our team at Keydence Systems and we will help you set up your security plan with ease.