Surveillance systems are incredibly essential for all kinds of establishments these days. There are countless studies and surveys that show their effectiveness in curbing crimes. However, just installing security cameras isn’t nearly enough.

There’s a lot to consider, from choosing the right surveillance systems to figuring out exactly how and where to install them. Here are some dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind.

DO: Look for the Best Features in Surveillance Systems

Surveillance systems have evolved significantly over the past few years. Modern versions have several helpful features like custom servers, PTZ cameras, AI technology, cloud-based storage, and facial recognition.

Explore the market to find surveillance systems that offer the best value for your money. It’s also important to keep in mind that you don’t necessarily require every exclusive feature. Assess your needs and invest in a system with features that fit your requirements. For example, if you need surveillance for your stores during off-business hours at night, you need a system that offers night vision features.

DON’T: Go For the Least Costly Option

One mistake many people make is going for the cheapest option available when choosing a surveillance system. This is counter intuitive to the whole purpose of installing surveillance systems.

While having a budget in place does help, ideally, this budget needs to be realistic, and you should be willing to pay more for better features—especially if these are features you can’t compromise on.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that, generally, more expensive surveillance systems often offer better performance. Just installing CCTV cameras isn’t going to stop criminal activities; you will need other features to create more effective security measures.

DO: Install the Cameras Inside and Outside the Business Premises

This is something we often encounter when we’re working with businesses. Some clients want to secure the entry and exit points of their building, thinking that’s more than enough. Others only focus on interior surveillance. Both are wrong approaches. Ideally, your business premises should be covered completely from all angles, including interior and exterior ones.

While placing security cameras outside would help you deter intruders and break-ins, interior CCTV surveillance would help you monitor your employees, keep track of things, and curb any situations that escalate within a workplace.

DON’T: Overlook Any Weather-Related Concerns

Many people don’t realize that developers often create different models for internal and external use when it comes to surveillance systems. This is incredibly important because cameras intended for internal use can’t be placed outdoors; if they are, they’re exposed to dust, bugs, sunlight, rain, and other external factors that may cause damage in the short or long run.

Also, you need to consider the weather when considering camera placement outdoors. Rain, wind, and snow can affect video quality significantly. Your footage may be affected to a point where it’s useless.

DO: Give a lot of Attention to Placement

This is one of the trickiest parts of installing surveillance systems. While you need to cover all entry and exit points, you may have to wrack your brain to figure out interior camera placement.

While you would want the cameras to cover maximum space, you wouldn’t want too many cameras and overlapping footage. Another thing that’s also important to consider is hidden cameras and visible ones.

A lot of security experts recommend putting CCTV cameras in plain view. This helps to deter criminals and keep everyone on their best behavior. But at the same time, having some hidden cameras may also be worth considering.

Also, you must ensure that all the cameras are out of reach, especially the visible ones.

DON’T: Leave Any Blind Spots

This goes in line with proper placements. Many of our clients think that avoiding blind spots completely can be impossible. Criminals often think the same way; they have this staunch belief that there might be blind spots they can take advantage of.

However, when you’re working with a thorough team of security experts like ours, you should know that we don’t leave any blind spots. It may mean overlapping angles and footage, but when we install surveillance systems, we ensure there are no blind spots.

DO: Consider Lighting

One thing that may end up becoming a blind spot even when it isn’t is cameras placed in bad lighting. There are likely to be dark corners within interior spaces, but if you want these spaces to be monitored properly, you need to upgrade the lighting as well.

This can be trickier for outdoor spaces, especially if you place surveillance systems for night-time monitoring. Light sources can easily be damaged as well in an attempt to ruin the camera footage. The only thing that would help in this scenario is night-time vision features in your surveillance system.

DON’T: Forget To Hide Cables

Generally, wireless systems may not work for all spaces, but even most wireless systems do have cables to help power them. These cables should ideally be out of view, and the entire device should be out of reach.

If the cables are exposed, they can easily become a target because any intruders may try to sever them. If the camera has no secondary power source, it’ll become completely useless once the cables are severed. A professional installation will ensure that any cables are difficult to reach.

DO: Hire Professionals to Install the Surveillance System

One of the biggest mistakes many people make is installing surveillance cameras themselves. You could be investing in the best surveillance system, but if it’s not set up properly, it’s virtually useless for you.

This is why you need to bring professionals on board to help you with your security camera system installation. If you’re not sure who to approach, let us help you out. We’re professional security camera installers and offer a wide range of security and surveillance solutions.

Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.