How to choose the right CCTV system for your business or home

CCTV systems are becoming an essential tool for protecting businesses and homes in South Africa. Crime has been a constant problem in this country, but due to the electricity crisis many South Africans are even more vulnerable to criminal behaviour.

God is ultimately in control of our lives. So, we do not need to live in fear. Nevertheless, as his image bearers, he has given us a mind to think and a will to make real-life choices, especially in the area of security. Therefore, we should pray for protection, but also seek to be proactive. Doing both is wise!

By making the decision to invest in a CCTV system we will be able to reduce the risk of becoming another victim during loadshedding. However, choosing the right CCTV system can feel like navigating a maze. So, in this blog post, we'll walk you through how to select the right CCTV system for your needs.

Assessing Your Needs

• Do I need my entire property monitored or just specific areas such as the front door, windows, or garage?
• How big is my property, and how is it laid out? It goes without saying that this will affect the number and location of cameras you require.
• How much security do I require? If you're unsure of the degree of security you require, read our previous blog to discover more about the many kinds of CCTV systems, as well as their functions and advantages.
• Do I have the money to buy a CCTV system and associated hardware? You probably don't have much cashflow if you're like most South Africans. This is why Syntelo gives customers the option to purchase high-quality CCTV systems on a contract that works with their budget. Having a rental contract that is supported by a service contract ensures that Syntelo, the service provider in this case, is held accountable, and offers the Hardware and maintenance costs as one solution.

Choosing the Right Camera

• • Fixed cameras: With a fixed angle and field of view, these cameras are perfect for keeping an eye on specific spaces, such an entryway or cash register. It is comparable to having a security guard. Although they won't be able to see everything, they can still act as an extra layer of security and warn you of any potential problems.
  • Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras: These cameras offer a broader field of vision by allowing for both horizontal and vertical movement as well as zooming in and out.
  • Dome cameras: Because they are more covert and difficult to spot, dome cameras are frequently employed in indoor environments.
  • Bullet cameras: These cameras are more traditional, used for outdoor surveillance, and are more noticeable than dome cameras.

Don’t forget to consider the resolution and quality of the camera you want to use; a greater resolution produces crisper images. Some cameras also incorporate motion detection in addition to night vision features, allowing you to monitor your property at night.

Make sure the cameras are weatherproof and durable if you intend to install them outside. In this way, they will be able to survive various weather conditions, such as heat and rain. We have partnered with Hikvision to offer you top quality cameras.

Selecting the Right Recording and Storage Options

• Cloud-based recording: By storing your footage in the cloud, you can access it remotely anywhere you have internet access. But don't forget to bring a ladder if you're going to the cloud - it's quite a climb!
• Network Video Recorder (NVR): This type of recorder connects to cameras and records their footage. You can access it remotely and store footage on the device's internal or external storage.
• Digital Video Recorder (DVR): This is similar to NVR, but it uses analog signals, not digital signals.

No matter which CCTV system you choose, make sure to keep your property well-lit at night, or you'll be left with a lot of footage of suspiciously shaped shadows! Additionally, you should consider the system's remote access and viewing capabilities. Some systems allow you to view recordings in real-time or remotely through an application or web browser.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

You should hire a pro to install the CCTV system you've chosen for your home or business. Having the system professionally setup assures that all cameras are operating as intended. The installation will also help you with camera placement, debug any problems that may come up, and tune the system to your particular requirements.

It's crucial to keep your CCTV system maintained. Regular maintenance makes sure the system is operating properly and that any issues are found and fixed right away. This will also help you avoid unplanned failures or repairs, which can be expensive in the long term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing a CCTV system is a fantastic solution to safeguard your property. However, finding a trustworthy partner when selecting and installing a CCTV system is challenging. To help your business function smoothly, Syntelo specializes in office management and all things IT. We're eager to help you if you need assistance purchasing a CCTV system.

Give us a call today on 087 147 0878 for an in-depth and expert audit on your CCTV systems. Or visit our website on www.syntelo.co.za for more information on our other office solutions.