5 mistakes to avoid when buying a business security system

There are plenty of pitfalls to watch for when choosing your next security platform. The decisions you make today could have repercussions for years to come. That’s why it’s important to get things right from the get-go. So we prepared a list of things to watch out for.

First things first: Do not let yourself get locked into only using certain cameras.

Some video security vendors will require you to purchase their branded cameras — at their prices. Your best bet is to go with a camera-agnostic vendor that allows you to use any cameras, even the old ones you’ve had for ages. This saves you the considerable expense of completely ripping and replacing your existing cameras for all brand-new ones.

Avoid systems that don’t provide broad visibility across cameras.

When you lock yourself into a video security system that doesn’t provide “anytime, anywhere” access, you limit your oversight. You should always know what’s happening on premise with a reliable video management system (VMS) with versatile software. This allows you to view your camera footage anywhere you go with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and to receive alerts when key events are happening. With the ability to view all your video through a single pane of glass, you’ll always have your finger on the pulse of your business.

Avoid locking yourself into an on-premise option.

An on-premise solution ties you to expensive on-site equipment like servers and racks. Those servers can take up a lot of space and require lots of cooling, which means higher electricity bills. You’ll also need someone competent to maintain your equipment, and upgrade it at the appropriate time. You’ll need to make sure the servers are kept somewhere secure too, where someone can’t just walk off with all your video data. In contrast, your data can be stored securely in the cloud with layers of robust protection.

Avoid paying for everything up front.

A capital expenditure (CapEx) business model forces you to pay up front for everything in a large lump sum. This could throw your budget off and you may end up paying more than the initial price down the line. Instead, consider an operational expenditure (OpEx) model that allows you to pay a reasonable set amount over time, keeping your budget more regular. No surprises, just a monthly payment. And if you change your mind, you’re not stuck with a system you don’t want.

Avoid video security systems that aren’t future-proof and AI-powered.

When you go with a cloud system (versus on-premise), you’re protecting the future of your investment. Not only is the cloud a scalable and flexible option, it also comes with several powerful built-ins. Take continuous system updates. Your cloud system subscription entitles you to regular and immediate cybersecurity and analytics updates delivered via the internet. There’s nothing you need to do; these enhancements are automatically delivered.

Video surveillance systems that deliver cybersecurity enhancements can also provide the latest in AI capabilities. Imagine cameras that are so much more than just video recording devices; they also improve operations by monitoring customer lines, alerting you if an unauthorized door is trespassed, and scanning license plates to help with business safety. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll want AI-powered cameras in your arsenal.

To learn more about AI in video and security, reach out to the cloud-based experts at Eagle Eye Networks. For a personalized demo of what video security could mean for your business, set up a demo now.