Your 101 Guide to
Business Security Cameras
Read on for an overview of business security camera systems, their purpose, and an A-Z definition list of industry terms.
The events of recent years have prompted a security revolution. Upsurges in remote and hybrid work, publicized data breaches, and health concerns require organizations to think differently about how they protect their workforce.
This means accelerating innovation, sunsetting some solutions, and unifying separate systems.
Video surveillance will continue to be the crux of organizational security. However, optimal camera performance isn’t enough for end users like you. When you’re contemplating different solutions, you should ask:
- Is this the right technology for our environment?
- How easily can we add new features?
- In addition to recording video for forensic review, how else can this system help us?
It’s hard to stay on top of security camera technology. Terms like these are more than buzzwords, though. They are examples of technology that deliver intel and capabilities that personnel can’t.
Read on for an overview of business security camera systems, their purpose, and an A-Z definition list of industry terms
What is a security camera system?
It’s a system that provides surveillance capabilities to help protect people, assets, and systems, as per the Department of Homeland Security. It’s a security force multiplier, providing surveillance for a larger area than would be possible with security personnel alone. The system can integrate live and recorded video with security alarms for barriers, intrusion detection, and access control systems.
Technology typically includes:
- Cameras
- Monitors
- Equipment for recording
What is the purpose of a security camera system?
You can deploy security cameras in many different settings, from medical environments to correctional facilities.
Business security cameras can:
- Help catch crime and reduce risk inside and outside the organization
- Maintain perimeter, building, and grounds security
- Monitor traffic
- Surveil areas that would be hazardous to humans, like areas with radioactive waste.
- Provide valuable law enforcement evidence
Beyond capturing footage, a business security camera system is an asset to your overall organization. They preserve business continuity. For example, they can help you check if all your employees are where they need to be. People counting and/or occupancy monitoring is particularly important in the era of the coronavirus and hybrid offices. You can take care not to fill office spaces and specific areas beyond capacity.
Another way systems maintain the status quo is by minimizing the chance for supply chain disruption. Disruptions can cost organizations an average of $184 million a year, according to Security Magazine.
Thirdly, systems help organizations stave off or mitigate lawsuits, such as slip and fall or fraudulent damage claims. They provide evidence that you can use for confirmation or contestation in legal contexts. To navigate the complexities of installing surveillance cameras, start by making sure you comply with related state and local laws and make sure you’re working with an experienced video surveillance integrator.
Business Security Cameras in Today’s World
The pandemic accelerated a much-needed widespread adoption of touchless and mobile-first solutions. These include automated screening and mobile access. Recent surveillance innovations not only prevent the spread of germs but also create a faster, more efficient workplace experience.
Keep in mind that capturing more data may also raise privacy questions. The more we understand privacy concerns, the better we can enable organizations to create policies and leverage technology to effectively reduce safety risks.
To Make the Best Decisions, Partner with a Provider
Keeping track of the latest innovations and terminology may seem like a tall order. These advancements and capabilities will, however, make security a more efficient process. To make sense of them, turn to a trusted, experienced solutions provider. They’ll help you tailor top-performing, cost-effective solutions for your particular organization.
A-Z Definitions of Video Surveillance
The following are terminology definitions of core concepts in video surveillance security.
Analog cameras are ones that connect directly to a DVR (or NVR via an encoder), typically have lower resolution and frame rate, and are often less expensive than the more modern IP cameras which connect to a IT network.
Video analytics is software, usually embedded in a camera, that provides the ability to analyze video from those cameras and discern unique events that are occurring in the camera’s field of view. This could include motion detection, audio detection, tampering, and object detection and classification. Advanced analytics may also include area occupancy, dwell time, people counting, object left behind, advanced object classification, etc. Analytics are usually incorporated into VMS software to provide faster, easier search functionality by using one or more of those attributes to find objects of interest.
A device for recording video from analog surveillance cameras. You can view live or search recorded video by date, time, event, and camera. DVRs are typically easy to install and operate right out of the box, but may be more limited in capabilities than more modern NVRs or cloud video solutions.
The size of each image as a camera records it. Image resolution and file compression are two size determinants.
The number of frames/images a camera records, impacting the amount of recorded video your system generates and needs to store.
A camera capability of screening a wide range of human body temperatures. Thermal screening can alert you if the temperature is beyond a certain benchmark.
This system can include IP and analog cameras and records video to a hybrid video recorder (HVR). The HVR bridges the gap between recorders for analog and newer IP cameras.
Video surveillance systems can integrate with most information-handling systems. You can program them to process, analyze, display, and store data from other sensors and media.
A unified platform means that different systems will work together in tandem, like access control and video surveillance.
Video surveillance systems can also be monitored by internal or external teams who respond to events or triggers.
This camera type operates through the Internet Protocol—a set of rules that governs how computers transmit data to each other. IP cameras send data over the internet or local area network to a network video recorder (NVR). IP cameras have many additional capabilities and advantages over older analog cameras.
A mount is what secures the camera to a building wall, ceiling, or pole, pendant, other surface. A few different types of mounts are:
- Outdoor mounts: Two types include pole mounts and corner mounts.
- Pendant mounts: Use these to suspend cameras or equipment from the ceiling or roof.
- Corner mounts: Mounts located near the ceiling that can hold up a camera where two walls meet at a right angle.
An NVR is a recording appliance (similar to a server) that runs software called VMS (Video Management Software). You can place NVRs virtually anywhere as long as it’s on the same network as IP-based cameras.
The biggest advantage for NVRs is that they allow you to capture higher quality video—useful for forensic evidence. However, for maximum performance, your network needs to be able to meet an NVR’s bandwidth requirements.
The first line of defense for both physical and network security. For IT, this means the vulnerable points a hacker finds to penetrate a network. For physical security, it means detecting the presence of an intruder on the physical perimeter of a facility, property, or other secured areas. The detection is for when the intruder is on the perimeter and not inside a building or secured area.
A formality courts and employers use in video surveillance matters. It means maintaining one’s legal right to privacy and expectation that the public can’t access their personal conversation or information. Note that this expectation isn’t absolute and could change in different circumstances.
The way cameras capture the image influences the amount of storage capacity a DVR, NVR, or cloud solution needs. Length of retention, resolution, frames per second, continuous or event-based recording all impact the amount of storage.
A device that converts the signal from an analog camera into a digital format that can be used by an NVR.
A VMS is software on a DVR, NVR, or cloud service that can record, playback, search, manage, and export video captured from connected surveillance cameras. Additionally, it can administer users and configure those connected cameras and other integrated devices.
VSaaS, also sometimes referred to as ‘cloud video,’ refers to the use of remote/cloud servers to configure and/or store video recorded from cameras that are connected to the network.
Empowering Organizations to Stay Safe and Productive
Organizational security requires a holistic approach, from its facilities to its employees to its networks. Beyond tools, it involves specific techniques and approaches. Once you have the knowledge, strategies, and systems, you’ll be able to execute a well-rounded security program.
Connect with Securitas Technology to learn more about the right business security solutions to effectively protect your organization’s people and assets.
