Retail crime—vandalism, burglary, shoplifting, and the like —collectively costs Aussie businesses an eye-watering $9 billion per year. While a CCTV system won’t completely diminish the risk of your business falling victim to crime, it’s a simple and affordable solution that goes a long way towards keeping the criminals at bay.
As there’s a bewildering array of CCTV camera suppliers to choose from, it’s crucial to do your research before investing in a system. Consider the following six factors to help you find the perfect CCTV option for your business.
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Your property and requirements
Is shoplifting affecting your bottom line? Then look into a solution that lets you position multiple cameras throughout your store, and ensure each is clearly visible to would-be thieves.
Warehousing businesses and industrial complexes would prefer to prioritise the perimeter, so look for a system that includes multiple external cameras. Depending on multiple factors such as the distance between cameras and network connectivity, it may be better to get a hardwired CCTV system over wireless cameras.
Be sure to factor in the field of view, too. Most CCTV cameras are fixed firmly in place, which only allows you to monitor a specific area. More expensive units rotate automatically or offer a 360-degree view.
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The reputation of the brand
Like most things in life, you get what you pay for with a CCTV system. While the ultra-cheap no-name systems shipped in from other countries are enticing for low-budget businesses, they almost always deliver subpar results.
Look for a well-established CCTV wholesale supplier that’s been in business for several decades and has earned a reputation for delivering top-quality results.
The better brands are easier to use, last longer, and require very little maintenance—plus, you’ll get a lengthy warranty to provide additional peace of mind.
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The installation process
Installation can potentially cost more than the CCTV system itself, so it’s crucial to factor this into your budget.
If you’re running a large business and already have a competent handyman on your payroll, then installation wouldn’t necessarily be such a significant expense. But for most Aussie SMBs, you’ll need to outsource the job to a third-party contractor who may charge a substantial fee.
On the other hand, more and more CCTV systems these days are entirely DIY—they’re easy enough for the layman to install in as few as three or four steps.
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Expert advice and aftersales service
Exceptional customer service is the hallmark of a successful security equipment wholesale supplier.
Setting up a suitable CCTV system for your business can be a complex task, so it’s worth engaging with a reputable supplier who can guide you through the process.
A reputable security specialist will have the professionalism and experience necessary to analyse your specific needs and recommend the ideal solution for your business, so bear this in mind when shopping around for CCTV systems. Besides tailored product advice, you should also take into consideration the level of aftersales support as well.
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Scalability
Are your security needs likely to change in the future? If so, it’s worth opting for a scalable solution that you can expand at a later date.
Wireless CCTV systems offer exceptional scalability as you can simply add on more cameras (or keypads, strobe lights, and alarms) as required—no need to hardwire each component. Wireless security solutions also allow multiple zones and components to operate on the one system, enough to fulfil even the most demanding security needs.
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Ongoing costs
Opt for a high-quality system from a well-established brand, and you won’t need to pay for maintenance or replacements any time soon. A lengthy warranty gives you a good indication of whether a system is built to last.
One key ongoing cost to consider is cloud storage. Basic CCTV systems store data on a local SD card, and will overwrite old footage when the card becomes full. While this option doesn’t involve ongoing costs, you’ll only have access to recent footage.
If you’d rather maintain a permanent record, you’re better off investing in a cloud storage solution instead. Although it requires a monthly fee, you can continue accessing your records indefinitely—or at least as long as you’re paying the bill.
Pick the right CCTV system for your business
A CCTV system is a powerful and cost-effective way to protect your business against crime. Keep our six considerations in mind to find a suitable system that aligns with your business needs.
Need a helping hand? Whether it’s a fully-fledged CCTV system you’re looking for or even a video intercom system, at PSA Products we have the right products to fulfil your business needs. Get in touch with our customer service team today to discuss the ideal option for you.
