6 questions to ask when shopping for video security for your business

Many of us now enjoy the benefits of having a security system in our home. So it’s only natural to want a security system for our businesses, too. But with so many options out there, it’s not always an easy decision to make. There are several important factors to think about as you begin your research.

Here are six key questions to ask yourself before you buy a video security system for your business:

1. Do I even need a security system?
2. Should I add video to my security system?
3. How do I keep my eyes on my business, especially during an emergency?
4. Do I need a whole new system to get going, or can I use the equipment I already have?
5. Do I want a cloud-based or on-premise system?
6. Does buying my first business video surveillance system have to be difficult (or expensive)?

Do I even need a security system? 

Generally, the answer for most businesses is yes. You may have high-value assets like vehicles and technology, handle significant amounts of cash, or store sensitive client information on site. Consider the times your business is unattended — overnight, weekends, or holidays. Are you confident in the security during these off hours? 

Additionally, a security system can help monitor high-traffic areas such as lobbies, entrances, and loading docks, not just to prevent theft, but also to oversee daily operations and ensure safety protocols are followed. For businesses like bars or 24-hour convenience stores, a security system can ensure employee safety and deter crime. Certain industries, such as childcare and nursing homes,  may even require surveillance for legal or compliance reasons.

Should I add video to my security system?

Every kind of business from beauty salons to gyms to car dealerships to restaurants recognizes the genuine value in protecting its assets. Retail, banking, and self-storage all take advantage of the peace of mind video surveillance provides. It’s hard to picture an industry that wouldn’t want this kind of protection. Plus, with the addition of AI, many cameras offer much more functionality so they can help with much more than just monitoring your business.

How do I keep my eyes on my business, especially during an emergency?

You can protect against internal and external crime by installing a video security system. But if something happens and no one’s looking at the video feed, how is it helping you in the moment? You will always know what’s happening on premises 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.

Do I need a whole new system to get going, or can I use the equipment I already have?

If you’ve purchased a previously owned business, it may have cameras already  installed. So you might not have to start from scratch. Using a surveillance vendor that’s camera agnostic (like Eagle Eye Networks, for example) can get you up and running quickly. No need to rip and replace your current cameras. Work with what you have and they can do the rest. Not only is this less of an operational headache, but it can also reduce your total cost of ownership (TCO).

Do I want a cloud or on-premise system?

If you go for a platform built specifically with the cloud in mind, you’re reaping a number of benefits. Speed and efficiency are maximized. Keeping your video stored offsite minimizes loss of data. And you get all kinds of innovative bells and whistles like continually updated analytics, AI, and cybersecurity to protect your system. A cloud system will expand with your business as it grows and can scale almost infinitely.

Does buying my first business video surveillance system have to be difficult (or expensive)?

Purchasing your first business video security system can be a straightforward affair. You can work with any existing cameras and get a system installed within a day if you work with the right vendor. Cost doesn’t need to discourage you either; with a cloud system, you can set up a subscription and use an operating expense ( OpEx) model to defer the upfront payment and spread the cost out over time, wrapped into your monthly subscription fee for its upkeep. This model plus keeping your old cameras gets you up and running incredibly fast.

If you’ve considered the factors mentioned above — and are ready to learn more — contact us for a demo.